Fragmenta entomologica

Flower visitor insects of Myrtus communis L., 1753 in the Culuccia Peninsula (NE Sardinia, Italy) (Hexapoda)

Matteo ANNESSI — 2025-10-31

Myrtle (Myrtus communis L., 1753), the only species of Myrtaceae native to Europe, is a key Mediterranean scrub species valued for its aromatic and medicinal properties. During field research on the Culuccia Peninsula (NE Sardinia) in 2024, a series of observations and data were collected on insects visiting flowering plants. Since very little is known about the pollinators and visitors of flowers of Myrtus communis, we here provide a fist account of the insect recorded during the research. A total of 117 visitor insects were collected, mainly Coleoptera (84%), followed by Diptera (7%), Hymenoptera (7%), Hemiptera (1%) and Thysanoptera (1%). The most common families are Oedemeridae (29%), Cerambycidae (14%) and Scraptiidae (13%). Oedemera flavipes (Fabricius, 1792) is the most frequent species observed visiting myrtle flowers (19%). Our results show a diverse insect community dominated by Coleoptera, unlike previous studies reporting only Hymenoptera and Diptera, highlighting the need for further research across regions to understand the insect assemblages associated with this plant species.

Citizen science reveals a rapid range expansion of a Mediterranean hoverfly under climate warming (Diptera: Syrphidae)

Umberto MARITANO — 2025-10-31

The big‑headed lagoon fly, Eristalinus megacephalus (Rossi, 1794), is a Mediterranean hoverfly historically restricted in Italy to a handful of coastal regions. Recently, numerous observations uploaded to the iNaturalist citizen‑science platform show a rapid northward and inland expansion, with new regional records from Piemonte, Lombardia, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Marche, Umbria, Puglia and Calabria. Here we compile Italian literature records and recent citizen‑science observations and map the current occurrence of the species in the country. The density of recent records in the Po Valley and in other inland areas suggests that E. megacephalus is no longer limited to coastal Mediterranean climates. We discuss the value of citizen‑science data for fast‑moving biogeographic updates. Targeted surveys are now needed to test whether newly observed clusters represent transient dispersers or established populations.

First record of Tropinota squallida ssp. pilosa from Italy (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae)

Pietro LO CASCIO — 2025-10-31

Tropinota squallida ssp. pilosa (Brullé, 1832), widely distributed in North Africa, Near East and south-eastern Europe, is recorded for the first time from Italy after its finding on Linosa Island (Pelagie Archipelago, Channel of Sicily). For the same island was previously reported the nominal subspecies, whose occurrence however has not been confirmed by recent entomological surveys.

Ignored for 150 years: distribution, song description, habitat, and threat of Cicadetta albipennis (Fieber, 1876) – mysterious tiny cicada species from Sicily (Italy) (Cicadidae: Cicadettinae)

Thomas HERTACH — 2025-10-31

Cicadetta albipennis was described 150 years ago, yet no data on its ecology, acoustic behaviour, distribution and conservation have been published. This cicada species, notable for its distinct morphology, is among the smallest in Europe. We investigated the taxon within its presumed endemic range in Sicily and present the first data on its habitat preferences, acoustic behaviour and current distribution. Additionally, we provide the first photographs of live males and females. Cicadetta albipennis is an early-emerging species, active at least from mid-late May to the beginning of June. Its song consists of a monotonous series of short, purring echemes characterized by a supposedly very slow syllable rate and one of the highest frequency ranges among European cicadas. The species was found scattered in southern Sicily, although specimens from the north of the island (labelled — maybe erroneously — “Palermo” and “Messina”) exist in historical collections. The species is associated with grassland habitats shaped by herbivores. We discuss habitat availability across prehistoric and historic times, and suggest that C. albipennis is threatened by the disappearance of large wild herbivores and the decline of traditional, extensive grazing practices.

Two new genera of Aolina (Dundubiini), with a key to the genera of the subtribe (Hemiptera: Cicadidae)

Young June LEE — 2025-10-31

Two new cicada genera, Sinfonia gen. nov. and Streeyola gen. nov., are erected in the subtribe Aolina Boulard, 2012 (Dundubiini Distant, 1905), with the designations of Dundubia opalifera Walker, 1850 and Cosmopsaltria mongolica Distant, 1881 as the respective type species. Meimuna choui Lei, 1994 and M. opalifera (Walker, 1850) are combined with Sinfonia, comb. nov. Meimuna boninensis (Distant, 1905), M. chekianga Kato, 1940, M. chekiangensis Chen, 1940, M. gakokizana Matsumura, 1917, M. goshizana Matsumura, 1917, M. iwasakii Matsumura, 1913, M. kuroiwae Matsumura, 1917, M. mongolica (Distant, 1881), M. multivocalis (Matsumura, 1917), M. neomongolica Liu, 1940, M. oshimensis (Matsumura, 1905), and M. silhetana (Distant, 1888) are combined with Streeyola, comb. nov. Meimuna microdon (Walker, 1850) is transferred to Cantata Lee & Pham, 2021, comb. nov. A key to the genera of Aolina is provided.

The life cycle of a Brazilian Chlamisus leaf beetle on its Malvaceae host plants (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Cryptocephalinae, Fulcidacini)

Jefferson DUARTE-DE-MÉLO — 2025-10-31

The Fulcidacini (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Cryptocephalinae) is a group of beetles in which the females build a shelter of feces around their eggs and the hatched larvae maintain and expand this shelter with their own feces. Chlamisus Rafinesque, 1815 is the largest genus in the Fulcidacini, but immatures of only 25 of the ~400 recognized species have been reported. This paper presents, for the first time, the complete and detailed life cycle of a Chlamisus species. Adults were found feeding on Malvaceae (Hermannieae) in the semi-arid region of Brazil; some were collected for laboratory rearing and observation. Captive adults oviposited in individual containers. These eggs were kept in individual containers and after hatching, the larvae were fed and monitored daily until the adults emerged. The pre-imaginal period lasted 87.0 days, with four larval instars, each building on the fecal case from the previous instar. The period from egg fecal capsule to larval emergence was 14.75 days. The larval period lasted approximately 46.54 days. The period in the pupa fecal chamber lasted for 28.5 days. The active period of the immature represented about 45% of its total development time. This Chlamisus sp. appears to be monophagous in a broader sense, completing its development on related species and genera of Malvaceae (Hermannieae) and probably having more than one generation per year. The larvae exhibit a novel behavior in their case-construction, cutting off and discarding part of the case before pupation. The pupal chamber appears to be a novelty, mimicking the dried inflorescence of its Malvaceae host plants (in the genera Waltheria Linnaeus and Melochia Linnaeus).

New host, old tactic: first record of the parasitism on allochthonous Hierodula oothecae by Mantibaria seefelderiana in Europe (Mantodea: Mantidae; Hymenoptera: Scelionidae)

Antonio FASANO — 2025-10-31

This study reports the first record of parasitic activity by Mantibaria seefelderiana (De Stefani, 1891) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) in Italy targeting Hierodula patellifera (Audinet-Serville, 1839), an alien mantid species of Asian origin that has spread in several regions of the country. M. seefelderiana, known for its specialization as a mantis oothecal parasitoid, had not previously been associated with exotic hosts in the Italian territory. Observations were conducted between summer and autumn 2024 in urban and peri-urban environments in northern Italy. Adult specimens of M. seefelderiana were found on several adult females of H. patellifera, suggesting active host-seeking behavior. Furthermore, the parasitism process on the oothecae was directly observed and documented — photographically and through video recordings — for the first time, confirming H. patellifera as a possible suitable host. This finding represents a notable example of trophic interaction between a native parasitoid and an introduced mantid species, with potential implications for the population dynamics of invasive mantids and the adaptive flexibility of native natural enemies. This record expands current knowledge of the biology of M. seefelderiana and provides a foundation for future research into its possible role as a natural control agent against non-native Mantodea in Europe.

A new species of the genus Leptorchestes Thorell, 1870 from the Pantalica Natural Reserve (Sicily, Italy) (Araneae: Salticidae)

Tommaso FUSCO — 2025-10-31

A new species of ant-mimicking jumping spider, Leptorchestes elisae sp. nov., is described from the Pantalica Natural Reserve in Sicily, Italy. This species belongs to the genus Leptorchestes Thorell, 1870 (Araneae, Salticidae), a group characterized by morphological adaptations for myrmecomorphy. The new species is diagnosed based on both male and female genital morphology, with the male exhibiting different characters including a short, straight embolus and a small, non-serrated tibial apophysis, while the female displays an M-shaped posterior epigynial notch and laterally positioned copulatory openings. These traits distinguish L. elisae sp. nov. from its related species, particularly L. peresi, L. mutilloides, and L. berolinensis. The discovery of both sexes at the same locality allows for confident species attribution, a critical factor in a genus where identifications based on females can lead to taxonomic ambiguities. A revised identification key for the genus Leptorchestes is provided, along with distributional data. The new species is likely endemic to Sicily but may be more widely distributed in the Mediterranean region. This discovery contributes to a better understanding of the genus and underlines the importance of regional faunistic surveys in revealing hidden biodiversity.

Life cycle and phenology of Onthophagus vacca (L.) in Middle Atlas (Morocco): implications for conservation and ecosystem services (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Hasnae HAJJI — 2025-10-31

This work investigates the life cycle and seasonal dynamics of the dung beetle Onthophagus vacca in Middle Atlas ecosystems in Morocco. This species is recognized for its crucial ecological role and was studied under controlled conditions to assess its developmental stages (egg, larva, pupa, adult) and seasonal abundance in relation to environmental factors. The results show that Onthophagus vacca has a short life cycle with peak activity in spring, which correlates with moderate temperatures and limited rainfall. The abundance of this species is higher in sites located at higher altitudes, where climatic conditions are more favorable. This study contributes to our understanding of the ecological requirements of Onthophagus vacca in Morocco and highlights the importance of its conservation to preserve the ecosystem services it provides, particularly in terms of soil fertility and excreta management in agricultural environments.

Araneae.it 2.0: the new updated version of the digital catalog of the Italian Spiders and other Arachnids (Arachnida: Araneae, Opiliones, Scorpiones, Pseudoscorpiones, Palpigradi, Solifugae)

Marco ISAIA — 2025-10-31

We present Araneae.it 2.0, the updated and expanded digital platform for documenting the Italian spider fauna. The catalog currently includes 1,735 species, with taxonomic data aligned with the World Spider Catalog (Version 26). Distribution maps are now available at regional and provincial levels for all species, and at point-based resolution for endemics, aliens and other relevant species with an indication of the coordinate precision. Although georeferencing is still in progress, at the time of publication, major improvements in spatial resolution are given for 219 species—comprising 154 endemics/sub-endemics, 22 alien, and 43 species of conservation concern, of medical interest or of limited occurrence. This online resource provides a solid foundation for future assessments of extinction risk, as well as for evaluating biodiversity and knowledge levels of spiders—and to a lesser extent, other arachnids—in Italy, with particular emphasis on Italian endemic spider species. Moreover, it supports the ongoing development of a comprehensive trait database, which will enable ecological and conservation-focused studies on Italian arachnids. These efforts will enhance our capacity to assess species vulnerability, analyze functional diversity, and guide evidence-based conservation strategies for the Italian arachnid fauna.

Zoogeographic distribution and host plant relationships of Coccidae species in the Fergana valley, eastern Uzbekistan (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha)

Kholida KAKHKHOROVA — 2025-10-31

This study investigates the zoogeographic distribution, ecological characteristics, and host plant associations of soft scale insects (family Coccidae) in the Fergana Valley, which includes the Andijan, Fergana, and Namangan regions of eastern Uzbekistan. Field surveys conducted during the vegetation season yielded a total of 12 species identified based on morphology and georeferenced sampling. Zoogeographic analysis revealed that 66.7% of the species are cosmopolitan, 25% are endemic to the Palearctic region, and 8.3% are distributed across multiple regions. In total, more than 25 host plants belonging to 13 plant families were recorded. These findings provide valuable insights for pest monitoring and integrated management strategies in Central Asia.

From rearing to spreading: ecological constraints and distribution patterns of Carausius morosus (Sinéty, 1901) (Phasmatodea: Lonchodidae)

Vítězslav KREJSA — 2025-10-31

Based on available data on the occurrence of Carausius morosus (Sinéty, 1901) and its subsequent graphical processing into map outputs, it was possible to identify basic ecological requirements responsible for its spread beyond its original Indian range. Despite considerable adaptability, certain factors significantly limit the spread of the stick insect in several regions and currently represent insurmountable barriers to its further advance. The species shows a clear link to warm, humid areas with subtropical and tropical climates, providing a framework for understanding its possible future dispersal.

Pseudomeloe maculivertex n. sp. of Pyrotini from the Antofagasta Region, Chile (Coleoptera: Meloidae)

Marco Alberto BOLOGNA — 2025-10-31

A new species of Pseudomeloe Fairmaire & Germain, 1863 (Coleoptera: Meloidae), P. maculivertex n. sp., is described from the Andean valleys of the Antofagasta Region, northern Chile. It is compared with a similar Chilean species; photographs of adults, male genitalia and habitat of the new species are provided, and a map of its known geographic distribution is presented.

Cantharidin? Who cares! First record of Trichodes feeding on toxic blister beetle (Coleoptera: Cleridae and Meloidae)

Alessandra RICCIERI — 2025-10-31

Many insects produce and secrete toxic compounds as an anti-predatory strategy. Among beetles, members of the family Meloidae produce cantharidin, a highly toxic terpene well known for its traditional use in popular pharmacology and for its potential use in anti-cancer therapies. This compound is so toxic to avoid predation on Meloidae by most vertebrates and invertebrates. Here we report the first case of predation by Cleridae on blister beetles, specifically by the predator Trichodes crabroniformis on Mylabris variabilis, whose cantharidin content is well known. Only a few other species are known to prey on blister beetles or to be attracted by cantharidin (canthariphilous), which they can ingest and use for different purposes (e.g. defense, female attraction etc.). However, nothing is known about how cantharidin can be transported within these organisms without causing tissue damage. Increasing the knowledge on species that are not damaged by this substance might be relevant for studying the molecular basis of cantharidin tolerance. This might be of great importance also for human medicine, for example for the development of drug delivery systems for cantharidin-based drugs avoiding collateral effects.

New data and biogeographic analysis on species of the genus Longitarsus Latreille in Iran (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini)

Maurizio BIONDI — 2025-10-31

In this paper, we provide detailed data on the distribution of 43 Longitarsus species reported so far for the Iranian fauna. Three of these species, Longitarsus gracilis Kutschera, L. helvolus Kutschera, and L. parvulus (Paykull), collected in the northern provinces, are reported for the first time for Iran. For them, the photos of the habitus, aedeagus and spermatheca are also reported. In addition, the presence of L. succineus (Foudras) is confirmed with new records. Finally, a biogeographical analysis of the Longitarsus species in Iran is provided.

Insular dwarfism in Akymnopellis chilensis (Gervais, 1847) centipedes from the Humboldt Archipelago, Chile (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae)

Emmanuel VEGA — 2025-10-31

Body size is a key morphological trait that reflects both the evolutionary history and ecological processes of species and is commonly used in assessing biogeographic patterns. Foster’s rule predicts changes in body size associated with insularity, often manifested as dwarfism or gigantism. In this study, we tested this rule in Akymnopellis chilensis (Gervais, 1847) (Chilopoda, Scolopendromorpha), using specimens from the Humboldt Archipelago (Chile) and the mainland. Robust statistical analyses and generalized linear models reveal that insular individuals exhibit significantly reduced body sizes relative to mainland populations. Furthermore, mean annual temperature emerged as a key predictor of body size variation. This study provides the first documented evidence of insular dwarfism in myriapods, extending the applicability of Foster’s rule to a previously underrepresented group of terrestrial arthropods. Our findings underscore the importance of insularity and climate change as selective pressures influencing the morphological evolution of invertebrates, with implications for the conservation of endemic taxa in fragile island ecosystems.

First record of Urocerus augur from Bulgaria, with new occurrence data on U. gigas from collections and citizen science (Hymenoptera: Siricidae)

Muhammed MOHAMMED — 2025-10-31

This study reports the wood wasp Urocerus augur (Klug, 1803) for the first time in Bulgaria and provides new records of U. gigas (Linnaeus, 1758), based on both collection material and citizen science observations. While U. gigas is more widespread, U. augur appears to be very rare in the country. All available occurrence data are compiled to present an updated overview of their distribution in Bulgaria. The species' geographic ranges, elevational distribution, and seasonal activity are discussed. Photographs of U. augur and distribution maps for both species are included.

Active thermoregulation in Lasius fuliginosus nests in spring (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Stanislav STUKALYUK — 2025-10-31

The aim of the study was to investigate characteristics of temperature conditions in Lasius fuliginosus nests in spring to possibly prove the spring warmup hypothesis. In spring (05.03 to 31.05.2024), 3 loggers, allowing measurements of temperature conditions were mounted on the outer walls of 3 L. fuliginosus nests in a deciduous forest near Kyiv (Ukraine). The temperature measurements were taken at 15-minute intervals. Simultaneously, the atmospheric air temperature was measured during the same period (at 3-hour intervals). Nests 1 and 2 were typical for this species: both in empty cores of oak trees (1 m diameter), while Nest 3 was auxiliary and located under a 0.05 m layer of oak bark. The physical data (air and nest wall temperatures) were used to construct a mathematical model of the thermal processes occurring in the core of a carton nest. The modelling showed that the anthills’ ability to maintain nest temperature in spring depends on their size and location inside the tree trunks exposed to environmental influence. The temperature inside a nest follows the average daily air temperature with a slight delay due to thermal inertia of the tree. The nest in tree #1 proved to be the most stable: even during cold spells as low as -5°C, the temperature in the core remained +25°C thanks to metabolic heat. Nest #2 also maintains the required temperature (+25°C) during temperature falls to +5°C. However, nest #3 does not provide conditions for offspring development during sudden cold snaps: the heat emitted is insufficient to compensate for losses at air temperatures below +20°C. This nest is not designed for active thermoregulation. It has been shown that L. fuliginosus are able to actively warm up their nest in spring, and the warmup rates (up to 25–26°C) are similar to the temperature conditions in the red forest ants’ anthills (Formica rufa group).

A new species of Cephalotyphlus Coiffait, 1955 from Sardinia (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae, Leptotyphlinae)

Marco VILLANI — 2025-10-31

The new species Cephalotyphlus supramontanus is described from Urzulei (eastern Sardinia, Nuoro province). The previously established synonymies of C. foroiuliensis (Pace, 1976), and C. bergamascus Pace, 1991 with C. vicetinus (Pace, 1975) are also discussed.