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Background: The Azores is a remote oceanic archipelago of nine islands which belongs to the Macaronesia biogeographical region hosting a unique biodiversity. The present Azorean landscape is strongly modified by the presence of man and only in small areas, where the soil or climate was too rough, have primitive conditions remained unchanged. Despite the fact that most of the Azorean native habitats are now lost, a large number of endemic species are still present and need urgent conservation. The present checklist of terrestrial and freshwater arthropods of the Azores Archipelago is based on all known published literature. The main goal of this work is to list, as rigorously as possible, all the known terrestrial and freshwater arthropods of the Azores. In this way, we are contributing to solve the 'Linnaean' shortfall, i.e. an incomplete taxonomic description of species-level diversity and the Wallacean Biodiversity Shortfall, the incomplete species distribution knowledge. New information: The checklist includes new records of arthropods at island and archipelago levels that were published in the last twelve years. Compared to the last checklist of Azorean arthropods (Borges et al. 2010b), a total of 217 taxa (species and subspecies) are added. Currently, the total number of terrestrial and freshwater arthropod species and subspecies in the Azores is estimated to be 2420 taxa belonging to 14 classes, 53 orders, 440 families, 1556 genera, 2400 species and 149 individual subspecies. The most diverse orders of Azorean arthropods are: Coleoptera (585 taxa), Diptera (423 taxa), Hemiptera (338 taxa), Hymenoptera (163 taxa), Lepidoptera (159 taxa) and Araneae (133 taxa). A total of 276 endemic taxa are currently known (232 species and 44 subspecies), belonging to eight classes and 22 orders. São Miguel, Terceira and Pico are the islands with higher number of endemic species and subspecies. In the Azores, the number of native non-endemic taxa is 793 taxa, totalling 1069 indigenous taxa. Compared to the other nearest Macaronesian archipelagos (Madeira and Canaries), the Azorean arthropod fauna is characterised by a lower percentage of endemism (endemics/indigenous: 26% in Azores, 47% in Madeira Archipelago and 42% in Canary Islands) and a high proportion of exotic introduced taxa (39% in Azores, 19% in Madeira Archipelago and 8% in Canary Islands). Based on recent IUCN Red-listing of Azorean arthropods, a large fraction of the endemic taxa is under high threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Robin Erithacus rubecula is currently treated as a single species with eight subspecies. A previous molecular study and new molecular, morphometric and bioacoustic data reported here strongly support the recognition of three species in this complex: E. rubecula (Europe, North Africa and Macaronesia except the central Canary Islands), E. superbus (Tenerife) and a recently described subspecies on Gran Canaria which we raise to species rank as E. marionae. The taxa on Tenerife and Gran Canaria have previously been lumped as a single taxon but differ from each other and from E. rubecula in territorial songs, tic calls, seep calls and wing length. All three species are characterised by moderate to high levels of interspecific mitochondrial DNA sequence divergence (mean 4.2–4.8%). Phylogenetic analysis indicates that E. marionae is sister to E. superbus + E. rubecula. Recognition of Gran Canaria and Tenerife Robins as separate species adds two single‐island endemics to the Canary Islands avifauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several factors have been considered to explain the success and pre-eminence of some ports over others, such as geography, telecommunications, taxation or the availability of local goods for trade. This is especially significant in the final period of the nineteenth century and the first years of the twentieth century, which corresponds to the rise of steam navigation and the laying of the world network of submarine telegraph cables. This article presents a model (the Service Implementation Analysis Model or SIAM) that aims to analyse the influence of communications technology within historical models of sea trade. To evaluate this model, the authors propose using a scheme based on technology acceptance models, which perform a cost–benefit comparison, and adding an ex post analysis, so that this study can explain further reasons for the incorporation of these solutions. This analysis is complemented by a series of evaluation factors, which form a feedback system to incorporate scientific advances, regulatory changes, the geostrategic context, and social acceptance or rejection. Using these feedback factors, it is possible to study how the economic model is modified as a function of technological factors within the co-evolution of science and society as inseparable elements. This model has been applied to explain the divergence in the evolution of maritime trade among Macaronesian archipelagos before the Great War. However, it can be directly extrapolated to other cases of historical analysis in which technological evolution played a significant role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long-term studies are key to understand the drivers of biodiversity erosion, such as landuse change and habitat degradation, climate change, invasive species or pollution. The long-term project SLAM (Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forest of Azores) started in 2012 and focuses on arthropod monitoring, using SLAM (Sea, Land and Air Malaise) traps, aiming to understand the impact of the drivers of biodiversity erosion on Azorean native forests (Azores, Portugal). This is the fourth contribution including SLAM project data and the second focused on the spider fauna (Arachnida, Araneae) of native forests on two islands (Pico and Terceira). In this contribution, we describe data collected between 2019 and 2021 and we analyse them together with a previously published database that covered the 2012-2019 period, in order to describe changes in species abundance patterns over the last ten years. New information: We present abundance data of Azorean spider species for the 2019-2021 period in two Azorean Islands (Terceira and Pico). We also present analyses of species distribution and abundance of the whole sampling period. In the period of 2019-2021, we collected a total of 5110 spider specimens, of which 2449 (48%) were adults. Most juveniles, with the exception of some exotic Erigoninae, were also included in the data presented in this paper, since the low diversity of spiders in the Azores allows a relatively precise specieslevel identification of this life-stage. We recorded a total of 45 species, belonging to 39 genera and 16 families. The ten most abundant species were composed mostly of endemic or native non-endemic species and only two exotic species (Tenuiphantes tenuis (Blackwall, 1852) and Dysdera crocata C. L. Koch, 1838). They included 4308 individuals (84%) of all sampled specimens and were the dominant species in Azorean native forests. The family Linyphiidae was the richest and most abundant taxon, with 15 (33%) species and 2630 (51%) specimens. We report Cheiracanthium mildei L. Koch, 1864, a non-native species, from Pico Island for the first time. We found no new species records on Terceira Island. This publication contributes to increasing the baseline information for future longterm comparisons of the spiders on the studied sites and the knowledge of the arachnofauna of the native forests of Terceira and Pico, in terms of species abundance, distribution and diversity across seasons for a 10 years period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown macroalgae Rugulopteryx okamurae is described as one of the most severe and threatening invasive marine macroalgae in European waters. This study reports the first record of R. okamurae in the Madeira archipelago, which represents a new southern distribution limit of this species in NE Atlantic European waters. Morphological and molecular characters were used to confirm the species' identity, and its potential invasion risk in Madeiran waters was screened using the standard risk assessment tool AS-ISK. Results show that R. okamurae has a medium-high risk of becoming invasive in Madeira Island under present and future climate scenarios. The greater risk of impact involves suppressing local species growth and the modification and degradation of local habitats, including trophic cascade effects. However, environmental and commercial impacts could also occur in case of an explosion of the invasive populations. This new introduction in Madeira coastal waters emphasises the need for regular monitoring of R. okamurae, particularly to assess population dynamics to avoid establishing and further expansions. Finally, we recommend the evaluation of the possible derived impacts affecting rocky coastal communities and adopting the necessary mitigation measures and policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of host tree identity on epiphyte lichen communities are a controversial issue, as the results obtained in different forest environments studied are not consistent. We investigated the host preferences for lichens in the laurel forest of Macaronesia. For this purpose, we analyzed the lichen communities growing on the four most common trees (Erica canariensis Rivas-Mart., M. Osorio and Wildpret, Morella faya (Aiton) Wilbur, Laurus novoca-nariensis Rivas-Mart., Lousa, Fern. Prieto, E. Días, J.C. Costa and C. Aguiar, and Ilex canariensis Poir. in Lamarck) in the laurel forest of the Canary Islands. The diversity, richness, and lichen composition showed a repetitive and common pattern with the functional traits studied. Although the existence of specificity with respect to the phorophyte species was not demonstrated, there was a clear affinity of the epiphytic lichens to the physico-chemical features of the bark (texture and pH), canopy architecture, foliar characteristics, etc. Our results highlight the importance of the natural diversity of tree species in the laurel forest. Due to the diversity and uniqueness of the lichen species that support each of the phorophytes, this fact should be taken into account in landscape protection and restoration actions, especially in those islands where the forest is highly fragmented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objetivo: el objetivo de este artículo es reconocer qué características definen a las sociedades fronterizas castellanas y portuguesas en el Atlántico que, durante la agregación de Portugal a la Monarquía Hispánica, estuvieron estrechamente conectadas entre sí. El objeto de estudio son las islas de la Macaronesia en el periodo de consolidación del mundo atlántico con el objetivo de esclarecer las particularidades de la identidad insular construida a partir de lazos de complementariedad entre archipiélagos regidos por distintos reinos en el interior de un océano dinámico y relacionante. Metodología: se han analizado las crónicas insulares, tanto castellanas como portuguesas, coetáneas al periodo ya que estos textos plasman por escrito la percepción social del insular sobre su entorno más cercano. Subsidiariamente, se han empleado fuentes primarias de las administraciones locales de distintos archipiélagos y protocolos notariales canarios para profundizar en el estudio de los contactos socioeconómicos y los lazos de complementariedad entre los distintos espacios insulares macaronésicos. Originalidad: la finalidad de este estudio es aplicar un método de observación supranacional sobre una sociedad fronteriza cuyos moradores fueron súbditos de dos reinos y a la vez conformaron una única región. Conclusiones: entienden estos cronistas que existe una entidad común insular que los relaciona social y económicamente. Es, a partir de estos relatos, cuando comienza a definirse, en términos históricos, la Macaronesia.

Long-term monitoring of invertebrate communities is needed to understand the impact of key biodiversity erosion drivers on the biodiversity of these high diverse organisms.The data we present is part of the long-term project SLAM (Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forest of Azores) that started in 2012, that aims to understand the impact of biodiversity erosion drivers on Azorean native forests (Azores, Macaronesia, Portugal). In this contribution, the design of the project, its objectives and the first available data for the spider fauna of two islands (Pico and Terceira) is described.Passive flight interception SLAM traps (Sea, Land and Air Malaise traps) were used to sample native forest plots in several Azorean islands, with one trap being set up at each plot and samples taken every three months following the seasons.The key objectives of SLAM project are: 1) collect long-term ecological data to evaluate species distributions and abundance at multiple spatial and temporal scales, responding to the Wallacean and Prestonian shortfalls, 2) identify biodiversity erosion drivers impacting oceanic indigenous assemblages under global change for conservation management purpose, 3) use species distribution and abundance data in model-based studies of environmental change in different islands, 4) contribute to clarify the potential occurrence of an "insect decline" in Azores and identify the spatial and temporal invasion patterns of exotic arthropod species, 5) contribute with temporal data to reassess the Red-list status of Azorean endemic arthropods, 6) perform studies about the relationship between diversity (taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic) and ecosystem function.The project SLAM (Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forest of Azores) is described in detail.Seasonal distribution and abundance data of Azorean spiders based on a long-term study undertaken between 2012 and 2019 in two Azorean islands (Terceira and Pico) is presented. A total of 14979 specimens were collected, of which 6430 (43%) were adults. Despite the uncertainty of juvenile identification, juveniles are also included in the data presented in this paper, since the low diversity allows a relatively precise identification of this life-stage in Azores.A total of 57 species, belonging to 50 genera and 17 families, were recorded from the area, which constitutes baseline information of spiders from the studied sites for future long-term comparisons. Linyphiidae were the richest and most abundant family, with 19 (33%) species and 5973 (40%) specimens. The ten most abundant species are composed mostly of endemic or native non-endemic species and only one exotic species (enuiphantes tenuis). Those ten most abundant species include 84% of all sampled specimens and are clearly the dominant species in the Azorean native forests. Textrix caudata L. Koch, 1872 was firstly reported from Terceira and Pico Islands, Araneus angulatus Clerck, 1757 was firstly reported from Terceira Island, Neriene clathrata (Sundevall, 1830) and Macaroeris diligens (Blackwall, 1867) were firstly reported from Pico Island.This publication contributes not only to a better knowledge of the arachnofauna present in native forests of Terceira and Pico, but also to understand the patterns of abundance and diversity of spider species both seasonally and between years.

Knowledge of predator-prey interactions is key in ecological studies and understanding ecosystem function, yet this is still poorly explored in the deep-sea environment. Carbon (δ13C: 13C/12C) and nitrogen (δ15N: 15N/14N) stable isotope ratios of a deep-diving species, the short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus), were used to explore knowledge gaps on its ecological niche and foraging habitats in the Webbnesia marine ecoregion (Tenerife Island, n = 27 animals vs. Madeira, n = 31; 500 km apart) where animals display distinct levels of site fidelity. Specifically, we tested whether intraspecific isotopic variation results from differences between geographic areas (due to possible foraging plasticity between regions), sexes, and/or years (2015–2020) using Generalized Linear Models. In general, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in the stable isotope profiles of pilot whales between the two archipelagos, which were also reflected in their isotopic niche. The higher mean and wider range of δ15N values in Tenerife suggest that pilot whales consume prey of higher trophic levels and more diverse than Madeira. The higher mean and wider range of δ13C values in Madeira suggest that in that island, pilot whales rely on prey from more diverse habitats. There was significant variation between some years, but not between sexes. Finally, we discuss pilot whales' foraging strategies worldwide and infer the reliance on benthic or benthopelagic food sources in the Webbnesia. [Display omitted] • First study on the foraging ecology of short-finned pilot whales in the Webbnesia using stable isotopes. • Pilot whales showed different isotopic ratios between islands and years. • Likely explore distinct foraging habitats or prey. • Trophic relationships with benthic or benthopelagic prey play an important role for these pilot whales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Knowledge about cyanobacteria diversity in the Azores is spread over several publications, dating from 1874, with some of them not generally available to the scientific community due to their restricted access. The dispersion and sometimes inaccessibility of this information hinder a deeper analysis and a better understanding of the biodiversity of the Azores Islands and more general ecological processes in oceanic islands. Here we present the first checklist of cyanobacteria for the Azores Archipelago with updated taxonomy of all recorded taxa. New information This work provides a compiled and annotated checklist of all known cyanobacteria from the Azores Archipelago with morphological identification from preserved samples and cultures, based on published literature. All records of taxa known to occur in the Azores were taxonomically updated. The present checklist comprises 225 taxa distributed by six orders (Chroococcales, Nostocales, Oscillatoriales, Pleurocapsales, Spirulinales and Synechococcales). Our literature review reveals that the Azores Archipelago hosts a high diversity of cyanobacteria, despite several overlooked habitats that may present great potential regarding cyanobacteria diversity. Increasing efforts to study these neglected habitats could contribute to the knowledge of cyanobacteria taxonomy. This checklist provides the basis for future works on the taxonomy and taxa richness of cyanobacteria in the Azores and the Atlantic Islands, as also for understanding and monitoring nonindigenous and invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oceanic island floras often exhibit remarkable concentrations of endemic diversity, provide spectacular examples of rapid evolutionary radiations and harbour floras under significant threat due to anthropogenic pressures. They have attracted the interest of biologists for centuries, but their floras continue to yield new taxa and, at a global scale, the extent of their plant diversity remains imperfectly known. Both natural characteristics and historical factors have shaped the development of knowledge of island floras. In this paper, we investigate the approach of Richard Thomas Lowe (1802–1874), to documenting the flora of Madeira island in the North Atlantic. Lowe collected abundantly in Madeira between 1826 and 1873, resulting in several works on Madeira's flora, published from the 1830s. At a time when taxonomic research on island floras was often based on limited collections made during brief expeditions, Lowe's research on the flora, spanning almost half a century, was exceptional. In this study, 2579 herbarium specimens collected by Lowe were georeferenced and used to investigate temporal, spatial and taxonomic patterns in Lowe's collecting activities. We also examine the distribution of specimens by Lowe to other botanists. Some biases are evident in Lowe's collecting efforts, with steep slopes under‐sampled and coastal sites over‐sampled. These reflect constraints imposed by topography and transport links. These limitations aside, Lowe's work on the Madeiran flora was conducted in a systematic manner, resulting in a comprehensive study of the entire flora. His approach was distinctly modern: he gathered and studied all available information in herbaria and in the published and unpublished writings from earlier visitors; his initial fieldwork was conducted widely to gain knowledge of all habitats and their floras; later fieldwork focussed on less‐explored and most promising areas; duplicates were sent to other botanists, facilitating taxonomic exchanges on critical taxa; and his later fieldwork focussed on plant groups where taxonomic problems had been detected. As a result of Lowe's sustained and systematic approach, he is the single most prolific contributor to the study of Madeira's endemic flora. His approach is a model to documenting island floras still relevant today. Areas poorly sampled by Lowe were areas that were difficult to access, which also protected them from anthropic destructive activities and allowed them to serve as refuges for endemic flora. Those areas deserve particular attention in efforts to complete the survey of Madeira's plant diversity, using technological advancements such as drones to prospect areas that are otherwise still largely inaccessible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase of the tourism and urbanization of vast areas of dunes and beaches has been accompanied by an increase in the level of disturbances to many shorebirds, especially on those species which depend on such habitats to breed. The European Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) population is declining, also in the Canarian archipelago, one of the most important touristic destinations worldwide. Using data from an intense monitoring program on Lanzarote Island and the nearby La Graciosa islet (hereafter, both referred as Lanzarote), we aimed to (1) estimate the breeding output and survival and (2) use these parameter estimates to build a population model to assess the long-term growth rate of the population and evaluate, accordingly, its conservation status. Our studied population presents a relatively high breeding success although, thereafter, the first-year apparent survival is low. Even though adult apparent survival rates are reasonably high, these seem insufficient to compensate for the low survival rates of the first-year birds. In this sense, we found a negative growth rate according to a population model estimating an annual loss equivalent to 20% (95% confidence interval: 6–35%). Local studies to account for the effects of human disturbance caused by tourist industry on survival, breeding rates, and demography are required to develop precise conservation actions for the Kentish plover population in Lanzarote. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "From Europe to America: the culture and language of sugarcane (16th century)" analyzes the process of transmitting the culture of sugarcane from Europe to America in the 16th century. It highlights the importance of the islands of Madeira and the Canary Islands in this cultural exchange. Topics such as sugar mills, legislation, and vocabulary related to sugarcane are addressed. The article also mentions the influence of medieval European enclaves and the islands of Macaronesia in the transmission of sugarcane culture. The transfer of knowledge and techniques related to the sugar industry from the Canary Islands to America in the 16th century is discussed. Additionally, the article talks about the history of sugar terminology in America and its relationship with sugar mills in the Canary Islands. The terminology used in the sugar industry in America reflects the influence of the islands, both in cultivation and sugar production. [Extracted from the article]

Aim: Functional traits can help us to elucidate biogeographical and ecological processes driving assemblage structure. We analysed the functional diversity of plant species of different evolutionary origins across an island archipelago, along environmental gradients and across geological age, to assess functional aspects of island biogeographical theory. Location: Canary Islands, Spain. Major taxa studied: Spermatophytes. Time period: Present day. Methods: We collected data for four traits (plant height, leaf length, flower length and fruit length) associated with resource acquisition, competitive ability, reproduction and dispersal ability of 893 endemic, non‐endemic native and alien plant species (c. 43% of the Canary Island flora) from the literature. Linking these traits to species occurrences and composition across a 500 m × 500 m grid, we calculated functional diversity for endemic, non‐endemic native and alien assemblages using multidimensional functional hypervolumes and related the resulting patterns to climatic (humidity) and island biogeographical (geographical isolation, topographic complexity and geological age) gradients. Results: Trait space of endemic and non‐endemic native species overlapped considerably, and alien species added novel trait combinations, expanding the overall functional space of the Canary Islands. We found that functional diversity of endemic plant assemblages was highest in geographically isolated and humid grid cells. Functional diversity of non‐endemic native assemblages was highest in less isolated and humid grid cells. In contrast, functional diversity of alien assemblages was highest in arid ecosystems. Topographic complexity and geological age had only a subordinate effect on functional diversity across floristic groups. Main conclusions: We found that endemic and non‐endemic native island species possess similar traits, whereas alien species tend to expand functional space in ecosystems where they have been introduced. The spatial distribution of the functional diversity of floristic groups is very distinct across environmental gradients, indicating that species assemblages of different evolutionary origins thrive functionally in dissimilar habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every individual who has not been born on an island is a foreigner, an intruder. Consequently, the construction of human island identity involves a contrast with the other, the non-islander. The objective of this study is to ascertain the historical origin of the identity of the Macaronesian islander. The island areas that are being addressed are conditioned by their geographical location in relation to their surrounding territories. That is, their proximity to Africa, their link to America and their dependence on Europe. In short, social, economic and cultural development is determined by the related dynamic ocean environment, i.e., the Atlantic. This research analyses the fluid contacts, complementarity and historical dependencies between the Macaronesian islands that promoted not only a feeling of belonging to supranational Iberian monarchies, but also a sense of belonging to the same region formed by a Portuguese and Spanish population of extra-peninsular origin with its nexus being its insularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In island territories, effective management of water resources is of vital importance to avoid situations of water stress, especially in the hottest months of the year. The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is a European regulation that has been correctly implemented in the islands that make up the Macaronesia, especially in the Canary Islands, while in Cape Verde, it is the Water Code - Framework Regulation, through which hydrological planning is conducted from the point of view of the WFD and Cape Verde Appliances (CA). This paper describes the water management situation in Macaronesia and analyses in greater depth the specific case of the Canary Islands. As a general conclusion, all the islands, being of volcanic origin and sharing a common geolocation, share similar characteristics such as high tourism, importance of agriculture and high pressure on groundwater resources, as well as a boom in seawater desalination. All these characteristics influence water management in Macaronesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is essential to find a balance between tourism development and sustainable consumption of water resources. To achieve this goal, a Sustainable Balanced Scorecard connected to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is proposed for optimal water resource management in the hotel sector. The Scorecard is based on four perspectives: customer, internal processes, learning and improvement, and financial. The key variables were agreed on with stakeholders in the sector, and the Sustainable Balanced Scorecard was tested empirically on a sample of 70 hotels in island tourism destinations in the Macaronesia region. The results revealed that though more and more hotels have tried to implement strategies to save water, they were still a long way from reaching the international standard of 140 L per guest night. In addition, there were significant differences concerning water consumption according to hotel category. The Sustainable Balanced Scorecard in this paper adds to the existing works about materiality in sustainability. It can also support business decision making about the SDGs and help potential investors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive human-mediated translocation of species from their native ranges to alien environments is a trademark of the Anthropocene. Particularly in island ecosystems, established non-native species often have highly detrimental impacts on native taxa and thus the study of the drivers mediating the establishment and expansion of introduced species in areas outside their native range is crucial to delineate timely and effective mitigation measures. Species distribution models (SDMs) are widely used in invasion biology and offer great potential for the assessment of invasion risk and the identification of areas likely to be colonized by expanding alien species. Within reptiles, Gekkonidae is the second family with most introductions globally, a reflection of the group’s capacity to survive long distance dispersal events. The temperate Moorish gecko (Tarentola mauritanica) is native to the Mediterranean basin but has established alien populations in multiple localities throughout the word. It was first reported in the subtropical island of Madeira in 1993 and over the last three decades has colonized a substantial section of the island’s south coast. Here, we use Madeira Island as a case study to investigate the interplay between bioclimatic and local scale variables on the occurrence of T. mauritanica in areas outside its native range. We found that the species favors areas with high temperatures during the coldest month, low mean temperatures during the wettest quarter, low annual values of precipitation, and high precipitation during the driest quarter. This translates to an obvious preference for areas with more Mediterranean-like climates which in Madeira are primarily located in the south and south-eastern sections of the island. Additionally, our models predicted that some areas of the northern coast of Madeira offer suitable conditions for the gecko, although no observations have yet been recorded. Tarentola mauritanica is expanding its range in Madeira and has already colonized the nearby island of Porto Santo. It is paramount that more research is devoted to understanding the impact of this alien gecko on the island’s native species and ecosystems, and in particular on its endemic-rich arthropod communities.

Esta nueva lista incluye en 869 táxones nuevos aparecidos en 471 referencias bibliográficas publicadas principalmente entre 2018 y 2021. Comprende 684 especies, 82 géneros o subgéneros, 54 categorías supragenéricas, 47 subespecies y 2 categorías infrasubespecíficas procedentes del área considerada.

The Madeira archipelago has a unique underwater landscape that is characterised by narrow shelves, steep slopes and a large submarine tributary system that boosts primary productivity in oligotrophic waters and thus offers a potential for hotspots of biodiversity. Despite this, there have been limited deep-water exploration activities with less than five expeditions since the 1960s. Here, we investigated the seabed on the southern side of the Madeira-Desertas Ridge using a manned submersible along a 3.8 km long transect starting at 366 m depth up the ridge shelf until its top at 73 m. Benthic habitats and community composition were documented with video along a depth gradient from mesophotic to deep sea. Six distinct biotopes were recognised (three deeper, and three shallower than 115 m depth). Our results showed a rich biodiversity with deep biotopes characterised by sponges and non-reef-building corals (e.g., Pachastrella monilifera, Viminella flagellum, Eunicella verrucosa) and shallow biotopes comprising macroalgae and the gorgonian Paramuricea cf. grayi. The pronounced benthic zonation reflects the steep environmental gradient that includes high topographic variation, heterogeneous substrates, and bidirectional regular wave-motion at the shallow mesophotic part. Together with biotic factors, such as low density of sea urchins and presence of predatory fish, this environment with unusual deep light penetration, a mesoscale cyclonic eddy, and deep wave-motion, has allowed the establishment of a mature deep-water kelp population of Laminaria ochroleuca in the plateau (max. >100 individuals p/100 m2). At the same time, a conspicuous coral fauna was observed on a wide range of soft to hard bottoms with several species taking advantage of the favourable hydrodynamic regime and seawater properties together with substratum availability to create coral gardens. These habitats were previously not known from Madeira, and their newfound discovery in the archipelago merit further investigation and protection.

Premise: Plants endemic to oceanic archipelagos are suitable for studying evolution, being isolated on substrates of different ages. Evolution has been recent, rendering traditionally employed sequences insufficiently variable for resolving relationships. This study includes sampling in the genus Tolpis (Asteraceae) from the Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verde, and expands upon an earlier study demonstrating the efficacy of multiplexed shotgun genotyping (MSG) for resolving relationships in Canarian Tolpis. Methods: Genomic libraries for 90 accessions of Tolpis and two from the outgroup were generated for genotyping individuals using MSG. Loci were de novo assembled with iPyrad, which clusters MSG loci within and between samples. A maximum likelihood phylogeny was generated with RAxML. Ancestral area reconstruction was inferred using R package BioGeoBEARS. Results: MSG data recovered a highly resolved phylogeny from population to inter‐archipelago levels. Ancestral area reconstruction provided biogeographic hypotheses for the radiation of Macaronesian Tolpis. Conclusions: Four major clades were resolved. The Madeiran endemic T. macrorhiza is sister to other Tolpis. Species from the Canaries, Cape Verdes, and the continent are sister to T. succulenta from Madeira, which has a sister subclade of Azorean populations composed of T. succulenta and T. azorica. Population‐level resolution suggests unrecognized taxa on several archipelagos. Ancestral reconstruction suggests initial dispersal from the continent to Madeira, with dispersal to the Azores, then dispersal from Madeira to the Canary Islands, with both subsequent dispersal to the Cape Verdes and back‐dispersal to the continent. Single‐island radiations and inter‐island dispersal are implicated in divergence in Macaronesian Tolpis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent bryological research in Portugal has revealed the occurrence of a little-known segregate of the Riccia sorocarpa group, representing the first record for mainland Portugal and the Azores of Riccia sorocarpa Bisch. subsp. erythrophora R.M.Schust. ex Konstant. & L.Söderstr. New data are presented on the taxonomy and phytogeography of this globally rare taxon. A revision of approximately 200 samples of Riccia sorocarpa s.l. from selected Portuguese herbaria, together with some recent field collections, was carried out, based on the results of light and scanning electron microscopy. Our findings confirm that Riccia sorocarpa subsp. erythrophora is a distinct subspecies, and show that morphological differences of the thallus, primarily the violet-red purple bases of the ventral scales, are the most important characters for its delimitation. Scanning electron micrographs of spores of this taxon are presented for the first time. Phytogeographically, our data significantly extend the known distribution of the subspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heriaeus buffoni (Audouin, 1826) is reported for the first time from the Canary Islands, where it was found on Lanzarote. This also represents the first record of the genus in the archipelago. All individuals were collected with pitfall traps installed in nitrophilous synanthropic shrub vegetation near urban areas. Species identification was based on male genitalia only as females were not sampled. A map including all known records from Lanzarote, drawings of the pedipalps and photographs of living and preserved specimens are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The data we present are part of the long-term project "SLAM Project - Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the Natural Forest of Azores" that started in 2012, aiming to understand the impact of biodiversity erosion drivers on Azorean native forests (Azores, Macaronesia, Portugal). The data for the current study consist in an inventory of arthropods collected in three locations of a native forest fragment at Terra-Brava protected area (Terceira, Azores, Portugal) aiming to test the impact of edge effects on Azorean arthropod communities. The three locations were: (i) the edge of the forest, closer to the pastures; (ii) an intermediate area (100 m from edge); and (iii) the deepest part of the native forest fragment (more than 300 m from edge). The study was carried out between June 2014 and December 2015. A total of nine passive flight interception SLAM (Sea, Land and Air Malaise) traps were deployed (three in each of the studied locations), during 18 consecutive months. This study provides the raw data to investigate temporal and edge effect variation for the Azorean arthropod communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudoscorpions are known worldwide and yet are poorly studied mainly due to the difficulty of detecting them. Among their predators are ground-dwelling taxa, such as arthropods, amphibians, birds, and reptiles. Only four pseudoscorpion species are known to occur in the Cabo Verde Archipelago, and none in the Desertas Islands, located in the northwest of the country. In this study, we record the first two species for the Desertas Islands. We used molecular and morphological methods to taxonomically identify the specimens retrieved from reptile faecal pellets and pitfall traps. We identified the presence of Garypus cf. saxicola on Raso Islet, Olpium pallipes (Lucas, 1849) on Raso and Santa Luzia Island, and a putative new species of Olpium L. Koch, 1873 on Branco Islet. This study emphasizes how an indirect measure of biodiversity and ecological interactions via potential predators, using non-invasive sampling combined with metabarcoding and morphological studies, can be used to uncover unknown biodiversity, particularly of cryptic groups from highly inaccessible locations. Likewise, this study highlights the lack of 16S genetic resources for pseudoscorpions in online reference databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study adds 19 species (15 Rhodophyta, one Chlorophyta and three Ochrophyta) to the Azorean marine macroalgal flora, increasing the current total of species recorded in this region to 521 (349 Rhodophyta, 76 Chlorophyta and 96 Ochrophyta), and showing that this isolated island group supports a relatively rich marine macroalgal flora. Some species fall within their known overall distributional range, whereas other found here represent a northern or southern extension to their known distribution in the Atlantic. Three species (Antithamnionella elegans, Gymnophycus hapsiphorus and Scytosiphon dotyi) are probable introductions to the Azores, whereas Melanothamnus pseudoforcipatus has an uncertain status. Six of the newly reported species were found as components of the intertidal algal turf samples, which justifies the need for continuing to examine turf samples as new discoveries can be anticipated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides the first record of the beaded sea cucumber Euapta lappa at Madeira Island. A single individual was observed during a nocturnal scuba dive at 17 m depth, presumably feeding. After having its previous northern limit in the North-east Atlantic at the Selvagens Islands, this record expands the known distribution and northern limit of this tropical species by about 300 km. This new record of yet another tropical species expanding its range northwards can be seen as another indication of the ongoing tropicalization in the marine environment of Macaronesia in the North-east Atlantic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fried egg jellyfish Phacellophora camtschatica (senso lato) is a morphologically peculiar and conspicuous species occurring mostly in the cold waters of the North Pacific. It is less common in the cold waters of the NW Atlantic, and occasionally has been reported in the Mediterranean, Arctic, East and South Pacific, and E, SW and NE Atlantic. However, sightings of this scyphozoan jellyfish have intensified during the past two to three decades in Macaronesia, the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean. These jellyfish are known to be voracious predators of other jellies, but also of other taxa, including fish of commercial interest. Therefore, Phacellophora aggregations may threaten local fisheries, aquaculture, and local biodiversity structuring. We report the first known occurrences of Phacellophora in the Azores Islands, which apparently become more frequent in recent years of the past decade. We confirm, through DNA barcoding of COI and 16S mitochondrial markers, the genetic identity of Phacellophora occurring in the Azores (NE Atlantic). We reveal, with COI sequence data, three (potentially four) cryptic species within the Phacellophora camtschatica complex. Two Phacellophora species co-occur in the North Pacific. In the North Atlantic (and possibly in the Mediterranean) one or two distinct species exist. Three nominal species of the genus that are currently synonymized, with type localities in the N Pacific, NW Atlantic, and the Mediterranean, need reassessment. The morphotypes previously defined for the four putative species names given for Phacellophora might be eventually differentiated by the number and disposition of the marginal lappets of umbrellae. This morphologic character has to be further inspected in vouchers of the four genetic lineages of Phacellophora, to decide between the description of new species, and the resurrection of junior synonyms through the designation of neotypes with DNA Barcodes, to validate the identity of the cryptic taxa detected. More haplotype sampling is necessary across the distribution of the genus to further investigate the genetic diversity and phylogeographic history of Phacellophora. The high genetic relatedness of Phacellophora from the cold NW Atlantic and the sub-tropical shores of the Azores, revealed by 16S and COI sequence data, suggests a recent invasion, in terms of geologic time, of the temperate waters of the NE Atlantic (and possibly of the Mediterranean). The medusivorous habits of Phacellophora, and especially its predation on the mauve stinger (Pelagia spp.) which frequently blooms in Macaronesia and Mediterranean waters, could relate to the recent reports of Phacellophora in the Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean. More investment, including on scientific staff, is necessary to catalog, DNA barcode and monitor jellyfish dynamics more accurately worldwide.

Speciation in oceanic islands has attracted the interest of scientists since the 19th century. One of the most striking evolutionary phenomena that can be studied in islands is adaptive radiation, that is, when a lineage gives rise to different species by means of ecological speciation. Some of the best-known examples of adaptive radiation are charismatic organisms like the Darwin finches of the Galapagos and the cichlid fishes of the great African lakes. In these and many other examples, a segregation of the trophic niche has been shown to be an important diversification driver. Radiations are known in other groups of organisms, such as lichen-forming fungi. However, very few studies have investigated their adaptive nature, and none have focused on the trophic niche. In this study, we explore the role of the trophic niche in a putative radiation of endemic species from the Macaronesian Region, the Ramalina decipiens group. The photobiont diversity was studied by Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the ITS2 region of 197 specimens spanning the phylogenetic breadth and geographic range of the group. A total of 66 amplicon sequence variants belonging to the four main clades of the algal genus Trebouxia were found. Approximately half of the examined thalli showed algal coexistence, but in most of them, a single main photobiont amounted to more than 90% of the reads. However, there were no significant differences in photobiont identity and in the abundance of ITS2 reads across the species of the group. We conclude that a segregation of the trophic niche has not occurred in the R. decipiens radiation.

The fried egg jellyfish Phacellophora camtschatica (senso lato) is a morphologically peculiar and conspicuous species occurring mostly in the cold waters of the North Pacific. It is less common in the cold waters of the NW Atlantic, and occasionally has been reported in the Mediterranean, Arctic, East and South Pacific, and E, SW and NE Atlantic. However, sightings of this scyphozoan jellyfish have intensified during the past two to three decades in Macaronesia, the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean. These jellyfish are known to be voracious predators of other jellies, but also of other taxa, including fish of commercial interest. Therefore, Phacellophora aggregations may threaten local fisheries, aquaculture, and local biodiversity structuring. We report the first known occurrences of Phacellophora in the Azores Islands, which apparently become more frequent in recent years of the past decade. We confirm, through DNA barcoding of COI and 16S mitochondrial markers, the genetic identity of Phacellophora occurring in the Azores (NE Atlantic). We reveal, with COI sequence data, three (potentially four) cryptic species within the Phacellophora camtschatica complex. Two Phacellophora species co-occur in the North Pacific. In the North Atlantic (and possibly in the Mediterranean) one or two distinct species exist. Three nominal species of the genus that are currently synonymized, with type localities in the N Pacific, NW Atlantic, and the Mediterranean, need reassessment. The morphotypes previously defined for the four putative species names given for Phacellophora might be eventually differentiated by the number and disposition of the marginal lappets of umbrellae. This morphologic character has to be further inspected in vouchers of the four genetic lineages of Phacellophora, to decide between the description of new species, and the resurrection of junior synonyms through the designation of neotypes with DNA Barcodes, to validate the identity of the cryptic taxa detected. More haplotype sampling is necessary across the distribution of the genus to further investigate the genetic diversity and phylogeographic history of Phacellophora. The high genetic relatedness of Phacellophora from the cold NW Atlantic and the sub-tropical shores of the Azores, revealed by 16S and COI sequence data, suggests a recent invasion, in terms of geologic time, of the temperate waters of the NE Atlantic (and possibly of the Mediterranean). The medusivorous habits of Phacellophora, and especially its predation on the mauve stinger (Pelagia spp.) which frequently blooms in Macaronesia and Mediterranean waters, could relate to the recent reports of Phacellophora in the Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean. More investment, including on scientific staff, is necessary to catalog, DNA barcode and monitor jellyfish dynamics more accurately worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The data we present consist of an inventory of exotic arthropods, potentially invasive, collected in exotic and mixed forests and disturbed native forest patches of the Azores Archipelago. The study was carried out between 2019 and 2020 in four islands: Corvo, Flores, Terceira and Santa Maria, where a total of 45 passive flight interception SLAM traps were deployed, during three to six consecutive months. This manuscript is the second contribution of the "SLAM Project - Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the Natural Forest of Azores". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syrphid flies are important ecological indicators and provide crucial ecosystem services, being important pollinators and biological control agents of insect pests. These charismatic insects are conspicuous and, due to their size and colourful patterns, are relatively easy to identify. However, the lack of user-friendly literature (e.g. photographic guides) for most areas may hamper its wider selection as a study group in biodiversity and ecological studies. The syrphid fauna of Madeira Archipelago comprises 26 species, including four endemics (Eumerus hispidus Smit, Aguiar & Wakeham-Dawson, 2004; Melanostoma wollastoni Wakeham-Dawson, Aguiar, Smit, McCullough & Wyatt, 2004; Myathropa usta, Wollaston, 1858 and Xanthandrus babyssa, Walker, 1849), but, despite the current good taxonomic knowledge on this group, information on species distribution, ecology and conservation is still lacking. Here, we provide a pictorial key to the adult hoverflies of Madeira Archipelago highlighting diagnostic characteristics and present photographs of both males and females (in dorsal and lateral views) in colour plates. The key and plates will help researchers to differentiate these species, thus encouraging the use of this insect group in future bioindication studies. In addition, this study also aims to engage a broader audience of non-experts in improving the knowledge on the distribution and ecology of Madeira syrphids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of their ability for aerial dispersal using silk and preference for open habitats, many wolf spiders are formidable colonisers. Pioneering arachnologists were already aware of the large and colourful wolf spiders in the Madeira archipelago, currently included in the genus Hogna Simon, 1885. The origins were investigated and species boundaries of Madeiran Hogna examined by integrating target-gene and morphological information. A multi-locus phylogenetic analysis of a thorough sampling across wolf-spider diversity suggested a single origin of Madeiran endemics, albeit with low support. Divergence time estimation traced back their origin to the late Miocene, a time of major global cooling that drove the expansion of grasslands and the associated fauna. Morphological examination of types and newly collected material revealed a new species, hereby described as H. isambertoi Crespo, sp. nov. Additionally, H. blackwalli is revalidated and three new synonymies are proposed, namely H. biscoitoi Wunderlich, 1992, junior synonym of H. insularum Kulczynski, 1899, H. schmitzi Wunderlich, 1992, junior synonym of H. maderiana (Walckenaer, 1837), and Arctosa maderana Roewer, 1960 junior synonym of H. ferox (Lucas, 1838). Species delimitation analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear markers provided additional support for morphological delineations. The species pair H. insularum and H. maderiana, however, constituted an exception: the lack of exclusive haplotypes in the examined markers, along with the discovery of intermediate forms, pointed to hybridisation between these two species as reported in other congeneric species on islands. Finally, the conservation status of the species is discussed and candidates for immediate conservation efforts are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speciation in oceanic islands has attracted the interest of scientists since the 19th century. One of the most striking evolutionary phenomena that can be studied in islands is adaptive radiation, that is, when a lineage gives rise to different species by means of ecological speciation. Some of the best-known examples of adaptive radiation are charismatic organisms like the Darwin finches of the Galapagos and the cichlid fishes of the great African lakes. In these and many other examples, a segregation of the trophic niche has been shown to be an important diversification driver. Radiations are known in other groups of organisms, such as lichen-forming fungi. However, very few studies have investigated their adaptive nature, and none have focused on the trophic niche. In this study, we explore the role of the trophic niche in a putative radiation of endemic species from the Macaronesian Region, the Ramalina decipiens group. The photobiont diversity was studied by Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the ITS2 region of 197 specimens spanning the phylogenetic breadth and geographic range of the group. A total of 66 amplicon sequence variants belonging to the four main clades of the algal genus Trebouxia were found. Approximately half of the examined thalli showed algal coexistence, but in most of them, a single main photobiont amounted to more than 90% of the reads. However, there were no significant differences in photobiont identity and in the abundance of ITS2 reads across the species of the group. We conclude that a segregation of the trophic niche has not occurred in the R. decipiens radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Madeiran wall lizard Teira dugesii is a relatively new species to the Azores Archipelago, where it was accidentally introduced about 150 to 200 years ago. This lacertid quickly became naturalised and now occurs in all the nine main islands of the Azores. At Praia Islet, off Graciosa Island, the Madeiran wall lizard was recently observed preying on chicks of the threatened Monteiro's storm-petrel Hydrobates monteiroi. To characterise the lizards' trophic niche, we conducted a study of the diet of the Madeiran wall lizard at Praia using stable isotope analysis and next-generation sequencing. Our results indicate that the Madeiran wall lizard has a varied diet, consisting of at least 23 invertebrate taxa, 17 plant species, and occasionally, birds (two species detected, including storm-petrels). Marine derived food items were present in few samples, and it is vital to monitor the trophic interactions at Praia Islet to ensure the conservation of this threatened storm-petrel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichens are an iconic example of symbiotic systems whose ecology is shaped by the requirements of the symbionts. Previous studies suggest that fungal (mycobionts) as well as photosynthesizing (phycobionts or cyanobionts) partners have a specific range of acceptable symbionts that can be chosen according to specific environmental conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of climatic conditions and mycobiont identity on phycobiont distribution within the lichen genera Stereocaulon, Cladonia, and Lepraria. The study area comprised the Canary Islands, Madeira, Sicily, and the Aeolian Islands, spanning a wide range of climatic conditions. These islands are known for their unique and diverse fauna and flora; however, lichen phycobionts have remained unstudied in most of these areas. In total, we genetically analyzed 339 lichen samples. The phycobiont pool differed significantly from that outside the studied area. Asterochloris mediterranea was identified as the most abundant phycobiont. However, its distribution was limited by climatic constraints. Other species of Asterochloris and representatives of the genera Chloroidium, Vulcanochloris, and Myrmecia were also recovered as phycobionts. The selection of symbiotic partners from the local phycobiont pool was driven by mycobiont specificity (i.e., the taxonomic range of acceptable partners) and the environmental conditions, mainly temperature. Interestingly, the dominant fungal species responded differently in their selection of algal symbionts along the environmental gradients. Cladonia rangiformis associated with its phycobiont A. mediterranea in a broader range of temperatures than Stereocaulon azoreum, which favors other Asterochloris species along most of the temperature gradient. Stereocaulon vesuvianum associated with Chloroidium spp., which also differed in their temperature optima. Finally, we described Stereocaulon canariense as a new endemic species ecologically distinct from the other Stereocaulon species on the Canary Islands.

Macaronesian laurel forests harbour many herbs and laurophyllous trees with Mediterranean/European or Macaronesian affinities. Traditionally, the origin of these taxa has been explained by the relict hypothesis interpreting these taxa as relics of formerly widespread laurel forests in the European continent and the Mediterranean. We analysed the phylogenetic relationships of the Madeiran laurel forest endemic Goodyera macrophylla (Orchidaceae) using sequences from the nuclear ribosomal DNA Internal Transcribed Spacers (ITS) and plastid DNA regions. The results were incongruent, either the two Central American G. brachyceras and G. striata (ITS) or the North American G. oblongifolia (plastid DNA) were sister group to G. macrophylla. Nonetheless, biogeographic analyses indicated an American origin of this nemoral laurel forest plant in the two data sets. Molecular clock analyses suggest a colonisation of Madeira in the span of the upper Miocene/lower Pliocene to the Pleistocene. Although the relict hypothesis cannot be ruled out by our data when assuming extinction events on the European and northern African mainland, dispersal from Central or North America to the archipelago of Madeira is a much more likely explanation of the data.

The deep sea is among the largest, most biologically diverse, yet least-explored ecosystems on Earth. Baseline information on deep-sea biodiversity is crucial for understanding ecosystem functioning and for detecting community changes. Here, we established a baseline of cephalopod community composition and distribution off Cabo Verde, an archipelago in the eastern tropical Atlantic. This baseline served to test the hypothesis that Cabo Verde is biogeographically separated from other Macaronesian archipelagos and allowed the identification of cephalopod species which may play a role in the Macaronesian carbon cycle and oceanic food web. To investigate cephalopod community composition, this study used 746 individual cephalopods obtained by nets (0–1000 m) and 52 cephalopod encounters during video surveys with either towed camera (0–2500 m) or manned submersible (0–375 m). Additionally, environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding on 105 seawater samples (50–2500 m), using an 18S rRNA universal cephalopod primer pair, and a species-specific primer pair for Taningia danae resulted in the detection of 32 cephalopod taxa. When combined, the three methods detected a total of 87 taxa, including 47 distinct species. Each method contributed between 7 and 54% of taxa that were not detected by the other methods, indicating that multiple methodological approaches are needed for optimal deep-sea cephalopod biodiversity assessments. This study documents the occurrences of six species and three genera for the first time in waters surrounding Cabo Verde. Video surveys and eDNA analysis detected Taningia danae recurrently (100–2500 m). eDNA metabarcoding proved to be a powerful tool for cephalopod biodiversity monitoring and complementary to traditional sampling methods. When also including literature records, Cabo Verde hosts at least 102 cephalopod taxa including 30 families and 64 benthic and pelagic species. The total number and species composition of Cabo Verde cephalopods is similar to the Canary Islands and Azores, two known cephalopod biodiversity hotspots, but the Cabo Verde octopus fauna seems to differ. Due to a range of life history characteristics, we hypothesize that the squids Taningia danae (Octopoteuthidae) and Sthenoteuthis pteropus (Ommastrephidae) are important in the carbon cycle of Macaronesia. As a cephalopod biodiversity hotspot Cabo Verde could function as a model region to investigate cephalopod biology and ecology in a rapidly changing Atlantic Ocean.

Lichens are an iconic example of symbiotic systems whose ecology is shaped by the requirements of the symbionts. Previous studies suggest that fungal (mycobionts) as well as photosynthesizing (phycobionts or cyanobionts) partners have a specific range of acceptable symbionts that can be chosen according to specific environmental conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of climatic conditions and mycobiont identity on phycobiont distribution within the lichen genera Stereocaulon , Cladonia , and Lepraria. The study area comprised the Canary Islands, Madeira, Sicily, and the Aeolian Islands, spanning a wide range of climatic conditions. These islands are known for their unique and diverse fauna and flora; however, lichen phycobionts have remained unstudied in most of these areas. In total, we genetically analyzed 339 lichen samples. The phycobiont pool differed significantly from that outside the studied area. Asterochloris mediterranea was identified as the most abundant phycobiont. However, its distribution was limited by climatic constraints. Other species of Asterochloris and representatives of the genera Chloroidium , Vulcanochloris , and Myrmecia were also recovered as phycobionts. The selection of symbiotic partners from the local phycobiont pool was driven by mycobiont specificity (i.e., the taxonomic range of acceptable partners) and the environmental conditions, mainly temperature. Interestingly, the dominant fungal species responded differently in their selection of algal symbionts along the environmental gradients. Cladonia rangiformis associated with its phycobiont A. mediterranea in a broader range of temperatures than Stereocaulon azoreum , which favors other Asterochloris species along most of the temperature gradient. Stereocaulon vesuvianum associated with Chloroidium spp., which also differed in their temperature optima. Finally, we described Stereocaulon canariense as a new endemic species ecologically distinct from the other Stereocaulon species on the Canary Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The woodlouse hunter Dysdera spiders have colonized all Macaronesian archipelagos. We report here for the first time an evolutionary connection between the Iberian Peninsula, Madeira, and the remote archipelago of Azores. Based on museum specimens from the 1950s, we describe the first endemic Dysdera species from the Azores. Additionally, we report the recent collection of immature individuals related yet probably not conspecific to the new species, rejecting previous suggestions that the endemic lineage had gone extinct. A multi-locus target phylogeny revealed that an undescribed species from Madeira was the closest relative to the Azores lineage, and that both island taxa were in turn sister to an Iberian endemic species, within a mostly Iberian clade. Interestingly, the Madeiran relative was not closely related to the remaining endemic species reported in the archipelago, suggesting an independent colonization. A divergence time estimation analysis unravelled that Dysdera colonized both archipelagos early after their emergence. The colonization pathway remains ambiguous, but the Iberian Peninsula acted as the ultimate source of the ancestral colonizers. Finally, we describe the new species Dysdera cetophonorum Crespo & Arnedo sp. nov. from Pico and Dysdera citauca Crespo & Arnedo, sp. nov. from Ilhéu de Cima (Porto Santo) and redescribe and illustrate the female genitalia for the first time of their poorly known closest relative, Dysdera flavitarsis Simon, 1882 from the north-western Iberian Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Porlieria honours Antonio A. de Porlier y Sopranis, 1st Marquis of Bajamar (1722 – 1813), a distinguished Spanish nobleman who served as a high-ranking administrator in the New World Spanish colonies and Spain between 1757 and 1812. Porlier was born in the Canary Islands and was a strong advocate for botanical initiatives in the Americas and in the Canaries. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava (Canary Islands) and for the development of the three major floristics surveys that Spain supported in the New World at that time. These floristic studies were led by well-known botanists such as Martín Sessé, Hipólito Ruiz, José A. Pavón and Celestino Mutis. Porlieria Ruiz & Pav. (Zygophyllaceae) is a South American genus with four species. The nomenclature of the seven names associated with this genus is reviewed, requiring lectotypification of the names Guaiacum angustifolium Engelm., P. arida Rusby, P. hygrometra Ruiz & Pav. and P. lorentzii Engl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The data we present are part of the AGRO-ECOSERVICES project (Assessing ecosystem services and disservices provided by arthropod species in Azorean agroecosystems). The project aims to evaluate the relative importance of native and non-native organisms as ecosystem services (ES) and disservices (ED) providers, by combining novel, direct and quantitative tools for monitoring agro-biodiversity. Ecosystem services include evaluation of natural pest control by predation, seed predation on weed plants, pollination, decomposition and ecosystem disservices, herbivory and seed predation on crop plants. Active Aerial Searching (AAS) (only in maize-fields) and pitfall traps were used to sample the arthropod biodiversity (predatory spiders, true-bugs and beetles and main insect pests) on four agricultural habitats of Terceira Island, namely citrus orchards, low and high elevation maize fields and vineyards. New information We provided an inventory of all arthropods recorded in four Azorean agroecosystems (citrus orchards, low and high elevation maize fields and vineyards) from Terceira Island. A total of 50412 specimens were collected, belonging to four classes, 20 orders, 81 families and 200 identified species of arthropods. A total of 127 species are considered introduced (n = 22646) and 69 native non-endemic (n = 24117). Four endemic species were recorded with very few specimens (n = 14) and 3635 specimens belong to unidentified taxa recorded only at genus or family level. Five species are new records for Terceira Island, with Lagria hirta (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) being also a new record for the Azores. This publication contributes to a better knowledge of the arthropods communities present in agro-ecosystems of Terceira Island and will serve as a baseline for future monitoring schemes targeting the long-term change in arthropod diversity and abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]