Ladybird Beetle Diversity in Natural and Human-Modified Habitats in the San Cristóbal Island, Galapagos, Ecuador.

This study investigates the species richness and distribution of ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) across various habitats on San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos Archipelago, Ecuador. Through extensive field surveys, we catalogued nineteen species, including four previously known species (two endemics, Psyllobora bisigma and Scymnobius scalesius, and two natives, Cycloneda sanguinea and Tenuisvalvae bromelicola). We also identified nine possibly native species reported for the first time in the Galapagos islands in this study or correspond to the first voucher specimens for the island. We collected three previously reported non-native species: Cheilomenes sexmaculata, Novius cardinalis, and Paraneda guticollis. Three species belonging to the genera Stethorus, Calloeneis, and Delphastus remain undetermined, pending further taxonomic analyses. Our findings reveal a rich and complex community with notable differences in species abundance and habitat preference. Endemic species were found to be particularly scarce and restricted mainly to crops undergoing forest regeneration and deciduous forests, emphasising their vulnerability and specialised habitat requirements. The native Cycloneda sanguinea emerged as the most prevalent species, exhibiting broad ecological adaptability. Non-native species, like Cheilomenes sexmaculata, were predominantly found in disturbed habitats, with some showing early signs of spreading into more natural environments, raising concerns about their potential impact on local biodiversity. These findings contribute valuable knowledge to understanding Coccinellidae diversity on San Cristóbal Island and highlight the importance of continued monitoring, particularly in the face of ongoing environmental change and the introduction of non-native species. This study underscores the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect the unique and fragile ecosystems of the Galápagos Archipelago.

Two new Species of Neischnocolus Petrunkevitch, 1925 (Araneae: Theraphosidae) from Eastern and Western Ecuador.

Two new species of Neischnocolus Petrunkevitch, 1925 are described from the eastern and western slopes of the Andean Cordillera of Ecuador. N. tsere sp. nov. differs from all congeners by having the prolateral inferior keel well developed and longer than prolateral superior keel, prolateral inferior and prolateral superior keels slightly serrated at distal section, prolateral inferior keel not continuous, and retrolateral keel absent. N. cisnerosi sp. nov. differs from all congeners by having a prolateral accessory keel, retrolateral keel, prolateral superior and prolateral inferior keels non-serrated, and the presence of median dorsal granular area rounded-shaped over ventral surface. Comments on biogeography of Neischnocolus are made.