Luc Barbaro

Abstract Mounting evidence points to widespread declines in insect abundance and diversity across European terrestrial ecosystems, highlighting an urgent need for effective large-scale monitoring methods. Passive acoustic monitoring enables the monitoring of sound-producing insects at an unprecedented temporal and spatial scale by remotely capturing sounds such as orthopteran stridulations and cicada timbalizations.

Abstract Sampling methods that are both scientifically rigorous and ethical are cornerstones of any experimental biological research. Since its introduction 30 years ago, the method of using plasticine prey to quantify predation pressure has become increasingly popular in biology. However, recent studies have questioned the accuracy of the method, suggesting that misinterpretation of predator bite marks and the artificiality of the models may bias the results.

Abstract Sampling methods that are both scientifically rigorous and ethical are cornerstones of any experimental biological research. Since its introduction 30 years ago, the method of using plasticine prey to quantify predation risk has become increasingly popular in the field of biology. However, recent studies have questioned the accuracy of the method, arguing that inaccuracy in inferring evidence of predator bite marks and the artificiality of models may bias the results.