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Biodiversity Journal 2020, 11 (3): 653-804

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (3): 653-654
    Rosario Mascara
    Bonelli's Eagle, Aquila fasciata (Vieillot, 1822) (Accipitriformes Accipitridae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.3.I.II
  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (3): 655-661

    Franco Strumia
    Estimating biodiversity through extrapolation: a better function
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.3.655.661

    ABSTRACT
    A more general hyperbolic function is proposed for interpolating the number of accumulated species when observations are extended to long time intervals. The suggested function take also in account the insects phenology and the rate in the species accumulation number.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (3): 663-670

    Amine Ghelamallah, Djilali Benabdelmoumene, Rachid Bouhraoua, Malika Boualem, Mohamed Arbaoui, Mar FerrerSuay & Juli Pujade-Villar
    Bio-ecological study of hyperparasitoid aphids in the region of Mostaganem (north-western Algeria)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.3.663.670

    ABSTRACT
    Several species of hyperparasitoids belonging to the subfamilies Charipinae (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) and Pteromalinae (Hymenoptera Pteromalidae) have been identified in the region of Mostaganem (north-western Algeria). Among these species, two of them show a regular presence during the years of study, Pachyneuron aphidis (Bouche, 1834) (Pteromalidae), and Phaenoglyphus villosa (Hartig, 1841) (Figitidae). These two species have been proved to be effective in adapting very quickly to the environment.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (3): 671-678

    Paul Serge Mbenoun Masse & Samuel Didier Makon
    An updated checklist of the Centipedes (Myriapoda Chilopoda) of Cameroon, with new distribution records
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.3.671.678

    ABSTRACT
    A checklist of Centipedes (Chilopoda) for Cameroon with updated nomenclature of old records and recent additional records from Cameroon’s fauna is provided. The provisional list reveals nine endemic species (39%), four new distribution records, and includes four species that were previously omitted, thereby leading to a modest extension of the list from 19 to 23 species. Several unidentified or doubtful species no longer recognized from the African continent are excluded from the list.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (3): 679-688

    Julien Andrieu, Florent Lombard, Matthieu Vignal, Michel Godron & Frédéric Alexandre
    A phyto-climatic transect in the Alpes Maritimes used to characterize the northern limit of the Mediterranean biogeographical area
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.3.679-688

    ABSTRACT
    This paper aims, with a botanical transect, to contribute to define the boundary between the Mediterranean biogeographical area and the flora of the Alpine domain. The transect, realized in 2018, is located in the Maritimes Alps, in the Roya Valley at the northernmost limit of the Mediterranean in contact with a mountain ecoregion. Our objective was to get as close as possible to the integral flora (Tracheophytes), that counts a corpus of 529 species. A 40 km long transect divided in 150 sampling sites led to 7333 observations of presence, analyzed by Factorial Composant Analysis (FCA) and frequency analysis. Statistics revealed a significant distinction of two floras with a clear spatial boundary not crossed by 76% of the species. The Transect revealed a clear biogeographic limit of biogeographical area, which seems to converge well with the limit of the Mediterranean Hotspot as defined by Myers (2000).

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (3): 689-698

    Peter Hovingh & Ulrich Kutschera
    Two new Helobdella species (Annelida Hirudinida Glossiphoniidae) from the Intermountain region of the United States, formerly considered as Helobdella stagnalis Linnaeus, 1758
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.3.689.698
    https://www.zoobank.org/References/8006dbb4-cf4f-4ce4-bad3-0a7bb4857fc3

    ABSTRACT
    Two Helobdella stagnalis-like leech specimens (Annelida Hirudinida Glossiphoniidae) were histologically examined from Nevada in the Great Basin, and from Utah in the Colorado River Basin (USA) to determine whether or not their crops were similar to those in H. californica Kutschera 1988. The Nevada form was brown and with pigmentation patterns, whereas the Utah form was plain and white. The dorsoventral histological sectioning of these 3 specimens showed the Utah and Nevada forms had compact salivary glands, hitherto noted only in the South American Helobdella and Haementaria species. The pharynx of Nevada individuals was S-shaped, and in the Utah form the ejaculatory ducts formed a Gordian knot in the distal-most posterior region, further distinguishing these 2 intermountain Helobdella-isolates. Comparing these two taxa to other published Helobdella internal morphologies, two new species are proposed: Helobdella humboldtensis n. sp. from Nevada (size and pigmentation similar to H. californica) and Helobdella gordiana n. sp. from Utah, which resembles H. stagnalis from Europe. These findings suggest the Intermountain area may be a prime region to study the evolution of members of the Helobdella species complex.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (3): 699-701

    Ivan Rapuzzi
    A new Apotomopterus Hope, 1838 species (genus Carabus Linnaeus, 1758) from South Guangxi province, China (Coleoptera Carabidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.3.699.701
    https://www.zoobank.org/References/97975e44-1420-4c4d-aa6f-28f21c0a7966

    ABSTRACT
    A new species of the genus Carabus Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera Carabidae), belonging to the subgenus Apotomopterus Hope, 1838, from South Guangxi province, China, is described and figured.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (3): 703-715

    Ranjiv D. Alibon, Alea Ester T. Ordoyo, Jessa Mae P. Gonzales, Melbert C. Sepe, Mark Anthony J. Torres & Genelyn G. Madjos
    Shell shape variation in populations of common cockle Anadara oceanica (Lesson, 1831) (Bivalvia Arcidae) from the intertidal areas of Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur (Philippines)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.3.703.715

    ABSTRACT
    The advent of geometric morphometrics opened an area to study morphological variations in organisms. Thus, the aim of this study is to use outline-based geometric morphometrics to describe variations in the shell shapes of the left and right valves of Anadara oceanica (Lesson, 1831) (Bivalvia Arcidae) populations from the two neighbouring intertidal zones of Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines. Herein, there were two levels of analyses that were employed: first, the shell shapes of the outer left and right valves between populations were compared; second, the shell shapes within population were quantitatively determined in terms of its symmetry. Results revealed significant variations both in the left and right valves of A. oceanica between populations. The variations observed are characterized by the deformations in the umbonal and anteroventral angles and in the dorsal, anterior and ventral margins of the outer shell both in the left and right valves. Although further studies are necessary in order to elucidate these variations, the second analysis revealed that the detected asymmetry in the shell shapes within A. oceanica populations was the cause of variation within populations that contributed to the significant variations between populations. Considering that the two sites are not geographically isolated, the results herein clearly proved that shell shape variation could also occur in neighbouring populations. The variations in the shell shapes of A. oceanica populations may have implications to habitat adaptation which aid in understanding the nature of this species especially those dwelling in the intertidal areas of Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (3): 717-750

    Giuseppe Fabrizio Turrisi, Giovanni Altadonna, Pietro Lo Cascio, Vittorio Nobile & Marco Selis
    Contribution to the knowledge of Hymenoptera from the  Aeolian Archipelago (Sicily), emphasizing Aculeata
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.3.717.750

    ABSTRACT
    This study provides the first contribution to the knowledge of the Order Hymenoptera, emphasizing Aculeata, for the Aeolian archipelago, based on recent field investigations and examination of several collections. A total of 169 species belonging to 19 families are recorded: Evaniidae (1 species), Aulacidae (2 species), Gasteruptiidae (3 species), Ichneumonidae (1 species), Leucospidae (1 species), Chrysididae (8 species), Tiphiidae (3 species), Scoliidae (6 species), Mutillidae (13 species), Pompilidae (6 species), Vespidae (14 species), Sphecidae (6 species), Crabronidae (24 species), Formicidae (14 species), Colletidae (4 species), Andrenidae (8 species), Halictidae (29 species), Megachilidae (12 species), Apidae (14 species). Most part of species are newly recorded for the Aeolian Archipelago, the following being new records for Sicily: Dryudella esterinae Pagliano, 2001, Nysson quadriguttatus Spinola, 1808, Miscophus aetoni Saunders, 1903, Miscophus lusitanicus Andrade, 1952, Cerceris circularis dacica Schletterer, 1887 (Crabronidae), and Lasioglossum (Dialictus) semilucens (Alfken, 1914) (Halictidae); Miscophus lusitanicus is also newly recorded for Italy. Combining the available data, a total of 218 species of Hymenoptera are currently known for the Aeolian Archipelago. The Hymenoptera fauna of these islands is dominated by widespread Mediterranean or West Palaearctic species, and most of them are also found in the Western Mediterranean Basin. The study briefly highlights some key points regarding biogeographical and conservation of this group and its significant role in the management of ecosystems in the Aeolian Archipelago.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (3): 751-756

    Sandro Piazzini, Matteo Tamburini, Francesca Martini & Leonardo Favilli
    Buprestis splendens (Fabricius, 1774) (Coleoptera Buprestidae) on the Calabrian side of the “Parco Nazionale del Pollino” (Calabria, Italy): distribution and ecological observation
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.3.751.756

    ABSTRACT
    Buprestis splendens (Fabricius, 1774) (Coleoptera Buprestidae) is a rare European chorotype species, threatened throughout its distribution by global climate change, forest fires and the capture of specimens by collectors. To date, in Italy, its presence was only known in a few areas on the Lucanian side of the massif of Pollino. This report records the first, reliable sightings of its presence on the Calabrian side of the Pollino and in the mountains of Orsomarso. It also makes observations on its environment and the factors that put its survival at risk.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (3): 757-760

    Sadniman Rahman, Deponkor Kumar Roy & Mohammad Shamimul Alam
    First record of Zaprionus indianus (Gupta, 1970) (Diptera Drosophilidae) from Bangladesh
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.3.757.760

    ABSTRACT
    Zaprionus indianus (Gupta, 1970) (Diptera Drosophilidae), also known as African fig fly, is considered as the primary pest only to fig fruits along with secondary pest to other fruits. Its occurrence has been reported from many countries but not previously reported from Bangladesh. With this note, we report here the first observation of Z. indianus from Bangladesh. Fly samples were collected by using yeast-banana traps. The species was identified by morphological characteristics and mitochondrial COI gene sequence.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (3): 761-763

    Aleksandar Đukić & Pierpaolo Rapuzzi
    Callidiellum rufipenne (Motschulsky, 1860) new longhorn beetle to the fauna of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia (Coleoptera Cerambycidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.3.761.763

    ABSTRACT
    In this paper the authors record for the first time the invasive species Callidiellum rufipenne (Motschulsky, 1860) (Coleoptera Cerambycidae) for the fauna of the republics of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (3): 765-769

    Luigi Romani & Attilio Pagli
    At last at home: a correct taxonomic assignment and a proper repository for the holotype of Acirsa corsicana Nordsieck, 1974 (Caenogastropoda Epitonidae)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.3.765.769

    ABSTRACT
    The taxonomic composition of the family Epitoniidae Berry, 1910 (1812) in Italian waters underwent relatively few changes in recent decades: except some nomenclatural changes and one reinstatement, only few species have been recently added to this fauna. Acirsa corsicana Nordsieck, 1974 is the last taxon described in the area and its status is currently disputed or wrongly assessed. After the examination of the holotype and comparisons with similar species, the status of A. corsicana is here properly assessed as junior synonym of Opalia coronata (Philippi & Scacchi, 1840). The specimen, until now kept in private collections, is deposited in an institutional repository (MNHNP).

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (3): 771-780

    Christian Yancy A. Yurong,  Aileen Grace D. Delima, Leo Manuel B. Estaña, Lief Erikson D. Gamalo & Marion John Michael M. Achondo
    Community Structure of Road Associated Avifauna along the Urban Gradient in Mintal, Davao City, Southern Philippines
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.3.771.780

    ABSTRACT
    The community structure of avifauna along the urbanization gradient in Mintal, Davao City was surveyed and analyzed. A total of 4,210 individuals from 34 species belonging to 23 families were recorded. Seven species are Philippine endemics and five are introduced species. Correlation and regression analysis showed a positive relationship between increasing vegetation cover with species richness and a negative relationship with abundance. Oppositely, increasing urbanization (increase built-up cover, pedestrian and traffic rate) were observed to have positive relationship to abundance but negative relationship to species richness. Thus, the avian community in the urbanization gradient of Mintal, Davao City follows the general accepted trend that in heavily disturbed areas, species richness is at its lowest while total bird abundance is at its peak. This study also suggests the importance of green spaces with lesser traffic rate in urban landscapes that could support higher avian diversity which includes Philippine endemic species.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (3): 781-792

    Philippe Ponel, Morteza Djamali, Patrice Bordat, Manfred Jäch, Denis Keith, Hamid Lahijani, Philippe Magnien, Armand Matocq, Abdolmajid Naderi Beni, Giuseppe Platia & Hamed Pourkhorsandi
    On the footsteps of Théodore Monod: biogeographical and ecological implications of an insect assemblage from the hottest spot on earth (in central Lut Desert, SE Iran)
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.3.781.792

    ABSTRACT
    We present the entomological results of a geological and biological exploration in the Lut desert, performed in 2014 by the Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences (INIOAS) and the University of Tehran. Five localities were sampled, including the one considered as the the hottest spot on Earth. They yielded 15 insect taxa belonging to Blattodea, Orthoptera, Coleoptera, Heteroptera, suggesting that in spite of being originally described as “abiotic” or “aphytic”, the Lut desert shelters a diverse insect fauna with some remarkable elements such as the endemic desert cockroache Leiopteroblatta monodi. Comparison with results obtained by Franco-Iranian expeditions in the sixties and seventies reveals several taxa in common, but also striking differences in the composition of the insect assemblages, suggesting that the insect fauna in the Lut desert is potentially much more diverse than previously expected.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (3): 793-797

    Nisfa Hanim, Yusli Wardiatno, Dyah Perwitasari, Ali Suman & Achmad Farajallah
    The first occurrence of Cycloachelous granulatus (H. Milne Edwards, 1834) (Decapoda Portunidae) from Klah Island, Indonesia
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.3.793.797

    ABSTRACT
    This article reported the first occurrance of Cycloachelous granulatus (H. Milne Edwards, 1834) (Decapoda Portunidae) from Klah Island (close to Sabang Island), Aceh Province. Two specimens were collected in intertidal zone of Klah beach, on June 2018. Our findings contribute to Indonesian Biodiversity Database and could be used as the basis to develop faunal knowledge such as study on taxonomic, biogeographic, evolutionary or conservation.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (3): 799-802

    Roberto Battiston, Simone Andria, Domenico Borgese, William Di Pietro & Alberto Manciagli
    Where two giants meet: the first records of Sphodromantis viridis in Sicily and Greece and the spread in Europe of Hierodula tenuidentata (Insecta Mantoidea) show new crossroads of mantids in the Mediterranean
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.3.793.802

    ABSTRACT
    The first presence records of the Giant African Mantis Sphodromantis viridis (Forskål, 1775) (Insecta Mantoidea) are reported for Sicily and Greece, with new evidences on the human-mediated spreading of this species in the Mediterranean area. In Greece, Sphodromantis viridis meets the distribution of the Giant Asian Mantis Hierodula tenuidentata (Saussure, 1869), and these two mantids have been recorded together in the same locality. Some single records from France and Corsica also open the possible expansion of this species in more northern regions. These different spreading dynamics, taking place in the Mediterranean area, in a fast-evolving scenario, are here discussed.