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Monitoring Arthropods in Azorean Agroecosystems: the project AGRO-ECOSERVICES
Paulo A V Borges1, Rui Nunes1, Lucas Lamelas-López1
1cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/ Azorean Biodiversity Group and Universidade dos Açores, Rua Capitão João d'Ávila, São Pedro, 9700-042, Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, Portugal cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/ Azorean Biodiversity Group and Universidade dos Açores, Rua Capitão João d'Ávila, São Pedro, 9700-042 Angra do Heroísmo, Azores Portugal.
This study inventories arthropods in Azorean agroecosystems, finding 200 species, including introduced and native types. The findings establish a baseline for monitoring arthropod diversity and abundance in these vital agricultural habitats.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Ecosystem Services Research
- Biodiversity Monitoring
Background:
- The AGRO-ECOSERVICES project investigates native and non-native arthropods in Azorean agroecosystems.
- Focuses on arthropods as providers of ecosystem services (ES) and disservices (ED).
- Utilizes novel quantitative tools for agro-biodiversity monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To inventory arthropod biodiversity in four distinct Azorean agroecosystems.
- To evaluate the role of native and non-native arthropods in ecosystem services and disservices.
- To establish a baseline for future arthropod diversity and abundance monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Employed Active Aerial Searching (AAS) in maize fields and pitfall traps.
- Sampled arthropod biodiversity across citrus orchards, low and high elevation maize fields, and vineyards.
- Targeted key arthropod groups including spiders, true-bugs, beetles, and insect pests.
Main Results:
- Collected 50,412 arthropod specimens, identifying 200 species across four classes and 20 orders.
- Documented 127 introduced species and 69 native non-endemic species.
- Recorded four endemic species and identified five new species records for Terceira Island, including one for the Azores.
Conclusions:
- Provides a comprehensive arthropod inventory for Terceira Island's agroecosystems.
- Highlights the presence of a significant number of introduced arthropod species.
- Establishes a crucial baseline for long-term monitoring of arthropod communities in Azorean agriculture.
