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Biodiversity Journal 2020, 11 (1): 1-348

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 001-002
    Alberto Ballerio
    The Parque Nacional Conguillío, Chile
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.I.II
  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 003-006

    Mauro M. Brunetti
    On the taxonomic validity of Lissochlamys perstriatula (Sacco, 1897) (Bivalvia Pectinidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.3.6

    ABSTRACT
    The discovery in the Spanish lower Pliocene of Moguer (Huelva, Spain), the Guadalquivir basin, of some valves corresponding to Lissochlamys excisa var. perstriatula Sacco, 1897 is reported. The comparison with the typical material preserved in the Natural History Museum of Turin (Italy) confirmed the correspondence between the Iberian and the Italian specimens. Due to the characteristics of the sculpture and the shape of the valves which clearly differentiate it from L. excisa (Bronn, 1831), this var. perstriatula is elevated to a valid species.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 007-014

    Houda Bouzeraa, Hanen Sellami, Radhouane Gdoura, Mohamed Achou & Noureddine Soltani
    Genetic diversity of the Honeybee Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758 (Hymenoptera Apidae) from Jijel (Northeast Algeria)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.7.14

    ABSTRACT
    Traditionally, subspecific classification and phylogeographic inferences in Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758 (Hymenoptera Apidae) were first classified according to their morphological and behavioral traits along with their geographical distributions. Morphometrical analyses conducted on large datasets have established different evolutionary lineages of honeybees. In the last two decades of honeybee genetic analysis and conservation, subsequent studies based on variations in mitochondrial DNA largely confirmed Ruttner’s phylogeographic structure of Apis mellifera. However, very little is known about Algerian honeybee diversity. Therefore, this study assessed the genetic diversity of honeybees (Apis mellifera) in Northeastern Algerian, in North Africa, using the mitochondrial DNA marker (mtDNA) COI-COII (Cytochrome Oxidase I and II). In total, thirty honeybee workers were sampled from three sites of Jijel province. A PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) analysis of the mtDNA samples distinguished the honeybee evolutionary lineages from this region. Our study revealed that studied honeybee populations have A (African lineages) evolutionary group features. Notably, the northern Algerian honeybee populations had elevated diversity compared to the southern populations.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 015-016

    Elena Prazzi, Giuseppe Maraventano, Vincenzo Billeci & Gerry Sorrentino
    Cybister tripunctatus africanus (Castelnau, 1834) (Coleoptera Dytiscidae): first record for Lampedusa Island (Pelagie Islands, Sicily Channel)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.15.16

    ABSTRACT
    The authors report the first record of the Dytiscidae Cybister tripunctatus africanus (Castelnau, 1834) for Lampedusa Island (Sicily Channel, Italy), which also represents the first finding of an acquatic insect belonging to Coleoptera Dytiscidae in this island.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 017-020

    Andrea Lombardo & Giuliana Marletta
    First record of Okenia problematica Pola, Paz-Sedano, Macali, Minchin, Marchini, Vitale, Licchelli et Crocetta, 2019 (Gastropoda Nudibranchia Goniodorididae) for Sicily (Ionian Sea, Italy)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.17.20

    ABSTRACT
    Okenia problematica Pola, Paz-Sedano, Macali, Minchin, Marchini, Vitale, Licchelli & Crocetta, 2019 (Gastropoda Nudibranchia Goniodorididae) is here reported for the first time for Sicily. The Mediterranean species of the genus Okenia Menke, 1830 have recently undergone a taxonomic revision that has reduced the number of species from eight to six because in the past some species were misidentified. For this reason, this new species was described for the Mediterranean. In this short paper, two specimens of this species were found in two nearby areas of Catania (Ionian coast of Sicily) that are strongly anthropized. Therefore, we believe that this species is tolerant to polluted waters.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 021-024

    O. Eric Ramírez-Bravo, E. Evangelina Camargo-Rivera, E. Morales Manuel Osmar, Edna A. Contreras Aldana, Alejandro Pastén Sánchez, Patricio Cano Flores, C. Enrique Espinoza Pérez & Florencio Sixto Ramírez
    Community monitors as researchers: determining vulnerable species distribution in a protected area of central Mexico
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.21.24

    ABSTRACT
    We designed a training workshop in biodiversity monitoring and natural resources management and conservation for rural communities of the Hydrographic Basin of the Necaxa River Protected Area, aiming to increase active participation. We presented 2 cases in which participants documented 2 vulnerable species, increasing the distribution of margay, Leopardus wiedii Schinz, 1821 (Mammalia Felidae) and recording the persistence of neotropical otter, Lontra longicaudis Olfers, 1818 (Mammalia Mustelidae). These records proved that with proper training, community monitors could generate new information on biodiversity distribution, provide evidence to traditional knowledge, and produce data to improve protected area management.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 025-034

    Sid Ahmed Aouadj, Yahia Nasrallah & Okkacha Hasnaoui
    Regional phytogeographic analysis of the flora of the Mounts of Saida (western Algeria): evaluation-restoration report
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.25.34

    ABSTRACT
    A regional floristic and phytogeographic study was conducted in the Mounts of Saida, a sub-sector of the Tell Atlas (Oran) (O3), in the western Algeria. On an area of 56.31 Km2 surveyed regularly over time during the springs and autumns from 2017 to 2019. A total of 344 taxa divided into 77 families and 223 genera, including 18 new (exogenous) for Tell Atlas (Oran) sub-sector (O3), have been inventoried. Of these 18 species, 8 belong to the phytogeographic areas of the arid (H) and hyperarid (AS) regions and 2 invasive species that reinforce and confirm theories of plant dispersal to the north and to high altitudes for adapting to climate change. The Factor Analysis of Correspondences (F.A.C) shows that species distribution is the result of local microclimates associated with the elevation; particularly, the mountains facing north receive a significant amount of humidity from the Mediterranean Sea.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 035-040

    Insaf Zaabta, Lalia Boukhobza, Fateh Mimeche & Mohamed Biche
    Role of Aphytis lepidosaphes Compere, 1955 (Hymenoptera Aphelinidae) in limiting Lepidosaphes beckii (Newman, 1869) (Homoptera Diaspididae) populations in an orange orchard in Rouiba (Algeria)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.35.40

    ABSTRACT
    This work highlights the study of Lepidosaphes beckii (Newman, 1869) (Homoptera Diaspididae) population dynamics as well as the impact of its external parasite Aphytis lepidosaphes Compere, 1955 (Hymenoptera Aphelinidae) in an orange orchard in Rouiba (Algeria). A year period study shows that L. beckii has three generations per year: the first is the autumnal generation; the second is through the spring and the third throughout summer. Moreover, this cochineal presents a very strong affinity for the central part of the trees and the lower side of the tree leaves which offers optimal conditions for its development. Aphytis lepidosaphes also develops three generations per year: in autumn, spring and summer, matching perfectly the three generations of its host. The parasite can be found where its host is abundant (plentiful). The global parasitism rate records is 22.54% for L. beckii, this rate remains weak to control the cochineal populations.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 041-043

    Mauro Grano, Raffaella Scotti & Giovanni Paolino
    First record of Zamenis lineatus (Camerano, 1891) (Serpentes Colubridae) in Ischia Island (Italy)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.41.43

    ABSTRACT
    With this work, we report for the first time the presence of the Italian Aesculapian snake Zamenis lineatus (Camerano, 1891) in Ischia island (Italy). Up to date, in this Mediterranean island, among ophidic species the presence of only Hierophis carbonarius (Bonaparte, 1833) has been reported; although, recently, the invasive species Indotyphlops braminus (Daudin, 1803) has been also detected. Further studies will be necessary to clarify whether the presence of Zamenis lineatus in Ischia island is autochthonous or whether is just an accidental observation due to a passive transport from the nearby coast of the Gulf of Naples.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 045-056

    Mediani Lynda, Chahrour Faycal, Dermeche Saliha & Bouderbala Mohamed
    Physiological Indices and Nutritive Values of the Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1816) (Echinodermata Echinoidea) of the Algerian West Coast
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.45.56

    ABSTRACT
    Seasonal variation in the physiological indices and biochemical composition of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1816) (Echinodermata Echinoidea) from the west coast of Algeria were studied between March 2016 and February 2017 from three stations of different nature and geographical position: Sidi Lakhdar (S1), Cap Carbon (S2), and Benisaf harbor (S3). Two spawning period occurred in spring and autumn, resulting in a fall in gonad indices to a low level with values between 2.14 and 3.65%. The seawater temperature in the three sampling stations revealed that the latter had a spawning rate at 9–15 °C in spring and 24 and 11 °C in autumn corresponding to the two peaks of spawning. The biochemical composition of the gonads protein contents, carbohydrates and lipids were recorded with a high percentage for proteins between (25.80 and 45.23%) followed by that of lipids (9.21 and 14.40%) and finally carbohydrates (3.49 and 7.39%). In accordance with the gonad cycle, sea urchin lipids and proteins show a marked seasonal variation with a decrease in their percentages during the spawning period. Protein levels had an inverse profile with carbohydrates, with their values at a minimum when carbohydrates were at their maximum. The profile of the total components in the gut content is almost the same as in the gonads with minus values. A relationship has been found between the biochemical components of the gonads and the digestive tract during gametogenesis, the latter seems to be an organ that tends to store nutrients, indicating that populations of sea urchin P. lividus are in good nutritional conditions.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 057-064

    Paolo Galasso, Alessandro Marletta & Andrea Corso
    Odonata of Sicilian southeast swamp lakes “Pantano Cuba” and “Pantano Longarini” (SE-Sicily, Italy)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.57.64

    ABSTRACT
    From March 2015 to December 2019 a focused study on Odonata, funded by the German foundation “Stiftung Pro Artenvielfalt ®” (Foundation Pro Biodiversity), was conducted at the swamp lakes named “Pantano Cuba” and “Pantano Longarini”, in the southeast coast of Sicily (Italy), near Pachino, Siracusa. A total of 27 different species were recorded in Pantano Cuba and Longarini, including Brachytron pratense (Müller, 1764), found for the first time in Sicily during this study and Pantala flavescens (Fabricius, 1798), never seen before in Italy excluding the islands of Linosa and Lampedusa, Sicilian Channel.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 065-068

    Ottavio Janni, Michele Viganò & Andrea Corso
    First records of Diplacodes lefebvrii (Rambur, 1842) for Sicily and additional record of Trithemis kirbyi Selys, 1891(Odonata Libellulidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.65.68

    ABSTRACT
    We report the first records (three specimens on two dates) of Diplacodes lefebvrii (Rambur, 1842) (Odonata Libellulidae) for Sicily, obtained during October 2019 at the island of Linosa, Pelagie Archipelago (Sicily, Italy). Additional record of Trithemis kirbyi Selys, 1891 (Odonata Libellulidae), already known for the region, are provided.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 069-084

    Augusto Cattaneo, Cristina Cattaneo & Mauro Grano
    Update on the herpetofauna of the Dodecanese Archipelago (Greece)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.69.84

    ABSTRACT
    In this paper, an update on the Dodecanese (Greece) herpetofauna is provided. In this Archipelago, 8 Amphibians (2 Salamandrididae, 1 Pelobatidae, 2 Bufonidae, 1 Hylidae, 2 Ranidae) and 31 Reptiles (1 Testudinidae, 1 Emydidae, 1 Geoemydidae, 1 Trionychidae, 1 Cheloniidae, 1 Agamidae, 2 Gekkonidae, 4 Lacertidae, 4 Scincidae, 1 Anguidae, 1 Blanidae, 1 Typhlopidae, 1 Boidae, 10 Colubridae, 1 Viperidae) occur. Notes relating to animals’ ecology and to critical habitats are also given.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 085-254

    Fernando Angelini
    Contribution to the knowledge of beetles (Insecta Coleoptera) of some protected areas of Apulia, Basilicata and Calabria (Italy)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.85.254

    ABSTRACT
    The lists of Coleoptera published by the author between 1986 and 1996 concerning the following protected areas from southern Italy are updated: Gargano Promontory, Policoro Wood, Pantano Lake of Pignola, Pollino Massif and Sila Plateau. Data is integrated with subsequent collections of the writer and with bibliographic citations of other authors. With the same criteria the species of further three areas are also listed: Mount Vulture-Monticchio Lakes, Central Lucan Apennines and Aspromonte. A total of 5,130 taxa were recorded for the eight surveyed National or Regional Parks, which are located in Apulia, Basilicata and Calabria regions (Italy). Of these species, 472 are endemic to the Italian territory. The saproxylic species amount to 1,115, their related IUCN category is referred to and an interpretation of the emerging data is suggested. A chronology of the entomological researches carried out in the past has been reconstructed, moreover description of main features and geographical boundaries of the treated sites are provided. All taxa subject of this study are listed in taxonomic order with indication of the areas where their presence occurs and specifying the data source. The total number of species for each family is evaluated area by area and the data on the most representative of Coleoptera families are briefly commented, with remarks on the current state of research.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 255-258

    Miyeon Kim, Hoa Quynh Nguyen, Yoonjung Yi, Jaeha Ahn, Ye Eun Kim, Soojin Jang, Sanha Kim, Sungsik Kong & Amaël Borzée
    Policy recommendation on whaling, trade and watching of cetaceans (Mammalia Cetacea) in the Republic of Korea
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.255.258

    ABSTRACT
    Most of the cetacean (Mammalia Cetacea) species are endangered due to various past human activities and most of these species are still under threat due to the same reason. We recommend the development of policies regarding whaling, trading and watching of cetaceans in the Republic of Korea. We recommend the restriction of trade in marine mammals, whether for human consumption or for entertainment purposes, and the development and adoption of ethical rules for marine mammal watching activities.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 259-262

    Mardiansyah & Yusli Wardiatno
    New distribution record of Elysia leucolegnote (Jensen, 1990) (Sacoglossa Plakobranchidae) in mangrove ecosystem of Biak Numfor, Papua - Indonesia
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.259.262

    ABSTRACT
    Elysia leucolegnote (Jensen, 1990) (Sacoglossa Plakobranchidae) was firstly found in Hong Kong and described in 1989. Furthermore, in the past decade, the mangrove leaf-slug, E. leucolegnote, has been found outside Hong Kong, for example in Thailand, India, and Australia, but it is here reported for the first time in Indonesia. Details on the distribution, habitat and external morphology of E. leucolegnote in Biak Numfor, Papua, Indonesia, are here described. This species is found in mangrove ecosystems and has a similar morphological external character with previously reported which are distributed worldwide from East, South and South-east Asia to Australia. The IUCN redlist category is discussed in this paper.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 263-287

    Enrico Borghi & Paolo Stara
    Revision of the genus Heterobrissus (Echinoidea), with a new species from Sardinia, and redefinition of Heterobrissus niasicus (Doderlein, 1901) in Echinopneustes n. gen.
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.263-287
    https://www.zoobank.org/References/70efa584-49ce-43a3-bd81-a9c5e34d992d

    ABSTRACT
    Morphological characters previously unknown in Heterobrissus montesi Manzoniet Mazzetti, 1878, the type-species of the genus Heterobrissus Manzoniet Mazzetti, 1878, such as the oral plate structure and the position of the periproct, are herein described based on topo-typic material from the Middle Miocene of the Northern Apennines (Italy). Similar, well preserved specimens from the Early Miocene of Sardinia are attributed to Heterobrissus lubellii n.sp., which differs from H. montesi by its longer and wider petals and the peristome farther from the anterior margin of the test. The new available data confirm also that the genus Archaeopneustes Gregory, 1892 is junior synonym with Heterobrissus. Unreported specimens from the Late Oligocene of Alicante (Spain) enable to illustrate the plastron structure and other so far unknown features in Pygospatangus salvae Cotteau, 1890, the type species of the genus Pygospatangus Cotteau, 1890, and indicates that Pygospatangus is a junior synonym with Heterobrissus. Heterobrissus salvae differs from H. montesi mainly by its thicker shell and longer plates in the proximal part of the oral ambulacra I and V. The Recent species Heterobrissus niasicus (Döderlein, 1901), H. erinaceus Baker et Rowe, 1990 and H. gigas Baker et Rowe, 1990, from the Indo-Pacific, are herein transferred to Echinopneustes n. gen. Echinopneustes differs from Heterobrissus mainly by the labrum extending only to the adjoining ambulacral plate 2, not to plate 3 as in Heterobrissus, by the periproct being marginal, not inframarginal as in Heterobrissus, and bounded by the fifth plates in the interambulacrum 5, not by the fourth. The distribution of Heterobrissus, so far known from the Burdigalian of Sardinia, the Langhian of Northern Italy and the Serravallian of Cyprus, is extended to the Late Oligocene of Spain and to the Recent, with H. hystrix (Agassiz, 1880), today living in the Carribbean area. The functional morphology of the test, supported by actualistic comparison and by data taken from sedimentary settings and the associated taxa, indicates that Heterobrissus was an epibenthic feeder, preferring muddy outer shelf environments with tropical climate.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 289-292

    Kazuki Kimura & Ron Noseworthy
    First record of the little-known land gastropod genus Nobuea Kuroda et Miyanaga, 1943 (Gastropoda Diplommatinidae) from Jeju Island, South Korea
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.289.292

    ABSTRACT
    Nobuea Kuroda et Miyanaga, 1943 (Gastropoda Cyclophoridae) is one of the least-known genera of terrestrial gastropods. An individual of this genus was collected from Jeju Island, South Korea, the first record of Nobuea from this island. Further studies are needed to investigate the taxonomic and conservation status of the Jeju Nobuea reported here.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 293-300

    Ivan Rapuzzi
    New Carabus Linnaeus, 1758 from China and Vietnam and description of the male of Carabus (Pseudocoptolabrus) chortenensis Cavazzuti, 2005 (Coleoptera Carabidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.293.300
    https://www.zoobank.org/References/3c165f3c-65e9-4244-8373-9fa51cfd8868

    ABSTRACT
    Four new subspecies of genus Carabus linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera Carabidae) belonging to subgenus Apotomopterus and one new Carabus subspecies belonging to subgenus Pseudocoptolabus are described and figured. Two of these are originally from the southeastern part of Sichuan province (China): Carabus (Apotomopterus) kassandra planielongatus n. ssp. and Carabus (Apotomopterus) benardi alterego n. ssp.; one from Hunan province (China): Carabus (Apotomopterus) cyanipennis atripennis n. ssp.; one from northeast Yunnan province (China): Carabus (Pseudocoptolabrus) taliensis xerophilous n. ssp.; one from Ha Giang province (Vietnam): Carabus (Apotomopterus) tonkinensis hagiangensis n. ssp. Carabus (Pseudocoptolabrus) chortenensis Cavazzuti, 2005 is considered as a valid species after examination of a male specimen from its type locality; the male imago and aedeagus are described and figured for the first time. Carabus (Pseudocoptolabrus) chortenensis mosso Deuve et Mourzine, 2005 comb. nov.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (1): 301-310

    Alberto Ballerio & José Mondaca
    Preliminary contribution to a revision of the Chilean Ceratocanthinae (Coleoptera Hybosoridae) with description of two new species of Martinezostes Paulian, 1982
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.1.301.310
    https://www.zoobank.org/References/5567f038-377d-4571-84bd-f73a8cd80976

    ABSTRACT
    Two new species of Ceratocanthinae (Coleoptera Hybosoridae) from Central Chile are described, i.e. Martinezostes barrigai n. sp. and Martinezostes poqui n. sp. Remarks are provided on Martinezostes ruizi (Gutiérrez, 1946), a species which till now has been misinterpreted. A key to the new species is provided as well as images of habitus of the adults and the aedeagi.

  • 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.