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Simple Summary: There is increasing interest in the study of how the ongoing climate change is affecting insect populations. However, most research has been focused on a limited number of groups that are particularly charismatic or expected to respond more clearly to climate change. Moreover, most research has been developed in a few areas (especially northern and central European countries), while others (such as the Mediterranean basin) have been largely overlooked. Therefore, more empirical research is needed, particularly on less charismatic species, groups that are expected to react less dramatically to climatic change, and key areas that are still poorly investigated. This study investigates changes in distributional and activity patterns in a common, ecologically tolerant, forest tenebrionid beetle in a region (central Italy) within the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot, an area strongly subjected to the ongoing climate change, but for which research is still limited. By analyzing changes in elevation, latitude, longitude, and seasonal activity between 1900–1980 and 1981–2022, the results provided insights into the potential effects of climate change on this species. The beetle's average values of elevation and latitude were found to have been increased in the second period. In response to rising temperatures, the species became more frequent at higher elevation and in northern places. No strong evidence was found for an earlier species seasonal activity, but this could be due to the inclusion in the analysis of likely overwintering individuals. The findings suggest that even thermally tolerant species can undergo distributional shifts in elevation and latitude, even at a relatively small scale. There is an increasing volume of literature on the impact of climate change on insects. However, there is an urgent need for more empirical research on underrepresented groups in key areas, including species for which the effects of climatic change may seem less evident. The present paper illustrates the results of a study on a common forest tenebrionid beetle, Accanthopus velikensis (Piller and Mitterpacher, 1783), at a regional scale within the Mediterranean basin. Using a large set of records from Latium (central Italy), changes in the median values of elevation, latitude, longitude, and phenology between two periods (1900–1980 vs. 1981–2022) were tested. Records of A. velikensis in the period 1981–2022 showed median values of elevation and latitude higher than those recorded in the first period. Thus, in response to rising temperatures, the species became more frequent at higher elevation and in northern places. By contrast, A. velikensis does not seem to have changed its activity pattern in response to increased temperatures, but this might be an artifact due to the inclusion of likely overwintering individuals. The results obtained for A. velikensis indicate that even thermally euryoecious species can show changes in their elevational and latitudinal distribution, and that poleward shifts can be apparent even within a small latitudinal gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetation tends to vary in a systematic fashion along elevational gradients, leading to the possibility of recognizing distinct vegetational belts, which are frequently used to describe and interpret elevational variations in biodiversity. However, anthropogenic changes can create landscapes dominated by secondary grasslands in areas formerly occupied by forests, thus altering the natural sequence of vegetation types. The present research illustrates how the distribution of tenebrionid beetles in central Italy is influenced by secondary vegetation. Classical schemes of vegetational belts were modified into a scheme of main vegetation types that include secondary vegetations. Tenebrionid species presence/absence in each vegetation type was then assessed. Species richness tended to decrease with elevation in both natural and secondary vegetations. Geophilous (ground-dwelling) species (which include many endemics) prevailed in natural and secondary grasslands, while xylophilous species (associated with trees) prevailed in the natural forests. Similarities in tenebrionid composition indicated the presence of two main groups: one associated with forests and the other with natural and secondary grasslands. Geophilous species prevailed among tenebrionids with Mediterranean distributions, whereas xylophilous species prevailed among species distributed mainly in Europe and the Palearctic. High values of richness, biogeographical complexity and proportion of endemics make secondary vegetations of high conservation concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canthariphilous species are those arthropods attracted to cantharidin (CTD), a defensive compound produced by two beetle families (Meloidae and Oedemeridae). Although several species are known to be attracted to CTD, canthariphily was recently discovered in new species, suggesting that the list of canthariphilous species is still far from being complete. A systematic sampling focused to detect canthariphilous species has never been performed in Italy. The present research provides a list of seven canthariphilous species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae, Anthomyiidae; Coleoptera: Anthicidae) from the Tolfa Mountains (Latium, Central Italy) resulting from a one-year sampling with CTD-baited and control traps. New species (Atrichopogon atriscapulus and A. tolfensis) were found to be attracted to CTD, and other species, already known as canthariphilous, were recorded for the first time in the Italian fauna (A. atriscapulus and A. meloesugans). A new scenario about the ecological significance of CTD in the sexual selection of canthariphilous species was speculated in A. meloesugans. Finally, a list of CTD-producing species occurring in the sample area was provided to suggest putative natural CTD sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the annual activity patterns and variation in sex ratios across different months of the year for three Lucanidae species (Lucanus cervus, Lucanus tetraodon and Dorcus parallelipipedus) in three distinct regions of central Italy. The results reveal significant differences in the month-by-month activity patterns among the species, indicating that each species has its own unique activity pattern. Specifically, L. cervus shows activity from May to September, with the highest peak between 10 and 30 June. This species remains significantly active until the end of July. Lucanus tetraodon, on the other hand, exhibits activity from June to August, with a notable peak during the last 10 days of July. Dorcus parallelipipedus displays an extended activity phase, with peaks in the first 20 days of June and the middle of July. Interestingly, various individuals of this species were also observed in November, December and February. The prolonged activity pattern of D. parallelipipedus is primarily due to overwintering adults and overlapping generations. Both Lucanus species demonstrate clear protandry, where males dominate in the initial phase, followed by a more balanced sex ratio and even female dominance in the subsequent phase. In D. parallelipipedus, the trend in sex ratio is less apparent, likely because of overlapping generations and the survival of adults for 2–3 years. The different activity patterns observed between Lucanus species can be attributed to (1) their distinct geographical distributions, with one species better adapted to temperate climates and initiating activity earlier than the strictly Mediterranean species, and (2) a possible division of temporal niches to minimise reproductive interference, reducing the chances of interspecies encounters and cross-mating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the present work, we considered areas located in a park of 4000 ha in northern Italy in a suburban area, with an altitude between 190 and 960 m asl. Our aim was to update the list of insect species and to evaluate the influence of habitat and the locality on the beetle fauna present in the park. We therefore monitored the insects using different collection techniques. A total of 409 different species were collected. Species in Coleoptera were the most abundant, followed by Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera, with other orders in smaller numbers. The analysis showed that the habitat influenced the communities more than the locality. Unfortunately, as there is no detailed historical information on the presence of the species in the area, we cannot hypothesize an effect of the area on the communities. This research, therefore, allowed us to list numerous species for the area, among which some are important, as they were never detected in this area, and constitutes a new starting point for future research on the biodiversity in the prealpine areas. Human activities and habitat fragmentation are known to greatly influence biodiversity. The aim of this study was to update an entomological checklist of a prealpine area in Italy, and also to evaluate the influence of different habitats and the proximity to cities on the entomological fauna. This study included different areas of a local park in Northern Italy, covering about 4000 ha, and situated at altitudes between 190 and 960 m asl. The surveys were carried out between 2010 and 2013 using different monitoring techniques (pitfall traps, car mounted nets, light traps, direct catches on soil and vegetation, visual sampling, gall collection). Furthermore, to assess the effect of habitat and locality on the composition of epigeic beetles, pitfall traps were set and inspected from April to September. All captured specimens were classified to species level. A total of 409 species were recorded, belonging to 7 orders and 78 families. A total of 76.1% were represented by Coleoptera, 13% Lepidoptera, 9.4% Hymenoptera, followed by other orders. In particular, some species with peculiar characteristics, or whose presence in the area had not been previously reported, were detected, such as Atheta pseudoelongatula, Ocypus rhaeticus, Tasgius tricinctus, Euplagia quadripunctaria, Scotopteryx angularia, Elachista constitella, Parornix bifurca, Oegoconia huemeri, and Lasius (Lasius) alienus. It seems possible that the habitat affected the community more than the locality. The woods showed a reduced biodiversity, and a simplified community structure. The comparison of the same habitats in different localities did not show significant differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During surveys in citrus groves infested by Aleurocanthus spiniferus (Hemiptera, Aleyrodidae) in Sicily (Italy), an exotic ladybug was detected. The species was identified through morphological and molecular techniques as Serangium montazerii Fürsch (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), which is known to be a natural enemy of whiteflies. Taxonomic and historical notes on the spread of the species are given. The predator is reported feeding on A. spiniferus for the first time and may play an important role in the biological control of the whitefly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the managed beech forests of Central Italy (Molise), the diversity of saproxylic species is potentially under threat by intensive management. To evaluate the impact of forestry on the biodiversity of these ecosystems, we analyzed the relationship between abundance of saproxylic beetles and (i) forest stand exposure and elevation, (ii) deadwood availability (coarse woody debris – CWD – and stumps), (iii) abundance of microhabitats. Four sampling sectors with different altitudes and exposure were identified in a 400-ha study area in the Appenine mountains. Fifteen circular plots (13 m radius) were established in each sector where deadwood and microhabitats were surveyed and saproxylic beetles sampled. We fitted joint species distribution models to quantify the relationship between forest attributes and saproxylic species’ abundance, including the interactions with their family and trophic category. Overall, 2334 specimens belonging to 64 species of saproxylic beetles were collected. Both abundance and species richness were higher in the sectors with high elevation (respectively, 55% and 44%) and South exposure (respectively, 28% and 44%). Average deadwood volumes were low (stumps: 7.6 m³ ha-1; CWD: 0.3 m³ ha-1; snags: 0.4 m³ ha-1), and insect galleries were the most abundant microhabitat (380 records over a total of 434). The most important variables affecting abundance were stump characteristics (model deviance = 81.2), elevation (deviance = 64.7), and CWD characteristics (deviance = 58.0). Our results show that topographical variables and forest structure jointly affect the abundance patterns of saproxylic beetle communities in managed beech forests. These ecological interactions imply that management has different impacts on the saproxylic communities in different topographic conditions. To acknowledge this complexity we advocate for a landscape-level forest management supporting the local beetle diversity maintaining a mosaic of semi-natural forest characteristics in different topographic contexts. The ecological value of the forest landscape will be further enhanced by the application of closer-to-nature management interventions based on deadwood retention, microhabitat creation and tree retention, in line with the guidelines of the new EU Forest Strategy for 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) is an invasive species that attacks at least 209 species (or cultivars) of healthy trees. Several sex pheromones and host kairomones have been used as bites to monitor A. glabripennis in the field, but two beetles were captured by the dozens of traps at Cornuda, Italy, while no beetles were captured at Paddock wood, UK. Semiochemical-based traps have still not reached operational efficacy in the field. Therefore, an effective tool is needed for monitoring this beetle. Light traps were widely used in the monitoring and management of pest populations. However, the phototactic behavior of adults remains enigmatic. To provide a theoretical foundation to select the suitable light emitting diode (LED)-based light sources used for monitoring A. glabripennis, we first investigated the influence of exposure time and diel rhythm on the phototactic behavior of females and males to provide test conditions, and then tested effect of 14 different wavelength lights and intensity of the most preferred wavelength. Our findings show that 420 nm and 435 nm are the most suitable wavelengths for attracting adult A. glabripennis at night. This study can provide a theoretical basis for developing monitoring technologies for A. glabripennis based on LED light traps. Light traps play a crucial role in monitoring pest populations. However, the phototactic behavior of adult Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) remains enigmatic. To provide a theoretical foundation to select the suitable light emitting diode (LED)-based light sources used for monitoring ALB, we compared the effect of exposure time on the phototactic response rates of adults at wavelengths of 365 nm, 420 nm, 435 nm, and 515 nm, and found that the phototactic rate increased gradually when the exposure time was prolonged, but there was no significant difference between different exposure times. We evaluated the effect of diel rhythm and found the highest phototactic rate at night (0:00–2:00) under 420 nm and 435 nm illumination (74–82%). Finally, we determined the phototactic behavioral response of adults to 14 different wavelengths and found both females and males showed a preference for violet wavelengths (420 nm and 435 nm). Furthermore, the effect of the light intensity experiments showed that there were no significant differences in the trapping rate between different light intensities at 120 min exposure time. Our findings demonstrate that ALB is a positively phototactic insect, showing that 420 nm and 435 nm are the most suitable wavelengths for attracting adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ficus carica L. (Moraceae) is a particularly ancient cultivated fruit plant, characteristic of the Mediterranean diet and landscape. The fig weevil Aclees taiwanensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a new phytophagous that has been threatening Mediterranean figs in recent years. A. taiwanensis is a Coleoptera native to Asia, firstly reported in France in 1997 as A. cribratus, and in Italy in 2005 as A. sp. cf. foveatus. The major damage is caused by the larvae which dig tunnels in the stems and roots of the fig tree, compromising the phloem flow of the plant. Unfortunately, no method for the control of the fig weevil has proven effective. In fact, information on the insect's biology and behavior is limited to that obtained from adult specimens collected in the field, and little information is available on larval stages. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to fill in the gaps on the biology of A. taiwanensis by developing a breeding protocol that is easy and inexpensive. The fig weevil Aclees taiwanensis Kȏno, 1933 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an invasive fig tree pest recently introduced in southern Europe. Reported for the first time in France in 1997 as A. cribratus, and then in Italy in 2005 as A. sp. cf. foveatus, A. taiwanensis is currently threatening fig nurseries, orchards, and wild plants. To date, no control methods have proven to be effective against A. taiwanensis. Although some attempts have been made to describe the insect's biology and behavior, such information is limited to that obtained from adult samples collected in the field. In particular, because of their xylophagous behavior, scarce information is available on the larval stages of the species. The aim of this study, therefore, was to fill these information gaps on the insect biology and behavior by setting up a laboratory protocol suitable for the rearing of A. taiwanensis. Using the developed rearing protocol, we assessed the main fitness parameters of the species including oviposition rate, egg hatchability, embryonic, larval and pupal duration and development, immature survival, pupation behavior, pupal weight, emergence, sex ratio and adult morphological parameters. The proposed rearing procedure allowed us to obtain new information on the main features of the insect's biology that may be useful for setting up strategies for its control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mordellistena A. Costa, 1854, the most species-rich genus of tumbling flower beetles comprises more than 800 species worldwide and more than 150 reported from Europe. Here, a new species Mordellistena (s. str.) platypoda is described from the island of Ischia in Italy. The species hypothesis is based primarily on morphological characters which are visualised using scanning electron microscopy images, high-resolution photographs, and drawings. The species hypothesis is supported by analysis of a 658 bp fragment of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). Divergences in the COI gene are evaluated using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses. The species delimitation is assessed using Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP) and Poisson Tree Processes (PTP) methods. Genetic distances are visualised using multidimensional scaling. Mordellistena platypoda Selnekovič, Goffová & Kodada, sp. nov. is recovered as a well-separated species by both molecular and morphological analyses. Our results show that M. platypoda Selnekovič, Goffová & Kodada, sp. nov. is most closely related to M. tarsata Mulsant, 1856, although the two species differ significantly in vestiture colouration, presence of lateral ctenidia on the third metatarsomere, and presence of sexual dimorphism on the protibia. The results indicate that such morphological differences, which were traditionally used to distinguish between species groups, may in fact be present between closely related species. Interestingly, examination of the numerous museum material did not reveal additional specimens of the new species, and therefore M. platypoda Selnekovič, Goffová & Kodada, sp. nov. is currently known only from the Italian island of Ischia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cork oak landscapes are fascinating ecosystems, historically managed for cork extraction. The persistence in this habitat of many hollow veteran trees provides suitable micro‐habitats for saproxylic beetles.We investigated the saproxylic beetle community of two isolated cork oak woodlands of central Italy with different degree of recovery after human transformation: (1) an open woodland and (2) a dense mixed woodland, both dominated by cork oak trees.We found endemic, rare and threatened saproxylic beetles in both the areas, confirming the important conservation value of cork oak landscapes. In the open woodland we observed a higher number of species in all trophic categories, except for mycophagous specialists. Several microhabitat variables reflected the different stage of recovery of the two woodlands.Our findings suggest the crucial role of diversified environments in protected areas: even a small difference in the degree of recovery (i.e., tree closeness) can affect the number of beetle species. Specifically, we found (1) more xerophilous species in the open woodland and (2) more mesophilous species in the dense mixed woodland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the first record in 2018 in southern Italy and in Sicily, the Neotropical ladybird Delphastus catalinae (Horn, 1895) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae, Sticholotidinae) has been rediscovered and monitored in Sicily. The population of this non-indegenous species was observed in an experimental citrus orchard with organic management in eastern Sicily. D. catalinae is the only Italian and Sicilian allochthonous ladybird species with Neotropical origin. It was abundant in the study area and active all year, especially in autumn-winter. Overall, a total of 971 specimens of D. catalinae were collected during the three years field surveys on twenty sampled trees. Over the years the population of D. catalinae increased, as increased the percentage of D. catalinae specimens on the total number of ladybirds collected. More studies will be needed for monitoring the spread of D. catalinae in Sicily and the effective interaction with other indigenous ladybird predators of Aleyrodidae like Clitostethus arcuatus (Rossi, 1794). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Volunteers' participation in scientific research has increased in recent decades. Citizen science (CS) data have been used in quantitative ecology to analyse species ranges by means of species distribution models. We investigated the Italian distribution of five large saproxylic beetles (big five), to describe their niche space, paramount areas for their conservation, and conservation gaps. Methods. CS data from two projects, climate and environmental variables were used to produce Habitat suitability (HS) maps for each species and averaged HS maps. The big five's conservation status was assessed interpolating HS maps with the distribution of protected areas, concomitantly identifying conservation gaps. Results. The pre-alpine and Apennines arcs, north-eastern Sicily and eastern Sardinia, were identified as conservation's hotspots. Ranking HS levels from minimum to optimal, the extent of conservation gaps decreases as environmental suitability for the big five increases. Conclusions. For the first time in Italy, CS data have been used to investigate niche space of the largest protected saproxylic beetles and analyse the distribution of their suitable habitat. The resulting HS raster maps and vector layers, reporting HS value in all Italian protected areas (n° 3771), were provided and discussed, reporting an application example for conservation purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to investigate the among-populations diversity of prey composition in Eurasian Reed Warblers' diets via their droppings, both to assess the ecological validity of this sampling method and to test whether the prey species most abundant in fecal samples were also the most present in the Italian study site. We collected fecal samples at four sites throughout Italy, for a total of 144 samples. Within reedbeds, the breeding habitat of the Eurasian Reed Warbler, we also collected arthropods by carrying out entomological sweepings at one of the study sites. Within the fecal samples, we identified dozens of prey species, belonging mainly to Araneae, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera and Aphidoidea taxa, whose compositions were not statistically different among sites. The commonest prey species were Coleoptera in the droppings (68.5%) and Diptera in the reedbeds (31.3%), although the latter was less numerous in the fecal samples. The diets of different Italian populations of Eurasian Reed Warbler emerging from our study underline a strong Coleopteran presence, without differences across Italy. Fecal samples appear to be an exhaustive method to study variation in Eurasian Reed Warbler diet and its ecological importance; however, although potential caveats do exist, such as the possible under-representation of Diptera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An illustrated key to the species of the genus Harpalus recorded from Italy (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Harpalinae). A key for identification of the Harpalus species known so far to occur in Italy is provided. The habitus and aedeagus of all the concerned species are also illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on specimens collected in traps in North‐Eastern Italy, Cnestus mutilatus (Blandford, 1894), an ambrosia beetle native to Asia, is reported for the first time in Italy and in the European part of the EPPO region. A second species, Anisandrus maiche Kurentsov, 1941, is recorded for the first time in Italy and the third time in the European part of the EPPO region 14 and 12 years after the first detection in Ukraine and in European Russia, respectively. Both species are EU quarantine pests associated with the pathway of plants for planting and with wood material. Furthermore, they are polyphagous, able to reproduce on several genera of deciduous plants typical of temperate regions, and able to attack small diameter material and to colonize stressed and/or weakened plants. Surveillance based on traps and rearing from symptomatic material may help to assess the size and distribution of the beetle populations, the spread capability and to identify the most susceptible hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest ecosystems are an important part of the European territory. In 1994 the Regional Administration of Tuscany (Italy) promoted a monitoring program called MON.I.TO (Intensive Monitoring of forest in Toscana) in order to obtain data on the functioning of the forest ecosystem and on its response to possible sources of disturbance in this part of Italy. Although this monitoring program was mostly dedicated to botanical aspects, zoological research has found its proper place within it, and analyzing carabid coenoses provided useful information on the structural and functional characteristics of the forest. This study was performed in six different Tuscan forest ecosystems (Central Italy): 2 beech woodlands, 2 turkey oak woodlands and 2 holm oak woodlands with the aim of broadening the general knowledge of italian carabid communities and understanding the ecological, adaptive and biogeographical factors influencing their composition in different forest ecosystems. The analysis of the species richness and abundance data was carried out using non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis and PERMANOVA tests) and descriptive statistic methods (n-MDS, SIMPER) applied to 22 different collected species (some of them endemic to the Italian territory) revealing that beech woodlands differed significantly from other forest types. Beech woodlands hosted carabid communities that are extremely sensitive to environmental simplification, showing a prevalence of brachypterous and predator species. In the other forest types, instead, carabid communities were composed of generalist species with high dispersal ability that were prevalent due to the effects of anthropic activities that occurred over time in these territories. Our results highlight the importance of considering community-wide functional implications in landscape ecology studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During recent surveys of tropical fruit plants in Southern Italy, severe infestations were observed on young vegetation of Feijoa, Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret inflicted by the leaf beetle Macrolenes dentipes (Olivier, 1808) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Cryptocephalinae) which occurs in the Mediterranean area. Feijoa is a species that belongs to the Myrtaceae family and bears an edible interesting fruit. From 2016 we observed adults of M. dentipes feeding on Acca sellowiana leaves in orchards located in the Calabria and Sicily regions. We identified the phenological stages of Feijoa leaves in 12 trees according to the Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scale. M. dentipes feeds on young leaves (BBCH scale: principal stage 1, substages 10-17). Its adult life cycle on feijoa trees lasts from early June until the end of flowering in late June (BBCH scale: principal growth 7, substage 65) and when the fruits begin to develop (BBCH scale: principal stage 7, substage 70). Details on the current distribution, host plants, biological traits, and natural enemies are given for M. dentipes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saproxylic weevils and edaphic beetles of some relict forests of north-western Italy were analysed to determine the role of the age of the forests, their isolation and the degree of naturalness of the patches within each forest on the composition of litter-associated communities. Ten species of saproxylic weevils were found. The communities showed variation among the various forests, and were mainly dependent on the age of the forest and their connectivity; the degree of naturalness did not influence species richness or abundance, but apparently had an effect on some more specialized taxa that were only present in the patches with highest degree of naturalness. No saproxylic weevils were found in a relatively recently established forest, demonstrating their difficulty in colonizing newly formed habitats isolated from other forests. The edaphic beetles (usually predators belonging to Carabidae and Staphylinidae) proved to be more abundant, were also present in the recently established forest and occurred in quite large numbers in some deteriorated patches too. Saproxylic weevils and edaphic predatory beetles thus provide different information on the environmental quality of the forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pest infestation in any stage can lead to a quality reduction in the finished products. This study aimed to detect Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., and Staphylococcus aureus in Alphitobius diaperinus adults, and in samples from broiler swabs, administered water and feed collected in a single house from a broiler production facility in central Italy. Three samplings were carried out, each collecting ninety adult beetles for microbial detection in the external, faecal and internal content; ten cloacal swab samples; and one sample of both administered feed and water. Microbiological cultures and biochemical identification were performed on suspected cultures and confirmed by species‐specific PCRs. A. diaperinus was abundantly found near the windows, under the manger and in the corners of the facility. Salmonella enterica serovar Cholerasuis was found at the external surface of the beetles, while Staphylococcus xylosus and E. coli were in the faecal content. The latter micro‐organism together with Staphylococcus lentus, S. xylosus and other staphylococcal species were detected in the internal microbiota. E. coli and Campylobacter spp. were observed in cloacal swabs, and S. xylosus in one feed sample. The study findings support evidence for Salmonella spp. and E. coli, and remark that adherence to sanitation rules and biosecurity procedures are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anoxia (Protanoxia) orientalis is a beetle of the family Melolonthidae for which Italy represents the western limit of its distribution. The ecology of this species is little known from the quantitative point of view. The ecological correlates of A. orientalis presence in the whole European range and, more specifically, at its western border in Sicily, are analyzed in this paper to develop a potential distribution map for Sicily and to define the habitat selection of this species. There was a clear non-random habitat selection by A. orientalis at both the European and the Sicilian scales and a clear difference in the factors affecting the presence of this species in the larger spatial scale compared to Sicily. At the European scale, the bioclimatic factors were more important than landscape factors, whereas the same was not true at the Sicilian scale. In Sicily, the populations were statistically influenced by a combination of predictors that make their potential optimal distribution very narrow and mostly limited to a few coastal areas, suggesting a region-specific ecological diversification. Since A. orientalis is in strong decline in Italy due to the degradation of coastal environments, it is necessary to minimize the degradation of the dune and back dune environments in Sicily to achieve better management for the populations of this beetle species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deadwood is one of the main indicators of forest biodiversity. Stag beetle (Coleoptera: Lucanidae) larvae are saproxylic organisms specialized in living in deadwood colonized by microorganisms; these beetles are bioindicators of forest integrity and are currently under threat by habitat loss, climate change and intensive forest management. A multi-year collection of data on the habitat and microhabitat deadwood-related requirements of Platycerus caraboides (Linnaeus, 1758) and Platycerus caprea (De Geer, 1774) in northern Italian forests has shed new light on the bio-ecology of these two reclusive species. They are predominantly found at medium to high elevations on north-facing slopes. Their presence – but not their abundance – is related the plant taxon, diameter and decay stage of the deadwood, predominantly belonging to the family Fagaceae but – a new finding – also to the family Salicaceae (Salix caprea L.). Both species prefer narrow, faded, soft, very powdery, humid logs. Based on these findings, forestry management strategies should not overlook the importance of fine deadwood in managing saproxylic biodiversity in European forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Walnut Twig Beetle (WTB), Pityophthorus juglandis Blackman, is a small bark beetle native to Mexico and Southwestern USA recorded for the first time in Europe (NE Italy) in 2013. WTB attacks walnut (Juglans spp.) and wingnut trees (Pterocarya spp.) and is the vector of Geosmithia morbida Kolarík et al., a pathogen causing the thousand cankers disease (TCD). WTB and TCD represent a serious threat for walnut orchards in Europe. Spatiotemporal data of the WTB-TCD infestations recorded from an 8-year-long (2013–2020) monitoring conducted in 106 walnut orchards of NE Italy were used to develop a model in order to analyze: (i) the effective dispersal capacity of WTB, (ii) the factors affecting dispersal and (iii) the colonization risk of healthy walnut orchards. We registered a mean annual dispersal of 9.4 km, with peaks of about 40 km. Pest dispersal is affected by distance of suitable hosts from the nearest infested site, number of walnut orchards in the surroundings (both infested and healthy), orchard size and walnut species in the orchard. Using the model, it was also possible to calculate the colonization risk of a specific walnut orchard according to its characteristics showing, for instance, that a medium-size (5,000 trees) black walnut orchard located at 25 km from the nearest infested orchard has an infestation risk of about 50% of probability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subgenus Dolichomorphus is transferred from Psilothrix to Dolichosoma. These two genera have been defined based on aedeagical characters rather than on external ones. Dolichosoma (Dolichomorphus) femorale, the only one species belonging to Dolichomorphus (previously a Psilothrix), is now included in genus Dolichosoma. D. (D.) femorale has been re-described, its Euro-Asiatic distribution has been detailed with several new localities reported, emphasis being given to its presence in Italy. A determination key is proposed for the three Dolichosoma species present in Mediterranean Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ozognathus cornutus (LeConte, 1859) (Coleoptera: Ptinidae: Ernobiinae), species native to North America, is a saproxylophagous species and is known to feed on decaying tissues within conspicuous galls and on vegetal decaying organic material such as dried fruits or small wood shavings and insect excrements in galleries made by other woodboring species. A few years after the first record in 2011, its naturalization in Italy is here reported. The insect was found as successor in galls of Psectrosema tamaricis (Diptera Cecidomyiidae), Plagiotrochus gallaeramulorum, Andricus multiplicatus and Synophrus politus (Hymenoptera Cynipidae). The galls seem to have played an important ecological role in speeding up the naturalization process. The lowest proportion of galls used by O. cornutus was recorded for P. tamaricis (23%), the only host belonging to Cecidomyiidae, while the percentages recorded for the other host species, all Cynipidae forming galls on oaks, were higher: 43.6%, 61.1% and 76.9% in A multiplicatus, S. politus and P. gallaeramulorum, respectively. Although O. cornutus is able to exploit other substrates like dried fruits and vegetables, for which it could represent a potential pest, it prefers to live as a successor in woody and conspicuous galls, which thus can represent a sort of natural barrier limiting the possible damages to other substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The colonization of a human body by Necrodes littoralis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silphidae) is reported for the first time in Italy. This species is both necrophagous and predator of necrophagous fauna. The body colonized by the coleopteran was found indoors, in an advanced decomposition stage, in a suburban area of Cosenza (Calabria, Southern Italy) in November. Insects (adults, puparia and larvae) were collected on and around the body. Puparia and larvae were raised in the laboratory until the adult stage for morphological identification, which was carried out through taxonomical keys. Besides N. littoralis, also the presence of Calliphora vicina Robineau‐Desvoidy, Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Hydrotaea dentipes (Fabricius) (Diptera: Muscidae), and Creophilus maxillosus (L.) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) was detected. Necrodes littoralis is a species of forensic interest because it may colonize human and vertebrate corpses and has been reported elsewhere in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adult sex-ratio of a widespread dynastine beetle characterized by remarkable sexual shape dimorphism, Phyllognathus excavatus (Forster, 1771), is reported herein for the first time with regards to the Italian populations. These beetles were studied in a coastal locality of Mediterranean central Italy (Latium), and showed a significantly female-biased sex ratio (4.2 females for each male), with a daily sex-ratio fluctuating from equality to 7:1 towards females. Comparisons are presented with sex-ratios of other dynastine beetles studied elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reesa vespulae (Milliron, 1939) is a parthenogenetic synanthropic subcosmopolitan dermestid pest native to the Nearctic region. The chronology (1942--2020) of its spread outside its native range, its general distribution and ecology are summarized and discussed. Its spread is likely to be the result of multiple introductions into the different zoogeographic regions, and secondary translocations therein; the oldest records from outside its native range are: 1942 (Australian region), 1946 (Neotropical region), 1957--1958 (Palaearctic region) and 1986--2010 (Oriental region). Reesa vespulae is excluded from the Afrotropical fauna, since the sole available record was based on a misidentification, while it is recorded from central Italy for the first time, moreover its oldest Algerian and Austrian records are provided. The need for preventive measures against dermestid infestations in natural history collections is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longhorn beetles are commonly moved among continents within wood packaging materials used in trades. Visual inspections carried out at points of entry often fail to detect exotic longhorn beetles as infested materials may have little or no sign of colonization. Black-colored traps baited with pheromones and host volatiles are thus used to improve chances of detection. Here we tested whether existing surveillance protocols for longhorn beetles can be further improved using trap colors different than black. Baited traps of eight different colors (i.e., grey, yellow, green, red, blue, brown, purple and black) were deployed in a randomized complete block design at 16 sites in northern Italy in 2019. A total of 6,001 individuals from 56 longhorn beetle species were trapped. In general, yellow and blue traps caught a significantly higher number of longhorn beetle species than black traps. In addition, trap color significantly affected species richness and abundance at the subfamily and species level, with mixed response mostly linked to the habit of visiting flowers for food. Flower-visiting longhorn beetles mainly exhibited clear preference for flower-related colors, i.e., yellow, green and blue, whereas non-flower-visiting species were more attracted by dark and long-wavelength-dominated colors, like red and brown. Our results clearly indicate that generic surveillance programs should not rely exclusively on black traps and that the use of more trap colors can strongly improve the chance of detecting native and exotic longhorn beetles potentially moved with trades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longhorn beetles are among the most important groups of invasive forest insects worldwide. In parallel, they represent one of the most well‐studied insect groups in terms of chemical ecology. Longhorn beetle aggregation‐sex pheromones are commonly used as trap lures for specific and generic surveillance programs at points of entry and may play a key role in determining the success or failure of exotic species establishment. An exotic species might be more likely to establish in a novel habitat if it relies on a pheromone channel that is different to that of native species active at the same time of year and day, allowing for unhindered mate location (i.e., pheromone‐free space hypothesis). In this study, we first tested the attractiveness of single pheromone components (i.e., racemic 3‐hydroxyhexan‐2‐one, racemic 3‐hydroxyoctan‐2‐one, and syn‐2,3‐hexanediol), and their binary and tertiary combinations, to native and exotic longhorn beetle species in Canada and Italy. Second, we exploited trap catches to determine their seasonal flight activity. Third, we used pheromone‐baited "timer traps" to determine longhorn beetle daily flight activity. The response to single pheromones and their combinations was mostly species specific but the combination of more than one pheromone component allowed catch of multiple species simultaneously in Italy. The response of the exotic species to pheromone components, coupled with results on seasonal and daily flight activity, provided partial support for the pheromone‐free space hypothesis. This study aids in the understanding of longhorn beetle chemical ecology and confirms that pheromones can play a key role in longhorn beetle invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a recent survey of ladybirds in a citrus orchard in Sicily, a specimen of the genus Serangium (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) was found. This genus is recorded here for the first time from Italy. Species of this genus was used as an agent of biological control against aleyrodids, and stable populations were previously reported from Europe (France and Corsica) and in the Caucasian area. Literature of this genus recorded for Europe two species: Serangium montazerii Fürsch, 1995 and S. parcesetosum Sicard, 1929. The single specimen collected unable us to a specific attribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In summer 2016 a severe infestation of the alien ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus compactus was recorded from the Mediterranean maquis in the Circeo National Park in Central Italy. Trees and shrubs were infested and displayed wilting and necrosis of terminal branches caused by the combined impact of the insect and associated pathogenic fungi. A preliminary screening carried out on captured adults resulted in the isolation of a discrete number of fungal taxa with different life strategies, ranging from true mutualist (e.g. Ambrosiella xylebori) to plant pathogens (Fusarium spp.). In the present study, high-throughput sequencing was applied to determine the total diversity and functionality of the fungal community associated with X. compactus adults collected in the galleries of three Mediterranean woody hosts, Quercus ilex , Laurus nobilis, and Ceratonia siliqua. The effect of season and host in determining the composition of the associated fungal community was investigated. A total of 206 OTUs composed the fungal community associated with X. compactus. Eighteen OTUs were shared among the three hosts, including A. xylebori and members of the Fusarium solani complex. All but two were previously associated with beetles. Sixty-nine out of 206 OTUs were resolved to species level, identifying 60 different fungal species, 22 of which already reported in the literature as associated with beetles or other insects. Functional guild assigned most of the fungal species to saprotrophs and plant pathogens. Effects of seasonality and host on fungal community assemblage were highlighted suggesting the acquisition by the insect of new fungal taxa during the invasion process. The consequences of enriched fungal community on the risk of the insurgence of novel threatful insect–fungus association are discussed considering direct and indirect effects on the invaded habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lathrobium pivai sp. n., anophthalmous, apterous and depigmented species from Veneto (Altopiano di Asiago), is described and illustrated. Some new records are listed for Lathrobium freyi Koch, 1938 and Lathrobium pacei Piva, 1995. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several works have investigated the impact of urbanisation on carabid activity density using urban-rural gradients. Such works compared activity density recorded from green spaces located in different parts of a city and assigned to categories of increasing urban intensity, which poses two problems: (1) since the gradient is divided into categories, it is impossible to model continuous variations in biotic responses, and (2) sites representative of different urbanisation levels are not true segments of the same ecological continuum. To surpass these problems, we modelled variations in carabid activity density along an urbanrural transect within a single green space extending from the city centre of Rome to rural environments. Carabids were sampled by pitfall traps from sites distributed along the entire gradient. We used breakpoint regressions to model how (1) carabid activity density, (2) carabids/beetles ratio, (3) carabids/insects ratio and (3) carabids/arthropods ratio varied along the gradient. As already observed for various organisms in urban environments, we found that activity density of carabids and their contribution to the abundance of beetles, insects and arthropods, peaked in the middle of the gradient. This supports the intermediate disturbance hypothesis, according to which moderate urbanisation may favour diversity by increasing habitat heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Italian records of Alfieriella naxiana (Reitter, 1884) are listed; the species was already mentioned for Italy, but without precise data. With the occasion, a short revision of the three species of the genus living along the central-eastern Mediterranean coasts is presented, illustrating in particular the aedeagic characters that allow a sure identification of the taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Philonthus wuesthoffi Bernhauer, 1939 was recorded in Italy in 2017 and 2019 for the first time. the specimens were found in friuli, North-West of Udine, in an area cultivated with Medicago, by pitfall traps and in the Lessini Mountains north of Verona at the edge of a waterhole on a dead toad. Philonthus wuesthoffi seems to have invaded Europe from East Asia and has become a widespread species in Europe. Philonthus ohizumi Dvořák, 1958 is synonymized with P. wuesthoffi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Circeo National Park (Italy), a survey assessed the occurrence of the ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus germanus in addition to the conspecifics X. compactus and X. crassiusculus. This is the first report in Europe of the co‐presence of three Xylosandrus species, in an evergreen Mediterranean maquis dominated by holm oaks (Quercus ilex L.). Although no damage caused by X. germanus has been observed, the richness of plant species in the Circeo National Park may allow the establishment of this highly polyphagous ambrosia beetle, possibly endangering this native ecosystem. The dominance in the associated fungal community of Ambrosiella grosmanniae and Fusarium spp. reflects a stable symbiotic relationship of these taxa with X. germanus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article lists distributional data about 19 taxa, which are new records for the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, respectively - 16 jewel and 3 longhorn beetles. Data about 4 Italian endemics (2 buprestids and 2 cerambycids) are listed, and the category of risk according to the Italian IUCN Red Lists is also indicated for each species (when available); among the listed species, 1 is Endangered, 1 is Near threatened and 27 are Least concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harpalus (Cryptophonus) melancholicus Dejean, 1829 in Piedmont (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Harpalini) (North-Western Italy). Harpalus (Cryptophonus) melancholicus Dejean, 1829 is firstly recorded from Piedmont by Wood light trap sampling in the hilly area of Moncalvo (Monferrato, Asti). This record is very interesting as H. melancholicus is almost exclusively distributed, at least in Italy, along sandy coastal habitats. Moreover, the sampled specimen belongs to the nominotypical subspecies, whereas the whole Italian as well as North-Mediterranean populations should be attributed, as far as we know, to the subspecies reicheianus Kataev, 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Popillia japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is a highly polyphagous invasive beetle originating from Japan. This insect is highly resilient and able to rapidly adapt to new vegetation. Insect‐associated microorganisms can play important roles in insect physiology, helping their hosts to adapt to changing conditions and potentially contributing to an insect's invasive potential. Such symbiotic bacteria can be part of a core microbiota that is stably transmitted throughout the host's life cycle or selectively recruited from the environment at each developmental stage. The aim of this study was to investigate the origin, stability and turnover of the bacterial communities associated with an invasive population of P. japonica from Italy. Our results demonstrate that soil microbes represent an important source of gut bacteria for P. japonica larvae, but as the insect develops, its gut microbiota richness and diversity decreased substantially, paralleled by changes in community composition. Notably, only 16.75% of the soil bacteria present in larvae are maintained until the adult stage. We further identified the micro‐environments of different gut sections as an important factor shaping microbiota composition in this species, likely due to differences in pH, oxygen availability and redox potential. In addition, P. japonica also harboured a stable bacterial community across all developmental stages, consisting of taxa well known for the degradation of plant material, namely the families Ruminococcacae, Christensenellaceae and Lachnospiraceae. Interestingly, the family Christensenallaceae had so far been observed exclusively in humans. However, the Christensenellaceae operational taxonomic units found in P. japonica belong to different taxonomic clades within this family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Plants species can be considered a surrogate taxon for carabid beetles. • Cross-taxon congruence follows the gradient of vegetation in both stages. • Gradient of vegetation and the native vegetation structure influence carabid beetles. • Ailanthus altissima promotes anthropic and disturbed carabid beetles species. Ailanthus altissima is one of the most global widespread invasive alien species and its effect as habitat transformer requires detailed investigations. In particular, its invasion in natural ecosystems and its effect on local fauna should be evaluated and described. With this purpose, the identification of surrogate taxa would be an important tool in order to define the impact of this invader on different habitats. Here, we evaluated cross-taxon congruence to quantify the strength of plant species composition in predicting multivariate patterns in carabid beetle assemblages, based on data from 20 sites divided in invaded and non-invaded habitats located in the Karst area, North-east Italy. We considered the habitat type (representing vegetation stages from grassland to forest) in order to evaluate the impact of A. altissima on carabid beetles along the vegetation succession. We found 28 carabid beetles and 173 plant species. Our analyses showed that plant species composition had a valuable predictive accuracy, based on the interplay among environmental variables, soil parameters and vegetation structure. Native vegetation and habitat type were the most important factors influencing carabid beetles and plant species composition. Furthermore, 33% of the total explained variation of carabid beetles assemblages (variance partition based on RDA analysis) was due to the independent effect of environment. We proved that cross-taxon congruence between carabid beetles and plants along the successional gradient of vegetation (habitat type). In particular, we attested that both communities present more species differentiation among non-invaded vegetation; in addition, in plots were A. altissima was present , anthropic and disturbed plants and carabid beetles species were prevalent. As a conclusion, plants can be effectively used as a surrogate taxon in the evaluation of the effect of A. altissima invasion in the Karst area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The factors influencing the entry and the spread of the black twig borer, Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff), in the Mediterranean environment have not yet been characterized. Following its first report in Sicily (southern Italy) in 2016, and due to the high level of damage it causes on one of its host plants (Ceratonia siliqua L.), the flight activity of the pest was studied there. Monitoring was performed from spring 2017 to summer 2018 by exposing red cross‐shaped sticky traps combined with ethanol‐baited bottle traps. The three monitored sites were selected at different altitudes, representing the southern Mediterranean environment where the carob tree is widely present. The results showed that the pest populations are influenced by climatic factors. In particular, the first adults were caught when the maximum daily temperatures were stably higher than 20°C over several continuous days. Xylosandrus compactus occurred widely in the monitored territory and was continuously caught from spring to autumn. Furthermore, the traps used proved to be effective for intercepting the spring flight of the overwintering females. Moreover, the ability of the beetle to spread from a new infested area was also studied. It seems that the pest can spread more than 8 km from the last infested site of the previous flying season. It was not present above altitudes of 400 m in the conditions of the present study. This study represents the first step to better understand the behaviour of X. compactus in a newly colonized environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levels of endemism are usually expressed as percentage of endemics among all species recorded in a given area. Endemism levels also vary among taxa, yet inter‐taxon variation in endemism levels has received much less attention.We used the Italian tenebrionids to investigate how endemism levels vary among different but related lineages. We evaluated endemism variations among taxonomic levels both as a percentage of endemics to the number of species included in a given taxon (i.e. the tendency of a taxon to produce endemics) and as a percentage to the total number of species (i.e. the importance of that taxon to the overall endemic component). We also considered the residuals of regression lines of endemics against non‐endemics. We tested the influence of phylogenetic position, lifestyle, and body size on the percentage of endemics within genera.Use of percentages and residuals gave similar outcomes. Pimeliinae were the subfamily with the highest level of endemism. Erodiini, Pimeliini, Tentyriini, Asidini, Opatrini, and Pedinini were among the tribes with the highest endemism levels. Asida, Pimelia, Tentyria, and Opatrum were the genera with the highest levels of endemism.Phylogenetic position and body size affected significantly endemism levels, with genera including larger species being also those with higher endemism, whereas lifestyle was not significant. This suggests that endemism in the Italian tenebrionid beetles is phylogenetically constrained and that lines including larger species (which are possibly less subject to passive dispersal) tend to be richer in endemics, independently from their lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the species of the genus Clanoptilus Motschulsky, 1854 mentioned for the Italian territory are reviewed. Two separate keys are provided for identification of males and females. For each species a discussion of taxonomic status and distribution in Italy, and the list of localities of studied specimens are also presented. Clanoptilus affinis subconcolor (Pic, 1911) and Clanoptilus spinipennis brevispina (Kiesenwetter, 1871) are tentatively proposed as valid subspecies or separate semi-species. The new synonymy Clanoptilus bellieri (Peyron, 1877) = Clanoptilus transadriaticus (Evers, 1970) is also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alternation of glacial and interglacial cycles of the Quaternary period contributed in shaping the current species distribution. Cold-adapted organisms experienced range expansion and contraction in response to the temperature decrease and increase, respectively. In this study, a fragment of the mitochondrial marker COI was used to investigate the phylogeography of Cryptocephalus barii, a cold-adapted alpine leaf beetle species endemic of Orobie Alps, northern Italy. The relationships among populations, their divergence time, and the most probable migration model were estimated and are discussed in light of the Pleistocene climate oscillations. Through a species distribution modelling analysis, the current habitat suitability was assessed and the distribution in a future global warming scenario predicted. The main divergence events that led to the actual population structure took place from ~750,000 to ~150,000 years ago, almost following the pattern of the climate oscillations that led to the increase of the connections between the populations during cold periods and the isolation on massifs in warm periods. The most supported migration model suggests that the species survived to past adverse climatic conditions within refugia inside and at the limit of the actual range. The species distribution modelling analysis showed that C. barii is extremely sensitive to air temperature variations, thus the increase of temperature caused by global warming will reduce the suitable areas within the species range, leading to its possible extinction in the next 50 years. Cryptocephalus barii is a representative case of how cold adapted and limited distributed species have been and could be affected by climate change, that highlights the implementation of conservation actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Apennine Mountains in Italy are an important biogeographical region and of particular interest in phylogeographical research, because they have been a refugium during Pleistocene glaciation events for numerous European species. We performed a genetic study on the Eurasian bark beetle Pityogenes chalcographus (Linnaeus, 1760), focusing on two Apennine (Italian) and two Central European (Austrian) locations to assess the influence of the Apennines in the evolutionary history of the beetle, particularly during the Pleistocene. We analysed a part of the mitochondrial COI gene and a set of 5470 informative genome-wide markers to understand its biogeography. We found 75 distinct mitochondrial haplotypes, which are structured in three main clades. In general, the Apennine locations harbour a higher number of mitochondrial clades than Central European sites, with one specific clade exclusively detected in the Apennines. Analysis of our genome-wide, multi-locus dataset reveals a clustering of P. chalcographus by geography, with Italian individuals clearly separated from Austrian samples. Our data highlight the significance of the Apennines for the genetic diversity of P. chalcographus and support the hypothesis that this area was an important refugium during unfavourable conditions in the Pleistocene. We discuss additional life-history traits and processes that shaped the evolution of this widespread beetle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three exotic bostrichid beetle species – Sinoxylon anale, S. indicum and S. sudanicum – were simultaneously detected in Italy from wood packaging material declared compliant with the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15) and originating from India. These taxa were identified through morphological characters and sequences of COX1 gene were obtained. This case study was analysed and the findings support the need to implement adequate wood requirements according to IPPC/FAO standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diet of suburban foxes has been studied by analysing 200 scats collected monthly between July 2016 and July 2017, along fixed itineraries around two villages in central Italy. A significant seasonal variation in the diet was found. Fruits (berries) and coleopterans prevailed in the warm months and were replaced by feral domestic cats (mostly kittens) in the cold ones. The local overwhelming importance of the domestic cat in diet confirms the opportunistic feeding behaviour of red foxes, which may switch their diet towards easily accessible food categories, when preferred items are poorly available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rare South-European beetle Cisarthron laevicolle Reitter, 1885 is here reported for the first time from Italy and Greece. The currently known distribution, ecology and phenology of this species are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper is reported for the first time with certainty the presence in Italy of the genus Xanthochroina, exhibiting a Holarctic discontinuous distribution. The Mediterranean species X. auberti is recorded from western Liguria and information on the range of the species is updated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]