Biodiversity Journal - For wildlife research and environmental studies - Biodiversity Journal 2020, 11 (2): 349-652

Biodiversity Journal 2020, 11 (2): 349-652

Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 349-350

Salvatore Surdo
The genus Sympetrum Newmann, 1833 (Odonata Libellulidae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.I.II
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 351-358

Ikram Bentata-Keddar, Sihem Abid-Kachour, Mohammed Bouderbala & Salim Mouffok
Reproduction and growth of Axillary seabream Pagellus acarne (Risso, 1827) (Perciformes Sparidae) from the Western Algerian coasts
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.351.358

ABSTRACT
Pagellus acarne (Risso, 1827) (Perciformes Sparidae) represents an important component of Algerian fishery catch. Reproduction and growth parameter of this species are studied during 13 months, from fish catched from western Algerian coasts from December 2015 to December 2016. The sex-ratio (F:M) of the population studied is 1:1.56 and is in favor of male. The reproductive season extends between late spring and autumn. The resting period occurs in winter. Length at first maturity is estimated at 18.63 cm and 16.95 cm for females and males respectively. The length-weight relationship obtained is TW=0.009TL^3.086 (R²=0.983). The Von Bertalanffy growth equation parameters are K=0.41, L∞=29.97, t₀ =-0.34 and the Φ’=2.57.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 359-362

Andrea Corso & Verena Penna
Orthetrum chrysostigma (Burmeister, 1839): new for the Italian fauna (Odonata Libellulidae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.359.362

ABSTRACT
Details about the first Italian record of Orthetrum chrysostigma (Burmeister, 1839) (Odonata Libellulidae), obtained in south-western Sicily, are reported. One mature male was collected in the province of Agrigento in August 2014.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 363-368

Behmene Ibrahim Elkhalil, Bachir Bouiadjra Benabdallah & Daoudi Mohamed
On the presence of the African catfish Clarias anguillaris (Linnaeus, 1758) Siluriformes Clariidae) in south-eastern Algeria (Ifni-Illizi)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.363.368

ABSTRACT
Experimental fisheries carried out in August 2019 made it possible to report the presence of a species of freshwater fish, Mudfish Clarias anguillaris (Linnaeus, 1758) (Siluriformes Clariidae), to Guelta Ifni (Illizi) an integral part of the Tassili N’Ajjer National Park (south-eastern Algeria). This species is on the IUCN red list as Least Concern (LC) being a taxon that does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Nearly Threatened. Surveys of 16 morphometric variables and three meristics, representing specific distinguishing characteristics, established on two male specimens, confirm this determination. This new locality will complete the current inventory of freshwater species reported in southern Algeria as well as the mapping of the distribution of the species in the in the African continent.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 369-382

Salvatore Cambria & Gianmarco Tavilla
Check-list of the vascular flora of the “Bosco di Gibilmanna” a Special Area of Conservation (S.A.C.) in northern Sicily (Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.369.382

ABSTRACT
This paper reports the results of a floristic survey carried out in the area falling within the S.A.C. ITA020002 “Boschi di Gibilmanna e Cefalù” (Sicily, Italy), a site with a marked environmental heterogeneity lying from almost sea level to over 1000 meters of altitude. On the basis of our investigations, a total of 605 taxa has been detected, including some endemic or rares pecies, as Anthemis cupaniana Tod. ex Nyman, Arabis collina Ten. subsp. rosea (DC.) Minuto, Brassica incana Ten., Hieracium racemosum Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd. subsp. crinitum (Sm.) Rouy, Melittis melissophyllum L. subsp. albida (Guss.) P.W. Ball., Stachys sylvatica L., Symphytum gussonei F.W. Schultz, Viburnum tinus L., etc. A map with floristic emergencies has been prepared in order to highlight the sites with the greatest conservation interest in the area. Besides, the taxonomical, biological and chorological composition of this flora is analyzed and discussed.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 383-388

Mustapha Ainad Tabet, Noury Benabadji, Abdessamad Merzouk & Halima Benmoussat
Contributions to the research of ecological gradients in the treatment of floristic data (Oran, Algeria)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.383.388

ABSTRACT
The factorial analysis of the correspondence from the “Minitab” software carried out on the floristic inventoried species at four different stations in Oran region (Algeria) made it possible to highlight interesting information on the numerous ecologic variations which evolve over time in a certain environment. This biostatistical treatment has also revealed a certain number of gradients (environmental disturbances) underlying the different axes of the factorial planes of the stations. These factors are mainly related to anthropogenic actions (crops, nitrates, etc.) which often lead to frequent therophytisation. To these are added other natural factors such as salinity and steppisation.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 389-398

Khaled Rahmani & Fatiha Koudache
Reproductive biology of horse mackerel, genus Trachurus Rafinesque, 1810 (Perciformes Carangidae), caught in Béni-Saf Bay, W-Mediterranean Sea (Algeria)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.389.398

ABSTRACT
This paper gives a description of reproduction of the horse mackerel (genus Trachurus Rafinesque, 1810) (Perciformes Carangidae) in the west-south coast of Mediterranean Sea in the Béni-Saf Bay, between November 2015 and October 2016. In total, 488 individual were sampled and 240 (49.18%) were males, 208 (42.62%) were females and 40 (8.20%) were undetermined. Length of individuals varied between 7.1 and 35.5 cm and weight from 5.09 to 343.4 g. This work provides values of sizes at first sexual maturity (TL50), that were estimated for males at 155 mm and females 148.5 mm, respectively. The spawning period extends from January to June and the spawning peak occurs from April to July. The factor of condition (K) increased during the sexual resting phase. This factor is weak during the period of reproduction. Coefficient of condition K seems to follow the same pattern as the GSI with high values recorded in spring (M: 3.50 and F: 4.46), (M: 3.00 and F: 3.49), in summer and (M: 1.67 and F: 2.63) in winter, and the lowest values in autumn (M: 0.54 and F: 0.69). The sex-ratio of Trachurus, per months, by season and by size classes, shows a dominance of males. The difference in percentage increases in favor of the males during the reproduction period, between February and July. This ratio inverts in favor of females during the rest of the year.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 399-404

Walter Renda, Danilo Scuderi & Salvatore Giacobbe
First record from the Italian coasts of the overlooked chiton Acanthochitona pilosa (Mollusca Polyplacophora Acanthochitonidae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.399.404

ABSTRACT
Within a general overview of the malacological samples deposited in the collection of the Benthic Ecology Laboratory of Messina, numerous specimens of the recently described Acanthochitona pilosa Schmidt-Petersen, Schwabe et Haszprunar, 2015 (Mollusca Polyplacophora Acanthochitonidae) were found. The new material, together with further specimens of private collections and literature data allowed a better definition of the A. pilosa distributional pattern and some autoecological and biogeographic considerations.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 405-434

Bruno Massa & Paolo Fontana
Endemism in Italian Orthoptera
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.405.434

ABSTRACT
The present paper discusses about the distribution of orthopterans endemic to Italy. This country is located in the centre of the Mediterranean Basin and its palaeo-geographical origins are owed to complex natural phenomena, as well as to a multitude of centres-of-origin, where colonization of fauna and flora concerned. Out of 382 Orthoptera taxa (i.e., species and sub-species) known to occur in Italy, 160 (41.9%) are endemic. Most of them are restricted to the Alps, the Apennines or the two principal islands of Italy (i.e., Sardinia and Sicily). In addition, lowland areas in central-southern Italy host many endemic taxa, which probably originate from the Balkan Peninsula. In Italy, the following 8 genera are considered endemic: Sardoplatycleis, Acroneuroptila, Italopodisma, Epipodisma, Nadigella, Pseudoprumna, Chorthopodisma and Italohippus. Moreover, the subgenus Italoptila is endemic to Italy. For research regarding endemism, Orthoptera are particularly interesting because this order comprises species characterized by different ecological traits; e.g., different dispersal abilities, contrasting thermal requirements or specific demands on their habitats. The highest percentage of apterous or micropterous (35.3%) and brachypterous (16.2%) endemic taxa live in the Apennines, which are among the most isolated mountains of the Italian Peninsula. Finally, some endemic species are endangered at the European scale.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 435-437

Mauro M. Brunetti
Rediscovery of Volvulella volvulaeformis (G. Seguenza, 1879) in the Italian Pliocene (Gastropoda Rhizoridae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.435.437

ABSTRACT
A fossil gastropod for the Italian Pliocene is here reported. Following bibliographical research, it is assigned to a taxon previously described and never cited: Cylichna volvulaeformis G. Seguenza, 1880, which, according to its morphological characteristics, is assigned to the genus Volvulella Newton, 1891 (Gastropoda Rhizoridae).
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 (2): 443-496

Cesare Brizio, Filippo Maria Buzzetti & Gianni Pavan
Beyond the audible: wide band (0-125 kHz) field investigation on Italian Orthoptera (Insecta) songs
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.443.496
Audio files

ABSTRACT
In recent years, several species of Orthoptera were field recorded by the authors by using a low cost USB microphone with a sampling frequency up to 250 kHz. Here for the first time we propose a comprehensive review of the audio samples obtained, including envelopes, spectrograms and frequency analyses, to reveal their extension into the ultrasonic domain. Our research both extends previous similar efforts, such as the paper by Heller (1988) and covers for the first time several species for which ultrasound recordings are not reported in scientific literature.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 497-504

Sihem Fellah, Ghania Atmani-Merabet & Abdelkader Khiari
Current situation of nitric pollution of irrigation water in the irrigated perimeter of F’Kirina (Algeria): extent and content
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.497.504

ABSTRACT
The plain of F’Kirina belongs to the sub-watershed of Garaet Tarf (Algeria). Its area is of the order of 760 km2. The intensification of agriculture in this region leads to a significant use of phytosanitary products. The examination of the nitrate results on a low level of the measurements carried out on all the points of the plain of F’Kirina shows an area with a high concentration: near the salt lake Gareat Taref, the concentration of nitrates in the waters of irrigations are between 40 and 65 mg/l. In addition, in this zone, the water table is shallow, making the zone saturated with nitrate far exceeding the recommended standard, this mainly due to the presence of salt water. In the rest of the plain, the nitrate contents of the water remain in the standards of potability; they do not exceed 10 mg/l. These results confirm the impact of agricultural intensification in the degradation of the groundwater quality of the F’Kirina region.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 505-526

Mohamed S. Ramdani, Hiba Rezzag Mahcene, O. Daas-Maamcha, Tarek Daas & Françoise Denis
Effects of environmental stress on the growth and the reproduction of Perinereis cultrifera (Annelida Polychaeta) from the eastern coasts of Algeria
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.505.526

ABSTRACT
Polychaetes tend to form the dominant sediment dwelling fauna of the most mudflats, estuaries and sheltered sandy shores and it also play a significant role in ecosystem functioning and services. Seasonal changes in the length, fresh weight, oocyte diameter, sexual status and sexual maturity index of the polychaete Perinereis cultrifera (Grube, 1840) (Anellida Polychaeta Nereididae) were studied during twelve months from January to December 2016 in the east coast of Algeria. The samples were collected monthly at three sites: El-Kala, a site far from any source of pollution, Annaba and Skikda, sites located near human and industrial wastes. The reproductive cycle of the females was studied; however, the ovaries consist of coelomic germ-cell clusters surrounded by a thin envelope of follicle cells. The female coelomic puncture has a heterogeneous aspect and shows different oocyte diameters. The reproductive period is more intense in spring period. The results show differences between sites compared with the reference samples. The reproduction period of occurs in spring (April, May). This approach confirms that individuals collected from Annaba and Skikda have been submitted to a highly polluted environment. Therefore, individuals sampled from Skikda showed the highest reduction of different measured parameters.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 527-534

Manfredo Alejandro Turcios-Casco, Claudio José Mejía-Suazo, Danny Josué Ordoñez Bautista & Hefer Daniel Ávila-Palma
Noteworthy records of the Geoffroy’s tailless bat and the Eastern Pipistrelle in Copán, western Honduras (Mammalia Chiroptera)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.527.534

ABSTRACT
Of the 113 bat species that occur in Honduras, the Geoffroy’s tailless bat, Anoura geoffroyi Gray, 1838, and the Eastern Pipistrelle, Perimyotis subflavus (F. Cuvier, 1832), are among the least studied. Here we report the first records of A. geoffroyi and P. subflavus in a cave known as El Ermitaño in Cerro Azul Copán National Park (abbreviation in Spanish PANACAC) in the department of Copán, western Honduras, based on a survey from 30 October to 03 November 2017. We accumulated 840 m².h of sampling effort and captured 13 individuals including four of A. geoffroyi and two of P. subflavus. These records represent the first ones of P. subflavus in PANACAC and Copán, the westernmost records and the highest altitudinal record of the species in the country, and is the first time that P. subflavus has been found roosting together with A. geoffroyi. PANACAC might represent an important site for conservation for both species in Honduras, however, the protected area has been affected by the extension of crops and cattle. We recommend forest management and environmental education of bats to the people of Florida as a solution to keep stable bat populations.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 535-540

Naila Khuril Aini, Erwyansyah Erwyansyah, Rahmat Kurnia, Nurlisa Alias Butet, Ali Mashar, Zairion Zairion, Peter Funch, Hawis Madduppa & Yusli Wardiatno
Two morphotypes of tri-spine horseshoe crab, Tachypleus tridentatus (Leach, 1819) (Xiphosura Limulidae) in Indonesia and implications for species identification
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.535.540

ABSTRACT
Of the four extant species of horseshoe crabs in the world (Xiphosura Limulidae), Indonesia have three species, i.e., Tachypleus tridentatus (Leach, 1819), T. gigas (O.F. Müller, 1785) and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda (Latreille, 1802). The species identification based on morphology of especially the females of the two Tachypleus species can be difficult. This study aimed at evaluating morphological characters used in species determination of T. tridentatus and T. gigas. Two morphological characters for separating the two species are the number and position of immovable spines and the spinnerets on the opisthosomatic carapace. The study was conducted in Balikpapan coastal area in Indonesia. Two morphotypes of T. tridentatus were found. Of the 120 collected specimens, 13.33% had one immovable spine, while 86.67% had three immovable spines on the opisthosomatic carapace. The two morphotypes were found in both males and females. DNA barcoding of both males and females with two morphotypes confirmed that the specimens were T. tridentatus. Thus, three immovable spines at opisthosoma can still be used as a morphological characters for T. tridentatus identification, but another morphotype with only one spine is present. This makes the distinction between the females of the two Tachypleus species more difficult. However, spinnerets on the dorsal opisthosoma can still be used to separate them.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 541-551

Bruno Amati, Daniele Trono & Marco Oliverio
Description of Alvania rominae n. sp. from the Mediterranean Sea (Mollusca Gastropoda Rissoidae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.541.551
https://www.zoobank.org/References/88aa29da-1c42-44e3-9e30-e3e251a02396

ABSTRACT
A new Mediterranean species of the genus Alvania Risso, 1826 (Gastropoda Rissoidae) is described: A. rominae n. sp. All examined specimens are from the Ionian Sea. It is compared with the most similar congeners from the Mediterranean Sea: A. lineata Risso, 1826 and A. settepassii Amati et Nofroni, 1985, with which it is sympatric, and A. schwartziana Brusina, 1866, A. elisae Margelli, 2001, A. bartolinorum Amati et Smriglio, 2019 and A. zaraensis Amati et Appolloni, 2019.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 553-564

Marcello Franco Zampetti & Luciano Toma
Description of seven new species of seed beetles (Coleoptera Bruchidae) from Mediterranean basin and Africa
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.553.564
https://www.zoobank.org/References/4e7a0047-440c-46cf-8621-96a362660650

ABSTRACT
In this work, seven species of Bruchidae new to science are described. Five of these species belonging to the genus Bruchidius, namely Bruchidius horshensis n. sp., Bruchidius lekefensis n. sp., Bruchidius salinaensis n. sp., Bruchidius bcharreensis n. sp., Bruchidius samai n. sp. are from Mediterranean area. The remaining two new taxa, namely Spermophagus nicotrai = Spermophagus sp. Zampetti, 1988 and Protobruchus (n. gen.) togoensis n. sp., are respectively from East Africa and from West Africa. Figures of the specimens and of respective genitalia are provided.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 565-571

Brian Cunningham Aparicio
A new species of the genus Ocenebra Gray, 1847 (Gastropoda Muricidae Ocenebrinae) from southern Spain (Mediterranean Sea)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.565.571
https://www.zoobank.org/References/e463b374-c552-4725-90d9-415d13382c9f

ABSTRACT
Based on morphological characters of the shell and animal, a small new species of gastropod of the genus Ocenebra Gray, 1847 (Gastropoda Muricidae Ocenebrinae), Ocenebra aparicioae n. sp., is here described from the infralittoral coast of Murcia, southern Spain, a poorly known area in the Mediterranean Sea, and it is compared with other close related species of the family Muricidae, such as O. nicolai (Monterosato, 1884), O. helleri (Brusina, 1865), O. vazzanai Crocetta, Houart et Bonomolo, 2020 and Ocinebrina reinai Bonomolo et Crocetta, 2012.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 573-580

Chabaca Hasna, Marniche Faiza & Tadjine Aicha
Diatoms diversity in Oubeïra Lake, northeastern Algeria
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.573.580

ABSTRACT
Mediterranean wetlands are currently subjected to habitat loss and degradation derived from pollution, climate change, eutrophication and the occurrence of exotic species as the most important threats, affecting numerous taxonomic groups. Different tools are being used to assess water quality conditions in these environments, including physicochemical measurements and biological indicators (fish, invertebrates, and diatoms). We aim to study the diversity and ecology of the diatom assemblage inhabiting the RAMSAR site Oubeïra Lake in northeastern Algeria, contributing to the catalogue of diatoms recorded for Algeria. The identification of the morphological characters allowed us to make an inventory of 18 genera of diatoms belonging to 13 families of diatoms. Navicula and Cymbella resulted in the most abundant genera in the two studied stations during February, June, and August over two years (2017, 2018). The diatom community is structured, with a diversity index (H) equal to ~2.30.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 581-585

Raphali R. Andrianstimanarilafy, Pierre Razafindraibe, Emile Razanakoto & B. Razafimahatratra
Overview of Pronk’s day gecko Phelsuma pronki (Seipp, 1994) (Reptilia Gekkonidae) from Mangabe protected area, eastern Madagascar
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.581.585

ABSTRACT
We surveyed Pronk’s day gecko Phelsuma pronki (Seipp, 1994) (Reptilia Gekkonidae) from three sites within Mangabe protected area. Sites were chosen according to their location and altitude. Fieldwork was done in October-November 2018 when the animal is very active. Thirty transect lines were surveyed, ten for each site. One transect measure 200 m and distance between transects should be 50 m at least to avoid pseudo-replication on transect location. In total, we encountered 31 individuals, 18 of them were found from Analamay forest. The species was found mostly on dead trees from an open area inside of primary forest.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 587-591

Andrea Lombardo & Giuliana Marletta
New records of Biuve fulvipunctata (Baba, 1938) (Gastropoda Cephalaspidea) and Taringa tritorquis Ortea, Perez et Llera, 1982 (Gastropoda Nudibranchia) in the Ionian coasts of Sicily, Mediterranean Sea
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.587.591

ABSTRACT
In the present paper, two sea slug species, Biuve fulvipunctata (Baba, 1938) (Gastropoda Cephalaspidea) and Taringa tritorquis Ortea, Perez & Llera, 1982 (Gastropoda Nudibranchia), are reported for the second time in the Ionian coasts of Sicily (Italy). Biuve fulvipunctata is an Indo-West Pacific cefalaspidean, previously reported for Italian territorial waters only in Faro Lake (Messina, Sicily). Taringa tritorquis is a species originally described for Canary Islands and hitherto found in Sicily and probably in Madeira. Both species are easily identifiable for their characteristic external morphology. Indeed, B. fulvipunctata shows a W-shaped pattern of white pigment on the head, while T. tritorquis presents rhinophore and gill sheaths with spiculous tubercles crown-shaped and an orange-yellowish body coloring. Since B. fulvipuctata has been previously reported in Faro Lake, probably, the specimen reported in this note could have been taken in veliger stage through the Strait of Messina currents. Otherwise, the veliger has been carried attached to the keel of boats. Instead, it is still unclear if T. tritorquis could be a native or non-indigenous species of the Mediterranean Sea. Indeed, due to its small size and its sciaphilous behavior, it might be a rare species, overlooked until now.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 593-610

Inamol Hassan G. Lucman, Olga M. Nuñeza & Aimee Lynn B. Dupo
Species diversity of Spiders (Araneae) in Mimbilisan Protected Landscape, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.593.610

ABSTRACT
Spiders have a potential role as bioindicator of ecological health. Yet, little is known about them especially in forested areas of the Philippines. This study determined the species diversity of spiders in three different sampling sites established in Mt. Mimbilisan Protected Landscape. A combination of beat-netting and vial-tapping methods was used to collect samples. One hundred eight species of spiders belonging to 17 families were recorded. Fifteen species are a new record to the Philippines. Highest species richness and abundance were observed in the riparian forest (Site 2) and lowest in the mixed dipterocarp forest (Site 1). Salticidae is the spider family with the highest species richness and abundance. Opadometa fastigata of family Tetragnithidae was the most abundant species. A great number of adult spiders (82.42%), which were mostly females (88.00%), was documented. Even distribution (E=0.7676) was recorded in the whole study area. Leaf surfaces and branches or stem of plants were the most recurring microhabitat types of spiders. The spiders were found to belong to seven guilds with the orb weavers as the most dominant guild (37%). The highest diversity was recorded in Site 2 (H’=3.781). Results indicate high spider diversity in Mt. Mimbilisan which highlights the conservation importance of the protected landscape.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 611-614

Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola & Angelo Vaccaro
New data on the presence of the Aesculapian snake Zamenis longissimus (Laurenti, 1768) (Serpentes Colubridae) on Elba Island (Tuscany, Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.611.614

ABSTRACT
We report three new findings of Zamenis longissimus on Elba Island (Tuscany, Italy), including two alive adult individuals and one dead young specimen. These records are a confirmation of the presence of an Aesculapian snake population on the island.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 615-618

Nicolò Borgianni & Giovanni Paolino
Melanism in Vipera aspis francisciredi (Laurenti, 1768) (Reptilia Serpentes) in the Lazio Region (Parco Naturale Regionale dei Monti Simbruini), Italy
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.615.618

ABSTRACT
With this note we report the presence of melanic individuals of Redi’s viper Vipera aspis francisciredi (Laurenti, 1768) (Reptilia Serpentes) in the Lazio region (Parco Naturale Regionale dei Monti Simbruini), Italy. Although the presence of melanic and melanistic individuals in the region is known, up to date, there are no official reports of this, in particular with regard to the territory of the Parco Naturale Regionale dei Monti Simbruini. The distribution on the national territory of melanic and melanistic individuals belonging to the subspecies Vipera aspis francisciredi is little known, therefore more in-depth studies on the distribution of the melanic phenotype in Italian populations would be of particular interest.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 619-622

Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola, Daniele Raimondi, Roberto Ghiglia & Thomas Zabbia
First record of Turkish Gecko Hemidactylus turcicus (Linnaeus, 1758) populations for Piedmont, Italy (Sauria Gekkonidae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.619.622

ABSTRACT
This work reports the first occurrence of Hemidactylus turcicus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Sauria Gekkonidae) populations in Piedmont (Italy), one in the city of Turin and the other in Valle Talloria, Cuneo Province. They represent two new northern mainland sites for the species, which likely arrived in these areas by indirect anthropic transport.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 623-630

Michelle Senobin-Suelo & Alma B. Mohagan
Endemism of Sphinx Moth (Lepidoptera Sphingidae) in the Agroecosystem of Bacusanon, Pangantucan, Bukidnon, Philippines
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.623.630

ABSTRACT
Sphinx moths, or also known as hawkmoths, clearwing moths or hummingbird moths, are nocturnal insects which plays an essential role in the stability of terrestrial ecosystems. There are 117 species of sphinx moth occurring in the Philippines of which 62 species can be found in Mindanao Island. The light trap sampling technique was employed to successfuly collect crepuscular sphinx moths species. This paper aimed to provide information on species composition, endemism, local status and morphological data of sphinx moths in Bacusanon, Pangantucan, Bukidnon. A total of 25 individuals of sphinx moths were documented, which belongs to 9 genera of 13 species namely Acherontia lachesis, Acosmeryx anceus subdentata, Agrius convolvuli, Ambulyx johnsoni, Amplypterus panopus mindanaoensis, Amplypterus panopus panopus, Hippotion boerhaviae, Hippotion rosetta, Marumba ambroinicus luzoni, Psilogramma menephron, Theretra clotho, Theretra nessus and Theretra oldenlandiae. Of the 13 species, the local status revealed that 11 species are common, 1 species rare and 1 species uncommon. Twelve (12) or 92.3% species are endemic to the Philippines.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 631-638

Andrea Lombardo, Giuliana Marletta & Giovanni Leonardi
Seasonality of Edmundsella pedata (Montagu, 1816) (Nudibranchia Flabellinidae) along the Ionian coasts of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.631.638

ABSTRACT
This work explores the seasonality of Edmundsella pedata (Montagu, 1816) (Nudibranchia Flabellinidae) in three sites located along the central-eastern coast of Sicily (Italy). Since most of aeolidacean nudibranchs are subannual, it has been hypothesized that E. pedata is also a subannual species with several generations per year. Therefore, E. pedata’s trend was studied in the three study areas throughout three years (from 2017 to 2019). Through data collection, it was observed that this nudibranch is an opportunistic and subannual species, which in natural habitats, has an increase in autumn, a peak in winter and a decrease during spring and summer. Instead, in anthropized sites, it was not possible to define a real seasonality of E. pedata. In conclusion, throughout the three years, a strong increase in the number of E. pedata specimens in all study areas has been seen.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 639-646

Rosa Termine & Giuseppe Fabrizio Turrisi
Amphibians and Reptiles of the Nature Reserve of Pergusa Lake (Enna, Italy), emphasizing Sicilian endemisms
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.639.646

ABSTRACT
A brief survey on the herpetofauna of the Nature Reserve of Pergusa Lake (Enna, Italy) is provided, highlighting the Sicilian endemic taxa. For this protected area, it is confirmed the presence of 12 species, 4 Amphibians and 8 Reptiles, with two strictly Sicilian endemic taxa: Bufotes siculus (Stöck, Sicilia, Belfiore, Buckley, Lo Brutto, Lo Valvo et Arculeo, 2008), and Emys trinacris Fritz, Fattizzo, Guicking, Tripepi, Pennisi, Lenk, Joger et Wink, 2005, and the siculo-maltese Discoglossus pictus pictus Otth, 1837. Data on the habitat preference and other aspects of ecology and conservation of the recognized species are provided. The research especially confirms the ecological and conservation importance of the protected area for the endemic Bufotes siculus and Emys trinacris due to their significant populations.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 647-650

Mauro Grano, Riccardo Di Giuseppe, Miriam Paraboschi & Ilaria Campana
Stranding of Balaenoptera acutorostrata Lacépède, 1804 (Mammalia Cetacea) on the coast of Fregene (Rome, Latium, Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.647.650

ABSTRACT
The stranding of a juvenile of Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata Lacépède, 1804) on the coast of Fregene, near Rome (Latium, Central Italy) is here reported. Historical and recent data suggest the possibility that the Mediterranean Sea could be a potential birth or nursery area for this species.

Main Index

Biodiversity Journal 2020, 11 (2): 349-652