Disentangling phylogenetic relations and biogeographic history within the Cucujus haematodes species group (Coleoptera: Cucujidae).

Recent progress in the taxonomy of flat bark beetles (Cucujidae), specifically, in the genus Cucujus, has revealed great diversity in subtropical Asia, but the seemingly well-known temperate and boreal taxa need further attention because of their conservation status. Here, we used an integrative approach using morphology, DNA, and species distribution modelling to disentangle phylogenetic relations, verify the number of species, and understand the historical biogeography of Palearctic and Nearctic Cucujus beetles, particularly the C. haematodes species group. Species distinctiveness was supported for C. cinnaberinus, but present-day C. haematodes turned out to be a species complex made up of separate lineages in the western, middle and eastern parts of its Palearctic range. Cucujus muelleri was a member of that complex, being sister to Asian C. haematodes. Moreover, C. haematodes caucasicus was found to be phylogenetically closely related to Italian C. tulliae, and both to be sister to European C. haematodes. North American C. clavipes clavipes and C. c. puniceus resulted to be enough divergent to be considered different species. Interestingly, western American C. puniceus turned out to be closely related to the C. haematodes complex, whereas eastern American C. clavipes constituted a separate lineage, being distantly related to both C. puniceus and C. cinnaberinus. These patterns suggest former trans-continental connections among the ancestors of extant flat bark beetle species. Moreover, a divergent lineage of C. cinnaberinus was found in Calabria, which should be regarded at the very least as a subspecies. The ancestor of C. hameatodes group originated in mid-Miocene, and next, ca. 6.2 Mya, a line leading to C. cinnaberinus had split. Speciation of the American lineages occurred during Pliocene (4.4 Mya for C. clavipes and 3.3 Mya for C. puniceus). Species classified as C. haematodes, C. tulliae and C. muelleri, as well as distinct lineages within C. cinnaberinus split during mid Pleistocene (ca. 1.5 Mya). A comparison of species climatic requirements and their present distribution allowed to identify glacial refugia in south-eastern areas of North America (C. clavipes), south-western areas of North America (C. puniceus), and the Mediterranean and Caspian Sea Basins (European Cucujus species), or south-eastern areas of Asia and the foothills of the central Asian mountains (eastern C. haematodes). Subsequent climatic changes in the Holocene forced these beetles to move their ranges northwards along the coasts of the Pacific (C. puniceus) or Atlantic (C. clavipes), north-eastwards to central, northern, and eastern Europe (C. cinnaberinus and European C. haematodes) or Siberia (Asian C. haematodes). The combined use of molecular, morphological and climatic data allows a comprehensive understanding of the phylogenetic relations and past distributions of Cucujus beetles, highlighting the complexity of C. haematodes species group evolution.

Identification of larvae of endangered Cucujus cinnaberinus and C. haematodes (Coleoptera: Cucujidae).

The red flat bark beetle Cucujus cinnaberinus (Scopoli, 1763) is included as a protected species in the Berne Convention and the European Habitat Directive-Annex II and IV (92/43 EU of 21 May 1992) which requires the establishment of special areas of conservation in the European Union, and listing the species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species under the near-threatened category. Cucujus haematodes Erichson, 1845 is considered to be one of the most threatened saproxylic species, a relic of primeval forests, in many European countries (including Poland) under protection. Morphology of the larvae of two rare European species of the genus Cucujus (cinnaberinus and haematodes) is compared here. We point out differences which allow the two species to be properly distinguished and which, until now, have been omitted or misinterpreted in literature. The best characteristics seem to be the arrangement of minor spines on the top of basal tooth, the shape of frontal suture, size of stemmata, shape of I antennal joint, localization of basal tooth, and morphology of VIII abdominal tergites.

New species of Neanuridae (Collembola) living on the endemic tree Zelkova abelicea in Crete.

Six new species from Crete belonging to the family Neanuridae are described and illustrated in detail. Friesea schulzi sp. nov. is characterized by having white body, 3 + 3 ocelli, 4 anal spines and furca and retinaculum absent (stage 5). Friesea cretensis sp. nov. can be easily identified by 5 + 5 ocelli, 4 anal spines and 6 microchaetae in furcal field. Characteristic and recognizable character of Pseudachorutella ellisi sp. nov. is very long buccal cone. Deutonura schulzi sp. nov. differs from other taxa in the genus in the presence of internal tooth on claw. Endonura zelkovae sp. nov. is especially distinctive due to the presence 3+s and 4+s chaetae De on Th. II and III. The main characteristics of Cryptonura ellisi sp. nov. include a massive mandibles and high number of mandibular teeth.

Bottled & canned - Anthropogenic debris as an understudied ecological trap for small animals.

Nowadays, littering is one of the biggest challenges that environmental conservation is facing. Although beverage containers, such as bottles and cans, belong to the most common threats in this context, their effect on animals has been poorly studied. The aim of this study was to assess the diversity and mortality level of the animal taxa entering discarded containers and to investigate which container features influence the number and functional composition of the trapped animals. The study was conducted in 10 urban woodlands in the city of Wroclaw, Poland. In total, 939 open containers were collected. In 56% of them, a total number of 10,162 dead individuals (10,139 invertebrates and 23 vertebrates) was found. The most common amongst them were insects (orders: Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera), malacostracans (Isopoda), arachnids (Opiliones, Sarcoptiformes) and gastropods (Stylommatophora). The number of dead animals was affected positively by the container capacity and was significantly higher in glass and plastic bottles when compared to aluminium cans. At the same time, the presence of a neck negatively affected the number of dead animals. Container capacity was also positively correlated with the abundance of the most common functional groups: predators, phytophages and saprophages. Moreover, colourless and green, but not brown, containers were a significant predictor for the abundance of the latter two groups. Our study revealed that discarded containers constitute an ecological trap for many groups of animals. There is an urgent need to reduce the amount of rubbish in the environment by, for example, the implementation of regional and international regulations addressing the problem of littering, or organising repeated clean-up and educational activities.

A new European species of Ceratophysella (Collembola, Hypogastruridae) revealed by morphological data and DNA barcodes.

A new species, Ceratophysella stachi, from Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, and Ukraine is described based on morphological data and DNA barcodes. It belongs to a small European group of species with type B chaetotaxy and strong tegumentary granulation with distinct fields of coarse granules: C. granulata Stach, 1949, C. lawrencei (Gisin, 1963), C. neomeridionalis (Nosek & Cervek, 1970), C. scotica (Carpenter & Evans, 1899), and C. silvatica Rusek, 1964. It differs from all of them in the chaetotaxy of lateral parts of thoracic terga II-III (setae m6 present and one additional seta outside lateral sensillum m7 present or absent) that is exceptional within the whole C. armata-group. Notes on closely related species C. granulata are also given.

Online media reveals a global problem of discarded containers as deadly traps for animals.

The widespread occurrence of litter is a severe threat to global ecosystems. We have analyzed online media, to assess the diversity of animals that are prone to getting trapped in discarded containers and check which kind of containers is the most common trap for animals. A total of 503 records from around the world (51 countries, 6 continents) have been found. These include invertebrates (17 taxa, ca.1050 dead individuals), and vertebrates (98 taxa, 496 individuals including 44 carcasses). The latter group was most frequently represented by mammals (78.5% of all cases), then reptiles (15.3%), birds (1.2%), fish (1.0%) and amphibians (0.4%). Nearly 12.5% of the determined vertebrates are classified as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered, according to the IUCN. Although most trapped individuals were smaller animals, bigger ones such as monitor lizards (Varanus spp.) or large carnivores were also recorded. In most cases, animals were trapped in glass or plastic jars (32.4%), drink cans (16.5%), and steel cans (16.3%). Our results demonstrate that discarded containers can be a threat to all major groups of animals. In order to address this phenomenon, it is necessary to decrease a global production of debris, implement container deposit legislation and organize repeatable cleanup actions.

The European Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus) Monitoring Network: International Citizen Science Cooperation Reveals Regional Differences in Phenology and Temperature Response.

To address the decline in biodiversity, international cooperation in monitoring of threatened species is needed. Citizen science can play a crucial role in achieving this challenging goal, but most citizen science projects have been established at national or regional scales. Here we report on the establishment and initial findings of the European Stag Beetle Monitoring Network (ESBMN), an international network of stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) monitoring schemes using the same protocol. The network, started in 2016, currently includes 14 countries (see results) but with a strong variation in output regarding the number of transects (148 successful transects in total) and transect walks (1735). We found differences across European regions in the number of stag beetles recorded, related to phenology and temperature, but not for time of transect start. Furthermore, the initial experiences of the ESBMN regarding international cooperation, citizen science approach, and drop-out of volunteers is discussed. An international standardised protocol that allows some local variation is essential for international collaboration and data management, and analysis is best performed at the international level, whereas recruiting, training, and maintaining volunteers is best organised locally. In conclusion, we appeal for more joint international citizen science-based monitoring initiatives assisting international red-listing and conservation actions.

Contribution to the knowledge of Neanurinae of north-western Iran with description of seven new species (Collembola, Neanuridae).

Seven new species of the subfamily Neanurinae from north-western Iran are described and illustrated in detail. Endonura agnieskae sp. nov. differs from the most similar congener, E. reticulata (Axelson, 1905), in chaetotaxic details and the arrangement of tubercles on the dorsal side of the body. Endonura annae sp. nov. can be easily recognised by its wide labrum, the absence of chaetae C on the head and the presence of a toothed claw. Endonura schwendingeri sp. nov. is especially distinctive due to the absence of chaetae A and Ocp on the head and the presence of the male ventral organ. Deutonura breviseta sp. nov. is related and most similar to D. persica Smolis, Shayanmehr & Yoosefi-Lafooraki, 2018, described recently and known from Mazandran Province in Iran. The new species can be easily distinguished by the following set of features: dark pigmented body, presence of chaetae C and Dl3 on the head, absence of microchaetae on the furca rudimentary, presence of thickened macrochaetae on dorsal side of body and absence of cryptopygy. The main characteristics of Deutonura sengleti sp. nov. include a white body with dark pigmented eyes, the fusion of tubercles Di and De on the first thoracic segment and the presence of the male ventral organ. Deutonura iranica sp. nov. is superficially similar to D. gibbosa Porco, Bedos & Deharveng, 2010, a species known from the Alps and Jura in Europe, but it differs in the body colour and the number of labial chaetae and chaetae (L+So) on the head. Paravietnura rostrata sp. nov., the first member of this enigmatic and intriguing genus known from Iran, is characterised by an unusually elongate ogival labrum and extreme reduction of dorsal chaetotaxy. Furthermore, new records of several other species of the subfamily: Cryptonura maxima Smolis, Falahati & Skarzynski, 2012; C. persica Smolis, Falahati & Skarzynski, 2012; Deutonura persica; Endonura longirostris Smolis, Shayanmehr, Kuznetsova & Yoosefi-Lafooraki, 2017; E. paracentaurea Smolis, Shayanmehr, Kuznetsova & Yoosefi-Lafooraki, 2017; Neanura deharvengi Smolis, Shayanmehr & Yoosefi-Lafooraki, 2018; N. muscorum (Templeton, 1835) and Protanura papillata Cassagnau & Delamare Deboutteville, 1955 are given. The present study is based on the rich material collected by Antoine Senglet and loaned by Peter J. Schwendinger.

Supporting dataset and methods for body sizes and concentrations of chemical elements measured in elytra and abdomens of Stag Beetles Lucanus cervus.

The dataset presented in this data paper supports "Breaking down insect stoichiometry into chitin-based and internal elemental traits: Patterns and correlates of continent-wide intraspecific variation in the largest European saproxylic beetle" (Orlowski et al. 2020). Here we present the supplementary data and description of methods on the following: (1) mass of elytra and abdomens across 28 local Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus populations in Europe. (2) Population origin and coverage of six major land-cover types, including transport infrastructure, measured in three radii (500 m, 1000 m and 5000 m) around the sampling sites of these populations. (3) The relationship between the mass and concentrations of elements measured in abdomens and elytra in 28 Stag Beetle populations and major land-cover types around the sampling sites.

Breaking down insect stoichiometry into chitin-based and internal elemental traits: Patterns and correlates of continent-wide intraspecific variation in the largest European saproxylic beetle.

Stoichiometric, trophic and ecotoxicological data have traditionally been acquired from patterns of variation in elemental traits of whole invertebrate bodies, whereas the critical issue of the extracellular origin of some portion of elements, such as those present in ingested food and internal organs, has been ignored. Here we investigated an unexplored, yet crucial, question relating to whether, and to what degree, metals from two major body fractions: exoskeleton (elytra) and internal (body organs with gut material present in abdomens), are correlated with each other in wild populations of the largest European saproxylic insect, the Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus, and how metals from these two fractions vary with insect size and local habitat conditions. We examined the continent-wide variation in the concentrations of 12 chemical elements (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, As, Cd, Pb and Ni) measured in the elytra and abdomen of specimens from 28 populations inhabiting an urban-woodland habitat gradient across the species' entire distributional range from Spain to Russia. Across populations, elemental concentrations (except Ni and Pb) were 2-13 times higher in abdominal samples than in elytra, and the magnitude of these differences was related to both insect size and local habitat conditions. Smaller individuals from both woodland and urban habitat tended to have higher concentrations of trace elements (Zn, As, Cd, Pb and Ni). The concentration of only six elements (Mg, K, Na, Mn, Cd and Ni) was correlated in the elytra and abdomen at the individual and population levels, implying a limitation to the broader applicability of elytra as a surrogate for internal elemental pools. We highlight that in non-feeding adult saproxylic beetles, minerals, acquired during the larval stage, may be concentrated in the large quantities of residual body fat.

The genera Albanura Deharveng, 1982 and Persanura Mayvan et al., 2015 are no longer monotypic: description of new species from the Caucasus (Collembola, Neanuridae, Neanurinae, Neanurini).

Two new species from the Caucasus belonging to the genera Albanura and Persanura are described and illustrated in detail. Albanura secundasp. n. is distinctive because of the presence of chaetae E on the head as well as three ordinary chaetae on tubercles De of thorax III and abdomen I-III. Additionally, the species can be recognized by the absence of chaeta O on the head and presence of 3+3 chaetae Di on abdomen V. The most important characters that can be used to distinguish Persanura lencaranasp. n. are the labral formula, an increased number of chaetae De on thorax II and III, and the number of chaetae Di on the thorax and abdomen V. Comments on the status of the genera and the affinities of the Caucasian fauna of Neanurinae are also given.

Paravietnura gen. n., a new intriguing genus of Neanurini from the Caucasus (Collembola, Neanuridae, Neanurinae).

Paravietnuragen. n. is described and established for two new species of Neanurini from the Caucasus. The new genus is characterized by an unusual combination of features: the fusion of all lateral tubercles on the head into a single mass, the strong reduction of chaetae on the head, the fusion of cephalic tubercles Af and Oc into a transverse band, the absence of labial chaetae f, the presence of microchaetae on furca rudimentary, and the penultimate abdominal tergum with two tubercles separated along the midline. Paravietnuragen. n. strongly resembles Vietnura Deharveng & Bedos, 2000, a monotypic genus up to date known only from Vietnam. The main characteristics of Paravietnura notabilissp. n. include an ogival labrum, the absence of chaetae A on the head, relatively thick and widely sheathed long macrochaetae, and minute microchaetae without chaetopores on furca rudimentary. Paravietnura insolitasp. n. differs from the previous species in chaetotaxic details, the size of furcal microchaetae, and the shape of the labrum. Short comments on the generic diversity of the tribe in the Western Palaearctic are also provided.

Environmentally vulnerable noble chafers exhibit unusual pheromone-mediated behaviour.

Conserving populations of environmentally vulnerable insect species requires a greater understanding of the factors that determine their abundance and distribution, which requires detailed knowledge of their population and community ecology. Chemical ecological tools such as pheromones can be used for non-destructive monitoring of scarab beetle populations, enabling European countries to detect and, in some cases, map the range of some of these species, proving a valuable technique for monitoring elusive saproxylic beetles. In this paper, we investigated the behavioural and chemical ecology of the noble chafer, Gnorimus nobilis L., a model insect species of conservation concern across a Europe-wide distribution, and a red-listed UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. We identified a potential pheromone of adult beetles using electrophysiological recordings, behavioural measurements and field trials in the UK. Gnorimus nobilis is highly unusual in that although both sexes produce, at high metabolic cost, the natural product 2-propyl (E)-3-hexenoate, it only attracts males. This pattern of chemical signalling makes the classification of the compound, based on current semiochemical terminology, somewhat problematic, but in our view, it should be termed an aggregation pheromone as a consequence of the production pattern. Since both sexes emit it, but apparently only males respond positively to it, 2-propyl (E)-3-hexenoate may reflect an intermediate evolutionary stage towards developing into a sex-specific signal. From an applied perspective, our study provides a model for the non-invasive surveillance of cryptic vulnerable insect species, without the need for habitat searching or disturbance, and continuous human monitoring.

Contribution to the knowledge of Neanurinae of Vietnam with description of three new species (Collembola, Neanuridae).

Detailed and illustrated descriptions of three new species belonging to the tribe Lobellini from Vietnam are given. Lobellina weineraesp. n. is the most similar to L. minuta (Lee, 1980) and L. musangensis Yosii, 1976, but differs from them in chaetotaxic details and the number of mandibular teeth. Lobellina pomorskiisp. n. differs from L. perfusionides (Stach, 1965) in chaetotaxic details and the number of tubercles on Abd.V. Yuukianura deharvengisp. n. is superficially similar to Y. halophila Yosii, 1955, but it differs in the build of the maxilla, the size of eyes and an inner tooth on the claw, and in chaetotaxic details. Furthermore, some remarks on the characteristics and the peculiarity of the Vietnamese fauna of the subfamily, and the key to all species from the country, are included.

Three new remarkable species of the genus Endonura Cassagnau, 1979 from the Middle East and Central Asia (Collembola, Neanuridae, Neanurinae, Neanurini).

New species belonging to the genus Endonura is described and illustrated in detail. Endonura longirostrissp. n., from northern Iran, is distinctive due to an exceptionally elongate buccal cone compared to that of most other species of the genus. Other characteristic features of the species are the white body with pigmented eyes, a reduced chaetotaxy of the lateral part of the head, the thorax II-III and abdomen I-III with free chaetae De2 and 3, and abdomen IV with particularly short chaetae Di1. The main characteristics of Endonura paracentaureasp. n. include a white body with dark pigmented eyes, a nonogival labrum, the presence of tubercles Di on the first thoracic segment and of microchaetae on the rudimentary furca. Endonura turkmenicasp. n. can be recognized by its bluish-grey body, labral chaetotaxy, free chaetae E on the head, and notably short chaetae De3 on the thorax and the abdomen. Short remarks on the possible importance of labral modifications are also provided.

On the identity of some poorly known species of the genus Endonura Cassagnau, 1979 (Collembola, Neanuridae, Neanurinae).

New data on little known species of the genus Endonura are provided. E. transcaucasica (Stach, 1951), from Georgia, is redescribed in details and its lectotype is designated. E. centaurea (Cassagnau & Péja, 1979) and E. deharvengi (Cassagnau & Péja, 1979), both described from Greece, are redescribed and illustrated based on type material for the first time. Redescription of E. caeca (Gisin, 1963), a taxon known only from the type locality in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is given based on holotype.

Remarkable diversity of the genus Endonura Cassagnau, 1979 (Collembola: Neanuridae: Neanurinae) in the Caucasus.

Endonura alticola (Stach, 1951) comb. nov. is redescribed based on the type material and seven new species of the genus Endonura are described from the various parts of the Caucasus. E. paracantabrica sp. nov. can be recognized by the number of chaetae (L+So) on head and a fusion of tubercles Di and De on the first thoracic segment. Specific traits of E. aibgai sp. nov. include small body size, low number of chaetae (L+So) on head, nonogival labrum, dentate claws, and long tibiotarsal chaetae B4 and B5. E. diminutichaeta sp. nov. is characterized by an unusually short chaeta Di1on abdomen IV. E. dobrolyubovae sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by notably long chaeta Ocp on head and the presence of male ventral organ. The absence of chaetae E and O on head, ogival labrum, cryptopygy and dentate claws are typical of E. cryptopyga sp. nov. E. ossetica sp. nov. is most easily recognized by an unusual shape of tubercle Af on head connected with chaetae D and E. Main characteristics of E. kremenitsai sp. nov. include the presence of chaeta E and five chaetae Dl on head. A key to all known species of the genus including the above outlined taxa is given. General remarks on distribution and possible historical biogeography of the genus are also provided.

Redescription of Protanura papillata Cassagnau & Delamare Deboutteville, 1955 (Collembola, Neanuridae, Neanurinae), with new records from Middle East, and with supplemented diagnosis and key to the genus.

The poorly known Neanurini genus Protanura is rediagnosed and briefly compared with Lathriopyga. Protanura papillata Cassagnau & Delamare Deboutteville, 1955, known to date only from Lebanon, is redescribed based on the lectotype and new extensive material from Middle East.

Endonura Cassagnau in Iran, with a key to species of the genus (Collembola, Neanuridae, Neanurinae).

Three new species of Endonura are described from Iran. Endonura dichaeta sp. n. can be recognized by an ogival labrum, head without chaetae O and E, chaeta D connected with tubercle Cl, tubercle Dl with five chaetae on head, absence of tubercles Di on thorax I and tubercle (Di+Di) of thorax V with 2+2 chaetae. Endonura ceratolabralis sp. n. is characterized by large body size, reduction of labral chaetotaxy, ogival labrum, head without chaeta O and fusion of tubercles Di and De on first thoracic segment. Endonura persica sp. n. is distinguished from its congeners by a nonogival labrum, absence of chaeta O, tubercles Dl and (L+So) with five and eight chaetae respectively and claw with inner tooth. The key to all species of the genus is given.

Diversity of Paranura Axelson, 1902 (Collembola: Neanuridae: Neanurinae) in Pacific Region of Russia and United States.

Eight new species of the genus Paranura are described from temperate zone of Holarctic. Five of them: Paranura reticulata sp. nov., Paranura oregonensis sp. nov., Paranura reducta sp. nov., Paranura cassagnaui sp. nov. and Paranura microchaetosa sp. nov. were found in coniferous forests of Oregon state, USA. Three others: Paranura kedrovayensis sp. nov., Paranura setosa sp. nov. and Paranura conjuncta sp. nov. were collected in mixed woods of Russian Far East. All new species are illustrated in detail and compared with existing taxa. P. reticulata sp. nov. is characterised by having three ocular chaetae, relatively short chaeta F on head, four ordinary chaetae De on th. III and three chaetae Di in abd. V (in s-uenoi two chaetae). The presence of only one ordinary chaeta De on abdomen IV is the most characteristic and recognizable character of P. oregonensis sp. nov. P. reducta sp. nov. is most diagnostically recognized by labral chaetotaxy, with only 4 chaetae. The species is true saproxylic form living inside decayed logs of coniferous trees only. P. cassagnaui sp. nov. is easy to distinguish by the presence of complete chaetotaxy of central area of head, presence of microchaetae on furcal remnant and the fusion of tubercles Di on abd. V. P. microchaetosa sp. nov. and P. kedrovayensis sp. nov. are superficially very similar to each other in dorsal chaetotaxy, and differ in number of ordinary chaetae De on abd. IV, trochanter and labium, and in the presence/absence of microchaetae on furcal remnant. P. setosa sp. nov. can be easily identified by one or two additional chaetae on central area of head, a character unknown in other species of the genus. P. conjuncta sp. nov. is characterised by the fusion of tubercles Di on abdomen V, the presence of microchaetae on furcal remnant and developed tubercle on central area of head. In addition, P. mjohjangensis Deharveng & Weiner, 1984 is newly recorded from Russia. An updated key to all world species of Paranura is also provided.