ABSTRACT Plants undergoing insect infestation release herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) into their environment, which are then used by natural enemies for their benefit. The pest Aleurothrixus floccosus, which affects citrus orchards in northern Chile, specifically at Pica Oasis, poses a year-round threat. Recently, the introduction of the exotic ladybird Clitostethus arcuatus has been noted as a predator of A. floccosus. This study delved into how HIPVs emitted from tangelo (Citrus reticulata × C. ×paradisi Macfad.) and lime (C. ×aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle) infested-shoots impact the behavioral responses of C. arcuatus. The volatile compounds were collected using the headspace technique, revealing notable qualitative changes after herbivory. In two-choice bioassays, the HIPVs elicited an attractive response in C. arcuatus compared to A. floccosus. At concentrations of 10 and 100 µg mL-1, the predators displayed a distinct preference for methyl salicylate (MeSA). These findings underscore that C. arcuatus exploits the HIPVs emitted from citrus infested-shoots, fostering tritrophic interactions. Exploring the impact of whitefly attacks on other fruit trees, emerges as a significant avenue for future investigation.

Resumo No norte central do Chile, lagoas efêmeras constituem corpos de água isolados e pouco profundos, com um habitat favorável para a fauna adaptada as mudanças sazonais que as zonas úmidas estão sujeitas. Com relação a estes ecossistemas, sabe-se pouco sobre sua fauna, principalmente a de insetos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi caracterizar a riqueza, composição, estrutura e similaridade das comunidades de insetos que habitam as lagoas temporárias de Huentelauquén (29º S, Região de Coquimbo, Chile). Usando armadilhas de interceptação, se capturou um total de 10.762 indivíduos, pertencentes a 7 ordens, 27 famílias e 51 espécies. Coleoptera e Hymenoptera foram as ordens mais representativas, enquanto Neuroptera, Orthoptera e Plecoptera foram grupos pouco representativos. Os estimadores não paramétricos avaliados mostraram valores de riqueza superiores ao observados para todas as lagoas estudadas, e suas curvas de acumulação parecem indicar que o inventario da comunidade estudada está incompleto. A análise hierárquica e de ordenamento revelou agrupamentos de lagoas correspondentes a zona nordeste e sudeste de Huentelauquén. Preliminarmente encontramos uma correlação negativa entre a área de lagoas efêmeras e a riqueza (espécies) e abundância de insetos. É necessário realizar estudos adicionais (sobre outros grupos de artrópodes e em outras estações do ano) para melhor compreensão dos processos locais de extinção e colonização das espécies que habitam estes frágeis ambientes costeiros estudados.

Abstract In northern central Chile, ephemeral pools constitute shallow isolated water bodies with a favourable habitat for fauna adapted to seasonal changes. Based on the limited knowledge about the fauna—particularly insects—associated to these ecosystems, the objective of this study was to characterize the richness, composition, structure and similarity of the insect communities associated with ephemeral pools in Huentelauquén (29º S, Coquimbo Region, Chile). By using pitfall traps, 10,762 individuals were captured, represented by 7 orders, 27 families, and 51 species. Coleoptera and Hymenoptera were the best represented orders, with Neuroptera, Orthoptera and Plecoptera being poorly represented groups. The non-parametric estimators evaluated showed wealth values above those observed for all the studied pools, and their accumulation curves suggest the existence of an incomplete species inventory in the studied community. Additionally, the hierarchical and ordering analysis showed groupings of pools located in the northwest and southeast of Huentelauquén. Preliminarily we found a negative correlation between the area of the pools and the richness (species) and abundance of insects. Additional studies (on other arthropod groups and other seasons of the year) could provide a better understanding of the local processes of extinction and colonization of the species inhabiting these fragile coastal environments.

Resumo A fauna aquática de insetos continua sendo uma ferramenta importante para a bioindicação de distúrbios ambientais, ao mesmo tempo em que mantém um sistema aquático saudável. O objetivo do estudo foi documentar e identificar a diversidade e os padrões de distribuição dos insetos aquáticos, um aspecto altamente ignorado no Catar. Seguindo os procedimentos padrão, as amostras foram coletadas em hábitats aquáticos durante o período de outubro de 2015 a maio de 2017, mensalmente. Um total de 11.287 indivíduos, pertencentes a seis ordens, foram capturados. Dípteros foram os mais abundantes, com as porcentagens de 71,01 (n = 8.015), enquanto a menor porcentagem foi observada para Coleópteros 0,04 (n = 05). Doze famílias de insetos foram identificadas, destas, cinco foram registradas sob Diptera, seguido por Hemiptera (03), enquanto Coleoptera, Tricoptera, Odonata e Ephemeroptera foram representados por famílias únicas. Dentre as localidades selecionadas, Dipterans foram coletados em 10 estações, seguidos por Hemiptera (9), Coleoptera (4), Odonota (4), Ephemeroptera (3) e Trichoptera (1), respectivamente. Entre as amostras de corpos d'água, os riachos foram os hábitats mais preferidos (n = 2.767), enquanto as piscinas de água potável foram os menos (27). Além disso, o maior índice de diversidade de Simpson de 1,48 e o menor de 0,47 foi registrado para piscina de esgoto inundada e recipientes de plástico, respectivamente, enquanto os valores de baixa uniformidade foram observados para lagoas e menos de 1 valores de diversidade de Margalef foram observados para todos os hábitats. Este estudo documenta os padrões de diversidade e distribuição de insetos aquáticos e fornece uma linha de base para os estudos futuros do Catar.

Abstract Aquatic insect fauna remains an important tool for bio indication of environmental disturbance, while maintaining a healthy aquatic system. The purpose of the study was to document and to identify the diversity and distribution patterns of aquatic insect, a highly ignored aspect from the Qatar. Following the standard procedures, the samples were collected from aquatic habitats during the period October 2015 to May 2017 on monthly basis. A total of 11,287 individuals, belonging to 6 orders were captured. Dipterans were the abundant with the percentages of 71.01 (n=8,015), while the lowest percentage was observed for Coleoptera 0.04 (n=05). Twelve insects families were identified, among these five were reported under Diptera, followed by Hemiptera (03), while Coleoptera, Tricoptera, Odonata, and Ephemeroptera were represented by single families. Among the selected localities, Dipterans were collected from 10 stations, followed by Hemiptera (9), Coleoptera (4), Odonota (4), Ephemeroptera (3) and Trichoptera (1) respectively. Among the water bodies samples, streams were the most preferred habitats (n=2,767), while drinking water pools were the least (27). Moreover, the highest Simpson diversity index of 1.48 and lowest of 0.47 was recorded for flooded sewage pool and plastic containers respectively, while the low evenness values were observed for ponds, and less than 1 Margalef’s diversity values were seen for all habitats. This study documents the patterns of the diversity and distribution of aquatic insects, and provides a baseline for the future studies from Qatar.

The Dermestidae is a relatively poorly studied family of insects but with a high rate of species discovery. The South African region is particularly rich in Attagenus spp. many of which are distinctively patterned. This study provides an updated list of Attagenus spp. in South Africa with a complete literature review and an image-based identification key to the Attagenus species within South Africa. Images of most species are provided. With the rise in significance of citizen science recording schemes, this study facilitates image-based identification and encourages both entomologists and citizen scientists to further contribute to the understanding of this beautiful Coleopteran family.

The insecticidal effect of four crude olive pomace oils extracted from pomace collected from four localities of Kabylia, refined olive pomace oil and extra virgin olive oil were assessed under laboratory conditions for the control of adults of Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae)) and Sitophilus oryzae (Linnaeus, 1763) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The doses used ranged from 0.1 to 0.4 ml/25 g of durum and soft wheat seeds. In addition, the quality indices and the fatty acid composition of these oils were evaluated. The results show that the legal quality indices were well within the legal limits for crude olive-pomace oil (COP), refined pomace oil (ROP) and extra-virgin olive oil (EVO) categories. The effectiveness of these vegetable oils is highly dependent on the insect species, the dose rate, the exposure time and the type of oil tested The main fatty acids from all samples tested, were oleic (61.89-79.25%), palmitic (8.34-15.71%) and linoleic (8.17-16.52%) acids. For both species and substrates tested, mortality is dose and time of exposure dependent. The highest dose (0.4 ml/25 g) causes > 63.75% mortality, after 24 h of exposure. Comparison of LD50 (ml/25 g) indicates that olive oil was generally more toxic than crude and refined pomace oils, for both insects and substrates, values varies from 0.005 to 0.189. The most sensitive insect was S. oryzae for most vegetable oils tested. Likewise, oils significantly reduced the F1 offspring of both insects and seed weight losses. No progeny were observed in the two pests at the highest dose, and therefore no weight loss was recorded. The results also revealed that the six oils affect the germination capacity of durum and soft wheat seeds when the dosage is increased. The results collected remain encouraging for the recommendation of natural substances as part of integrated pest management programmes against insect pests of stored grains.

Phlyctinus is an endemic weevil genus of the Cape Floristic Region that comprises eight to ten species, previously classified under the monotypic P. callosus sensu lato concept. Two species of this genus, Phlyctinus callosus and P. xerophilus, are of economic concern to the deciduous fruit and grapevine industry in the Western Cape province of South Africa, causing primary damages and being of phytosanitary concern at the adult stage. The taxonomic revision conducted in 2020 raised doubts whether one of the two species was a newly emerging pest and/or what species was considered in studies before the clarification of species boundaries. Also unclear is whether these species can be controlled similarly using current control measures. The aim of this study therefore is to review the pest status of the two species over time based on museum records, field collections and historical publications, and to clarify how control measure(s) are impacted. We infer that neither species appear to be emerging pests in the region, both being of agricultural significance for at least 80 years. Phlyctinus callosus is mostly distributed along the southern coast, while P. xerophilus is distributed in inland valleys. The two species show similar biology, physiology and ecology in agro-ecosystems, and can be excluded from the host plant canopy using stem-barriers, adults being flightless. As such, it is shown that the naming of P. xerophilus as a pest is mainly a taxonomical clarification within a pre-existing species complex.

Resumen: Se reportan e ilustran cinco especies de escarabajos longicornios (Coleoptera; Cerambycidae; Lamiinae) por primera vez para el Paraguay: Lesbates caviunas (Dillon & Dillon, 1949), Trestonia grisea Martins & Galileo 1990, Glypthaga paupercula (Thomson, 1868), Callisema socium Martins & Galileo, 1990 y Callia comitessa Melzer, 1930.

Abstract: Five species of longhorned beetles (Coleoptera; Cerambycidae; Lamiinae) are reported and illustrated for the first time from Paraguay: Lesbates caviunas (Dillon & Dillon, 1949), Trestonia grisea Martins & Galileo 1990, Glypthaga paupercula (Thomson, 1868), Callisema socium Martins & Galileo, 1990, and Callia comitessa Melzer, 1930.

Resumen Introducción. Los pastos son la principal fuente de alimento en los sistemas ganaderos y pueden ser un nicho adecuado para insectos con funciones beneficiosas y dañinas. Objetivo. Estimar la entomofauna asociada a tres especies de pastos, Cenchrus ciliaris, Chloris gayana y Megathyrsus maximus, en condiciones del Caribe colombiano. Materiales y métodos. Se realizaron diez muestreos en dos estaciones contrastantes, de baja y alta precipitación (agosto a octubre de 2018 y enero a marzo de 2019), se utilizaron tres especies forrajeras (Cenchrus ciliaris, Megathyrsus maximus, Chloris gayana), en un área de 1000 m2. Los artrópodos fueron identificados por orden y familia y tipificados por grupos funcionales. Se estimaron índices de diversidad y abundancia por pastos y estaciones, así como su correlación con el clima. Se realizó un análisis de correspondencia simple. Resultados. Se recolectaron 380 insectos de siete órdenes y 35 familias, con mayor abundancia para Hemiptera y Coleoptera. El índice de diversidad de Shannon fue más alto para todos los órdenes de C. gayana, excepto para Hemiptera en C. ciliaris. Los fitófagos se encontraron en mayor porcentaje (66,84 %), seguidos de los depredadores (27,11 %). La abundancia de insectos estuvo influenciada por la interacción entre la estación y el pasto, mostró un incremento a bajas temperaturas, excepto para M. maximus. Los pastos representaron microambientes adecuados para mantener la diversidad de insectos, los órdenes Hemiptera y Coleoptera fueron los más numerosos y representativos de los grupos funcionales fitófagos y depredadores, respectivamente. Conclusión. La entomofauna de C. gayana, C. ciliaris y M. maximus fue similar en abundancia y diversidad de insectos, sin embargo, la abundancia dependió de la influencia de la estación y de los pastos.

Abstract Introduction. Pastures are the primary source of food in livestock systems and can be a suitable niche for insects with beneficial and harmful functions. Objective. To estimate the entomofauna associated with three species of pastures, Cenchrus ciliaris, Chloris gayana, and Megathyrsus maximus, in conditions of the Colombian Caribbean. Materials and methods. Ten samplings were carried out in two contrasting periods (August to October 2018 and January to March 2019), three forage species (Cenchrus ciliaris, Megathyrsus maximus, Chloris gayana) within 1000 m2 were used. Arthropods were identified by order and family and typified by functional groups. Diversity and abundance indices by pasture and season were estimated, as well as their correlation with climate. A simple correspondence analysis was performed. Results. A total of 380 insects from 7 orders and 35 families were collected, with the greatest abundance for Hemiptera and Coleoptera. The Shannon’s diversity index was higher for all orders of C. gayana, except for Hemiptera in C. ciliaris. Phytophages were found in a higher percentage (66.84 %), followed by predators (27.11 %). Insect abundance was influenced by the interaction between season and pasture, showing an increase at low temperatures, except for M. maximus. Pastures represented adequate microenvironments to maintain the diversity of insects, the Hemiptera and Coleoptera orders being the most numerous and representative of the functional groups of phytophages and predators, respectively. Conclusion. The entomofauna of C. gayana, C. ciliaris, and M. maximus was similar in insect abundance and diversity, however, insect abundance depended on the influence of the season and pastures.

Abstract: The present study assesses the water quality of Ciénaga La Pachita swamp (Cesar, Colombia) by characterizing the aquatic macroinvertebrates associated to the macrophyte Eichhornia crassipes (Pontederiaceae), also known as Buchón de Agua. The assessment also examines physical and chemical variables in different hydrological periods, estimates alpha and beta diversity indices, and determines the BMWP/Col and ASPT water quality indices. As a result, 1550 macroinvertebrates are collected, belonging to five classes, 11 orders, and 21 families. Alpha and beta diversity indices show medium diversity and the class Insecta is dominant. The order Coleoptera is the most diverse while the order Diptera is the most abundant, the Chironomidae family being the most dominant. A significant percentage of the families identified are significantly correlated with both dissolved oxygen and suspended solids. In conclusion, the Ciénaga La Pachita has a medium diversity of macroivertebrates associated to the radicular system of E. crassipes.

Resumen: En el presente estudio se evalúa la calidad del agua en la Ciénaga La Pachita (Cesar, Colombia) a través de análisis de macroinvertebrados acuáticos asociados a la macrofita Eichhornia crassipes (Pontederiaceae), Buchón de Agua. Se examinan variables físico-químicas en diferentes periodos hidrológicos, se estiman los índices de diversidad alfa y beta y se determinan los índices de calidad del agua BMWP/Col y ASPT. Como resultado se colectan 1550 macroinvertebrados pertenecientes a 5 clases, 11 órdenes y 21 familias. La diversidad alfa y beta muestran una diversidad media y la clase Insecta es dominante. El orden Coleoptera es el más diverso y el orden Diptera es el más abundante, siendo la familia Chironomidae la más dominante. Un importante porcentaje de las familias registradas se correlacionaron significativamente con las variables oxígeno disuelto y sólidos suspendidos. En conclusión, la Ciénaga La Pachita tiene una mediana diversidad de macroinvertebrados acuáticos asociados al sistema radicular de E. crassipes.

Abstract Almond production is an economically important activity in Portugal where both surface and production have shown a significant increase in the last decade. The almond tree is affected by several diseases and pests that can contribute to the quantitative and qualitative reduction of almond production. Biting-sucking pests (Hemiptera) such as monosteira, aphids, cicadelids, lepidopterans such as anarsia, grapholite, or coleopterans borers, such as capnode can cause, in some cases, significant damage. The aim of this study was to compare the abundance and functional diversity of arthropod communities in almond orchards using different weed management methods (displaced soil and presence of destroyed vegetation cover) in the Trás-os-Montes region. Cover crops had a significant effect on arthropod abundance and diversity. The orchard covered with vegetation (CCV) had the highest number of Araneae, Hemiptera and Neuroptera, while the orchard without vegetation cover (SCV) had the highest number of Coleoptera and Hymenoptera. Regarding the functional groups, the CCV orchard had a higher number of phytophagous and predatory arthropods, while no difference was observed between pollinators and fungivores. The diversity index was significantly higher in the presence of cover vegetation, which also showed greater dominance of hemipterans, namely the pest Monosteira unicostata.

Resumo A produção de amêndoa é uma atividade economicamente importante em Portugal onde tanto a superfície como a produção apresentaram um aumento significativo na última década. A amendoeira é afetada por diversas doenças e pragas que podem contribuir para a redução quantitativa e qualitativa da produção de amêndoa. Pragas de picadores-sugadores (hemípteros) como a monosteira, afídeos e cicadelídeos, de lepidópteros como a anársia, a grafolita ou as brocas, ou de coleópteros como o cabeça-de-prego, podem causar, em algumas situações, prejuízos significativos. O objetivo do trabalho foi comparar a abundância e a diversidade funcional das comunidades de artrópodes em pomares de amendoeira com diferentes métodos de gestão das infestantes (solo mobilizado e presença de coberto vegetal, destroçado), na região de Trás-os-Montes. As plantas de cobertura tiveram um efeito significativo na abundância e diversidade de artrópodes. O pomar com coberto vegetal (CCV) apresentou maior número de Araneae, Hemiptera e Neuroptera, enquanto o pomar sem coberto vegetal SCV apresentou maior número de Coleoptera e Hymenoptera. Quanto aos grupos funcionais, o pomar CCV apresentou maior número de artrópodes fitófagos e predadores, não se tendo observado diferenças entre polinizadores e fungívoros. O índice de diversidade foi significativamente maior na presença de coberto vegetal, que também apresentou maior dominância de hemípteros, nomeadamente da praga Monosteira unicostata.

ABSTRACT Paraguay reports several species of Coleoptera of the Cassidinae Subfamily that have plants from different families as hosts, as well as palm trees for industrial use as ornamentals. Ornamental palms occupy an important place in several landscape areas, being those of the genus Phoenix one of the most important from the aesthetic and economic point of view. In the first months of the year 2022, damage was observed in new palm leaves of the species Phoenix roebelenii, presenting a scratching of the mesophyll, the leaves acquiring ashen-brown stripes, with the consequent loss of aesthetic value. The inspection of these plants recorded the presence of a small beetle with a flattened dark brown body, which was identified as Pseudimatidium pici, Family Chrysomelidae, Subfamily Cassidinae.

RESUMEN El Paraguay reporta varias especies de coleópteros de la Subfamilia Cassidinae que tienen como hospederos a plantas de diferentes familias, como así también palmáceas de uso industrial como ornamental. Las palmeras ornamentales ocupan un lugar relevante en varios ámbitos paisajísticos, siendo del género Phoenix una de las más importantes desde el punto de vista estético como económico. En los primeros meses del año 2022, fueron observados daños en hojas nuevas de palmeras de la especie Phoenix roebelenii, presentando un raspado del mesófilo, adquiriendo las hojas franjas de color marrón ceniciento, con la consecuente pérdida del valor estético. La inspección de dichas plantas registró la presencia de un pequeño coleóptero de cuerpo achatado, color marrón oscuro, que fue identificado como Pseudimatidium pici, Familia Chrysomelidae, Subfamilia Cassidinae.

RESUMEN Una nueva especie de Aegidium de Perú es descrita e ilustrada. Ella puede ser reconocida de sus congéneres por la forma de los parámeros y el espiculum grastal, pero también por la puntuación del pronoto y los élitros. La especie ocurre en el piedemonte Andino-Amazónico de Perú. ilustrada grastal élitros AndinoAmazónico Andino Amazónico

ABSTRACT A new species of Aegidium from Peru is described and illustrated. It can be recognized from its congeners by the shape of the parameres and spiculum gastrale, but also by the punctuation of the pronotum and the elytra. The species occurs in the Andean-Amazonian piedmonts from Peru. illustrated gastrale elytra AndeanAmazonian Andean Amazonian

Resumo A fertilização com lodo de esgoto desidratado pode acelerar o processo de recuperação de áreas degradadas devido à concentração de nutrientes, favorecendo o desenvolvimento de plantas pioneiras tais como Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Beth (Fabales: Fabaceae) e de seus insetos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os insetos mastigadores, polinizadores e predadores e seus índices e relações ecológicas em plantas de A. auriculiformis fertilizadas com lodo de esgoto desidratado, em área degradada, durante 24 meses. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizados com dois tratamentos (com e sem adubação com lodo de esgoto desidratado) e 24 repetições (uma repetição = uma planta). O maior número de insetos mastigadores Parasyphraea sp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Nasutitermes sp. (Blattodea: Termitidae) e Tropidacris collaris (Stoll, 1813) (Orthoptera: Romaleidae), de desfolha, e do índice ecológico abundância de Coleoptera e de Orthoptera foram maiores em plantas de A. auriculiformis fertilizadas do que nas não fertilizadas com lodo de esgoto desidratado. Plantas de A. auriculiformis, com maior quantidade de galhos/árvore, apresentaram maiores abundâncias de Coleoptera e Orthoptera, riqueza de espécies de insetos polinizadores, desfolha e números de Parasyphraea sp. e T. collaris, e as com maior folhas/galho os de riqueza de espécies de Coleoptera e Diabrotica speciosa (Germar, 1824) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Por tanto, a utilização de A. auriculiformis, adubada com lodo de esgoto desidratado, é promissora na recuperação de áreas degradadas devido ao aumento dos índices ecológicos de insetos mastigadores, polinizadores e aranhas na área.

Abstract Fertilization with dehydrated sewage sludge can speed up the recovery process of degraded areas due to nutrients concentration, favoring the development of pioneer plants such as Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Beth (Fabales: Fabaceae) and the emergence of insects. This study aimed the evaluation of chewing, pollinating insects, predators, their ecological indices and relationships on A. auriculiformis plants fertilized with dehydrated sewage sludge. The experimental design was completely randomized with two treatments (with and without dehydrated sewage sludge) and 24 repetitions. The prevalence of chewing insects Parasyphraea sp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Nasutitermes sp. (Blattodea: Termitidae), and Tropidacris collaris (Stoll, 1813) (Orthoptera: Romaleidae), defoliation, and ecological indices of abundance of Coleoptera and Orthoptera were observed on fertilized A. auriculiformis. Acacia auriculiformis plants, with a superior number of branches/tree, revealed greater abundance of Coleoptera and Orthoptera, species richness of pollinating insects, defoliation, numbers of Parasyphraea sp. and T. collaris. The ones with larger leaves/branches displayed greater abundance of species richness of Coleoptera and Diabrotica speciosa (Germar, 1824) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Therefore, the use of A. auriculiformis plants, fertilized with dehydrated sewage sludge, is promising in the recovery of degraded areas due to the ecological indices increase of chewing and pollinators insects and spiders in the analyzed area.

BACKGROUND: Urban landscapes present an important opportunity for pollinator conservation, but little is known about the status and distribution of pollinator populations in urban habitats in Africa. This represents a major gap in the development of a global understanding of urban pollinators - particularly from the rapidly urbanising context. This study uses a speciose clade of flower-visiting beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Hopliini) to explore patterns of pollinator distribution in a major metropolitan area in South Africa OBJECTIVES: We investigated community composition across gradients of urban intensity (defined according to the percentage of soil-sealing within 1 km² of each sampling location) and socio-economic status to determine pollinator responses to these urban landscape effects METHODS: A selection of 142 sites were surveyed twice in the austral spring seasons of 2018 and 2019. Data were collected on habitat structure, flower diversity, and pollinator diversity RESULTS: The study found that different feeding guilds of monkey beetles favoured different levels of urban intensity and that beetle richness significantly correlated with flower richness. It did not, however, correlate with diversity indicating that abundance is less impacted than the number of species present. Monkey beetles with moderate sensitivity to urban intensity benefitted from the presence of preferred species of flowers CONCLUSION: Overall, the findings demonstrate the importance of plant community assemblage in supporting urban monkey beetles. We recommend landscaping with preferred flower species in urban parks to support urban pollinators

Abstract Backyards are relevant for humans because the food they provide, and they can become biodiversity reservoirs. However, these agroecosystems have been poorly studied because the enormous variation in sizes and type of managements they receive from humans. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate arthropods abundance and richness associated to backyards with peach trees dominance Prunus persica (L.) Stokes in Mexico center during two seasons (dry and rainy). We sampled five backyards inside a human community by using pitfall traps which were served every month during twelve months (May 2017-May 2018). We found 3,263 individuals from nine orders and 175 morphospecies were identified. The most abundant and the richest orders were consistent between seasons Diptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera. Abundance did not show significant differences between backyards or between seasons. Although richness was not significantly different from the other backyards the backyard with intermediate coverage of peach trees showed the lowest diversity. Our diversity results compared to other studies conducted in extensive peach orchards show highest diversity. Backyards are important for the conservation not only of species appreciated by humans, but also, they function as refuges of arthropod diversity maintaining similar abundances even in times of low water availability as we found in this study. This without affect the small-scale production of fruit trees such as peach.

Resumen Los traspatios son relevantes para el humano ya que proveen alimento y pueden ser reservorios de biodiversidad. Sin embargo, estos agroecosistemas han sido poco estudiados debido a la enorme variación de tamaño, forma y manejo que presentan. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la abundancia y riqueza de artrópodos asociados a traspatios con dominancia de durazno Prunus persica (L.) Stokes en el centro de México, a lo largo de dos temporadas climáticas (lluvias y seca). Se muestrearon cinco traspatios dentro de una misma comunidad humana mediante trampas de caída (pitfall), las cuales fueron monitoreadas mensualmente durante 12 meses (mayo 2017-mayo 2018). Se colectaron 3,263 individuos pertenecientes a nueve órdenes identificados para 175 morfoespecies. Los órdenes más abundantes y con mayor riqueza en ambas temporadas fueron consistentemente Diptera, Coleoptera e Hymenoptera. La abundancia de individuos no presentó diferencias significativas entre traspatios ni entre temporadas. En el traspatio con densidades intermedias de árboles de duraznos, se presentó una menor diversidad, pero la riqueza de especies no fue significativamente diferente entre traspatios. La diversidad estimada en el presente estudio es más alta comparada con otros estudios en cultivos extensivos de durazno. Los traspatios son importantes para la conservación, no solo de especies apreciadas por el ser humano, sino que también funcionan como refugios de artrópodos, manteniendo abundancias parecidas incluso en épocas de estiaje como lo encontrado en este estudio. Esto sin contraponer la producción a pequeña escala de árboles frutales como lo son los duraznos criollos.