Latest Articles from BioRisk Latest 24 Articles from BioRisk https://biorisk.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 12:59:09 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://biorisk.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from BioRisk https://biorisk.pensoft.net/ How to track genetically modified (GM) plants in the field? The VDI standard method of floristic mapping of GM plants as an efficient tool https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1897/ BioRisk 8: 89-110

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.8.4035

Authors: Ulrich Sukopp, Ulf Schmitz

Abstract: The commercial use of genetically modified (GM) organisms is regulated in the EU by law. Thus, monitoring the environmental effects of GM organisms after placement on the market is a mandatory task of the respective consent holder. Since many relevant monitoring procedures lack standardisation, the Association of German Engineers (VDI) has commissioned expert groups with the development of guidelines covering appropriate methodologies. As part of this project, the VDI Guideline 4330 Part 10 was set up (Bleeker et al. 2011) describing a standardised procedure for floristic mapping of spontaneously occurring (non-cultivated) GM crops, their wild potential crossing partners and their hybrid offspring. Areas to be mapped are those where such plants are expected to be found, e.g. on former fields and in the vicinity of current or former fields of GM plants. In the case of transportation, processing or use of GM plants as animal feed, these are areas surrounding the processing, storage, handling and usage facilities, including access routes to and from the facilities. The concept of adverse environmental effects caused by the dispersal and outcrossing of GM plants is briefly introduced. The necessity of floristic mapping in the context of post-market environmental monitoring of GM plants is demonstrated taking oilseed rape as an example. The development of the Guideline VDI 4330 Part 10 is described and its contents are summarised. An important conclusion on the relevance and efficiency of the floristic mapping method is that strict standardisation ensures a high level of EU wide reproducibility and comparability of the results.

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Research Article Thu, 8 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0300
Springtails and Silverfishes (Apterygota). Chapter 13.5 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1868/ BioRisk 4: 851-854

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.47

Authors: Jürg Zettel

Abstract: The alien fauna of Apterygota is still limited in Europe. Springtails (Collembolla) alien to Europe include only three species to which add a cryptogenic one. Two nowadays cosmopolitan species of silverfishes may originate from Central America. The reasons of this limited colonisation of Europe are briefly discussed.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Lice and Fleas (Phthiraptera and Siphonaptera). Chapter 13.4 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1867/ BioRisk 4: 833-849

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.65

Authors: Marc Kenis, Alain Roques

Abstract: A total of 31 Phthiraptera species alien to Europe are listed. They include 24 chewing lice and seven sucking lice of 12 different families. The families Goniodidae (Ischnocera) and Menoponidae (Amblycera) largely dominate the alien entomofauna of chewing lice. Asia is the major supplier of alien Phthiraptera which are mostly associated with poultry farming, game birds, guinea pigs and invasive alien mammals. The recent period did not show any acceleration in alien arrival in Europe. Alien fleas include six species in the families Pulicidae and Ceratophyllidae. Three of them are primarily associated with rats and are capable of transmiting major human diseases such as the bubonic plague and the murine typhus.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Dictyoptera (Blattodea, Isoptera), Orthoptera, Phasmatodea and Dermaptera. Chapter 13.3 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1866/ BioRisk 4: 807-831

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.68

Authors: Jean-Yves Rasplus, Alain Roques

Abstract: For convenience, we treat all “polyneopteran” orders together. Five orders of hemimetabolous “Polyneoptera” include species alien to Europe, namely Blattodea, Isoptera, Orthoptera, Phasmatodea and Dermaptera. A total of 37 species alien to Europe have been recorded. These belong to 14 different families. Most of these species show a detritivorous feeding regime (22 spp.), whereas 12 species are phytophagous and two are predators. The majority of species were first observed between 1900 and 1975. Unlike other arthropod groups, the mean number of polyneopteran species newly recorded per year showed no acceleration since 1975. The alien “Polyneoptera” mostly originated from Central/South America and Asia (10 species each, 27.0%), followed by Africa (7, 18.9%). Germany hosts the largest number of alien Polyneoptera (15 spp.), followed by Denmark (14), Spain (11) and France (10). All but one alien species represent unintentional introductions. More than 75% of the species are associated with artificial habitats (houses, buildings and greenhouses) and cultivated areas. Blattodea and Isoptera have huge economic and/or medical importance. The cost of treatments and sanitary measures against termites and cockroaches, in particular, is significant in Europe.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Psocids (Psocoptera). Chapter 13.2 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1865/ BioRisk 4: 793-805

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.46

Authors: Nico Schneider

Abstract: Among the 231 species of Psocoptera present in Europe, 49 (21.2%) are considered to be of alien origin. They include 29 exotic introduced species and 20 cryptogenic species. Most of the exotic species originated from tropical and subtropical areas, essentially from Africa. Many of them are food pests, moving along with stored products. Thirty-nine of these species occur in buildings in Europe.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Thrips (Thysanoptera). Chapter 13.1 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1864/ BioRisk 4: 767-791

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.59

Authors: Philippe Reynaud

Abstract: Thrips (Order Thysanoptera) are found worldwide and include almost 6000 species. Several of them are notorious for causing extensive crop damage (by feeding on leaf tissue or by vectoring viral disease). Their small size (usually less than 2 millimeters) and cryptic habits have facilited invasions and establishment in Europe in the wild or in greenhouses. Fifty-two alien species, belonging to four families have been recorded within Europe. Species introduced before 1950 mostly originate from America, tropical and subtropical areas and subsequent arrivals generally originate from Asia (and from America to some extent). Five countries host more than 30% of the European alien thrips fauna and two alien thrips occur in more than 50% of the countries and islands of Europe.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Hymenoptera. Chapter 12 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1863/ BioRisk 4: 669-776

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.55

Authors: Jean-Yves Rasplus, Claire Villemant, Maria Rosa Paiva, Gérard Delvare, Alain Roques

Abstract: We present the first review of Hymenoptera alien to Europe. Our study revealed that nearly 300 species of Hymenoptera belonging to 30 families have been introduced to Europe. In terms of alien species diversity within invertebrate orders, this result ranks Hymenoptera third following Coleoptera and Hemiptera. Two third of alien Hymenoptera are parasitoids or hyperparasitoids that were mostly introduced for biological control purposes. Only 35 phytophagous species, 47 predator species and 3 species of pollinators have been introduced. Six families of wasps (Aphelinidae, Encyrtidae, Eulophidae, Braconidae, Torymidae, Pteromalidae) represent together with ants (Formicidae) about 80% of the alien Hymenoptera introduced to Europe. The three most diverse families are Aphelinidae (60 species representing 32% of the Aphelinid European fauna), Encyrtidae (55) and Formicidae (42) while the Chalcidoidea together represents 2/3 of the total Hymenoptera species introduced to Europe. The first two families are associated with mealybugs, a group that also included numerous aliens to Europe. In addition, they are numerous cases of Hymenoptera introduced from one part of Europe to another, especially from continental Europe to British Islands. These introductions mostly concerned phytophagous or gall-maker species (76 %), less frequently parasitoids. The number of new records of alien Hymenoptera per year has shown an exponential increase during the last 200 years. The number of alien species introduced by year reached a maximum of 5 species per year between 1975 and 2000. North America provided the greatest part of the hymenopteran species alien to Europe (96 species, 35.3%), followed by Asia (84 species, 30.9%) and Africa (49 species, 18%). Three Mediterranean countries (only continental parts) hosted the largest number of alien Hymenoptera: Italy (144 spp.), France (111 spp.) and Spain (90 spp.) but no correlation was found with the area of countries. Intentional introduction, mostly for biological control, has been the main pathway of introduction for Hymenoptera. Consequently, the most invaded habitats are agricultural and horticultural as well as greenhouses. To the contrary, Hymenoptera alien in Europe are mostly associated with woodland and forest habitats. Ecological and economic impacts of alien Hymenoptera have been poorly studied. Ants have probably displaced native species and this is also true for introduced parasitoids that are suspected to displace native parasitoids by competition, but reliable examples are still scarce. The cost of these impacts has never been estimated.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Lepidoptera. Chapter 11 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1862/ BioRisk 4: 603-668

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.50

Authors: Carlos Lopez-Vaamonde, David Agassiz, Sylvie Augustin, Jurate De Prins, Willy De Prins, Stanislav Gomboc, Povilas Ivinskis, Ole Karsholt, Athanasios Koutroumpas, Fotini Koutroumpa, Zdeněk Laštůvka, Eduardo Marabuto, Elisenda Olivella, Lukasz Przybylowicz, Alain Roques, Nils Ryrholm, Hana Sefrova, Peter Sima, Ian Sims, Sergey Sinev, Bjarne Skulev, Rumen Tomov, Alberto Zilli, David Lees

Abstract: We provide a comprehensive overview of those Lepidopteran invasions to Europe that result from increasing globalisation and also review expansion of species within Europe. A total of 97 non-native Lepidoptera species (about 1% of the known fauna), in 20 families and 11 superfamilies have established so far in Europe, of which 30 alone are Pyraloidea. In addition, 88 European species in 25 families have expanded their range within Europe and around 23% of these are of Mediterranean or Balkan origin, invading the north and west. Although a number of these alien species have been in Europe for hundreds of years, 74% have established during the 20th century and arrivals are accelerating, with an average of 1.9 alien Lepidoptera newly established per year between 2000–2007. For 78 aliens with a known area of origin, Asia has contributed 28.9%, Africa (including Macaronesian islands, Canaries, Madeira and Azores) 21.6%, North America 16.5%, Australasia 7.2% and the neotropics just 5.2%. The route for almost all aliens to Europe is via importation of plants or plant products. Most alien Lepidoptera established in Europe are also confined to man-made habitats, with 52.5% occuring in parks and gardens. We highlight four species in particular, Diaphania perspectalis, Cacyreus marshalli, Cameraria ohridella and Paysandisia archon, as the most important current economic threats.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Diptera. Chapter 10 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1861/ BioRisk 4: 553-602

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.53

Authors: Marcela Skuhravá, Michel Martinez, Alain Roques

Abstract: Of the 19,400 native species and 125 families forming the European diptera fauna, 98 species (less than 0.5%) in 22 families are alien to Europe. These aliens constitute 66 species (18 families) of the suborder Brachycera and 32 species (4 families) of the suborder Nematocera. By family in this category, there are 23 Cecidomyiidae species, 18 Drosophilidae, nine Phoridae, eight Tachinidae and seven Culicidae. Another 32 fly species belonging to five families are considered to be alien in Europe. These invasives native to other European countries are composed of 14 species of Cecidomyiidae, seven Syrphidae, five Culicidae and three species each of Anthomyiidae and Tephritidae. The date of the first record in Europe is known for 84 alien species. Arrivals of alien species of Diptera have accelerated rapidly since the second half of the 20th century. North America appears to be the dominant contributor of the alien flies. The majority of alien Diptera were introduced into or within Europe unintentionally, with only three predators released intentionally for biological control. Alien Diptera are predominantly phytophagous (35.6%), while a lesser portion are zoophagous (28.6%) or detrivorous/mycetophagous (29.6%). Ecological impacts on native fauna and flora have not been documented for any of the alien species established in Europe. However, 14 alien species have economic impacts on crops.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Other Hemiptera Sternorrhyncha (Aleyrodidae, Phylloxeroidea, and Psylloidea) and Hemiptera Auchenorrhyncha. Chapter 9.4 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1860/ BioRisk 4: 511-552

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.63

Authors: David Mifsud, Christian Cocquempot, Roland Mühlethaler, Mike Wilson, Jean-Claude Streito

Abstract: Apart from aphids and scales, 52 additional Sternorrhyncha hemipteran species alien to Europe have been identified within Aleyrodidae (27 whitefly species), Phylloxeroidea (9 adelgids, 2 phylloxerans) and Psylloidea (14 species of jumping plant-lice) in addition to 12 Auchenorrhyncha species (mostly Cicadellidae- 8 species). At present, the alien species represent 39% of the total whitefly fauna and 36% of the total adelgid fauna occuring in Europe. The proportion is insignificant in the other groups. The arrival of alien phylloxerans and adelgids appeared to peak during the first part of the 20th century. In contrast, the mean number of new records per year of alien aleyrodids, psylloids and Auchenorrhyncha increased regularly after the 1950s. For these three groups, an average of 0.5–0.6 new alien species has been recorded per year in Europe since 2000. The region of origin of the alien species largely differs between the different groups. Alien aleyrodids and psylloids mainly originated from tropical regions whilst the adelgids and phylloxerans came equally from North America and Asia. A major part of the alien Auchenorrhyncha originated from North American. Most of these alien species are presently observed in man-made habitats, especially in parks and gardens but alien adelgids are mainly observed in forests because of their association with conifer trees used for afforestation.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Scales (Hemiptera, Superfamily Coccoidea). Chapter 9.3 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1859/ BioRisk 4: 475-510

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.45

Authors: Giuseppina Pellizzari, Jean-François Germain

Abstract: Scale insects are frequent invaders. With 129 established species, they numerically represent one of the major group of insects alien to Europe. Scales are usually small insects with wingless females. Due to this small size and concealment, many species, mainly belonging to the families Diaspididae, Pseudococcidae and Pseudococcidae, have been accidentally introduced to Europe, mostly originating from tropical regions and essentially from Asia. The trade of fruit trees and ornamentals appears to be the usual pathway of introduction. At present, alien scales represent an important component of the European entomofauna, accounting for about 30% of the total scale fauna.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Aphids (Hemiptera, Aphididae) Chapter 9.2 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1858/ BioRisk 4: 435-474

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.57

Authors: Armelle Coeur d’Acier, Nicolás Pérez-Hidalgo, Olivera Petrović-Obradović

Abstract: Our study aimed at providing a comprehensive list of Aphididae alien to Europe. A total of 98 species originating from other continents have established so far in Europe, to which we add 4 cosmopolitan species of uncertain origin (cryptogenic). The 102 alien species of Aphididae established in Europe belong to 12 different subfamilies, five of them contributing by more than 5 species to the alien fauna. Most alien aphids originate from temperate regions of the world. There was no significant variation in the geographic origin of the alien aphids over time. The average introduction rate was 0.5 species per year since 1800. The mean number of newly recorded species per year decreased since 2000 but this pattern may change in the following years.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
True Bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera). Chapter 9.1 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1857/ BioRisk 4: 407-433

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.44

Authors: Wolfgang Rabitsch

Abstract: The inventory of the alien Heteroptera of Europe includes 16 species alien to Europe, 25 species alien in Europe and 7 cryptogenic species. This is approximately 1.7 % of the Heteroptera species occurring in Europe. Most species belong to Miridae (20 spp.), Tingidae (8 spp.), and Anthocoridae (7 spp.). The rate of introductions has exponentially increased within the 20th century and since 1990 an approximate arrival rate of seven species per decade has been observed. Most of the species alien to Europe are from North America, almost all of the species alien in Europe originate in the Mediterranean region and were translocated to central and northern Europe. Most alien Heteroptera species are known from Central and Western Europe (Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Great Britain). Ornamental trade and movement as stowaways with transport vehicles are the major pathways for alien Heteroptera. Most alien Heteroptera colonize habitats under strong human influence, like agricultural, horticultural, and domestic habitats, parks and gardens. A few species prefer woodland including plantations of non-native forest trees. Impacts of alien Heteroptera in Europe are poorly investigated. A few species are considered pests in agriculture, forestry, or on ornamentals. More research is needed for a better understanding of the ecological and economic effects of introduced Heteroptera.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Coleoptera families other than Cerambycidae, Curculionidae sensu lato, Chrysomelidae sensu lato and Coccinelidae. Chapter 8.5 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1856/ BioRisk 4: 315-406

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.61

Authors: Olivier Denux, Pierre Zagatti

Abstract: Here we consider 274 alien Coleoptera species belonging to 41 of the 137 beetle families in Europe (Cerambycidae, Curculionidae sensu lato, Chrysomelidae sensu lato and Coccinelidae are treated separately elsewhere). Among the families we consider asinvaded the European fauna, Acanthocnemidae and Ptilodactylidae represent new arrivals. Many species-rich families have surprisingly few aliens, whereas some relatively minor families such as Dermestidae, Nitidulidae and Anobiidae have a relatively high representation of alien species. Since the start of the 19th century, the number of coleopteran aliens introduced into Europe has continued to increase. Alien species colonizing Europe derive from a wide range of geographic regions as well as ecozones, but the most important source area is Asia. The countries with the largest number of alien species established are France, Germany and Italy. The majority have been introduced accidentally via international transport mechanisms. The most important route for importation is stored products and crops, followed by transport of wood, then horticultural and ornamental plants. Most alien species in these families are found within anthropogenic habitats in Europe. The introduction of invasive alien beetles in these families has had significant economic impacts, particularly as pests of stored foodstuffs, as well as serious ecological impacts. For example, the buprestid species Agrilus planipennis, recently recorded in Russia, is an important potential economic threat which may also impact the biodiversity associated with ash trees.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Ladybeetles (Coccinellidae). Chapter 8.4 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1855/ BioRisk 4: 293-313

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.49

Authors: Helen Roy, Alain Migeon

Abstract: The majority of Coccinellidae are beneficial predators and they have received considerable research attention because of their potential as biological control agents. Indeed the role of coccinellids as predators of pest insects has been a major factor in the movement of coccinellids between countries. The commercial production of coccinellids by biological control companies and local producers led to a rapid increase in distribution thoughout the 1990’s. To date, 13 alien coccinellid species have been documented in Europe; 11 of these are alien to Europe (two are alien to Great Britain and Sweden but native within Europe). The distribution of alien coccinellids in Europe mirrors the biogeographical distribution and patterns of introduction. Some species have dispersed widely; Harmonia axyridis has spread rapidly from countries where it was deliberately introduced to many others across Europe. The ecological and economic impacts of alien coccinellids are not well documented. In this chapter we provide an overview of the temporal and spatial patterns of alien coccinellids in Europe.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Leaf and Seed Beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae). Chapter 8.3 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1854/ BioRisk 4: 267-292

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.52

Authors: Ron Beenen, Alain Roques

Abstract: The inventory of the leaf and seed beetles alien to Europe revealed a total of 25 species of which 14 seed beetles (bruchids) and 11 leaf beetles mostly belonging to the subfamilies Alticinae and Chrysomelinae. At present, aliens account for 9.4% of the total fauna of seed beetles in Europe whereas this percentage is less than 1% for leaf beetles. Whilst seed beetles dominated the introductions in Europe until 1950, there has been an exponential increase in the rate of arrival of leaf beetles since then. New leaf beetles arrived at an average rate of 0.6 species per year during the period 2000–2009. Most alien species originated from Asia but this pattern is mainly due to seed beetles of which a half are of Asian origin whereas leaf beetles predominantly originated from North America (36.4%). Unlike other insect groups, a large number of alien species have colonized most of Europe. All but one species have been introduced accidentally with either the trade of beans or as contaminants of vegetal crops or stowaway. Most aliens presently concentrate in man-made habitats but little affect natural habitats (<6%). Highly negative economic impacts have been recorded on stored pulses of legumes and crops but very little is known about possible ecological impact.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Weevils and Bark Beetles (Coleoptera, Curculionoidea). Chapter 8.2 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1853/ BioRisk 4: 219-266

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.64

Authors: Daniel Sauvard, Manuela Branco, Ferenc Lakatos, Massimo Faccoli, Lawrence Kirkendall

Abstract: We record 201 alien curculionoids established in Europe, of which 72 originates from outside Europe. Aliens to Europe belong to five families, but four-fifth of them are from family Curculionidae. Many families and subfamilies, among which species-rich ones, have few representatives among alien curculionoids, whereas some others are over-represented; these latter, Dryophthoridae, Cossoninae and specially Scolytinae, all contains many xylophagous species. The number of new records of alien species increases continuously, with an acceleration during the last decades. Aliens to Europe originate from all parts of the world, but mainly Asia; few alien curculionoids originate from Africa. Italy and France host the largest number of alien to Europe. The number of aliens per country decreases eastwards, but is mainly correlated with importations amount and, secondary, with warm climates. All alien curculionoids have been introduced accidentally via international shipping. Wood and seed borers are specially liable to human-mediated dispersal due to their protected habitat. Alien curculionoids mainly attack stems, and half of them are xylophagous. The majority of alien curculionoids live in human-modified habitats, but many species live in forests and other natural or semi-natural habitats. Several species are pests, among which grain feeders as Sitophilus sp. are the most damaging.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Longhorn beetles (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae). Chapter 8.1 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1852/ BioRisk 4: 193-218

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.56

Authors: Christian Cocquempot, Åke Lindelöw

Abstract: A total of 19 alien longhorn beetle species have established in Europe where they presently account for ca. 2.8 % of the total cerambycid fauna. Most species belong to the subfamilies Cerambycinae and Laminae which are prevalent in the native fauna as well. The alien species mainly established during the period 1975-1999, arriving predominantly from Asia. France, Spain and Italy are by far the most invaded countries. All species have been introduced accidentally. Wood-derived products such as wood- packaging material and palettes, plants for planting, and bonsais constitute invasive pathways of increasing importance. However, only few species have yet colonized natural habitats outside parks and gardens. Present ecological and economical impacts, and future trends are discussed.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Mites and ticks (Acari). Chapter 7.4 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1851/ BioRisk 4: 149-192

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.58

Authors: Maria Navajas, Alain Migeon, Agustin Estrada-Peña, Anne-Catherine Mailleux, Pablo Servigne, Radmila Petanović

Abstract: The inventory of the alien Acari of Europe includes 96 species alien to Europe and 5 cryptogenic species. Among the alien species, 87 are mites and 9 tick species. Besides ticks which are obligate ectoparasites, 14 mite species belong to the parasitic/predator regime. Among these species, some invaded Europe with rodents (8 spp.) and others are parasitic to birds (2 spp). The remaining 77 mite species are all phytophagous and among these 40% belong to the Eriophyidae (37 spp.) and 29% to the Tetranychidae (27 spp.) families. These two families include the most significant agricultural pest. The rate of introductions has exponentially increased within the 20th century, the amplification of plant trade and agricultural commodities movements being the major invasion pathways. Most of the alien mite species (52%) are from North America, Asia (25%), and Central and South America (10%). Half of the ticks (4 spp.) alien to Europe originated from Africa. Most of the mite species are inconspicuous and data regarding invasive species and distribution range is only partially available. More research is needed for a better understanding of the ecological and economic effects of introduced Acari.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Spiders (Araneae). Chapter 7.3 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1850/ BioRisk 4: 131-147

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.48

Authors: Wolfgang Nentwig, Manuel Kobelt

Abstract: A total of 47 spider species are alien to Europe; this corresponds to 1.3 % of the native spider fauna. They belong to (in order of decreasing abundance) Theridiidae (10 species), Pholcidae (7 species), Sparassidae, Salticidae, Linyphiidae, Oonopidae (4-5 species each) and 11 further families. There is a remarkable increase of new records in the last years and the arrival of one new species for Europe per year has been predicted for the next decades. One third of alien spiders have an Asian origin, one fifth comes from North America and Africa each. 45 % of species may originate from temperate habitats and 55 % from tropical habitats. In the past banana or other fruit shipments were an important pathway of introduction; today potted plants and probably container shipments in general are more important. Most alien spiders established in and around human buildings, only few species established in natural sites. No environmental impact of alien species is known so far, but some alien species are theoretically dangerous to humans.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Alien terrestrial crustaceans (Isopods and Amphipods). Chapter 7.1 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1848/ BioRisk 4: 81-96

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.4.54

Authors: Pierre-Olivier Cochard, Ferenc Vilisics, Emmanuel Sechet

Abstract: A total of 17 terrestrial crustacean species aliens to Europe of which 13 isopods (woodlice) and 4 amphipods (lawn shrimps) have established on the continent. In addition, 21 species native to Europe were introduced in a European region to which they are not native. The establishment of alien crustacean species in Europe slowly increased during the 20th century without any marked changes during the recent decades. Almost all species alien to Europe originate from sub-tropical or tropical areas. Most of the initial introductions were recorded in greenhouses, botanical gardens and urban parks, probably associated with passive transport of soil, plants or compost. Alien woodlice are still confined to urban habitats. Natural habitats have only been colonized by three amphipod species in the family Talitridade.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Lichens of Israel: diversity, ecology, and distribution https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1835/ BioRisk 3: 127-136

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.25

Authors: Marina Temina, Eviatar Nevo

Abstract: The biota of lichen-forming and lichenicolous fungi of different plant-geographical regions of Israel was analyzed. These areas differ in climatic conditions. A total of 350 species from 16 orders, 52 families, and 117 genera were recorded; among them 5% are endemic to the Levant. The highest species richness was found in the Mediterranean area. Species diversity of other areas with more arid climatic conditions were much poorer in comparison with species diversity found in the more humid and cooler Mediterranean region. Saxicolous lichens were the most common species. However, in the Sudanian penetration area, terricolous lichens dominated. Among phytogeographic elements, temperate species were dominant. However, the Sudanian penetration area was characterized by the dominance of Mediterranean and subcontinental species. Most of the lichens studied were xerophytic and photophytic species. They dominated all plant-geographical areas of Israel. In the Mediterranean region, mesophytic lichens were also common.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
Key Biodiversity Areas: Rapid assessment of phytoplankton in the Mesopotamian Marshlands of southern Iraq https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1834/ BioRisk 3: 111-126

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.20

Authors: Ghasak Al-Obaidi, Suad Salman, Clayton Rubec

Abstract: Between the summers of 2005 and 2007, studies have been conducted for five seasons in several marsh locations in southern Iraq. During five surveys, 317 taxa of phytoplankton belonging to six major groups were identified. These included: 204 taxa of Bacillariophyceae (represented by 13 Centrales and 191 Pennales, thus 14% and 27% respectively of all taxa recorded), 59 Chlorophyta (28%), one Cryptophyta (4%), 39 Cyanophyta (21%), 10 Euglenophyta (2%) and four Pyrrophyta (4% of all the taxa recorded). The Central Marsh, Hammar Marsh and the Hawizeh Marsh had higher phytoplankton populations compared to all other studied sites. The dominant phytoplankton groups throughout the study area were the Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyta and Cyanophyta. The dominant species were Cyclotella meneghiniana, Kirchneriella irregularis and Nitzschia palea. A progression in the richness and biodiversity of species occurred during winter. These three phytoplankton groups were dominant in waters of southern Iraq and were responsible for most of the species richness and diversity observed. Generally, sites changed from summer to winter according to the changing conditions associated with nutrients, salinity, temperature, and light intensity. These controlling factors influenced phytoplankton biomass from season to season.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
Morphological, phylogenetic and physiological diversity of cyanobacteria in the hot springs of Zerka Ma https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1831/ BioRisk 3: 69-82

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.29

Authors: Aharon Oren, Danny Ionescu, Muna Hindiyeh, Hanan Malkawi

Abstract: The freshwater thermal springs of Zerka Ma'in, located in Jordan in the mountains of Moab east of the Dead Sea, are densely inhabited by cyanobacteria up to the highest temperature of 63°C. We have investigated the cyanobacterial diversity of these springs and their outflow channels by microscopic examination, culture-dependent and culture-independent phylogenetic analysis, and by physiological studies of selected isolates of special interest. Both unicellular and filamentous types of cyanobacteria are present, and we identified morphological types such as Thermosynechococcus, Chroogloeocystis, Fischerella (Mastigocladus), Scytonema (occurring as large masses at lower temperatures), and others. Although morphologically similar cyanobacteria have been identified in hot springs world-wide, the Zerka Ma’in strains were phylogenetically distinct based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Considerable diversity was detected also in the gene sequences of nifH (nitrogenase reductase), encoding one of the key enzymes involved in nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen fixation in a Mastigocladus isolate obtained from the springs was investigated in further depth. The heterocystous strain could fix nitrogen (as assayed by acetylene reduction) at tem peratures up to 53°C.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200