Fragmenta entomologica

Beyond the audible II: wide band (0-125 kHz and 0-192 kHz) field investigation on Italian Orthoptera songs, corrigenda and new results (Insecta)

2025-12-09T11:03:41+00:00

In 2020 authors CB & FMB and the late Gianni Pavan, using a low-cost USB microphone with a sampling frequency of 250 kHz, field-recorded and described the song of 37 species of Italian Orthoptera whose inaudible components were previously unreported in scientific literature. Here, one of the published specific attributions is rediscussed, the song of A. italoaustriacus is redescribed on the basis of improved recordings and the songs of 21 more species, also recorded in the inaudible range, are described and illustrated consistently with the previous publication. As a side note, the authors take the opportunity to introduce Rthoptera, an R language software package for the interactive, parametric generation of plots from PCM audio files, capable of expediting decisively the visual rendering of digital sound in the time and frequency domains, and to automate the generation of descriptive data tables, including novel acoustic indices.

The variability of Heteracris adspersa (Redtenbacher, 1889) re-examined (Orthoptera: Acrididae, Eyprepocnemidinae)

2026-03-14T19:07:02+00:00

A new subspecies of Heteracris adspersa was described in 1978 on the basis of morphometrics and structure configuration of the male subgenital plate from specimens collected in Sardinia. The present study examines specimens (n=175) from a broad suite of localities, ranging from the Middle East across to the western Mediterranean. Statistical analyses are subsequently carried out on a revised dataset comprising 94♂♂ and 55♀♀. Microscopic examination of the subgenital plate is also conducted on specimens from Sardinia, Sicily, Malta and Yemen and compared with those published in the original description. Findings demonstrate that the subspecies massai is practically an artefact of unintended consequence, essentially a case of taxonomic inflation, in view of evident intra and interpopulation variability across a wide geographic area; consequently, H. a. massai is synonymised.

Remarks on the genus Perignamptus Harold, 1877 with descriptions of two new species from Southwest Papua (Coleoptera: Hybosoridae, Ceratocanthinae)

2026-03-06T09:21:26+00:00

The Melanesian genus Perignamptus Harold, 1877 (Coleoptera Scarabaeoidea Hybosoridae Ceratocanthinae) is redefined based on head capsule morphology. The genus Macrophilharmostes Paulian, 1978 is synonymised with it, resulting in Perignamptus major (Paulian, 1975) n. comb. and in further two new combinations, i.e., Perignamptus granulatus (Pualian, 1975) n. comb. and Perignamptus loebli (Paulian, 1981) n. comb. (both transferred from Madrasostes Paulian, 1975). As a result, the genus Madrasostes distributional range does not cross eastwards the Lydekker line. Two more species from Southwest Papua are described: Perignamptus fungicola sp. nov. (observed on fungi) and Perignamptus waigeoensis sp. nov.. For both species, photos of live specimens in habitat are provided, being the first time for the genus Perignamptus.

Lepidoptera of the ‘Foce Trigno–Marina di Petacciato’ Natura 2000 site, a European LTER area in Central Italy (Insecta)

2025-06-17T13:57:43+00:00

We present a faunistic list of both diurnal and nocturnal Lepidoptera sampled at the “Foce Trigno–Marina di Petacciato” Natura 2000 site (Molise, Central Italy, Adriatic coast), a protected coastal area that is also part of the European Long-Term Ecosystem Research (eLTER) network. Sampling was conducted over one year in both shifting and fixed dunes. UV light traps were used to collect moths, while butterflies were surveyed following the European Butterfly Monitoring Scheme. We identified 18 species of butterflies belonging to 5 families (Papilionidae, Hesperiidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, and Nymphalidae) and 204 species of moths belonging to 17 families (Tineidae, Alucitidae, Pterophoridae, Tortricidae, Coleophoridae, Cossidae, Yponomeutidae, Pyralidae, Crambidae, Drepanidae, Sphingidae, Lasiocampidae, Geometridae, Notodontidae, Erebidae, Nolidae and Noctuidae). 46 species are new records for the Molise region. Forty-two species (19%) were exclusive to the shifting dunes and 67 species (30%) were exclusive to the fixed dunes. 155 species were recorded in the shifting dunes and 180 in the fixed dunes. Although there were minor variations in species richness between the two zones for some groups, there was no consistent or statistically significant pattern across all families. Thus, the two zones support comparable levels of butterfly and moth diversity at the family level, although some weak trends may warrant further investigation. The resulting list, albeit likely not exhaustive, can serve as a valuable resource for entomologists, ecologists, conservation biologists, and environmental managers involved in biodiversity monitoring and conservation of the study area and Mediterranean dune ecosystems more broadly.

A new species of Leptotyphlus Fauvel, 1874 from Garfagnana (Tuscany, Italy) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae, Leptotyphlinae)

2026-03-25T21:02:59+00:00

The new species Leptotyphlus (Odontotyphlus) carfanius sp. nov. is described from Gallicano (Lucca province), in northern Tuscany. It is the second known species of the subgenus Odontotyphlus Coiffait, 1972 from the Italian peninsula and it is most closely related to some species from Provence (France), from which it differs by the different shape of labrum and male genitalia.

New data on the Vespidae of Brunei Darussalam (Insecta: Hymenoptera)

2026-03-25T20:46:36+00:00

New distributional data are provided for the Vespidae fauna of Brunei Darussalam, summarizing the results of an expedition conducted in the Ulu Temburong National Park in August 2024. The subfamily Polistinae and 16 species are recorded for the first time, totaling 22 species recorded for the country. Photographic references are provided for each newly recorded species.

A new high-altitude species of Xeloma Kraatz, 1881 from South Africa (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae, Cetoniini)

2026-06-15T07:31:14+00:00

A new species of Xeloma Kraatz, 1881, closely related to both X. atra (Thunberg, 1818) and X. maura (Boheman, 1860), is identified and described from the broader Drakensberg range and the interior highlands of South Africa, at altitudes between 1300 and 2000 m. The species has previously been lumped with either of the two related species, but it clearly exhibits a rather distinct habitus and aedeagal parameres. In particular, its general dorsum is covered in dense creamy-white tomentum, rather than yellow or ochreous like in the sister species, and the dorsal lobes of its aedeagus are longer and narrower and do not exhibit the typical latero-apical expansions that characterize the other two species. Like X. atra and X. maura, the new species appears to be linked to mammal herbivore dung for its larval development, mainly rock hyrax, Cape hare and klipspringer, while no adult has been observed yet feeding on any substratum.

A new species of the genus Tibira Orlandin, Piovesan & Carneiro, 2024 from Northeast Brasil (Lepidoptera: Bombycoidea, Apatelodidae)

2026-05-02T17:52:48+00:00

A new species of Tibira Orlandin, Piovesan & Carneiro, 2024 (Lepidoptera: Apatelodidae), Tibira paraguassu sp. nov. is described from the Atlantic Forest of the Northeast Brazil (Bahia state). It is compared with Tibira eadgara (Schaus, 1934), a similar species; photographs of the adult males and genitalia of both species are provided, as well as photographs of the female and genitalia of Tibira paraguassu sp. nov.

Contribution to the knowledge of Psocodea of French Guiana and updated checklist (Insecta)

2026-03-30T07:43:16+00:00

This paper presents the results of recent fieldworks conducted in French Guiana during the second half of 2025. A total of 15 species are reported as new records for the region, based on material collected from various localities using the beating vegetation method. New records include species belonging to nine genera of eight families. Among the most notable findings are Echmepteryx vitiensis Thornton, 1981, recorded for the first time from the New World, Archipsocopsis cubana Badonnel, 1977, new for South America, and Tapinella stenomedia Thornton & Woo, 1973, previously known only from the Galapagos Islands, now also recorded from South America. An updated checklist of the Psocodea of French Guiana is provided, raising the total number of known species to 52.

New record of Camponotus husseini Dietrich, 2004 and confirmation of Polyrhachis lacteipennis Smith, 1858 in Oman, with additional morphometric data on Polyrhachis palaearctica Dietrich, 2004 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

2026-05-05T08:19:13+00:00

Camponotus husseini Dietrich, 2004 is recorded from Oman for the first time based on material collected in the Dhofar Governorate. Identification was confirmed using morphometric characters and the discriminant formula proposed by Dietrich (2004), together with the presence of multiple subcephalic bristles. In addition, the presence of Polyrhachis lacteipennis F. Smith, 1858 in Oman is confirmed. Comparative morphometric analyses were conducted between Omani specimens of P. lacteipennis and material of Polyrhachis palaearctica Dietrich, 2004 collected near its type locality at the Dead Sea. Measurements of the dorsal spine index (DSI) demonstrate clear differences between the two species, supporting their separation despite partial overlaps in some other characters. The results further indicate that DSI represents a reliable diagnostic character, whereas other traits such as spine curvature and gastral pilosity appear less consistent. These findings contribute new distributional data for the ant fauna of the Arabian Peninsula and provide additional morphometric information relevant to the taxonomy of the Camponotus sericeus (Fabricius, 1798) and Polyrhachis dives species groups.

New records of tiger beetles from Brunei Darussalam, with description of the male of Neocollyris (Orthocollyris) rectangulivertex (Horn, 1929) (Coleoptera: Carabidae, Cicindelinae)

2026-04-14T07:49:01+00:00

Four species of Cicindelinae (Coleoptera, Carabidae) are reported as new country records for Brunei Darussalam: Neocollyris (Orthocollyris) rectangulivertex (Horn, 1929), Neocollyris (Stenocollyris) constricticolloides Dheurle, 2016, Therates rugulosus (Horn, 1900) and Therates erinnys ssp. tepa Moulton, 1910. The male of N. (O.) rectangulivertex is herein described for the first time and illustrated. The current knowledge of tiger beetle fauna of Brunei is discussed.

From myth to knowledge: public perception of native and alien praying mantids in Italy and its implications for conservation (Insecta: Mantodea)

2026-05-12T13:17:54+00:00

A sociological survey assessed public perception and knowledge of praying mantids in Italy (n = 222). Although mantids show higher popularity than most insects, persistent misconceptions rooted in cultural myths remain widespread. Increased awareness of invasive alien species reflects recent outreach efforts, yet significant gaps in understanding native species conservation persist. These findings highlight the importance of improving science communication and biodiversity awareness to support monitoring and management of native and alien mantid species.

The distribution and habitat preferences of Rhyssemus plicatus (Germar, 1817) in Sicily and Calabria (southern Italy) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Aphodiinae, Psammodiini)

2026-02-27T09:26:56+00:00

A detailed account of the distribution of the flightless Rhyssemus plicatus (Germar, 1817) (Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Aphodiinae Psammodiini) is provided as a result of a survey of the soil fauna of Southern Calabria and of the island of Sicily. By adding also data taken from literature and entomological collections, the species is here recorded from a total of 81 localities in Sicily, covering all Sicilian provinces and including all the three Sicilian archipelagoes (Eolie, Egadi and Pelagie) and three localities in Calabria. In Sicily, at least, the species is eurytopic, occurring also inland, reaching up to 1,350 m a.s.l., covering diverse habitats, such as beaches, garrigue, Mediterranean maquis, oak forests and cultivated lands (especially olive groves) and diverse types of soil, with preference for clay over sand. The species is also recorded for the first time for Pianosa island (Tuscan archipelago).

New data on the distribution of Aguapanela arvi Perafán, Cifuentes & Estrada, 2015 in Colombia through collections and citizen science, with notes on the natural history (Araneae: Theraphosidae)

2026-04-07T07:19:31+00:00

This paper expands the known distribution of Aguapanela arvi Perafán, Cifuentes & Estrada, 2015 in Colombia by reporting its presence for the first time in the departments of Caldas, Quindío, and Risaralda. Additionally, new aspects of its natural history are documented, including parasitic interactions involving a parasitoid wasp and an arthropod-pathogenic fungus. These findings are based on field observations, specimens deposited in biological collections, and citizen science records.

Entomochilus asperrimus n. sp. of Physogasterini from Southern Peruvian Andes (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

2026-05-05T07:55:06+00:00

A new species of Entomochilus Solier, 1844 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), Entomochilus asperrimus n. sp. is described from the southern Peruvian Andes. It is compared with morphological similar species recorded in northern Chile. Photographs of adults and habitat of the new species are provided, also a map of its known geographic distribution is presented.

New data on the occurrence and morphological abnormalities of aculeate wasps in Faro (Portugal) (Hymenoptera)

2025-12-18T20:19:35+00:00

This paper reports 40 species of aculeate wasps collected at several localities in the Faro district, southern Portugal, during 2024. The material includes 13 species of Vespidae and 27 species of Spheciformes. Among them, two species of Eumeninae (Vespidae) and 16 species of Spheciformes are classified as scarce or rare in Portugal (Baldock et al. 2020; Cross et al. 2021), highlighting the faunistic importance of the study area. One species, Ectemnius confinis (Walker, 1871), is reported here for the first time from Portugal. Three specimens of Euodynerus (Euodynerus) variegatus (Fabricius, 1793) exhibited strong malformations of the mandibles, clypeus, and genae, tentatively referred to as “oplomerocephaly,” probably caused by parasitic nematodes. These abnormalities are discussed in the context of similar deformities known in other Hymenoptera.

Ecology of Oreasiobia fedtschenkoi in a mountain site of Eastern Kyrgyzstan (Dermaptera: Forficulidae)

2026-04-28T08:51:23+00:00

Oreasiobia fedtschenkoi (Saussure, 1874) is a poorly known earwig however widely distributed across Central Asia. We evaluated some aspects of the autecology of this species in the site of Boz-Salkyn south of the huge endorheic mountain Issyk-Kul Lake near the village of Bokonbaevo (Bökönbaev) in Kyrgyzstan. The analysis of the ecological context identified the characteristics of a habitat particularly favorable for this species as high altitude meadows at around 2,500 m surrounded by granite reliefs and vast forests at the base of high mountains. Data about type, color, texture and hardness of soil have been evaluated. Among biological features of the alpine meadows, the diversity of some groups of species such as vascular plants and insects have been analyzed. Earwigs have been found under small granite stones simply placed on the ground, cow dungs, wooden structures, at the apex of thin Graminaeae stem and finally under artificial material. In our sample, 120 individuals of which 101 were sexed, females significantly outnumber males. Furthermore, the weight/length data are higher in females. On the basis of bibliographical data and our observations, O. fedtschenkoi deserves the attributes of sublapidicolous, orophilous and mesohygrophilous species. The tourist site of Boz-Salkyn is constantly affected by anthropogenic pressure which may threated the conservation of its peculiar biological diversity.

Key words: Autecology, orophilous species, Central Asia, sex ratio, distribution, conservation.

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

2026-04-06T07:33:49+00:00

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.

Bioacoustics, morphology and conservation of the microinsular endemism of the island of Pantelleria Gryllotalpa cossyrensis (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae)

2026-05-12T12:57:51+00:00

The peculiar song of Gryllotalpa cossyrensis, a microinsular endemic to the island of Pantelleria (Sicily, Italy), is here described for the first time. Unlike the few songs known for European species of Gryllotalpa, that emit uninterrupted trills, it consists of an echeme-sequence of fairly uniform echemes usually lasting around 500 msec, at a rate of around 7 every 5 sec. G. cossyrensis lives in a very small area, namely the muddy shores of the environmentally protected Lake Bagno dell'Acqua (also known as Lago di Venere). This habitat was visited in different times of the year, and the search for juvenile and adult G. cossyrensis specimens did not reveal a clear phenology for the species. The data suggests a two-year life cycle with overlapping generations as known for other Gryllotalpa species. However, the species' songs were only heard in June and July. G. cossyrensis has been classified as a vulnerable species (VU) in the European Red List of Grasshoppers, Crickets and Bush-crickets and the main problems relating to the conservation of this fragile species are described. The male genitalia and stridulatory organs of G. cossyrensis are described for the first time on the basis of the most modern nomenclature.

On the type locality of Fornasinius fornasini Bertoloni, 1853 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae)

2026-03-24T20:55:41+00:00

The Goliath beetles are large and iconic Cetoniinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), comprising a small number of closely related genera broadly distributed across sub-Saharan Africa. The genus Fornasinius was erected in 1853 by Giuseppe Bertoloni to receive a new species collected by Carlo Antonio Fornasini, reportedly in Inhambane, on the southern coast of Mozambique. However, the type locality of Fornasinius fornasini Bertoloni, “Magnárra river”, has long remained untraceable, and its traditional association with Inhambane is inconsistent with modern distributional data, which indicate that the species occurs in north-central Mozambique and southern Tanzania. Here, we integrate historical cartography, archival sources, linguistic evidence, and biogeography to reassess the identity of “Magnárra”. The available evidence indicates that this name most likely corresponds to “Mangara” or “Mangarra”, a now-vanished locality situated along the Mutu canal and the Quilimane (Cuacua) River in the Zambezi delta, near its confluence with the main Zambezi system in east-central Mozambique.