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As part of the module "Species Knowledge and Taxonomy" of the Master's program in Integrative Zoology at the University of Rostock, field work was conducted on the coast and its hinterland of the southern Lübeck Bay in northwestern Mecklenburg-West Pomerania and on the Priwall peninsula (Schleswig-Holstein), from July 10 to 14, 2023. Species from different arthropod groups were recorded in the field or caught using different collecting methods and then identified with the help of experts in the respective species groups. A total of 379 arthropod species were identified and listed in this report, and the locations examined are briefly presented using characteristic species. Occurrences of some faunistically particularly interesting and endangered species of insects have been encountered, especially of ground and rove beetles (Carabidae, Staphylinidae), aculeates (Aculeta) and nocturnal butterflies (Lepidoptera). The results show that a teaching excursion focusing on species knowledge and biodiversity recording can provide valuable contributions to an exploration of local fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The beetle fauna of a small inland waterbody on the southern outskirts of Greifswald in Western Pomerania, Germany (54°03'48.3 "N 13°22'41.4 "E) was studied from 2019 to 2022. This small waterbody is for the first time named as Greifensoll and described. Hydrologically, the Greifensoll is characterized by seasonal water level fluctuations with irregular summer drying out. The vegetation of the waterbody is dominated by large populations of broadleaved cattail (Typha latifolia L.) and great yellowcress (Rorippa amphibia (L.) Besser). Most frequently applied collecting methods were collecting by hand and catching aquatic beetles with kitchen strainer and water net. A total of 204 species were recorded, among them 82 species of aquatic beetles from nine families and 101 species of terrestrial beetles from twelve families, including 21 species of Steninae (Staphylinidae). Noteworthy are records of the endangered diving beetle species Agabus labiatus (Brahm, 1790), Graptodytes bilineatus (Sturm, 1835), Hydroporus fuscipennis Schaum, 1868 and Rhantus bistriatus (Bergsträsser, 1778), of the longtoed water beetle Dryops griseus (Erichson, 1847), and the rove beetles Stenus melanarius Stephens, 1833 and S. sylvester Erichson, 1839. For the Federal State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the silken fungus beetle Telmatophilus sparganii (Ahrens, 1812) is reported for the second time ever, and the tooth-nosed snout weevil Temnocerus coeruleus (Fabricius, 1798) for the first time after the year 2000. With its high species richness, the Greifensoll represents a locally important habitat in an intensively used agricultural landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Records of 108 species of rove beetles in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (MV) from 2005 to 2022 are documented. The findings focus on the south-eastern part of the state, the Löcknitz-Pekun district, which has only been marginally studied so far. Myrmecophilous species as well as Phyllodrepa melis Hansen, 1940, which is bound to badger's burrows, are described in more detail. Furthermore, the following species are reported for the first time to occur in MV and are treated in more detail: Tychus normandi Jeanell, 1950, Bledius spectabilis Kraatz, 1857, Paederus balcanicus Koch, 1938 and Erichsonius subopacus (Hochhuth, 1851). Especially nutrient-poor sandy pioneer sites in MV need to be comprehensively protected. Regardless of whether the sites are dry (heath, gravel pit, steep banks) or moist to wet (lakeshore, gravel pit, seashore), they harbour a number of rare species or species worthy of protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of two revitalization projects of coastal wetlands on the Western Pomerania lagoon coast, dikes of the polders Bresewitz and Drammendorf are planned to be dismantled. These projects were accompanied by faunistic studies of ground beetles. In each of the polders, carabid beetle associations were investigated in six different habitats using pitfall trapping and hand collecting methods. Remains of natural wetland in the siltation zone outside the polders were also studied. The aim of the study was to record the current state of the associations, as this serves as a data basis for documenting future changes after the implementation of the revitalization measures. The sampling includes a total of 7961 specimens in 110 species. Occurrences of two species within the studied polders are of particular interest for the fauna of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Amara kulti Fassati, 1947 (both study areas), and Amara strenua Zimmermann, 1832 (polder Drammendorf, areas only 0.3 m above mean-water level). The results of the investigation confirm the particular importance of the still existing dike foreland, in particular broader zones with intact siltation structure. The siltation zone represents an essential recreational potential for carabid associations of the revitalized wetlands. In contrast, ground beetle associations of the diked areas are mostly atypical with respect to coastal wetlands and mostly poor in species, as they are characteristic of the intensively used agricultural landscape. The main reasons for this presumably are the leveled soil moisture situation and vegetation structure. It is therefore recommended to include marginal remains of natural wetland areas in the overall projection of planned dike dismantling projects in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, 80 species of rove beetles were recorded between 1992 and 2020. Distribution and abundance of various species are discussed. Five species are new to the fauna of the federal state: Atheta aquatilis (Thomson, 1867), A. clientula (Erichson, 1839), A. sodermani Bernhauer, 1931, Paederus caligatus (Erichson, 1840) and Xantholinus elegans (Olivier, 1795). For selected rare species, the community of accompanying species is characterized from sieve samples of most varied habitats or structures. A comparison of the species inventory proves the ecological value of wet to dry habitats, and shows the effort that needs to be made to register both the current species inventory of the area and its changes in time. The complexity of this task lies, on the one hand, in an expansion of the range of species and, on the other hand, in a simultaneous disappearance of species, mainly caused by the loss of various habitat types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The further distribution of the flame-shouldered blister beetle, Sitaris muralis (FORSTER, 1771) in Bavaria is reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ministry for Climate Protection, Agriculture, Rural Areas and the Environment in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern prepares a strategy for insect conservation. One module within the program "More respect for the insect" aimed to compare sites with completed or ongoing conservation measures with conventionally managed reference sites in order to obtain data-based recommendations for future actions. Study sites comprised organically managed arable land (vs. conventionally managed fields), stripes of grassland fallows (vs. used grassland), re-wetted and/ or abandoned peatland meadows (vs. managed grassland on drained peatland), restoration of salt marshes by relocation of dikes (vs. diked grassland) and initial stages of xerothermic grassland as a substitute for management in protected areas (vs. later succession stages). The localities were in the surroundings of Greifswald, Anklam and Pasewalk. Arthropods were sampled with pitfall traps according to the guidelines for the nationwide insect monitoring which applied at that time. At each plot six pitfalls were positioned in linear transects with Renner solution as preservative. Carabid beetles and spiders were identified to species level and included in the assessment. Concerning spiders, a total of 22902 specimens (20765 adults) from 189 species were recorded. The study provided the first records of Porrhomma campbelli, Prinerigone vagans and Robertus heydemanni in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Further six species are critically endangered (category 1) according to the latest version of the Red list of spiders in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Diplocephalus dentatus, Euryopis laeta, Micaria dives, Pellenes nigrociliatus, Psammitis sabulosus, Silometopus ambiguus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-invasive diagnosis of harmful wood-inhabiting organisms is of great importance in order to minimize interventions in valuable wood products and living trees. Here we present two methods, an acoustical and a molecular one, which enable gentle detection of insect larvae in wood and wood products. In parts, both methods have been successfully applied for the analysis of the Asian longhorn beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis, ALB) and appear suitable as early warning systems in the control of quarantine insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reports on the food and the analysis of faecal pellets of Gallotia atlantica on Fuerteventura (Canary Islands, Spain). The results show that this lizard is omnivorous, but feeds predominantly on insects. It uses a wide range of food, especially Diptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera (Formicidae), and adapts quickly to natural changes in food resources. After rainfall and the emergence of new growing vegetation, insect larvae (especially caterpillars) are increasingly eaten by the lizards. Finally, in one of the faecal samples little bones and scales were found and revealed a case of cannibalism in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The timely recognition of the high damage potential of a plant pest and the prevention of its introduction or spread is a central concern of plant health. For this reason, special regulations and measures apply to the Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) as a union quarantine pest. The polyphagous beetle usually develops within one year and causes severe economic damage in non-endemic areas. A determination of the beetles is possible up to the species. First findings of Japanese beetles in Germany have not been confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, 80 species of rove beetles were recorded between 1992 and 2020. Distribution and abundance of various species are discussed. Five species are new to the fauna of the federal state: Atheta aquatilis (Thomson, 1867), A. clientula (Erichson, 1839), A. sodermani Bernhauer, 1931, Paederus caligatus (Erichson, 1840) and Xantholinus elegans (Olivier, 1795). For selected rare species, the community of accompanying species is characterized from sieve samples of most varied habitats or structures. A comparison of the species inventory proves the ecological value of wet to dry habitats, and shows the effort that needs to be made to register both the current species inventory of the area and its changes in time. The complexity of this task lies, on the one hand, in an expansion of the range of species and, on the other hand, in a simultaneous disappearance of species, mainly caused by the loss of various habitat types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Records of 106 species of rove beetles in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (MV) from the periods 1987 to 1990 and 2014 to 2018 are documented and discussed. Three species are new to the fauna of the federal state: Atheta sequanica (Brisout de Barneville, 1860), Phloeopora nitidiventris Fauvel, 1900, and Carpelimus schneideri (Ganglbauer, 1895). Being attended by climate change, considerable changes in beetle fauna, which are difficult to diagnose, are most likely to be expected also in MV. For example, the winterly air temperature in the area has increased linearly over 138 years (1881-2018), and much more rapidly since the mid 1980s. Concurrently, the amount of winterly precipitation has increased from 89 mm (1881-1890) to 142 mm (2008-2017). These distinctly perceptible changes certainly have consequences also on overwintering and winter-active species of rove beetles. It is advisable to intentionally extend collecting activities onto winter season in order to register potential changes in fauna, whose causes are in the cold months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current volume 59 of the Archive for Nature and Regional Studies Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is now accessible to everyone via open access. This allows interested individuals to read the contributions more easily. The volume contains articles on the regional fauna and flora, particularly focusing on beetles. It also presents a book on the history and nature of the Riether Werder as well as new species of rove beetles. The publication of primary data from a teaching event is also demonstrated. [Extracted from the article]

Yellow water traps are a decisive factor in the forecasting system for Psylliodes chrysocephala, the Cabbage stem flea beetle. In most parts of Germany a threshold of 50 imagines per yellow water trap within three weeks is established. In Germany two types of yellow water traps are widely used: an angular (26 × 33 cm) and a round type (22.4 cm diameter). The use of a grid at the top of the yellow water traps is recommended to prevent bees from drowning. The aim of this study carried out on 28 fields all over Germany was to investigate the effects of different types of yellow water traps on Cabbage stem flea beetle catches. Traps were used with and without grid and placed on the soil surface or dug into the soil. Beetle numbers differed significantly between some of the types of yellow water traps, but the difference in densities was in an acceptable range given the overall high variability induced by farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volume 57 of the Archive for Nature and Regional Studies Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is now available in print. It contains seven contributions to regional research, including three on lichens and two on rove beetles. The articles cover topics such as changes in lichen flora in Rostock, the examination of lichen specimens from 1902, and a lichen collection from Antarctica. Additionally, new species of rove beetles are introduced, and the ground beetle communities on the Vorpommern Bodden Coast are analyzed. The work of the Malacology Working Group reports on a mapping project in the vicinity of Lake Galenbeck. [Extracted from the article]

In an ecological field study conducted from 1992 – 1998, populations of spiders (Arachnida: Araneae), ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) were examined under synocologic methodical aspects in Peissen, Barnsta¨dt, Frose, Schadeleben and Winterfeld. The research focused on the structure and dynamics of epigeic arthropod populations in the different types of farmland. Based on the findings of these studies, possibilities and limits of using Araneae and predatory beetles as biological indicators were analysed and discussed. In order to do so, suitable criteria for agroecological assessment of the examined farmland had to be specifically established. A total number of 178,535 Araneae, 128,836 Carabidae and 106,665 Staphylinidae were caught by means of pitfall traps. The species diversity was also comparably high. The total of 152 different species of Araneae belonged to 22 families. Up to 17 families and 92 species were found within a period of one year. In the Carabidae populations, up to 60 different species of a total of 111 could be identified within a single year. Without considering the Aleocharinae, 26 species of Staphylinidae were identified. The high number of endangered species of the “Red Data Book”, 21 species of Araneae and 26 Carabidae, pointed to a rich fauna and high ecological diversity in the farmland plots. The populations of Carabidae, Staphylinidae and Araneae demonstrated an extremely high regulatory potential. Activity densities of Araneae were found to be as high as 7.1 individuals per trap and day. Those of Carabidae and Staphylinidae showed values of 6.9 captured individuals per day respectively. The populations of Araneae and Carabidae can be considered as suitable indicators for assessing ecological farming activities. The continuous activity densities and the steady spectrum of dominance allow a relatively objective rating of certain factors, e.g., insecticide treatment. The occurrence of numerous species of Carabidae also confirms certain indicator parameters. The species diversity and activity density of Staphylinidae are more influenced by other environmental factors, mostly by their dependence on sustrats. The following parameters seem to be suitable to effectively assess the populations of epigeic prey arthropods: activity density, number of species, ‘‘Red Data Book’’ species, as well as the ratio of subdominant to eudominant species. When maintaining a sufficiently long catching period, methodical restrictions can be partially overcome by reducing the number of traps. A set of four traps with a diameter of approximately 10 cm and a catching period of three months (approximately from May to July) appears to be a reasonable minimum number. The following conclusions were drawn regarding global evaluation and development concepts: (i) No evaluation of the impact of agronomic measures on biological diversity can be made by exclusively relying on the indicator of epigeic prey anthropods; (ii) Spider and ground beetle populations, as part of a whole complex of agro-ecological indicators, should be used to objectively assess ecological activity in order to test the sustainability and the impact on agro-biodiversity of typical farming systems in our natural spaces, and (iii) The subsidy programme should consequently not relate to single biological indicators or groups of indicators but respect certain previously rated agricultural standards. This proceeding was further simulated through the integration of selected farmland plots. The following approaches for evaluation of activity density, number of species, “Red Data Book” species, as well as the portion of subdominant to eudominant species were considered.… [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Die Untersuchungen fanden von 1992 bis 1995 auf einem 24 ha großen Schlag und einem gräserdominierten Feldrain in Halle (Saale) mittels Bodenfallen statt. Zielstellung der Untersuchungen war es, über mehrere Jahre Laufkäfergemeinschaften eines großflächigen Feldes und eines Feldrains zu erfassen und im Hinblick auf Arteninventar, Dominanzgefüge, Aktivitätsdichten, Größenklassen, Austauschvorgänge von Arten zwischen den Lebensräumen zu vergleichen und zu werten. Im Verlauf von 4 Jahren fiel die Anzahl Arten im Rain stets höher aus als im Feld. Die Anzahl Individuen war im Rain meist geringer. In den Wintermonaten lag im Rain eine höhere Aktivität als im Feld vor. Die Individuen waren im Rain mit Ausnahme des Jahres 1993 gleichmäßiger auf die Arten verteilt. Im Rain konnte im Vergleich zum Feld ein früherer Aktivitätsbeginn festgestellt werden. Sehr deutlich ließen sich Migrationsvorgänge bei A. dorsalis und M. minutulus feststellen. Die Verteilung der Arten und Individuen auf 5 Größenklassen ergab, dass größere Arten und auch Individuen im Feld zahlreicher waren als im Rain. Im Feld kamen überwiegend xerophile Arten vor. Im Rain fielen die Anteile xerophiler und hygrophiler Arten etwas höher aus. Die Zuordnung der Laufkäfer zu den Überwinterungstypen ergab nur geringe Differenzen zwischen Rain und Feld. Im Jahre 1993 wurden der Rain und das angrenzende Gelände stark durch Baumaßnahmen beeinträchtigt, was zu einem erheblichen Artenrückgang führte. Im Folgejahr überstiegen die Artenzahlen sogar die des ersten Untersuchungsjahres. Investigations were lead through in the years 1992 to 1995 at Halle (Saale) on a stand 24 ha in size and on a grassy field margin by using pitfall traps. Aim of the investigations was to record and estimate the ground beetle communities in a large field and a field margin over several years with regard to species spectra, dominance structure, body size classification and faunal exchanges between the habitats. Throughout the 4 years the number of species in the margin was higher than in the field. The number of individuals in the field margin was mostly less than in the field. In the winter period the activity-density in the field margin was higher than in the field. With the exception of 1993 the dominance structures in the field margin were more balanced than in the field. In the field margin the appearance of the ground beetles could be recognized earlier in comparison to the field. The immigration-processes were clearly found by A. dorsalis and M. minutulus . The distribution of the species into five body size-classes showed that large species and individuals are richer in the field than in the field margin. In the field predominant xerophilic species could mostly be found. Regarding the overwintering types the differences were little between the habitats. In the year 1993 the field margin and the adjacent area were damaged through construction works. Therefore the number of species decreased heavily in this year. In the following year the number of species exceeded that of the first year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]