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Due to the strong nonlinearity and large torque ripple of switched reluctance motor, a cascaded fractional order PID sliding mode control system is designed. Considering the difficulty of parameter adjustment caused by the complexity of the system, the optimization technology using dung beetle optimizer is introduced to optimize the designed cascaded controller and control the speed and torque ripple. To prove the effectiveness of the proposed cascaded controller, a control model is built in MATLAB/Simulink, and compared with whale optimization algorithm, particle swarm optimization, sparrow search algorithm to verify the response effect of the cascaded controller. A cascaded double PID controller is also built for comparison to verify the effectiveness of fractional order PID sliding mode controller. The results show that the cascaded fractional order PID sliding mode controller optimized by dung beetle optimizer is better than another cascaded double PID controller, produces the minimum torque ripple, and has better speed response and stability. The torque ripple of motor is suppressed. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The red-necked longhorn beetle, Aromia bungii, is an invasive wood-boring insect that has recently invaded Europe and Japan, seriously damaging stone fruit trees in both native and invaded regions. Rose oxide, including both cis- and trans-isomers, was previously found in the volatiles produced by A. bungii adults, while the inter- and intra-specific behavioral functions of this compound remain unclear. By manually shaking the beetles, a much greater amount of rose oxide was released from the beetles, compared to that released from nondisturbed beetles. Rose oxide was further determined to be original from a white-colored secretion which was immediately sprayed by the beetles that were hand captured or squeezed by tweezers. These findings indicate that this pungent compound putatively has a role as an allomone component released from the defensive secretion by A. bungii adults when threatened, which may be an adaptive defensive strategy against the predation of natural enemies such as insectivorous birds. Y-tube olfactory assays revealed that rose oxide, at a high concentration, was significantly repellent to both sexes of A. bungii adults, suggesting that rose oxide may also have a function in the intraspecific communication of A. bungii. Considering the low price of the commercially available products, this repellent effect of rose oxide may facilitate the development of novel control strategies, such as push–pull strategy, for A. bungii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clarifying the influence of disturbances by biotic and abiotic agents on long‐term changes in forest structure and demographic rates is an important task of forest ecology. Here, we investigated changes in forest structure and demographic rates and the effects of biotic and abiotic factors (sika deer, ambrosia beetle, neighborhood trees, and indices of strong wind and wetness) in a 4‐ha long‐term ecological study plot in a lowland warm temperate rain forest on Yakushima Island, Japan, from 1996 to 2019 for three regeneration groups related to gap dynamics (gap demander: GD, light shade tolerant: LS, and strong shade tolerant: SS). GD had relatively lower recruitment and survival than LS and/or SS. Changes in demographic rates were not significantly correlated with those in the index of strong wind in any regeneration group. The effects of sika deer on demographic rates did not differ among groups. Stems of Fagaceae species belonging to LS attacked by ambrosia beetles recorded in 2013 did not significantly differ in RGR and survival rates. Our results indicate that despite the relatively long monitoring period of 23 years, we did not detect significant effects of strong winds on demographic rates among regeneration groups, and shade‐tolerant species (LS and SS) showed better demographic performance than light‐demanding species (GD) and an increase in total basal area over time. We need longer monitoring of forest dynamics to understand forest responses to disturbances considering several factors, including the time lag of demographic responses to disturbances and the long‐term effects of disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degeneration in flight ability in beetles has rarely been studied in detail with regard to the polymorphism of flight traits within species. However, intraspecific diversity in flight traits means that the flight ability of species is in the process of degenerating, which could provide important insights into how flight ability in beetles degenerates. In this study, the flight muscle and hind wings of the genus Synuchus in Japan were studied, which revealed the morphological status of flight traits in 21 species of Synuchus. Several species in this genus were found to show intraspecific polymorphisms in the states of the flight muscle and hind wings, and in particular, the very high diversity of different types of hind wings. These results indicate that this genus contains a mixture of species at various stages in the degeneration of the ability to fly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degeneration in flight ability in beetles has rarely been studied in detail with regard to the polymorphism of flight traits within species. However, intraspecific diversity in flight traits means that the flight ability of species is in the process of degenerating, which could provide important insights into how flight ability in beetles degenerates. In this study, the flight muscle and hind wings of the genus Synuchus in Japan were studied, which revealed the morphological status of flight traits in 21 species of Synuchus. Several species in this genus were found to show intraspecific polymorphisms in the states of the flight muscle and hind wings, and in particular, the very high diversity of different types of hind wings. These results indicate that this genus contains a mixture of species at various stages in the degeneration of the ability to fly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identifies fungi associated with Euwallacea fornicatus and determines whether these fungal species play the role of primary symbiont. E. fornicatus adults that emerged from the branches of infested trees in Okinawa main island, Japan, were collected and used to isolate fungi. Fusarium kuroshium and Penicillium citrinum were the most dominant fungal associates of females and males, respectively. F. kuroshium was much more frequently isolated from the head, including mycangia (fungus-carrying organs), of females than any other body parts. We inoculated healthy mango saplings with F. kuroshium or F. decemcellulare, both of which were symbionts of E. fornicatus females infesting mango trees. F. kuroshium decreased leaf stomatal conductance and rate of xylem sap-conduction area and increased length and area of xylem discoloration of the saplings, thereby weakening and killing some. These results suggest that F. kuroshium, a mycangial fungus of E. fornicatus, inhibits water flow in mango trees. This study is the first to report that F. kuroshium causes wilt disease in mango trees and that it is a primary fungal symbiont of E. fornicatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents additional notes on the carabid genus Nebria subgenus Falcinebria Ledoux and Roux, 2005 from Japan: a description of a new species Nebria suzukana sp. nov. from Mt. Gozaishodake; a new distribution and the southwesternmost collection record of Nebria furcata Sasakawa, 2020 from Mt. Uchimiyama; an additional record of Nebria kobushicola Sasakawa, 2023 from the Yatsugatake Mountains; and an additional record of an undetermined species from the Iide Mountains that was previously treated as Nebria taketoi Habu, 1962, with a note on its habitat. In addition, a key to the known species of Nebria (Falcinebria) from Honshu is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Edible insects may contain arsenic. Analysis of arsenic species is necessary in order to accurately assess arsenic exposure. Objective: An analytical method was validated and used to determine and quantitate arsenic species in edible insects. Methods: Arsenic species were extracted from edible insects by heating at 100°C in 0.3 mol/L nitric acid. The concentration of arsenic species was then determined by LC-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS) using an octadecylsilane (ODS) column with a mobile phase containing an ion-pair reagent. Results: The LOD (0.007-0.012 mg/kg), LOQ (0.021-0.038 mg/kg), repeatability (1.2-3.2%), intermediate precision (2.8-4.5%), and trueness (recoveries 97-102% based on spiked samples) of the proposed method were satisfactory for inorganic arsenic, dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), and arsenobetaine (AB) in edible insects. Total arsenic was detected in all samples obtained in Japan (Asian forest scorpion, diving beetles, giant water bug, grasshoppers, June beetles, mole crickets, male rhino beetle, female rhino beetle, sago worms, and silkworm pupae) and consisted of mostly inorganic arsenic. Beetles in particular showed relatively high levels. Conclusion: Arsenic content varies among edible insect species. Feed control is important, as arsenic concentrations in edible insects may be feed dependent. Highlights: Arsenic species in edible insects were analyzed by LC-ICP-MS using an ODS column with a mobile phase containing an ion-pair reagent. Inorganic arsenic was detected in most samples, with concentrations ranging from <0.04 to 29.3 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population size of the diving beetle Cybister sugillatus Erichson 1834 (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) has been declining in Japan; therefore, there is a need to understand their fundamental ecology for conservation purpose. Understanding the feeding habits in the larval stage will contribute to habitat restoration and ex situ conservation. In this study, we investigated the effects of the availability of different kinds of prey, such as Odonata nymphs and tadpoles, on larval growth of C. sugillatus. The results showed that Odonata nymphs were the preferred prey for larval growth because C. sugillatus larvae did not show significant growth on tadpoles alone. This trend was also observed in other Cybister species. Our results suggest that habitat restoration requires the development of an environment rich in a variety of aquatic invertebrates, including Odonata nymphs. In ex situ conservation, stable rearing and breeding of C. sugillatus can be made possible by providing them with Odonata nymphs as food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, several invasive woodborers (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) have been found in Japan. Aromia bungii is a worldwide important pest of fruits and ornamental species of the genus Prunus. It invaded Japan in the early 2010s and now causes heavy damage to stone fruit trees. Anoplophora glabripennis and Apriona swainsoni are destructive pests of street, ornamental and horticultural trees. The first step in intercepting these beetles is to detect their presence early in their infestation, as accurate identification is crucial for their management. Ejected frass is a major sign of infestation and likely holds information on the insect. We focused on chemicals in both larvae and frass, and conducted a GC–MS analysis of these three invasive beetles and the native Anoplophora malasiaca. In all four species, 4 or 5 species-specific hydrocarbons were detected in both larvae and frass. These results indicate that analysis of hydrocarbons in frass could allow definitive detection of invasive wood-boring pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preference–performance hypothesis (PPH) predicts that female insects maximize their fitness by ovipositing on hosts where their offspring perform the best. The preference–performance relationships in bark beetles are complex because before offspring development can occur in the phloem, adult bark beetles must first successfully invade host trees, and then construct galleries beneath the bark. Therefore, a positive correlation between host preference and successful colonization is necessary for the PPH in bark beetles to hold (i.e., the preference–colonization hypothesis in bark beetles). In this study, through field choice experiments, I investigated the successful colonization of the bark beetle, Polygraphus proximus, within four allopatrically distributed Abies species across a distinct biogeographic boundary in Japan. The results of this study showed that the biogeographic boundary did not limit the successful colonization by P. proximus. I observed that successful colonization was low in A. firma, despite it being an exotic species in the study sites and the most preferred at the study sites, indicating a mismatch between preference and colonization success. Additionally, I observed that A. sachalinensis had a high colonization success rate, even though it was the least preferred species at the study sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A Bursaphelenchus species belonging to the abietinus group was isolated from a bark sample of Fagus japonica infested by an unidentified Dryocoetes bark beetle. The species is typologically characterised by its two-lined lateral field, mitten-shaped spicule possessing a well-developed and dorsally truncate condylus, narrow triangular rostrum and a distinct cucullus, the presence of seven (P1, P2, P3 papilliform and P5 gland-opening-like) male genital papillae, female vulva with side flap and the long, smoothly tapering and ventrally recurved female tail with strongly ventrally recurved distal part. The species is typologically close to B. irokophilus and B. rainulfi but can be distinguished from these two species by the shape of spicule rostrum, which is narrower in the new species. Phylogenetically, the new species forms a well-supported clade with B. rainulfi but can be distinguished from them by the differences in the SSU and D2-D3 LSU sequences. The new species is described as Bursaphelenchus ogawanus n. sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pterostichus macrogenys species group is an endemic subterranean Japanese carabid clade that provides intriguing material for studying morphological differentiation, speciation and interspecific relationships. However, its diversity remains not fully explored. We investigated specimens from northern Tohoku District, an area where knowledge of this species group is notably limited. Our research led to the description of three new species: P. namahage sp. nov., P. kamurosanus sp. nov. and P. atsumidakensis sp. nov. We also updated distribution records for three known species: P. asahinus Habu & Baba, 1960; P. kitakamisanus Sasakawa, 2005; and P. chokaisanus Sasakawa, 2009. This report includes both the expanded distribution ranges of the known species and the discovery of a new sympatric species pair (P. chokaisanus and P. asahinus). We conducted a morphological phylogenetic analysis of all but one species, for which no male specimens were available, accounting for a total of 42 species within the group. The resulting phylogenetic tree implies that the initial differentiation of this species group originated on the Sea of Japan side, in the northern part of their current distribution, followed by dispersion to other areas and subsequent differentiation. Additionally, our findings indicate that sympatric species of varying body sizes are distantly related phylogenetically. These insights into the differentiation process align with regional distribution patterns of species-level diversity and sympatric sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Japanese members of Haliplidae were reviewed and 13 species in two genera are recognized. A new species, Haliplus morii sp. nov. is described from Honshu; it is similar to Haliplus japonicus Sharp, 1873, but belongs to a different subgenus. Haliplus diruptus J. Balfour-Browne, 1946, syn. nov. is treated as a junior synonym of Haliplus kotoshonis Kano & Kamiya, 1931. The records of Haliplus davidi Vondel, 1991 from Japan are regarded as misidentifications of H. kotoshonis. Haliplus basinotatus latiusculus Nakane, 1985, syn. nov. is treated as a junior synonym of H. basinotatus. Haliplus angustifrons Re'gimbart, 1892 known from south and southeast Asia, is newly recorded from Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An undersowing system with additional intercropping of flowering plants was assessed in field trials in Germany and Japan to estimate regulating effects on pests and possible negative effects on white cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata). In particular, we tested cabbage undersown with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and cabbage undersown with wheat plus additional sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima L. Desv.) intercropping. Counts of the aphid species Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer), as well as related predators on cabbage plants, were determined. Abundance of Phyllotreta spp. flea beetles and their feeding damage on cabbage plants were recorded and cabbage yield was compared. In both countries, trials showed that wheat undersowing reduced the abundance of M. persicae but not B. brassicae. The occurrence of natural enemies on cabbage plants was not significantly affected by any of the companion plants. Additional sweet alyssum intercropping increased the abundance of adult hoverflies at the German but not at the Japanese location. However, it also significantly increased flea beetle infestation on cabbage plants at both locations. Neither wheat undersowing nor additional sweet alyssum intercropping significantly reduced cabbage harvest weight. In conclusion, adding companion plants can be a promising method to improve pest control in vegetable crops. However, intercropping crucifer crops with sweet alyssum may not be recommended in regions where flea beetles are a relevant pest because of the observed enhancing effect on them. In contrast, to prove the positive effect of wheat undersowing on white cabbage, results from further years of investigation are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetland biodiversity is currently declining on a global scale. Wetland biodiversity understanding is critical for determining the wetlands' conservation value. In this study, Macroplea Samouelle, 1819 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was discovered in Aomori Prefecture, Honshu Island, Japan. Only two Macroplea species have been recorded in Japan, M. japana (Jacoby, 1885) and M. mutica (Fabricius, 1792). Macroplea japana had been unrecorded for 60 years before being rediscovered in Honshu Island in 2022, and a single adult M. mutica female was discovered in Hokkaido Prefecture in 2003. The discovered individuals were concluded to be M. mutica based on morphological and molecular analyses. Although morphological differences were observed with the Eurasian M. mutica individuals, the male genitalia was nearly identical to M. mutica. For the molecular phylogenetic analysis based on COI and 28S sequences, Macroplea individuals in Japan were clustered with M. mutica on the Eurasian Continent. This is the first record of this species on Honshu Island (and the second in Japan), as well as the first record of adult males. This species would require conservation policies and additional distributional surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraguild (IG) predation (IGP) appears to offer multiple benefits for IG-predators from the viewpoints of predation and resource competition. Similarly, herbivores may also gain benefits such as resource monopoly and utilization in the form of food through IGP. We examined IGP among the larvae of two species of herbivorous beetles in eastern Japan belonging to the family Scarabaeidae: the increasing invasive species Anomala albopilosa and the decreasing endemic species A. cuprea. Regardless of species, older larvae preyed on younger larvae; however, third-instar larvae did not kill each other but performed vibratory behavior as a warning. These results show that IGP does not explain the mechanism of decreasing A. cuprea populations, which is contrary to our initial expectations because A. cuprea emerge earlier than A. albopilosa in the field and older larvae of A. cuprea are expected to exhibit IGP toward younger larvae of A. albopilosa. To the best of our knowledge, this study is one of the few case studies proposing the occurrence of IGP as an interspecific interaction among herbivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cymbella janischii, an invasive species of diatom, has been broadening its geographical range in Japan since 2004, flourishing in substantial colonies in river beds. As thick and mucilaginous colonies of this diatom often cover large areas of river beds, this elicits concerns regarding the potential alteration of sedimentary bottom structures and resultant effects on the native ecosystems. The presence of the diatoms growing on the body surface of two aquatic beetles, Grouvellinus nitidus (Elmidae) and Ectopria opaca (Psephenidae) in a Japanese river was confirmed. This constitutes the inaugural documentation of invasive diatoms having a specific relationship with native aquatic insects at an individual level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diplogastrid nematode was isolated from a dung beetle, Onthophagus sp., collected from a rotten mushroom in Kyoto, Japan. The species is characterised by its cheilostomatal shape, separated into 12 narrow plates (rugae), deep stegostom, large ellipsoidal amphids, conical female tail and characteristic receptaculum seminis in the female. Based on its phylogenetic status and stomatal composition, the species is typologically similar to two other diplogastrid genera, Neodiplogaster and Mononchoides. The species can be distinguished from these two genera by the size and shape of the amphid (small pore in Neodiplogaster), female tail shape (long and filiform in Mononchoides) and presence of receptaculum seminis (absence in the two nominal genera), and is described as a monotypic member of a new genus, Onthodiplogaster japonica n. gen., n. sp. Observation of feeding behaviour suggested that O. japonica n. gen., n. sp. does not show clear stomatal dimorphism or polymorphism, which is found in its close relatives, but the species can feed on nematodes (predation), fungi and bacteria. This monomorphic omnivory possibly represents its habitat of dung and other rotten materials, where the environment is biologically divergent, and its condition changes rapidly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited resources intensify interspecific competition and constrain the survival and distribution of species. A restricted, spatially isolated, small island can also pronounce this effect, as predicted in the island biogeography. This study compared the summer diets of sympatric carnivores, red foxes, raccoon dogs, Japanese martens, and Japanese weasels on the small island Izushima and evaluated niche partitioning, especially focusing on their insectivory. The results showed that insects were the main summer food source for all four species, with a significant overlap in their diets. However, in-depth investigation on insectivory down to the level of species and genera revealed that the species differences were more pronounced. Raccoon dogs frequently fed on ground-dwelling beetles, and Japanese martens fed on several arboreal beetles, while red foxes were less dependent on insects and more biased toward larger prey such as mammals and birds, and Japanese weasels foraged more on smaller prey, thereby reflecting niche partitioning between these species owing to differences in foraging ecology under the constrains of their body sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five species of the Lathrobium nomurai group are (re)described: Lathrobium nomurai Nakane, 1955, L. fujimotoi Y. Watanabe, 2001, L. hikosanense Y. Watanabe, 1998, L. yufuense sp. nov., and L. denchu sp. nov. All species inhabit the upper hypogean zone or are found under stones in the northern Kyushu, Japan. Their distribution patterns are discussed and compared to other members of this species group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The dung beetle Phelotrupes auratus is a holometabolous insect belonging to the order Coleoptera, and it is widely distributed in Japan. The P. auratus habitat depends on herbivores. P. auratus eats the dung of the herbivores and carries it underground for its young. In this process, herbivore droppings disappear from the ground, not only keeping the ground hygienic but also maintaining good soil conditions for plant growth. In this way, a rich ecosystem is maintained. In recent years, the population of P. auratus has decreased, and the main cause has been the decrease in grazing land. It seems that Japanese dung beetles are mainly dependent on herbivores for nutrient sources. However, the physiological relationship between herbivores and P. auratus has not been well investigated. Here, we investigated the nutritional metabolism system of P. auratus by performing whole gene expression analysis of individuals collected from two areas where the ecosystem is occupied by different herbivores. Results: We obtained 54,635 transcripts from P. auratus from Nara Park and Cape Toi and identified 2,592 differentially expressed genes in the fat bodies of the Nara Park and Cape Toi groups. We annotated P. auratus transcripts using Homo sapiens and Drosophila melanogaster genes as references; 50.5% of P. auratus transcripts were assigned to H. sapiens genes, and 54.0% of P. auratus transcripts were assigned to D. melanogaster genes. To perform gene set enrichment analysis, we chose H. sapiens genes for P. auratus transcript annotation. Principal component analysis and gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the nutritional metabolism of P. auratus from Cape Toi might differ from that of P. auratus from Nara Park. Conclusion: We analyzed the nutritional metabolism system of P. auratus from Cape Toi and Nara Park and found that the characteristics of the nutritional metabolism process might depend on the plants consumed by the herbivores. Our findings will contribute to elucidating the relationships among habitat plants, herbivores, and dung decomposers and may aid in the maintenance of sustainable land health cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life cycles of bark beetles are intimately linked to their host species. Therefore, bark beetle species are expected to show traits that vary among host species and across geographic ranges. The taxonomic proximity of host tree species can also influence host selection. Abies species (Pinaceae) native to Japan are genetically classified into three phylogenetic groups. Their natural distributions are separated by a distinct biogeographic boundary in Japan (i.e., the Tsugaru Strait, also referred to as Blakiston's Line). Therefore, I investigated the host preference of Polygraphus proximus Blandford (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) within four allopatrically distributed Abies species across north and south of the Tsugaru Strait through field surveys and field choice experiments. Abies sachalinensis (F. Schmidt) Mast. is the only species native to Hokkaido, north of the Tsugaru Strait. Field observations and field host‐choice bioassays showed that A. sachalinensis was less severely attacked by P. proximus than was Abies veitchii Lindl. on both sides of the Tsugaru Strait. The beetles also preferred to attack Abies firma Siebold & Zucc. – which belongs to a genetically distinct group (i.e., section Momi) from that of A. veitchii and A. sachalinensis (i.e., section Balsamea) – over A. sachalinensis in both Hokkaido and Honshu. Although Abies homolepis Siebold & Zucc. also belongs to the section Momi, A. firma and A. veitchii had more attacks than A. homolepis. The results provide evidence that P. proximus does not show specialization across the various parts of their geographic range where the host species are different, and there is no positive correlation between taxonomic proximity and host preference for P. proximus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerning declines in insect populations have been reported from Europe and the United States, yet there are gaps in our knowledge of the drivers of insect trends and their distribution across the world. We report on our analysis of a spatially extensive, 14‐year study of ground‐dwelling beetles in four natural forest biomes spanning Japan's entire latitudinal range (3000 km). Beetle species richness, abundance and biomass declined in evergreen coniferous forests but increased in broadleaf‐coniferous mixed forests. Further, beetles in evergreen coniferous forests responded negatively to increased temperature and precipitation anomalies, which have both risen over the study's timespan. These significant changes parallel reports of climate‐driven changes in forest tree species, providing further evidence that climate change is altering forest ecosystems fundamentally. Given the enormous biodiversity and ecosystem services that forests support globally, the implications for biodiversity change resulting from climate change could be profound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of diplogyniid mites, Lobogynium sudhiri (Datta, 1985) and Neolobogynium sorae sp. nov., were found on histerid, synteliid, and geotrupid beetles in Japan. Two species of beetles are reported as new hosts of L. sudhiri. Neolobogynium sorae shows notable sexual dimorphosis in dorsal chaetotaxy. Key to species of Neolobogynium Hicks, 1957 is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Bursaphelenchus tadamiensis , which was initially isolated from a stag beetle, Dorcus striatipennis , collected from sap flow of Quercus crispula in Fukushima, north-eastern Japan, was re-isolated three times from sap flow of Quercus spp. in western Japan. The re-isolated populations were mostly morphologically consistent with the type population, but the male bursal flap showed high variations in the newly collected populations. Molecularly, the type and new populations showed differences in the internal transcribed spacer region of ribosomal DNA and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene, suggesting that the species is genetically divided into several local populations. The isolation pattern of B. tadamiensis , i.e. , the species was initially isolated from sap flow-associated beetles and subsequently isolated from sap flow, suggests that the species prefers and is adapted to the sap flow environment as its habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambrosia beetles bore into host trees, and live with fungi symbiotically that serve as a food source. However, it is challenging to directly observe these beetles in the wild. In this study, Euwallacea interjectus (Blandford) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), a pest of fig trees in Japan, were reared under artificial conditions to emulate the behavior of ambrosia beetle. Fungi were isolated from the adult females of E. interjectus to identify the species associated with secondary symbiosis. In total, nine filamentous fungi and one yeast were identified using morphological characteristics and DNA sequence data. Neocosmospora metavorans (Hypocreales: Nectriaceae), Fusarium sp. (Hypocreales: Nectriaceae), that is undescribed, and Meyerozyma guilliermondii (Saccharomycetes: Saccharomycetales) (yeast) were isolated more frequently from the head (including from mycangia, the fungus-carrying organ) than from the thorax and abdomen of adult beetles. Neocosmospora metavorans was the dominant species isolated from 12 out of 16 heads at 200 to 3300 CFUs/head, compared to the primary mycangia fungus from wild beetles, i.e., Fusarium kuroshium (Hypocreales: Nectriaceae). Temperature had a marked effect on fungal growth in the three symbiont species. Our results represent a major paradigm shift in understanding beetle–fungal interactions, as they show specific symbiont switching can occur in different nesting places. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Chrysolina Motschulsky, 1860 from Nagano Prefecture, Honshu, Japan is described as Chrysolina (Allohypericia) orochi sp. nov. with detailed illustrations of the male and female genitalia, description of larva and pupa, and record of its host plant, Artemisia capillaris Thunberg (Asteraceae). Chrysolina (Allohypericia) aeruginosa (Faldermann, 1835) is excluded from Japanese fauna based on revision of the previously published records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population of the diving beetle Cybister rugosus (Macleay, 1825) has been declining in recent years, and it is designated as "Vulnerable" (VU) in the Red List of Japan. However, there have been no quantitative studies on the feeding habits of the larval stage of this beetle. Revealing the feeding habits is indispensable for understanding the life history of C. rugosus. In the current study, we reared C. rugosus larvae on different prey taxa (Odonata nymph, fish, tadpole, and shrimp) and evaluated their growth and survival rates. Previous studies have shown that three congeneric Cybister species larvae feed mainly on invertebrates. However, all larval instars of C. rugosus were able to feed on invertebrates and vertebrates and grow. Thus, we considered C. rugosus to be a generalist compared to the other Cybister species. The larval periods were shorter for C. rugosus that fed on Odonata nymphs than on any other prey. Feeding different prey taxa had no significant effect on the body length of newly emerged adult males. However, the body length of newly emerged adult females was larger when the larvae fed on Odonata nymphs than when the larvae fed on fish. As in other Cybister species, we concluded that the Odonata nymph is an appropriate food from the viewpoint of increased growth rate in C. rugosus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of phenotypic adaptation to the environments is widely recognized. However, comprehensive studies integrating phylogenetic, phenotypic, and ecological approaches to assess this process are scarce. Our study aims to assess whether local adaptation may explain intraspecific differentiation by quantifying multidimensional differences among populations in closely related lucanid species, Platycerus delicatulus and Platycerus kawadai, which are endemic saproxylic beetles in Japan. First, we determined intraspecific analysis units based on nuclear and mitochondrial gene analyses of Platycerus delicatulus and Platycerus kawadai under sympatric and allopatric conditions. Then, we compared differences in morphology and environmental niche between populations (analysis units) within species. We examined the relationship between morphology and environmental niche via geographic distance. P. kawadai was subdivided into the "No introgression" and "Introgression" populations based on mitochondrial COI gene – nuclear ITS region discordance. P. delicatulus was subdivided into "Allopatric" and "Sympatric" populations. Body length differed significantly among the populations of each species. For P. delicatulus, character displacement was suggested. For P. kawadai, the morphological difference was likely caused by geographic distance or genetic divergence rather than environmental differences. The finding showed that the observed mitochondrial–nuclear discordance is likely due to historical mitochondrial introgression following a range of expansion. Our results show that morphological variation among populations of P. delicatulus and P. kawadai reflects an ecological adaptation process based on interspecific interactions, geographic distance, or genetic divergence. Our results will deepen understanding of ecological specialization processes across the distribution and adaptation of species in natural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pragmatic management of invasive alien species should integrate two essential items: 1) management interventions and 2) a spatially explicit management plan. Predicting the future expansion of target species in a region at the early invasion stage is an important step toward the establishment of a spatially explicit management plan. However, information regarding the distributions of target species is limited, making it challenging to predict range expansions. In the present study, we established a simulation model that could predict the future expansion of the invasive insect Aromia bungii, which is harmful to Prunus trees (including cherry trees [Cerasus × yedoensis]), in Japan. We employed a virtual ecology approach that simulated species dynamics based on a simple model in Saitama Prefecture, which is in the Kanto region of Japan. Since the first record of the species in this region of Japan in 2013, its range has expanded dramatically. Three candidate pathways and combinations of these for the range expansion of A. bungii were tested to identify the major proxies of expansion for this species, followed by the validation of these results using occurrence records for the species through 2019. Both the river density model and combined river and road density models showed good predictive performance. Using these models, we established a predictive map of the future expansion of this species in the wider range of the simulation area. Based on the results, we recommend concentration of management efforts in the mid-northeast region of the Saitama Prefecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pterostichus macrogenys species group is an endemic subterranean Japanese carabid lineage that shows marked regional differentiation, but unresolved taxonomic issues remain, even at the species level. Based on morphological examinations of the genital structures of newly collected specimens and an external morphometric analysis of all the species concerned, P. falcispinus Sasakawa, 2005 syn. nov. is synonymized with P. asahinus Habu & Baba, 1960, and P. awashimaensis sp. nov. is described from Awashima Island, a small island off the coast of Honshu. Based on external morphometrics, P. awashimaensis was determined to be most similar to P. yahikosanus Sasakawa, 2009, but its external and genital features differ distinctly from the latter species and it is thought to be more ancestral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We isolated two tylenchid species belonging to the Sychnotylenchinae, Sychnotylenchus hibisci n. sp. and Neoditylenchus xiphydriae n. sp., from the bark beetle Ernoporus corpulentus and wood wasp Xiphydria ogasawarai , respectively. Sychnotylenchus hibisci n. sp. is characterised by its moderately stout body in both male and female, gubernaculum to spicule length ratio of one-third or less, crustaformeria structure composed of four columns with six large, rounded cells, and a broad female tail with a rounded terminus. The new species is closely related to S. ulmi , with which it shares body shape and gubernaculum to spicule length ratio, but is distinguished by the female tail shape and several morphometric values. Neoditylenchus xiphydriae n. sp. is characterised by its oval to leaf-shaped male bursa, male tail tip reaching the distal end of, and protruding beyond the bursa, a long post-vulval uterine sac (PUS), and a conical female tail with a narrowly rounded terminus. The species is typologically similar to N. pinophilus but is distinguished by its male spicule shape, gubernaculum to spicule length ratio, and longer PUS. Phylogenetically, the Sychnotylenchinae belongs under the Anguinidae (superfamily Sphaerularioidea) and is closely related to several Ditylenchus , Neotylenchus , Neomisticius , and Ficotylus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term biodiversity monitoring is essential for unveiling the impact of environmental changes on local fauna. Although private local records can contribute significantly to biodiversity evaluation, they are seldom published in scientific journals. In this study, a retired scientist recorded the longhorn beetles (Distiniidae and Cerambycidae) present in Ito on the Izu peninsula, Japan, for 12 years. The records showed the dynamical changes in longhorn beetles, which indicated the environmental changes around the survey site over 12 years. We also compared the longhorn beetle composition in the Ito study site to those in the survey records in 13 other locations in Kanto, Japan. We found that the species composition in Ito was stable throughout the 12 years, while the general composition in Ito reflected the land-use pattern of urban areas and the collecting methods. The species composition in the Ito study site differed from that in some of the other satoyama locations (human-influenced natural environment), but this was possibly due to methodological differences. Long-term backyard biodiversity surveys, especially those conducted by retired professionals, can play important roles in future investigations of insect groups, such as longhorn beetles, even if they are not agricultural pests nor endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial genetic structures of insects are reflected in their habitats. Coastal insects tend to have less genetic differentiation than subterranean insects. However, the general pattern of population structure of coastal species residing in subterranean habitats is unknown. Thalassoduvalius masidai (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae), endemic to Japan, is a coastal and subterranean beetle. Here, we hypothesized that T. masidai populations disperse among regions by ocean currents, floods and tsunamis, despite their habitat being underground. To test this hypothesis, we performed a phylogeographical analysis of T. masidai using single nucleotide polymorphism data from multiplexed inter-simple sequence repeat genotyping by sequencing (MIG-seq) and the mitochondrial COI gene. The phylogenetic network and tree and STRUCTURE analyses indicated that T. masidai populations were divided into three groups: the western Seto Inland Sea–Izu Peninsula coasts, the eastern Seto Inland Sea–Kii Peninsula coasts and the Japan Sea coasts. The genetic diversity of T. masidai was higher in sites with lower longitude and latitude. These results suggest that T. masidai migrated and dispersed from the south-western area of Japan by ocean currents, despite its underground habitat. The genetic analysis data from the present study would also be helpful for the conservation and taxonomic revision of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A new Devibursaphelenchus species isolated from the bark of a dead Quercus aliena , which had been infected and killed by Japanese oak wilt, was collected in Shiga, Japan. The new species is characterised by the relatively large body in males (661-768 μ m) and females (893-1071 μ m), conspicuous male bursal flap, male spicule with long condylus and wide blade, female post-vulval uterine sac (PUS) 39-54 μ m or 1.6-2.3 times the vulval body diam. long, vestigial female anus, and female tail forming a strongly ventrally recurved elongate conoid with bluntly pointed or narrowly rounded terminus. The new species is typologically similar to D. lini , sharing a large body, conspicuous bursal flap, long PUS, and spicule shape, but can be distinguished from it by the absence of variation in the female tail shape, i.e. , the tail of the new species is always long and strongly ventrally curved, while the tail shape varies more in D. lini. A previous molecular phylogenetic analysis suggested that the new species is fairly close to D. lini , but can be distinguished from it by the 1.0% (16 bp) difference within 1.6 kb of the 18S and 3.7% (26 bps) difference within 0.7 kb of the D2-D3 LSU ribosomal RNA genes. The newly found nematode is described and illustrated herein as D. alienae n. sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of food habits is essential for understanding the life history of a species; however, such information about the enigmatic Murina genus of bats is little known. In this study, we examined the food habits of Murina hilgendorfi and Murina ussuriensis over four years in Hayakawa, central Japan, using traditional morphological fecal analysis. Fragments of arthropods of six orders (five identified families), and of five orders (five identified families), were found in the feces of M. hilgendorfi and M. ussuriensis , respectively. Both species consumed wingless arthropods (caterpillars and spiders), insects that rarely fly (ground beetles and bush crickets), or diurnal insects (dragonflies and hoverflies; i.e., that are resting at night) during the night, which is a clear indication of gleaning behavior in these bats. In spring, the large-bodied M. hilgendorfi more frequently consumed hard-bodied insects such as beetles and bush crickets, whereas the small-bodied M. ussuriensis more frequently consumed soft-bodied insects such as caterpillars, moths, spiders, and dipterans, suggesting that the body size difference influences their food habits, which may have contributed to food resource partitioning between these closely related bats. For M. hilgendorfi , beetles were the main prey in spring and autumn, while caterpillars and grasshoppers were more frequently consumed in spring and autumn, respectively, suggesting that they may have changed prey items according to seasonal fluctuations in food availability. To our knowledge, this study provides the first record of differences in the food habits of these two species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A Bursaphelenchus sp. belonging to the B. idius -group was isolated from a bark beetle, Ernoporus corpulentus , which had emerged from dead twigs of Hibiscus tiliaceus collected in Okinawa, in the subtropical region of Japan. In addition to its group-specific characters, i.e. , four lateral lines in both male and female and less developed capitulum and relatively broad blade of the male spicules, the species is characterised by a relatively slender female tail with various tip shapes. Molecularly, the species is close to B. fagi and B. tiliae based on SSU and D2-D3 LSU sequences, but can be clearly distinguished from these two species. The species is described and illustrated herein as B. hibisci n. sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Platycotylus Olliff, 1883 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is recorded from Japan (Nakanoshima Island, Tokara Islands) for the first time, through the discovery of a new and remarkable species, Platycotylus merkli sp. nov., which is described herein. The male of this new species can be distinguished from all known males of other congeneric species by its long and asymmetrical epistomal horn. Although this new species is most similar to Platycotylus parvicollis (Pic, 1923), for which a male has not been examined, it can be distinguished from this species by its simple sparse pronotal punctation, smaller eyes, and acutely produced temples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weed seed predation is an important ecosystem service in paddy areas. To conserve and sustainably utilize this service, it is necessary to quantify the seed predation and reveal the relative contributions of seed predators. In this study, we quantified the extent of postdispersal seed predation of Lolium multiflorum Lam., a non‐native invasive grass weed, on levees of terraced paddy fields located in a traditional cultural landscape (satoyama landscape) of Japan. We investigated the temporal variability in seed predation of L. multiflorum during summer after the seed shed, and estimated the total seed loss due to predation on the levees of terraced paddy fields for 2 years. Furthermore, the relative contribution of invertebrates and vertebrates to the seed predation was estimated based on exclosures. The total seed loss due to predation during 4 months (from late June to late October) was consistently high (>99%) in both years (the maximum proportion of seed predation per 2 weeks = 80.0–86.7%). The seed predators were likely to be mainly invertebrates such as crickets and ground beetles. This study revealed that the seed predation intensity was consistently high and can be an important depletion factor for the seedbanks of weeds such as L. multiflorum on the levees of terraced paddy fields. The high intensity of seed predation by invertebrates might suppress the invasion and population expansion of L. multiflorum on the levees of terraced paddy fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spercheus stangli Schwarz and Barber, 1917 (Coleoptera: Spercheidae) is distributed in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Its Japanese population is known only in one pond on the Iriomote Island. To better understand the ecology of this family and develop conservation strategies for S. stangli, we conducted field surveys and rearing experiments. Our results suggest that S. stangli is bivoltine or multivoltine. We concluded that ponds with substrates, such as wood fragments floating on the water surface, are important habitats for the conservation of these beetles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life cycle, bionomics and mature larval structures of the Japanese prionocerid species, Idgia iriomoteana Nakane, 1980 were investigated in captivity. The results showed that I. iriomoteana has the following characteristics: (1) the larval morph is less advanced in terms of miniaturization, and larvae pass seven larval molts before they pupate; (2) the life cycle is univoltine with summer, not winter, dormancy; (3) the first instar larvae are larger than the size of the egg, but foetomorphic larval instar (which is observed in the Melyridae: Malachiinae) is not shown. Based on comparison with melyrid species, the degree of miniaturization, dormancy behaviour, adaptation to the tropical and subtropical climates and the adaptive significance of a large first instar larva are all discussed. This study is the first to report the complete life cycle of a member of the family Prionoceridae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dispersion–reproduction trade‐offs are important to explore the evolutionary mechanism of dispersal strategies and the adaptive significance of dispersion in insects. In our previous study, variations in hindwing length were found in Japanese populations of the leaf beetle Galerucella grisescens (Joannis) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). They were distinctly divided into either long‐winged (LW) or short‐winged (SW) morphs in the field. The LW morphs were distributed widely in Japan, whereas the SW morphs were found in restricted areas in Honshu, the main island of Japan. We examined the possible existence of trade‐offs between dispersion and reproduction in G. grisescens by laboratory experiments. Larval duration and adult body size (head width) were not significantly different between LW and SW strains, but adult body weight was larger in some LW strains than in SW strains, most likely due to the size of hindwings and legs as well as to the development of flight muscles. Although the pre‐oviposition period was not significantly different among strains, female longevity and fertility were significantly higher in SW than in LW strains. Long‐winged individuals displayed flutter behaviours, suggesting their flight dispersal abilities, but SW individuals did not. Femurs of LW individuals were significantly longer on all legs compared to SW strains and the former walked faster than the latter. The present results indicate the presence of a dispersion–reproduction trade‐off in G. grisescens, in which SW strains have advantages in reproductive abilities and LW strains in dispersal abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of landscape and local environmental factors on the community structure of carrion beetles (silphid and dung beetles) and the abundance of major species in artificial (agricultural and urban landscapes) and forest landscapes in northeastern Japan. Eight study sites were set up in forest landscapes, six in agricultural landscapes, and six in urban landscapes. From June to October 2019, we collected carrion beetles using 385 pitfall traps. A total of 2,119 carrion beetles belonging to 15 species were captured. This included six species of silphid beetles and nine species of dung beetles. The non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) for carrion beetle community showed that carrion beetles have different community structures in forest landscapes compared to other landscapes. Generalized dissimilarity modeling (GDM) showed that canopy openness and a landscape factor had the large influence on the community structure. The generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) showed that the abundance of the major species was low in open environments. This study indicates that the community structure of carrion beetles differs depending on the landscape in northeastern Japan. The local environment, especially the canopy openness, had a great influence on the community structure and abundance of carrion beetles. Anthropogenic changes at the landscape scale may alter carrion beetle community by significantly changing the local and surrounding environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of climate change on species distribution are typically inferred based on species distribution models (SDMs) that do not account for the dispersal ability of species.Here we investigated the utility of dispersal ability measures in predicting the distribution of 10 Platycerus species in Japan, which are cold‐adapted stag beetles sharing ecological and morphological features.We generated three SDMs based on environmental variables without dispersal constraint and incorporating two alternative dispersal constraint scenarios. We compared these three models with respect to SDM performance and the predicted degree of range overlap between neighbouring species. Using the best models among three SDMs, we predicted range shifts under climate change. Additionally, we characterised environmental differences among species distributional areas.Our results revealed that models incorporating dispersal constraints had better predictive performance. Platycerus delicatulus occupied a largest suitable habitat and P. sue had a narrow range in Japan. Most of Platycerus taxa in 2070 were predicted to lose large portions of present suitable areas. Moreover, environment was confirmed to affect the distribution of the targeted species.Incorporating dispersal ability to better understand the effects of climate change on the species ranges is a crucial step towards developing policies for insect management and conservation of vulnerable species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bark beetles attack their hosts at uniform intervals to avoid intraspecific competition in the phloem. Bark texture and phloem thickness also affect bark beetle attacks, and the bark characteristics are not spatially homogeneous; therefore, the distribution patterns of entry holes can demonstrate an aggregated distribution. Polygraphus proximus Blandford (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) is a non-aggressive phloephagous bark beetle that feeds on Far Eastern firs. They have caused mass mortality in Russia and Japan. However, the distribution pattern of entry holes of P. proximus and spatial relationships with bark characteristics have not been studied. Thus, we investigated the distribution pattern of entry holes of P. proximus. The distribution of entry holes was significantly uniform in most cases. As the attack density increased, an aggregated distribution pattern within a short distance (< 4.0 cm) was observed. The rough bark had a significantly higher number of entry holes than the remaining bark. The distribution pattern of entry holes demonstrated a significantly aggregated spatial association with rough bark. Finally, rough bark around knots had significantly thicker phloem than the remaining barks. These suggest that P. proximus may preferentially attack rough bark to reproduce in the thicker phloem under a rough bark surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the population genetic structure underlying the geographic variation in the structural colour of the geotrupid dung beetle, Phelotrupes auratus, which exhibits metallic body colours of different reflectance wavelengths perceived as red, green and indigo. These forms occur parapatrically in an area of Japan. The colour variation was not related to variation in climatic factors. Using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequences, we discriminated five groups of populations (west/red, south/green, south/indigo, south/red and east/red) by a combination of genetic clusters (west, south and east) and three colour forms. There were three transition zones for the colour forms: two between the red and green forms were hybrid zones with steep genetic clines, which implies the existence of barriers to gene flow between regions with different colours. The remaining transition zone between the green and indigo forms lacked genetic differentiation, despite the evident colour changes, which implies regionally specific selection on the different colours. In a genomewide association study, we identified four SNPs that were associated with the red/green or indigo colour and were not linked with one another, which implies that the coloration was controlled by multiple loci, each affecting the expression of a different colour range. These loci may have controlled the transitions between different combinations of colours. Our study demonstrates that geographic colour variation within a species can be maintained by nonuniform interactions among barriers to gene flow, locally specific selection on different colours, and the effects of different colour loci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many species show rhythmicity in activity, from the timing of flowering in plants to that of foraging behavior in animals. The free-running periods and amplitude (sometimes called strength or power) of circadian rhythms are often used as indicators of biological clocks. Many reports have shown that these traits are highly geographically variable, and interestingly, they often show latitudinal or longitudinal clines. In many cases, the higher the latitude is, the longer the free-running circadian period (i.e., period of rhythm) in insects and plants. However, reports of positive correlations between latitude or longitude and circadian rhythm traits, including free-running periods, the power of the rhythm and locomotor activity, are limited to certain taxonomic groups. Therefore, we collected a cosmopolitan stored-product pest species, the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, in various parts of Japan and examined its rhythm traits, including the power and period of the rhythm, which were calculated from locomotor activity. The analysis revealed that the power was significantly lower for beetles collected in northern areas than southern areas in Japan. However, it is worth noting that the period of circadian rhythm did not show any clines; specifically, it did not vary among the sampling sites, despite the very large sample size (n = 1585). We discuss why these cline trends were observed in T. castaneum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rishiri Island is located off the northwest coast of Hokkaido, Japan. Faunistic research of the island is important to clearly elucidate the faunal composition of the Palearctic Far East. Numerous faunistic studies on beetles, such as Carabidae, have been conducted for this island, however, there are few records for cucujoid beetles. As a result of the research herein, including field, museum specimen, and literature research, conducted by the authors in 2019, four kateretid beetle species and 38 nitidulid beetle species have been recorded from the island. Among these beetles, Epuraea silacea is a first report from Japan. Additionally, two kateretid and 23 nitidulid beetle species are newly recorded from Rishiri Island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background-matching camouflage is a widespread adaptation in animals; however, few studies have thoroughly examined its evolutionary process and consequences. The tiger beetle Chaetodera laetescripta exhibits pronounced variation in elytral colour pattern among sandy habitats of different colour in the Japanese Archipelago. In this study, we performed digital image analysis with avian vision modelling to demonstrate that elytral luminance, which is attributed to proportions of elytral colour components, is fine-tuned to match local backgrounds. Field predation experiments with model beetles showed that better luminance matching resulted in a lower attack rate and corresponding lower mortality. Using restriction site-associated DNA (RAD) sequence data, we analysed the dispersal and evolution of colour pattern across geographical locations. We found that sand colour matching occurred irrespective of genetic and geographical distances between populations, suggesting that locally adapted colour patterns evolved after the colonization of these habitats. Given that beetle elytral colour patterns presumably have a quantitative genetic basis, our findings demonstrate that fine-tuning of background-matching camouflage to local habitat conditions can be attained through selection by visual predators, as predicted by the earliest proponent of natural selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]