Search

The Xerces Blue (Glaucopsyche xerces) is considered to be the first butterfly to become extinct in historical times. It was notable for its chalky lavender wings with conspicuous white spots on the ventral wings. The last individuals were collected in their restricted habitat, in the dunes near the Presidio military base in San Francisco, in 1941. We sequenced the genomes of four 80- to 100-year- old Xerces Blue, and seven historical and one modern specimens of its closest relative, the Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus). We compared these to a novel annotated genome of the Green-Underside Blue (Glaucopsyche alexis). Phylogenetic relationships inferred from complete mitochondrial genomes indicate that Xerces Blue was a distinct species that diverged from the Silvery Blue lineage at least 850,000 years ago. Using nuclear genomes, both species experienced population growth during the Eemian interglacial period, but the Xerces Blue decreased to a very low effective population size subsequently, a trend opposite to that observed in the Silvery Blue. Runs of homozygosity and deleterious load in the former were significantly greater than in the later, suggesting a higher incidence of inbreeding. These signals of population decline observed in Xerces Blue could be used to identify and monitor other insects threatened by human activities, whose extinction patterns are still not well known., The Xerces Blue (Glaucopsyche xerces) is considered to be the first butterfly to become extinct in historical times. It was notable for its chalky lavender wings with conspicuous white spots on the ventral wings. The last individuals were collected in their restricted habitat, in the dunes near the Presidio military base in San Francisco, in 1941. We sequenced the genomes of four 80- to 100-year- old Xerces Blue, and seven historical and one modern specimens of its closest relative, the Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus). We compared these to a novel annotated genome of the Green-Underside Blue (Glaucopsyche alexis). Phylogenetic relationships inferred from complete mitochondrial genomes indicate that Xerces Blue was a distinct species that diverged from the Silvery Blue lineage at least 850,000 years ago. Using nuclear genomes, both species experienced population growth during the Eemian interglacial period, but the Xerces Blue decreased to a very low effective population size subsequently, a trend opposite to that observed in the Silvery Blue. Runs of homozygosity and deleterious load in the former were significantly greater than in the later, suggesting a higher incidence of inbreeding. These signals of population decline observed in Xerces Blue could be used to identify and monitor other insects threatened by human activities, whose extinction patterns are still not well known., The Xerces Blue (Glaucopsyche xerces) is considered to be the first butterfly to become extinct in historical times. It was notable for its chalky lavender wings with conspicuous white spots on the ventral wings. The last individuals were collected in their restricted habitat, in the dunes near the Presidio military base in San Francisco, in 1941. We sequenced the genomes of four 80- to 100-year- old Xerces Blue, and seven historical and one modern specimens of its closest relative, the Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus). We compared these to a novel annotated genome of the Green-Underside Blue (Glaucopsyche alexis). Phylogenetic relationships inferred from complete mitochondrial genomes indicate that Xerces Blue was a distinct species that diverged from the Silvery Blue lineage at least 850,000 years ago. Using nuclear genomes, both species experienced population growth during the Eemian interglacial period, but the Xerces Blue decreased to a very low effective population size subsequently, a trend opposite to that observed in the Silvery Blue. Runs of homozygosity and deleterious load in the former were significantly greater than in the later, suggesting a higher incidence of inbreeding. These signals of population decline observed in Xerces Blue could be used to identify and monitor other insects threatened by human activities, whose extinction patterns are still not well known.

Agricultural intensification, by changing land use and modifying the yearly configuration and composition through crop sequences, affects the abundance and diversity of pollinators and, consequently, pollination. This study aims to assess the impact of the characteristics of agricultural landscapes on pollinator abundance in the Mediterranean region. We studied the response of three major wild pollinator groups (hoverflies, bumblebees, and wild bees) to four landscape characteristics: three related to composition, namely, equivalent crop diversity in the sampling year (eRg), previous year equivalent crop diversity (eRgP) and percentage of seminatural habitats (SNH), and one related to landscape configuration, namely, mean field size (MFS). For this evaluation, we selected twenty-two oilseed rape fields (OSRs) differing in surrounding landscape characteristics within a 1-km radius. Multimodel inference indicates that landscape variables affect pollinator groups differently. The percentage of SNH was the most important variable having a positive influence on the abundance of bumblebees, while eRgP and MFS were found to be important for the abundance of wild bees and hoverflies. These data allow us to prioritize actions aimed at specific groups of pollinators, improve agricultural landscape schemes, promote the conservation of wild pollinators, promote crop diversity at the landscape scale and increase the extent of seminatural areas., Agricultural intensification, by changing land use and modifying the yearly configuration and composition through crop sequences, affects the abundance and diversity of pollinators and, consequently, pollination. This study aims to assess the impact of the characteristics of agricultural landscapes on pollinator abundance in the Mediterranean region. We studied the response of three major wild pollinator groups (hoverflies, bumblebees, and wild bees) to four landscape characteristics: three related to composition, namely, equivalent crop diversity in the sampling year (eRg), previous year equivalent crop diversity (eRgP) and percentage of seminatural habitats (SNH), and one related to landscape configuration, namely, mean field size (MFS). For this evaluation, we selected twenty-two oilseed rape fields (OSRs) differing in surrounding landscape characteristics within a 1-km radius. Multimodel inference indicates that landscape variables affect pollinator groups differently. The percentage of SNH was the most important variable having a positive influence on the abundance of bumblebees, while eRgP and MFS were found to be important for the abundance of wild bees and hoverflies. These data allow us to prioritize actions aimed at specific groups of pollinators, improve agricultural landscape schemes, promote the conservation of wild pollinators, promote crop diversity at the landscape scale and increase the extent of seminatural areas., Agricultural intensification, by changing land use and modifying the yearly configuration and composition through crop sequences, affects the abundance and diversity of pollinators and, consequently, pollination. This study aims to assess the impact of the characteristics of agricultural landscapes on pollinator abundance in the Mediterranean region. We studied the response of three major wild pollinator groups (hoverflies, bumblebees, and wild bees) to four landscape characteristics: three related to composition, namely, equivalent crop diversity in the sampling year (eRg), previous year equivalent crop diversity (eRgP) and percentage of seminatural habitats (SNH), and one related to landscape configuration, namely, mean field size (MFS). For this evaluation, we selected twenty-two oilseed rape fields (OSRs) differing in surrounding landscape characteristics within a 1-km radius. Multimodel inference indicates that landscape variables affect pollinator groups differently. The percentage of SNH was the most important variable having a positive influence on the abundance of bumblebees, while eRgP and MFS were found to be important for the abundance of wild bees and hoverflies. These data allow us to prioritize actions aimed at specific groups of pollinators, improve agricultural landscape schemes, promote the conservation of wild pollinators, promote crop diversity at the landscape scale and increase the extent of seminatural areas.

Un guía turístico esloveno y un naturalista de madre cubano-española y padre francés serán dos de los personajes que ilustren el temprano interés científico en el mundo por la fauna cavernícola, surgido a mediados del siglo XIX y que se extenderá lenta y gradualmente al territorio ibero-balear. Pero antes de adentrarnos en este relato a propósito de quienes encontraron esa fauna (hallazgo) y quienes la situaron en la literatura científica (descubrimiento), hagamos un breve recorrido retrocediendo en el tiempo para recuperar la visión que de las cuevas y su interior tuvieron los humanos desde la prehistoria., Un guía turístico esloveno y un naturalista de madre cubano-española y padre francés serán dos de los personajes que ilustren el temprano interés científico en el mundo por la fauna cavernícola, surgido a mediados del siglo XIX y que se extenderá lenta y gradualmente al territorio ibero-balear. Pero antes de adentrarnos en este relato a propósito de quienes encontraron esa fauna (hallazgo) y quienes la situaron en la literatura científica (descubrimiento), hagamos un breve recorrido retrocediendo en el tiempo para recuperar la visión que de las cuevas y su interior tuvieron los humanos desde la prehistoria., Un guía turístico esloveno y un naturalista de madre cubano-española y padre francés serán dos de los personajes que ilustren el temprano interés científico en el mundo por la fauna cavernícola, surgido a mediados del siglo XIX y que se extenderá lenta y gradualmente al territorio ibero-balear. Pero antes de adentrarnos en este relato a propósito de quienes encontraron esa fauna (hallazgo) y quienes la situaron en la literatura científica (descubrimiento), hagamos un breve recorrido retrocediendo en el tiempo para recuperar la visión que de las cuevas y su interior tuvieron los humanos desde la prehistoria.

Diversity inventories are critical to creating accurate species range maps and estimating population sizes, which in turn lead to better informed landscape and wildlife management decisions. Metabarcoding has facilitated large-scale environmental diversity surveys. However, the use of a metabarcoding approach with bird feces to survey arthropod diversity is still rela- tively undeveloped. The aim of this study was to see if and how a metabarcoding approach with bird feces could contribute to a saproxylic Coleoptera survey of traditional insect traps. We compared two methods of surveying saproxylic Coleoptera diversity (metabarcoding birds feces and deploying traditional traps) over two elevations in a mountain system. The two methods caught different species and different levels of functional guild richness. The metabarcoding method successfully recorded both distinct and overlapping portions of diversity from traditional collections, and the approach was also effec- tive in signaling the presence of both rare species and nine country records. Our results show that metabarcoding Passerine bird feces can be successful when used alongside traditional collection methods to capture a broad diversity of saproxylic Coleoptera. This method, however, has quantitative and qualitative limitations, including the inability to produce species abundance data as well as the generation of false positives and negatives due to biases within the metabarcoding pipeline. Implications for insect conservation As many terrestrial ecosystems lose insect diversity, insect diversity surveys are essential to understand the scope of the loss. Despite metabarcoding approach shortcomings, the declining costs and shorter survey and processing time required for this approach compared to traditional survey methods indicate that it can be a valuable addition to the toolkit for saproxylic Coleoptera diversity survey, Diversity inventories are critical to creating accurate species range maps and estimating population sizes, which in turn lead to better informed landscape and wildlife management decisions. Metabarcoding has facilitated large-scale environmental diversity surveys. However, the use of a metabarcoding approach with bird feces to survey arthropod diversity is still rela- tively undeveloped. The aim of this study was to see if and how a metabarcoding approach with bird feces could contribute to a saproxylic Coleoptera survey of traditional insect traps. We compared two methods of surveying saproxylic Coleoptera diversity (metabarcoding birds feces and deploying traditional traps) over two elevations in a mountain system. The two methods caught different species and different levels of functional guild richness. The metabarcoding method successfully recorded both distinct and overlapping portions of diversity from traditional collections, and the approach was also effec- tive in signaling the presence of both rare species and nine country records. Our results show that metabarcoding Passerine bird feces can be successful when used alongside traditional collection methods to capture a broad diversity of saproxylic Coleoptera. This method, however, has quantitative and qualitative limitations, including the inability to produce species abundance data as well as the generation of false positives and negatives due to biases within the metabarcoding pipeline. Implications for insect conservation As many terrestrial ecosystems lose insect diversity, insect diversity surveys are essential to understand the scope of the loss. Despite metabarcoding approach shortcomings, the declining costs and shorter survey and processing time required for this approach compared to traditional survey methods indicate that it can be a valuable addition to the toolkit for saproxylic Coleoptera diversity survey, Diversity inventories are critical to creating accurate species range maps and estimating population sizes, which in turn lead to better informed landscape and wildlife management decisions. Metabarcoding has facilitated large-scale environmental diversity surveys. However, the use of a metabarcoding approach with bird feces to survey arthropod diversity is still rela- tively undeveloped. The aim of this study was to see if and how a metabarcoding approach with bird feces could contribute to a saproxylic Coleoptera survey of traditional insect traps. We compared two methods of surveying saproxylic Coleoptera diversity (metabarcoding birds feces and deploying traditional traps) over two elevations in a mountain system. The two methods caught different species and different levels of functional guild richness. The metabarcoding method successfully recorded both distinct and overlapping portions of diversity from traditional collections, and the approach was also effec- tive in signaling the presence of both rare species and nine country records. Our results show that metabarcoding Passerine bird feces can be successful when used alongside traditional collection methods to capture a broad diversity of saproxylic Coleoptera. This method, however, has quantitative and qualitative limitations, including the inability to produce species abundance data as well as the generation of false positives and negatives due to biases within the metabarcoding pipeline. Implications for insect conservation As many terrestrial ecosystems lose insect diversity, insect diversity surveys are essential to understand the scope of the loss. Despite metabarcoding approach shortcomings, the declining costs and shorter survey and processing time required for this approach compared to traditional survey methods indicate that it can be a valuable addition to the toolkit for saproxylic Coleoptera diversity survey

S'ha organitzat, revisat i documentat la coŀlecció d'espècimens tipus de les famílies Archeocrypticidae, Pythidae i Tenebrionidae (Coleoptera) dipositats al Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona. La coŀlecció està constituïda per 1.216 exemplars tipus, amb un total de 238 tàxons. Hi destaca la presència d'un gran nombre d'espècies de la famílies descrites per Francesc Español, Maurice Antoine, Pierre Ardoin, Carlo Koch i Zoltán Kaszab. En aquest treball es facilita tota la informació disponible relacionada amb els espècimens tipus, incloent– hi per a cada tàxon, espècie o subespècie la situació taxonòmica original i l'actual, la citació original del material tipus, la transcripció exacta de les etiquetes originals i l'estat de conservació dels exemplars. A més a més, es comenten les diferències existents entre la descripció original i l'etiqueta. Quan s'han produït canvis taxonòmics en l'espècie, s'inclou la bibliografia corresponent a l'apartat de referències., The type collection of the families Archeocrypticidae, Pythidae and Tenebrionidae III (Coleoptera) deposited in the Natural Sciences Museum of Barcelona, Spain, was organised, revised and documented. The collection contains 1,216 type specimens representing 238 different taxa. Of note, is a considerable number of species belonging to families described by Francesc Español, Maurice Antoine, Pierre Ardoin, Carlo Koch and Zoltán Kaszab. In this paper we provide all the available information relating to these type specimens. For all taxa (species or subspecies) we give the following information: original and current taxonomic status, original citation of type material, the exact transcription of the original label, and the preservation condition of the specimen. We also discuss the differences between the original descriptions and labels. If a taxonomic change has occurred, the references describing those changes are included at the end of the description., Se ha organizado, revisado y documentado la colección de especímenes tipo de las familias Archeocrypticidae, Pythidae y Tenebrionidae (Coleoptera) depositados en el Museo de Ciencias Naturales de Barcelona. La colección está constituida por 1.216 ejemplares tipo, con un total de 238 taxones. Debe destacarse la presencia de un gran número de especies de las familias descritas por Francesc Español, Maurice Antoine, Pierre Ardoin, Carlo Koch y Zoltán Kaszab. En este trabajo se facilita toda la información disponible relacionada con los especímenes tipo. Así para cualquier taxón, especie o subespecie, se incluye la siguiente información: situación taxonómica original y la actual, cita original del material tipo, transcripción exacta de las etiquetas originales y estado de conservación de los ejemplares. Además, se comentan las diferencias existentes entre la descripción original y la etiqueta. Cuando se han producido cambios taxonómicos en la especie, en el apartado de referencias se incluye la bibliografía correspondiente.

Mountain species are at the forefront of climate change disruption, and montanesaproxylic Coleoptera are facing large- and small-scale changes in their surroundings.Saproxylic Coleoptera are both functionally and taxonomically diverse and are therepresentatives of an imperilled fauna confronted with the realities of a changinglandscape. Understanding the effects of elevation and other forest characteristics onsaproxylic and non-saproxylic Coleoptera is a step towards predicting the future oftaxonomic and functional group biodiversity at the tree-line and on mountains.2. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of elevation and other forestcharacteristics on the biodiversity of montane Coleoptera at the tree-line usingboth taxonomic and functional feeding guild classifications.3. Our results suggest that abundance of saprotrophs is closely linked to the densityof large trees rather than the volume of wood. Edge effects and elevation seem todrive abundance patterns of some species and also influence taxonomic and func-tional guild community patterns differently. Finally, we discuss the implications ofclimate change and land abandonment to future Coleoptera community structure., Mountain species are at the forefront of climate change disruption, and montanesaproxylic Coleoptera are facing large- and small-scale changes in their surroundings.Saproxylic Coleoptera are both functionally and taxonomically diverse and are therepresentatives of an imperilled fauna confronted with the realities of a changinglandscape. Understanding the effects of elevation and other forest characteristics onsaproxylic and non-saproxylic Coleoptera is a step towards predicting the future oftaxonomic and functional group biodiversity at the tree-line and on mountains.2. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of elevation and other forestcharacteristics on the biodiversity of montane Coleoptera at the tree-line usingboth taxonomic and functional feeding guild classifications.3. Our results suggest that abundance of saprotrophs is closely linked to the densityof large trees rather than the volume of wood. Edge effects and elevation seem todrive abundance patterns of some species and also influence taxonomic and func-tional guild community patterns differently. Finally, we discuss the implications ofclimate change and land abandonment to future Coleoptera community structure., Mountain species are at the forefront of climate change disruption, and montanesaproxylic Coleoptera are facing large- and small-scale changes in their surroundings.Saproxylic Coleoptera are both functionally and taxonomically diverse and are therepresentatives of an imperilled fauna confronted with the realities of a changinglandscape. Understanding the effects of elevation and other forest characteristics onsaproxylic and non-saproxylic Coleoptera is a step towards predicting the future oftaxonomic and functional group biodiversity at the tree-line and on mountains.2. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of elevation and other forestcharacteristics on the biodiversity of montane Coleoptera at the tree-line usingboth taxonomic and functional feeding guild classifications.3. Our results suggest that abundance of saprotrophs is closely linked to the densityof large trees rather than the volume of wood. Edge effects and elevation seem todrive abundance patterns of some species and also influence taxonomic and func-tional guild community patterns differently. Finally, we discuss the implications ofclimate change and land abandonment to future Coleoptera community structure.

Maintaining a balance between semi-natural habitats and arable land is not always feasible for farmers. The promotion of biological control agents can be addressed through management at farm or field level, and/or by deploying lower intensity, biodiversity-friendly practices which can act either directly or indirectly through their effect of the plant community. Objectives We studied the effects on cereal aphids and their parasitoids of agricultural management at field and landscape levels. We tested the effect of organic and conventional farming, and of the within field characteristics, on the cereal aphid-parasitoid community, across a gradient of organic farming aggregation and of percentage of arable land. Methods In spring 2015, we sampled aphid populations in 30 cereal fields in five agricultural areas in Catalonia (Spain) with contrasting levels of organic farming aggregation. In each field, we also assessed weed and crop cover. As landscape variables, we calculated the Percentage of Agricultural Land (PAL) and the Percentage of Organically Managed Land (POML) in a 500-m buffer around each field. We sampled cereal tillers 3 m from the field edges and collected all aphids detected. In addition, we reared mummies (parasitized aphids) until they hatched. Results Our results show that management at landscape level has significant effects on parasitism rates: a higher proportion of surrounding fields under organic management increased the amount of parasitism, as did less agricultural land cover. On the other hand, aphid populations were mainly affected by two in-field factors, namely, crop density and crop variety. Differences in weed communities did not seem to have any effects on either aphids or parasitoids. Conclusions Rather than concentrating on the individual management of fields, a coordinated implementation of organic farming at landscape level would seem to be a much better strategy for improving the biological control of aphids., Maintaining a balance between semi-natural habitats and arable land is not always feasible for farmers. The promotion of biological control agents can be addressed through management at farm or field level, and/or by deploying lower intensity, biodiversity-friendly practices which can act either directly or indirectly through their effect of the plant community. Objectives We studied the effects on cereal aphids and their parasitoids of agricultural management at field and landscape levels. We tested the effect of organic and conventional farming, and of the within field characteristics, on the cereal aphid-parasitoid community, across a gradient of organic farming aggregation and of percentage of arable land. Methods In spring 2015, we sampled aphid populations in 30 cereal fields in five agricultural areas in Catalonia (Spain) with contrasting levels of organic farming aggregation. In each field, we also assessed weed and crop cover. As landscape variables, we calculated the Percentage of Agricultural Land (PAL) and the Percentage of Organically Managed Land (POML) in a 500-m buffer around each field. We sampled cereal tillers 3 m from the field edges and collected all aphids detected. In addition, we reared mummies (parasitized aphids) until they hatched. Results Our results show that management at landscape level has significant effects on parasitism rates: a higher proportion of surrounding fields under organic management increased the amount of parasitism, as did less agricultural land cover. On the other hand, aphid populations were mainly affected by two in-field factors, namely, crop density and crop variety. Differences in weed communities did not seem to have any effects on either aphids or parasitoids. Conclusions Rather than concentrating on the individual management of fields, a coordinated implementation of organic farming at landscape level would seem to be a much better strategy for improving the biological control of aphids., Maintaining a balance between semi-natural habitats and arable land is not always feasible for farmers. The promotion of biological control agents can be addressed through management at farm or field level, and/or by deploying lower intensity, biodiversity-friendly practices which can act either directly or indirectly through their effect of the plant community. Objectives We studied the effects on cereal aphids and their parasitoids of agricultural management at field and landscape levels. We tested the effect of organic and conventional farming, and of the within field characteristics, on the cereal aphid-parasitoid community, across a gradient of organic farming aggregation and of percentage of arable land. Methods In spring 2015, we sampled aphid populations in 30 cereal fields in five agricultural areas in Catalonia (Spain) with contrasting levels of organic farming aggregation. In each field, we also assessed weed and crop cover. As landscape variables, we calculated the Percentage of Agricultural Land (PAL) and the Percentage of Organically Managed Land (POML) in a 500-m buffer around each field. We sampled cereal tillers 3 m from the field edges and collected all aphids detected. In addition, we reared mummies (parasitized aphids) until they hatched. Results Our results show that management at landscape level has significant effects on parasitism rates: a higher proportion of surrounding fields under organic management increased the amount of parasitism, as did less agricultural land cover. On the other hand, aphid populations were mainly affected by two in-field factors, namely, crop density and crop variety. Differences in weed communities did not seem to have any effects on either aphids or parasitoids. Conclusions Rather than concentrating on the individual management of fields, a coordinated implementation of organic farming at landscape level would seem to be a much better strategy for improving the biological control of aphids.

High-elevation insectivorous birds are currently confronted with the reality of a changing climate, land use shifts, and the decline of many prey groups. The diet dynamics among many imperiled animals in this group are still unresolved. Exam- ining the diets of tree-line Passerine birds to the species level of the prey allows for stronger population predictions. This study uses DNA metabarcoding to identify prey arthropods from adult Passerine bird feces at and slightly below tree-line in a Pyrenean forest. Our objective was to quantify the intra-and inter-species richness and overlap of Passerine bird diet over time and space. The results showed that adult Passerine diets have high inter- and intra-species dietary variability and low inter- and intra-species dietary overlap. The lack of association between dietary richness and open space, season, and eleva- tion and lack of differences between dietary overlap and open space and elevation suggest high-elevation Passerine birds have very high dietary flexibility. The results also showed that aphids known to be pests to conifers, and other conifer pests, were prevalent in the birds’ diets. The Passerine diets and high rate of rare dietary items are mainly in line with other recent DNA metabarcoding studies. Implications for the long-term projections relative to tree-line Passerine populations are discussed., High-elevation insectivorous birds are currently confronted with the reality of a changing climate, land use shifts, and the decline of many prey groups. The diet dynamics among many imperiled animals in this group are still unresolved. Exam- ining the diets of tree-line Passerine birds to the species level of the prey allows for stronger population predictions. This study uses DNA metabarcoding to identify prey arthropods from adult Passerine bird feces at and slightly below tree-line in a Pyrenean forest. Our objective was to quantify the intra-and inter-species richness and overlap of Passerine bird diet over time and space. The results showed that adult Passerine diets have high inter- and intra-species dietary variability and low inter- and intra-species dietary overlap. The lack of association between dietary richness and open space, season, and eleva- tion and lack of differences between dietary overlap and open space and elevation suggest high-elevation Passerine birds have very high dietary flexibility. The results also showed that aphids known to be pests to conifers, and other conifer pests, were prevalent in the birds’ diets. The Passerine diets and high rate of rare dietary items are mainly in line with other recent DNA metabarcoding studies. Implications for the long-term projections relative to tree-line Passerine populations are discussed., High-elevation insectivorous birds are currently confronted with the reality of a changing climate, land use shifts, and the decline of many prey groups. The diet dynamics among many imperiled animals in this group are still unresolved. Exam- ining the diets of tree-line Passerine birds to the species level of the prey allows for stronger population predictions. This study uses DNA metabarcoding to identify prey arthropods from adult Passerine bird feces at and slightly below tree-line in a Pyrenean forest. Our objective was to quantify the intra-and inter-species richness and overlap of Passerine bird diet over time and space. The results showed that adult Passerine diets have high inter- and intra-species dietary variability and low inter- and intra-species dietary overlap. The lack of association between dietary richness and open space, season, and eleva- tion and lack of differences between dietary overlap and open space and elevation suggest high-elevation Passerine birds have very high dietary flexibility. The results also showed that aphids known to be pests to conifers, and other conifer pests, were prevalent in the birds’ diets. The Passerine diets and high rate of rare dietary items are mainly in line with other recent DNA metabarcoding studies. Implications for the long-term projections relative to tree-line Passerine populations are discussed.

[Simple Summary] Which plant life forms dominate in the field margin vegetation may affect its value in terms of the insect communities it harbors. We characterized marginal vegetation using the relative cover of each life form and sampled cereal aphids as well as some of their natural enemies (parasitoids, hoverflies and ladybugs) in crops along transects parallel to margins. Our results show that aphid abundance and parasitism rates were higher near margins dominated by perennial woody plants such as blackberries. By contrast, natural enemies had a clear preference for margins dominated by annual herbaceous species. By promoting specific life forms in already-existing margins, farmers can enhance the abundance of the natural enemies of aphids and decrease aphid pressure on their fields., Differences in the semi-natural vegetation of field margins will affect the biological control services derived from the presence of these semi-natural habitats adjacent to fields. Of the plant functional traits that are most relevant for insects, plant life forms reflect different aspects of plant structure and functioning that can help predict the value of marginal vegetation for arthropods in agricultural systems. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the vegetation structure of field margins on cereal aphids and on some of their natural enemies (parasitoids, hoverflies and ladybugs) in terms of plant life forms. We characterized margin vegetation using the relative cover of each life form and sampled insects in crops along transects parallel to field margins. Our results show that in the studied areas, the abundance of natural enemies was greater near margins dominated by annual plants than in margins dominated by perennial plants. On the other hand, the abundances of aphids and parasitism rates were higher near margins dominated by perennial woody plants than near margins dominated by perennial herbaceous plants. By promoting specific life forms in existing margins, farmers can enhance the conservation biological control and relieve aphid pressure on their crops.

Table S1. Absolute frequencies of Hemiptera: Aphididae by sampling area and year. Table S2: Absolute frequencies of Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae by sampling area and year. In parentheses, the total number of tillers examined. Table S3: Absolute frequencies of hyperparasitoids by sampling area and year. In parentheses, the total number of tillers examined.

Differences in the semi-natural vegetation of field margins will affect the biological control services derived from the presence of these semi-natural habitats adjacent to fields. Of the plant functional traits that are most relevant for insects, plant life forms reflect different aspects of plant structure and functioning that can help predict the value of marginal vegetation for arthropods in agricultural systems. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the vegetation structure of field margins on cereal aphids and on some of their natural enemies (parasitoids, hoverflies and ladybugs) in terms of plant life forms. We characterized margin vegetation using the relative cover of each life form and sampled insects in crops along transects parallel to field margins. Our results show that in the studied areas, the abundance of natural enemies was greater near margins dominated by annual plants than in margins dominated by perennial plants. On the other hand, the abundances of aphids and parasitism rates were higher near margins dominated by perennial woody plants than near margins dominated by perennial herbaceous plants. By promoting specific life forms in existing margins, farmers can enhance the conservation biological control and relieve aphid pressure on their crops, Supplementary materials https://digital.csic.es/bitstream/10261/334958/1/insects-14-00156-s001.zip, Differences in the semi-natural vegetation of field margins will affect the biological control services derived from the presence of these semi-natural habitats adjacent to fields. Of the plant functional traits that are most relevant for insects, plant life forms reflect different aspects of plant structure and functioning that can help predict the value of marginal vegetation for arthropods in agricultural systems. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the vegetation structure of field margins on cereal aphids and on some of their natural enemies (parasitoids, hoverflies and ladybugs) in terms of plant life forms. We characterized margin vegetation using the relative cover of each life form and sampled insects in crops along transects parallel to field margins. Our results show that in the studied areas, the abundance of natural enemies was greater near margins dominated by annual plants than in margins dominated by perennial plants. On the other hand, the abundances of aphids and parasitism rates were higher near margins dominated by perennial woody plants than near margins dominated by perennial herbaceous plants. By promoting specific life forms in existing margins, farmers can enhance the conservation biological control and relieve aphid pressure on their crops, Supplementary materials https://digital.csic.es/bitstream/10261/334958/1/insects-14-00156-s001.zip, Differences in the semi-natural vegetation of field margins will affect the biological control services derived from the presence of these semi-natural habitats adjacent to fields. Of the plant functional traits that are most relevant for insects, plant life forms reflect different aspects of plant structure and functioning that can help predict the value of marginal vegetation for arthropods in agricultural systems. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the vegetation structure of field margins on cereal aphids and on some of their natural enemies (parasitoids, hoverflies and ladybugs) in terms of plant life forms. We characterized margin vegetation using the relative cover of each life form and sampled insects in crops along transects parallel to field margins. Our results show that in the studied areas, the abundance of natural enemies was greater near margins dominated by annual plants than in margins dominated by perennial plants. On the other hand, the abundances of aphids and parasitism rates were higher near margins dominated by perennial woody plants than near margins dominated by perennial herbaceous plants. By promoting specific life forms in existing margins, farmers can enhance the conservation biological control and relieve aphid pressure on their crops, Supplementary materials https://digital.csic.es/bitstream/10261/334958/1/insects-14-00156-s001.zip

Although organic farming was originally promoted as an alternative farming system to address agronomic, environmental and ecological issues, its conventionalisation has led to an intensification and specialisation of production. In the light of this, several studies have questioned the environmental benefits of organic farming as well as its agronomic viability. Thus, there is a need to improve organic vegetable systems to reduce their environmental impact without affecting their productivity. To tackle this challenge, European farmers and researchers have recently started to focus on agroecological service crops (ASCs). However, few studies have simultaneously evaluated the agronomic, environmental and ecological aspects of ASC management under different European pedo-climatic conditions. We evaluated effects of the ASC management strategies—no-till roller crimping (NT-RC) and green manuring (T-GM) on cropping system performance using agronomic, environmental and ecological indicators—to exemplify the need for multidimensional analysis to understand management implications for addressing environmental and agronomic challenges. We combined the results from 11 organic vegetable field trials conducted in seven European countries over a period of 2 years to test for general trends. Our results provide solid evidence that NT-RC management across different pedo-climatic conditions in Europe enhances the activity density of ground and rove beetles and improves both the potential energy recycling within the system and weed control. However, in NT-RC plots, lower cash crop yield and quality, energetic efficiency of production and activity density of spiders were observed compared to T-GM. Synthesis and applications. Multidimensional analyses using agronomic, environmental and ecological indicators are required to understand the implications of agricultural management in agroecosystem functioning. Introducing agroecological service crops combined with the use of no-till roll, Although organic farming was originally promoted as an alternative farming system to address agronomic, environmental and ecological issues, its conventionalisation has led to an intensification and specialisation of production. In the light of this, several studies have questioned the environmental benefits of organic farming as well as its agronomic viability. Thus, there is a need to improve organic vegetable systems to reduce their environmental impact without affecting their productivity. To tackle this challenge, European farmers and researchers have recently started to focus on agroecological service crops (ASCs). However, few studies have simultaneously evaluated the agronomic, environmental and ecological aspects of ASC management under different European pedo-climatic conditions. We evaluated effects of the ASC management strategies—no-till roller crimping (NT-RC) and green manuring (T-GM) on cropping system performance using agronomic, environmental and ecological indicators—to exemplify the need for multidimensional analysis to understand management implications for addressing environmental and agronomic challenges. We combined the results from 11 organic vegetable field trials conducted in seven European countries over a period of 2 years to test for general trends. Our results provide solid evidence that NT-RC management across different pedo-climatic conditions in Europe enhances the activity density of ground and rove beetles and improves both the potential energy recycling within the system and weed control. However, in NT-RC plots, lower cash crop yield and quality, energetic efficiency of production and activity density of spiders were observed compared to T-GM. Synthesis and applications. Multidimensional analyses using agronomic, environmental and ecological indicators are required to understand the implications of agricultural management in agroecosystem functioning. Introducing agroecological service crops combined with the use of no-till roll, Although organic farming was originally promoted as an alternative farming system to address agronomic, environmental and ecological issues, its conventionalisation has led to an intensification and specialisation of production. In the light of this, several studies have questioned the environmental benefits of organic farming as well as its agronomic viability. Thus, there is a need to improve organic vegetable systems to reduce their environmental impact without affecting their productivity. To tackle this challenge, European farmers and researchers have recently started to focus on agroecological service crops (ASCs). However, few studies have simultaneously evaluated the agronomic, environmental and ecological aspects of ASC management under different European pedo-climatic conditions. We evaluated effects of the ASC management strategies—no-till roller crimping (NT-RC) and green manuring (T-GM) on cropping system performance using agronomic, environmental and ecological indicators—to exemplify the need for multidimensional analysis to understand management implications for addressing environmental and agronomic challenges. We combined the results from 11 organic vegetable field trials conducted in seven European countries over a period of 2 years to test for general trends. Our results provide solid evidence that NT-RC management across different pedo-climatic conditions in Europe enhances the activity density of ground and rove beetles and improves both the potential energy recycling within the system and weed control. However, in NT-RC plots, lower cash crop yield and quality, energetic efficiency of production and activity density of spiders were observed compared to T-GM. Synthesis and applications. Multidimensional analyses using agronomic, environmental and ecological indicators are required to understand the implications of agricultural management in agroecosystem functioning. Introducing agroecological service crops combined with the use of no-till roll

La col·lecció de gales d’Antoni Ribes i Escolà s’ha revisat, catalogat i fotografiat. La col·lecció conté representants de 134 espècies, que pertanyen als següents ordres: Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera i Acariformes. Els organismes cecidògens han produït les gales sobre 56 espècies d’hostatgers vegetals de 23 famílies diferents, sent les fagàcies, les asteràcies i les salicàcies les que tenen una major representació entre les mostres. S’han identificat 10 espècies no citades anteriorment per a la península Ibèrica: 4 dípters (Asphondylia baudysi Vimmer, 1937, Lasioptera ephedricola Cockerell, 1902, Rabdophaga degeerii (Bremi, 1847) i Stefaniella cecconii (Kieffer, 1909)), 2 himenòpters (Pontania kriechbaumeri (Konow 1901) i Euura viminalis (Linnaeus 1758)) i 4 àcars (Acalitus brevitarsus (Fockeu, 1890), Aceria cephalonea (Nalepa, 1922), A. myriadeum (Murray, 1877) i A. salviae (Nalepa, 1891)). Es citen per primer cop a Catalunya 16 espècies, 13 Diptera (Asphondylia conglomerata Stefani, 1900; Lipara lucens Meigen, 1830; Oedaspis fissa Löw, 1862; Probruggmanniella phillyreae (Tavares, 1907); Psectrosema tamaricis (Stefani, 1902); Rabdophaga clavifex (Kieffer, 1891); R. rosaria (Loew, 1850); Rhopalomyia ambrosinae Gagne, 2004; R. producticeps Kieffer, 1912; R. tubifex (Bouché, 1847); Stefaniella brevipalpis Kieffer, 1898; Stefaniola bilobata (Kieffer, 1913) i Xerephedromyia ustjurtensis Fedotova, 1992), 2 Hemiptera (Hayhurstia atriplicis (Linnaeus, 1761) i Pemphigus immunis Buckton, 1896) i un Hymenoptera (Diastrophus mayri Reinhard, 1876)., The gall collection of Antoni Ribes-Escolà has been reviewed, documented and photographed. It contains 134 different gall-producing species belonging to Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera and Acariformes orders. The studied collection represents 56 plant species grouped into 23 different families with Fagaceae, Asteraceae and Salicaceae being the most well represented families. It has been identified 10 species not previously reported from the Iberian Peninsula: 4 Diptera (Asphondylia baudysi Vimmer, 1937, Lasioptera ephedricola Cockerell, 1902, Rabdophaga degeerii (Bremi, 1847) and Stefaniella cecconii (Kieffer, 1909)), 2 Hymenoptera (Pontania kriechbaumeri (Konow 1901) and Euura viminalis (Linnaeus 1758)) and 4 Acari (Acalitus brevitarsus (Fockeu, 1890), Aceria cephalonea (Nalepa, 1922), A. myriadeum (Murray, 1877) and A. salviae (Nalepa, 1891)). We have also found 16 species that are first records for Catalonia: 13 Diptera (Asphondylia conglomerata Stefani, 1900; Lipara lucens Meigen, 1830; Oedaspis fissa Löw, 1862; Probruggmanniella phillyreae (Tavares, 1907); Psectrosema tamaricis (Stefani, 1902); Rabdophaga clavifex (Kieffer, 1891); R. rosaria (Loew, 1850); Rhopalomyia ambrosinae Gagne, 2004; R. producticeps Kieffer, 1912; R. tubifex (Bouché, 1847); Stefaniella brevipalpis Kieffer, 1898; Stefaniola bilobata (Kieffer, 1913) and Xerephedromyia ustjurtensis Fedotova, 1992), 2 Hemiptera (Hayhurstia atriplicis (Linnaeus, 1761) and Pemphigus immunis Buckton, 1896) and a Hymenoptera (Diastrophus mayri Reinhard, 1876).

La coŀlecció de gales d'Antoni Ribes i Escolà s'ha revisat, catalogat i fotografiat. La coŀlecció conté representants de 134 espècies, que pertanyen als següents ordres: Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera i Acariformes. Els organismes cecidògens han produït les gales sobre 56 espècies d'hostatgers vegetals de 23 famílies diferents, sent les fagàcies, les asteràcies i les salicàcies les que tenen una major representació entre les mostres. S'han identificat 10 espècies no citades anteriorment per a la península Ibèrica: 4 dípters (Asphondylia baudysi Vimmer, 1937, Lasioptera ephedricola Cockerell, 1902, Rabdophaga degeerii (Bremi, 1847) i Stefaniella cecconii (Kieffer, 1909)), 2 himenòpters (Pontania kriechbaumeri (Konow 1901) i Euura viminalis (Linnaeus 1758)) i 4 àcars (Acalitus brevitarsus (Fockeu, 1890), Aceria cephalonea (Nalepa, 1922), A. myriadeum (Murray, 1877) i A. salviae (Nalepa, 1891)). Es citen per primer cop a Catalunya 16 espècies, 13 Diptera (Asphondylia conglomerata Stefani, 1900; Lipara lucens Meigen, 1830; Oedaspis fissa Löw, 1862; Probruggmanniella phillyreae (Tavares, 1907); Psectrosema tamaricis (Stefani, 1902); Rabdophaga clavifex (Kieffer, 1891); R. rosaria (Loew, 1850); Rhopalomyia ambrosinae Gagne, 2004; R. producticeps Kieffer, 1912; R. tubifex (Bouché, 1847); Stefaniella brevipalpis Kieffer, 1898; Stefaniola bilobata (Kieffer, 1913) i Xerephedromyia ustjurtensis Fedotova, 1992), 2 Hemiptera (Hayhurstia atriplicis (Linnaeus, 1761) i Pemphigus immunis Buckton, 1896) i un Hymenoptera (Diastrophus mayri Reinhard, 1876)., The gall collection of Antoni Ribes-Escolà has been reviewed, documented and photographed. It contains 134 different gall-producing species belonging to Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera and Acariformes orders. The studied collection represents 56 plant species grouped into 23 different families with Fagaceae, Asteraceae and Salicaceae being the most well represented families. It has been identified 10 species not previously reported from the Iberian Peninsula: 4 Diptera (Asphondylia baudysi Vimmer, 1937, Lasioptera ephedricola Cockerell, 1902, Rabdophaga degeerii (Bremi, 1847) and Stefaniella cecconii (Kieffer, 1909)), 2 Hymenoptera (Pontania kriechbaumeri (Konow 1901) and Euura viminalis (Linnaeus 1758)) and 4 Acari (Acalitus brevitarsus (Fockeu, 1890), Aceria cephalonea (Nalepa, 1922), A. myriadeum (Murray, 1877) and A. salviae (Nalepa, 1891)). We have also found 16 species that are first records for Catalonia: 13 Diptera (Asphondylia conglomerata Stefani, 1900; Lipara lucens Meigen, 1830; Oedaspis fissa Löw, 1862; Probruggmanniella phillyreae (Tavares, 1907); Psectrosema tamaricis (Stefani, 1902); Rabdophaga clavifex (Kieffer, 1891); R. rosaria (Loew, 1850); Rhopalomyia ambrosinae Gagne, 2004; R. producticeps Kieffer, 1912; R. tubifex (Bouché, 1847); Stefaniella brevipalpis Kieffer, 1898; Stefaniola bilobata (Kieffer, 1913) and Xerephedromyia ustjurtensis Fedotova, 1992), 2 Hemiptera (Hayhurstia atriplicis (Linnaeus, 1761) and Pemphigus immunis Buckton, 1896) and a Hymenoptera (Diastrophus mayri Reinhard, 1876).

Outdoor and indoor pollutants can affect the conservation of natural history collections. As a first approach to this question, environmental acidity around specimens in the collections of the Natural Science Museum of Barcelona and Botanic Institute of Barcelona (MCNBIBB) was measured. Measurements were taken using optical sensors in a number of different places: inside and outside buildings, in storerooms, on store cases and cabinets and in containers in three collections. All acidity measurements fell within a pH range of 6.5–7.7, which suggests that the collections tested were not exposed to a dangerous acidic environment during the measurement period. Despite its outdated facilities, the Museum’s buildings and storerooms act as effective barriers against acid pollutants entering from the outside. The type of storage facilities and containers employed seems to have little impact but is still nevertheless of some relevance. Optical sensors are excellent tools for disentangling the complex spatio-temporal environments in which the MCNB-IBB collections are housed. Larger samples will be necessary if a more complete analysis is to be undertaken., Outdoor and indoor pollutants can affect the conservation of natural history collections. As a first approach to this question, environmental acidity around specimens in the collections of the Natural Science Museum of Barcelona and Botanic Institute of Barcelona (MCNBIBB) was measured. Measurements were taken using optical sensors in a number of different places: inside and outside buildings, in storerooms, on store cases and cabinets and in containers in three collections. All acidity measurements fell within a pH range of 6.5–7.7, which suggests that the collections tested were not exposed to a dangerous acidic environment during the measurement period. Despite its outdated facilities, the Museum’s buildings and storerooms act as effective barriers against acid pollutants entering from the outside. The type of storage facilities and containers employed seems to have little impact but is still nevertheless of some relevance. Optical sensors are excellent tools for disentangling the complex spatio-temporal environments in which the MCNB-IBB collections are housed. Larger samples will be necessary if a more complete analysis is to be undertaken., Outdoor and indoor pollutants can affect the conservation of natural history collections. As a first approach to this question, environmental acidity around specimens in the collections of the Natural Science Museum of Barcelona and Botanic Institute of Barcelona (MCNBIBB) was measured. Measurements were taken using optical sensors in a number of different places: inside and outside buildings, in storerooms, on store cases and cabinets and in containers in three collections. All acidity measurements fell within a pH range of 6.5–7.7, which suggests that the collections tested were not exposed to a dangerous acidic environment during the measurement period. Despite its outdated facilities, the Museum’s buildings and storerooms act as effective barriers against acid pollutants entering from the outside. The type of storage facilities and containers employed seems to have little impact but is still nevertheless of some relevance. Optical sensors are excellent tools for disentangling the complex spatio-temporal environments in which the MCNB-IBB collections are housed. Larger samples will be necessary if a more complete analysis is to be undertaken.

Com a primera aproximació a l'estat de conservació del medi hipogeu vam dur a terme un estudi sobre sis artròpodes troglobis en 19 avencs i coves distribuïts en quatre espais naturals protegits de Catalunya: el Garraf, Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac, el Montseny i el Montnegre i el Corredor. Les espècies estudiades van ser quatre coleòpters leiòdids, Troglocharinus ferreri ferreri (Reitter), Troglocharinus kiesenwetteri sanllorensi (Zariquiey), Parvospeonomus canyellesi (Lagar) i Parvospeonomus urgellesi (Español); un pseudoescorpí, Troglobisium racovitzai (Ellingsen), i un isòpode, Stenasellus virei Dollfus. Altres resultats destacats són la troballa de l'espècie Dicranophragma relictum Mederos (Diptera, Limoniidae) i les noves cites per a Catalunya de Troglobisium racovitzai, el coleòpter Linderia armata (Schaufuss) i els dípters Dactylolabis sexmaculata (Macquart) i Elliptera hungarica Madarassy., As a first approach to the conservation status of the hypogeous environment we studied six troglobyte arthropods in 19 chasms and caves in four natural reserves in Catalonia: Garraf, Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac, El Montseny, and El Montnegre i El Corredor. The target species were four leiodid beetles, Troglocharinus ferreri ferreri (Reitter), Troglocharinus kiesenwetteri sanllorensi (Zariquiey), Parvospeonomus canyellesi (Lagar), and Parvospeonomus urgellesi (Español), a pseudoscorpion, Troglobisium racovitzai (Ellingsen), and an isopod, Stenasellus virei Dollfus. Other findings of interest herein are the description of Dicranophragma relictum Mederos (Diptera, Limoniidae) and new citations for Catalonia of Troglobisium racovitzai, the beetle Linderia armata (Schaufuss), and the dipterans Dactylolabis sexmaculata (Macquart) i Elliptera hungarica Madarassy, Como primera aproximación al estado de conservación del medio hipogeo realizamos un estudio sobre seis artrópodos troglobios de 19 simas y cuevas distribuidas en cuatro reservas naturales de Cataluña: Garraf, Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac, el Montseny y el Montnegre i el Corredor. Las especies estudiadas fueron cuatro coleópteros leiódidos, Troglocharinus ferreri ferreri (Reitter), Troglocharinus kiesenwetteri sanllorensi (Zariquiey), Parvospeonomus canyellesi (Lagar), Parvospeonomus urgellesi (Español); un pseudoescorpión, Troglobisium racovitzai (Ellingsen), y un isópodo, Stenasellus virei Dollfus. Otros resultados destacados son la descripción de Dicranophragma relictum Mederos (Diptera, Limoniidae) y las nuevas citas para Cataluña de Troglobisium racovitzai, el coleóptero Linderia armata (Schaufuss) y los dípteros Dactylolabis sexmaculata (Macquart) y Elliptera hungarica Madarassy.

Outdoor and indoor pollutants can affect the conservation of natural history collections. As a first approach to this question, environmental acidity around specimens in the collections of the Natural Science Museum of Barcelona and Botanic Institute of Barcelona (MCNBIBB) was measured. Measurements were taken using optical sensors in a number of different places: inside and outside buildings, in storerooms, on store cases and cabinets and in containers in three collections. All acidity measurements fell within a pH range of 6.5–7.7, which suggests that the collections tested were not exposed to a dangerous acidic environment during the measurement period. Despite its outdated facilities, the Museum’s buildings and storerooms act as effective barriers against acid pollutants entering from the outside. The type of storage facilities and containers employed seems to have little impact but is still nevertheless of some relevance. Optical sensors are excellent tools for disentangling the complex spatio-temporal environments in which the MCNB-IBB collections are housed. Larger samples will be necessary if a more complete analysis is to be undertaken.