Beitrag zum Vorkommen und Ausbreitung des Trauer-Rosenkäfers Oxythyrea funesta (Poda, 1761) (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) in Deutschland:: ein Citizen-Science-Projekt

Der auffällig gezeichnete Trauerrosenkäfer Oxythyrea funesta konnte sich in den letzten 30 Jahren in Mitteleuropa rasant ausbreiten und eignet sich auch deshalb als Modell für Citizen-Science-Projekte. Bei „kerbtier.de“ wurde 2019 ein Kartierungsprojekt gestartet, um die Art durch Fotos der Nutzer gezielt zu melden und die Ausbreitung in Deutschland besser zu dokumentieren. Es wurden insgesamt 1.345 Anfragen von 309 Nutzern ausgewertet. Unsere Ergebnisse bestätigen, dass Oxythyrea funesta mittlerweile aus allen Regionen Deutschlands nachgewiesen ist und in der südlichen Hälfte Deutschlands eine weit verbreitete und häufige Art ist. In Norddeutschland liegt ihr aktueller Verbreitungsschwerpunkt in und um die Städte Hannover, Bremen und Hamburg. Generell scheint die Art vom Klimawandel zu profitieren, sowie durch das Vorhandensein von ausreichend Blütenpflanzen und Komposthaufen in urbanen Gebieten, wo die Art überwiegend dokumentiert wurde. Die Eignung von Citizen-Science-Projekten in der Biodiversitätsforschung wird diskutiert.The characteristic white-spotted rose beetle Oxythyrea funesta has spread rapidly in Central Europe over the past 30 years and is therefore a suitable model for Citizen Science projects. A project to document the dispersal of O. funesta in Germany was started on “kerbtier.de” in 2019 to record the species through photos uploaded by the users. 1,345 inquiries from 309 users were evaluated. Our results show that O. funesta is currently present in all regions of Germany and became a widespread and common species in the southern half of Germany. In Northern Germany, its current distribution is focused in and around the cities of Hanover, Bremen and Hamburg. In general, the species appears to benefit from climate change, as well as from the presence of sufficient flowering plants and compost heaps in urban areas where the species has been mainly documented. The suitability of Citizen-Science-projects in biodiversity research is discussed

Taxonomy and distribution of Cylindera germanica (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Middle East with the description of two new subspecies (Coleoptera, Carabidae Cicindelinae)

Boetzl, Fabian A., Franzen, Michael (2020): Taxonomy and distribution of Cylindera germanica (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Middle East with the description of two new subspecies (Coleoptera, Carabidae Cicindelinae). Zootaxa 4809 (1): 95-110, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4809.1.

Cylindera (Cylindera) germanica subsp. lyciae Lopez & Dementyev 2017

Cylindera (Cylindera) germanica lyciae López & Dementyev 2017 Material examined:TURKEY: Antalya: 2♂2♀, ' 4.8 km SSW from Demre, Mediterranean Sea coast, 9m alt., 27.05.2015, leg. S. Dementiev & E. Shankhiza', 1♂1♀ labelled ' Cylindera (Cylindera), germanica lyciae ssp. nov., PARATYPUS, M. López & S. Dementyev 2017' (black print on red label) [CFB]; 1♀, Kale environments (Demre), 0-50 m NN, 16. - 20.06.1981, leg. G. Rambold [ZSM]; 3♂1♀, Köprü Irmagi8 km N Tasagil, 50 m, 13.06.1997, leg. M. Franzen' [CMF]; 1♀, Alanya along Dimcay brook, 05.- 24.07.1985, leg. L. Hendrich [CMF]. Morphology: All specimens examined fit the original description given in López and Dementyev (2017) perfectly (Figure 7). Distribution: Based on older material we can extend the range of C. germanica lyciae some 250 km eastward along the southern Mediterranean coast (as measured from the type locality) into the alluvial coastal plain between Antalya and Alanya, the area of the ancient Pamphylia (Figure 1).Published as part of Boetzl, Fabian A. & Franzen, Michael, 2020, Taxonomy and distribution of Cylindera germanica (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Middle East with the description of two new subspecies (Coleoptera, Carabidae Cicindelinae), pp. 95-110 in Zootaxa 4809 (1) on page 98, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4809.1.5, http://zenodo.org/record/393397

Cylindera (Cylindera) germanica subsp. erzincana Boetzl & Franzen 2020, ssp. nov.

Cylindera (Cylindera) germanica erzincana ssp. nov. Boetzl & Franzen, 2020 Type locality: Turkey, Erzincan province, 17 km east of Erzincan, Ekşisu marshes, approx. 1200 m asl. Material examined: Holotype: ♂, 'Türkei, Prov. Erzincan: 17 km e. Erzincan, ca. 1200 m, Feuchtwiese, Bin- senflur, 14.07.1997, Franzen & Rischel leg.' [black print on white cardboard label, translation: Turkey, Erzincan province, 17 km east of Erzincan, approx. 1200 m asl, wet meadow, rushes, 14.07.1997, Franzen & Rischel leg.], 'GER 19 082'[black print on white cardboard label], ' HOLOTYPUS, Cylindera (Cylindera) germanica erzincana ssp. nov., des. F. Boetzl & M. Franzen 2020' (black print on red label) deposited in ZSM; Paratypes: 2♂2♀ [CFB], 2♀ [CJG], 2♀ [CWH], 15♂15♀ [CMF], 2♂2♀ [ZSM], all with the same data as the holotype, ' PARATYPUS, Cylindera (Cylindera) germanica erzincana ssp. nov., des. F. Boetzl & M. Franzen 2020' (black print on red label); 1♂, ' Türkei, Prov. Erzincan: 12 km e. Üzümlü (25 km e. Erzincan), ca. 1150 m, Graben auf Viehweide, 14.07.1997, Franzen & Rischel leg. ', ' PARATYPUS, Cylindera (Cylindera) germanica erzincana ssp. nov., des. F. Boetzl & M. Franzen 2020' (black print on red label), [CMF]. Description: Total length of the holotype male is 8.8 mm (type series: ♂♂7.8 to 9.2 mm, mean: 8.5 ± 0.09 mm; ♀♀7.6 to 10 mm, mean: 8.84 ± 0.11 mm; Table 1). Head wider than pronotum (holotype: 2.55 mm; type series: ♂♂2.1 to 2.6 mm, mean: 2.38 ± 0.03 mm; ♀♀2.2 to 2.9 mm, mean: 2.50 ± 0.03 mm; Table 1), glabrous, metallic green to coppery, sometimes with bright blueishgreen highlights, longitudinally wrinkled with circular wrinkles on the frons typical for Cylindera. Genae glabrous, metallic dark blue. Two supraorbital setae, one at the anterior margin of the eye, one at the widest point of the head between the eyes. Antennae reaching approximately to the end of the first third of the elytra, segments 1 to 4 glabrous, metallic green with coppery reflections, segments 5 to 11 light brown and densely setose with short, thin setae. Scapus with one long apical seta, antennal segment 3 with 6 shorter setae (holotype) apart from the longer apical setae. Labrum unidentate, yellowish brown except tip of spine black, with 6 submarginal setae (type series: 5 to 9, mean: 6.86 ± 0.14; Table 1), 0.6 mm long (type series: ♂♂0.55 to 0.7 mm, mean: 0.6 ± 0.01 mm; ♀♀0.5 to 0.75 mm, mean: 0.64 ± 0.01 mm) and 1.25 mm wide (type series: ♂♂1.05 to 1.35 mm, mean: 1.21 ± 0.02 mm; ♀♀1.05 to 1.5 mm, mean: 1.27 ± 0.02 mm; Table 1). Labial and maxillar palpi yellowish brown with the end segments darkened with a coppery metallic sheen.Pronotum cylindrical, wider (holotype: 1.9 mm; type series: ♂♂1.5 to 1.85 mm, mean: 1.80 ± 0.03 mm; ♀♀1.5 to 1.9 mm - mean: 2.1 ± 0.03 mm; Table 1) than long (holotype: 1.8 mm; type series: ♂♂ 1.5 to 2.0 mm, mean: 1.69 ± 0.02 mm; ♀♀1.6 to 2.2 mm, mean: 1.70 ± 0.02 mm; Table 1), lateral edges of the pronotum setose, its sides glabrous. Colouration typically brightly blueish-green metallic to coppery dark green, sometimes with bright coppery highlights dorsally, ventrally dark metallic blue. Pronotum disc convex, with a clear midline and deep impressions near the posterior margin, wrinkled, especially near the anterior and posterior margins as well as around the midline. Thoracic segments metallic green to dark coppery-violet, all segments glabrous but the metathorax which is covered with a brush of thick short white setae.Legs metallic green with dark coppery reflections except for the dark brown tibiae and trochanters, fore and middle femora with sparse white setae along the anterior and posterior margins and on both sides in between, hind femora without setae between he margins on the side that faces the abdomen. Fore and middle trochanters with a single, long subapical seta. Basal three tarsomeres of forelegs in males broadened.Elytra elliptical, slightly dilated in apical third in females, rather parallel in males (length: holotype: 5.4 mm; type series: ♂♂4.5 to 5.7 mm, mean: 5.11 ± 0.07 mm; ♀♀4.3 to 6.1 mm, mean: 5.23 ± 0.10 mm; width (at broadest point): holotype: 3.3 mm; type series: ♂♂2.7 to 3.4 mm, mean: 3.07 ± 0.04 mm; ♀♀2.7 to 3.9 mm, mean: 3.24 ± 0.05 mm; width (at the tip of the scutellum): holotype: 2.55 mm; type series: ♂♂2.15 to 2.7 mm, mean: 2.44 ± 0.03 mm; ♀♀ 2.2 to 3.0 mm, mean: 2.55 ± 0.03 mm; Table 1). Scutellum coppery green to blueish green metallic, same colouration as head and pronotum. Elytral disc dark green metallic with more or less blueish sheen, with a black band on each elytron reaching curved from the humeral (shoulder) spot over the basal spot (endpoint of the not present apical lunule) and the end tip of the middle band towards the apical lunule, the rest of the elytra covered with brightly blueish dots, with a line of large brightly blue dots along the suture. Shoulders prominent with small round maculation, round basal maculation centrally on each elytron at the end of the first quarter, the middle band reaching straight from a marginal spot that is distanced from the lateral margin of the elytron towards the suture near the elytral apex, waisted in the middle of the elytron but ending in a clear broader spot that forms a hook projecting towards the elytral base. The apical lunule is starting at the elytral apex, running along the margin to a spot shortly before the broadest point of the elytron and then projecting in a hook towards the central point of the middle band. Epipleura mid brown. Elytral apex with a clear but short, coppery / green metallic sutural spine.Abdominal sternites glabrous, black, 1 st and 2 nd segment with coppery-green to blue metallic shine laterally, 3 rd to 5 th segment with blue to violet sheen, 6 th segment more or less without metallic lustre. The aedeagus generally resembles the aedeagus of C. germanica germanica in shape and in internal structures (Figure 10). It is 3.1 mm long (type series: 2.5 to 3.2 mm, mean: 2.84 ± 0.05 mm; Table 1) which is 57 % of the elytra length (type series: 48 to 64 %, mean: 56.3 ± 1 %). Holotype glued onto white cardboard mounting board, pinhole from previous mounting on right elytron, centrally at the end of the first fifth of the elytron, left antenna lacking the final two antennomeres, aedeagus embedded in Lompe-solution.Etymology: The name refers to the region in of both known localities of this likely endemic taxon, the area east Erzincan in the eastern Anatolian highlands. Differential diagnosis: Though having a very similar elytral pattern and colouration, C. g. erzincana ssp. nov. is easily distinguished from C. descendens (Fischer, 1825) (= C. obliquefasciata descendens (Fischer, 1825) sensu Gebert 1992) by its completely glabrous abdominal sternites. Additionally, both species are separated by a distribution gap of approximately 2000 km, with the closest verified populations of C. descendens in south-eastern Iran in Sistan and Baluchestan province (Fig. 1). From C. germanica germanica (which also occurs in north-eastern Turkey) the new subspecies is clearly differentiated by its different colouration, different elytral maculations and its smaller size (Table 1). Individuals from the closest population of C. g. germanica (Aras river east of Erzurum, distance approximately 150 km) to the type locality of C. g. erzincana ssp. nov. resemble the nominate form perfectly. On average, individuals from this population have the typically green metallic elytra and red-coppery metallic head and pronotum, are of larger size and have the typical reduced elytral maculation of C. g. germanica. In addition, individuals from the Erzurum C. g. germanica population have a longer (in relation to its width) and more slender (in relation to elytra width) pronotum than C. germanica erzincana ssp. nov. (Table 1). The internal structure of the aedeagus of C. germanica erzincana ssp. nov. differs only slightly from those of the closest populations of C. germanica germanica near Erzurum. Minor differences include size and shape of the ventro-lateral left (VLL), dorso-lateral left (DLL) and dorso-lateral right (DLR) bulges (Figures 12-19). Variability: The comparatively large type series is rather uniform and shows low variability between individuals in terms of colouration and maculation (Figures 8 & 9). The colouration of head and thorax however is not always brightly blueish-green metallic – in some specimens these parts are darker coppery green, sometimes with bright coppery highlights. Habitat and distribution: All specimens of the type series were collected in humid to wet meadows with scattered small puddles. Specimens were observed running on small patches of bare, loamy soil among dense stands of rushes and other grasses (Figure 11). We did not observe escape flights. This new subspecies is currently only known from two sites very close to each other at the eastern edge of the Ekşisu wetlands in the upper Euphrates river valley in Erzincan province in the eastern Anatolian highlands (Figure 1). We expect C. g. erzincana ssp. nov. to be endemic to the wetlands (or the closer surrounding region) with a very restricted range. The strongly localized distribution would also explain its late discovery despite the long history of entomological collecting in Turkey. The Ekşisu wetlands are known as a biodiversity hotspot in an otherwise dry region and are generally regarded as understudied (Doğan et al. 2015). The wetlands serve as important feeding, roosting and nesting sites for many birds and are also the only known site of the endemic Erzincan milkwort, Sonchus erzincanicus (Doğan et al. 2015). Although the area was declared a 1st-Degree Natural Site worth of protection, these wetlands are seriously threatened by economic planning, drainage for agricultural use and use for recreation activities (Baylan & Karadeniz 2018; Doğan et al. 2015; Karadeniz, Tırıl, & Baylan 2009). With the Ekşisu wetlands in danger, this newly discov- ered taxon could already be endangered and needs special protection due to its much-localized occurrence.Published as part of Boetzl, Fabian A. & Franzen, Michael, 2020, Taxonomy and distribution of Cylindera germanica (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Middle East with the description of two new subspecies (Coleoptera, Carabidae Cicindelinae), pp. 95-110 in Zootaxa 4809 (1) on pages 100-103, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4809.1.5, http://zenodo.org/record/393397

Cylindera (Cylindera) germanica subsp. muelleri Magistretti 1966

Cylindera (Cylindera) germanica muelleri (Magistretti, 1966) Material examined:TURKEY: Edirne: 26♂, 24♀, Edirne, 13.06.1976, leg. K. Witzgall [ZSM]; 1♂, Edirne, 13.06.1976, leg. K. Witzgall [CMF]; 1♀, Edirne, 10.06.1991, leg. D. Bernhauer [CMF], 1♀, Edirne, 14.06.1971, leg. K. Bernhauer [CWH / SMNS]. Morphology:C. germanica muelleri is characterised by its predominantly azure blue colour (Figure 6). While blue or blueish individuals occasionally occur in most populations of C. g. germanica, these are dominant in all populations of C. germanica muelleri if not the only morph present. In the large series from Edirne only a few specimens show a completely typical azure blue colour while most individuals appear to be dull blue-green to green. We assume that this is due to intergradation between C. germanica muelleri and C. germanica germanica in this region, including areas east of the Bosporus (see also account of C. g. germancia). As C. germanica muelleri merely represents a colour morph with a separated distribution across the eastern Mediterranean, we see the necessity of a re-evaluation of the validity of this subspecies. Distribution:Cylindera germanica muelleri is a trans-Ionian subspecies occurring in southern Italy and on the Balkan peninsula. The taxon was previously not recorded from Turkey but is known from the bordering regions of easternmost Greece (Nestos delta, database Jörg Gebert). Therefore, its occurrence in the European part of Turkey could have been expected.Published as part of Boetzl, Fabian A. & Franzen, Michael, 2020, Taxonomy and distribution of Cylindera germanica (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Middle East with the description of two new subspecies (Coleoptera, Carabidae Cicindelinae), pp. 95-110 in Zootaxa 4809 (1) on pages 98-100, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4809.1.5, http://zenodo.org/record/393397

It’s a matter of design - how pitfall trap design affects trap samples and possible predictions

Background: Pitfall traps are commonly used to assess ground dwelling arthropod communities. The effects of different pitfall trap designs on the trapping outcome are poorly investigated however they might affect conclusions drawn from pitfall trap data greatly. Methods: We tested four pitfall trap types which have been used in previous studies for their effectiveness: a simple type, a faster exchangeable type with an extended plastic rim plate and two types with guidance barriers (V- and X-shaped). About 20 traps were active for 10 weeks and emptied biweekly resulting in 100 trap samples. Results: Pitfall traps with guidance barriers were up to five times more effective than simple pitfall traps and trap samples resulted in more similar assemblage approximations. Pitfall traps with extended plastic rim plates did not only perform poorly but also resulted in distinct carabid assemblages with less individuals of small species and a larger variation. Discussion: Due to the obvious trait filtering and resulting altered assemblages, we suggest not to use pitfall traps with extended plastic rim plates. In comprehensive biodiversity inventories, a smaller number of pitfall traps with guidance barriers and a larger number of spatial replicates is of advantage, while due to comparability reasons, the use of simple pitfall traps will be recommended in most other cases

Pest control potential of adjacent agri‐environment schemes varies with crop type and is shaped by landscape context and within‐field position

Increasing natural pest control in agricultural fields is an important aim of ecological intensification. Combined effects of landscape context and local placement of agri‐environmental schemes (AES) on natural pest control and within‐field distance functions of natural pest control agents have rarely been addressed but might affect the distribution of biocontrol providers. Importantly, it is currently unknown whether ecosystem services provided by adjacent AES are consistent for different crop types during crop rotation. In this study, we assessed whether crop rotation from oilseed rape to cereals altered within‐field distance functions of ground‐dwelling predators from adjacent agri‐environmental fields along a gradient in landscape context. Additionally, we recorded crop pests, predation rates, parasitoids as well as crop yields on a total of 30 study sites. Distance functions varied between trophic levels: Carabid richness decreased while densities of carabid beetles, staphylinid beetles as well as crop yields increased towards the field centres. Distance functions of parasitoids and pests were modulated by the amount of semi‐natural habitat in the surrounding landscape, while the effects of adjacent AES were limited. Distance decay functions found for ground‐dwelling predators in oilseed rape in the previous year were not always present in cereals. Increasing distance to the field edge also increased effects of crop rotation on carabid beetle assemblages, indicating a source habitat function of field edges. Synthesis and applications. Distance functions of natural pest control are not universal and the effects of agri‐environmental schemes (AES) in different adjacent crops during crop rotation vary and depend on ecological contrasts. A network of semi‐natural habitats and spatially optimized AES habitats can benefit pest control in agricultural landscapes, but constraints as a result of crop type need to be addressed by annually targeted, spatially shifting agri‐environment schemes for different crops

Data from: Agri-environmental schemes promote ground-dwelling predators in adjacent oilseed rape fields: diversity, species traits and distance-decay functions

1. Rising demands for agricultural products and high environmental costs of intensive agriculture reinforce the need for ecological replacements in agricultural management. In Europe, agri-environmental schemes (AES) are implemented to enhance species richness and provision of ecosystem services, but the effectiveness of different AES types and the spatial extent of possible beneficial effects are little understood. In this study we assessed the effects of different AES types on diversity, species traits and distance-decay functions of ground- dwelling predators in adjacent crop fields. 2. On 31 study sites with winter oilseed rape (OSR) adjacent to four types of AES differing in management intensity and habitat age we recorded ground-dwelling predators (carabid beetles, staphylinid beetles and spiders) during OSR growth from April to July. Effects of the AES on species richness, activity densities and different traits of these taxa were examined with transects of pitfall traps running along a continuous distance gradient from the AES across the habitat border into the OSR fields. 3. Ground-dwelling predator communities benefitted similarly from the different AES types. In adjacent OSR, activity densities, carabid species richness and the proportion of predatory carabid beetles declined from the field edge while mean body size increased. Adjacent AES increased the proportion of predatory species and simultaneously decreased the proportion of granivorous or frugivorous species in adjacent OSR fields. 4. Synthesis and applications. Our results indicate a beneficial effect of adjacent agri-environmental schemes (AES) on ground-dwelling predators in oilseed rape (OSR), mostly irrespective of AES type and therefore management intensity and habitat age. The short-ranged distance decay effects on natural enemies in OSR underpin that a strategic spatial placement of AES in agricultural landscapes is required to maximise biological pest control. This could help replace anthropogenic input in modern agriculture and secure adequate yields

Pest control potential of adjacent agri‐environment schemes varies with crop type and is shaped by landscape context and within‐field position

Increasing natural pest control in agricultural fields is an important aim of ecological intensification. Combined effects of landscape context and local placement of agri‐environmental schemes (AES) on natural pest control and within‐field distance functions of natural pest control agents have rarely been addressed but might affect the distribution of biocontrol providers. Importantly, it is currently unknown whether ecosystem services provided by adjacent AES are consistent for different crop types during crop rotation. In this study, we assessed whether crop rotation from oilseed rape to cereals altered within‐field distance functions of ground‐dwelling predators from adjacent agri‐environmental fields along a gradient in landscape context. Additionally, we recorded crop pests, predation rates, parasitoids as well as crop yields on a total of 30 study sites. Distance functions varied between trophic levels: Carabid richness decreased while densities of carabid beetles, staphylinid beetles as well as crop yields increased towards the field centres. Distance functions of parasitoids and pests were modulated by the amount of semi‐natural habitat in the surrounding landscape, while the effects of adjacent AES were limited. Distance decay functions found for ground‐dwelling predators in oilseed rape in the previous year were not always present in cereals. Increasing distance to the field edge also increased effects of crop rotation on carabid beetle assemblages, indicating a source habitat function of field edges. Synthesis and applications. Distance functions of natural pest control are not universal and the effects of agri‐environmental schemes (AES) in different adjacent crops during crop rotation vary and depend on ecological contrasts. A network of semi‐natural habitats and spatially optimized AES habitats can benefit pest control in agricultural landscapes, but constraints as a result of crop type need to be addressed by annually targeted, spatially shifting agri‐environment schemes for different crops

Diapause affects cuticular hydrocarbon composition and mating behavior of both sexes in Drosophila montana

Environmental cues, mainly photoperiod and temperature, are known to control female adult reproductive diapause in several insect species. Diapause enhances female survival during adverse conditions and postpones progeny production to the favorable season. Male diapause (a reversible inability to inseminate receptive females) has been studied much less than female diapause. However, if the males maximized their chances to fertilize females while minimizing their energy expenditure, they would be expected to be in diapause at the same time as females. We investigated Drosophila montana male mating behavior under short‐day conditions that induce diapause in females and found the males to be reproductively inactive. We also found that males reared under long‐day conditions (reproducing individuals) court reproducing postdiapause females, but not diapausing ones. The diapausing flies of both sexes had more long‐chain and less short‐chain hydrocarbons on their cuticle than the reproducing ones, which presumably increase their survival under stressful conditions, but at the same time decrease their attractiveness. Our study shows that the mating behavior of females and males is well coordinated during and after overwintering and it also gives support to the dual role of insect cuticular hydrocarbons in adaptation and mate choice.peerReviewe