Establishment and Expansion of Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Urban Green Areas in the Iberian Peninsula: From 2015 to 2021.

In the Western Palearctic region, (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is mainly established in urban areas. In this study, we update its occurrence in urban areas of the Iberian Peninsula and determine its expansion after 2014. Changes in the ladybird species assemblage are also evaluated.

Effects of temperature on the fitness of the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica).

Background: Temperature directly influences the survival, development and reproduction of insects and limits their biological activity. The alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica Gyllenhal) is a destructive pest of alfalfa crops in Spain and in most of the alfalfa production countries. The knowledge of how temperature affects the fitness of this pest can be used to predict its activity in current or forecasted environmental conditions and to develop more accurate control strategies.

Species Complex and Temporal Associations between Coccinellids and Aphids in Alfalfa Stands in Spain.

Alfalfa is known to be an important reservoir harboring natural enemies. The reduction in insecticide sprayings in recent years has allowed us to study the coccinellid species complex in this crop and the relationship between these predators and aphids. Alfalfa was sampled by sweep-netting throughout its productive period in several commercial stands each year between 2010 and 2021.

May predator body-size hamper furtive predation strategy by aphidophagous insects?

Furtive predation is an uncommon predation strategy within aphidophagous insects, as it can be constrained by several factors. So far, the few reported furtive predators are characterized by their small body-size, vermiform shape, and slow movement. They live within the aphid colonies, without triggering significant defensive acts, nor disrupting colony structure.

Effects of Temperature and Relative Humidity on the Embryonic Development of Gyllenhal (Col.: Curculionidae).

The combined effect of the temperature and relative humidity on the survival and development time of the eggs of Spanish populations of the weevil , a key pest of alfalfa around the world, was evaluated under laboratory conditions. The experimental temperatures ranged from 8 to 36 °C, in 4 °C increments. Three relative humidity ranges were defined: high, medium, and low.