Drastic decline of extensive grassland species in Central Europe since 1950: Forester moths of the genus (Lepidoptera, Zygaenidae) as a type example.

The decline of biodiversity in general and of insect diversity in particular has been recognized as a major environmental problem in recent years. In this study, we analyze the distribution and the decline of populations of forester moths of the genus in Central Europe since 1950 as a type example of the loss of grassland biodiversity, and discuss potential drivers causing this decline. Based on the extensive work in museums and private collections, a literature review and own observations, and including data as far back as 1834, this genus helps to understand the deeper reasons of insect population and biodiversity decline, as the well investigated six Central European species cover a broad range of extensive grassland habitats (fens to low-production grassland and xerothermic steppes) from low altitudes to high alpine meadows.

Multi-surveyor capture-mark-recapture as a powerful tool for butterfly population monitoring in the pre-imaginal stage.

For many elusive insect species, which are difficult to cover by standard monitoring schemes, innovative survey methods are needed to gain robust data on abundance and population trends. We suggest a monitoring of overwintering larvae for the endangered nymphalid butterfly . We tested different removal and capture-mark-recapture (CMR) approaches in a field study in the "Alb-Donau" region, Germany.

Thermobiological effects of temperature-induced color variations in (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae).

Coloration of animals is important for camouflage, for social behavior, or for physiological fitness. This study investigates the color variation in adults of obtained on subjecting some pre-imaginal stages to different temperature conditions and their thermobiological consequences. To investigate the evolutionary-ecological interactions of temperature and pigmentation in butterflies, caterpillars, and pupae of the small tortoiseshell, (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae), larvae from Central Europe and Scandinavia were reared at temperatures between 7 and 34°C in the laboratory or in the field.

Impact of abiotic and biogeochemical processes on halogen concentrations (Cl, Br, F, I) in mineral soil along a climatic gradient.

In contrast to earlier ideas that halogens behave inertly in soil, extensive biogeochemical cycling of fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br) and iodine (I) has been shown for temperate forests. To further advance our understanding of halogen behaviour in soil beyond humid temperate forests, we sampled soil profiles in protected areas along the Chilean Coastal Cordillera, representing a pronounced climatic gradient spanning from arid to humid. Halogen concentrations in soil were analysed by combustion ion chromatography.

Vegetation canopy effects on total and dissolved Cl, Br, F and I concentrations in soil and their fate along the hydrological flow path.

Although halogens are omnipresent in the environment, detailed understanding of processes involving chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), fluorine (F) and iodine (I) in the terrestrial halogen cycle is still sparse. Our objectives were to (i) assess vertical depth profiles of total and water-extractable inorganic halogen concentrations (Cl, Br, F, I) in solid soil, (ii) test the effect of a tree canopy, and (iii) follow the fate of dissolved inorganic halogens along the hydrological flow path. More than 200 soil samples and ecosystem solutions (rainwater, soil solution, adit and creek water) collected in the Schwarzwald, SW Germany, were analyzed by combustion ion chromatography and ion chromatography for total and inorganic halogen concentrations.

Sulphur isotopes of alkaline magmas unlock long-term records of crustal recycling on Earth.

Earth's surface and mantle sulphur reservoirs are connected via subduction, crustal recycling and volcanism. Although oceanic hotspot lavas currently provide the best constraints on the deep sulphur cycle, their restricted age range (<200 Ma) means they cannot reveal temporal variations in crustal recycling over Earth history. Sulphur-rich alkaline magmas offer the solution because they are associated with recycled sources (i.