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Mark G. Volkovitsh

  • Biodiversity Journal, 17 (1): 17-23

    Anitha Saji, Mark G. Volkovitsh, Zamzam Salem Al Rashdi Ahmed Ali & Shaikha Al Dhaheri
    First record of Sphenoptera (Chrysoblemma) tamarisci tamarisci Gory et Laporte, 1839 and new record of S. (C.) scovitzii alfierii Obenberger, 1923 in UAE (Coleoptera Buprestidae Sphenopterini)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2026.17.1.17.23

    ABSTRACT
    Collecting data on the jewel beetle Sphenoptera (Chrysoblemma) tamarisci tamarisci Gory et Laporte, 1839 (Coleoptera Buprestidae) - the first record for the Coleopteran fauna of the United Arab Emirates and confirmation of the occurring of this species in Arabian Peninsula are presented. This record represents a new addition to the insect fauna of the United Arab Emirates and the Arabian Peninsula. A single specimen of S. (C.) tamarisci tamarisci was obtained during the Urban Biodiversity Survey in May 2025. Single specimen of S. (C.) scovitzii alfierii (Obenberger, 1923) was collected for the first time in the malaise trap in the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve location during July 2025. Previous records of this species in the UAE have been reported only from Umm Al-Quwain and the Ajman industrial area. The present record from an Abu Dhabi Protected Area represents the first record of this subspecies in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, thereby extending its known distribution within the country.