New record of Ellipsocoris kalashiani Carapezza 2009 in Europe, found in Apulia, Italy (Heteroptera: Scutelleridae)

Ellipsocoris kalashiani is recorded for the first time in Apulia (Southern Italy). The specie was described by Carapezza (2009) from Eastern Turkey and Western Armenia, but no records have ever been reported for Europe. Recently, few individuals of this species were found in Alta Murgia National Park (Apulia, Italy), a Special Protection Area (SPA) and Site of Community Importance (SCI), characterized by natural forests and dry grassland habitats, with Mediterranean-steppe vegetation. The specimens were collected in two different localities, about 40 km apart from each other, suggesting a long-standing presence in that area. This study provides the first report of the species for the Italian Heteroptera fauna and several hypotheses about its presence there. However, further investigations are needed in order to clarify some ecological aspects, such as its unknown host plant.