Arthropod assemblages in EU-certified organic orchards and surrounding hedgerows on Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal)

This study aims to characterise the beneficial arthropod fauna associated with organic orchards on Terceira Island (Azores), with a particular focus on comparing species composition and abundance between cultivated areas and adjacent hedgerows. Sampling was conducted in six orchards managed under the Organic Production System, using active aerial search, foliage beating and SLAM Traps methods in both orchard interiors and hedgerow habitats.Overall, a total of 15,739 specimens (adults and juveniles) belonging to 299 taxa were collected, of which 13,854 were identified to species or subspecies level, representing 196 taxa.

Endemic species are poorly represented with 11 species and 285 specimens. Exotic species dominate with 104 species or subspecies and 5,105 specimens. Spiders, which are among the most important generalist predators in orchard ecosystems and can contribute substantially to natural pest control, were represented in our samples by 50 species and 3,467 specimens.