An integrative description of Euscorpius diagorasi sp. n. from Rhodes, Greece (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae)

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  An integrative description of Euscorpius diagorasi sp. n. from Rhodes, Greece (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae) Abstract The genus  Euscorpius  Thorell, 1876 comprises a diverse and taxonomically challenging group of scorpions in the Mediterranean, with Greece representing one of its principal centers of diversity. In this study, we provide an integrative description of  Euscorpius diagorasi   sp. n. , a new species from Rhodes Island, Greece. The new species is described on the basis of adult male and female morphology and mitochondrial COI sequence data. It is a small oligotrichous species characterized by a total length of approximately 21–25 mm, pale yellow to light brown coloration with darker reddish-brown pedipalps, pectinal tooth count of 8 in the male and 7 in the females, Pv = 7–8, Pe-et = 5–6, and a distinct mitochondrial lineage. Phylogenetic analyses based on COI recovered the Rhodian specimens as a strongly supported monophyletic lineage, sister to...

Advancing Research on Overlooked Invertebrates in Biological Control: A Case Study of Local Hoverflies and Wolf Spiders

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Advancing Research on Overlooked Invertebrates in Biological Control: A Case Study of Local Hoverflies and Wolf Spiders

Abstract

Preserving natural enemies in agricultural landscapes is a cornerstone of biological pest control, and avoiding insecticides and miticides that harm non-target species is a key strategy to support naturally occurring populations in the field. Current research on the impacts of these chemicals is often biased toward a small number of commercially cultured species, leaving important knowledge gaps for those groups that naturally occur at local scales. Hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) and wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae), both globally important invertebrates in agricultural systems, have been under-researched due to challenges in the field collection and laboratory cultivation of local species. This study helps to address these gaps by evaluating the effects of several widely used chemicals on Australian hoverflies (Melangyna sp.) and wolf spiders (Venatrix spp.) as case study species, with detailed descriptions of laboratory rearing and testing methodologies. The results from standardised chemical toxicity testing showed Venatrix spp. were relatively tolerant to various chemicals, highlighting their potential role in Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that combine chemical and biological control methods. In contrast, Melangyna sp. was sensitive to numerous chemicals tested, including some that are widely regarded as safe for non-target species. These findings emphasise the need to expand research on underrepresented natural enemy groups to effectively support biological control efforts at local scales. Specifically, the methodologies developed in this study can be adapted to facilitate further research on locally occurring hoverfly and spider species in other regions.

Knapp, R. A., McDougall, R., & Umina, P. A. (2025). Advancing Research on Overlooked Invertebrates in Biological Control: A Case Study of Local Hoverflies and Wolf Spiders. Agronomy, 15(5), 1203. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15051203