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Biodiversity Journal 2021, 12 (4): 763-1036

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0763-0764
    Paolo Mariottini
    Astrospartus mediterraneus (Risso, 1826) (Ophiuroidea Phrynophiurida)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.I.II
  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0765-0775

    Pietro Lo Cascio
    Ornithological observations from São Tomé and Príncipe islands (Gulf of Guinea, West Africa)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.765.775

    ABSTRACT
    In the present paper are summarized the observations carried out on the avifauna of the islands São Tomé and Príncipe during a scientific trip. Along with a list of distributional data, remarks on population consistence and density of some endemic birds are given; among these are of particular interest those concerning the rare Dwarf Olive Ibis Bostrychia bocagei (Chapin, 1923) a threatened species for a long time considered extinct and rediscovered in 1990, currently classified as “Critically Endangered” by IUCN.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0777-0792

    Leon Hoffman & André Freiwald
    Bathyal species in Rissoidae (Gastropoda) from Azorean seamounts
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.777.792
    https://www.zoobank.org/References/eea7d594-3e66-4183-9d06-827f3c930613

    ABSTRACT
    Three new species in the family Rissoidae (Gastropoda) have been found in bioclastic sediment samples taken on the bathyal slopes of two Azorean seamount areas during the cruise M151 Athena by R/V Meteor: Alvania templadoi n. sp., Crisilla avilai n. sp. and Crisilla herosae n. sp. A review of endemicity in bathyal rissoids is presented; the large majority (81%) of the rissoids are endemic to the Azorean region. The distribution of species is frequently (20% of rissoids) limited to a single seamount, a seamount cluster or to the full Azorean seamounts and islands province. The degree of endemicity is comparable between the northern and southern Azorean seamount areas and between shallow-water species and bathyal species in the northern area. Endemic species and genera evolved after the formation of the islands and seamounts during the Neogene following an early population by species from eastern Atlantic genera.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0793-0798

    Cesare Bogi, Riccardo Giannuzzi Savelli, Francesco Pusateri & Gianni Spada
    A new species of Bela Leach in J.E. Gray, 1847a (Conoidea Mangeliidae) from Creta (Mediterranean Sea)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.793.798
    https://www.zoobank.org/References/ac1c317c-9680-46f6-acec-38a3a3a7c49e

    ABSTRACT
    Bela minoica n. sp. (Conoidea Mangeliidae), with paucispiral protoconch, is here described from Creta (Mediterranean Sea).

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0799-0803

    Iman Alkharusi & Khalfan Alrashdi
    First record of sergestid shrimp, Challengerosergia umitakae (Hashizume et Omori, 1995) (Decapoda Sergestidae) collected from the Arabian Sea of Oman
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.799.803

    ABSTRACT
    Sergestid shrimps (Decapoda Sergestidae) are considered to be a bentho-pelagic shrimps. They basically feed on macrofauna and appear as an essential component of the deep-sea ecosystem. Such species are usually distributed in the deep sea. We report about a sergestid shrimp of the genus Challengerosergia Vereshchaka, Olesen et Lunina, 2014, C. umitakae (Hashizume et Omori, 1995) collected for the first time from the Arabian Sea of Oman. Challengerosergia umitakae has been identified based on male clasping organ, petasma, and photophores. Also, we provide a detail description of other distinctive body parts (e.g., carapace, scaphocerite and europods) of the recorded C. umitakae.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0805-0810

    Benali Abdel Wahab Wahid, Labdelli Fatiha, Maamar Benchohra, Adamou-Djerbaoui Malika & Nouar Belgacem
    Strategy efficiency to control Meriones shawi (Duvernoy, 1842) (Rodentia Gerbillinae) infestation in Tiaret region during the period (2015–2020), Algeria
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.805.810

    ABSTRACT
    Tiaret is confronted with arvicultural rodents invading considerable areas, despite the control programs adopted. The analysis of the abundance of Meriones shawi (Duvernoy, 1842) (Rodentia Muridae Gerbillinae), despite the application of the rodenticide during the five agricultural campaigns (2015–2020), revealed a growing and considerable infestation, clearly heterogeneous in the spatial distribution across the 14 dairas, with peaks of infestation recorded in the regions of Sougueur and Mahdia. Our analysis focuses on two main aspects, namely the diet of the rodent and the composition of the landscape in which it thrives. We were able to conclude that the populations are more abundant in the dairas of Sougueur and Mahdia having cereal vocation mainly cultivated in barley, which offer to the M. shawi food, security against predators and especially more mobility. On the other hand, the heterogeneous reliefs with a cover plant variety constitute unfavorable environments for the proliferation of rodents, as in the case of Mghila. Therefore, in order to have a more efficientcontrol strategy, the nature of the area should be taken into consideration before applying the rodenticide.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0811-0823

    Shiela L. Vidallon & Axel H. Arriola
    A Preliminary Checklist of Vascular Plants in Tarak Ridge trail of Mt. Mariveles, Bataan, Philippines
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.811.823

    ABSTRACT
    Mount Mariveles is a potentially active stratovolcano and is one of the remaining forests in Bataan province that is under threat due to different anthropogenic factors. A checklist is essential for it and it will give baseline information on the species and their conservation status. This study aimed to provide a preliminary checklist of vascular plants at Tarak ridge (Mariveles trail) in Mt. Mariveles, Bataan. A belt transect was established at Tarak ridge trail from 400 meters above sea level (m asl) to 1000 m asl. Each transect has three plots of 10 m x 10 m. A total of 80 species belonging to 50 families and 74 genera were documented in this study. Poaceae family had the most numbered genera. Of the 80 flora species inventoried, 35 are shrubs, trees are 17, herbs are 14, 11 are epiphytes and 3 are vines. Among the 80 recorded flora, five species were endemic in the Philippines. Only three species were assessed for their conservation status based in IUCN categories and were assessed as Least concern. Two endemic species from Rubiaceae family, the Psychotria luzoniensis (Cham. & Schltdl.) Fern.-Vill was assessed as Least Concern while Psychotria rubiginosa Elmer ex Merr was originally assessed as Near-threatened but in a recent study it was assessed as Data Deficient (DD).

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0825-0831

    Mario F. Broggi
    The decline of the herpetofauna populations related to open water resources on Aegean islands using the example of Kythnos
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.825.831

    ABSTRACT
    Though naturally rare, wetland biotopes on small Greek islands have great significance for biodiversity there and for migrating animals. Anthropogenic influences are diminishing these habitats, and climate change is accelerating their decline. This is exemplified for Kythnos with reference to the occurrence of the Balkan terrapin (Mauremys rivulata) and the Balkan frog (Pelophylax kurtmuelleri). The hydrologic catchments were searched for their occurrence in late May/early June 2021. Most of the former known populations have disappeared, and those that remain are extremely vulnerable, so that these species are likely to become extinct on Kythnos.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0833-0839

    Djaouida Nouasria, Lyamine Mezedjri, Ali Tahar & Azzedine Hadef
    Study of the flora richness of the region of Guelma (North East of Algeria): production of a preliminary list of species found
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.833.839

    ABSTRACT
    The present study is based on the inventory of the flora of a station characterized by an abundant population of Pistacia lentiscus L. and consists of a quantitative and qualitative analysis of this flora through significant parameters: global composition (number of taxa), morphological types, biological types, diaspore types and biogeographic distribution, in order to underline the importance of the floristic diversity of this region. The inventory carried out made it possible to identify 102 species belonging to 92 genera and 43 families, of which the most represented are those of Asteraceae 23.52%. The established biological spectrum shows a predominance of therophytes over the other forms with 32.35% where the Mediterranean element dominates (64.35%), this flora is characterized morphologically by the dominance of annual herbaceous plants (33.33%) and biologically by Therophytes as well as Anemochore species (29.41%).

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0841-0846

    Italo Nofroni & Walter Renda
    Reestablishment of the name Skeneoides formosissima (Brugnone, 1873) instead of S. jeffreysii (Monterosato, 1872) nomen nudum (Gastropoda Vetigastropoda Skeneidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.841.846

    ASBTRACT
    On the basis of bibliographical researches, it is demonstrated that Circulus jeffreysii Monterosato, 1872 (Gastropoda Vetigastropoda Skeneidae W. Clark, 1851) is a nomen nudum, and not a replacement name for Delphinula costata Danilo, 1856. The first validly described name is Circulus formosissimus Brugnone, 1873, therefore, in the light of the current systematic, the current name of the uncommun Sicilian species is Skeneoides formosissima (Brugnone, 1873). Some remarks are included on the differentiation between Skeneoides formosissima and S. exilissima (Philippi, 1844).

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0847-0853

    Tir Elhadj, Haddouche Driss, Nouar Belgacem & Maamar Benchohra
    Spatial analysis of the regeneration after fire in forest of Lardjem (Wilaya of Tissemsilt, Algeria)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.847.853

    ABSTRACT
    The present study aims to characterize the changes that have occurred in the Lardjem forest (Wilaya of Tissemsilt, Algeria) after four years of disastrous fire passage in 2012. The methodological approach adopted is essentially based on the analysis and interpretation of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The approach is based on the analysis of satellite data into classes taken before and after the fire (1987–2016) associated with field checks. The results, validated against ground-truth data, show a considerable reduction in the forest class with 81.72% and the maquis class with 48.48%. On the contrary, it has been shown that the area of clear maquis and empty area increased with a rate of 117.11% and 39% respectively. The different mutations between the occupancy classes before and after the fire show that the forest stratum of wild Thuja Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast has recovered its appearance with a very low percentage. This recovery is more significant as soon as the conditions are favorable (northern slope, weak slopes and humidity).The parts covered by the tree stratum are transformed into clear maquis, matorrals and empty soils, these classes can reach a more advanced stage if the zone is moved away to repetitive fires in the coming years. Finally, a repopulation of the empty parts associated with a management and protection plan is necessary to safeguard the perinity of this forest.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0855-0863

    Mustapha Boudjenah
    Characterization of the ecosystem and the status of phytoplankton populations in the Alboran Sea and the Algerian Basin from 2013 to 2015 during the spring season
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.855.863

    ABSTRACT
    Knowledge of the taxonomic composition of phytoplankton communities is necessary for monitoring the productivity of an environment. It is through the understanding of the mechanisms, which promote the succession within phytoplankton populations, that we can estimate the productive capacities of the studied environments. The main purpose of this study is to make a quantitative and qualitative assessment, in order to explore the diversity of the phytoplankton community and the differences that exist between the Alboran Sea and the Algerian Basin, which will allow us to decide about the general state of the phytoplankton ecosystem on the Algerian coast. We made an assessment of the environmental factors that affect the structure and dynamics of phytoplankton communities; we recorded a mean seasonal temperature and salinity, respectively, on the Algerian coasts of about 15.76 ± 0.60 °C and 36.48 ± 0.3 PSU and we did not note any significant differences between the Alboran Sea and the Algerian Basin. Mean nutrients concentrations were recorded as follows: nitrates of 0.273 ± 0.130 μmol / l; nitrites of 0.085 ± 0.065 μmol / l; phosphorus, of 0.286 ± 0.395 μmol / l and silicates of 0.375 ± 0.366 μmol / l, in the Algerian Basin and the Alboran Sea. We notice a decreasing gradient from West to East. We also identified and determined the phytoplankton species that describe the diversity of populations within the community; 361 species, comprising several genders, have been identified. Dinoflagellates are the most represented with 60.11% of species, diatoms represent 38.50% and other species represent only 1.39%.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0865-0873

    Nawel Kheroufi, Amel Hamdani & Noureddine Soltani
    Acute exposure of cadmium on Donax trunculus Linnaeus, 1758 (Mollusca Bivalvia) during the vitellogenesis process: histological and biochemical aspects
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.865.873

    ABSTRACT
    This work aims to evaluate the impact of cadmium on the vitellogenesis of Donax trunculus Linnaeus, 1758 an edible Mollusk species, by carrying out a histological study in which the morphometric parameters of the oocytes were measured, and by using vitellogenin (Vtg) and vitellin (Vn) as biomarkers of reprotoxicity. Clams were collected from a clean site (El-Battah) during the period of morphological maturity and reared under laboratory conditions. Cadmium chloride was added to the rearing water at two sublethal concentrations (LC10 and LC25-96h) previously determined. Two-way ANOVA revealed significant effects of Cd concentrations and exposure time on all studied parameters. The data obtained suggest that this metal can act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals in Donax trunculus.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0875-0885

    Marco Masseti & Bruno Zava
    Extinct and living mammals of the island of Marettimo (Aegadian archipelago, Trapani), off the north-western Sicilian coast (Italy): a review of evidence and historical data
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.875.885

    ABSTRACT
    Marettimo island is the furthest of the Aegadian archipelago from the coast of north-western Sicily. Nevertheless, the presence of continental and non-endemic mammals on the island has been documented since the Mesolithic period. Over the course of historical times the introduction of mammals on the small island has continued without any apparent solution of continuity, even attempting to involve neo-Arctic species such as the Eastern cottontail. Recently, evidence has been found of the monk seal visiting some of the island’s caves.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0887-0891

    Belhacini Fatima & Anteur Djamel
    Phytodiversity the group to Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast. (Pinales Cupressaceae) in the Dahra region (Chlef, Algeria)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.887.891

    ASBTRACT
    This work was carried out at the Dahra forest in the north-west of the wilaya of Chlef in western Algeria, to give the state of the vegetation cover and in particular that of the groups to Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast. (Pinales Cupressaceae) currently existing in this region. The floristic inventory includes more than 74 taxa, divided into 32 families, that belong to the Mediterranean biogeographic type with a percentage of 48%, next to the high rate of taxa of the whole Mediterranean develop endemic species and Eurasian elements. From the biological point of view chamephytes have an important place in the plant groups in Thuya followed by Therophytes, Phanerophytes, Hemicryptophytes and Geophysicists. Herbaceous plants are the most dominant with a percentage of 68%, followed by perennials with 32%. We were also able to describe a list of the so-called faithful species of Tetraclinis articulata or the species that make up the groups of the latter.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0893-0897

    Samujjal Saharia & Prasanta Kumar Saikia
    Ecological studies and status of lesser cats and other small carnivores in India
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.893.897

    ABSTRACT
    Small carnivores play a significant role in regulating the ecosystem as they are crucial predators, prey, and seed dispersers. South-east Asia, including India, has a rich assemblage of several species of these carnivores. India is home to a rich variety of small carnivores belonging to the Families Felidae, Mustelidae, Viverridae, and Procyonidae. Habitat use by these carnivores is primarily influenced by food availability and interaction with other species. Often, they are threatened by illegal hunting, human encroachment, increasing urbanization, and industrialization. However, very little research has focussed on their conservation and management. Therefore, in the present review, an attempt has been made to evaluate the distribution, ecology, habitat use, and activity patterns of small carnivores in India concerning Southeast Asia. Scats, footprints, and camera traps are primarily used for their detection in a given area. Small carnivores show varying habitat and food preferences. They are mostly nocturnal and elusive in behavior tmaking their detection difficult in a particular site. No significant differences were observed in their activity patterns during dry and wet seasons. Some of the carnivores are arboreal, which poses another limitation to study them through camera-traps set at or little above the ground level. Though several studies have been conducted on their ecology, still, there are gaps in our knowledge that require a better understanding of their habitat use and activity patterns using advanced methods. This study provides an overview of the habitat ecology and activity patterns of some small carnivores, along with the limitations and future research prospects.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0899-0903

    Orazio Caldarella, Alfonso La Rosa & Eduardo Di Trapani
    New data about the distribution of Ipomoea imperati (Vahl) Griseb. (Convolvulaceae) in Sicily
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.899.903

    ABSTRACT
    Three new localities of Ipomoea imperati (Vahl) Griseb. (Convolvulaceae) from south-western Sicily are here reported. Previously this species was known in Italy from a single locality in the eastern coast of Sicily and from Calabria, along the Tyrrhenian coasts.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0905-0912

    Andrea Lombardo & Giuliana Marletta
    Contribution to the knowledge of Pleurobranchus testudinarius Cantraine, 1835 (Gastropoda Pleurobranchida) along the central-eastern coast of Sicily (Ionian Sea)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.905.912

    ABSTRACT
    Pleurobranchus testudinarius Cantraine, 1835 (Gastropoda Pleurobranchida) is one of the largest and most conspicuous species of marine heterobranchs. However, although this species is a well-known at morphological level, little is known about its biology. Through continuous observations (from 2017 and 2020) conducted during morning scuba dives in some areas located along the central-eastern coast of Sicily, data relative to the egg masses of P. testudinarius were collected. Moreover, through occasional night dives, several adults were encountered and observed in their natural habitat. Through this study, it was noticed that: 1) P. testudinarius is a nocturnal species; 2) it lays exclusively in summer; 3) this species might have an annual or biennial life cycle; 4) it was documented that the polychaete Hermodice carunculata feeds on the egg masses of this pleurobranch; 5) probably at the end of its cycle, this species is subjected to attacks of predators.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0913-0935

    Andrea Lombardo
    The Nudibranchs (Gastropoda Heterobranchia) of the central-eastern coast of Sicily I: Suborder Cladobranchia
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.913.935

    ABSTRACT
    Through this study, new information on the biology of the cladobranch species found from 2017 to the first months of 2021 along the central-eastern coast of Sicily, are provided. After a brief description of this group of nudibranchs, for each species data on morphology, abundance, location and depth, substrates and habitats, seasonality and remarks are here given. Moreover, two new findings of species (Berghia sp. and Trinchesia cf. diljuvia), for the examined area and the Mediterranean basin respectively, are here reported. Still, during this study, two unidentified specimens were encountered.
    Along the central-eastern coast of Sicily is present about the 30% of all Mediterranean cladobranch species. Consequently, considered the small extension of this area, the central-eastern coast of Sicily seems to possess a high level of biodiversity regarding this group of marine heterobranchs.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0937-0946

    Agatino Reitano & Danilo Scuderi
    A new species of Putzeysia Sulliotti, 1889 (Gatropoda Eucyclidae) from the Ionian Sea (Italy)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.937.946
    https://www.zoobank.org/References/94ce99ef-889b-4ae2-afc9-1c41f60e6623

    ABSTRACT
    A new species of the genus Putzeysia Sulliotti, 1889 (Gastropoda Eucyclidae) is here described from the infralittoral rocky bottoms of Catania: P. rickyi n. sp. Empty shells have been found in a shell grit collected at the base of a prehistoric lava escarpment at low depth. The new species is placed in Putzeysia on the basis of morphological characters. In the Mediterranean Sea this genus is represented by a single species, P. wiseri (Calcara, 1842), also known for other Lusitanic and North-eastern European localities. A comparison with close similar congeneric species allowed to distinguish differences on both shell and environment of the new species.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0947-0950

    Gianfranco Curletti
    Agrilus (Anambus) peloritanus n. sp. from eastern Sicily, Italy (Coleoptera Buprestidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.947.950
    https://www.zoobank.org/References/3b37a21a-6f88-4feb-9022-6144dc8a916f

    ABSTRACT
    A new species of Agrilus Curtis, 1835 (Coleoptera Buprestidae) found in the Peloritani Mountains, a mountain range in north-western Sicily (Italy), is described. This new species is similar to A. litura Kiesenwetter, 1857 but his aedeagus has membranous appendages on the outer side of the parameres, a character which characterizes many tropical species, and, apparently, unique among the fauna of western Europe.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0951-0955

    Salhi Sara, Babahani Souad, Danone Dalal & Hamdi Fatima Zohra
    Diversity of fruit trees in the palm grove of the Ouargla region (Algeria): case of the traditional perimeters
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.951.955

    ASBTRACT
    The present work aims to identify the biodiversity of fruit tree species in the region of Ouargla (Algeria) and to analyze the distribution of local cultivars and introduced varieties. The method adopted is to carry out surveys in the stations in the region of Ouargla Ksar Ouargla, Rouissat, N'Goussa and Hassi Ben Abdallah. The region of Ouargla seems to be the richest in fruit species with a biodiversity of 12 species. The pomegranate is present with a frequency of 29% in the traditional sector of the stations studied. The average values of the index of Shannon-W, for the study area are very low, they are estimated at 0.88 bits in the traditional sector. The average equitability is equal to 0.77 in the traditional farms. The regularity is high and the numbers of species present tend to be in equilibrium. Local cultivars, from this region, are found for pomegranate and fig. Many species are rare and are found in a few farms. The edapho-climatic conditions of the region and the salinity of the water and soil seem to be the limiting factors for this crop in the region. The preservation of this biodiversity, especially the local cultivars, as well as the implementation of a selection program and possibly of crossbreeding seem to be essential to promote the culture of fruit trees in the region of Ouargla.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0957-0966

    Lyas Baikeche, Abdelkader Lounaci, Matthew Ford, Dhya Lounaci-Daoudi & Jörg Freyhof
    Freshwater fishes of West Kabylia, Algeria
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.957.966

    ABSTRACT
    In this work, the diversity of freshwater fishes from western Kabylia (northern Algeria) was examined and a total of 18 species were identified, including seven native and 11 non-native species. Only Luciobarbus setivimensis, Salaria fluviatilis, Tropidophoxinellus callensis are exclusive native freshwater inhabitants with the remainder euryhaline migrants or temporary residents. The highest species richness was recorded in the Oued-Aïssi drainage where 13 species were recorded, followed by the Oued-Bougdourra with seven species and the Oued-Boubhir with six species. The most widespread and abundant native species is Luciobarbus setivimensis, which was found at 20 sites, while non-native Carassius auratus and Pseudorasbora parva were recorded at 15 and 14 sites, respectively.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0967-0971

    Valeriano Spadini
    The Asterosmilia Duncan, 1864 (Anthozoa Scleractinia) from El Lobillo (Estepona Basin, Spain)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.967.971

    ABSTRACT
    This work analyses three specimens of scleractinian coral (Anthozoa Scleractinia) recovered from the Pliocene of El Lobillo (Estepona basin, Spain). The specimens are assigned to the genus Asterosmilia Duncan, 1864 due to characters such as paliform lobes and dissepiments. The specimens resemble Asterosmilia marchadi (Chevalier, 1966) or Asterosmilia prolifera (Pourtalés, 1871), currently living in the Atlantic Ocean.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0973-0976

    Gianfranco Curletti
    Agrilus evocatus n. sp. of peninsular Italy and the some Tyrrhenian islands (Coleoptera Buprestidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.973.976
    https://www.zoobank.org/References/57017873-8fcf-4cad-930a-51ae78c0d104

    ABSTRACT
    A new species of the genus Agrilus Curtis, 1825 (Coleoptera Buprestidae) belonging to the “solieri group”, is described: Agrilus (Agrilus) evocatus n. sp. The new species is reported for peninsular Italy, Sardinia, Corsica and one island of the Tuscan Archipelago.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0977-0992

    Alfredo Petralia, Pietro Fiandaca, Ettore Petralia, Giorgio Sabella, Gaetano Torrisi, Corrado Bianca, Francesco Lamanna & Caterina Dima
    On the presence and localization of Brachytrupes megacephalus (Lefebvre, 1827) (Orthoptera Gryllidae) in the “Oriented Natural Reserve Simeto Oasis” (Sicily, Italy)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.977.992

    ABSTRACT
    The authors present the results of an investigation aimed to ascertaining the presence of the Gryllidae Brachytrupes megacephalus Lefebvre, 1827, Orthopter of UE interest, in the “Oriented Natural Reserve of Simeto Oasis”, located near Catania along the eastern coast of Sicily (Italy). The species is noticeably widespread in the reserve despite of the alterations and disturbance of anthropogenic origin that have affected the entire coastal dune belt of the Catania Gulf. Management measures aimed to the protection the species are also suggested, as well as protocols for its monitoring in the medium-long term in order to keep under control the consolidation and further diffusion of the species in the territory of the reserve.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0993-0996

    Mauro M. Brunetti & Ermanno Quagiotto
    On a new finding of Euciroa arenosa (Rayneval in Appelius, 1871) for the Lower Pliocene of the Mediterranean Basin (Mollusca Bivalvia Euciroidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.993.996

    ASBTRACT
    We report the discovery of a valve of Euciroa arenosa (Rayneval in Appelius, 1871) in the Spanish lower Pliocene, species rarely reported and even less depicted previously in the Italian Pliocene. The family Euriciroidae Dall, 1895 is briefly mentioned. The image of the type species, E. elegantissima Dall, 1881, is shown.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 0997-1009

    Franco Strumia & Toshko Ljubomirov
    On the interference color variations in the Hedychridium roseum species-group (Hymenoptera Chrysididae) from Bulgaria
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.997.1009

    ASBTRACT
    A number of the Hedychridium roseum species-group individuals (Hymenoptera Chrysididae), captured mainly in Bulgaria hare here studied. We discovered that the presence/absence on metasoma of red interference color is a variable and unstable feature both in the males and the females of this species-group. The body interference colors are directly connected to the cuticle inner structure and thus to body features. As a consequence, the variable metasoma coloration is a valid taxonomic feature ultimately related to the DNA of single individuals. In the case of Hedychridium roseum species-group the taxonomy is complex and often based on subtle features. A review including also the influence of interference colors is discussed and integrated with the most recent taxonomy. In addition, the presence in Bulgaria of the following six species is confirmed: Hedychridium sculpturatum (Abeille de Perrin, 1877); H. scutellare (Tournier, 1878); H. rossicum Gussakovskij, 1948; H. roseum (Rossi, 1790); H. insulare Balthasar, 1953; H. caputaureum G. Trautmann et W. Trautmann, 1919. The lognormal distribution of above species is entirely positive thus statistic inference shows that in Bulgaria all species of Hedychridium roseum species-group have been captured and studied.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 1011-1026

    Giuliana Marletta
    Status of shallow Fucales (Ochrophyta) assemblages in the bay of Brucoli, eastern coast of Sicily (Ionian Sea)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.1011.1026

    ABSTRACT
    The present study investigated the current status of the shallow Fucales assemblages of the bay of Brucoli, located along the eastern coast of Sicily (Italy). Moreover, since most of the studies on these habitat-forming species of this area were ancient, the obtained data were compared with historical data (literature and herbaria) to assess losses, to highlight the eventual sites of regression and identify the possible causes that should be removed. Through the sampling and identification in the laboratory, ten taxa, belonging to the genera Cystoseira, Ericaria, Gongolaria and Sargassum were found. During the sampling, four new species, never reported in the bay of Brucoli, were detected. Through this study, it was noticed that most of the Fucales are absent in the southwest coast and in the central sector of the bay, the most anthropized areas, while the area richest in species is the northeast coast. From this point of view, it would be important to improve the quality of water, and to encourage the conservation of the Fucales assemblages in this area.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 12 (4): 1027-1034

    Ignazio Sparacio & Salvatore Surdo
    New data on Calomera panormitana panormitana (Ragusa, 1906) in Sicily (Coleoptera Cicindelidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.4.1027.1034

    ABSTRACT
    Calomera panormitana panormitana (Ragusa, 1906) (Coleoptera Cicindelidae) is an endemic species of Sicily, of remarkable biogeographic and ecological importance. It belongs to a small group of species of eastern Mediterranean distribution and it is peculiar for living on the low rocky coasts, near the sea. In this paper we provide new and summarized data on the presence of this species in Sicily. We examined its habitat, ecology and phenology in detail, and we provide useful elements for a better protection. In particular, the presence of this species also in some small islands, located at a short distance from the coast, highlights the presence of important refuge areas to be protected and promoted.