Entomology

A mixed methods study was used to transcend the traditional pre-, post-test approach of citizen science evaluative research by integrating adults' test scores with their perceptions. We assessed how contributory entomology citizen science affects participants' science self-efficacy, self-efficacy for environmental action, nature relatedness and attitude towards insects. Pre- and post-test score analyses from citizen scientists ( = 28) and a control group ( = 72) were coupled with interviews ( = 11) about science experiences and entomological interactions during participation. Considering quantitative data alone, no statistically significant changes were evident in adults following participation in citizen science when compared to the control group. Citizen scientists' pre-test scores were significantly higher than the control group for self-efficacy for environmental action, nature relatedness and attitude towards insects. Interview data reveal a notable discrepancy betw...

The tortoise beetle genus Ogdoecosta Spaeth 1909 is revised and an illustrated key to 12 species is provided, based on a morphological analysis of all species. All the known species are redescribed and one new species, Ogdoecosta paraflavo-maculata López-Pérez sp. nov., is described from Belize and México. Lectotypes are designated for O. omissa Dohrn 1880, O. epilachnoides (Champion 1893), O. fasciata (Boheman 1856), O. flavomaculata (Champion 1893), O. mexicana (Champion 1893 and O. obliterata (Champion 1893). The distribution ranges for O. biannularis (Boheman 1854), O. catenulata (Boheman 1854), O. decemstillata (Boheman 1856), O. epilachnoides, O. fasciata, O. guttifera, O. juvenca, and O. obliterata are extended within México. Ogdoecosta guttifera (Boheman) is a new record for Venezuela.

Embedded within the interdisciplinary research project ‘Towards an
understanding of the structure and function of a Neotropical rainforest
ecosystem with special reference to its canopy’ organised by the
Austrian Academy of Science, the canopy beetle fauna was surveyed
by means of a 42 m tall tower crane. This paper presents results of the
chrysomelid beetle fauna observed and collected at canopy trees for 1
year. A total of 1783 adult leaf beetleswere collected, representing 117
morphospecies (Bruchinae are not included) including 31 singletons.
The most abundant family was Galerucinae sensu stricto with 827
individuals (46% of collection). The most speciose subfamilies were
Galerucinae sensu stricto followed by Alticini, Cryptocephalinae and
Eumolpinae. Nineteen species collected with at least two individuals
were restricted to a single tree species whereas 68 species were found
to feed on several canopy host trees. Only a few species fed on leaves;
these were in Cassidinae, Cryptocephalinae, Eumolpinae and
Galerucinae. Strikingly, most canopy chrysomelids were collected at
flowers of canopy trees, although some species fed also on extrafloral
nectaries or fruits. Alticini were restricted predominantly to flowers,
but Cryptocephalinae, Eumolpinae and Galerucinae revealed broader
plasticity in host tissue selection. Insights into beetle seasonality,
diurnal/nocturnal activity and intra-canopy migration are provided.
Abundant flower-visiting species occurred on their host trees commonly
over the entire flowering season, with their abundances often
correlated with the number of open flowers. After termination of one
tree’s flowering season, many flower-visiting leaf beetles moved to
other flowering trees. Certain congeneric species of Galerucinae and
Eumolpinae occurred together at their host plants within the same
periods.

The beetle fauna of Peru has not been enumerated since Blackwelder (1944–1957). This contribution is the first modern synopsis of beetle families, based on ongoing fieldwork and a literature review. Ninety nine families of beetles are now documented from Peru and nine families are reported in Peru for the first time—Biphyllidae, Bothrideridae,  Eucinetidae, Monotomidae, Rhipiceridae, Scirtidae, Scraptiidae, Silvanidae, and Throscidae. A species list for each family, updated higher taxonomy, and relevant literature citations are presented. Most families are so poorly known in the tropics and so poorly represented in museum
collections, that their rarity and/or conservation status cannot be determined. Altogether the project represents the first modern catalogue of the entire beetle fauna of a hyperdiverse Neotropical country.

A checklist of the ptinid beetles (including Anobiidae) of Peru is presented with 5 subfamilies, 22 genera, and 33 identified species. One species, Calymmaderus funki Pic, is reported as a new country record. Six genera are reported as new records for Peru (i.e. Byrrhodes, Caenocara, Mirosternus, Petalium, and Cryptorama), however, species within these genera are not yet identified. This contribution is part of the ‘Beetles of Peru’ project.