Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada

Home , Atomariinae, Bledius, Clambidae, Cryptophaginae, Hygrotus, Insect collecting

Vol. 38(2) Winter 2019

The Newsletter of the BSC is published twice a year by the Biological Survey of Canada, an incorporated not-for-profit In this issue group devoted to promoting biodiversity science in Canada. From the editor’s desk...... 2 Information on New Feature: Tales from the Field Membership ...... 3 Happy Birthday to You! A Collecting Trip with President’s Report ...... 4 Rob Roughley Terry Galloway...... 15 BSC on facebook & twitter...... 6 Contributing to the BSC a plea for a national plan of Newsletter...... 6 Insect decline: action Don Henne ...... 27 Welcome to new BSC volunteer Board members ...... 7 Feature Articles Adventures with click 1. Adventures with click beetles, the Nitidolimonious beetles, the Nitidolimonious of of Canada Canada (Scott Gilmore)...... 8 Scott Gilmore ...... 8 2. Discovery in the Duff: A New Slug for the Inland Temperate Rainforest (Rob Rich)...... 11 Discovery in the Duff: A New Slug for the Inland Requests for Specimens..10 Temperate Rainforest Tales from the Field Rob Rich ...... 11 A collecting trip with Rob Roughley (Terry Galloway)..15 Terrestrial Arthropods of Newfoundland Dave Langor...... 17 Project Updates 1. Terrestrial Arthropods of Newfoundland (D.Langor)...17 Staphylinidae Project Updates and book 2. Staphylinidae project up- announcements dates (J. Klimaszewski)...... 21 Jan Klimaszewski...... 21

New Projects Arctic Bioscan (ARCBIO): A new project 1. Arctic Bioscan (V.Levesque- surveying Arctic biodiversity in Nunavut employs Beaudin et al.)...... 25 DNA barcoding and community-based monitoring 2. Insect declines: a call for ac- Valerie Levesque-Beaudin, Hannah James, Mikko Pen- tion (D. Henne)...... 27 tinsaari and Alex Borisenko...... 25 Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification: 2019 papers..30 Requests for specimens: ...... 10 Carabidae (Kevin Floate) Check out the BSC publications Elateridae (Scott Gilmore) available on the Website .....30 2019 papers in the Canadian Journal of Notices ...... 31 Arthropod Identification...... 30

Visit our Website | Previous issues http://biologicalsurvey.ca http://biologicalsurvey.ca/pages/read/newsletter-past-issues

From the Editor’s desk Donna Giberson This issue of the Newsletter of the BSC was fun to put together, as it includes lots of information about new and ongoing projects from our broader membership, as well as updates to and new proposals for ongoing BSC projects. It is also a chance to introduce new volunteer members of our Board. A new Board of Directors was elected this year (see the President’s report for an introduction of our new Presi- dent, Greg Pohl (p. 4) and the full list of Directors at http://biologicalsurvey.ca/pages/read/people) and we also welcomed a new Webmaster, Student Rep, and Assistant Newsletter Editor this year (see p. 7).

We also highlight a new feature in this issue, on Tales from the Field. I know there are many exciting and interesting stories out there relating to collecting trips around the country. Please consider sharing them with us, as Terry Galloway did, with an inaugural story of collecting water beetles with Rob Roughley a number of years ago (see p. 15).

If you haven’t yet looked up our website or checked out the BSC on Facebook, consider doing so, and send us your comments; of course, if there are any little bumps in navigating the site, we’d like to hear about them. The new site will continue to have links to biodiversity resources of the BSC, and our publications, and will be easier to keep up to date. Check it out, at http://biologicalsurvey.ca/

Questions? Please contact us at [email protected] D.Giberson Tiger beetles on Blooming Point Beach, PEI.

The Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada is published twice a year (summer and winter) by the Biological Survey of Canada, an incorporated not-for-profit group devoted to promoting biodiversity science in Canada, particularly with respect to the Arthropoda. Send submissions to: Dr. Donna Giberson ([email protected]) Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada Department of Biology, University of Prince Edward Island 550 University Ave., Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3

Masthead image: Tricoloured Bumblebee, Bombus ternarius photographed on lupins in PEI in 2010, D.Giberson Volume 38(2) Winter 2019 [click here to return to front page] Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 3

Biological Survey of Canada: Documenting Canada’s Biodiversity

The Biological Survey of Canada (BSC) has been collecting, collating, analyzing and disseminating information about Canada’s biological diversity since 1977. The BSC is a Canadian non-profit, charitable organization consisting of biodiversity scientists across Canada, and in other countries, who have an interest in Canadian biota. The BSC prides itself in identifying and filling biodiversity information needs using a bottom-up organiza- tional structure, whereby front-line workers identify the needs and work to address them. The BSC has successfully demonstrated its capacity to advance national level biodiversity science and knowledge concerning terrestrial arthropods, which account for >60% of Canadian species, and is now reaching out to the broader biological community to bring together those who are experts with other taxa and who share a common vision and goal of making biodiversity information more accessible.

Are you a member of the BSC? You may be on the mailing list to receive BSC newsletters, but may not be a member! To become a member, send a request for membership to the BSC Secretary (see below). Remember to request membership before the AGM so you are eligible to vote. If you don’t hear from us within a couple of weeks, please contact us again, to be sure your request has been received.

To Join the BSC: Send an email to Donna Giberson, Secretary, BSC. [email protected]

- In the subject line, write “BSC Membership” - in the body of the message, give your full name and contact information, and a valid email address. Remember to update the BSC if you change email addresses. Please also provide some information on your background and biodiversity interests.

Check out the BSC website! http://biologicalsurvey.ca/

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President’s update Biological Survey of Canada/ Commission biologique du Canada Greg Pohl Natural Resources Canada, Northern Forestry Centre Edmonton, AB

As incoming President, I’d like to share a bit of my background, and my motivation for getting involved in the Biological Survey of Canada. I’m one of the fortunate few biologists in Canada who are paid to do what they love. I work as a biologist for the Canadian Forest Service, a branch of Natural Resources Canada. I look after an Entomological research collection, deal with forest pests, and carry out biodiversity and bioinventory research. The latter relates directly to the mandate of the BSC, which, put simply, is to document “what lives here?” – to document the species that make up the biota of Canada. Early in my professional career I was drawn to the myriad tiny moths that have long scientific names, or no names yet, because so many new discoveries awaited among them. My particular calling is to document the moth species that live in Canada. It’s simultaneously exciting and daunting to be a biologist in 2020, and both of those sensations bring me back to BSC priorities. First the daunting part. Perhaps demoralizing is a better word. Biologists are acutely aware of humanity’s destructive nature. Our destruction of nature. We understand carrying capacities and exponential growth. As Aldo Leopold noted, “One of the penalties of an ecological education is to live alone in a world of wounds.” Where the biologically naive see fields and forests of green, we’re painfully aware that a monoculture crop is not a thriving habitat; a plantation is not a vibrant ecosystem. Underneath the objective, detached public face of the biologist, we grieve for the planet and its non-human inhabitants. On better days, I look for where I can best put my particular skill set to work on this problem. I’m not a psychologist; my skills lie in identifying insects, not in convincing humans to be rational and consider consequences. Pure raw knowledge of the living world is not going to put the brakes on the human freight-train of greed and destruction. But if we humans manage to survive the 21st century, we will have to sift through the remnants of this great extinction event, and rehabilitate and rebuild the ecosystems we depend upon. We are going to need to know the basic building blocks of our natural world, and how they fit together. And that leads me back to the mandate of the BSC - “what lives here?”. I will turn now to a more upbeat subject - the exciting part of being a biologist in the 21st century. The information and tools at our fingertips are mindboggling. Most scientific knowledge is a couple of mouse clicks away, or at least an email request away (yes, there’s that paywall business; it’s not perfect). Computers and electronic databases allow us to search and organise vast amounts of information in milliseconds. We can get in touch with fellow researchers instantly, anywhere in the world, to share ideas and collaborate. Computing power and the internet are finally being put to better use than sharing cat pictures and cajoling us into buying stuff. Some stuff, like microscopes and digital cameras, are amazing and relatively cheap. Now, thanks to sites/apps like iNatu- ralist and BugGuide, just about anyone can contribute meaningful data. It’s never been easier to be a biologist. Note that my definition of a “biologist” includes anyone who is collecting rigorous data on wild species. I do not make a distinction between those of us who get paid to study nature, and those who do it purely for the joy of it. Some of the most knowledgeable people in my circle of experts are not paid for what they do. At the same time as this resurgence of the “citizen scientist”, very few young people are engaging in traditional “insect collecting” anymore, which was the gateway to Ento- mology for me and so many others. Greying curators like me can wring our hands over that, or we can look at where those energies are being channelled instead of towards killing bugs. They are largely going to photography-based observation, underpinned

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by iNaturalist and BugGuide. That’s the training ground for our future biologists, and I believe we ought to either get on board, or get out of the way. Yes, there are some issues with these data, when anyone can be a biologist. Observations are primarily based on photos, so we don’t have a physical voucher to examine in detail, for further analysis or to verify an I.D. There are many tiny nondescript species that cannot be identified reliably from a photo (especially a blurry one), but they get “identified” regardless and become part of the data deluge. There may be a tendency (by both humans and automated I.D. algorithms) to assume that “popular” = “common”, and gravitate to the same few species names that are commonly applied, whether they’re correct or not. If we’re not diligent, the weedy species that fill our disturbed habitats will also contaminate our citizen science data. Despite these problems, I think biodiversity researchers need to find a way to deal with these challenges, and work with this vast new source of information and enthusiasm. The power of these new tools, and the sheer volume of interested observers and identifiers opens a tantalizing world of possibility. Many species can be identified reliably from a good photo. Where they can’t, traditional “specimen-based” biologists can play a role by getting involved on these platforms, making identifications, and pointing out where identifications are problematic.e W may not want to invest significant time trying to I.D. every blurry photo of a ubiquitous backyard bug. However, we can filter and extract useful records, share our knowledge, let people know where a photo is not adequate, and encourage a proportion of citizen scientists to dig deeper and go further. Some of them will start collecting vouchers, and a few will become experts and specialists in their own right. As of today, iNaturalist holds 2.07 million Canadian records, of 22,252 species, by 56,832 different observers. Even if only half those records are correct, that’s 1 million good data points to be teased from the rest. And let’s say that perhaps 1 in 100 contributors could be convinced by a helpful expert to collect an occasional voucher. That would be 568 people collecting the occasional specimen. I think there is a role for BSC members here, somewhere. If we can figure out where to invest our energies, the potential to support citizen science is huge. The BSC is a grassroots network of people with common goals and visions. We don’t have employees or large amounts of money, but our members have incredible expertise and ideas. We can’t make big projects happen by decree, but we can promote a vision and a plan, and coordinate the efforts of some dedicated individuals to build some substantial things together. This is not a top-down organisation; we rely on our members to help get things done. If you’ve got an idea for something that fits into the mandate of the BSC, let’s hear about it; if enough people agree that it’s something that we can and should do, we can make it happen. Going forward, I’m hopeful that the BSC has a role to play in encouraging contributions from biologists (paid and unpaid), navigating the flood of digital information, and documenting and protecting our ecological resources. It’s a pretty exciting time to lead the BSC into a new decade.

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BSC on Facebook and Twitter Join the Conversation!

The BSC is active on Facebook (www.facebook.com/biolsurvey1can) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/BiolSurCan). We regularly share news about new biodiversity research in Canada and updates from the BSC. Like and Follow the Biological Survey of Canada! If you have content you would like to share with the BSC please email [email protected]

BSC Student Corner

Students and Early Career Researchers - Do you have a Biodiversity Project you’d like to have highlighted in the BSC Newsletter? Contact the BSC Student Rep (Emily Hanuschuk, [email protected]) or the Newsletter Assistant Editor (Dan Peach, ([email protected]) to inquire about contributing. Articles can be on preliminary data, experiences/adventures in the field, or any other aspect of your work or study. We welcome notes on sampling methods or interesting habitats as well, and illustrations are encouraged.

Examples of other student articles can be found on pp.27-35 in Vol 29(2) (http://biologicalsurvey.ca/newsletter/bscfall2010.pdf), pp.41-49 in Vol 30(2) (http://biologicalsurvey.ca/ newsletter/bscwinter2011.pdf), and pp.7-19 in Vol 34(1) (http://biologicalsurvey.ca/newsletter/bscsummer2015.pdf).

Contributing to the BSC Newsletter

Do you have an article about a topic relating to Canada’s Biodiversity that you would like to submit to the Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada? We welcome topics on all aspects (and all species) relating to Canada’s biodiversity. Topics are up to the authors, but examples of appropriate articles include interesting finds, habitats, or collecting trips, results or reports from Bioblitzes, information about local natural history museums, and so on.

To submit a manuscript, please contact the editor ([email protected]) for instructions. The Newsletter is published twice per year (Summer and Winter), and deadlines for articles are Mid-May for the summer issue and Mid-December for the Winter issue.

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Welcome to New BSC volunteer (non-voting) Board members

1. New Student Rep: Emily Hanuschuk [email protected]

Emily Hanuschuk is the new student representative to the BSC Board. She is a Masters student at the Universi- ty of Manitoba in Winnipeg. Feel free to contact Emily at any time if you have student-related business or questions by emailing her at [email protected].

2. New BSC Webmaster: James Glasier [email protected]

James is a conservation biologist with a specialization in ants and their ecology. He received a PhD in biological sciences from the University of New South Wales and an MSc in Conservation Biology from the University of Alberta. At the moment he is the ecologist for the Métis Nation of Alberta. In his spare time he is working on several ant related projects, including the Ants of Canada, updating the distribution of ants and their myrmecophiles found in Alberta, and updating the Key to the Ants of Alberta.

3. New BSC Newsletter Assistant Editor: Dan Peach [email protected]

Dan’s research interests are vector biology and ecology, primarily focused on sensory ecology but also including taxonomy, biogeography, and natural history. He just finished a PhD at Simon Fraser University investigating the floral and honeydew foraging ecology of two mosquito species, and is currently a Post-doc at UBC investigating the molecular and behavioural mechanisms of insect oviposition site selection using mosquitoes as model species. He’s also working on a passion project in his free time to update our knowledge of the mosquito fauna of BC and the Yukon.

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Feature Articles

1. Adventures with click beetles, the Nitidolimonious of Canada Scott Gilmore Lantzville, BC My adventures with click beetles started several decades ago in Australia, when I played with them as a child after they were carried into our house on the wood we used for heating. That passion for beetles returned with more intensity in my new-found home on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, where I was again drawn to the group that so fascinated me as a child. I quickly learned that attaching a name to a specimen in this family was no easy task in British Columbia. However, I was hooked, and I find myself studying the Elateridae of British Columbia in the hope of producing a series of pictorial keys to allow easier identification of this complicated and diverse group. First, however, I need to get to know all 200 species found in the province, which is not an easy task. For example, the interpretation of some species poses a real challenge as there may be little to nothing published since the original description. Occasionally new information comes to light through patient work with insect collections. Here, I’ll share one example. Two species of the brilliantly metallic genus Nitidolimonius are known from Canada (Figure 1). The distinctive Nitidolimonius resplendens (Eschscholtz 1829) is widespread in Canada, ranging from the Northwest Territories, south into British Columbia, and east- ward to Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland (Bousquet et al. 2013). The second species, N. weidtii (Angell 1892), has been called “very rare” and is known only from high altitude areas in south western British Columbia and as far south as Mt Rainer in Washington USA. Little has been published on N. weidtii besides Angell’s original description (Angell 1892) and Van Dyke’s additional comments and key to what was then the genus Ludius (Van Dyke 1932). A Royal British Columbia S. Gilmore S. Museum (RBCM) report Figure 1: Nitidolimonius resplendens (left and centre) and N. lists this species as occur- weidtii (right) ring in Garibaldi Provincial Park and as being very rare, as it was then known from only 3 locations (Hardy, 1926). Van Dyke (1932) distinguished the two species based on length, size and density of pronotal punctures as well as the length ratio between individual antennal segments. All of these are characters that tend to show significant variation within some species of Elateridae. It was also not known whether N. weidtii was a distinctive species or a variant of N. resplendens which was more likely to occur at higher elevations and in harsher conditions. I was drawn to try and learn more about this elusive beetle species after coming across a single specimen in the “unidentified Elateridae” drawers at the RBCM that keyed to Ludius weidtii using Van Dyke’s (1932) paper and which matched Angell’s original description. This specimen was collected from Black Tusk in Garibaldi Provincial Park in 2013 at 1863m. No other specimens are housed at the RBCM. The Spencer Entomo-

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logical collection at the University of British Columbia also has only a single specimen, collected from “Vancouver” in the 1930s; a photo of the species can be found on their interactive guide (https://www.zoology.ubc.ca/entomology/main/Coleoptera/Elateridae/ Nitidolimonius.php). However, additional specimens were collected in 2019, during collecting as part of the 2019 Whistler Naturalists Bioblitzes in June and July. I was lucky enough to find this species on three occasions at two different locations: Once under a log in the Callaghan Valley near the Whistler Olympic Park at 850m in June, and twice beaten from trees near Harmony Lake on Whistler Mountain in July (1745m). It was distinguished from N. resplendens through interpretation of the characters described by Van Dyke, which were consistently seen: - smaller size relative to N. resplendens (8.5-9 mm instead of 10-14mm in N. resplendens); - smaller and more widely spaced pronotal punctures (Figure 2); and - the third antennal segment shorter than the 4th (instead of equal in length).

Examination of these newly collected specimens also allowed me to address the question of whether N. weidtii and N. resplendens really are two distinct species. Clear differences were seen in characters of the male genitalia, a feature commonly used to distinguish species with very similar external character- istics. The aedaegus, particularly

paramere shape, clearly differs Gilmore S. between the specimens I have Figure 2. Close up of pronotum surface identified asN. weidtii and N. N. resplendens (left) and N. weidtii (right). resplendens (Figure 3). This is the first time the aedaegus of either species has been photographed and published. Ad- ditional features of N. weidtii include a more rounded pronotum which is less expanded dorsally as well as a more rounded elytral tip compared to N. resplendens (Figure 1). Both species show variation in size and colour. Female Elat- eridae tend to be larger than males so there may be overlap in the size range of the two species as I have only examined males of N. weidtii. Nitidolimonius may also be confused, at least at first view, with a number of other elaterids, though they are relatively simple to distinguish. SuperficiallyNitidolimonius appears similar to Eanus hatchii as all three species can show a metallic green luster.The Gilmore S. two genera are easily distin- Figure 3: Aedaegus of N. resplendens (left) and N. guished based on the lack of weidtii (right)

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carinae on the hind angles of Eanus hatchii and by noting that this latter species is only found at low elevation Sphagnum swamps instead of at higher altitude. The metallic green forms of Selatosomus semimetallicus and S. aeripennis can also appear similar in elytral colouration to Nitidolimonius, but both have a black, non-metallic pronotum. In conclusion, Nitidolimonius weidtii is clearly distinct from N. resplendens, and the two species can be distinguished using characters related to size, pronotal punctures, antennal segments, and male genitalia. The species appears to be rare and range-restricted but its apparent rarity may be due to difficulty accessing higher elevation collection sites. Perhaps with time and a few more adventures more will be known. I am interested in receiving any Elateridae material from anywhere in the country (but particularly BC) to help expand my knowledge of variation within widely distributed species and genera. Material which is either pinned or in ethanol is welcome.

Acknowledgements: I would like to thank Joel Gibson and Claudia Copley for access to the RBCM collection and encouragement. I would also like to thank Karen Needham who checked the Spencer collection and Hume Douglas who provided helpful comments.

References: Angell, G.W.J. 1892. Two new species of Coleoptera. Entomological News 3: 84-84. Bousquet, Y., Bouchard, P., Davies, A.E., and Sikes, D.S. 2013. Checklist of Beetles (Coleoptera) of Canada and Alaska (2nd edition), Pensoft Series Faunistica No 109, Sofia-Moscow. 402pp. Hardy, G.A. 1926. Report on Collecting Trip to Garabaldi Park. Report of the Provincial Museum of Natu- ral History for the year 1926: C15- C27. Van Dyke, E.C. 1932. Miscellaneous studies in the Elateridae and related families of Coleoptera. Pro- ceedings of the California Academy of Sciences, 4th series. 20: 291-465.

Requests for Specimens

1. Carabidae If anyone has by-catch of carabid beetles or pinned specimens of carabids cluttering their cupboards, please contact Kevin Floate ([email protected]). Any and all specimens of carabids from different geo- graphic locations are of interest. We are trying to expand the holdings of carabid beetles in collections housed at different Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Centres in Alberta and Saskatch- ewan. These collections mainly have common species from agro-ecosystems from the southern prairies; e.g., species of Agonum, Amara, Bemidion, Harpalus, Pterostichus. We need a much greater diversity of taxa to aid in identification purposes.

Kevin Floate Lethbridge Research and Development Centre Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge

2. Elateridae I am interested in receiving any Elateridae material from anywhere in the country (but particularly BC) to help expand my knowledge of variation within widely distributed species and genera. Material which is either pinned or in ethanol is welcome. Scott Gilmore ([email protected]) 7494 Andrea Cres, Lantzville, BC V0R 2H0

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2. Discovery in the Duff: A New Slug for the Inland Temperate Rainforest1

Rob Rich Condon, MT.

Back in 2010, Michael Lucid started trapping slugs. As a Wildlife Diversity Biologist with Idaho Fish & Game (IDFG), he was heading up the Multispecies- Baseline Initiative (MBI), one of the most collaborative, comprehensive wildlife surveys ever performed. Over five years across the inland temperate rainforest of Washington, Idaho, and Montana, the MBI sought 19 elusive animals about which little was known, including their existence. The MBI found all but one. Many of the D. Moskowitz D. other 18 species were in healthier Skade’s jumping-slug (Hemphillia skadei) glistering over populations than expected. But birch bark. the MBI’s greatest success may be wrapped in a twentieth, previously unknown species. In March of 2018—after confirming diagnostic observations of the gastropod’s genitalia with molecular and genetic evidence—Lucid’s team discovered a new species: Skade’s jumping-slug (Hemphillia skadei). There hasn’t been a project of such devoted gastropod intrigue since Henry Hemphill, the Delaware-born pioneer who surveyed the genus that now bears his name. A brick- layer by trade, Hemphill was also an amateur malacologist, and he found more treasure in mollusks than the gold he originally sought in the 19th-century American West. From his base in California, he traveled widely and collected much, churning out papers with titles such as “Description of a new California mollusk,” “New catalogue of shells for Cali- fornia and adjacent states,” and “Descriptions of new varieties of North American land shells.” Unfortunately, Hemphill’s habit of selling false “varieties” of snails to collectors back East suggest he failed to forget his prospecting days. His brand of science earned a quick profit, but it produced lasting headaches for those puzzling out what species he actually found. The notion of a “species” remains a difficult concept for classifying life, but today we better understand how a unique genome, a singular ecological niche, and the ability to produce fertile offspring play into the definition. It’s no longer enough to rely only

Rob Rich is a naturalist, writer, educator, and beaver believer. His work has appeared with Earth Island Journal, High Country News, Sierra, Camas, and other publications.

Editor’s note: New BSC member Michael Lucid has been doing biological inventory work just south of the BC border and was a member of the group that found and described Hemphillia skadei, a new species of jumping slug from this area. Since the new slug most likely occurs in British Columbia as well, he thought that this article, previously published in the Montana Naturalist, would be of interest to biodiversity researchers in Canada. He writes, “Hemphillia skadei is well distributed in the Selkirk Mountains on the U.S. side of the border. We detected this species within 5 km of the international border and is seems highly likely it would occur in the Canadian Selkirk/Kootenay Range.”

1Reprinted with permission from the Montana Naturalist.

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on phenotype—a different appear- ance—which a shell-seller may be prone to do. Hemphillian practices have real consequences for conservation today, and it took a bold, pioneering project like the MBI to reconsider organisms that could go extinct before they’re accurately seen as unique. As Lucid says, “You can’t conserve species if you don’t even know what they are.” While Hemphill correctly found most Hemphillia to be coastal, the pale jumping-slug (Hemphillia cam-

elus) is among the few species that ANCIENT FOREST ALLIANCE Watt T.J. haunts the inland temperate rainforest, a wet ecosystem that develops where Pacific weather confronts the Northern Rockies. There, it is an endemic species, native to nowhere else on earth. Like its maritime kin, the pale jumping- slug is hermaphroditic, living a quiet life sliding among the debris of moist forests with red cedar and hemlock. Yet beyond these generali- ties, the MBI could not place the pale jumping- slug on a map. And so it joined the humped coin, smoky taildropper, fir pinwheel, and other invertebrates assumed to be imperiled, driving the MBI’s original question: what’s really out there? Lucid’s team quickly found the region’s vast wet wilds did not reveal the slug’s presence as easily as holes in lettuce. Success improved with a beer-baiting, a tactic that involved saturating strips of cardboard with Natural Ice, which proved to be more economically feasible than Laughing Dog microbrew. At all 992 of these trap sites, Lucid’s team also collected one liter of leaf litter, which was then frozen, dried, and sorted for the quarry. And of course, after

checking the trap line, they looked. In timed, ANCIENT FOREST ALLIANCE Watt T.J. 15-minute forays within 50 meters of a central Microclimates in the complex, old-growth thermometer, they scoured each site as one communities of the inland temperate rainfor- looks for lost keys, homed in on anything that est are critical to the persistence of Skade’s writhed or glistered in the duff. jumping slugs. Or jumped. As per their name, jumping-slugs coil and snap to evade predators. While they never really catch air, these feeble distrac- tions may spark enough surprise to deter the likes of a bird, and they’re remarkable evolutionary feats for a spineless creature. But the jumping-slugs did not wholly evade the MBI, which found them in a total of 111 sites. Sixty-four of those detected were clearly the pale jumping-slug, but the remaining 47 were something else entirely. The most indicative feature of slug species is the genitalia, so, with microsurgical scissors and dental probes in hand, Lucid’s team went to work. They found the mystery slug’s penis was unpigmented and shaped more like a barrel or acorn than the pale jumping- slug’s pigmented, peanut-shaped penis. Fine distinctions indeed. And an intriguing theme when this never-seen-before shape not only occurred with regularity, but revealed a unique DNA sequence in genetic test- ing. Geographically, this new creature was sandwiched between populations of the pale jumping-slug in the Selkirks and Coeur d’Alene Mountains to the north and south, which also happened to be sites with the coolest temperatures. The species seemed to care

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little for state lines, and Montana’s individual—found in the Cabinets—evokes a lesson we’re just beginning to understand about the value of protecting transboundary refugia in a warming world. There’s certainly been a hiker or a hunter who’s walked by this species before, and the slug’s surely been sighted by the Ktunaxa people who have long shared its habitat. And yet, maybe not. Existence is not a given, and we’re still just learning how to see and name the new-old creatures who shape this planet, this rainforest, our home. And so, as the Anthropocene renders each species more precious than ever, this slug was named with a nod to Skaði, the goddess of Norse mythology known to ski and hunt among the wintry peaks. But the slug was also named for Skade, the young girl—born to Lucid and

Multi-species Baseline Initiative: Hemphillia camelus and Hemphillia skadei Detections

Nelson Hemphillia camelus Detected in Cell (n=64) Hemphillia skadei Detected in Cell (n=47) 2010-2014 Surveyed Cells (n=879)

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0 50 Km ¯ Idaho Shannon Ehlers, IDFG This map shows the occurrence of pale jumping slug (Hemphillia camelus, in yellow cells) and Skade’s jumping-slug (Hemphillia skadei, in green-bordered cells) within the MBI study area. Both species show associations with cooler temperatures and higher elevations than study area averages.

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his wife Lacy Robinson, the fellow MBI biologist and co-author of the paper that welcomed the slug to the scientific world. Their daughter will come of age in a new climate, and in her name these biologists find vulnerability and hope. Even the microclimates are changing, and just by slowing down and looking closely, Skade’s parents find promise in those tiny places. There, where it’s subtly cooler or wetter or more resistant to fire, there just might be a species or a process that, dotted across the landscape, can teach us how to thrive.

Further reading: Lucid M.K., Rankin A., Espindola A., Chichester L., Ehlers S., Robinson L. and Sullivan J. 2018. Tax- onomy and biogeography of Hemphillia (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Arionidae) in North American rainforests, with description of a new species (Skade’s jumping-slug, Hemphillia skadei sp. nov.). Canadian Journal of Zoology. 96(4):305–16. Rankin A.M., Wilke T., Lucid M., Leonard W., Espíndola A., Smith M.L, Carstens B.C. and Sullivan J. 2019 Complex interplay of ancient vicariance and recent patterns of geographical speciation in north-western North American temperate rainforests explains the phylogeny of jumping slugs (Hemphillia spp.). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. May 7. Lucid M.K., Ehlers S., Robinson L. and Cushman S.A. 2018. Beer, brains, and brawn as tools to de- scribe terrestrial gastropod species richness on a montane landscape. Ecosphere. 9(12): e02535.

More on the Multi-species Baseline Initiative:

19 data-deficient Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SCGN).The MBI chose animals for their uncertain conservation status, not their charisma. This approach revealed fundamental trends from 2005 (pre-survey) to 2015 (post-survey) suggesting that 6 of the 19 deserved continued inclusion as SCGN, while 10 others were deemed healthy enough to drop off that list. 2,315 sites surveyed. Whether you’re targeting a slug or a lynx, you’re not likely to find anything if you go out just once in one spot. You’ve got to put in the time, miles, and faith to find the lesser-loved, seldom-seen creatures of this region. Enough said. 1,169 temperature loggers. Two of the most crucial baseline data points—species’ occurrence and species’ climate needs—are lacking for more plants and animals than you might imagine. The MBI explored both of these questions, and the ample deployment of temperature loggers confirmed that microclimates with cool refugia are critical for species like Skade’s jumping-slug. 46 individual fishers. The fisher Pekania( pennanti) is a rare forest carnivore in the weasel family, and before MBI it was thought that few individuals lived across the three- state study area. Researchers found fishers to be locally abundant in the West Cabinets along the Montana border, but they were surprised to learn these animals are genetically isolated from populations in adjoining mountain ranges, which suggests a concern for habitat connectivity across the study area. 0 northern leopard frogs. Amphibians have been declining for decades worldwide, and it was a given they’d feature in the MBI. The MBI focused on five amphibians classified as SCGN, including the northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens), once among the most widely distributed amphibians in North America. But the last confirmed discovery was in 1955, and with zero observations throughout extensive surveys in 2005-2015, the species was deemed extinct in the study area. 18 project partners. Land access permissions, laboratory assistance, funding, more funding, etc. Without the financial, technical, and administrative assistance of diverse col- laborators, the MBI wouldn’t have made it through a single year. But with its committed partners, the MBI earned seven grants, powered through five years, and became a beacon for the promise of collaboration. 200 citizen scientists. Have you ever hauled a deer leg on your back through the snow so that it can be tacked to a tree? If so, you might have joined the MBI’s intrepid team of volunteer citizen scientists, which included help from Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilder- ness, Idaho Conservation League, and Selkirk Outdoor Leadership and Education. From camera monitoring to data entry to multi-species surveys, these volunteers provided hours of labor, knowledge, and fun that were essential to project success.

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Tales from the Field

Tales from the Field is a new feature in the Newsletter. The aim is to share some of the stories behind the collecting that underpins our biodiversity studies. In this issue, Terry Galloway reports on a collecting trip with the late Rob Roughley, a long time BSC director who passed away 10 years ago last month.

Please consider submitting a collecting story or adventure to Tales from the Field. Send them to the editor, Donna Giberson, at [email protected].

Happy Birthday to You! A Collecting Trip with Rob Roughley T.D. Galloway University of Manitoba

For Rob’s 40th birthday, his wife, Marsha, decided to throw him a surprise birthday party, but she couldn’t figure out how to get him away from the house for the whole day to prepare. I offered to take Rob collecting. I recall stopping in at their house on my way to the Department to pick up Rob and his gear, and a friend of Marsha’s from Toronto who was helping out with the party asked me, “Are you sure you can oc- cupy Rob for the whole day?” a fateful question, as it turned out to be. We decided to go collecting at Cobb’s Lake, an interesting site just north of Baldur, Manitoba. I had never been there, but Rob had and he wanted to go back in the spring to collect water beetles, especially Hygrotus salinarius. This species was described by J.B. Wallis in 1924, the type locality being Cobb’s Lake. The lake is an upwelling of essentially fossil seawater, so the water chemistry is atypical for the region. It’s a chloride lake. Anyway, we set off, with me driving (because Rob always liked to sleep en route) and we were well along the highway before I started asking him for directions. Rob was a little vague about our heading, other than being to the southwest, and it turned out he didn’t really remember exactly where Cobb’s Lake was… and we had no map in the van. He

hadn’t had breakfast yet that morning, so we pulled Galloway T.D. in at a small town diner along the way to get direc- Rob Roughley (right) on another tions, but nobody could help, or had even heard of great day collecting at Cobb’s Baldur for that matter. We kept travelling southwest Lake in 1993 with Jeff Cumming. and eventually stopped at a service station to look at a road map. We located and finally arrived at Baldur and then headed north until Rob thought we had come to Cobb’s Lake. It’s quite distinctive, because the road divides the lake, the west side of the road being fresh water and the east side saline. Did I mention it was a crappy day? It was cloudy, cool and windy, but not bad enough to deter us from collecting water beetles from the lake. After several hours, the sun finally came out and the day improved immensely, so we were able to get a good variety of species from the shoreline as well. I recall Rob collecting some of the Hygrotus he was after, and we got many interesting Bledius, which I had never seen before, and scads of bembidiines. At one point, we split up and went our separate ways and the day had become so nice, we both lost track of time. When we eventually met up back at the van, I asked Rob about the time (since I never wear a watch) and he said it had just gone past 6:00PM. At that time of the year, the daylight lasts much later than we were used to for our first collecting trip of the season. I asw supposed to have

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Rob back for the party by 7:00! I tried to get Rob to hustle things as we loaded up and prepared to head back, but at the same time, I didn’t want him to get suspicious that something was up about the surprise party. I drove as fast as I could to Glenboro, where I called our house to relay a message through my wife that we should be expected a little later than planned. She had already left for the party, so I spoke to our 12-year-old son and asked him to call her at the Roughley’s house and tell her we were in Glenboro and we would be home in a couple of hours. I didn’t know until later that he had found the number sure enough, but told my wife we were in Wheelbarrow and would be home soon. As I burned down the highway to Winnipeg, Rob wanted to stop for some supper, so we pulled in to one of Rob’s favourite roadside drive-in burger joint near Treherne where it was my intention to grab some food and eat it on the road. However, Rob decided he would order everything on the menu and then have a leisurely meal at a picnic table, saying, “It’s my birthday, so I just want to relax over this meal after a super day collecting...” We pulled up on the street outside Rob’s house shortly after 10:00PM, and as we approached the door, below an open window, we could hear the shshshing of a house full of inebriated celebrants, who all yelled, “Surprise!!!” as he came through the door. Rob was indeed surprised as he twisted the cap off his first beer, while Marsha gave me the stink-eye. Most of the food was gone; even the birthday cake was demolished. Marsha’s friend from Toronto was in total disbelief that we could have spent such a long time collecting beetles. And Rob, well, he thought it was the perfect end to an excellent day in the field.

Stouts, Millers, & Forky-Tails: Insects of Newfoundland & Labrador

by Tom Chapman, Peggy Dixon, Carolyn Parsons, Hugh Whitney

Stouts, millers, and forky-tails (a.k.a. deer flies, moths and earwigs) are just three of more than 300 fascinating insects you'll meet. From gross to gorgeous, pests to disease carriers, to the important pollinators and the insects friends for healthy ecosystems.

This field guide includes stunning full colour photographs, up-to-date information about each species' distribution, as well as quick hints about the latest local research, folk tales and insect lore. Price $34.95, 360 pages, flexi-bound

To order: www.boulder.books.ca Email: [email protected] Phone: 709-895-3457

Volume 38(2) Winter 2019 [click here to return to front page] Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 17

Project Updates

1. Terrestrial Arthropods of Newfoundland and Labrador

David Langor Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service 5320 – 122 St. NW, Edmonton, AB, T6H 3S5 Email: [email protected]

Background This project is one of the earliest ones undertaken by the BSC, having commenced in 1977. The rationale for the project and some of its history is summarized in Danks (2016). Both the island (Newfoundland: NF) and mainland (Labrador: LB) portions of the province (NL) were completely covered by the Laurentide Ice Sheet during the most recent glaciation period. Subsequent colonization occurred as a result of immigration from the unglaciated mainland and from putative offshore refugia. As well, due to the long history of European colonization and trade, many European species became established in the province, especially on the island of NF. The insular nature of the NF fauna as well as the presence of many introduced European species warranted survey efforts. As LB encompasses the easternmost extent of arctic, subarctic and mainland boreal zones, it too is an interesting area to sample. Both parts of the province were poorly surveyed by 1977. This large knowledge gap coupled with the recent arrival of David J. Larson, as a professor of entomology at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), provided the im- petus for initiation of a new BSC Project on the Terrestrial Arthropods of NL. While much of David Larson’s work focused on aquatic ecosystems, he avidly collected in all habitats and quickly enlarged the terrestrial arthropod collection at MUN. He also inspired a number undergraduate and graduate students to undertake faunistics and ecological work in the province, further adding to the body of knowledge about the fauna. One of those fortunate Larson-mentored students, yours truly, has continued to work on the faunistics of NL since 1981, eventually taking a leadership role with the BSC Project. Many other people have contributed enormously to the current state of knowledge of the NL fauna. While most of these did not work under the auspices of the BSC Project, their activities have provided a valuable heritage and a wealth of resources (e.g., knowledge, data, specimens) that has contributed to past and ongoing activities of the Project. There are five notable collections that contain large numbers of NL terrestrial arthropods. The largest by far is the MUN collection (est. 75,000+ specimens). Upon David Larson’s retirement from MUN it was apparent that the collection would become orphaned as there was no one at MUN to serve as curator and there was no other willing home for it in the province. Thus the collection was transferred on long-term loan to David Langor and is housed in the Canadian Forest Service collection in Edmonton (with the exception of Tipulidae which was transferred to the AAFC collection). Parts of the MUN collection (especially beetles and Lepidoptera) are being actively worked on by David Langor (beetles) and Greg Pohl (Lepidoptera). Large numbers of specimens have continued to be added to the collection after its transfer to Edmonton due to extensive sampling in NL by Langor, Pohl and others. At this point there is still no obvious permanent home for the collection in NL. The Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) collection in St. John’s is home to ca. 40,000 specimens (Carolyn Parsons, personal communication). Many of these were collected by Ray Morris, a long-time employee who was an avid collector and observer of insects, with a penchant for Lepidoptera. The AAFC collection has continued to grow since Ray retired in 1984, thanks to the activities of Peggy Dixon and colleagues (see new book announcement on page 16 for an example of recent activity from this group). The collection at the Canadian Forest Service (CFS) Lab in Corner Brook was mostly amassed by Forest Insect and Disease Survey personnel, especially long-time cura-

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tor Kevin Pardy. It is heavily weighted to insects occurring on trees, and their natural enemies. Much material was reared providing valuable host records. Some material from various forest biodiversity studies was added after its transfer from St. John’s to Corner Brook. I have estimated the holdings at about 15,000 specimens. The Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes (CNCI) housed at AAFC in Ottawa has a large number of NL specimens collected by staff during expeditions to the province and retained from material submitted by clients for identification. No estimate of number of NL specimens is available as this material has not been all databased and it is spread through the extensive holdings of the CNCI. Most specimens from the Northern Insect Survey sample locations in LB (Goose Bay, Hebron) and NF (Cartwright, Gander, Stephenville (Harmon Field), and St. Anthony) are housed in this collection. The collections of the Fennoscandinavian expeditions to NF in 1949 and 1951 (a few sites in LB were sampled in 1951) are mostly held in the Zoological Museum of the Uni- versity of Helsinki (ZMUH) in Finland, with the exception of the Carabidae (Coleoptera) which are housed at the University of Lund, Sweden. Some vouchers as well as type specimens of newly described species resulting from these expeditions are housed at the CNCI. This material was collected mostly by the famed carabidologist Carl Lindroth and Ernst Palmén. A tally of the total number of specimens has not been made, but the number of carabid beetles alone exceeds 20,000 specimens. Other institutional and private holdings of NL specimens exist, both in Canada and outside. As well, a huge number of provincial records have been published in the literature. Thus, material and data relevant to documenting the fauna of the province is distributed widely.

Recent and Ongoing Work

Sampling. There have been numerous trips by David Langor and colleagues to NF and LB in recent years, some made possible by funding from the Government of NL. There were two BioBlizes organized by the BSC on the island, a multi-day event in Gros Morne National Park in 2006 and a one-day event at Bay of Islands in 2012. In 2011 and 2012 sampling programs were instituted in five provincial parks using pitfall traps to sample ground-dwelling faunas, UV light traps to sample Lepidoptera, and window traps attached to dead trees to sample saproxylic insects. Samples from earlier sampling programs organized by others (e.g., limestone barrens at Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve, pitfall traps in burned and unburned forest in Labrador, pitfall trap material from forested riparian zones in northeastern NF, material from Acid Rain National Early Warning Sys- tem (ARNEWS) plots) were also made available for preparation and identification. These efforts resulted in no less than 25,000 specimens that were prepared and added to the MUN collection, some of which (mainly Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Hemiptera) were identified.

Databasing. Continual progress has been made with databasing (Excel software) of specimens in the MUN collection and other collections (CNCI, ZMUH, CFS, AAFC). As well, records of terrestrial arthropods from NL published in the literature are routinely extracted and included in the database. This is a huge job, and much remains to be completed. Databasing has led to the production of distribution maps for some groups, especially rove beetles.

Identification and faunistic treatments. Identification efforts have been focused mainly on a few groups recently, mainly Coleoptera (especially Staphylinidae, Carabidae, Curcu- lionoidea, Elateridae, Scarabaeidae), Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, and Ephemeroptera. Many colleagues have assisted with identifications as their time and interest allow. Coleoptera. Collaborations between Chris Majka and David Langor have resulted in several publications that included new NL provincial (or new LB) records for: Byrrhidae, Cerylonidae, Clambidae, Cryptophagida, Latridiidae, Leiodidae, Oedemeridae, and Phal- acridae (Majka and Langor 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011a, b, c, d, Majka et al. 2008, 2009, 2010). A book was published on the Aleocharinae rove beetles of NL (Klimaszewski et al.

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2011) which described 32 new species and reported an additional 103 new provincial records, six of which were new Canadian records. A supplement (Klimaszewski et al. 2016) provided descriptions of two additional new species and 16 additional provincial records, including one new Canadian record. The non-aleocharine rove beetles have also been the subject of much work and a manuscript is in progress reporting on >100 new provincial or new LB records (Langor, unpublished). Recently new records of Coccinellidae from NL were published, including one new Canadian record (Langor 2019). A manuscript is in preparation treating the Curculionoidea of NL, including many new provincial records (Langor, unpublished). The Carabidae are also the focus of much work as large holdings of undetermined specimens collected in the last 15 years are being identified. The carabid fauna of the island was last treated by Larson and Langor (1982), but there are now several new records for LB (Langor, unpublished). Andrew Smith has examined most of the available NL material of Scarabaeidae and has found new provincial records and Ed Fuller has determined all of the Elateridae in the MUN collection. Lepidoptera. There has also been much recent activity on the Lepidoptera of NF and LB mainly because of the efforts of Greg Pohl and Doug Macaulay. Activities included two collecting trips to LB and three to NF. Large numbers of moth specimens have been collected, prepared and databased. While many specimens have been identified, many others remain undetermined but will be examined in the near future. As well, the holdings of several institutional collections (e.g., MUN, AAFC, CFS) have been examined, and a moderate-sized private collection of Lepidoptera, approximately 1000 specimens, collected approximately 40 years ago in NF, is in the process of being donated to the CFS collection in Edmonton, to be incorporated into the NL collection. There are numerous new provincial records from these various sources (G. Pohl, personal communication). Other orders. This is not an exhaustive account. The MUN holdings of Ephemeroptera are being examined and databased by Donna Giberson, and these holdings will be then transferred to the CNCI for accession. The Hemiptera (Heteroptera) in the MUN collection have all been examined by Geoff Scudder. Since Hamilton and Langor (1987) last reviewed the leafhoppers of NL, a large collection of undetermined NL Cicadellidae and Cercopidae has been amassed in the MUN collection and this material is currently being examined by Joel Kitts. Cory Sheffield has identified most of the bumble bees in the MUN collection.

Opportunities

Large holdings of insects, arachnids, and myriapods from NF and LB reside in the MUN collection and will be made available to those interested in examining and determining material (loans can be arranged by contacting David Langor). Material in other major instituitional collections in NL (AAFC, CFS) is also available for examination, and material from the Fennoscandinavian expeditions to NL residing at ZMUC and University of Lund has also been readily available for loans in the past – just contact those institutions directly. If there are others who have sampled in the province and have data and labelled specimens, we would be interested to hear about those resources. If you have trapped in NF or LB and have unprepared specimens (e.g., trap residues) and no intention to prepare them for accession, we may be able to help find an appreciative home for them so that specimens can be prepared and data mobilized. If you intend to collect in NL in the future, please let us know as there may be opportunities for collaboration (remember to request a permit from the province to collect specimens). The northern half of LB (north of the Goose Bay – Labrador City corridor) is the most poorly sampled part of NL, particularly the Torngat Mountains. Sampling expeditions to this area are much needed. Also, the coastal limestone barrens along the west coast off NF to the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula and in southern Labrador have high plant diversity, including rare and endemic species. The terrestrial arthropod faunas of these areas are not as well known as plants, but there are many species in NL that have thus far been found only in these barrens, so these areas should be targeted for more extensive sampling. The mountaintops along the Long Range Mountains on the west coast of the island (including subarctic habitats) are poorly sampled as they are difficult to -ac

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cess. If you are pondering field activities in any of these areas, please let the BSC know as there may be opportunities for collaboration. The BSC remains committed to the Terrestrial Arthropods of NL project and will continue encouraging broader participation. Beyond terrestrial arthropods, the BSC has interest in other groups, e.g., there has been sampling of gastropods, earthworms, and terrestrial isopods, and this material is also available for examination. If you are interested in sampling other biota in the province please let us know as we would be interested in promoting and enabling it. The province is beautiful with diverse habitats and interesting, although depauperate, biota. The climate can be at times be challenging for sampling groups best collected in warm, dry conditions, but rewards abound for those who persist in their efforts.

References

Danks, H.V. 2016. The Biological Survey of Canada: A personal history. Biological Survey of Canada. Available at: https://biologicalsurvey.ca/public/Bsc/Controller/Page/Danks2016_BSCHistory.pdf Hamilton, K.G.A. and Langor, D.W. 1987. Leafhopper fauna of Newfoundland and Cape Breton islands (Rhyncota: Homoptera: Cicadellidae). Canadian Entomologist, 119: 663–695. Klimaszewski, J., Langor, D.W., Pelletier, G., Bourdon, C. and Perdereau, L. 2011. Aleocharine beetles (Coleoptera : Staphylinidae) of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Pensoft Pub- lishers, Sofia, 313 pp. Klimaszewski, J., Langor, D.W., Bourdon, C., Gilbert, A. and Lebrecque, M. 2016. Two new species and new provincial records of aleocharine rove beetles from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae). ZooKeys, 593: 49–89. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.593.8412 Langor, D.W. 2019. New and overlooked records of ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Journal of the Acadian Entomological Society, 15: 14–17. Larson, D.J. and Langor, D.W. 1982. The carabid beetles of insular Newfoundland (Coleoptera: Cara- bidae, Cicindelidae) - 30 years after Lindroth. Canadian Entomologist, 114: 591–597. Majka, C.G. and Langor, D.W. 2008. The Leiodidae (Coleoptera) of Atlantic Canada: new records, faunal composition, and zoogeography. ZooKeys, 2: 357–402. Majka, C.G. and Langor, D.W. 2009. Clambidae (Coleoptera) of Atlantic Canada. Journal of the Aca- dian Entomological Society, 5: 32–40. Majka, C.G. and Langor, D.W. 2010. Towards an understanding of Cryptophaginae of Atlantic Canada. ZooKeys, 35: 13–35. Majka, C.G. and Langor, D.W. 2011a. The bean weevils (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) of Atlantic Canada. Journal of the Acadian Entomological Society, 7: 75–82. Majka, C.G. and Langor, D.W. 2011b. The Byrrhidae (Coleoptera) of Atlantic Canada. Journal of the Acadian Entomological Society, 7: 32–43. Majka, C.G. and Langor, D.W. 2011c. The Cerylonidae (Coleoptera) of Atlantic Canada. Journal of the Acadian Entomological Society, 7: 44–49. Majka, C.G. and Langor, D.W. 2011d. The Oedemeridae (Coleoptera) of Atlantic Canada. Journal of the Acadian Entomological Society, 7: 1–6. Majka, C.G., Gimmel, M.L. and Langor, D.W. 2008. The Phalacridae (Coleoptera) of Atlantic Canada. ZooKeys, 2: 209–220. Majka, C.G., Johnson, C. and Langor, D.W. 2010. Contributions towards an understanding of the Atomariinae of Atlantic Canada. ZooKeys, 35: 37–63 Majka, C.G., Langor, D.W. and Rucker, W. 2009. The Latridiidae (Coleoptera) of Atlantic Canada: new records, keys to identification, distribution, and zoogeography. Canadian Entomologist,141 : 317–70.

Canadian Biodiversity in the News!

“Beetles galore on PEI - Scientists find 233 unrecorded species” http://www.peicanada.com/eastern_graphic/beetles-galore-on-pei---scientists-find- unrecorded-species/article_235b327a-0584-11ea-8c1a-9f47c7be9e4d.html

“Incredibly rare, centuries-old book on insects returns to Newfoundland” https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/rare-book-newfoundland- bugs-1.5289405

Volume 38(2) Winter 2019 [click here to return to front page] Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 21

2. Staphylinidae Project Updates Jan Klimaszewski Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Laurentian Forestry Centre 1055 du P.E.P.S., P.O. Box 10380, Stn. Sainte-Foy, Québec, Quebec G1V 4C7, Canada

On-going work on staphylinid beetles in Canada and Alaska has resulted in some recent publications, as well as some upcoming ones that may be of interest to readers of the Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada. Please see below for details on these projects and publications.

Recently published books (see product flyers on pp. 23-24):

BIOLOGY OF ROVE BEETLES (STAPHYLINIDAE). Oliver Betz, Ulrich Irmler, Jan Klimaszewski (Eds.) 2018. Springer International Publishing. -First comprehensive book dedicated to the biology, ecology, diversity and systematics of rove beetles -Provides both overviews and case studies on the ecology, morphology, physiology, behavior, reproduction, biogeography, phylogeny and evolution of rove beetles -Includes applied research topics such as staphylinids as ecological bioindicator organisms

Rove beetles (Staphylinidae) are common elements of the soil biota, living in the litter and deeper soil layers. Although they are one of the most diverse and speciose groups of insects, no comprehensive books on their general evolution and ecology are as yet available. This book fills that gap, discussing significant aspects and active research examples in the fields of phylogeny and systematics, ecology and conservation, and reproduction and development. The combination of review chapters and case studies provides an excellent introduction to the biology of rove beetles and enables readers to become familiar with active research fields in this megadiverse group of beetles. Offering easy access to these fields, it also demonstrates how staphylinids are used as bioindicators in applied ecosystem research, including that concerning conservation issues. Experienced scientists and beginners alike find the diversity of subjects covered intriguing and inspiring for continuing and starting their own research. The book is intended for students and researchers in biology and zoology (entomology), including morphologists, ecologists, soil scientists, evolutionary biologists, paleontologists, biogeographers, taxonomists and systematists.

ALEOCHARINE ROVE BEETLES OF EASTERN CANADA (COLEOPTERA, STAPHYLINI- DAE, ALEOCHARINAE): A GLIMPSE OF MEGADIVERSITY. J. Klimaszewski, R.P. Webster, D.W. Langor, A. Brunke, A. Davies, C. Bourdon, M. Labrecque, A.F. Newton, J.-A. Dorval, J.H. Frank. 2018. Springer International Publishing. -The only book in North America, treating 400+ species with original, superb illustrations (over 400 plates, one per species) and identification keys -Provides new, most often previously unknown data on the habitat for every species, and keys to identification of higher taxa and species level taxa -Contains additional color plates for the introductory chapters on historical review, material and methods (e.g. microdissections, collection methods), faunal composition, discussion and synoptic table of eastern Canadian Aleocharinae -An invaluable source for entomologists, taxonomists and ecologists across Canada and the USA, students, institutions of nature conservation, and scientists

A first comprehensive synopsis of all aleocharine rove beetle species (Coleoptera, Staphy- linidae) recorded from eastern Canada, from Ontario to the Maritime Provinces inclusively, is presented. Four hundred and seven species in 96 genera, and 16 tribes are presented and discussed. Tribes and subtribes are arranged in presumably phylogenetic order as it is currently recognized. Genera and subgenera are listed alphabetically. Species are listed alphabetically or in species groups to better reflect their relationships. Species distribution is listed by abbreviated provinces and territories in Canada and abbreviated states in the United States.

Volume 38(2) Winter 2019 [click here to return to front page] Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 22

Upcoming book on Aleocharine rove beetles of BC (expected publication date with Springer: early 2020 (February/March):

ALEOCHARINE ROVE BEETLES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, A HOTSPOT OF CANA- DIAN BIODIVERSITY (COLEOPTERA, STAPHYLINIDAE) Jan Klimaszewski1, E. Richard Hoebeke2, Benoit Godin3, Anthony Davies4, Kayla I. Perry5, Caroline Bourdon1, and Neville Winchester6 1Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Laurentian Forestry Centre, 1055 du P.E.P.S., P.O. Box 10380, Stn. Sainte-Foy, Québec, Quebec G1V 4C7, Canada 2Georgia Museum of Natural History and Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA 30602 314A Thompson, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada Y1A 0C4 4Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0C6 5The Ohio State University, Department of Entomology, 2021 Coffey Rd., Columbus, OH 43210, USA 6University of Victoria, P.O. Box 3029, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W 3N5

Abstract. A complex world of small beetles is concealed from the naked eye and is an important component in the dynamic microcosm of life. This book provides a glimpse of the megadiverse fauna of aleocharine beetles found in British Columbia, Canada. We present the first comprehensive synopsis of aleocharine rove beetle species (Coleop- tera, Staphylinidae) recorded in this province. It is important to generate a structured inventory of species in hot spots of biodiversity like British Columbia, to provide baseline biodiversity data for monitoring species extinctions and changes related to climate change. Basic understanding of this diversity is key to preventing species loss in these environments. Two hundred and twenty-seven confirmed and valid species are presented and discussed. This taxonomic account includes one new genus, 14 new species, 16 new generic records, and 36 (excluding new species) new provincial and 6 state records, in 79 genera and 14 tribes. For each species, illustrations are provided, including colour habitus and genital diagnostic structures of both sexes. Species distribution is listed by province and territory in Canada, and state in the United States. The geo- graphic origin of each species is categorized as native, Holarctic, adventive or undetermined (either adventive or Holarctic). Collection and habitat data are presented for each species, including collecting period, and collecting methods. A list of all valid recorded BC species and all Canadian species with their currently known distribution in North America is presented at the end of the book (Table 1 and 2 in Appendices). A faunal analysis and discussion of BC aleocharine beetles in a broader context of North America is provided.

NEW PROJECT on Arctic and Subarctic aleocharine beetles of North America (Book in preparation, scheduled for publication in 2021)

ARCTIC AND SUBARCTIC ALEOCHARINE BEETLES OF NORTH AMERICA (COLEOPTERA: STAPHYLINIDAE) J. Klimaszewski1, A. Brunke2, D. Langor3, D. Sikes4, R.P. Webster5, B. Godin6, N. Win- chester7, C. Bourdon1. 1Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Laurentian Forestry Centre, 1055 du P.E.P.S., P.O. Box 10380, Stn. Sainte-Foy, Québec, Quebec G1V 4C7, Canada 2Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0C6 3Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Northern Forestry Centre, 5320-122 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6H 3S5 4University of Alaska Museum, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA 5New Brunswick Museum, 277 Douglas Ave., Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada and 24 Mill Stream Dr., Charters Settlement, New Brunswick, Canada E3C1X1 614A Thompson, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada Y1A 0C4 7University of Victoria, P.O. Box 3029, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W 3N5

Aleocharine beetles are a dominant group of forest insects, which are being used in many Canadian Government and national and international projects as indicators of forest change. Many species are forest specialists restricted to microhabitats, some are

Volume 38(2) Winter 2019 [click here to return to front page] Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 23

generalists and others are open habitat specialists. They represent many ecological niches and as such are good indicators for many other species. In Canada, majority of aleocharine beetle species (about 600 spp.), were studied and published by JK mainly from southern, central, and western Canada, while those of the north remain poorly known and are poorly documented. One aspect of this proposal is to provide new knowledge on this group of insects in the arctic and subarctic North America for monitoring studies and to provide a new methodology describing how to do it. Arctic and subarctic North America is particularly affected by climate change, where average temperature is rising three times faster than the global average. Aleocharine beetles are a proven ecological indicator group with species reacting to climate variables such as humidity and temperature. Documenting the changing climate/environment of the north requires a structured knowledge of these indicator taxa that reflect the effects of climate changes. We are proposing to gather and study all available data on species of aleocharine beetles occurring in the arctic and subarctic of North America and creating a comprehensive database for changes related to climate. This information will be extracted from studied specimens occurring in the north (collections in Canada and USA) and the literature.

springer.com

Oliver Betz, Ulrich Irmler, Jan Klimaszewski (Eds.) Biology of Rove Beetles (Staphylinidae)

Life History, Evolution, Ecology and Distribution

First comprehensive book dedicated to the biology, ecology, diversity and systematics of rove beetles Provides both overviews and case studies on the ecology, morphology, physiology, behavior, reproduction, biogeography, phylogeny and evolution of rove beetles Includes applied research topics such as staphylinids as ecological bioindicator organisms Rove beetles (Staphylinidae) are common elements of the soil biota, living in the litter and deeper soil layers. Although they are one of the most diverse and speciose groups of insects, 1st ed. 2018, VI, 351 p. 96 illus., 40 illus. no comprehensive books on their general evolution and ecology are as yet available. This book in color. fills that gap, discussing significant aspects and active research examples in the fields of phylogeny and systematics, ecology and conservation, and reproduction and development. The Printed book combination of review chapters and case studies provides an excellent introduction to the Hardcover biology of rove beetles and enables readers to become familiar with active research fields in 156,99 € | £138.00 | $179.00 this megadiverse group of beetles. Offering easy access to these fields, it also demonstrates [1]167,98 € (D) | 172,69 € (A) | CHF 173,00 how staphylinids are used as bioindicators in applied ecosystem research, including that eBook concerning conservation issues. Experienced scientists and beginners alike find the diversity of 130,89 € | £110.00 | $139.00 subjects covered intriguing and inspiring for continuing and starting their own research. The [2]130,89 € (D) | 130,89 € (A) | CHF 138,00 book is intended for students and researchers in biology and zoology (entomology), including Available from your library or morphologists, ecologists, soil scientists, evolutionary biologists, paleontologists, springer.com/shop biogeographers, taxonomists and systematists. MyCopy [3] Printed eBook for just € | $ 24.99 springer.com/mycopy

Order online at springer.com / or for the Americas call (toll free) 1-800-SPRINGER / Lifelong 40% discount for authors or email us at: [email protected]. / For outside the Americas call +49 (0) 6221-345-4301 / or email us at: [email protected]. The first € price and the £ and $ price are net prices, subject to local VAT. Prices indicated with [1] include VAT for books; the €(D) includes 7% for Germany, the €(A) includes 10% for Austria. Prices indicated with [2] include VAT for electronic products; 19% for Germany, 20% for Austria. All prices exclusive of carriage charges. Prices and other details are subject to change without notice. All errors and omissions excepted. [3] No discount for MyCopy.

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Volume 38(2) Winter 2019 [click here to return to front page] Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 24

springer.com

J. Klimaszewski, R.P. Webster, D.W. Langor, A. Brunke, A. Davies, C. Bourdon, M. Labrecque, A.F. Newton, J.-A. Dorval, J.H. Frank Aleocharine Rove Beetles of Eastern Canada (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae): A Glimpse of Megadiversity

The only book in North America, treating 400+ species with original, superb illustrations (over 400 plates, one per species) and identification keys Provides new, most often previously unknown data on the habitat for every species, and keys to identification of higher taxa and species level taxa Contains additional color plates for the introductory chapters on historical 1st ed. 2018, XVI, 902 p. 432 illus., 426 illus. in color. review, material and methods (e.g. microdissections, collection methods), faunal composition, discussion and synoptic table of eastern Canadian Printed book Aleocharinae Hardcover An invaluable source for entomologists, taxonomists and ecologists across 199,99 € | £179.99 | $249.99 Canada and the USA, students, institutions of nature conservation, and [1]213,99 € (D) | 219,99 € (A) | CHF scientists 236,00 A first comprehensive synopsis of all aleocharine rove beetle species (Coleoptera, eBook Staphylinidae) recorded from eastern Canada, from Ontario to the Maritime Provinces 166,59 € | £143.50 | $189.00 inclusively, is presented. Four hundred and seven species in 96 genera, and 16 tribes are [2]166,59 € (D) | 166,59 € (A) | CHF presented and discussed.Tribes and subtribes are arranged in presumably phylogenetic order 188,50 as it is currently recognized. Genera and subgenera are listed alphabetically. Species are listed Available from your library or alphabetically or in species groups to better reflect their relationships. Species distribution is springer.com/shop listed by abbreviated provinces and territories in Canada and abbreviated states in the United States. MyCopy [3] Printed eBook for just € | $ 24.99 springer.com/mycopy

Lifelong 40% discount for authors Order online at springer.com / or for the Americas call (toll free) 1-800-SPRINGER / or email us at: [email protected]. / For outside the Americas call +49 (0) 6221-345-4301 / or email us at: [email protected]. The first € price and the £ and $ price are net prices, subject to local VAT. Prices indicated with [1] include VAT for books; the €(D) includes 7% for Germany, the €(A) includes 10% for Austria. Prices indicated with [2] include VAT for electronic products; 19% for Germany, 20% for Austria. All prices exclusive of carriage charges. Prices and other details are subject to change without notice. All errors and omissions excepted. [3] No discount for MyCopy.

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Volume 38(2) Winter 2019 [click here to return to front page] Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 25

New Project Announcement

Arctic Bioscan (ARCBIO): A new project surveying Arctic biodiversity in Nunavut employs DNA barcoding and community-based monitoring

Valerie Levesque-Beaudin ([email protected]), Hannah James ([email protected]), Mikko Pentinsaari ([email protected]) and Alex Borisenko ([email protected]) Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada

Global change causes rapid transfor- mation of Arctic ecosystems, shifting species distributions and abundance, leading to local extinctions and biological invasions. These processes are affecting traditional lifestyles and wellbeing of northern communities, but they cannot be fully understood without detailed biodiversity information. The Arctic BIOSCAN project (ARCBIO) aims to build a refer- A. Borisenko ence baseline and to establish protocols for Figure 1. Canadian High Arctic Research Sta- future DNA-based biodiversity monitoring tion (CHARS) campus in Cambridge Bay. in the Canadian Arctic. It employs the DNA barcoding approach which uses patterns of DNA sequence variation among standardized short regions of the genome as a proxy for species delimitation. Sequence information is submitted and cross-referenced against the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD; www. boldsystems.org) and, when possible, augmented by morphology-based taxonomic as- signments, provided by collaborating researchers and in-house experts. Further taxonomic veracity is added by analyzing authoritatively identified Arctic materials held by Canadian natural history collections. ARCBIO is led by the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics at the University of Guelph and funded by Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) under its Northern Science and Technology Program. Field research is closely coordinated with POLAR’s recently opened Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS). Geographically, the project is focused on Nunavut’s Kitikmeot Region which encompasses the Experimental and Reference Area (ERA) designated by POLAR as a staging A. Borisenko ground for long-term monitoring of environmen- Figure 2. Mikko Pentinsaari collecting tal changes in the Arctic. A pilot survey effort in butterflies in the tundra. the summer of 2018 was based out of the CHARS campus (Figure 1) in Cambridge Bay (Ekaluk- tutiak), Victoria Island, focusing on a baseline assessment of the biodiversity and building a DNA barcode reference library for future monitoring. A second mainland site was added in the summer of 2019 in the vicinity of Kugluktuk, a hamlet located at the mouth of Coppermine River. Field surveys targeted a representative set of A. Borisenko terrestrial (Figure 2), freshwater (Figure 3), and Figure 3. Kate Perez collecting aquatic marine organisms (Figure 4), focusing on the arthropods in a pond at Bloody Falls most taxonomically diverse groups and exclud- Territorial Park.

Volume 38(2) Winter 2019 [click here to return to front page] Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 26

ing the better known birds, fishes and large mammals; particularly species that are commercially or traditionally hunted/harvested by local communities. Arthropods were a key focus group, sampled using an array of standardized methods: collecting with Malaise traps, yellow pans, pitfalls, soil and litter sifting, sweep-netting, etc. (Figure 5) to ensure the broadest representation of local diversity and to allow for direct comparison between selected sites. Fresh- water life was predominantly sampled in tundra ponds

and small streams using aquatic nets, and marine M. Pentinsaari invertebrates and algae were mostly collected using Figure 4. Marine invertebrates col- benthic dredges. A separate effort targeted Arctic lected by dredging in the coastal flora, including vascular plants, but with particular waters near Kugluktuk. emphasis on ‘cryptogams’: bryophytes, lichens, and fungi (Figure 6). Finally, a pilot survey of small mammals (Figure 7) and their parasites was done near Kugluktuk. Samples collected in the summer of 2018 have been sorted and total of 25,291 specimens have been analyzed; their sequences and associated provenance information have been uploaded to BOLD. The majority of these data, including 18,096 sequences from 1264 putative species representing three classes of arthropods (Arachnida, Collembola and Insecta) is publicly available through BOLD (dataset DOI: 10.5883/ DS-CHARS) and NCBI GenBank. A manuscript analyzing this dataset has been submitted for publication. Samples collected in the summer of 2019 are being processed.

Strong community partnerships are vital to the suc- K.Perez Figure 5. View of a sampling site cess of ARCBIO; therefore, the project team works with a Malaise trap and pitfalls, works closely with community groups, including the with Valerie Levesque-Beaudin Ekaluktutiak and Kugluktuk Hunters and Trappers Or- sifting soil and leaf litter. ganizations (HTO), as well as regional wildlife and Ter- ritorial Parks offices in the Kitikmeot Region to ensure alignment with local priorities. Field teams work with the HTOs, to recruit and train science rangers from the hamlets, to exchange knowledge and to ensure the sustainability of future community-led monitoring activities. ARCBIO is part of BIOSCAN (https://ibol.org/programs/bioscan/) – a global effort to deploy real-time DNA-based biodiversity monitoring platforms for all multi-cellular life. For further information, please check out the ARCBIO

project website: https://arcticbioscan.ca/. Milton T. Figure 6. Maria Kuzmina sorts brophytes with Kugluktuk students, Amber Adjun and Breale Hokanak at the new wildlife laboratory, NU Department of Environ- ment, Kugluktuk.

Figure 7. Arctic ground squirrel (Urocitellus par-

M. Pentinsaari ryii) on the look out.

Volume 38(2) Winter 2019 [click here to return to front page] Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 27

Insect decline: a plea for a national plan of action

Don Henne Lakehead University, Natural Resources Management Thunder Bay, ON

It is widely believed that insects are resilient, able to endure the harshest of selection pressures, rebounding from any natural calamity, or control effort that we humans threw at them. They were almost impossible to defeat, a consequence of their genetic diversity, their reproductive capacity, and their mobility. Instead ‘the little things that run the world’, as E.O. Wilson phrased it, appear to be in trouble and are reported to be declining at staggering rates all over the planet. Research articles appear almost weekly that reference this ongoing insect decline, a decline that was previously measured among pollinators, dung beetles, and the monarch butterfly, and anecdotally by changes in the windshield splat measure of insect abundance. We are all keenly aware of the present global biodiversity crisis, but this is different. Many areas where insects once abounded are reported to be comparatively impoverished, their constituent insect numbers and biomass shrinking (e.g. Hallman et al. 2017, Karban and Huntzinger 2018, Seibold et al. 2019). Evidence is accumulating that this decline is not only global but involves the majority of arthropods. How could this have happened?

CO2 levels in the atmosphere have increased by 33%, from roughly 315 to 415 ppm since readings began in 1958 (NOAA, 2019). The Earth is said to be getting ‘greener’ as a result. Enough is known about the effects of greenhouse gases on Earth’s atmosphere that the science of climate change is (or ought to be) indisputable. The physics behind the greenhouse effect is actually quite simple to comprehend, but the atmospheric dy- namics that result are anything but. In a recent article in Nature magazine Lenton et al. (2019) argue that numerous climate ‘tipping points’ are being rapidly approached and, if exceeded, will result in irreversible global climate changes that will threaten civilization itself. The messages are becoming increasingly pessimistic, with phrases such as ‘global climate emergency’ being liberally used to, hopefully, spur action by governments to do something to slow down, or stop, our own forecasted demise. Similar ominous messages (e.g. insect Armageddon, insectageddon, insect apocalypse, and ecological collapse) accompany the many articles about insect decline. However, some of these studies (e.g. Sánchez-Bayo and Wyckhuys (2019)) have been criticized for the methodology or analyses used (Mupepele et al. 2019, Wagner 2019), equating local extirpations with species extinctions, or extending regional trends to wider areas. Results that contradict this decline are reported in the literature as well (e.g. Fox et al. 2014, Macgregor et al. 2019), even within the same geographical region. Cardoso and Leather (2019) further criticize these studies as reflecting what is known as the Presto- nian shortfall – relating to our poor knowledge of species abundance and their spatial- temporal trends, and furthermore that the current data are subject to various biases that undermine their validity. This criticism is valid if progress is to occur in this area of entomology, and science as a whole. Concerning the media attention that accompa- nies these reports, sensationalizing results could do more harm than good (Thomas et al. 2019). There is little question that standardized sampling protocols and analytical procedures need to be formulated. Right now, there is still too much uncertainty about what these reports are telling us. Species turnover happens in all communities and all communities change over time. Insect populations wax and wane, and it is not unusual for populations to virtually disappear for many years. Despite these criticisms, there is widespread agreement that something is very wrong with the present situation of the entomofauna, and we don’t yet have any answers. Many factors appear to be simultaneously affecting global insect populations and their abundance and biodiversity. Obvious culprits are habitat destruction through intensive agriculture and deforestation, pesticides, light pollution, and climate change with its associated temperature and precipitation extremes. Understanding how some of these factors are affecting insect populations requires some understanding of insect physiology. There are documented effects of elevated temperatures on insect body size (Tseng et al. 2018), and fertility (Walsh et al. 2019). Toxins from smoke causes changes in de-

Volume 38(2) Winter 2019 [click here to return to front page] Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 28

velopmental rates, mortality, and survival of caterpillars (Tan et al. 2018). Furthermore,

effects of elevated CO2 can have indirect effects on insects, mediated through changes in hostplant carbon-nitrogen ratios (Aucott 2019), whereby higher carbon assimilation in plants may lead to lower plant nitrogen levels, and reduced survival of herbivores from greater quantities of plant insecticidal compounds, making plants better able to defend themselves from herbivory. Yes, some insect populations are increasing and certain

groups such as aphids and mites are expected to thrive in a high CO2-world (Aucott 2019). It appears that some of the severest insect declines are being seen in the tropics. Dan Janzen, who has been collecting insects in Mexico and Central America since the mid- 1950s, has seen firsthand a drastic decline of insects in these areas, particularly those inhabiting the cloud forests which are being ravaged by severe and persistent droughts, but in the lowland tropics as well where rampant habitat destruction is ongoing (Janzen and Hallwachs 2019). The reported decline of the avifauna (English et al. 2017, Rosen- berg et al. 2019) is tragic in itself and points to the fragile dependencies that exist within trophic groups that depend on reliable populations of insects to breed and survive. Many insects are predators or parasites of other insects, mammals, and birds, and many of these insects specialize on one or a narrow range of hosts. Associated declines of spe- cialist ectoparasites of birds have now been documented as well (Galloway and Lamb 2015), further putting this problem into stark perspective. Thus, the implications of insect decline include widespread coextinctions and Allee effects.

Whatever the reasons for insect decline, there needs to be a national strategy to plan, coordinate, initiate, and maintain long-term monitoring studies to an- swer questions about the present and future condition of Canada’s insects and other arthropods.

We presently have sparse knowledge of how Canada’s arthropod biodiversity and abundance are being affected by climate change and land use changes. Here, one must invoke the precautionary principle – the risks of doing nothing are too great. Baseline data are urgently needed. One of the objectives of the Biological Survey of Canada is to ‘Detect, measure, and predict changes in Canadian biological diversity, and provide science-based advice for sustaining native biodiversity in Canadian ecosystems’. But where should we direct already scarce resources to satisfy this objective? One sugges- tion would be to focus research on surveys of high-altitude and high-latitude (i.e. Arctic) arthropods. According to a recent report (NOAA, 2018) the arctic is warming dispropor- tionately faster than other areas. Therefore, it is essential that effects of climate change on arthropods inhabiting these regions be documented now. Initially, a subcommittee of the Biological Survey of Canada could be assembled whose initial task would be to determine the range and depth of insect decline expertise in Canada by reaching out to the professional and amateur entomological societies, find projects that are underway, and identify potential sources of research funding to support further research. It is notable that the Entomological Society of British Columbia recently held a symposium on insect decline at its annual meeting (ESC Bulletin 2019, P. 203). Second, these experts could draft a document that clearly identifies the scope of the problem, the implications of inaction, and the resources needed to address the problem. This document could be circulated among those scientists and stakeholders who wield clout. Reaching out to politicians who can advocate on our behalf should be another sensible option. Funding agencies should be pressed to support this research. Unfortu- nately, research funding is often contingent on what can be accomplished in a limited time frame, such as five years – far too short to document changes and trends that may require time scales of decades to properly capture and analyze. Some of these projects would likely outlive us all and would require a sustained commitment of long-term funding, something that most government funding bodies have little appetite for. Alterna- tively, Canadian and/or international NGO’s could be approached for support. Third, a standardized survey and experimental approach would need to be established to enable valid comparisons across spatial and temporal scales. A short-term solution would be to locate older datasets and/or samples that are in storage that could be compared with

Volume 38(2) Winter 2019 [click here to return to front page] Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 29

follow up studies done in the same areas (Leather 2017). Ideally, replicated permanent sample plots could be established nationally to enable long-term tracking of resident insect populations and biodiversity. Cardoso and Leather (2019) suggest a number of ways to overcome the challenges of formulating a coordinated long-term standardized sampling and monitoring strategy that maximizes coverage at the phylogenetic, func- tional, habitat, spatial and temporal levels, with low investment. Ultimately, we need to do a better job of speaking for the ‘little things that run the world’.

References

Aucott M. 2019. Are changes in plants due to enhanced CO2 contributing to insect population declines? Environmental Entomolog,y 48: 274–275. Cardoso P. and Leather S.R. 2019. Predicting a global insect apocalypse. Insect Conservation and Diversity, 12: 263–267. English P.A., Nocera J.J., Pond B.A., and Green D.J. 2017. Habitat and food supply across multiple spatial scales influence the distribution and abundance of a nocturnal aerial insectivore. Landscape Ecology, 32: 343–359. Entomological Society of Canada: News from the Regions. 2019. Bulletin of the Entomological Society of Canada, 51(4): 203. Fox R., Oliver T.H., Harrower C., Parsons M.S., Thomas C.D., and Roy D.B. 2014. Long-term changes to the frequency of occurrence of British moths are consistent with opposing and synergistic effects of climate and land-use changes. Journal of Applied Ecology, 51: 949–957. Galloway TD and Lamb RJ. 2015. Abundance and stability of populations of a chewing louse, Mulcti- cola macrocephalus (Kellogg) (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae), on common nighthawks, Chordeiles minor (Forster) (Aves: Caprimulgiformes: Caprimulgidae) in Manitoba, Canada. The Canadian Entomologist, 147: 723–731. Hallman C.A., Sorg M., Jongejans E., Siepel H., Hofland N., Schwan H., Stenmans W., Müller A., Sum- ser H., Hörren T., Goulson D., and de Kroon H. 2017. More than 75 percent decline over 27 years in total flying insect biomass in protected areas. PLoS ONE,12 (10), e0185809. Janzen D.H. and Hallwachs W. 2019. Where might be many tropical insects? Biological Conservation, 233: 102–108. Karban R. and Huntzinger M. 2018. Decline of meadow spittlebugs, a previously abundant insect, along the California coast. Ecology, 99: 2614–2616. Leather S.A. 2017. “Ecological Armageddon” – more evidence for the drastic decline in insect numbers. Annals of Applied Biology, 172: 1–3. Lenton T.M., Rockstrom J., Gaffney O., Rahmstorf S., Richardson K., Steffen W., and Schellnhuber H. J. 2019. Climate tipping points – too risky to bet against. Nature, 575: 592–595. Macgregor C.J., Williams J.H., Bell J.R., and Thomas C.D. 2019. Moth biomass increases and decreases over 50 years in Britain. Nature Ecology and Evolution, 3: 1645–1649. Mupepeple A.-C., Bruelheide H., Dauber J., Krüß A., Potthast T., Wägele W., and Klein A.-M. 2019. Insect decline and its drivers: Unsupported conclusions in a poorly performed meta-analysis on trends – A critique of Sánchez-Bayo and Wyckhuys (2019). Basic and Applied Ecology, 37: 20–23. NOAA. 2018. https://arctic.noaa.gov/Report-Card (accessed 28 November 2019). NOAA. 2019. https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-atmospheric-carbon-dioxide (accessed 28 November 2019). Rosenberg K.V., Dokter A.M., Blancher P.J., Sauer J.R., Smith A.C., Smith P.A., Stanton J.C., Panjabi A., Helft L., Parr M., and Marra P.P. 2019. Decline of the North American avifauna. Science, 366: 120–124. Sánchez-Bayo F. and Wyckhuys K.A.G. 2019. Worldwide decline of the entomofauna: A review of its drivers. Biological Conservation, 232: 8–27. Seibold S., Gossner M.M., Simons N.K., Blüthgen N., Müller J., Ambarlı D., Ammer D., Bauhus J., Fischer M., Habel J.C., Linsenmair K.E., Nauss T., Penone C., Prati D., Schall P., Schulze E.-D., Vogt J., Wöllauer S., and Weisser W.W. 2019. Arthropod decline in grasslands and forests is associated with landscape-level drivers. Nature, 574: 671–674. Tan Y.Q., Dion E., and Monteiro A. 2018. Haze smoke impacts survival and development of butterflies. Scientific reports, 8(1), 15667. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-34043-0 Tseng M., Kaur K.M., Pari S.S., Sarai K., Chan D., Yao C.H., Porto P., Toor A., Toor H.S., and Fogra- scher K. 2018. Decreases in beetle body size linked to climate change and warming temperatures. Journal of Animal Ecology, 87: 647–659. Thomas C.D., Jones T.H., and Hartley S.E. 2019. “Insectageddon”: A call for more robust data and rigorous analyses. Global Change Biology, 25: 1891–1892. Wagner D.L. 2019. Global insect decline: comments on Sánchez-Bayo and Wyckhuys 2019). Biologi- cal Conservation, 233: 332–333. Walsh B.S., Paratt S.R., Hoffmann A.A., Atkinson D., Snook R.R., Bretman A., and Price T.A.R. 2019. The impact of climate change on fertility. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 34: 249–259.

Volume 38(2) Winter 2019 [click here to return to front page] Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 30

2019 papers in the Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification

Schorno, S., Marshall, S.A., Murphy, W.L., and Muzzatti, M. 2019. Sciomyzidae of northeastern North America. Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification 35: 331pp. doi:10.3752/cjai.2019.35

Burton, D.K. 2019. Capniidae (Plecoptera) in Canada east of Alberta. Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification 36: 114pp.doi:10.3752/cjai.2019.36

Lindsay, K.G. and Marshall, S.A. 2019. Laphria (Diptera: Asilidae) of Ontario, with a key to the eastern Canadian species of Laphriini and Dasylechia. Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification 37: 91pp.doi:10.3752/cjai.2019.37

Douglas, H.B., Cognato, A.I., Grebennikov, V., and Savard, K. 2019. Dichotomous and matrix-based keys to the Ips bark beetles of the World (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae). Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification 38: 234pp. doi:10.3752/ cjai.2019.38

Jones, N., Whitworth, T., & Marshall, S.A. 2019. Blow flies of North America: Keys to the subfamilies and genera of Calliphoridae, and to the species of the subfamilies Cal- liphorinae, Luciliinae and Chrysomyinae. Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification 39: 191 pp. doi:10.3752/cjai.2019.39

Pelletier, G., Hébert C. 2019. The Cryptophagidae of Canada and the northern Unit- ed States of America. Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification 40: 305 pp. doi:10.3752/cjai.2019.40

Reminder of BSC Publications The BSC has produced a number of monographs and briefs on various topics relating to biodiversity. Briefs and some monographs are available as downloadable pdf documents from our website: http://biologicalsurvey.ca/home

Volume 38(2) Winter 2019 [click here to return to front page] Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada 31

Notices

Recent Works available from the Biological Survey of Canada. These are available for download on the BSC website, and most are also available as softcover bound versions. See http://biologicalsurvey.ca/monographs for information:

The Biota of Canada: Terrestrial Arthropods D.W. Langor and C.S. Sheffield

The Biological Survey of Canada: A personal history H.V. Danks

A Handbook to the Ticks of Canada (Ixodida: Ixodidae, Ar- gasidae) E.E. Lindquist, T.D. Galloway, H. Artsob, L. R. Lindsay, M. Drebot, H. Wood, R. G. Robbins Arthropods of Canadian Grasslands series Volume 1: Ecology and Interactions in Grassland Habitats. Volume 2: Inhabitants of a Changing Landscape Volume 3: Biodiversity and Systematics, Part 1 Volume 4: Biodiversity and Systematics, Part 2

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Entomological Monographs

The Entomological Society of Canada has published a number of entomological monographs (including some of the popular Insects and Arachnids of Canada Series) on their website. To access these, go to: http://esc-sec.ca/publications/aafc/

If you prefer the monographs in bound format, these can still be obtained on a print-on- demand process though an agreement with Volumes Direct (http://www.volumesdirect. com/). Visit their website, and search for title or author.

Call for Suggestions for a 2020 Biological Survey of Canada BioBlitz

A Bioblitz is a great way to start or implement a faunal inventory of a region, as can be seen by reading the report of the 2017 bioBlitz in Winter 2017 issue.

If you are interested in organizing a BioBlitz for the next summer, or have a BioBlitz planned that you’d like to coordinate with the Biological Survey (for example, the 2017 bioblitz was held in the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan in conjunction with the Bioblitz Canada 150 programme), please contact the Biological Survey of Canada: [email protected]

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Add Your Voice: Biological Survey of Canada on Social media

Join the biodiversity discussion on the BSC facebook site, and other ways to engage in discussing topics in Canadian biodiversity.

visit our facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/biolsurvey1can/?fref=nf#

Who we are: The Biological Survey of Canada is a Not-for-Profit Corporation dedicated to promoting biodiversity science in Canada - The BSC consists of an elected board of directors and hip representing all areas of biodiversity science. The historical focus has been on Arthro- pods, but with the ongoing Biota of Canada initiative, the focus has expanded to the entire Biota. - We produce a newsletter twice per year, organize events such as the annual BSC Symposium at the Entomological Society of Canada (ESC) meeting, a “Curation Blitz” at some ESC meetings, and assist in organizing BioBlitzes when possible. Anyone can receive the newsletter, by sending a request to the Sec- retary (address below). - Membership is free, and includes this newsletter and the right to vote at the Annual General Meeting. All members are encouraged to become actively involved in BSC projects, propose new projects, or to run for the positions on the Board of Directors. (A nominal membership fee may be charged in future to cover infrastructure costs). - The Annual General Meeting is held each summer by conference call.

To Join the BSC: Send an email to Donna Giberson, Secretary, BSC. [email protected]

- In the subject line, write “BSC Membership” - in the body of the message, give your full name and contact information, and a valid email address. Remember to update the BSC if you change email addresses. Please also provide some information on your background and biodiversity interests.

Volume 38(2) Winter 2019 [click here to return to front page]