Josep Maria Bas

The European beekeeping sector is facing serious challenges due to the accidental arrival of the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina Lepeletier, 1836). This invasive species undermines honeybee colonies and disrupts the workers’ ability to forage effectively. Various control methods are currently used to manage this invasion. In this study, we evaluated the performance of a trap adapted from the design proposed by beekeeper Koldo Belasko, hereafter referred to as the Adapted Koldo Belasko (KBA) trap. We set up KBA traps across several apiaries within the Girona area (Catalonia, northeastern Spain) during 2023. The traps consistently captured high numbers of V. velutina and showed relatively high selectivity regarding non-target captures, particularly in the case of species smaller than V. velutina. These findings are highly relevant to the beekeeping sector and regulatory authorities, as they highlight how the KBA trap can help to prevent colony losses. Overall, the KBA trap is presented as a sustainable and environmentally friendly, for integrated hornet management in beekeeping.

The background modification of ecosystems affected by fire can cause black or dark colours in animals to become adaptive, providing better protection against visually oriented predators. We surveyed fire-prone Mediterranean woodlands to describe the behaviour, position and background characteristics of the black cicada Tibicina quadrisignata Hagen, 1855 found in recently burnt and unburnt trees. A human detectability test, using cicada pictures in natural backgrounds taken during the fieldwork, was used to assess detection risk. Most cicadas found were solitary males uttering courtship song. Many cicadas flew when approached, with 82% of flight initiation distances being less than 3 m and half of the flights being less than 30 m. Cicadas favoured sunny locations in early morning, and shady sites as the temperature increased. Fire altered fine-scale microhabitat use by cicadas, since cicadas were found in 71% thicker stems and at 14% lower height on the tree, in burnt trees, in relation to unburnt trees. Generalised Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) revealed a negative fire effect on cicada detection by human test participants. The probability of detection fell from 0.62 in unburnt backgrounds to 0.48 in burnt backgrounds, while the time needed for detection did not change between burnt and unburnt sites. Overall, these results show that T. quadrisignata cicadas adjust their substrate use after fire and are less detectable on burnt backgrounds. Real predation risk, however, also depends on thermoregulation-associated exposure, courtship song activity and predator densities.

The Asian hornet ( Vespa velutina nigrithorax ) poses a significant threat to the beekeeping industry. Using an experimental apiary of 36 hives, we simultaneously evaluated the effectiveness of two mitigation measures—muzzles and electric harps—in reducing the impact of Asian hornets on honey bee colonies. We found that the hornet abundance was significantly lower around colonies protected with electric harps compared to those protected with muzzles or left unprotected. While the accumulation of honey, pollen and brood declined over time in all colonies, the rate of decline was slower in colonies protected with electric harps. Under the high hornet pressure observed during the study, all unprotected colonies and those with muzzles collapsed by the end of the sampling period. In contrast, 25% of the colonies protected with electric harps remained active until the end of the sampling. These results suggest that the use of electric harps in apiaries had a positive effect on colony productivity and viability. However, these results are strongly influenced by the pre‐existing health conditions of honey bee colonies. The development of effective mitigation measures that actively reduce the abundance of hornets in front of beehives, rather than simply preventing them from entering, and ensuring that colony health is maintained, is crucial to mitigating the impact of the Asian hornet on the beekeeping sector.

Recently burnt and logged habitats challenge the persistence of animal populations. Insects like cicadas, which survive belowground during fire and logging, are exposed to hostile conditions due to increased predation and limited resources when they emerge as adults. This study investigates the combined effects of wildfire and post‐fire salvage logging on the survival, spatial behavior, and habitat selection of the cicada Lyristes plebejus in Mediterranean pine forests. A total of 63 individuals were captured, tagged, and released across six plots in three disturbance contexts: burnt and logged, burnt and unlogged, and unburnt. Using radio telemetry, we tracked their movements and compared home range size and survival across these contexts. Results show that cicadas in burnt but unlogged areas were more mobile and tended to select areas of lower fire severity compared to those in burnt and logged areas. Salvage logging removed essential fire refuges, increasing exposure to predators. Although no significant differences in total distance covered were found, cicadas in burnt and logged areas displayed lower movement rates, indicating a reduced ability to explore and select suitable habitats. These findings highlight the importance of considering both wildfire and post‐fire management practices in conservation. Salvage logging exacerbates the negative effects of fire, emphasizing the need to preserve biological legacies and fire refuges to promote ecosystem resilience. The study suggests that careful forest management is crucial for protecting biodiversity, particularly for species like cicadas that depend on both above and below‐ground habitats.