An underestimated factor that contributes to the decline of insects observed during the last year is probably the mortality, which is caused by mowing of grassland. We studied the negative impact of mowing on the arthropod fauna of roadside grassland, which might serve as potential habitat for insects to prevent their local extinction and as corridor for the dispersal in anthropogenic landscapes. In addition, we studied if losses due to mowing can be mitigated by the use of ‘arthropod‐friendly’ mowing technique. In agreement with earlier studies, we found that mowing with a conventional mowing head (MK 1200 from MULAG) caused considerable losses in arthropods, ranging from 29% for Heteroptera over around 50% in Araneae, Cicadina, Hymenoptera and Diptera, up to 73% for holometabolous larvae, and 87% for Lepidoptera. These losses by mowing were fully offset for Araneae, Cicadina, Heteroptera, Lepidoptera and larvae of holometabolous insects when using the mowing head Eco 1200 from MULAG, which was designed to be ‘arthropod‐friendly’. For Hymenoptera and Diptera, the losses were reduced by 15% and 25% respectively. For Saltatoria and Coleoptera, we did not find any significant differences between all treatments. These data demonstrate that mowing of roadsides with conventional mowing technology has a highly detrimental effect on the grassland arthropod fauna. However, this effect can be offset or at least mitigated by the use of ‘arthropod‐friendly’ mowing technique. Therefore, this technique has a high potential to reduce insect decline in roadside grassland, making these areas a habitat for insects.

Measurable ecological data, e.g., species diversity, provide inadequate information for achieving the comprehensive protection of biodiversity, because human acceptance attitudes can be important factors in undermining nature protection schemes. We have analysed an ecologically driven urban management system presented to urban habitants. A photograph-based survey answered by 424 participants was used to evaluate their impressions of natural meadows. The positive effect of provided information tables was demonstrated by pre- and post-test designs. Attitudes towards urban nature protection showed a statistical preference for green-area management systems optimising insect protection compared with more regularly mowed meadows and lawns. Thus, the perceptions of people should be considered in processes of biodiversity protection. Our results correlate with personal attitude and education, support the aims of extensive green-space management and should encourage urban planners to integrate biodiversity protection zones into urban planning.

The representatives of the megadiverse rove beetle subfamilies Paederinae and Staphylininae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) are considered generalist predators, although their exact prey-capture behaviour and performance and possible links to mouthpart morphology have rarely been described. Here, we examine these relationships for selected species by SEM analyses of mouthparts and front legs and highspeed videography of prey-capture behaviour. We describe the observed behaviours and structural properties and quantify relationships between prey type, mouthpart morphology, and predatory performance based on morphometric measurements of both the shape and lever properties of the mandible. We show that the Staphylininae considered have morphological and behavioural properties generally associated with generalist predation and that the Paederinae considered display characteristics that are highly specialized on elusive prey such as Collembola. We found correlations between mandible shape and leverage, and body size and prey type. We report distinct prey-capture behaviours: the beetles use front legs and/or mandibles to attack prey, drag prey, or cage it between their legs. These strategies differ among species and situations. Overall, this exploratory study provides insights into the morphology and types of prey capture that must have played a major role in the evolution of these beetles.