True Bugs of Finland - threats, distribution, ecology and identification
Teemu Rintala, Central Finland Regional Environment Centre
collaboration with Saana Kataja-aho and Veiko Rinne
| |
|
 |
|
Eye-catching Corizus hyoscyami is
wide-spread in southern and central
Finland. © Teemu Rintala
|
| |
True Bugs (Heteropterans) are one of the weakest known insect families in Finland. For the meantime there are reported about 500 absorbing species and only Bed bug is known its unwelcome ability to feed human blood. Rest of species are known as a harmless phytophagous and predators. Althoughheteropterans has been studied for a centuries there are still lack of knowledge their distribution, ecology and threats.
One of the main task is to study ecology and distribution of Finnish true bug species. There is also explicit need to modernize identification keys of bug species aiming high standard modern guide-book.
During the project there has been pulled together enormously new records and data. Thanks to researchers and fanatic experts 18 000 new records has been added to database between years 2005-2006. Ecology of true bugs has been searched out published articles and literatures since 1800 -century.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strongylocoris leucocephalus prefers the Bluebell of Scotland.
© Teemu Rintala
|
|
An aphelocheirid bug can be found only
at the oxygenous sediment of streams.
© Teemu Rintala
|
|
|
|
|
The book project has clearly activated the inventories of Finnish bug species and it will benefit when studying reasons behind the endangered species. During the project there has been found some new species for Finnish fauna. In addition to identification keys there will also directed a great attention to high quality digital portraits of all species. Pictures of habitats and species on their nature circumstances will also enriched the layout.
True Bugs of Finland will provide well - designated and working guide-book for researchers and authorities but it will hopefully inspire also new entomologists.
The research project is part of Deficiently known and endangered forest species reseach programme, called PUTTE, running 2003-2007.
Additional information:
Teemu Rintala, Central Finland Regional Environment Centre, e-mail: forename.surname@ymparisto.fi
|