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Davide Apolloni

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 783-789

    Enzo Moretto, Luis Alessandro Guariento & Davide Apolloni
    First Report of Saga pedo (Pallas, 1771) in the Euganean Hills Regional Park (Veneto, Italy) and some note on its biology (Ensifera Tettigoniidae Saginae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.783.789

    ABSTRACT
    The presence of Saga pedo (Pallas, 1771) (Ensifera Tettigoniidae Saginae), in the Euganean Hills area (Veneto, north-eastern Italy) is reported here for the first time. Observations were conducted between 2023 and 2025 in dry grasslands located in several municipalities of the area. The environment, characterized by xerothermophilous vegetation, hosts a diverse community of orthopteroid insects, potential prey of the species. Additional notes are provided on developmental stages, observation times, and some behavioral aspects. The occurrence of S. pedo in the Euganean Hills represents the first confirmed record for this area and expands the known distribution range of the species in Veneto region. This finding confirms the high biogeographical and conservation value of the Euganean Hills system. Consequently, it is recommended that Euganean dry grasslands be reconsidered among the habitats deserving priority protection due to the presence of S. pedo, and that entomological surveys be continued to assess the stability of the local population.