Fragmenta entomologica

Cold case: Ludwig Ganglbauer (1856–1912) and his 1908–1909 manuscript on the genus Podistra (Coleoptera: Cantharidae)

Fabrizio Fanti — 2024-12-10

The circumstances around the publication of Ganglbauer’s manuscript of 1908–1909 on the genus Podistra (Coleoptera, Cantharidae) are studied in detail. Considerable evidence demonstrates that the work was actually published in 1914; therefore, the 1922 date reported by the scientific community is incorrect. The taxonomic records present in this paper are the subgenus Hemipodistra Ganglbauer, [1914] and the species Podistra (Absidia) pentheri Ganglbauer, [1914], Podistra (Absidia) caucasica Ganglbauer, [1914] and Podistra (Podistra) starcki Ganglbauer, [1914]. The relevant description pages are also carefully reported. Absidia ussuriensis Horn, 1921 is considered in the present document as nomen nudum.

First record of Formica pratensis in a reedbed along the Nestos River near Xanthi, Greece (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Angelos Tsikas — 2024-12-10

The ant Formica pratensis Retzius, 1783 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) is reported from a locality in Dasochori (Xanthi, Greece). Foraging workers were manually collected from the top of the mounds. This new observation represents the lowest altitude record in Greece and the first in a reedbed. Additionally, the mutualism with the aphid Aphis urticata Gmelin, 1790 has been observed.

Big-headed Lagoon Fly, Eristalinus megacephalus, found for the second time in Serbia, and new records of some rare Eristalini (Diptera: Syrphidae)

Mihailo Vujić — 2024-12-10

The second record of Eristalinus megacephalus (Rossi, 1794) in Serbia is presented. One female specimen was found on 28 Aug 2024, near the village of Kovilj, located in Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, in northern part of the country. The habitat where the species was recorded is shortly described, and the presence of this rare and unusual member of Serbian fauna is discussed. Additionally, data for seven rare species of the tribe Eristalini from Serbia are also presented.

When life gives you carcasses: first record of necrophagy by Coriomeris hirticornis on European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) (Hemiptera: Coreidae)

Mario Alamo — 2024-12-10

This study reports the first observation of necrophagy in the phytophagous leaf-footed bug Coriomeris hirticornis (Fabricius, 1794). Two individuals were observed feeding on the carcass of a European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L., 1758) in a peri-urban meadow near Madrid, Spain. This finding underscores the adaptive dietary flexibility of Coriomeris hirticornis under extreme environmental conditions, providing new insights into its ecological role and trophic interactions within Mediterranean ecosystems.

Contribution to the knowledge of genus Clanoptilus Motschulsky, 1854 in the Eastern Mediterranean region (Coleoptera: Melyridae, Malachiinae)

Gabriele Franzini — 2024-12-10

This paper deals with two species of the genus Clanoptilus Motschulsky, 1854. A new one is described from Aegean region of Turkey; one from Azerbaijan is resurrected from synonymy and redescribed, and a neotype is proposed.

Lectotype designation and the southernmost collection record of the ground beetle Pterostichus macrogenys Bates, 1883 (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

Kôji Sasakawa — 2024-12-10

This study clarifies taxonomic problems in Pterostichus macrogenys Bates, 1883, a Japanese endemic flightless carabid beetle. Specifically, to address the lack of examination of the male genitalia of the type specimens and a potential risk regarding nomenclatural stability, the syntype male is designated as the lectotype and its genitalia (including the sufficiently inflated endophallus) are examined. The results confirm that the species previously treated as P. macrogenys is indeed P. macrogenys. Additionally, a male specimen from Mt. Amagisan on the Izu Peninsula is reported as the southernmost collection record of this species.

The flea collection of the Museum of Zoology, Sapienza University of Rome (Insecta: Siphonaptera)

Noemi Di Lorenzo — 2024-12-10

The Museum of Zoology of Sapienza University of Rome (MZUR) houses a collection of fleas encompassing about 1300 specimens, representing 132 species and 10 families. Most of these specimens were collected in Italy and neighboring countries. The flea collection has been digitalized and is now accessible through a freely available dataset, which includes information from the labels of each preserved specimen. Additionally, an overview of the collection, a checklist of the preserved taxa and photos of selected specimens are provided.

A peculiar new genus and species of pollen beetles of the Anthystrix-complex of genera from South Africa (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae, Meligethinae)

Paolo Audisio — 2024-12-10

A peculiar new species of pollen beetles of the Anthystrix complex of genera, Austroborovecia anthystrixina gen. nov., sp. nov., is described from northern South Africa (Limpopo Province). This new species, although it appears very similar in external aspect to members of the genus Anthystrix Kirejtshuk, 1981 (including half a dozen species, all from South Africa), exhibits a series of peculiar morphological characters representing obvious autapomorphies (e.g., the male antennomeres III to V flatly depressed, larger and markedly wider than antennomeres II and VI, a large semi-circular tomentose and blackish area on the orange male last abdominal ventrite, more developed teeth on the outer edge of front tibiae, occipital sulci bordering the dorsal surface of the eyes indistinct, virtual absence of distinct hairs along the outer elytral borders, and peculiarly shaped male genitalia); this series of morphological traits is combined instead with the absence of several of the most important and diagnostic characters of all true Anthystrix species (such as the strongly modified and enlarged antennal club in males, the unique "violin-shaped" median lobe of the aedeagus, and the very deep and narrow longitudinal median incision of the proximal part of the tegmen). Despite the evident outer similarity with most species of Anthystrix, due to some other shared external characters (such as the long, dense and thick golden pubescence covering the whole body, the strongly sinuated and modified male hind tibiae, and the male metaventrite with a large and deep pentagonal impression), the new species cannot be placed in this clade, and requires the institution of a new genus, which maybe represents the sister-group of Anthystrix. The larval hostplant of the new species is thus far unknown, although almost certainly it is included among members of the tribe Tarchonantheae (Asteraceae), as for all other known members of the so-called Anthystrix-complex of genera.

A new species of Leucocelis (Amauroleucocelis) Bourgoin, 1913 from Burundi (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae, Leucocelina)

Renzo Perissinotto — 2024-12-10

Leucocelis (Amauroleucocelis) vingerhoedti sp. nov. is hereby described from specimens collected recently in Burundi. The species is most closely related to the high-altitude L. (A.) jeanneli (Bourgoin, 1913), currently known from Kenya, Tanzania and Cameroon. L. (A.) vingerhoedti differs from the latter species mainly in its dorsal ornamentation, which lacks the yellowish oblique band across the elytral disc and the midline band on pronotum and scutellum that, on the other hand, are typically found in L. (A.) jeanneli. The elytral costae of the new species are also more prominent and elevated than in L. (A.) jeanneli, and finally their aedeagal parameres differ by virtue of both apical and basal extensions being longer but narrower in L. (A.) vingerhoedti by comparison of those of L. (A.) jeanneli. Also, the internal lobes are substantially wider in L. (A.) jeanneli than in L. (A.) vingerhoedti, while the external ones are protruding further forward in the latter species. L. (A.) vingerhoedti occurs in forest habitat and like most other species of the genus is presumably floricolous.

Joining forces between scientists and citizens: new records and updated distribution of Oryctes nasicornis grypus (Illiger, 1803) in the north-western Iberian Peninsula (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Dynastinae)

Francisco Alejandro López-Núñez — 2024-12-10

The lack of detailed geographical distribution knowledge prevents defi ning reliable distribution ranges for many insects. Combining data from entomological collections, literature, citizen science and social media can frequently address this problem, but analysing the contribution of each information source is rarely applied. Oryctes nasicornis grypus is widely distributed across the Iberian Peninsula, but records from the Atlantic Arch, especially Galicia, are scarce. By reviewing literature, entomological collections, citizen science projects and social media, we delineated a more accurate distribution range for this species in Galicia, gathering 103 records and identifying 17 new grid cells. Additionally, we analysed the relative contribution of each information source for mapping this species. Social media contributed the most new grid cells (41.18%), followed by citizen science (29.41%) and entomological collections (23.53%). Furthermore, this work highlights the importance of public involvement in improving insect distribution knowledge and establishes a baseline for filling distribution gaps of O. nasicornis grypus in the northwestern Iberia.

The mimicry complex of the acrobat ant Crematogaster scutellaris in Tunisia: Colobopsis imitans and Mimocoris rugicollis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae; Heteroptera: Miridae)

Enrico Schifani — 2024-12-10

The ant Crematogaster scutellaris, distributed across the western Mediterranean region and east to the west Balkans, is a visual mimicry model for various other organisms, including different other species of ants. It is an ecologically and behaviorally dominant species, foraging through large permanent trails that workers pugnaciously defend by biting and spraying a toxic secretion. Here we report on two interesting novelties discovered by monitoring Cr. scutellaris foraging trails in Tunisia: first, we present the first records of the mimicking ant Colobopsis imitans in the country, fi lling a distribution gap and confirming a previous biogeographic hypothesis; second, we identified the mirid Mimocoris rugicollis, whose brachypterous females are known as myrmecomorphs, as a mimic of Cr. scutellaris. Both Co. imitans and M. rugicollis were observed following or stationing near Cr. scutellaris trails, often in the presence of another mimicking ant, Camponotus lateralis. Still little is known about the ecology and behavior of most Cr. scutellaris mimics, with some species still undescribed. Further research is needed to investigate the evolutionary pressures shaping this adaptation.

The EU conservation priority dragonfly Oxygastra curtisii in the Italian Lake District: a review and new data (Insecta: Odonata)

Michele Viganò — 2024-12-10

Oxygastra curtisii (Dale, 1834) is an Odonate species of EU conservation priority (‘Habitat’ directive Annex II and IV). In Italy, knowledge about its distribution is fragmentary. We updated and reviewed data on its distribution (geographic and altitudinal) and ecology (habitat preferences and phenology) in the Italian Lake District (an area of >5000 km2 in NW Italy) and evaluated the adequacy of the Natura 2000 Network in protecting the species. We found the species to be present and rather widespread at the main pre-Alpine lakes (Lakes Maggiore, Lugano, Orta, Como, and Iseo, with the exclusion of Lake Garda), and several other smaller lakes. Based on current knowledge, a line running roughly north to south from Lake Moro to Lake Iseo is the easternmost limit of the species’ range in northern Italy. While the flight period runs from the last decade of May to the second decade of August, it peaks between the second decade of June and the second decade of July. Our study showed the importance of two habitats whose significance for O. curtisii had been previously overlooked: lakes, which are an important habitat for reproduction, and grassland on the mountain slopes surrounding the lakes, which serve as an important pre-breeding and foraging habitat for immatures. Only 40% of known breeding localities are included in the Natura 2000 network, highlighting the potential vulnerability of this localized species in the area. In light of this, we believe it is essential to expand the Natura 2000 network to include more sites where this species is present, including foraging and pre-breeding areas, and to begin as soon as possible monitoring efforts to better assess the size of the O. curtisii population in the Italian Lake District.

New records of four Odonata species of Community interest in central and southern Italy, with conservation notes

Riccardo Novaga — 2024-12-10

This paper provides new data on the following four species of dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata Coenagrionidae, Gomphidae, Synthemistidae, Cordulegastridae), which contribute to updating their known distribution in central-southern Italy: Coenagrion castellani Roberts 1948, Lindenia tetraphylla (Vander Linden 1825), Oxygastra curtisii (Dale, 1834) and Cordulegaster trinacriae Waterston, 1976. These species are all included in Annexes II and IV of the Habitat Directive 92/43/EC. New sites of C. castellani and C. trinacriae were discovered in the Latium, Campania, Abruzzo and Molise regions, while the presence of O. curtisii was observed in Molise and southern Latium, after a 70-year absence of records. Lindenia tetraphylla was observed at two new sites in southern Apulia. The presence of populations morphologically attributable to C. trinacriae was confirmed in southern Latium, reaching at least the Liri river (FR). Some bibliographic sites of C. castellani, C. trinacriae and L. tetraphylla were also confi rmed. All the sites were listed and mapped, accompanied by brief data on habitat types and on their inclusion within Natura 2000 network sites. Information on persistent threats to these sites is provided, along with conservation notes.

Cybaeodes gardinii, a new species of the genus Cybaeodes Simon, 1878 from Sardinia, Italy (Araneae: Liocranidae)

Alessio Trotta — 2024-12-10

Four species of the genus Cybaeodes Simon, 1878 are currently known from Italy: C. marinae Di Franco, 1989, widespread in peninsular and insular Italy; C. avolensis Platnick & Di Franco, 1992 from E Sicily; C. molara (Roewer, 1960) from NW Sicily; and C. sardus Platnick & Di Franco, 1992 from central Sardinia. A fifth species is described here, Cybaeodes gardinii sp. nov. from SW Sardinia (South Sardinia province, Iglesias, Marganai).

Effect of habitat type on the structure of ant forage areas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Stanislav Stukalyuk — 2024-12-10

The purpose of this paper is to study the structure of ant forage areas in urban habitats, semi-urban habitats and natural habitats. The study was conducted in the Ukrainian regions of Crimea (2012 to 2013) and Kyiv and its suburbs (2015 to 2018, 2021 to 2023). We examined 1321 forage trees and 849 colonies of 9 ant species in Kyiv and suburbs; and 413 trees and 141 colonies of 2 ant species in Crimea. The methods we used included transect examination of the trees with ants along a 10 m wide strip, measuring tree sizes (trunk girth) and recording ant species and numbers. Most ant species show a negative relationship between distance from the tree and the number of workers, indicating that the farther from the tree, the less is the number of ants. In natural habitats, higher numbers of ants and greater distances to forage trees are observed compared with urban or semi-urban habitats. Quercus robur, Pinus sylvestris and Acer platanoides were the most visited trees with a total visit frequency of 0.86 of the total number of records. In urban habitats, Lasius niger and Lasius emarginatus controlled an average of one tree each, and Crematogaster subdentata controlled an average of 5.8 trees. In urban habitats (Kyiv and suburbs), more common were colonies of two ant species (L. niger, Formica cinerea). There was no significant correlation between the distance from the nest to the forage tree and the tree size. Ants show different dispersal strategies in different habitat types. In urban habitats, ants settle closer to forage trees and control fewer trees due to limited food resources.

First record of Barynotus makolskii Smreczyński, 1955 and Coelositona cambricus (Stephens, 1831) in Ukraine, with faunistic and nomenclature notes on other weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Denys Khrapov — 2024-12-10

Barynotus makolskii Smreczyński, 1955 and Coelositona cambricus (Stephens, 1831) are newly recorded species for Ukraine. Specimens, including male and female genitalia of Barynotus makolskii have been photographed. The key to Barynotus species of Ukraine is provided. Primula elatior (L.) Hill is identified as a host plant of Barynotus makolskii. The distribution data for eight poorly-known weevil species in Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil and Zakarpatska Provinces of Ukraine are given: Barynotus makolskii Smreczyński, 1955, B. moerens (Fabricius, 1792), B. obscurus (Fabricius, 1775), Otiorhynchus (Magnanotius) norici Alonso-Zarazaga, 2013, Argoptochus quadrisignatus (Bach, 1856), Coelositona cambricus (Stephens, 1831), Phloeophagus thomsoni (Grill, 1898), and Rhabdorrhynchus echii (Brahm, 1790). Nomenclature issues in Otiorhynchus norici are also discussed.