DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.75.e159632

Authors: André Silva Fernandes, Joab Cardoso Guedes, Tiago Kutter Krolow

Abstract: Entomological collections face significant challenges in storing and preserving dissected structures of insects (especially the most delicate and tiny ones). For pinned specimens, few alternatives are available to keep dissected parts along with their source specimens, with pinnable microvials commonly used. However, world suppliers for these special microvials are scarce and their cost may reasonably impact the budget of less wealthy institutions. To provide a low-cost alternative, we designed a reliable entomological dissection microvial, based on materials easily found in most local office and laboratory equipment suppliers. Our microvials are based on two main items, Polypropylene (PP) microcentrifuge tubes and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) hot-melt glue. Their manufacturing process is very simple and is described and illustrated in detail. The proposed microvials tend to have good ability for archiving, since the materials used for their main parts (PP and EVA) show good chemical adhesion and PP microcentrifuge tubes can safely contain most common preserving solutions for an indefinite time. Their endurance was tested under normal use conditions in our collection for the past five years and materials showed no degradation. Moreover, all components are classified as non-toxic and are safe for manipulation, storage and disposal by any educational or research facility. Finally, they fit into the category of sustainable solutions once they are long-lasting, reusable and can be manufactured from used microvials that would be discharged.

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.74.e136784

Authors: Elias Freyhof, Emil Janke

Abstract: Heated greenhouses are a hotspot for introduced species from warmer climates. We studied 24 greenhouses for their invertebrate fauna with a special focus on ants. Identifications were initialised by iNaturalist and its community, followed by literature, COI barcoding and consulting experts in some cases. We report 32 introduced species including eight new records at the regional, national or continental scale, four of which are ants. Technomyrmex difficilis and Solenopsis texana are recorded for the first time in Germany. Plagiolepis alluaudi and Technomyrmex vitiensis are new for Berlin and Brandenburg. Alepia cf. viatrix (Diptera, Psychodidae) is first recorded for continental Eurasia. Cryptotermes cavifrons (Blattodea, Kalotermitidae) and Geonemertes pelaensis (Hoplonemertea, Prosorhochmidae) are recorded the first time for Europe. An unidentified species of the genus Anisorhynchodemus (Tricladida, Geoplanidae) is recorded the first time for Germany. Here, we present records for 37 species (five of the ant species are native), all associated with pictures in iNaturalist. For 33 individuals of 20 species, we also provide COI sequence data supporting their identification. Furthermore, the comparison of greenhouse metadata with species composition showed that the introduced ant species are dependent on a high minimum temperature in the greenhouse.

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