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Biodiversity Journal 2018, 9 (3): 169-312

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (3): 169-170
    Antonino Dentici
    The genus Argiope Audouin, 1826 (Araneae Araneidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.3.I.II
  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (3): 171-180

    Ashish Tiple
    Butterflies (Lepidoptera Rhopalocera) of the Bor Wildlife Sanctuary, Wardha, Maharashtra, Central India
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.3.171.180

    ABSTRACT
    The diversity of butterfly species (Lepidoptera Rhopalocera) was studied in the Bor Wildlife Sanctuary, Wardha district area (Central India) of 138.12 km2 from 2011 to 2017. A total of 114 species of butterflies belonging to 6 families were recorded. Most of the butterflies recorded belong to the family Nymphalidae (35 species). 34 Lycaenidae species were recorded. A total of 18 Hesperiidae and 18 Pieridae species were recorded, 8 species were recorded from the Papilionidae and 1 species from the Riodinidae family. Among the 114 butterflies recorded, 9 species come under the protection category of the Indian Wild Life (protection) Act 1972 (i.e., Pachliopta hector, Appias albina, Appias libythea, Eurema andersonii, Euploea core, Hypolimnas misippus, Euchrysops cnejus, Lampides boeticus, Ionolyce helicon, Baoris farri). The observations support the value of the National Park (Reserve forest) area in providing valuable resources for butterflies.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (3): 181-186

    Souheïla Azzouz, Ali Tahar & Lyamine Mezedjri
    Comparative biometrics of Saurel Trachurus trachurus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Perciformes Carangidae) in the Algerian coast lines
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.3.181.186

    ABSTRACT
    During 2012–2013, a comparative biometric study was conducted on a coastal marine teleost fish of the Carangidae family Trachurus trachurus (Linnaeus, 1758). The comparison is made on the basis of seven samples obtained along the Algerian coastline. From East to West: El-kala, Annaba, Skikda, Collo, Jijel, Algiers, and Oran, carrying out 36 morphometric and meristic measurements on each fish. ANOVA Fixed-Variance Analysis of Variance shows the existence of significant differences between the seven sites for 36 variables, as well as the existence of a sexual dimorphism for 22 measured variables and the absence of significant differences for 14 variables out of a total of 36 studied variables. The comparison between the seven sites by MANOVA multivariate statistical tests confirms the results obtained by the ANOVA.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (3): 187-194

    Ouroud Fellah, Samir Hameurlaine, Naziha Bourenane, Noureddine Gherraf, Amar Zellagui, Abdenabi Abidi, Ali Tahar, Muhammed Altun, Ibrahim Demirtas & Ayse Sahin Yaglioglu
    Climatic factors as quality determinant of essential oils and phenolics in Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiales Lamiaceae) collected from three geographic areas in Algeria
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.3.187.194

    ABSTRACT
    The present work was aimed to evaluate the effect of the climatic factors on quality and quantity of essential oils and phenolic compounds of the aerial parts of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiales Lamiaceae) collected from three different geographic origins in Algeria (humid, semi arid, and arid). Gas-Chromatography/Mass-Spectroscopy analysis of essential oils revealed important disparities, both quantitatively and qualitatively. α-pinene and camphor as major components were found to range from 16.78 to 40.95% and from 11.24 to 36.72%, respectively. The assessment of total phenolics in water and ethyl acetate extracts of the three samples displayed a content ranging from 58.26 to 114.10 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalent)/g of water extracts and from 73.75 to 167.91 mg GAE/g of ethyl acetate extracts. The flavonoids content was found to vary from 14.63 to 28.86 mg QE (quercetin equivalent)/g of water extracts and from 66.2 to 93.1 mg QE/g of ethyl acetate extracts. Moreover, the HPLC analysis of phenolics revealed the presence of many compounds amongst which Hesperidin and Rosmarinic acid have relatively high contents in both extracts and in the three sites.

  • 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, 9 (3): 205-212

    Lilia Ait Mohamed Amer, Imene Benali, Saliha Dermeche & Mohamed Bouderbala
    Seasonal variations of the biometric indices of Patella rustica Linnaeus, 1758 (Gastropoda Patellidae) from contrasted sites of the western Algerian coast
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.3.205.212

    ABSTRACT
    The objective of this study is the evaluation of the resistance of the bioindicative species Patella rustica Linnaeus, 1758 (Gastropoda Patellidae) existing in the contrasted sites of the Algerian occidental seaboard through a follow-up of the seasonal variations of biometric indices. It is based on the analysis of biometric parameters of 600 individuals of this Gastropod mollusk from five sites: Madagh (MD), Bouzedjar Harbor (BH), Ain El Turck (AT), Oran Harbor (OH), and Kristel (KR). The seasonal sampling has been carried out and measurements on the height of the shell (H), its length (L), and its total weight (TW) are taken for all the populations of P. rustica. The correlation of the different measurements (length-height, length-total weight, height-total weight), with the help of the power curve and following STUDENT “ t ” test, DUNCAN, and the ACP, reveals the development of its shell first in height, followed in second position by the length, and this for the five sites under study. Weight would thus be the parameter under analysis that evolves the least quickly as compared to the other two biometric parameters involving a generally significant difference between the five sites under study. These results confirm that the growth of this mollusk varies depending on the seasons and relies on many biotic and abiotic factors that also condition the development of the shell and the growth of limpet. This approach represents a good means for environmental evaluation that could be used in biomonitoring programs to indicate the impact of pollution in the short and long term.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (3): 213-216

    Rujira Mahaprom & Sitthi Kulabtong
    Observation of feeding habit of the Asian water monitor, Varanus salvator (Laurenti, 1768) (Squamata Varanidae) on a Asian toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799) (Anura Bufonidae) in Thailand
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.3.213.216

    ABSTRACT
    The feeding habit of the Asian water monitor, Varanus salvator (Laurenti, 1768) (Squamata Varanidae) in Thailand indicated that this species is carnivorous and scavenger. Here, we describe an observation of an Asian water monitor on an Asian toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799) (Anura Bufonidae) in urban areas of Central Thailand. Feeding habit data of an Asian water monitor is provided here.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (3): 217-225

    Francesco Pusateri, Riccardo Giannuzzi-Savelli & Stefano Bartolini
    A revision of the Mediterranean Raphitomidae (Gastropoda Conoidea) 6: on the Raphitoma corbis (Potiez et Michaud, 1838)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.3.217.225

    ABSTRACT
    In this paper, the authors deal with Raphitoma corbis (Potiez et Michaud, 1838) (Gastropoda Conoidea), a poorly-known taxon differently interpreted over time, by fixing a neotype in order to stabilize the nomenclature because the type material has been lost.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (3): 227-236

    Richel E. Relox & Fritzie A. Camino
    Comparative study on the Anuran Communities (Amphibia Anura) in Agusan Marsh  Wildlife Sanctuary, Philippines
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.3.227.236

    ABSTRACT
    The Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary harbors numerous species of Anurans (Amphibia Anura) that have highly threatened habitats. The species of anurans were observed in different vegetation types such as Terminalia forest, sago palms, and rice fields in the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur on May and October 2008. Result showed abundant, diverse, endemic, and threatened anuran species. Nine species of frogs with 148 individuals were documented. The sago forest had the highest anuran population with 76 inviduals (3 species) followed by 41 (5 species) in the Terminalia forest and 31 (3 species) in the agricultural areas adjacent to sago stands. Of these, 66.7% are Philippine endemics. However, the remaining 33.3% are threatened by natural habitat conversion. Naturally grown sago stands are ultimately a habitat for several anurans found only in the Philippine archipelago. O. laevis and L. leytensis are identified as sago forest indicators. Indeed, their absence or decline in population over time may have detrimental impact on the survival of the sago stands in the Agusan wetlands. The anuran species are highly habitat specific. Indeed, sago stands harbor endemic and unique anuran species that need to be conserved and protected.

  • 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): 241-254

    Atagana Patrick Jules, Bakwo fils Eric Moise, Mbeng Donatus Waghiiwimbom, Tsague Kenfack Joseph Aimé & Kekeunou Sévilor
    The bat fauna of the Mpem and Djim National Park, Cameroon (Mammalia Chiroptera)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.3.241.254

    ABSTRACT
    The present study reports on a bat inventory in the Mpem and Djim National Park (Mammalia Chiroptera), in the Centre region of Cameroon. Fourteen sites were surveyed from July 2016 to January 2017. A total of 166 bats were captured. This included 14 species, 11 genera, and five families. All species are globally ranked as “Least Concern” except Glauconycteris egeria, a Data Deficient species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of threatened species. Micropteropus pusillus and Lissonycteris angolensis were recorded from previous surveys in all the ten regions of the country encompassing five agroecological zones. Out of the fourteen species, ten species are known to occur both in the forest and the savanna, while four are reported only from the forest. This study provides baseline data about Chiropteran fauna of this protected area.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (3): 255-270

    Salvatore Giacobbe & Walter Renda
    Infralittoral molluscs from the Scilla cliff (Strait of Messina, Central Mediterranean)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.3.255.270

    ABSTRACT
    The mollusc taxocoenosis characterizing the photophilic zone of the Scilla cliff (Strait of Messina, Central Mediterranean) has been described on hard bottom samples from 6, 16 and 24 m depth. Seasonality has been evaluated by replicates carried out in autumn and spring. Overall, 229 benthic taxa have been recorded, 87 of which occurred in both seasons, while 109 were exclusively recorded in spring and 29 only in autumn. Specimen abundance also notably decreased from autumn to spring (1581 and 892 individuals, respectively). Depth scarcely affected the species distribution, probably due to water transparency, thermal homogeneity, and nutrient mixing. The recorded species cannot be all assigned to the photophilic rocky habitat, since ubiquitous taxa, organisms of other habitats settled in micro-enclaves, and juveniles of not established species have been frequently recorded. The role of algal covering as larval collector from disparate habitats is confirmed, as also proved by the high occurrence of planktonic molluscs (14 species) in all the examined samples. The whole mollusc taxocoene, whose diversity is high with respect to other areas at comparable latitudes, showed a marked western footprint, in accordance with the known biogeographic peculiarities of the Messina Strait.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (3): 271-276

    Antonino Dentici & Franco Ciro Amata
    New faunistic data for the Sicilian Aracnofauna (Arachnida Araneae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.3.271.276

    ABSTRACT
    New spiders (Arachnida Araneae) from Sicily (Italy) are reported in this paper. Particularly, one familia, eight genera, and thirteen new species are examined. Additional biological and taxonomic notes are also provided.

  • 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): 283-302

    Salvatore Giacobbe & Giuseppe Notaristefano
    Marine molluscs from Cape Milazzo (Sicily, Italy): a baseline
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.3.283.302

    ABSTRACT
    An original data set of 556 benthic mollusc taxa, as a first account of Cape Milazzo local biodiversity, is provided. Qualitative differences between more or less anthropized areas have been put in evidence, and species distribution according to the main habitat typologies has been detailed. The highest biodiversity was found in the northern sites, corresponding to the Zone A of the established marine protected area. Most mollusc species under the European Economic Community (EEC) and National protection, and other ones listed as threatened, have been recorded, and are mainly associated to priority habitats as phanerogams meadows and vermitid reefs. In the meantime, the settlement of not indigenous species, mainly of tropical origin, and disease affecting threatened organisms under EEC protection, testified the vulnerability of the local ecosystem under the global change threat.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (3): 303-311

    Abdul Hamid & Yusli Wardiatno
    Diversity of Decapod Crustaceans in Lasongko Bay, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.3.303.311

    ABSTRACT
    The aim of this study was to reveal the species diversity of Decapod Crustaceans in Lasongko Bay, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The study was conducted from April 2013 to March 2014. The sample collections were conducted on a monthly basis using gillnets at six stations. The abundance, diversity, and similarity indices of decapod species are presented spatially and temporally. Nineteen families and thirty-eight species were found in the bay, and they were dominated by the brachyuran group. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index, the evenness index, and the Simpson dominance index of the decapods spatially ranged 0.812–0.893, 0.592–0.683, and 0.215–0.313, respectively. The species similarity index ranged 0.560–0.831 spatially and 0.363–0.902 temporally. Decapods with high economic value were also discussed.