Biodiversity Journal - For wildlife research and environmental studies

Ignazio Sparacio

Biodiversity Journal, 9 (3): 277-282

Ignazio Sparacio, Tommaso La Mantia & Michele Bellavista
Pachydema lopadusanorum n. sp. (Coleoptera Melolonthidae) from Lampedusa Island (Sicily Channel, Central Mediterranean Sea, Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.3.277.282

ABSTRACT
In this paper the populations of Pachydema Castelnau, 1832 (Coleoptera Melolonthidae) living in Lampedusa Island (Sicily Channel, Central Mediterranean Sea, Italy), so far attributed to P. hirticollis (Fabricius, 1787) of North Africa, are examined. The comparison of the main morphological characters between these two populations allowed to attribute those of Lampedusa to a new species that is described in the present work. Faunistic and biological observations on these species are provided.
Biodiversity Journal, 9 (3): 237-240

Giovanni Altadonna & Ignazio Sparacio
On the presence of Cyphosoma lawsoniae lawsoniae (Chevrolat, 1838) (Coleoptera Buprestidae) in Sicily, Italy
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.3.237.240

ABSTRACT
Cyphosoma lawsoniae lawsoniae (Chevrolat, 1838) (Coleoptera Buprestidae) had already been reported in the past for Sicily (Italy). however, its presence on the island is doubted due to the lack of recent records. In the present paper, the occurrence of this species in Sicily is confirmed by one finding in Catania’s Plain (Catania province, East Sicily). A short description of the finding locality is given.
Biodiversity Journal, 9 (3): 195-204

Marcello Romano & Ignazio Sparacio
Taxonomic and biogeographical observations on a new population of Calomera Motschulsky, 1862 (Coleoptera Carabidae Cicindelinae) from Crete Island (Greece)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.3.195.204

ABSTRACT
During a wildlife expedition to Crete Island (Greece), we found a population of Calomera Motschulsky, 1862 (Coleoptera Carabidae Cicindelinae), which was new to this island and that we describe as a new subspecies (C. panormitana cretensis n. ssp.). In this paper, some taxonomic and biogeographical observations on the C. aphrodisia (Baudi di Selve, 1864) group are provided, the validity of the taxon C. panormitana is confirmed, and, for nomenclatural stability, a neotypus of C. lugens Dejean, 1831, and a lectotypus of C. panormitana are designated.
Biodiversity Journal, 8 (4): 957-961

Pierpaolo Rapuzzi & Ignazio Sparacio
A new species of genus Agapanthia Serville, 1835 (Coleoptera Cerambycidae) from Lampedusa Island (Sicily Channel, Italy)

ABSTRACT
In this paper, a new species of Agapanthia Audinet-Serville, 1835, subgenus Epoptes Gistel, 1857 (Coleoptera Cerambycidae) from Lampedusa Island (Sicily Channel, Italy) is described. This new species belongs to the A. asphodeli (Latreille, 1804) species group. Taxonomic, biological and geonemic notes on A. lopadusae n. sp. are provided.
Biodiversity Journal, 8 (4): 927-936

Fabio Liberto, Andrea Corso, Roberto Viviano, Maria Stella Colomba & Ignazio Sparacio
A new species of the genus Milax Ellis, 1926 (Gastropoda Pulmonata Milacidae) from Lampedusa Island (Sicilian Channel, Italy)

ABSTRACT
Milax lopadusanus n. sp. (Gastropoda Pulmonata Milacidae) is described from Lampedusa Island, the biggest of the islands of the Pelagie Archipelago (Sicilian Channel, Italy). The new species is characterized by: greyish-brown body, with distinct yellowish keel; conical, smooth stimulator, with a raised crest along one side and spermatophore characterized by conic anterior part, covered on one side by bifurcated spines with the two apexes thorny; posterior part cylindrical, covered by smaller and most dense spines on all sides. Additional faunistic, biological and taxonomical notes are provided.
Biodiversity Journal, 8 (1): 279-310 - MONOGRAPH

Ignazio Sparacio, Tommaso La Mantia, Maria Stella Colomba, Fabio Liberto, Agatino Reitano & Salvo Giglio
Qanat, Gebbie and water source: the last refuge for the malacologica freshwater fauna in Palermo (Sicily, Italy)

ABSTRACT
The surroundings of Palermo were characterized, over the centuries, by the presence of many natural environments of great ecological and faunal importance. These environments were placed in a context characterized by minimal and sustainable urban development and large agriculture areas, dedicated to the development of tree crops such as citrus and orchards. These crops were supported by an imposing irrigation system that, using natural resources such as watercourses, wells and springs, collected and distributed water in soils through tanks, gebbie, qanat, irrigation channels (saje), etc. Fresh water mollusks, like many other animal and vegetable organisms, spread from the natural freshwater environments in this artificial water system, thus creating a unique and varied ecosystem. The subsequent urban development of the city of Palermo and the destruction of many of those natural environments has further enhanced the ecological role of the artificial freshwater systems as an important refuge for the native fauna and flora. In the present study, we report on freshwater molluscs observed in the territory of Micciulla, a large relict area occupied almost entirely by an old citrus, now located inside the city of Palermo. In this area there are some springs, an extensive array of artificial freshwater to irrigate the crops, and the qanat Savagnone located in the “Camera dello Scirocco”. The results obtained by census of different populations of freshwater mollusks confirm the importance of these environments and the growing role they play as the last refuges for fauna and flora originally linked to natural humid environments.
Biodiversity Journal, 7 (3): 365-384

Fabio Liberto, Agatino Reitano, Salvatore Giglio, Maria Stella Colomba & Ignazio Sparacio
Two new Clausiliidae (Gastropoda Pulmonata) of Sicily (Italy)

ABSTRACT
In the present paper the Authors describe two new Clausiliidae (Gastropoda Pulmonata) of Sicily (Italy): Muticaria cyclopica n. sp. from SE-Sicily and Siciliaria calcarae orlandoi n. ssp. from W-Sicily. The two new species are described by virtue of their distinctive conchological and anatomical features. Additional biological and taxonomic notes are provided.
Biodiversity Journal, 6 (3): 757–760

Ignazio Sparacio
On the presence of Buprestis (Buprestis) magica Laporte et Gory, 1837 (Coleoptera Buprestidae) in Italy

ABSTRACT
The present study confirmed the presence of Buprestis (Buprestis) magica Laporte et Gory, 1837 (Coleoptera Buprestidae) in Italy based on a male specimen preserved at the Museum of Natural History of Genoa (Italy), which, for some peculiar morphological characteristics, is described as a new subspecies: B. magica doderoi n. ssp. from Sardinia. The new subspecies is illustrated and compared with related taxa.
Biodiversity Journal, 6 (1): 481-490 - MONOGRAPH

Fabio Liberto, Maria Stella Colomba, Agatino Reitano, Salvatore Giglio & Ignazio Sparacio
The endemic door snail of Marettimo (Egadi Islands, Sicily, Italy): Siciliaria (Siciliaria) scarificata (Pfeiffer, 1857) (Pulmonata, Clausiliidae)
Proceedings of the Eighth Malacological Pontine Meeting, October 4th-5th, 2014 - San Felice Circeo, Italy

ABSTRACT
The door snail Siciliaria (Siciliaria) scarificata (L. Pfeiffer, 1856) (Pulmonata Clausiliidae) is redescribed. The species is endemic to Marettimo (Egadi Islands, Sicily, Italy) and it is the only one of the genus Siciliaria Vest, 1867 living in this island. Siciliaria scarificata can be morphologically identified by the presence of a high columellar lamella, ascending in a double “S” curve, a wide anterior upper palatal plica, long basal plica, sulcalis present; clausilium plate distally less narrowed; genitalia are characterized by very short bursa copulatrix duct; short diverticulum of bursa copulatrix; penial papilla conic and short. Notes about its taxonomy, biology and conservation status are also provided.
Biodiversity Journal, 6 (1): 401-411 - MONOGRAPH

Maria Stella Colomba, Armando Gregorini, Fabio Liberto, Agatino Reitano, Salvatore Giglio & Ignazio Sparacio
The genus Erctella Monterosato, 1894: new molecular evidence
Proceedings of the 2nd International Congress “Speciation and Taxonomy”, May 16th-18th 2014, Cefalù-Castelbuono (Italy)

ABSTRACT
In this paper we report on new molecular data (COI sequences) of different and representative populations of Erctella mazzullii (De Cristofori et Jan, 1832), E. cephalaeditana Giannuzzi-Savelli, Oliva et Sparacio, 2012 and E. insolida (Monterosato, 1892) (Pulmonata, Stylommatophora, Helicidae). Present results are compared with those from recent literature and the current knowledge on phylogenetic relationships among Helicidae pulmonate gastropods is reviewed. Obtained results suggest that: i) Cornu Born, 1778 and Cantareus Risso, 1826 are separate and well distinct from Helix Linnaeus, 1758; ii) Erctella Monterosato, 1894 is a valid and independent genus rather than a subgenus of Cornu; iii) Cornu aspersum (O.F. Müller, 1774) is a group of species (i.e. "aspersum" group) whose taxonomic status needs to be defin further studies; iv) Cornu, Cantareus and Erctella might belong to the same tribe that, still, remains to be defined.
Biodiversity Journal, 6 (1): 107-114

Ivan Rapuzzi & Ignazio Sparacio
New taxonomic data on some populations of Carabus (Macrothorax) morbillosus Fabricius, 1792 (Coleoptera Carabidae)

ABSTRACT
In this work we give new taxonomic data on some, little known, populations of Carabus (Macrothorax) morbillosus Fabricius, 1792 (Coleoptera Carabidae). In particular, C. morbillosus lampedusae Born,1925 described from Lampedusa Island (Sicilian Channel, Italy) is reconsidered a valid subspecies and are designated the lectotype and paralectotypes. Similarly, Carabus morbillosus bruttianus Born, 1906 described from Southern Calabria is considered a distinct subspecies, including the populations of C. morbillosus from North-Eastern Sicily.
Biodiversity Journal, 5 (2): 359-366

Ignazio Sparacio
Taxonomic notes on the genus Pseudoapterogyna Escalera, 1914 (Coleoptera Scarabaeoidea Melolonthidae) in Sicily

ABSTRACT
All Sicilian records of the genus Pseudoapterogyna Escalera, 1914 (Coleoptera Scarabaeoidea Melolonthidae) are revised. As a result four species are reported to occur in Sicily: P. euphytus lamantiai n. ssp. (for the populations of Pantelleria Island, previously attributed to P. euphytus s.l.), P. vorax (Marseul, 1878) from Lampedusa Island, P. pellegrinensis (Brenske in Ragusa, 1893) from Western Sicily (to which all P. euphytus records from Sicily need to be attributed), and P. michaelis n. sp. from Western Sicily.
Biodiversity Journal, 4 (4): 571-580

Maria Stella Colomba, Fabio Liberto, Agatino Reitano, Rosario Grasso, Davide Di Franco & Ignazio Sparacio
On the presence of Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771) and Sinanodonta woodiana woodiana (Lea, 1834) in Sicily (Mollusca Bivalvia)

ABSTRACT
In this paper we report on the presence of two non-native and invasive species of bivalve mollusks in Sicily: Sinanodonta woodiana woodiana (Lea, 1834) (Bivalvia Unionidae) native to East Asia and Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771) (Bivalvia Dreissenidae) native to the Ponto-Caspian area, with a particular focus on how the presence of these alien species can lead to imbalances in the delicate equilibrium of Sicilian freshwater invertebrates and, above all, does threaten the existence of Unio elongatus gargottae Philippi, 1836 an island's native bivalve suffering from strong rarefaction.
Biodiversity Journal, 4 (4): 451-466

Calogero Muscarella, Ignazio Sparacio, Andrea Liberto & Gianluca Nardi
The genus Lichenophanes Lesne, 1899 in Italy (Coleoptera Bostrichidae) and short considerations on the saproxylophagous beetle-fauna of Nebrodi Mountains (Sicily)

ABSTRACT
The Italian distribution and ecology of Lichenophanes numida Lesne, 1899 and L. varius (Illiger, 1801) are summarized; both species are recorded for the first time from Sicily, and L. varius also from Veneto and Molise Regions. L. varius is a protected species, at different levels, in most of European countries in which it occurs, so its main threatening factors are discussed. Finally, the importance of the dead wood for the conservation of saproxylic beetle-fauna of Sicilian forests, is underlined.
Biodiversity Journal, 3 (4): 571-582

Maria Stella Colomba, Fabio Liberto, Agatino Reitano, Walter Renda, Giuseppe Pocaterra, Armando Gregorini & Ignazio Sparacio
Molecular studies on the genus Medora H. et A. Adams, 1855 from Italy (Gastropoda Pulmonata Clausiliidae)

ABSTRACT
In Italy, the genus Medora H. et A. Adams, 1855 includes two species: M. italiana (Küster, 1847) and M. dalmatina (Rossmässler, 1835). In particular, populations ascribed to M. italiana were, and still are, the focus of several works aiming at better understanding the real taxonomic value of these entities and defining their presence on the Italian territory. In order to contribute to the improvement of the current knowledge on the organization of the genus at different taxonomic levels, several populations were investigated by analysing 16S rDNA, COI and ITS2 gene partial sequences. Phylogenetic reconstructions were obtained by the Maximum Likelihood algorithm. Although further studies are needed, preliminary data suggest that the genus Medora shows a much more complex and articulate differentiation than hypothesized so far.
Biodiversity Journal, 3 (4): 487-492

Michele Bellavista & Ignazio Sparacio
Forest-ecological aspectsof the Allardius Ragusa, 1898 genre (Coleoptera Tenebrionidae) in Sicily and Sardinia

ABSTRACT
The genus Allardius Ragusa, 1898 (Coleoptera Tenebrionidae) includes only two species: Allardius oculatus (Baudi di Selve, 1876) endemic to Sicily and A. sardiniensis (Allard, 1877) endemic to Sardinia. They are infrequent species in nature with few reports in entomological bibliography. The authors describe and illustrate the larvae and the biological aspects of Allardius. In particular, it is highlighted the strong saproxylophagous activity of these beetles and the importance of their role in the ecology of a forest in relation to the presence of "dead wood".
Biodiversity Journal, 3 (3): 251-258

Maria Stella Colomba, Agatino Reitano, Fabio Liberto, Salvatore Giglio, Armando Gregorini & Ignazio Sparacio
Additional data on the genus Muticaria Lindholm, 1925 with description of a new species (Gastropoda Pulmonata Clausiliidae)

ABSTRACT
Morphological analysis and molecular genetic studies conducted on the genus Muticaria Lindholm, 1925 (Pulmonata Clausiliidae) in Sicily allowed to identify a new species which is described in the present paper.
Biodiversity Journal, 3 (3): 201-228

Fabio Liberto, Salvatore Giglio, Maria Stella Colomba & Ignazio Sparacio
New and little known land snails from Sicily (Mollusca Gastropoda)

ABSTRACT
In the present paper are reported new and little known land snails from Sicily (Mollusca Gastropoda). Particularly, Platyla similis (Reinhardt, 1880) (Aciculidae) and Rumina saharica Pallary, 1901 (Subulinidae) are first recorded in the island; new taxonomic data, useful for a better systematic classification, are provided on two little-known taxa, Lampedusa lopadusae nodulosa Monterosato, 1892 (Clausiliidae) and Cernuella (Cernuella) tineana (Benoit, 1862) (Hygromiidae); and finally, a new species of slug, Tandonia marinellii n. sp. (Milacidae), currently known from North-Western Sicily, is described.
Biodiversity Journal, 3 (2): 107-110

Riccardo Giannuzzi-Savelli, Ignazio Sparacio & Nunzia Oliva
Nomenclatural observations on the Erctella Monterosato, 1894 species (Gastropoda, Helicidae) from the “Rocca” of Cefalù (Italy, Sicily)

ABSTRACT
The taxon “cephalaeditana” was introduced in 1986 by the authors to indicate a endemic species from the “Rocca” of Cefalù; this species was discovered, named, but never described by E. Pirajno sicilian naturalist (1809-1864). The unusual description was accepted under Articles 11d and 13a of the ICZN Code edition in use at that time, but not to create nomenclatural uncertainties that would be obviously aggravated by the possible introduction of other names, different from the one Pirajno wanted to use for this discovery, we proceed here to a formal (re-)description of the taxon in question.
Biodiversity Journal, 3 (1): 085-090

Ivan Rapuzzi & Ignazio Sparacio
Carabus (Eurycarabus) faminii Dejean, 1826 (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in Sicily: distribution and taxonomic considerations with description of a new taxon

ABSTRACT
The study of large series from many localities from all over Sicily of Carabus (Eurycarabus) faminii Dejean, 1826 confirmed that in Sicily live two different subspecies. After examination of the holotypus of C. faminii we found that C. faminii sabellai Sparacio, 2007 is a synonym of the nominal form widespread in south-east part of Sicily. The western subspecies is described in this paper.
Biodiversity Journal, 2 (3): 153-159

Francesco Izzillo & Ignazio Sparacio
A new subspecies of Perotis lugubris Fabricius, 1777 from Southern Italy (Coleoptera Buprestidae)

ABSTRACT
A new subspecies of Coleoptera Buprestidae, Perotis lugubris meridionalis n. ssp. from Southern Italy, is described, illustrated and compared with related taxa.
Biodiversity Journal, 2 (1): 027-034

Fabio Liberto, Walter Renda, Maria Stella Colomba, Salvatore Giglio & Ignazio Sparacio
New records of Testacella scutulum Sowerby, 1821 (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Testacellidae) from Southern Italy and Sicily

ABSTRACT
In the present paper we report on Testacella scutulum recently recorded for a few regions of Southern Italy and Sicily. An updated distribution map, anatomical remarks and feeding behaviours of collected specimens are related in order to extend and improve general knowledge on these terrestrial molluscs.
Biodiversity Journal, 1: 015-044

Tommaso La Mantia, Michele Bellavista, Giovanni Giardina & Ignazio Sparacio
Longhorn beetles of the Ficuzza woods (W Sicily, Italy) and their relationship with plant diversity (Coleoptera Cerambycidae)

ABSTRACT
The woods in Sicily are the result of centuries of anthropogenic activities that have reduced the surface of wood and changed the original composition even with the introduction of alien species to native flora. The value in terms of biodiversity of these forests remains, however, high for they are the last refuge areas for many animals and plant species. This study was conducted within the Ficuzza woods (West Sicily), extended about 5,000 hectares on the slopes of limestone-dolomite rock of Busambra (1615 m asl), within which lies the largest remaining forest area in western Sicily. It is an area with a wide diversity of vegetation, represented mainly by native forests (holm oak, cork oak, deciduous oaks), groups of riparian vegetation, shrubs, bushes, grasslands, and of non-native forest formations (Pinus and Eucalyptus woods). The study on Cerambycidae in this area is fragmented and does not specify a relation the species with the surrounding vegetation. This study was performed by choosing among various groups of insects, xylophagous Coleoptera Cerambycidae; existing literature data and extensive collected field data were reviewed. The analysis was also performed by the collection of dead wood in order to distinguish the relationship between the plant species and coleoptera. The results summarize and supplement the data registered so far, shedding further light on the ecological role of this group of insects that are also valid biomarkers of the integrity and complexity of the forest.
Biodiversity Journal, 1: 007-014

Maria Stella Colomba, Armando Gregorini, Fabio Liberto, Agatino Reitano, Salvatore Giglio & Ignazio Sparacio
Molecular analysis of Muticaria syracusana and M. neuteboomi from Southeastern Sicily, Italy (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Clausiliidae)

ABSTRACT
The genus Muticaria Lindholm, 1925, is currently distributed either in Southeastern Sicily or in the Maltese islands and comprises the species M. syracusana (Philippi, 1836), M. neuteboomi Beckmann, 1990 and M. macrostoma (Cantraine, 1835). For the first time, we report a molecular study on the topotypicous populations of M. syracusana and M. neuteboomi carried out on fragments of the ribosomal 16S rDNA subunit and the cytochrome oxydase I (COI) mitochondrial genes by Neighbour Joining, Maximum Likelihood, Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian Inference algorithms. Our results revealed the existence of nucleotide-sequence divergence (Dxy: 5% for 16S rDNA and 12% for COI sequences) between the two taxa.
Biodiversity Journal, 15 (2): 457-463 - MONOGRAPH

Ignazio Sparacio, Angelo Ditta, Vincenzo Genna & Salvatore Surdo
New data on the beetle fauna (Insecta Coleoptera) in the Trapani surroundings (Sicily, Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.2.457.463

ABSTRACT
In this work, some interesting beetles (Insecta Coleoptera) collected in the surroundings of Trapani (Sicily, Italy) are reported. Among these, Icosium (Icosium) tomentosum tomentosum Lucas, 1854 (Cerambycidae) is a new record for Sicily.
Biodiversity Journal, 15 (2): 433-456 - MONOGRAPH

Ignazio Sparacio, Roberto Viviano, Salvatore Surdo & Antonino Dentici
Coleoptera from the Isola delle Femmine Nature Reserve (north-western Sicily, Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.2.433.456

ABSTRACT
On the basis of specific entomological researches carried out on Isola delle Femmine Nature Reserve (north-western Sicily, Italy) in recent years, a first annotated check-list of the Coleoptera species is provided.
Biodiversity Journal, 15 (2): 407-431 - MONOGRAPH

Roberto Viviano, Antonino Dentici, Salvatore Surdo & Ignazio Sparacio
Arthropoda (except Coleoptera, Araneae and Lepidoptera) from the Isola delle Femmine Nature Reserve (north-western Sicily, Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.2.407.431

ABSTRACT
On the basis of specific entomological researches carried out on Isola delle Femmine Nature Reserve (north-western Sicily, Italy) in recent years, a first check-list of the Arthropoda species (except Coleoptera, Araneae and Lepidoptera) found is provided.
Biodiversity Journal, 15 (2): 377-382 - MONOGRAPH

Antonino Dentici, Salvatore Surdo, Roberto Viviano & Ignazio Sparacio
Araneofauna (Arachnida Araneae) from Isola delle Femmine Nature Reserve (north-western Sicily, Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.2.377.382

ABSTRACT
The species of spiders (Arachnida Araneae) found in the “Isola delle Femmine Nature Reserve” (Sicily, Italy) are reported here. The checklist provided is the result of some excursions carried out between 2021 and 2023 and aimed at studying the invertebrate fauna that live on this small island. In total, up to date, 42 species, belonging to 38 genera and 19 families, are listed, among these Diplostyla concolor (Wider, 1834) is reported for the first time for Sicily.
Biodiversity Journal, 15 (2): 327-346 - MONOGRAPH

Ignazio Sparacio, Fabio Liberto, Najla Abushaala, Maria Tavano & Roberto Poggi
An annotated type catalogue of the land and freshwater mollusks from Tunisia and Libya in the Natural History Museum “Giacomo Doria” of Genova (Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.2.327.346

ABSTRACT
In the present work are listed the type specimens of land and freshwater molluscs from Tunisia and Libya deposited in the Natural History Museum “Giacomo Doria” of Genova (Italy). The historical nucleus of the malacological collections of the Museum of Genova is made up of the material collected by the young Giacomo Doria. After the official creation of the Museum in 1867, the malacological collection increased considerably in number of species and importance also through the material collected in various scientific missions organized by the Museum around the world. After 1916, the director Raffaello Gestro reorganized all this material and began the cataloging and selection of the type species. Nineteen nominal species described by Arturo Issel, Laura Gambetta, Jole Bisacchi and Rolf Arthur Max Brandt have been traced in these malacological collections. The type series described (types and syntypes) but also the material coming from the description localities and collected by the author himself (sometimes referred to as “topotypes”) were examined. For each taxa, the collection data obtained from the labels, the current taxonomic classification, the photographic documentation, remarks and the malacological bibliography are provided.
Biodiversity Journal, 15 (2): 251-257 - MONOGRAPH

Lucio Morin, Salvatore Surdo, Roberto Viviano, Antonino Dentici & Ignazio Sparacio
Lepidoptera from the Isola delle Femmine Nature Reserve (Sicily, Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.2.251.257

ABSTRACT
On the basis of specific entomological researches carried out on Isola delle Femmine Nature Reserve (Sicily, Italy) in recent years, a first check-list of the Lepidoptera with 46 species recorded is provided. Additional taxonomic, faunal and geonemic informations for four of these species are provided: Idaea leipnitzi Hausmann, 2004 (Geometridae), Maradana fuscolimbalis (Ragonot, 1887) and M. vidualis (Chrétien, 1911) (Pyralidae) and Crassicornella crassicornella (Zeller, 1847) (Tinaeidae).
Biodiversity Journal, 15 (2): 135-141

Calogero Muscarella & Ignazio Sparacio
Rhizotrogus tatianae a new species from Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy) (Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Melolonthinae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.2.135.141
https://www.zoobank.org/F370C2CD-4901-460F-82EB-AE82D017197E

ABSTRACT
Rhizotrogus tatianae a new species from Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy) is here described and illustrated (Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Melolonthinae). It is similar to R. romanoi Sabatinelli, 1975, endemic of Sicily and Calabria (Madonie and Nebrodi Mountains), from which it differs by some characters of external morphology and genitalia. Both of these species belong to the R. aestivus (Olivier, 1789) group, a species widespread throughout almost all of Europe up to Asia Minor including almost all regions of continental and peninsular Italy. Rhizotrogus tatianae n. sp. is a crepuscolar species found in a forest environment.
Biodiversity Journal, 14 (4): 0791-0849 - MONOGRAPH

Ignazio Sparacio, Calogero Muscarella, Amedeo Falci & Salvatore Surdo
Tiger beetles of Sicily (Coleoptera Cicindelidae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2023.14.4.791.849

ABSTRACT
Tiger beetles (Coleoptera Cicindelidae) are predators, both in the larval and adult state and each species tends to be specialized within a narrow habitat. For this reason, tiger beetles are excellent indicators of the quality of the biotopes in which they live and of the possible degradation of said biotopes due to anthropic actions. Currently, the populations of Cicindelidae are declining almost all over the world due to the destruction of the environments in which they live. In the Euro-Mediterranean area, including Italy, Cicindelidae mainly live in sandy environments like beaches, river mouths, the edges of lagoons and dune, and backdune ponds. Few species live on rocky coasts, in inland locations or in environments far from water such as paths and forest clearings. From what has been said, the coastal environments generally preferred by Cicindelidae are precisely those which in Italy, and also in Sicily, have undergone the greatest alteration and, often, destruction by man and his activities. In Sicily the Cicindelidae have always been studied since the first regional catalogs of the 19th century and other works were carried out in the following years, up to the present day. In the last decade, numerous reports have spread on the web, in numerous online chats, nature forums, etc. The aim of this work is to summarize and improve in a catalog what is known so far about the Sicilian Cicindelidae to highlight their peculiar systematic, ecological and geographical characteristics also in relation to the environment in which they live.
Biodiversity Journal, 14 (4): 0741-0747

Ignazio Sparacio, Pietro Lo Cascio, Calogero Muscarella, Salvatore Surdo, Amedeo Falci & Francesco Allegrino
A new subspecies of Cicindela (Cicindela) campestris Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera Cicindelidae) from the Aeolian Islands (Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2023.14.4.741.747
https://www.zoobank.org/A5E8037D-E05E-4513-9C98-59636F5C7C11

ABSTRACT
Cicindela (Cicindela) campestris didyme n. ssp. from the islands of Salina and Lipari (Aeolian Archipelago, Sicily, Italy) is here described. The new subspecies differs from other Italian populations of C. campestris, in particular from the closest ones of Sicily (C. campestris siculorum Schilder, 1953) and Calabria (C. campestris calabrica Mandl, 1944) for some morphological characters such as the shape of the clypeus, the granules of the elytra less elevated and more sparse and the different aedeagus. It is immediately recognizable by more or less extensively green-brown color of the dorsal surface often entirely red-brown.
Biodiversity Journal, 14 (1): 0255-0270

Ignazio Sparacio, Roberto Viviano, Fabio Liberto, Agatino Reitano & Salvatore Surdo
New data on Siciliaria septemplicata (Philippi, 1836) complex (Gastropoda Clausiliidae) from the surroundings of Palermo (NW-Sicily, Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2023.14.1.255.270
https://www.zoobank.org/3335582E-E41B-431D-9A2A-CCED32CC2370

ABSTRACT
Siciliaria septemplicata (R.A. Philippi, 1836) (Gastropoda Clausiliidae) endemic from northwestern Sicily (Italy) is revised, using shell and genital characters. The diversity of the species complex, the taxonomic history, faunal data and distributional relationships are examined. Siciliaria septemplicata vincentii n. ssp. and S. septemplicata mariastellae n. ssp. from the surroundings of Palermo are here described.
Biodiversity Journal, 14 (1): 0241-0254

Fabio Liberto, Maria Stella Colomba, Agatino Reitano, Roberto Viviano & Ignazio Sparacio
On the taxonomy of Siciliaria grohmanniana (Rossmässler, 1836) (Gastropoda Clausiliidae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2023.14.1.241.254

ABSTRACT
In the present paper the taxonomy of Siciliaria grohmanniana (Rossmässler, 1836) (Gastropoda Clausiliidae) is revised through the study of literature data and type series. Clausilia decollata Potiez et Michaud, 1838, C. grohmanniana var. minor Schmidt, 1868, C. grohmanniana var. crassilabris Monterosato, 1894, C. grohmanniana var. densa Monterosato, 1894, C. grohmanniana panormitana Paulucci, 1878 and C. subdiaphana Benoit, 1882 are confirmed synonyms of S. grohmanniana grohmanniana. A neotype is selected for C. panormitana. A lectotype is selected for Clausilia rubra Benoit, 1882 and S. grohmanniana addaurae De Mattia, Reier et Haring, 2021 is considered its junior synonym.
Biodiversity Journal, 13 (4): 0955-0967

Ignazio Sparacio, Salvatore Surdo, Salvatore Pasta, Rocco Lo Duca & Tommaso La Mantia
Past and current distribution of Charaxes jasius jasius (Linnaeus, 1767) (Lepidoptera Nymphalidae) in Sicily in relation to its host plant, Arbutus unedo L. (Ericaceae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2022.13.4.955.967

ABSTRACT
The authors provide an updated overview of the past and present regional distribution of the two-tailed Pasha Charaxes jasius jasius (Linnaeus, 1767) (Lepidoptera Nymphalidae) and its host plant, the strawberry tree Arbutus unedo L. Most of the occurrence data reported in the entomological literature was confirmed, and several new populations have been recently discovered. The distribution pattern of the insect and its host plant overlap almost perfectly. C. jasius jasius is more abundant and forms large and stable populations on the Peloritani Mts. and in some areas of the Madonie Mountains. The high number of new records of C. jasius jasius suggests that the species is experiencing a spreading phase, but the reasons behind this trend are still unexplained and need further field research and monitoring activities. The recent increase of its populations may depend on the current protection of many forest and pre-forest communities hosting the strawberry trees.
Biodiversity Journal, 13 (3): 0729-0742

Ignazio Sparacio, Najla Mohamed Abushaala, Abdelmuhsen Abusneina & Fabio Liberto
Morphological and anatomical data on some populations of Helix pronuba Westerlund, 1879 (Gastropoda Helicidae) from North Africa
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2022.13.3.729.742

ABSTRACT
New morphological and anatomical data on some populations of Helix (Helix) pronuba Westerlund, 1879 (Gastropoda Helicidae) are provided. In particular, the populations from North Africa are examined morphologically and compared with the topotype from Crete (Greece). The genital organs of a population of Libya are also described.
Biodiversity Journal, 13 (1): 0187-0280 - MONOGRAPH

Ignazio Sparacio
The contribution of the Sicilian naturalists to the knowledge of circumsicilian islands during the 19th century
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2022.13.1.187.280

ABSTRACT
The 19th was a century of great cultural and scientific innovation. Sicily, despite the numerous political and social problems, was not found unprepared to accept and apply all the new demands that were spread from Europe throughout the world. The Sicilian scientific environment, in particular, had a great development and achieved excellent results in all sectors, weakening the original thrust, until it almost completely disappeared, in the early 20th century. In this work only one aspect of this cultural commitment is represented: the contribution of Sicilian naturalists to the study of the circumsicilian islands. Pietro Calcara, already in the early 19th century, began a preliminary and systematic study of all the circumsicilian islands. Other authors devoted themselves only to some topics that interested these islands: Carlo Gemmellaro, for example, who studied the phenomena related to the appearance of the Ferdinandea island and, in other fields of naturalistic research, Andrea Aradas, Francesco Minà Palumbo, Agostino Todaro, Monterosato, Antonio De Gregorio, Gaetano Platania and Giuseppe Zodda. In addition, Giuseppe Riggio, Teodosio De Stefani-Perez, Luigi Failla Tedaldi and Enrico Ragusa studied, from the entomological point of view, only some of these islands with excellent results. Luigi Benoit promoted a systematic exploration of the circumsicilian islands for the study of terrestrial molluscs - and, with the crucial help of Domenico Reina, he improved their malacological knowledge by also describing numerous new taxa; Michele Lo Jacono-Pojero, participating directly in the research, also described numerous new taxa of vascular plants for the Pelagie Islands and the Aeolian Islands and, finally, Enrico Pirajno devoted himself to the naturalistic study of the Aeolian Islands, failing to publish, however, a relevant part of the results obtained. Brief biographical notes and an annotated list of their works on the circumsicilian islands are provided for all these main authors. A specific “Appendix” also includes all the works on these islands carried out by other authors, Sicilian and non-Sicilian, throughout the 19th century. In the conclusions, brief considerations are exposed on the end of Sicilian naturalistic culture of the 19th century and observations on the current and future situation.
Biodiversity Journal, 13 (1): 0171-0186

Agatino Reitano, Gianbattista Nardi, Fabio Liberto, Rossana Sanfilippo, Davide Di Franco, Roberto Viviano & Ignazio Sparacio
New data on genus Acicula Hartmann, 1821 (Gastropoda Aciculidae) in Sicily (Italy) with the description of two new taxa
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.202.13.1.171.186
https://www.zoobank.org/References/2c2bca92-e0f0-4ec6-8bfd-7eabbad2d318

ABSTRACT
Two new taxa belonging to the genus Acicula Hartmann, 1821, are described: A. giglioi n. sp., endemic from the Nebrodi Chain (north Sicily), and A. giglioi peloritana n. ssp., endemic from Peloritani Ridge (north-eastern Sicily). Their shells are characterized by the shape of the peristome: flattend, well separated from the last whorl of the spire, arched in lateral view and more or less strongly turned backwards in its upper part, crossed by several superficial striae. The two subspecific taxa differ from each other in the different character of the shell (height and diameter of shell, ratio H/D, number of striae in the penultimate whorl) and their distribution (Nebrodi and Peloritani mountains respectively). In addition, Acicula szigethyannae Subai, 1977 (Gastropoda Aciculidae), already known in peninsular Italy (from eastern Liguria to southern Calabria) and in eastern Sicily, is now confirmed as present in all central-eastern Sicily.
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.
Biodiversity Journal, 12 (3): 0629-0633

Salvatore Surdo, Ignazio Sparacio, Antonino Dentici & Roberto Viviano
Little Egret Egretta garzetta (Linnaeus, 1766) (Pelecaniformes Ardeidae) and Eurasian crag martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris (Scopoli, 1769) (Passeriformes Hirundidae), two new breeding species for the Egadi Islands (W-Sicily, Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.3.629.633

ABSTRACT
For the first time, the nesting of Eurasian crag martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris (Scopoli, 1769) (Passeriformes Hirundinidae) and Little egret Egretta garzetta (Linnaeus, 1766) (Pelecaniformes Ardeidae) in the Aegadian Islands (W-Sicily, Italy) is reported. Of particular interest is the nesting of the Little egret on the island of Maraone resulting in the first report for Sicily of a heronry on a marine island. Although this nesting environment has already been established in Sardinia, it should be emphasized that until now the establishment of a heronry has never been detected on an islet so far from the mainland.
Biodiversity Journal, 12 (3): 0589-0624

Ignazio Sparacio, Salvatore Surdo, Roberto Viviano, Fabio Liberto & Agatino Reitano
Land molluscs from the Isola delle Femmine Nature Reserve (north-western Sicily, Italy) (Gastropoda Architaenioglossa Pulmonata)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.3.589.624

ABSTRACT
The results of a study on the fauna of land molluscs from Isola delle Femmine Nature Reserve (NW Sicily, Italy) (Gastropoda Architaenioglossa Pulmonata) are here described. In this small island 23 species have been found, 6 of which are Sicilian endemic taxa. Siciliaria leucophryna microinsularis n. ssp. endemic to the Isola delle Femmine (or Isola di Fuori) is described. For each species ecological, distributional data and information on their presence on this island are provided.
Biodiversity Journal, 12 (2): 0529-0534

Fabio Liberto, Abdelmuhsen Abusneina & Ignazio Sparacio
First record of Monacha (Monacha) obstructa (L. Pfeiffer, 1842) and Polygyra cereolus (Megerle von Mühlfeldt, 1818) (Stylommatophora Hygromiidae, Polygyridae) in Libya
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.2.529.534

ABSTRACT
The present contribution outlines a first record of two allochthonous land snails Monacha obstructa (L. Pfeiffer, 1842) and Polygyra cereolus (Megerle von Mühlgeldt, 1818) in Cyrenaica (Northeast Libya) (Stylommatophora Hygromiidae and Polygyridae). The two species have been identified through the study of the shell and the genitalia. Their zoogeographical origins, the possible way of introduction and distribution in Libya are discussed.
Biodiversity Journal, 12 (2): 0325-0334

Fabio Liberto, Abdelmuhsen Abusneina & Ignazio Sparacio
New data on slugs and semi-slugs from Cyrenaika (north-eastern Libya) (Parmacellidae, Limacidae, Agriolimacidae, Veronicellidae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.2.325.334

ABSTRACT
The following work provides an original contribution to the knowledge of Libya’s slugs (Parmacellidae, Limacidae, Agriolimacidae, Veronicellidae). It is based on the morphological and anatomical investigations of some populations of slugs collected in Cyrenaica. An analysis of the existing bibliography on this topic is carried out and geonemic and biological data on the studied slugs are provided. We report for the first time Eleutherocaulis striatus (Simroth, 1896) (Veronicellidae) from North Africa, and Ambigolimax valentianus (A. Ferussac, 1822) (Limacidae) from Libya.
Biodiversity Journal, 12 (1): 0171-0178

Fabio Liberto, Mauro Grano, Cristina Cattaneo & Ignazio Sparacio
On Deroceras (Deroceras) ikaria P.L. Reischütz, 1983 (Gastropoda Stylommatophora Agriolimacidae) from Ikaria Island (Aegean Sea, Greece)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.1.171.178

ABSTRACT
This paper shows new morphological data on Deroceras ikaria P.L. Reischütz, 1983 (Gastropoda Stylommatophora Agriolimacidae) an endemic species from Ikaria Island (Aegean Sea, Greece), known only for the type serie. This species is similar to D. samium Rähle, 1983 and more informations for a better understanding of both species are provided.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 1001-1006

Michele Bellavista, Pierpaolo Rapuzzi & Ignazio Sparacio
A new species of Neopiciella Sama, 1988 (Coleoptera Cerambycidae) from western Sicily
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.1001.1006
https://www.zoobank.org/References/8cb7a660-94a0-4123-85da-d6a92ec13ae2

ABSTRACT
A new species of the genus Neopiciella Sama, 1988 (Coleoptera Cerambycidae) from Sicily is described. Neopiciella stefaniae n. sp. is compared with the other species of this genus: N. sicula (Ganglbauer, 1885) from Sicily and N. kabyliana (Pic, 1896) from Algeria and Tunisia. Further information on the taxonomy, biology and geographical distribution of this small group of Beetles, and on N. stefaniae n. sp. in particular, are provided.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0983-0991

Fabio Liberto, Agatino Reitano, Roberto Viviano & Ignazio Sparacio
New data on Acicula benoiti (Bourguignat, 1864) (Gastropoda Architaenioglossa Aciculidae) and description of A. hierae n. sp. from Marettimo Island (Sicily, Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.983.991
https://www.zoobank.org/References/a4eddfac-6054-4801-9190-bf308542c9fe

ABSTRACT
New morphological and distributional data on Acicula benoiti (Bourguignat, 1864) (Gastropoda Architaenioglossa Aciculidae) in Sicily are provided. In addition, A. hierae n. sp. from Marettimo Island (Egadi Islands, N-W Sicily, Italy) is here described. The new species is characterized by conic-subcylindrical shape, with obtuse apex, thick parietal callus; well developed angular tooth; external peristomal varix raised, rounded, and anteriorly and posteriorly delimited by simple line.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 439-442

Ignazio Sparacio, Angelo Ditta & Salvatore Surdo
On the presence of the alien exotic sap beetle Phenolia (Lasiodites) picta (Macleay, 1825) (Coleoptera Nitidulidae) in Italy
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.439.442

ABSTRACT
The exotic sap beetle Phenolia (Lasiodites) picta (W.S. Macleay, 1825) (Coleoptera Nitidulidae) is an alien species recently recorded in Europe (Spain, France, and Greece), and Turkey. For Italy, only a single record of P. cf. picta is reported from Sicily. In this paper, we studied this specimen confirming the presence of P. picta in Italy.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 311-346

Ignazio Sparacio, Fabio Liberto & Tommaso La Mantia
The genus Mauritanica O. Boettger, 1879 (Gastropoda Stylommatophora Clausiliidae) in Tunisia
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.311.346
https://www.zoobank.org/References/aaa6f01f-46c0-4949-9a34-cdebaa2e23b2

ABSTRACT
Currently, the genus Mauritanica O. Boettger, 1879 (Gastropoda Stylommatophora Clausiliidae) is widespread in north-eastern Algeria and central-northern Tunisia with six taxa. The taxonomic position of this genus has often been interpreted differently and the relationship with other similar genera, in particular with Siciliaria Vest, 1867, still remains to be clarified. In this paper, we provide a further contribution to the knowledge of Mauritanica by analyzing morphologically (shell, genitalia, and the type museum material) all the known Tunisian populations. In particular, the geographical spread and taxonomy of M. tristrami s.l. (L. Pfeiffer, 1861), M. philora s.l. (Letourneux, 1887), M. perinni polygyra (O. Boettger, 1879), and M. cossoni (Letourneux, 1887) are redefined. Mauritanica perinni zaghouanica (Letourneux, 1887) could be a valid taxon. M. tristrami zribensis n. ssp., M. tristrami nouirasaidi n. ssp. and M. philora bognanii n. ssp. are described.
Biodiversity Journal, 10 (4): 527-546 - MONOGRAPH

Fabio Liberto, Maria Stella Colomba & Ignazio Sparacio
New data on the genus Albinaria (Pulmonata Clausiliidae) from the Astypalea Island and neighboring islets (Dodecanese Archipelago, Greece)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.4.527.546

ABSTRACT
In this work, the authors investigated the genus Albinaria Vest, 1867 (Pulmonata Clausiliidae) from the Astypalea Island and the nearby islets of Ofidoussa and Kounoupi (Dodecanese Archipelago, Greece). The two endemic subspecies known, Albinaria (Albinaria) brevicollis astropalia (O. Boettger, 1883) and A. (A.) brevicollis maltezana Nordsieck, 2015 are redescribed and illustrated for shell and genital morphology. Furthermore A. (A.) brevicollis cf. sica Fuchs et Käufel, 1936 is reported for the first time from the north-east Astypalea, and two new subspecies, A. (A.) brevicollis granoi n. ssp. and A. (A.) brevicollis cristinae n. ssp. are here described from North-West Astypalea and Ofidoussa Islet, respectively.
Biodiversity Journal, 10 (4): 517-526 - MONOGRAPH

Maria Stella Colomba, Armando Gregorini, David P. Cilia, Fabio Liberto, Agatino Reitano & Ignazio Sparacio
Molecular studies on the genus Muticaria Lindholm, 1925 (Pulmonata, Clausiliidae) from the Maltese Islands
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.4.517.526

ABSTRACT
The present study has been carried out with focus on Muticaria macrostoma group from the Maltese Islands to characterize and define, from a molecular standpoint, their identity and relationships with topotypical Sicilian Muticaria (i.e. M. syracusana, M. neuteboomi, M. cyclopica and M. brancatoi). Molecular study included amplification of 16S rDNA (ca. 300 bp) and COI (ca. 700 bp) gene partial sequences which were used for single and combined gene analysis by Bayesian Inference to achieve the phylogenetic reconstructions with the highest posterior probabilities. Obtained results showed that, within M. macrostoma group, the taxa mamotica and oscitans can be elevated to the specific rank, thus bringing to three the Maltese Muticaria species, i.e. M. macrostoma, M. mamotica, and M. oscitans; whereas scalaris may be considered a subspecies, or even a synonim. Present findings confirmed the validity of the Sicilian species M. syracusana, M. neuteboomi, M. cyclopica and M. brancatoi. Furthermore, the populations of the Sicilian and Maltese Muticaria seem to belong to two different levels of differentiation. Finally, we have also examined some Lampedusa populations but the position of this genus still remains to be clarified. In particular, it is confirmed that Lampedusa and Muticaria are different genera, but at present, the relations within the Lampedusa group need further studies to be analysed in details.
Biodiversity Journal, 10 (4): 499-516 - MONOGRAPH

Agatino Reitano, Fabio Liberto, Maria Stella Colomba, Ignazio Sparacio & Rossana Sanfilippo
Notes on some interesting species of Mollusca Gastropoda of the Monterosato collection preserved into the “Museo di Scienze della Terra” of Catania (Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.4.499.516

ABSTRACT
In the year 2008, the then named Department of Geological Sciences of the University of Catania came into possession of malacological material belonging to Tommaso Di Maria, baron of Allery and marquis of Monterosato (Palermo, 1841–1927), an important malacologist specialized in the systematics of continental and mostly marine and fossil molluscs from the Mediterranean Sea and north east Atlantic. The small collection also includes interesting lots of shells belonging to other Sicilian naturalists such as the abbot Giuseppe Brugnone (Caltanissetta, Italy) and Pietro Calcara (Palermo, Italy). In this malacological collection, some interesting taxa little known and difficult taxonomic interpretations have been found. The rediscovery of the Aghatina mandralisci Calcara, 1840 and Lachesis retifera Brugnone, 1880 probable lectotypes, and the taxonomy of Helix schwerzenbachi Calcara, 1841 and Helix cupani Calcara, 1842 (syntypes) are discussed. Particularly, A. mandralisci is proposed as a synonym of Allopeas gracilis (Hutton, 1834), H. schwerzenbachi is proposed as a synonym of Punctum (Punctum) pygmaeum (Draparnaud, 1801), and H. cupani is proposed as a synonym of Xerotricha conspurcata (Draparnaud, 1801).
Biodiversity Journal, 10 (2): 071-080

Roberto Viviano, Arturo Viviano, Fabio Liberto, Agatino Reitano & Ignazio Sparacio
A new species of the genus Schileykiella Manganelli, Sparacio et Giusti, 1989 from Sicily (Italy) (Gastropoda Pulmonata Canariellidae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2019.10.2.71.80

ABSTRACT
Schileykiella mariarosariae n. sp. (Gastropoda Pulmonata Canariellidae) is described from Mount Pecoraro, Cinisi (Palermo, Sicily, Italy). The new species is characterized by lenticular shell with keeled whorls and very short hairs, genitalia with long penis, short epiphallus, long flagellum, very flared initial portion of the duct of bursa copulatrix. Additional ecological, biological and taxonomic notes are provided.

Main Index

Ignazio Sparacio