Unveiling the Hemipteran fauna of the Aegean islets: first data on Heteroptera and Auchenorrhyncha (Hemiptera)

Abstract

The Aegean Archipelago remains understudied regarding the insect fauna of its smaller islets. From March to July of 2024–2025, fieldwork was conducted using hand collecting and pitfall traps to sample maquis and phrygana habitats. This study provides the first faunistic survey of Hemiptera (Heteroptera and Auchenorrhyncha) across 17 Aegean islets, documenting 23 Heteroptera species (9 families) and 12 Auchenorrhyncha species (Cicadellidae, Issidae, Cixiidae). All Hemiptera recorded during the present study, represent new findings for the respective islets, expanding the known distribution of these taxa in the Aegean. Species richness is correlated with islet vegetation cover and area. Syrna, Plakida, Kinaros, and Levitha islets hosted the highest diversity, despite the presence of active grazing.  This pilot study highlights key questions regarding the relationships between species richness, vegetation cover, and human disturbance. Future monitoring efforts are essential to inform sustainable management and conservation strategies for this unique and vital component of the Natura 2000 network.