Wireworms are yellowish soil-dwelling larvae that damage a wide range of arable crops. The most common wireworms found in European cultivated fields (except for the Caucasus) belong to the genus Agriotes (Coleoptera: Elateridae). In several European countries, environment-impacting insecticides are applied on a prophylactic basis to control them. However, before any treatment can be applied, European legislation requires that an assessment is done when pest population levels exceed a damage threshold. The threshold substantially depends on wireworm species, thus quick reliable larval identification is needed to implement the appropriate integrated pest management practices. Furthermore, research into non-chemical strategies involves carrying out tests with live and identified wireworms. Thus, thousands of wireworms were observed in a bid to identify live larvae so that larval density could be assessed and compared with species-specific thresholds before sowing, and laboratory experiments were carried out. This work led to a horizontal identification table that allows for quick and accurate identification of live larvae. This key, unlike traditional dichotomous keys, simultaneously considers a set of multiple discriminating morphological characters in order of stability. The key can be reliably used by less experienced users and, once minimum familiarity is acquired, most larvae can be identified rapidly, with high precision.

Objective: Restocking nonnative strains of Brown Trout Salmo trutta into native Marble Trout S. marmoratus habitats has caused hybridization and a demographic decline in wild populations of the endemic species. To address this, genetic characterization of Marble Trout breeders is vital for selecting individuals for reproductive strategies. Integration of genetic analyses with sperm cryopreservation further enhances broodstock quality. Methods: In this study, a morphocellular evaluation was conducted to create a live gene bank of breeders for maintaining high-quality offspring production. A total of 229 Marble Trout males from three river basins (Adige, Brenta, and Piave rivers) were sampled at Veneto regional hatcheries in northern Italy. Genetic differentiation among populations was confirmed using a mitochondrial marker (mitochondrial DNA control region [D-loop]) and nuclear markers (lactate dehydrogenase gene LDH-C1* and microsatellites). Fertility parameters, including sperm motility and concentration, were monitored during the reproductive season (November–February) to select high-quality milt for cryopreservation. Results: Results showed that 65.49% of samples had high sperm motility throughout the season. Fewer cases of asthenozoospermia occurred mid-season (December–January) compared to the start or end of the season. Average sperm concentration was 14.95 × 10⁹ cells/mL. Conclusions: Cryopreserved semen from genetically diverse Marble Trout breeders was used for artificial fertilizations. This combined approach of molecular genetics and innovative cryotechnology supports conservation efforts for Marble Trout and highlights its potential for managing endangered populations effectively.