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Using seventeen-year records of daily light trap catches of predatory Neuroptera (Chrysopidae, 13 species) and Coleoptera (Coccinellidae, 10 species), and of phytophagous Lepidoptera (Noctuidae, 79 species) we tested a hypothesis predicting that the range of annual fluctuations of catch size is greater in aphidophages, whose diet occurs irregularly and locally, than in phytophages, whose diet is available regularly and abundantly. The ranges of fluctuations of annual catches measured as the coefficient of variance (standard deviation expressed as a percentage of the average) of detrended annual catches were significantly greater in Chrysopidae (84 ± 7.1%) and Coccinellidae (121 ± 14.0%) than in Noctuidae (66 ± 2.6%). The difference between aphidophages and phytophages remained when we tested differences between the former and the samples of Noctuidae consisting only of those species whose characteristics (abundance, length and timing of flight period, number of generations per season, overwintering stage) were the same as in aphidophages. Similarly, no differences were found between sets of Noctuidae species that have characteristics (abundance, voltinism, period of flight activity) similar to aphidophages and sets of Noctuidae species that have contrary characteristics. Flight abilities of aphidophages are smaller than those of Noctuidae. As a result of this difference a light trap collects populations of aphidophages from a smaller area than populations of Noctuidae. Thus the extent of fluctuations of catch size of aphidophagous and phytophagous species is influenced both by annual differences in food availability and by differences in size of the area from which the individuals assembling to the light source are recruited.

The capability of a non-native species to withstand adverse weather is indicative of its establishment in a novel area. An unusually cold winter of 2016/2017 that occurred in the West Carpathians of Slovakia and other regions within Europe provided an opportunity to indirectly assess survival of the invasive ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus germanus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae). We compared trap captures of this species in the year preceding and succeeding the respective cold winter. Ethanol-baited traps were deployed in 24 oak dominated forest stands within the southern and central area from April to August 2016, and again from April to August 2017 to encompass the seasonal flight activity of X. germanus and to get acquainted with temporal changes in the abundance of this species in these two distant areas. Dispersing X. germanus were recorded in all surveyed stands before and after the aforementioned cold winter. Their total seasonal trap captures were lower in the southern area following low winter temperatures, but remained similar in the central area. Our results suggest that X. germanus can withstand adverse winter weather in oak dominated forests of the West Carpathians within altitudes of 171 and 450 m asl. It is likely that minimum winter temperatures will not reduce the establishment or further spread of this successful invader in forests in Central Europe.

The gypsy moth is one of the most serious pests in forests and fruit tree plantations over prevailing parts of the Northern Hemisphere. This work is based on a literature review, and presents history of gypsy moth Lymantria dispar L., observed in Slovak forests within the period 1945–2020. The life cycle, hosts, natural enemies, population dynamics of pests, impact of outbreaks on forests and different management methods used in the past are discussed. Since 1945, there were nine gypsy moth outbreaks in Slovakia. Between 1945 and 2020, a total of 155,034 ha of deciduous forests were touched with varying intensity, representing an average annual damage of 2,040 ha. The strongest outbreak culminated in 2004. Totally 51,479 ha were attacked in the period of 2000–2008. We have found outbreak periods that repeat with frequency of 7.8 ±2.2 years and the average outbreak phase lasts 3.1 ±1.1 years. The period between two subsequent outbreaks seems to be more or less constant and duration of the outbreak phase seems to be gradually shortened during the study period. Several factors influencing the gypsy moth population dynamics in Slovakia are discussed. The role of biological control by using entomopathogenic fungus Entomophaga maimaiga is described.

The bird assemblages in the Levice fishponds protected area, SW Slovakia, has been analyzed. Altogether 156 bird species, of them 83 (53%) water birds (living on or around water) were found in 2018–2020. Breeding was recorded in 20 species of water birds, of which Fulica atra, Anas plathyrhynchos and Podiceps cristatus were predominant. The number of water bird species was highest in the spring (66) and lowest during the winter (18). The following species were first recorded there between 2018 and 2020: Ardeola ralloides, Hydroprogne caspia, Lymnocryptes minimus, Tringa erythropus, Podiceps auritus, Cygnus cygnus, Tadorna tadorna, Grus grus and Aquila chrysaetos. Our results supported the great importance of the Levice fishponds as a habitat of many bird species over the year, reflecting extensive management of man-made fishponds.

Psilocybin is a classical serotoninergic psychedelic that induces cognitive disruptions similar to psychosis. Gamma activity is affected in psychosis and is tightly related to cognitive processing. The 40 Hz auditory steady-state responses (ASSR) are frequently used as indicators to test the ability to generate gamma activity. Based on previous literature, we studied the impact of psilocybin on 40 Hz ASSR in healthy volunteers. The study was double blind and placebo controlled with a crossover design. A sample of 20 healthy subjects (10M/10F) received psilocybin orally 0.26 mg/kg or placebo. Participants were measured four times in total, one time before ingestion of psilocybin/placebo and one time after ingestion, during the peak of intoxication. A series of 500 ms click trains were used for stimulation. Psilocybin induced a psychedelic effect and decreased 40 Hz ASSR phase-locking index compared to placebo. The extent of the attenuation was related to Cognition and Affect on the Hallucinogen Rating Scale. The current study shows that psilocybin lowers the synchronization level and the amplitude of 40 Hz auditory steady-state responses, which yields further support for the role of gamma oscillations in cognitive processing and its disturbance.

Ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) provide services that are critical to food production, and they fulfill an ecological role as a food source for predators. The richness, abundance, and distribution of ladybirds, however, are compromised by many anthropogenic threats. Meanwhile, a lack of knowledge of the conservation status of most species and the factors driving their population dynamics hinders the development and implementation of conservation strategies for ladybirds. We conducted a review of the literature on the ecology, diversity, and conservation of ladybirds to identify their key ecological threats. Ladybird populations are most affected by climate factors, landscape composition, and biological invasions. We suggest mitigating actions for ladybird conservation and recovery. Short-term actions include citizen science programs and education, protective measures for habitat recovery and threatened species, prevention of the introduction of non-native species, and the maintenance and restoration of natural areas and landscape heterogeneity. Mid-term actions involve the analysis of data from monitoring programs and insect collections to disentangle the effect of different threats to ladybird populations, understand habitat use by taxa on which there is limited knowledge, and quantify temporal trends of abundance, diversity, and biomass along a management-intensity gradient. Long-term actions include the development of a worldwide monitoring program based on standardized sampling to fill data gaps, increase explanatory power, streamline analyses, and facilitate global collaborations.Las catarinas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) proporcionan servicios que son críticos para la producción de alimento, y juegan un papel ecológico como fuente de alimento para depredadores. Sin embargo, la riqueza, abundancia y distribución de catarinas están en peligro debido a muchas amenazas antropogénicas. La carencia de conocimiento sobre el estatus de conservación de la mayoría de las especies y los factores que inciden en su dinámica poblacional dificulta el desarrollo e implementación de estrategias de conservación para las catarinas. Realizamos una revisión de la literatura sobre la ecología, diversidad y conservación de catarinas para identificar sus amenazas ecológicas clave. Las poblaciones de catarinas fueron afectadas mayormente por factores climáticos, composición del paisaje e invasiones biológicas. Proponemos acciones de mitigación para la conservación y recuperación de catarinas. Acciones a corto plazo incluyen programas de ciencia y educación ciudadana, medidas de protección para la recuperación de hábitat y de especies amenazadas, prevención de la introducción de especies no nativas y el mantenimiento y restauración de áreas naturales y la heterogeneidad del paisaje. Acciones a mediano plazo implican el análisis de datos obtenidos de programas de monitoreo y colecciones de insectos para desenmarañar el efecto de las diferentes amenazas a las poblaciones de catarinas, comprender el uso del hábitat por taxa de los que se tiene conocimiento limitado y cuantifica las tendencias temporales de la abundancia, diversidad y biomasa a lo largo de un gradiente de intensidad de manejo. Acciones a largo plazo incluyen el desarrollo de un programa de monitoreo a nivel mundial basado en muestreos estandarizados para subsanar la falta de datos, incrementar el poder explicativo, optimizar los análisis y facilitar colaboraciones globales.随着世界范围内人类与野生动物的冲突不断升级, 对野生动物的宽容和接纳等概念变得越来越重要。然而, 当代保护研究表明, 人们对人类与野生动物积极互作的认识有限, 导致可能难以准确描述人类与动物的相遇。如果不解决这些局限性, 就会导致野生动物和景观管理计划的设计和实施存在不足, 以及对本土生态知识的否定。我们利用印度喀拉拉邦瓦亚纳德野生动物保护区森林中的阿迪瓦西族Kattunayakans部落的民族志证据, 来研究印度原住民对于人类与野生动物共存的观点。通过定性的实地研究(包括访谈和在森林样带调查), 我们发现Kattunayakans部落表现出对野生动物的宽容和接纳, 其特点是深入的共存, 包括三个中心思想:野生动物是有理性的交流者;野生动物是神、老师和平等的族群;野生动物是实行 “dharmam”的具有共同起源的亲戚。我们认为, 充分理解以上几点有助于将Kattunayakan部落的观点引入印度的森林管理, 并更广泛地解决人类与野生动物的冲突。.

Wildlife observations submitted by volunteers through citizen science initiatives are increasingly used within research and policy. Ladybirds are popular and charismatic insects, with most species being relatively easy to identify from photographs. Therefore, they are considered an appropriate taxonomic group for engaging people through citizen science initiatives to contribute long-term and large-scale datasets for use in many different contexts. Building on the strengths of a mass participation citizen science survey on ladybirds in the United Kingdom, we have developed a mobile application for ladybird recording and identification across Europe. The main aims of the application are to: (1) compile distribution data for ladybird species throughout Europe, and use this to assess changes in distribution over time; (2) connect and engage people in nature and increase awareness about the diversity and ecological importance of ladybirds. In developing the application we first constructed a database including ladybird species from the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, Belgium, and Portugal with associated information on relevant morphological features (e.g., size, main color, pronotum pattern) to inform identification. Additionally, the species were assessed on the basis of probability of occurrence within each country which enables users to reduce the number of species to only those with relevance to the location of the recorder. This is amongst the first collaborative citizen science approaches aimed at involving participants across Europe in recording a group of insects. In the near future, we aim to expand the use of the application to all countries in Europe. AOS was supported by FEDER in 85% and by Azorean Public funds by 15% through Operational Program Azores 2020, under the following project AZORESBIOPORTAL -PORBIOTA (ACORES-01-0145FEDER-000072). Further funding for app development was provided by Anglia Ruskin University. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Adult moths from an ecological group of winter geometrid species look for trees where they copulate and females lay eggs. We investigated how tree trunk and lower branch thickness affects the occurrence of females on trunks and branches and how the density of females and tree trunk thickness affects the occurrence of males on trunks. The research was carried out in a xeric thermophilous oak forest in southern Slovakia (Central Europe) in the winter season 2014–2015. The moths were obtained from Quercus pubescens trees by sticky bands. Three autumn species Operophtera brumata, Erannis defoliaria, Alsophila aceraria and four spring species Agriopis leucophaearia, Agriopis marginaria, Apocheima hispidaria, Phigalia pilosaria were recorded. We have found out that females had not exclusively negative geotactic behaviour as they (except for the rare P. pilosaria) occurred also on lower branches. Tree trunk and lower branch thickness had a positive effect on abundance of females of the three most abundant species (A. leucophaearia, O. brumata, E. defoliaria) on trunks and lower branches. Tree trunk thickness had a positive effect on density of the females of A. leucophaearia on trunks but not on O. brumata and E. defoliaria. The abundance of the males of O. brumata, E. defoliaria and A. leucophaearia on trunks was positively affected by tree trunk thickness and the density of their females.

In 2016–2019, seasonal changes in the abundance of the harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were established in the city center of Prague, Central Europe, and in its outskirts. Adults were sampled from lime trees (Tilia spp.) at regular intervals throughout the growing season. The abundance of H. axyridis paralleled the course of abundance of its prey, the aphid Eucallipterus tiliae L., which peaks either early or late in the season. As a result, the seasonal dynamics of H. axyridis were unimodal, with a peak in the early (late June—early July of 2017 and 2019) or late (late July—mid-September of 2016 and 2018) period of the season. In the early period, there was a small (1–4 days) difference in the timing of the peak of H. axyridis between the city center and the outskirts. In the late period, the peak occurred significantly earlier (by 13–21 days) in the city center due to the warmer climate there than in the outskirts. The difference in the timing of the population peak between both locations disappeared after recalculating the calendar to thermal time (number of day degrees above 10.6°C thresholds elapsed from the end of H. axyridis hibernation). The warm mesoclimate of the city center advances the seasonal dynamics of H. axyridis, contributing to the success of this invasive species in urban habitats.

The box tree moth Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is an invasive species in Europe and a serious pest of box trees (Buxus spp.). In Slovakia, Central Europe, it was first reported in 2012 within the low elevation region with a warm climate. We hypothesize that the cold mountain region of Slovakia would provide less suitable conditions for the spread of this species, indicated by no or only slight damage to box trees. Five years after C. perspectalis was first recorded in Slovakia, we assessed the probability of occurrence of the moth and the probability of damage to box trees (Buxus sempervirens) by its larvae, using temperature and altitude data as predictors. In June and July 2017, at 156 locations (towns and villages) between the altitudes of 109 and 888 m, we recorded damage and categorized the intensity of damage to box trees by C. perspectalis using a four-point scale. Box trees infested by C. perspectalis were recorded in most locations at altitudes between 110 and 400 m with the mean annual temperature varying between 10.5 and 7.9 &deg, C. High damage to box trees was found in locations up to 340 m a.s.l. characterized by mean annual temperatures above 8.5 &deg, C. Our results suggested high probability (&gt, 60%) of any damage to box trees for the area up to approximately 300 m a.s.l. (mean annual temperature above 8.4 &deg, C), and high probability (&gt, 60%) of high damage for the area up to approximately 250 m a.s.l. (mean annual temperature above 9 &deg, C). The area where damage to box trees was predicted using the altitude showed great overlap with the area predicted using the mean annual temperature. The area with the probability of any damage was only slightly larger than the area with the probability of high damage.

The box tree moth Cydalima perspectalis is an invasive pest on box trees originating from Eastern Asia which spread throughout Europe. We assessed the efficacy of photo-eclectors (emergence boxes) for the detection of its larvae. We also investigated their spatial distribution on the hosts and the spatial and temporal distribution of the leaf damage caused by this pest in Slovakia. Our results showed non-uniform vertical distribution of the overwintering larvae and leaf damage on the trees. The larval abundance in the spring was significantly affected by the height of the branches above the ground. During spring, the larvae occurred most abundantly in the upper parts of the trees. The leaf damage was greatest in the lower parts throughout the growing season. During the progress of the infestation, the development of the damage in the lower and middle parts was similar. In the upper part, the initial increase in the damage was slow, but accelerated four months before the complete defoliation. The field estimation of the proportion of damaged leaves and the accurate assessment based on counting the damaged leaves suggest a consis­tency between these estimates. Hence, a quick field estimation of the leaf damage may be utilised by horticultural practices.

Excessive mortality of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) trees has recently been observed in the Zahorska nižina lowland in western Slovakia, Central Europe. Continuous drought, bark beetles and blue-stain fungi are likely to play a crucial role in this dieback of pines in a warm sandy area. Two blue-stain fungi, Ophiostoma ips and Ophiostoma minus, were found here on Scots pine trunks infested by bark beetles. These fungi were isolated and identified based on morphological properties and DNA sequences (ITS, LSU, β-tubulin). They colonized the inner bark, phloem and blue-stained sapwood, and were recorded in the galleries of Orthotomicus longicollis and other species of this genus. The occurrence of O. minus was massive; the fungus was found to produce perithecia abundantly in dying pines. Detailed descriptions, illustrations and global distribution of the two fungal species on host pine species are provided. The records of O. ips and those of O. minus are new for the mycoflora of Slovakia. Undetermined mycophagous nematodes were found inside the perithecia of O. ips. The role of bark beetles as real and potential vectors (Ips spp., Orthotomicus spp., Tomicus spp., Hylurgus ligniperda, Hylastes sp.) of blue-stain fungi in a declining pine forest is discussed.

The Harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis Pallas, native to eastern Asia, is an invasive, non-native species that has recently achieved an almost worldwide distribution. A conspicuous feature of this species is colour polymorphism of the elytra. In its native area, the populations consist of a recessive non-melanic morph, several dominant melanic morphs and small numbers of other (rare) morphs. The morph proportions in native populations have been intensively studied and vary with geographic area, climate and time. In contrast, colour polymorphism in invaded regions has been little studied. We examine and try to account for the morph frequencies observed across the different invaded regions. In America, monomorphic populations consist of the non-melanic morphs while European populations contain also melanic morphs. In particular geographic areas of Europe, the average percentage of the non-melanic morphs varied between 78 and 99%. It was highest in the lowlands of northern Italy and central and northern Europe and decreased in the Alps and western (Spain, UK) and eastern (southeast Russia) margins of the recently invaded area. In central Europe the frequency of the non-melanic morphs decreased over the course of the year but increased over the years from 2010 to 2018. The local differences might thus arise through gradual change of the morph composition of the founder invasive, non-native population. However, the variation in non-melanic morph frequency was not correlated with climatic characteristics that might affect coccinellid polymorphism. The observed rate of change in morph proportions in our data was too small to explain the diversification of what was supposedly a uniform invasive, non-native population at the point of introduction.

In temperate forests within Europe, early-flushing (EF) deciduous trees are often heavily infested by early spring leaf-eating Lepidoptera, while late-flushing (LF) trees are better protected in a phenological manner against such heavy infestations, as spring moth larvae begin to appear before their bud burst. The associational effects of EF trees on LF ones are only poorly known. We studied whether or not the infestation of LF trees by spring Lepidoptera can be affected by EF ones if they grow in the immediate vicinity. We compared spring assemblages of leaf-eating larvae of Lepidoptera on LF Quercus cerris L. with those on EF Q. pubescens Willd. in several microhabitats in Slovakia, Central Europe. Larvae were collected from mature and young trees. Mature trees sampled were growing: (1) in a closed-canopy forest, (2) in small groups, or (3) as a lone tree. Forest and tree groups are both constituted by oak species. Tree groups and lone trees were 20–50 m distant from forest edges. Young trees were growing (1) under mature Q. pubescens trees in a forest or (2) as a lone tree within forest gaps or near the edges. In the closed-canopy forest where LF trees (Q. cerris) were surrounded by EF ones (Q. pubescens), the caterpillars on mature LF trees were in abundance, almost as on mature EF ones. The species composition of larval assemblages on the two oak species was similar. In contrast, on small groups and on lone trees, the lepidopteran larvae were significantly less abundant on LF trees than EF ones. In the case of young trees, the abundance of larvae and their composition assemblages on both oaks were comparable in the forest. In the open habitat, LF trees were less infested by larvae than EF ones and the assemblages of moth larvae differed between the two. Our results reveal the effect (associational susceptibility) of EF trees on LF ones when growing in a close vicinity. It means that the phenological protection of LF trees may not be sufficient if they grow close to or are surrounded by EF ones.

We evaluated the status of native ladybird assemblages in the presence of the non-native ladybird Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in three European countries. To achieve this, we assessed the abundance of ladybirds from common host plants in urban areas of Great Britain, Czech Republic and Slovak Republic in 2014. We determined (i) the effects of season, host plant, location, abundance of H. axyridis and aphids on the ladybird species assemblage, (ii) the relationship between ladybird abundance and aphid density, (iii) the relationship between diversity of native ladybird species and the abundance of H. axyridis. There was a non-linear relationship between abundance of ladybirds and abundance of aphids but we found the abundance of other ladybird species was not correlated with H. axyridis. We highlight the value of large-spatial scale studies for revealing patterns in community assemblages and ultimately informing understanding of ecosystem resilience.

Wind is both an ecological provider and disturbance facilitator influences trees and other organisms in forests. Impacts of wind on induvidual trees and forests mainly depend on the strength (or intensity) of the wind and the stability of the trees. Wind causes large-scale damage to forests and serious economical losses for the forestry sector within Europe. Therefore, knowledge of interactions between wind and trees and/or forests provides the baseline for developing adequate prevention or mitigation of the negative consequences associated with wind disturbances in forest ecosystems. Herein, we analyse the wind as an ecological and disturbance factor in forests in Europe, emphasising forests in Slovakia. Here, strong winds destroy mostly spruce dominated forests in the following regions; Orava, High and Low Tatra Mountains, Great Fatra Mountains, Pohronie, Poľana Mountains and Slovak Ore Mountains. Increasing volumes of timber damaged by windstorms have been documented since 1961, with the maximum damage recorded in 2004. Yearly volumes of damaged timber of approximately 2.5 mil. m3are predicted from 2016 to 2030. This highlights the data requirement regarding wind disturbances for integrated forest protection against dangerous winds and other disturbance agents in forest ecosystems in Slovakia and other European countries.

Serotonergic agonist psilocybin is a psychedelic with antidepressant potential. Sleep may interact with psilocybin’s antidepressant properties like other antidepressant drugs via induction of neuroplasticity. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of psilocybin on sleep architecture on the night after psilocybin administration. Regarding the potential antidepressant properties, we hypothesized that psilocybin, similar to other classical antidepressants, would reduce rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and prolong REM sleep latency. Moreover, we also hypothesized that psilocybin would promote slow-wave activity (SWA) expression in the first sleep cycle, a marker of sleep-related neuroplasticity. Twenty healthy volunteers (10 women, age 28–53) underwent two drug administration sessions, psilocybin or placebo, in a randomized, double-blinded design. Changes in sleep macrostructure, SWA during the first sleep cycle, whole night EEG spectral power across frequencies in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and REM sleep, and changes in subjective sleep measures were analyzed. The results revealed prolonged REM sleep latency after psilocybin administration and a trend toward a decrease in overall REM sleep duration. No changes in NREM sleep were observed. Psilocybin did not affect EEG power spectra in NREM or REM sleep when examined across the whole night. However, psilocybin suppressed SWA in the first sleep cycle. No evidence was found for sleep-related neuroplasticity, however, a different dosage, timing, effect on homeostatic regulation of sleep, or other mechanisms related to antidepressant effects may play a role. Overall, this study suggests that potential antidepressant properties of psilocybin might be related to changes in sleep.

1 Ips amitinus arrived in Northern Europe at the beginning of 1900s, although its recent expansions to the northernmost conifers have been rapid. 2 Analyses of recent records, MaxEnt models and regional population size estimates are used to discuss its peculiar range shifts and potential as a forest pest in Northern Europe. 3 Ips amitinus was probably absent in northern glacial refugia for Norway spruce in the Russian plain and northward expansions from its glacial refugia in the Central European mountains may have been slowed down by: (i) ecological barriers of post-glacial dry plains and bogs in Central Europe; (ii) heavy utilization of conifers; and (iii) Allee effects as a result of fragmented forests and an unfavourable climate for a cold-adapted species in the continental lowlands. 4 MaxEnt models predict that I. amitinus may become widespread in the Northern European forests, whereas its populations in the southernmost mountain ranges of Europe may decline in the future. 5 The population levels of I. amitinus in recently invaded northern areas are still lower than those in core areas of Central Europe, although the population development in Central Europe indicates that future bark beetle outbreak periods may boost the I. amitinus populations in Northern Europe as well.

The black timber bark beetle Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford) is an invasive ambrosia beetle originating from Southeastern Asia that has become successfully established within Europe and North America. Herein, we provide a review of the spread and distribution of this pest of trees and timber across Europe before and after 2000, along with a review of its habitat preferences. Since the spread of X. germanus across Europe has accelerated rapidly post-2000, emphasis is placed on this period. X. germanus was first recorded in Germany in 1951 and since then in 21 European countries along with Russia. Ethanol-baited traps were deployed in oak, beech, and spruce forest ecosystems in the Western Carpathians, Central Europe, Slovakia, to characterize the distribution and habitat preference of this non-native ambrosia beetle. Captures of X. germanus within Slovakia have been rising rapidly since its first record in 2010, and now this species dominates captures of native ambrosia beetles. X. germanus has spread throughout the whole Slovakia from the south-southwest to the north-northeast over the period of 5–10 years and has also spread vertically into higher altitudes within this country. While living but weakened trees in Europe and North America are attacked by X. germanus, the greatest negative impact within Slovakia is attacks on recently felled logs of oak, beech and spruce trees providing high quality timber/lumber. We suggest that the recent rapid spread of X. germanus in Central Europe is being facilitated by environmental changes, specifically global warming, and the increasing frequency of timber trade. Recommendations for management of X. germanus in forest ecosystems are proposed and discussed, including early detection, monitoring, sanitary measures, etc.

The black timber bark beetle Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford) is an invasive ambrosia beetle that originates from Southeast Asia and has become successfully established within Europe and North America. Herein, we provide a review of the spread and distribution of this tree and timber pest species across Europe, before and after 2000, along with a review of its habitat preferences. Since the spread of X. germanus across Europe has accelerated rapidly post-2000, emphasis is placed on this period. X. germanus was first recorded in Germany in 1951 and since then in 21 other European countries along with Russia. Ethanol-baited traps were deployed in oak, beech, and spruce forest ecosystems in the Western Carpathians, Central Europe, Slovakia, to characterize the distribution and habitat preferences of this non-native ambrosia beetle. Captures of X. germanus within Slovakia have been rising rapidly since its first record in 2010, and now this species dominates captures of ambrosia beetles. X. germanus has spread throughout Slovakia from south-southwest to north-northeast over a period of 5–10 years, and has also spread vertically into higher altitudes within the country. While living but weakened trees in Europe and North America are attacked by X. germanus, the greatest negative impact within Slovakia is attacks on recently felled logs of oak, beech and spruce trees, which provide high quality timber/lumber. We suggest that the recent rapid spread of X. germanus in Central Europe is being facilitated by environmental changes, specifically global warming, and the increasing frequency of timber trade. Recommendations for the management of X. germanus in forest ecosystems are proposed and discussed, including early detection, monitoring, sanitary measures, etc.

Mites of the genera Trichouropoda and Uroobovella are characteristic associates of bark beetles which act as agents of their dispersal in many types of forest ecosystems worldwide. We compared the phoretic assemblages of Trichouropoda and Uroobovella mites on six species of bark beetle associated with Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karsten), namely: Dryocoetes autographus Ratzeburg, Hylastes cunicularius Erichson, Hylurgops palliatus (Gyllenhal), Ips typographus (Linnaeus), Pityogenes chalcographus (Linnaeus) and Polygraphus poligraphus (Linnaeus). Bark beetles were caught at random in non-baited flight-interception traps set in the shrub layer of a declining mountain spruce forest in the Tatra Mountains, West Carpathians, Central Europe. Over four years of a bark beetle outbreak, a total of six species of mites and 12 phoretic associations between mites and beetles were recorded. A newly documented host association includes that of Trichouropoda pecinai Hirschmann & Wiśniewski with H. palliatus....

International audience; The harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is native to Asia but has been intentionally introduced to many countries as a biological control agent of pest insects. In numerous countries, however, it has been introduced unintentionally. The dramatic spread of H. axyridis within many countries has been met with considerable trepidation. It is a generalist top predator, able to thrive in many habitats and across wide climatic conditions. It poses a threat to biodiversity, particularly aphidophagous insects, through competition and predation, and in many countries adverse effects have been reported on other species, particularly coccinellids. However, the patterns are not consistent around the world and seem to be affected by many factors including landscape and climate. Research on H. axyridis has provided detailed insights into invasion biology from broad patterns and processes to approaches in surveillance and monitoring. An impressive number of studies on this alien species have provided mechanistic evidence alongside models explaining large-scale patterns and processes. The involvement of citizens in monitoring this species in a number of countries around the world is inspiring and has provided data on scales that would be otherwise unachievable. Harmonia axyridis has successfully been used as a model invasive alien species and has been the inspiration for global collaborations at various scales. There is considerable scope to expand the research and associated collaborations, particularly to increase the breadth of parallel studies conducted in the native and invaded regions. Indeed a qualitative comparison of biological traits across the native and invaded range suggests that there are differences which ultimately could influence the population dynamics of this invader. Here we provide an overview of the invasion history and ecology of H. axyridis globally with consideration of future research perspectives. We reflect broadly on the contributions of such research to our understanding of invasion biology while also informing policy and people.

We evaluated the presence and impact of Entomophaga maimaiga on both target and non-target phytophagous larvae. All six study plots, with low gypsy moth population density, were situated in Central and Southeastern European oak forests and E. maimaiga had previously been reported from these plots. Totally, 45 of 4,045 (1.13%) collected non-target larvae died due to fungal infections. No non-target insect specimen was infected by E.maimaiga, although the presence of the pathogen could not be fully excluded in three cadavers. Out of 1,780L.dispar larvae collected, 15individuals (0.84%) were infected by E.maimaiga.

Species within the group of winter moths (Geometridae) are important oak defoliators in European forests. Adults of these species emerge either in late autumn (&lsquo, autumn species&rsquo, ) or in early spring (&lsquo, spring species&rsquo, ), and caterpillars of both &lsquo, autumn&rsquo, and &lsquo, spring&rsquo, species appear in spring. The abundance of adults assessed by regular monitoring allows the prediction of the defoliation intensity in trees by caterpillars in the following spring. &lsquo, Autumn species&rsquo, (mostly a single one, Operophtera brumata) are monitored by forestry practices as pests, whereas &lsquo, are often not paid any attention. We hypothesised that &lsquo, could also have an important share in caterpillar assemblages in oak forests. We aimed to study the proportions between &lsquo, species in adult and larval stages. In a xeric thermophilous oak forest in southern Slovakia, Central Europe, we collected adult moths using sticky bands set up on trunks of Quercus pubescens during the winter of 2014&ndash, 2015 and caterpillars from other trees belonging to the same oak species over the following spring. We also captured caterpillars from several oak species in various areas and over different years in Slovakia and Bulgaria, and we compiled relevant literature data. &lsquo, Spring species&rsquo, recorded from a unique forest as adults during winter and as caterpillars in the following spring were significantly more abundant than &lsquo, autumn species.&rsquo, Moreover, &lsquo, from Slovakian forests, regardless of the locality, the oak species and the year of sampling, reached high proportions, mostly over 50% of individuals in caterpillar assemblages. The &lsquo, Agriopis leucophaearia was the most abundant, followed by the &lsquo, Operophtera brumata. &lsquo, accounted for more than 50% of individuals in caterpillar assemblages in the Balkan Peninsula (Bulgaria) concerning one case, and they were of little importance in northern Greece. We recommend monitoring all winter moth adults (&lsquo, species together) continuously in forestry practices, using sticky bands on oak trees from late autumn to early spring.

The harlequin ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) has invaded and established in Slovakia. Following unintentional introduction in 2008, the spread of the alien coccinellid was very fast. By the end of 2009, it was recorded across the whole country, and by the end of 2012 it was widely distributed and common in various habitats, particularly gardens, orchards and urban areas, where it was most frequent on trees. The rate of eastward spread was approximately 200 km year-1, similar to the overall rate of spread in Europe. Between 2008 and 2012, the coccinellid was recorded in a total of 153 localities, in altitudes ranging from 98 to 1,250 m. Most records of this species were made in lowlands, hilly areas and valleys separating mountain ridges. However, it was only rarely documented in areas above 700 m a.s.l. The non-melanic colour form (f. succinea) was dominant along alongitudinal transect including eight urban areas across Slovakia, with the frequency of melanic forms (f. spectabilis and f. conspicua together) between 6.3 and 19.2% and a median equal to 10.5%. The invasion history and distribution of H. axyridis in Slovakia are discussed with regard to the time sequence of records, rate of spread, altitudinal distribution, anthropogenic dispersal, effective recording, proportion of melanic forms and other relevant aspects associated with the spread of this successful invader.

Attraction of bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) to Norway spruce was studied in the timberline forest in Tatra Mountains, West Carpathians, Central Europe, by trapping bark beetles in flight interception traps fixed to the lower parts of the 18 trunks of spruce trees, and by recording colonizations of bark beetles on those trees in 2004. The trees were devoid of needles in the upper crown (1/4 up to 1/3 of the tree top dead) and were growing in three distant sample plots. Each plot was representing three different situations (biotopes) in the timberline spruce forest - forest, forest line and tree line, in altitudes between 1,280-1,560 m. A total of 18 traps yielded a total of 5,015 individuals and 19 bark beetle species associated with spruce, the five of which, Phtorophloeus spinulosus, Xyloterus lineatus, Pityophthorus pityographus, Pityogenes chalcographus, Ips typographus, were also documented to be developing in the the studied trees. Traps in the forest line yielded more individuals of bark beetles (all species considered together) than those in the forest and the tree line, although this was not significant (P>0.05, K-W Anova). The bark beetle assemblages showed very low dissimilarity in their structure between the forest and forest line, however, the assemblages in these two situations, aparently, differed from the assemblage in the tree line. Over the period 2004 - 2008 three (16.7%) of the 18 studied trees died. All documented cases of the tree mortality were associated with colonization by I. typographus.

We studied the leaf litter-dwelling fauna of managed deciduous forests and primeval reference sites in Western and Central Europe and addressed the questions if the higher overall species richness close to downed coarse woody debris (CWD) is related to intra-specific or inter-specific aggregation, if the aggregation pattern changes with the amount of CWD on the forest floor, and how much CWD is needed for different taxa. The analysis is based on shelled Gastropoda, Diplopoda/Isopoda, Chilopoda and Coleoptera. Among-sample heterogeneity was lower close to CWD than distant from CWD. This was most pronounced in Diplopoda/Isopoda and Gastropoda. Diplopoda/Isopoda are comparatively mobile and assemblages were already quite homogenous close to CWD at levels above 5 m3 downed deadwood ha−1. Gastropoda have a low mobility, and more than 20 m3 downed deadwood ha−1 is needed for assemblage homogeneity. We further focused on the Gastropoda as sensitive indicators. Enhanced densities and species richness close to CWD were not a simple function of leaf litter weight, thus effects of densities on heterogeneity are not solely driven by leaf litter accumulation close to CWD. In contrast to euryecious litter-dwellers such as the Punctidae, stenecious slow active dispersers such as the Clausiliidae clearly require more than 20 m3 CWD ha−1 for an even distribution. Specialists depending on CWD even seem to have gone extinct in some managed forests. For conserving the litter-dwelling fauna, we propose a target of at least 20 m3 downed CWD ha−1 in already managed forests and rigorous restrictions for deadwood removal from still (almost) pristine systems.

In two successive years we recorded a total of 3,636 individuals and 17 species of adult lady beetles (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) in the spruce forests of Pol’ana Mts (the West Carpathians) at altitudes ranging from 600 m to 1,300 m a.s.l. Four lady beetle species were documented as predominating (dominance of abundance > 5%) over the study period. They were the following: Aphidecta obliterata (1,828 individuals and 50.3%), Coccinella septempunctata (634 individuals and 17.4%), Adalia conglomerata (594 individuals and 16.3%) and Anatis ocellata (279 individuals and 7.7%). The assemblages of lady beetles differed among the areas and also between the years. The season revealed neglegible effect on distribution of lady beetles, whereas the effect of altitude was more pronounced. A. conglomerata preferred the areas at lower altitude (600–725 m) to those at middle (900–925 m) and/or upper altitude (1,250–1,300 m). In contrast, A. obliterata and C. septempuctata were most abundant in the area at middle altitude. The altitudinal location of area partly explained the variability in abundance of lady beetles. The first ordination axis constructed by means of correspondence analysis (CA) represented an altitudinal gradient and accounted for 19.4% of the total variance of the species data. The great proportion of lady beetle species not typically associated with spruce and/or other coniferous trees than spruce (70.6%, n = 17) may be explained by an ecotonal effect.

Lepidoptera associated with Norway spruce, Picea abies (L.) Karsten, play important roles in ecosystem processes, acting as plant pests, prey for predators, and hosts for parasites and parasitoids. Their distribution patterns in spruce crowns and forests are only poorly understood. We examined how slope and crown aspect affect the occurrence and abundance of moth larvae on solitary spruce trees in a montane region in Central Europe. Moth larvae were collected from southern and northern crowns of trees growing on south- and north-facing slopes (four treatments) using emergence boxes at the end of winter and by the beating method during the growing season. Species responses to slope and crown aspect were not uniform. Treatment effects on moth larvae were stronger in the winter than during the growing season. In winter, the abundance of bud-boring larvae was significantly higher in northern than in southern crowns regardless of the slope aspect, while both slope and aspect had marginally significant effects on abundance of miners. During the growing season, the occurrence of free-living larvae was similar among treatments. Emergence boxes and beating spruce branches are complementary techniques providing valuable insights into the assemblage structure of moth larvae on Norway spruce. Due to the uneven distribution of larvae detected in this study, we recommend adoption of a protocol that explicitly includes sampling of trees from contrasting slopes and branches from contrasting crown aspect in all seasons.

We studied the snail fauna of four primeval forests of Central Slovakia and focused on the influence of forest type and coarse woody debris (CWD) on species assemblages. We found a total of 3281 individuals from 39 species. Species assemblages differed between the forests. In SW-facing oak forests, CWD enhanced the proportion of forest species such as the wood-grazing Cochlodina laminata and decreased the proportion of euryecious species like the litter-dwelling Punctum pygmaeum. In NE-facing beech forests, hygrophilous species such as Carychium tridentatum dominated the assemblages. This litter-dwelling snail was especially abundant close to CWD. The NE-facing beech forests harbored more species and individuals than the SW-facing oak forests did. CWD enhanced snail abundance, species richness and biodiversity, irrespective of forest type. We found positive correlations for

We investigated the distribution pattern of centipedes (Chilopoda) in four primeval forests of the western Carpathians, central Slovakia. The forests are located in two different mountain ranges (Kremnicke vrchy and Pol’ana Mountains), which are exposed on either the southern (Boky, Rohy) or northern slopes (Pol’ana, Badin). In these forests, the influence of coarse woody debris (CWD) on centipede distribution was studied, by distinguishing sampling sites on the forest floor, close to CWD (c-CWD) and distant from CWD (d-CWD). In total, we collected 2,706 individuals from 20 species of centipedes. Average species richness and number of individuals per forest ranged from 8 to 12 species/m2 and from 244 to 486 individuals/m2. The oak forests on south facing slopes harboured several species, which did not occur in the more northern exposed fir-beech forests. Number of species as well as individuals, however, varied more within than between individual forests. Increase of species number and density was mainly caused by CWD and was more pronounced on the southern slopes (P

We collected 1605 isopod individuals (eight species) and 671 diplopod individuals (17 species) in four primeval forests of the Western Carpathians, Central Slovakia, by leaf litter extraction. The forests are of different temperate deciduous forest types varying in tree species, aspect, elevation and soil characteristics. The oak forests, established on southwest oriented slopes at an elevation of 280–600 m, were characterized by Hyloniscus riparius , Porcellium conspersum , Enantiulus nanus and Ophioiulus pilosus . The beech forests, established on northeast oriented slopes at an elevation of 700–1100 m, were characterised by Ligidium hypnorum , Trachysphaera costata and Polyzonium germanicum . A remarkable increase of the total number of species and individuals occurred in both forest types adjacent to coarse woody debris (CWD). Woodlice density close to CWD was between 200 and 630 individuals m −2 (35–130 individuals m −2 distant from CWD); millipede density close to CWD ranged from 60 to 230 individuals m −2 (15–75 individuals m −2 distant from CWD). Species richness of both taxa close to CWD varied from 13 to 16 species m −2 (7–12 species m −2 distant from CWD). Thus, CWD has a significant influence on saprophages. However, structural components such as CWD and the amount of leaf litter did not significantly alter species assemblages. Species at sites distant from CWD were a subset of species at sites close to CWD. According to a canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), ‘forest type’ and ‘elevation within a slope’, as well as chemistry of the upper soil layer, i.e. ‘acidification’ and ‘nutrition’, strongly influenced species assemblages.

Herbivorous beetles were sampled in central Slovakia and in the Tatra Mountains of northern Slovakia from seven different Salix species which are partly characterized by smooth leaves containing phenolic glycosides and partly by hairy leaves containing tannins. The collection included about 8000 individuals representing 129 species. Of the 129 species, 77 species are able to use the willows as hosts; the remaining 52 ‘tourist’ species comprise less than 3% of the collected individuals. The data on species richness and abundance did not generally support the ‘feeding specialization’ hypothesis. The proportion of specialized (= monophagous and oligophagous) beetles feeding on willows of both morphological and biochemical groups was in the same range. Host plants of the two groups could support high diversity and high evenness values, even when leaf characteristics and plant chemicals largely influenced species assemblage. The region in which the willow trees grow had a considerable impact on host plant use. Generalist beetle species predominated in central Slovakia. By contrast, in the Tatra Mountains, specialist feeders which are able to use phenolic glycosides to their advantage were predominant. The number of species and the total density of individuals collected from willows containing phenolic glycosides (S. fragilis and S. purpurea) did not usually vary between the two regions. In contrast, fewer species and individuals were found in the Tatra Mountains when they settled on willow species containing tannins (S. caprea and S. cinerea). Also, the phylogenetic status of host plants affected species assemblages. In central Slovakia willow species of the subgenus Vetrix (S. purpurea, S. caprea and S. cinerea) generally showed a higher beetle diversity (Hs) than species of the subgenus Salix (S. fragilis, S. alba and S. triandra), although both subgenera comprise species of both morphological and biochemical groups. Furthermore, when the analysis was restricted to beetles of central Slovakia, which should be most adapted to their host plants (i.e. catkin feeders and phyllophages in the adult and larval stage), the phylogenetic status was found to be more important than any single leaf character measured.