Showing papers in "Journal of Insect Conservation in 2004"
TL;DR: The Rothamsted Insect Survey has operated a Great Britain-wide network of light-traps since 1968 as mentioned in this paper, and from these data they estimated the first ever national abundance indices and 35-year population trends for 338 species of common macro-moths.
Abstract: The Rothamsted Insect Survey has operated a Great Britain-wide network of light-traps since 1968. From these data we estimated the first ever national abundance indices and 35-year population trends for 338 species of common macro-moths. Although the number of trap sites which run each year is not constant, there is a representative, well-distributed core of traps that have run for ≥ 15 years. The proportion of operating sites catching a species and the annual geometric mean catch of successful traps were used to provide estimates of species range and absolute abundance. T, an index of long-term population trends, was used to compare trends among species. T was not biased by trap site turnover. The percentage of species displaying significant decreases (54%) was more than double that displaying increases (22%). Species found throughout Great Britain are decreasing most rapidly in the south and especially the southeast but species with a southerly distribution are increasing. Results of a preliminary overview suggest habitat and climate change may both play a role in changing species dynamics. The existence of estimates of abundances and trends for such a large species pool opens the way for much further research, linking trends with land-use changes, climate change and inter-specific dynamics.
161 citations
TL;DR: This introduction outlines the current approaches and background to moth conservation and the use of moths as tools in conservation assessment, and summarises some concerns, contexts and biological background to help appreciate the plight and uses of this predominant constituent of the Lepidoptera in many parts of the world.
Abstract: Most attention to conservation of moths has been to species or assemblages of the ‘macrolepidoptera’, which includes families rivalling the butterflies in their popularity. The more numerous smaller moths have been largely ignored. As for butterflies, the greatest amount of appraisal and information on conservation is from the northern temperate regions, where conservation is accepted readily and promoted widely. Equivalent needs occur elsewhere, but most have not been assessed except in general terms of concern for natural habitats. This introduction outlines the current approaches and background to moth conservation and the use of moths as tools in conservation assessment, and summarises some concerns, contexts and biological background to help appreciate the plight and uses of this predominant constituent of the Lepidoptera in many parts of the world.
93 citations
TL;DR: Shrubs are a valuable habitat component for this butterfly, at least at this coastal location, and important for their conservation, and implications for metapopulation dynamics studies are suggested.
Abstract: Recently, it has been suggested that habitats for insect herbivores have been too narrowly defined, often on the basis of larval hostplants; in particular, non-consumable resources (called utilities; structural elements) have been ignored. Here, the importance of utility resources for roosting and mate location has been examined in the silver-studded blue butterfly Plebejus argus (L.) (Lycaenidae) on the Great Ormes Head, North Wales, UK. The methods included using dedicated surveys and correspondence analysis applied to behavioural observations in relation to vegetation structure on a transect through a key patch for this metapopulation model species. A substantial and significant bias in roosting (97%) and mating (75%) is found to occur outside hostplant areas on shrubs and rank bunched grasses and forbs. Population density is higher in shrubby areas and shrubs are increasingly occupied during the afternoons and night, during the late flight season and in cloudy, cool and windy weather. These findings suggest that shrubs are a valuable habitat component for this butterfly, at least at this coastal location, and important for their conservation. As scrub growth is inimical to calcicolous grassland, population status will depend on a fine balance between shrub and hostplant cover dependent on grazing and browsing by the indigenous goat, sheep and rabbit populations as well as on controlled cutting and burning. Opportunities exist for increasing population size and distribution on the headland but this will need to be managed carefully. There are also implications for metapopulation dynamics studies; the status of shrubs neighbouring host plant areas switches from that of barriers to resources and refuges.
67 citations
TL;DR: The crazy ant invaded Bird island, Seychelles, in the 1980s and in 1997, its range expanded and population densities increased, correlated with the regeneration of woodland on the island.
Abstract: The crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) invaded Bird island, Seychelles, in the 1980s. In 1997, its range expanded and population densities increased. The impacts of this change were studied in 2001 using a combination of arthropod collecting methods. The ant population excluded larger invertebrates (principally the large ant Odontomachus simillimus and the crabs, principally Ocypode spp.). Cockroaches, however, remained abundant in ant-infested areas and tree-nesting birds (Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris) appear to be able to breed successfully in the presence of the crazy ant. The ants are only abundant in areas of deep shade which provide cool nesting areas, yet enabling them to forage in the open when ground temperatures fall. The expansion of the ants was correlated with the regeneration of woodland on the island. Recommendations are made for the management of the woodland which may reduce the impacts of the crazy ant.
56 citations
TL;DR: This article studied carabid abundance at eight forest-farmland edges using pitfall traps across 60-m gradients (30m into the forest, 30m into adjacent farmland) in southern Finland in May-August 2001.
Abstract: We studied carabid beetle abundance at eight forest-farmland edges using pitfall traps across 60-m gradients (30 m into the forest, 30 m into the adjacent farmland) in southern Finland in May–August 2001. Carabid assemblages changed gradually across the studied gradients, the most drastic changes occurring right at the edge (5 m). Forest-associated carabids were often caught in farmland habitat within 20–30 m from the edges, and open-habitat carabids were also caught in the forest patches. However, these two groups responded to the edge in slightly different ways. Forest carabids were abundant all across the gradient from forest interior to the edge ( 80 m 9), while open-habitat carabids showed a drastic abundance decrease toward the forest, 5–10 m before the edge the abundance-change slope across the edge: gradient was steeper for open-habitat than for forest carabids. Wing-dimorphic and long-winged carabids increased more steeply from forest to farmland, compared to short-winged carabids. Moreover, carabids associated with dry and moist habitat showed indications of stronger response to the edge than did eurytopic species. The pair-wise comparisons between predatory/mixed-diet carabids and seed-eaters, spring and autumn breeders, and day- and night-active species did not indicate edge-response differences.
55 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated various environmental factors influencing the distribution of beetles across the sites and investigated the most important factors were size of fragment, local forest cover and soil moisture, and found that urban reserves had a marked reduction in species richness and abundance of beetles compared with the sites within the larger forest areas.
Abstract: Urban reserves provide a major opportunity for conservation of indigenous biodiversity in the heavily urbanised landscape of Waitakere City (Auckland), New Zealand. However, there is little documented information on what indigenous fauna survives in these reserves. Beetle (Coleoptera) communities associated with two small, isolated urban reserves and two sites in a larger forest area within the Waitakere Ranges were sampled using pitfall traps and analysed. A total of 887 beetles, from 23 families and 89 recognisable taxonomic units were caught. The urban reserves had a marked reduction in species richness and abundance of beetles compared with the sites within the larger forest areas. Various environmental factors influencing the distribution of beetles across the sites were investigated. The most important factors were size of fragment, local forest cover and soil moisture. ‘Common’ species (>5 specimens in the total dataset) found in the Waitakere Ranges and small urban reserves, were either endemic or indigenous to New Zealand. Therefore, even though these reserves may be isolated from a larger, more continuous forest tract, they have considerable potential as reservoirs of beetle diversity in highly modified landscapes and the contribution of urban reserves to the local sustainability of beetle assemblages emphasises the importance of maintaining ‘green’ areas in and around cities.
37 citations
TL;DR: This study verifies that individuals of Metrioptera bicolor were successfully transferred with hay and three individuals transferred with the hay were still able to reproduce after the hay transfer.
Abstract: The transfer of hay from a donor site onto a receptor site is currently a widely accepted restoration procedure to establish grasslands with high biodiversity and rich in species. The impact of this procedure on vegetation has been well studied. However, its influence on the insect population has not been investigated. This study verifies that individuals of Metrioptera bicolor (Orthopteroidea: Tettigoniidae) were successfully transferred with hay. Three individuals transferred with the hay were still able to reproduce after the hay transfer. This result corresponds to 4.6% of the 65 marked individuals that were mapped on the donor site on the day of hay transfer. Of the estimated 1220–3013 individuals on the donor site (8300 m2), 56–139 reproductively able individuals were transferred with the hay. Suitable habitat structures presupposed, this number is sufficient to initiate a persistent colonisation of the species on the receptor site. The loss rate of M. bicolor due to grass cutting totalled 42%, which can be considered a very high mortality rate. Comparable studies on bush crickets show a medium loss rate of 21%, in relation to body size.
30 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors demonstrate a catastrophic effect of the 1999 inundation on the immature offspring of two affected populations of Andrena vaga, and highlight a dilemma on the use of natural flooding of river plains for conservation purposes.
Abstract: Large populations of non-social bees are rarely seen in today’s cultural landscapes. One of the few exceptions is the fossorial bee Andrena vaga Panzer, (Andrenidae), a typical insect species of river flood plains, which forms sizeable nesting aggregations along the high water dams of the Upper Rhine, each containing up to several tens of thousands of bees. In May 1999, a record flood of the River Rhine led to extreme water levels at the high water dams of the Upper Rhine. Though natural flooding is often viewed as a management practice with considerable conservation perspectives for river flood plain management, we demonstrate a catastrophic effect of the 1999 inundation on the immature offspring of two affected populations of A. vaga. All immatures in brood cells located low on the landward side of a dam died, very likely because saturation of the soil restricted oxygen availability.The two affected aggregations sited on the high water dam declined in the following year to 23 and 56% of pre-flood size, but not at a neighbouring, nonflooded aggregation. Rare parasites associated with A. vaga also decreased in number following flooding. These results highlight a dilemma on the use of natural flooding of river plains for conservation purposes.
28 citations
TL;DR: Very few ant morphospecies, most of them in very low abundance, were found in unthinned intermediate-aged pines, and the numbers were substantially higher in older, thinned pines in which understorey vegetation is considerably more developed.
Abstract: Pitfall trap surveys of ants were undertaken in mature and intermediate-aged Pinus radiata plantations and parental eucalypt forest in central Victoria, Australia. Ant assemblages of pine plantations are an impoverished subset of the eucalypt forest assemblages. Very few ant morphospecies, most of them in very low abundance, were found in unthinned intermediate-aged pines, and the numbers were substantially higher in older, thinned pines in which understorey vegetation is considerably more developed. Implications for plantation management and conservation of epigaeic ant assemblages are discussed.
26 citations
TL;DR: A sequence of lab and field studies were conducted to determine non-target impacts on native Lepidoptera in North America, and the conclusions reached are that a decision not to spray Bt pesticides could be as bad or worse for non- target LepIDoptera as the microbial insecticides would be.
Abstract: Management programs for major forest defoliators such as gypsy moths or forest tent caterpillars, and crop pests such as the European corn borer have shifted from broad-spectrum insecticides to more environmentally benign microbial pesticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis (foliage sprays and transgenic toxin expression in plant tissues). Phytochemically resistant host plants and natural enemies have been used as alternative pest management strategies (including generalist tachinid flies such as Compsilura, viruses, microsporidians, and fungi), but all of these have some non-target impacts, as described from literature review. A sequence of lab and field studies were conducted to determine non-target impacts on native Lepidoptera in North America. The conclusions reached are that a decision not to spray Bt pesticides (i.e. to allow defoliation and natural pest outbreaks to run their course) could be as bad or worse for non-target Lepidoptera as the microbial insecticides would be. The important concept that must be maintained is that all pest management programs have some risk of negative non-target impacts, but it is the magnitude and relative importance that will remain the most critical issue for environmental impacts and pest management.
24 citations
TL;DR: Interpretation of results is hindered by lack of knowledge of autecology of moths and wasps, origins, phylogeny, systematics, competitive ability, and physiological limitations of each wasp species, which should be incorporated into risk analysis for biological control introductions and invasive species programs.
Abstract: Alien parasitic wasps, including accidental introductions and purposefully released biological control agents, have been implicated in the decline of native Hawaiian Lepidoptera. Understanding the potential impacts of alien wasps requires knowledge of ecological parameters that influence parasitism rates for species in their new environment. Sophora seed-feeding Cydia spp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) were surveyed for larval parasitoids to determine how native and alien wasps are partitioned over an elevation gradient (2200–2800 m) on Hawaii Island, Hawaii. Parasitism rate of native Euderus metallicus (Eulophidae) increased with increased elevation, while parasitism rate by immigrant Calliephialtes grapholithae (Ichneumonidae) decreased. Parasitism by Pristomerus hawaiiensis (Ichneumonidae), origins uncertain, also decreased with increased elevation. Two other species, Diadegma blackburni (Ichneumonidae), origins uncertain, and Brasema cushmani (Eupelmidae), a purposefully introduced biological control agent for pepper weevil, did not vary significantly with elevation. Results are contrasted with a previous study of this system with implications for the conservation of an endangered bird species that feed on Cydia larvae. Interpretation of results is hindered by lack of knowledge of autecology of moths and wasps, origins, phylogeny, systematics, competitive ability, and physiological limitations of each wasp species. These factors should be incorporated into risk analysis for biological control introductions and invasive species programs.
TL;DR: It is argued that insect species conservation at large scales should take account of the distribution of genetic diversity among populations, and that conservation action for the large copper butterfly Lycaena dispar should be targeted on specific regions and populations.
Abstract: We argue that insect species conservation at large scales should take account of the distribution of genetic diversity among populations. Maintenance of genetic diversity may be vital in retaining a species' adaptive capacity and evolutionary potential. We illustrate the concept using the example of the large copper butterfly Lycaena dispar in Europe. This species has become extinct in parts of its range and is declining rapidly in others, whilst conversely, increasing in many areas. The latter has recently reduced its conservation status. Mitochondrial DNA analysis is used to construct a phylogeography from a preliminary sample set obtained from across Europe. A cytochrome b fragment of 402 base pairs was sequenced and 10 haplotypes were found. Relatedness among populations suggest that those from northern and central Europe are closely related and probably form one evolutionary significant unit (ESU) reflecting post-glacial colonization from southeast Europe. In contrast, the sample from Italy is divergent and should be considered a separate ESU. Our results, combined with ecological data, suggest that conservation action for this species should be targeted on specific regions and populations.
TL;DR: It is found that natural sites were more likely to attract adult B. philenor, received more oviposition, and had higher juvenile survival than gardens sites, and without evidence that juvenile abundance and survival rates in gardens matches or exceeds that in natural sites, it is most likely that gardens act as population sinks for B. Philenor.
Abstract: Gardens with nectar sources and larval host plants have been proposed to stem the decline in butterfly abundance caused by habitat loss. However, no study has provided evidence that gardens benefit butterflies. We examined the use of natural sites and gardens in the San Francisco bay area by the butterfly, Battus philenor. We found that natural sites were more likely to attract adult B. philenor, received more oviposition, and had higher juvenile survival than gardens sites. Butterflies were more likely to be present in gardens with established populations of the host plant, Aristolochia californica, growing in the sun. Battus philenor are unlikely to visit gardens with host plants planted within the past 7 years. Gardens between the ages of 8–40 years received oviposition, but did not always support completion of larval development of B. philenor. In gardens with host plants over 40 years of age, B. philenor consistently survived from egg to the adult stage. Natural enemy induced mortality of eggs did not differ between garden and natural sites, but overall egg survival was lower in gardens than at natural sites. It is unlikely that gardens serve as ‘refugia’ for B. philenor in years when populations in natural sites experience low survival or low fecundity. Even in gardens capable of supporting larvae to maturity, the density of eggs and survival rates were lower than in natural populations of the host plant suggesting that gardens were not optimal habitats. Therefore, without evidence that juvenile abundance and survival rates in gardens matches or exceeds that in natural sites, it is most likely that gardens act as population sinks for B. philenor.
TL;DR: The moth population in the New Forest burnet moth has dramatically increased since 1997, reaching an estimated 8500–10,200 in 2003, however, with only one site the moth remains threatened and establishment on new sites is now a priority.
Abstract: Zygaena viciae, the New Forest burnet moth, has only one population in Britain, in western Scotland. Here it was discovered in1963 and its population sustained itself, before declining seriously from 1980 to 1990. A survey in 1990 discovered at most 20 adult moths and it was clear that the site had become seriously over-grazed. A fence was erected to exclude sheep, with variable success until 1996, since when it has remained effective. Vegetation speedily changed from 1990 onwards, including re-establishment and spread of the main larval foodplant, Lathyrus pratensis. The moth population remained low until 1997, since which time it has dramatically increased, reaching an estimated 8500–10,200 in 2003. However, with only one site the moth remains threatened and establishment on new sites is now a priority.
TL;DR: The relative abundance of the majority of marshland moths in The Netherlands was found to be higher than those in other European countries, so that The Netherlands has a special responsibility for the conservation of the moths of its marshes.
Abstract: The loss of butterfly diversity in north-western Europe has been studied extensively but much less is known about the status of other macrolepidoptera. The present paper presents results of the research on mainly day-flying larger moths carried out by Dutch Butterfly Conservation in The Netherlands. Research started in 1992 with a public campaign and a mapping programme, leading to an increase in the number of records of macrolepidoptera. Results from the mapping programme on day-flying moths showed a strong general decrease in The Netherlands, comparable with the loss of butterfly diversity. Transect counts have been undertaken since 2000 for a few species and this method is sufficient to measure trends over time if the moth densities are high enough. Another research component was to focus on marshland habitats in The Netherlands. Fifty-five characteristic marshland moth species were selected and the relative abundance of nearly all these species has declined. These trends were compared with four other countries in the Atlantic biogeographical zone. The relative abundance of the majority of marshland moths in The Netherlands was found to be higher than those in other European countries, so that The Netherlands has a special responsibility for the conservation of the moths of its marshes. Moreover, we emphasise that, next to butterflies, moths can be of great use in nature conservation because of their potential significance as indicator species in endangered habitats.
TL;DR: Mixed eucalypt-rainforest is identified as the richest wet forest habitat in geometrid species and coastal species and those associated with herb-rich native grasslands are under some pressure from habitat change.
Abstract: A brief review of the geometrid fauna of the large island of Tasmania and a simple analysis of its conservation status and threats are presented. The fauna comprises 310 species of which Ennominae contribute slightly less than half the total and Larentiinae one third; 23% of the geometrid fauna is endemic at species level. Mixed eucalypt-rainforest is identified as the richest wet forest habitat in geometrid species. Using distribution data at 10 km resolution, the most widespread and most restricted taxa are identified. The conservation status of Lepidoptera living above 800 m is relatively good. However, coastal species and those associated with herb-rich native grasslands are under some pressure from habitat change. Three species of geometrid moths are listed as threatened in Tasmania’s Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 but several others may qualify for listing.
TL;DR: The light trap transect method is shown to be useful for moth species where little is known of their ecology and can be used to provide a straightforward insight informing additional targeted autecological studies.
Abstract: The habitat associations of the noctuid moth Double Line Mythimna turca (Linnaeus 1761) were studied in three areas in Britain by setting up light traps equidistant along transects which passed through different habitat types. Counts were made of M. turca at each trap station and the results compared with the habitat present in the vicinity of each trap. The results using chi-square analysis indicate that the preferred habitats for M. turca are woodland and Pteridium aquilinum scrub, especially where the grasses Agrostis capillaris and Holcus mollis occur. The environmental factors affecting moth catches are discussed and chi-squared expectations are adjusted to take account of the different efficiency of light traps in open grassland and woodland situations. The light trap transect method is shown to be useful for moth species where little is known of their ecology and can be used to provide a straightforward insight informing additional targeted autecological studies. The methodology may be less suited to those species which occur at low density, are poorly attracted to light or are known to migrate.
TL;DR: The remainder of this work documents steps that have been taken to establish a 4.5 ha reserve at Nhill in western Victoria to meet the urgent conservation needs of this taxon and asympatrically occurring population of S. plana.
Abstract: Introductory notes on the family Castniidae are followed by some general information on the Pale Sun-moth, Synemon selene (Klug 1850) and the Golden Sun-moth, Synemon plana (Walker 1854) An account is given of the discovery of an extant population of the Nhill Morph of S selene The remainder of this work documents steps that have been taken to establish a 45 ha reserve at Nhill in western Victoria, to meet the urgent conservation needs of this taxon and asympatrically occurring population of S plana Some management issues that concern these two grassland-dependent Synemon species at Nhill are also discussed
TL;DR: Shared haplotypes between populations in Belgium, Norway, Scotland and England provides no evidence to support the hypothesis that populations in Scotland result from an alternative post-glacial colonisation route, and it is suggested that choice of donor stock for a re-introduction to England should be made primarily on ecological grounds.
Abstract: The Chequered Skipper butterfly (Carterocephalus palaemon) is extinct in England but extant in Scotland and Continental Europe. The possibility of re-introducing the species is under active consideration by conservation bodies, but ecological differences between Scottish and English populations raise the question of which populations should donate individuals, Continental European, or Scottish? We used mitochondrial DNA sequences (CO I, CO II and Cyt b) from potential donor populations to test the hypothesis that ecological differences could have arisen as a result of differing routes of post-glacial colonisation from separate refugia and subsequent isolation of UK populations. Shared haplotypes between populations in Belgium, Norway, Scotland and England provides no evidence to support the hypothesis that populations in Scotland result from an alternative post-glacial colonisation route. As the genetic evidence remains equivocal we suggest that choice of donor stock for a re-introduction to England should be made primarily on ecological grounds.
TL;DR: To secure the future of the moth in Britain, a sustainable network of interconnected sites for the species should be created and an appropriate management plan should be formulated for each site.
Abstract: Gortyna borelii lunata is a rare species of moth with a widespread, but localised distribution in Europe. In Britain, the moth is restricted to coastal grassland habitats that support its larval foodplant (Peucedanum officinale), in the southeast of England.Threats to G. borelii lunata in Britain include inappropriate management and sea-level rise. This study investigates how to secure the future of the moth in Britain by managing existing colonies appropriately and determining whether translocations of the species, away from the dangers of flooding, would be feasible. A mowing experiment and a translocation trial were conducted. Results from the mowing experiment indicate that cutting annually in either August or November is detrimental to the abundance of the moth. It is recommended that where sites must be mown this be performed on rotation, leaving much of the site uncut each year. The translocation of the moth and its foodplant to a site away from the threats of flooding was very successful, demonstrating that the species establishes well and can survive on higher ground. It is concluded that to secure the future of the moth in Britain, a sustainable network of interconnected sites for the species should be created. Also, an appropriate management plan should be formulated for each site.
TL;DR: In New Zealand, the Pastoral Lease Tenure Review process has important implications for the conservation of tussock grassland biota including numerous native moths and their habitats as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: New Zealand has a relatively rich moth fauna associated with tussock grasslands, reflecting the historic importance of plant communities containing native grasses in the New Zealand landscape. Extensive grassland communities were most common in the eastern and central regions of New Zealand’s South Island where what now remains of these communities is contained within more than 350 Pastoral Leases managed for pastoral farming. Because these various grassland communities are distributed from coastal areas to the limit of vegetation on mountains there has been an uneven human impact. Grasslands at sea-level (including those on sand dunes and alluvial plains) have almost been eliminated while those in montane valleys have until now escaped intensive development. Alpine grasslands, like those of montane areas are now much less woody as a result of both Polynesian and more recent burning. From the late 1970s, based on public concern that continuing development was eliminating the natural landscapes and conservation values of the distinctive tussock grasslands of the South Island, a concerted programme of identification of the broad conservation values of the remaining grassland dominated regions was initiated. Implementation of the recommendations in the resulting published reports relating to priority areas for conservation and the subsequent full-scale review of Pastoral Leases has resulted in the formation of large grassland Conservation Parks and the reservation of a multitude of smaller areas, based on a suite of recreation, landscape and biological values. This important ongoing Tenure Review process has important implications for the conservation of tussock grassland biota including numerous native moths and their habitats.
TL;DR: The decline has been reversed and major plantings of additional B. vulgaris are now underway to offer a more secure future for this moth.
Abstract: Since the end of the 19th century the Barberry Carpet moth (Pareulype berberata) has declined from being widespread and fairly well distributed in England to highly localised and endangered, due mainly to large-scale removal of the sole larval foodplant Berberis vulgaris. In the 1980s the moth appeared to be restricted to a single site. Since 1987 the moth has been surveyed and studied, its habitat requirements identified and three additional, self-maintaining populations established, each in a different part of its former range, using large-scale captive breeding and release techniques. The decline has been reversed and major plantings of additional B. vulgaris are now underway to offer a more secure future for this moth.
TL;DR: The habitat of Luehdorfia puziloi inexpecta was analyzed by using Quantification Theory Type I, a method for quantifying qualitative data as mentioned in this paper, and the results showed the order of importance of environmental factors to be: aspect of slope > amount of food plants > tree type = tree trunk girth > condition of undergrowth > geography.
Abstract: The habitat of Luehdorfia puziloi inexpecta was analyzed by using Quantification Theory Type I, a method for quantifying qualitative data. The investigation area was divided into 92 small sections and was surveyed for its environmental characteristics such as type of trees, tree trunk girth, condition of undergrowth, geography, aspect of slope, and amount of food plants. Environmental factors suitable for oviposition were analyzed using the area density of eggs in each section as the external criterion. The results showed the order of importance of environmental factors to be: aspect of slope > amount of food plants > tree type = tree trunk girth > condition of undergrowth > geography. A slope facing northeast, rich in food plants, with deciduous trees of trunk girth larger than 40 cm, with undergrowth below 30 cm and along a ridgeline was the most preferable habitat for the butterfly.
TL;DR: Following a severe fire in 1986 on the estuarine raised mire of Cors Fochno, Wales, a larval transect was initiated across the burnt and unburnt sections to investigate the recovery of the rosy marsh moth Coenophila subrosea population as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Following a severe fire in 1986 on the estuarine raised mire of Cors Fochno, Wales, a larval transect was initiated across the burnt and unburnt sections to investigate the recovery of the rosy marsh moth Coenophila subrosea population. This paper reports the results of 16 years of surveillance and relates larval density to the growth of the main food plant, bog myrtle Myrica gale. Earlier suggestions that fire is a necessary management tool to maintain Myrica at a young stage of its growth appear unfounded and hydrological effects are probably sufficient to ensure rapid turnover of the foodplant. Eighteen years in which there has been no significant disturbance to the mire vegetation has not led to the predicted decline in the moth population. However, changes in vegetational composition are occurring as a result of conservation management to the hydrological regime of the mire and further studies will be required to investigate whether restoration of the peatland water table leads to a significant reduction in the abundance in food plants or a decline in the status of the rosy marsh moth.
TL;DR: The impact of P. radiata in southern hemisphere plantations may have a long term effect on lepidopteran communities, beyond the simple replacement of indigenous host plants leading to extirpations of feeding specialists.
Abstract: Temperate regions of Australia have extensive commercial plantations of Monterey pine, Pinus radiata D. Don. Replacement of indigenous forests by P. radiata is likely to have significant effects on assemblages of native Lepidoptera, and has been considered a major threat to native fauna through displacing native species. However, many species of Lepidoptera, including ennomine geometrid moths in the genus Chlenias Guenee, have adopted P. radiata as a larval host. Comparisons were made of oviposition preferences and nutritional ecology of Chlenias auctaria Guenee on P. radiata and two native host plants [Acacia mearnsii De Wild. (Mimosaceae) and Eucalyptus obliqua L’Herit (Myrtaceae)]. Females showed no significant oviposition preference for any of the three hosts. Growth of sixth instar larvae was significantly less on P. radiata than on the native hosts. Pupal weights were significantly lower, suggesting that the fitness of moths reared on P. radiata will be significantly reduced. The life history strategy of C. auctaria, which includes dispersal of first instar larvae by ballooning, may predispose this species to feed on poor quality hosts, and this may be common to other polyphagous species found feeding on P. radiata in southern hemisphere plantations. The impact of P. radiata may have a long term effect on lepidopteran communities, beyond the simple replacement of indigenous host plants leading to extirpations of feeding specialists.
TL;DR: As a result of the Earth Summit in 1992, 53 species of moth are covered by the UK Government's Biodiversity Action Plan and the selection of species is discussed in this article, along with a subjective consideration of the biological progress with the moth Action Plans.
Abstract: As a result of the Earth Summit in 1992, 53 species of moth are covered by the UK Government's Biodiversity Action Plan. The background to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and the selection of species is discussed. Butterfly Conservation's Action for Threatened Moths Project is covered along with its role and approach in overseeing the implementation of the moth Action Plans. A case study on the Straw Belle Aspitates gilvaria (Denis and Schiffermuller) is presented as an example of how an individual Action Plan is being implemented. A subjective consideration of the biological progress with the moth Action Plans is given along with a brief discussion of possible future developments for the UK BAP approach for moths.
TL;DR: In this paper, the Taita Hills (south-east Kenya) exemplify well the needs to document and conserve key sites for native biodiversity in the region, and 55 moth samples were taken during two surveys in summer and two in spring.
Abstract: In Kenya, viewing and studying sub-Saharan tropical fauna and flora has been possible for decades, and much of the vast amount of knowledge gathered in that way is now available in field guides. A policy of protection of natural sites has been instigated, but many vulnerable and biologically unique sites are still in need of better protection. The Taita Hills (south-east Kenya) exemplify well the needs to document and conserve key sites for native biodiversity in the region. During a project to assess endemism and zoogeographical affinities of the Taita Hills biota, 55 moth samples were taken during two surveys in summer and two in spring. The most species-rich group represented in the samples was the family Noctuidae. A list is given of the 82 identified species. At least a further 14 species could not be named, and these are considered endemics. The former were grouped according to their distribution with data from collections and literature. The Noctuidae of the Taita Hills have strong affinity with those of South Africa, but also include many with a narrow Eastern African distribution.
TL;DR: In this paper, a collection of arboreal Psocoptera from the four major national parks of Sumatra and from a range of habitats outside the parks are appraised for diversity and species overlap between habitats.
Abstract: Collections of arboreal Psocoptera from the four major national parks of Sumatra and from a range of habitats outside the parks (including many of the predominant perennial crops) are appraised for diversity and species overlap between habitats. The most speciose family (Psocidae, 72 morphospecies) is investigated to determine possible surrogacy values in relation to the more taxonomically intractable ‘Other Psocoptera’ (17 families, 190 morphospecies), in its incidence in 16 different habitats and four main altitudinal zones. Considerable psocid richness persists in disturbed areas, and the values of protected areas and kebun gardening systems in their conservation are noted.
TL;DR: The belted beauty moth Lycia zonaria britannica, which is an endemic subspecies found only in the British Isles, now occurs at just three sites in England and Wales.
Abstract: Recent surveys have established that the belted beauty moth Lycia zonaria britannica, which is an endemic subspecies found only in the British Isles, now occurs at just three sites in England and Wales. Populations at all three sites are small, with annual peak counts of usually less than 50 females. At Morfa Conwy in Wales and Meols Common in England, habitat quality has been declining for more than a decade as open, herb-rich, early successional dune grassland is replaced by fixed, rank grassland. Uniquely at Sunderland Point in England, the moth is primarily associated with areas of saltmarsh, but distribution is constrained by surrounding farmland and man-made structures. Attempts are now being made to restore areas of open grassland and to return the moth to its former distribution. Since the winter of 2000–2001, small plots of rank grassland on Meols Common have been excavated annually, with all vegetation removed, together with any humic layer present. The exposed bare sand has then been allowed to re-vegetate naturally. Within 18 months, the plots have developed into open, herb-rich habitats suitable for the moth. Adults were recorded on the plots for the first time in spring 2003 and may have been the product of the small numbers of eggs and larvae introduced to the plots in spring 2002. Similar excavations have been initiated at Morfa Conwy, which is in the process of being notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). A 3-year programme to establish a second Welsh population is underway and, to date, more than 2000 captive-reared larvae have been released on the receptor site which lies 21 km to the east of Morfa Conwy.