Biodiversity Journal - For wildlife research and environmental studies - Biodiversity Journal 2020, 11 (4): 805-1088

Biodiversity Journal 2020, 11 (4): 805-1088

Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0805-0806

Andrea Lombardo & Giuliana Marletta
Antiopella cristata (Delle Chiaje, 1841) (Nudibranchia Janolidae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.I.II
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0807-0814

Rosana de Mesquita Alves, Igor Henrique Rodrigues Oliveira, Rubens Pasa & Karine Frehner Kavalco
A new species of genus Psalidodon Eigenmann, 1911 related to the P. paranae complex (Characiformes Characidae) from Upper Paranaíba river basin, Brazil, supported by genetic and morphometric data
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.807.814
https://www.zoobank.org/References/d67e864a-1fd4-4641-9d8d-bbada5bbfd2d

ABSTRACT
The genus Psalidodon Eigenmann, 1911 (Characiformes Characidae) is a fish group with great diversity, expressed at the chromosomal, genetic and taxonomic level. The genus is marked by events of allopatric and vicariant evolution, by the formation of complexes of species and by wide geographical distribution. Both in these fish and other organisms, the association of studies with molecular markers and geometric morphometric techniques are useful in delimiting significantly evolutionary units (ESU). In this work, we performed maximum likelihood estimates (MLE) from mitochondrial Cyt b gene sequences and canonical variables (CVA) from 13 landmarks in eight populations of P. aff. paranae Eigenmann, 1914. The analysis of Maximum likelihood resulted in the structuring of populations in two different clades, one of which was composed only of individuals from a small population inhabiting a stream with approximately two km of length, demonstrating their clear distinction from the other populations. The analysis of canonical variation demonstrated the complete structuring of this population, and the position of each clade in the morpho-space was congruent with the topography observed in the MLE. Based on the results found, the existence of a new endemic species of the genus Psalidodon is evident.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0815-0819

Valeriano Spadini
New report of shallow water scleractinians from the Pliocene of Siena
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.815.819

ABSTRACT
Three species of scleractinians belonging to the genera Hoplangia Gosse, 1860, Phyllangia Milne Edwards et Haime, 1848 and Thalamophyllia Duchassaing, 1870 are reported. For Hoplangia and Thalamophyllia this is the first report from the Mediterranean Pliocene. The threenspecies were linked to hard or detrital bottoms of the infralittoral zone.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0821-0824

Ramdini Ramdane, Dirk Van Damme, Sadouk Ghania & Medjdoub-Bensaad Ferroudja
Rediscovery of Armiger crista (Linnaeus, 1857) (Gastropoda Planorbidae) in Algeria
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.821.824

ABSTRACT
Armiger crista (Linnaeus, 1758), a holartic freshwater gastropod, has been rediscovered in Algeria. It was found in a small lake whose malacofauna was almost exclusively paleartic/holartic. This aquatic environment is probably unique in the Maghreb, where cold-climate faunal elements are rapidly disappearing due to global warming. Monitoring of the site and study of other groups is highly recommended.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0825-0836

Franco Strumia & Antonius van Harten
An overview of the Hymenoptera Chrysididae from humid urban zones near Abu Dhabi (UAE)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.825.836
https://www.zoobank.org/References/124fc2d1-3d8c-41e7-935c-ab49371dba94

ABSTRACT
The Chrysididae Hymenoptera of the Abu Dhabi territory has ben studied by means of Malaise Traps. The comparison between humid and dry zones reveals the richer biodiversity preserved even in small humid zones. Two new species are discovered and described, namely: Hedychridium caerulescens n. sp. and Chrysis houbaraeensis n. sp. In the humid zones the uncommon Adelopyga huberi Kimsey, 1988 is discovered and illustrated.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0837-0844

Paolo Galasso & Renzo Ientile
Odonata checklist of Nature Reserve and SAC (Special Area of Conservation) “Vallone di Piano della Corte” (Sicily, Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.3.837.844

ABSTRACT
From March to September 2018 and 2019, a first monitoring of Odonata promoted by CUTGANA was conducted inside a site of Natura 2000 network, named “Vallone di Piano della Corte”, near Agira (Enna), Sicily. A total of 21 different species were recorded, including Pyrrhosoma nymphula (Sulzer, 1776), for which there are no stations reported for this side of Sicily.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0845-0852

Lalia Boukhobza, Insaf Zaabta, Rachida Belguendouz, Fateh Mimeche & Mohamed Biche
Role of hymenopterous parasits Aphelinidae in the regulation of levels of Lepidosaphes beckii (Newton, 1869) (Homoptera Diaspididae) populations on orange trees in Rouiba area (Algeria)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.845.852

ABSTRACT
This present study put in evidence the dynamics of the populations of Lepidosaphes beckii (Newton, 1869) (Homoptera Diaspididae), and the study of the impact of its hymenopterous parasites Aphytis lepidosaphes Compere, 1955, Aphytis chrysomphali Mercet, 1912, Aphytis proclia Walker, 1839 and Aspidiotiphagus citrinus (Craw, 1831) on orange tree in the area of Rouiba. This diaspine develops three generations: one in autumn-winter, one in spring and one in summer. This scale insect presents a very marked affinity in the middle of the tree and the inferior faces of the leaves where the suitable conditions for its development seems to be offered. The natural mortality of L. beckii is of two types: climatic for young stages and physiological for the adult females. The parasitic incidence is almost the same for the young stages and the adult with respectively 22.24% and 23.89%. The global rate of parasitism is 23.24% insufficient to control its host.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0853-0860

Mohamed Daoudi, Benabdallah Bachir Bouiadjra, Jose Antonio Garcia Charton, Ibrahim El Khalil Behmene & Farid Hemida
Growth and mortality of Conger conger (Linnaeus, 1758) (Pisces Congridae) in the Algerian basin
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.853.860

ABSTRACT
The growth and mortality of Conger conger (Linnaeus, 1758) (Pisces Congridae) were determined from 295 individuals, ranging from 38.9 to 174 cm total length, collected in the Algerian basin. The von Bertalanffy growth equation was established on the basis of the analysis of size structures by the ELEFAN I method, and is written as follows: L_t=224.4*(1-e^-0.2t). The height-weight relationship shows a higher allometry Wt=0.0003*Lt^3.4. The total (Z) and natural (M) mortality rates are 1.28 and 0.25 per year respectively. The exploitation rate E = 80% seems to show an overexploitation of the C. conger stock in the Algerian basin, for which we propose for this situation, management scenarios for this fishery, based on changes in fishing effort and variations in the size of the mesh of the trawl.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0861-0870

Andrea Lombardo & Giuliana Marletta
The biodiversity of the marine Heterobranchia fauna along the central-eastern coast of Sicily, Ionian Sea
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.861.870

ABSTRACT
The first updated list of the marine Heterobranchia for the central-eastern coast of Sicily (Italy) is here reported. This study was carried out, through a total of 271 scuba dives, from 2017 to the beginning of 2020 in four sites located along the Ionian coasts of Sicily: Catania, Aci Trezza, Santa Maria La Scala and Santa Tecla. Through a photographic data collection, 95 taxa, representing 17.27% of all Mediterranean marine Heterobranchia, were reported. The order with the highest number of found species was that of Nudibranchia. Among the study areas, Catania, Santa Maria La Scala and Santa Tecla had not a remarkable difference in the number of species, while Aci Trezza had the lowest number of species. Moreover, among the 95 taxa, four species considered rare and six non-indigenous species have been recorded. Since the presence of a high diversity of sea slugs in a relatively small area, the central-eastern coast of Sicily could be considered a zone of high biodiversity for the marine Heterobranchia fauna.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0871-0874

Gabriele Sercia & Gianna Innocenti
First record of the crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 (Crustacea Decapoda Brachyura Portunidae) of Favignana (Sicily, Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.871.874

ABSTRACT
The record of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 (Crustacea Decapoda Brachyura Portunidae) off Favignana (Aegadian Islands, Sicily, Italy) at 60–70 m depth is reported. A possible hypothesis on the unusual depth of collection is given.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0875-0878

Andrea Lombardo & Giuliana Marletta
First record of Aporodoris millegrana (Alder et Hancock, 1854) (Gastropoda Heterobranchia Nudibranchia) in the Ionian Sea, central Mediterranean Sea
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.875.878

ABSTRACT
The first record of Aporodoris millegrana (Alder et Hancock, 1854) (Gastropoda Heterobranchia Nudibranchia) in the Ionian Sea (central Mediterranean Sea) is here presented. This species was originally described for the British Isles and then, under different synonyms, was reported for the Atlantic coasts of France, Canary Islands, Madeira and the Strait of Gibraltar. In the Mediterranean Sea, this species has been only reported for different localities along the Catalan coast. This record is based on the finding of a A. millegrana specimen in a station along the central-eastern coast of Sicily (Italy). The individual was found under a stone at a depth of 6.4 m on a rocky seabed. In the last years, some Atlantic Nudiplera, which were never reported before, have been increasingly found in the Ionian Sea. In view of the rising water temperature in the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic termophilic species could settle in new areas of the Mediterranean. Nevertheless, it is not excluded that maybe A. millegrana, since is rare and with a sciaphilous behaviour, could be underestimated until now in the Mediterranean Sea.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0879-0887

Atta Assemien Cyrille-Joseph, Kadjo Blaise, Soulemane Ouattara & Kouadio Yao Roger
Structure of buffaloes Syncerus caffer (Sparrman, 1779) (Mammalia Bovidae) of the Comoe National Park (North-East Ivory Coast)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.879.887

ABSTRACT
This study was conducted from January to August 2018 in Comoe National Park (CNP), Ivory Coast. This park is home to a great biological diversity in general and an important fauna of large mammals in particular. It is one of the priority areas of the West African protected areas network. Today, many wildlife species are threatened by intensive poaching. Despite the importance of this scourge, the information available on buffaloes in CNP is still very patchy. In order to determine some parameters of the conservation status of buffalo populations, this study was conducted in the central zone and southern zone of CNP. The camera-trap method (12 camera-traps) made it possible to determine the different age classes and sex ratios of the buffalo populations. Family units were observed 11 times on all two (2) sites corresponding to 34.38 % of the events (32). The average size of family units is 23.18 individuals (standard deviation = 25.52; N = 11) with maximum of 77 individuals. Eleven (11) different groups (herds) of 255 individuals were identified with an average size of 32 individuals per herd. In the center, four groups composed of 15 adults, 31 subadults, 37 juveniles and seven calves were identified. In the south, seven groups with 34 adults, 49 subadults, 79 juveniles and three calves were observed. Calves were more numerous in the herds observed in the center than those identified toward the periphery at the 5 % (P-value = 0.0254). This high presence of calves in the herds observed in the center would reflect the fact that the buffaloes retire to the central part of the park for calving. Based on the high proportion of individuals in the young age classes (juveniles 44.5 % and subadults 32.07 %) and the sex ratio 1.65 (one male for 1.65 females), the buffaloes population in the CNP was considered viable. However, the inbreeding rate and anthropogenic pressures have yet to be evaluated to complete these data.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0889-0896

Hatem A. Shabana, Sanjay Gairola & Tamer Mahmoud
Tridax procumbens L. (Asterales Asteraceae), a new record to the flora of the United Arab Emirates
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.889.896

ABSTRACT
Tridax procumbens L. (1753), recently collected from the mountain area in Masafi of Fujairah emirate, is recorded as a new alien plant for the flora of United Arab Emirates (UAE). With this discovery, Tridax is also added as a new genus to the country’s flora. T. procumbens is a weed that is native to the tropical and subtropical Americas and naturalized in many other countries as it can grow under a wide range of environmental conditions. This plant is locally of considerable medicinal importance in many countries as it can be used for the treatment of many diseases. Description, distribution, and photographs of this taxa, along with a distribution map, is presented. Herbarium and seed specimens of T. procumbens were deposited in the Sharjah Seed Bank and Herbarium (SSBH) of Sharjah Research Academy, UAE. The way of introduction of T. procumbens and time of its arrival in the UAE remains unknown. A more detailed study of the extent of the range of this species, its densities, and regeneration potential is suggested in the near future. The reports of new plant records to the flora highlight the importance of thorough botanical exploration in the country. Such botanical recording would be beneficial to nature conservationists and researchers alike.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0897-0902

M. Mauro Brunetti
On two rare species of Plio-Pleistocene marine molluscs of the Mediterranean Basin
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.897.902

ABSTRACT
During the study of the Plio-Pleistocene malacofaunas of the Mediterranean Basin, the presence of Liamorpha elegans (de Folin, 1870) was ascertained. This species has never been previously reported in sediments of the lower-middle Pliocene of central Italy and was reported only once in sediments of the upper Pleistocene (Tyrrhenian sensu Auctores) of southern Italy. Furthermore, the bivalve Tugonia anatina (Gmelin, 1791) was found in the Tyrrhenian of southern Spain. This is the second record in the upper Mediterranean Pleistocene after more than a hundred years; the specimen was compared with others, both from the Zanclean of the Guadalquivir Basin (Spain) and the Zanclean of Tuscany (Italy). Both species are discussed and illustrated.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0903-0912

Pierpaolo Rapuzzi, Cosmin Manci & Denis Gradinarov
Brachyta (Fasciobrachyta) bureschi (Kantardjieva-Minkova, 1957): a distinct species from North East Bulgaria and South East Romania (North East Balkan Penisula) (Coleoptera Cerambycidae Lepturinae Rhagiini)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.903.912

ABSTRACT
Brachyta (Fascibrachyta) bureschi (Kantardjieva-Minkova, 1957) (Coleoptera Cerambycidae Lepturinae Rhagiini) is reevaluated as a distinct species. This taxon was described from Bulgaria (Varna and Kavarna localities) as a form. In Bulgaria, the species was recently found near the second locality of the original description - Vidno Vill., Kavarna municipality. For long time it was recognized as a synonym of B. (Fascibrachyta) balcanica (Hampe, 1871).
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0913-0916

Mauro Grano
First record of the Northern white-breasted hedgehog Erinaceus roumanicus Barrett-Hamilton, 1900 (Mammalia Erinaceidae) in the Aegean island of Chalki (Dodecanese, Greece)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.913.916

ABSTRACT
The presence of the Northern white-breasted hedgehog Erinaceus roumanicus Barrett-Hamilton, 1900 (Mammalia Erinaceidae) for the Aegean island of Chalki (Dodecanese, Greece), is here recorded for the first time. E. roumanicus is common in many Aegean islands, however, his presence in Chalki had never been reported.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0917-0929

Ali Lamia, Bachari Nour El Islam, Mokrane Zakia & Chala Ania
Introduction of microscopic non-indigenous species through ballast water in Arzew Gulf (SW Mediterranean Sea): the case of the harmful raphidophyceae Fibrocapsa japonica S.Toriumi et H.Takano, 1973 (Chattonellaceae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.917.929

ABSTRACT
The transfer of non-indigenous species (NIS) into the marine environment is mainly carried out by maritime transport (biofouling or ballast water). Ports are therefore the gateway to NIS, which can alter local biodiversity. In this study, the port of Arzew and Bethioua (Algeria, south-western Mediterranean) were studied for the presence of NIS by taking the case of the harmful Raphidophyceae Fibrocapsa japonica. Seawater samples were collected following a comparative sampling strategy between Arzew Gulf (AG region: presence of two hydrocarbon transport ports) and Ain Temouchent (AT region: absence of transport port - reference area). The Almeria-Oran front separates the two regions. The AT and AG regions generally have the same temperature, salinity and chlorophyll characteristics. The phtyhoplankton population showed a homogeneous quantitative distribution between the AT and AG regions. Diatoms and dinoflagellates have an equal density in both regions, nevertheless diatoms are more abundant in each region, (diatoms 6950 ind/l in AT 6380 ind/l in AG, dinoflagellates 1920 ind/l in AT and 1770 ind/l in AG). The specific assessment of the phytoplankton population revealed the presence of F. japonica at around 110 ind/l in the AG region in one station across the ports of Arzew and Bethioua and near the coast, and its absence in the reference area AT. Despite its presence in low density in a single station, this species remains harmful and presents a real danger if it is transported by the Algerian current along the coast to other places, in particular fisheries and aquaculture production areas. This study is part of a prevention process, is the first signaling of microscopic non-indigenous species on the Algerian coast, and contributes to establish a database for future assessments of microscopic NIS in Algerian ports.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0931-0937

Tahri Miloud, Arbaoui Mohamed, Yahia Nourredine & Chadli Rabah
Anatomical changes of roots and steams of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabales Fabaceae) under salinity at juvenile state
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.931.937

ABSTRACT
In Algeria, the region of Mostaganem is known for its agricultural soils with a sandy tendency and abnormally loaded with soluble salts affecting the yields of crops. To assess the salt tolerance threshold of the bean culture Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabales Fabaceae) variety “coco rose” was grown in plastic pots filled with two types of substrate, sand and sand amended with 7% bentonite (calcium clay of mining origin). The test was carried out in a greenhouse with controlled climatic conditions (variant temperature between 23-25°C, humidity is around 75% and a photoperiod of 12 hours). At the 5-leaf stage, irrigation with saline was provided with four saline concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 200 meq), the control is irrigated with distilled water. Two weeks later, the microscopic observations were made with an Optica type microscope, the results show a variability of the effect of saline stress depending on the organ and the concentration of the saline treatment. The anatomical structure of the treated roots and stems has shown significant anomalies; thus, the changes are marked by the decrease in the size of the parenchymal cells, that of the diameter of the xylem vessels and the increase in their number, under the action saline concentration (NaClCaCl₂) and according to the type of culture substrate sand (S) and sand with bentonite (SB).
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0939-0950

Polyxeni Soulopoulou, Juan Antonio Marco Molina, Maria Ascension Padilla Blanco & Petros Damos
Temporal variation of bird biodiversity and compositional complexity in a representative semi-Agricultural Natura 2000 area of conservation in Northern Greece
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.939.950

ABSTRACT
In this work we study the alteration in compositional diversity of bird abundances at the species level from 2012 to 2017 in one of the most important wetland Natura sites in Northern Greece and by using different biodiversity indices. Shannon Entropy was lower during 2012 (D_H = 1.509) albeit remained in similar levels from 2013 and afterwards. The highest values of Shannon Entropy were recorded in 2014 (D_H = 2.927) and 2016 (D_H = 2.888) suggesting that there is a higher diversity compared to the other observation years and especially 2012. The yearly trends of the Simpson dominance index and the Gini-Simpson Index had quite similar patterns. The Berger-Parker index, D_D, which represents the maximum proportion of any species estimated in the sample assemblage, had its highest values in 2012 (D_D = 0.58) and 2017 (D_D = 0.39) and its lowest in 2014 (D_D = 0.13) and 2016 (D_D = 0.15). A complete characterization of diversity was possible through the projection of Hill numbers and the Rényi entropy, parameterized by the order q in terms of an empirical curve. According to the Hills numbers pooled over the years, the mean species abundance (q = 0) was estimated at 31 species, the mean biodiversity (q = 1) was 13 species and the most dominant species (q = 2) were 8 species. The quantification of bird biodiversity in the particular research area patterns is a fundamental task to evaluate current management actions, improve conservation and design future management strategies.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0951-0959

Naima Sellaoui & Farid Bounaceur
Growth and length-weight relationships of Gambusia affinis (Baird et Girard, 1853) population in Algeria (Cyprinodontiformes Poeciliidae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.951.959

ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to provide necessary information on the growth, length-weight relationships of Gambusia affinis (Baird et Girard, 1853) (Cyprinodontiformes Poeciliidae) in four different areas: Timimoune's foggara, southwestern Algerian Sahara, with a total of 402 specimens; 182 fishes in Bechar; Biskra, northeastern Sahara, with 282 specimens; and Oued Sebaine, in western Algeria, with 638 fishes. The female to male sex ratio was 2.14:1 (Timimoune), 2.19:1 (Bechar), 2.61:1 (Biskra) and 2.35:1 (Tiaret). The length-weight relationship of G. affinis population shows a difference in growth between the sexes (isometric, positive and negative allometric). The parameter of Von Bertalanffy, L∞, was obtained for the females of each region: in Timimoune, 62.14 mm; in Bechar, 51.72 mm; in Biskra, 67.25 mm; and in Tiaret, 63.62 mm. The L∞ of males for each region is instead: in Timimoune, 45.48 mm; in Bechar, 41.75 mm; in Biskra, 47.89 mm; and in Tiaret, 45.49 mm.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0961-0968

Andrea Francesca Bellia & Sandro Lanfranco
Evaluation of a dinoflagellate bloom in a perennial endorheic Mediterranean pond
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.961.968

ABSTRACT
This study is the first to describe a dense dinoflagellate bloom from an inland water body in the Maltese Islands. The bloom in the perennial pond at L-Għadira ta’ Sarraflu, in Gozo, Malta was first noted towards the end of April 2020 and was investigated in May 2020. Microscopic analysis indicated a unialgal bloom comprised predominantly of Peridinium cf. cinctum (O.F. Müller) Ehrenberg (Dinoflagellata Dinophyceae Peridiniaceae) at a mean density of ca. 358118 ± 165227 cells mL-1. Five water quality parameters (pH, oxidation-reduction potential, dissolved oxygen concentration, electrical conductivity and temperature) were measured to provide a preliminary assessment against which future studies could compare. The absence of any long-term abiotic data from the pool precludes any definite causes of the bloom from being identified and highlights the necessity of such a programme.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0969-0974

Roberto Rattu, Roberto A. Pantaleoni & Rinaldo Nicoli Aldini
Emergence trap for woodpile insects provides two interesting species of Neuropterida from Sardinia
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.969.974

ABSTRACT
An emergence trap for woodpile insects, assembled in the coppice holm oak forest of San Gregorio (SE-Sardinia), captured few specimens of only two species of Neuropterida, but these were very interesting ones: Isoscelipteron glaserellum (U. Aspöck, H. Aspöck et Hölzel, 1979) (Neuroptera Berothidae), new to Italy, and Dendroleon pantherinus (Fabricius, 1787) (Neuroptera Myrmeleontidae), new to Sardinia. Further specimens of both species were collected at the same site using other methods. An old find of Dendroleon pantherinus, previously considered unreliable, was confirmed. The ecology and rarity of both species are discussed.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0975-0978

John Mulder
New records of the reed cricket Natula averni (Costa, 1855) (Orthoptera Gryllidae) in Sicily
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.975.978

ABSTRACT
Three new distribution records of the reed cricket Natula averni (Costa, 1855) (Orthoptera Gryllidae) are reported for Sicily based on sound recordings. Additional information is provided for the song of this rare cricket species.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 0979-0981

Ivan Rapuzzi & Huan Yang
A new subspecies of Carabus (Cratocephalus) solskyi Ballion, 1878 from Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang province, Northwest China (Coleoptera Carabidae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.979.981
https://www.zoobank.org/References/606cc38a-96d7-4c74-9563-eecbc8c290e8

ABSTRACT
A new subspecies of Carabus (Cratocephalus) solskyi Ballion, 1878 from Xinjiang Province, Northwest China is described and figured.
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 (4): 0993-0999

Agatino Reitano, Massimo Cresti & Davide Di Franco
A new species of the Alvania pagodula group (Monterosato, 1890) from the Pliocene of Italy: A. agathae n. sp. (Gastropoda Rissoidae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.993.999
https://www.zoobank.org/References/4eb8612f-4d88-4200-be2f-e418e148694b

ABSTRACT
Alvania agathae n.sp. is described from the Pliocene of Italy. The new species is based on 17 fossil shells found in Pliocene layers of Sicily and Tuscany and belongs to the genus Alvania (Risso, 1826). Alvania agathae n.sp. is relatively close to A. spinosa (Monterosato, 1890), grouped within Alcidiella Cossmann, 1921, usually treated as a subgenus or synonym of Alvania. The description and the comparison with other Mediterranean similar fossil and living species are here reported. The possible phylogeny of the new, as well as related species included A. spinosa, is also discussed.
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): 1007-1014

Abderrahmane Chebli, Bahia Doumandji-Mitiche, Salaheddine Doumandji, Mohamed Biche & Timothy A. Mousseau
Overview of the arthropod fauna in the extreme southeastern Algeria: species richness in Tassili N’Ajjer National Park (Djanet, Algeria)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.1007.1014

ABSTRACT
The present study concerns arthropod populations in two different environments, cultivated and natural regions of Djanet. We conducted qualitative and quantitative surveys over two seasons (summer and winter). Three sampling methods were used: pitfall traps, sweep nets, and yellow pan traps. Overall, 4480 individual arthropods were captured representing 191 species, 4 classes, 21 orders and 106 families, distributed across four study sites, namely: Lokmane and El Mihane stations for the cultivated environment and Teghargharte and Iffoutten stations for the natural environment. A total of 112 species of arthropod species were captured by pitfall traps, with Hymenoptera accounting for 69% of the species. Sweep netting generated 65 species of arthropods, with Orthoptera accounting for 36% of the captures. Yellow pan traps led to the capture of 82 species of arthropods, with dipterans most attracted by this type of trap with a rate of 38%. The 17 species of Orthoptera that we captured in the region of Djanet belonged to 7 families and 2 orders, in which the species Tridactylus variegatus was the most abundant.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 1015-1019

Kazuki Kimura, Takahiro Hirano, Satoshi Chiba & Jae-Hong Pak
Note on occurrence of the land slug family Rathouisiidae Heude, 1885 from South Korea and its DNA barcode
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.1015.1019

ABSTRACT
Rathouisiidae Heude, 1885 is a family of terrestrial slugs. Although only several species has so far been described in this family, rathouisiids are estimated to be highly diversified. In the present study, we report the presence of the slug of Rathouisiidae in South Korea and its DNA barcode for the first time.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 1021-1030

Khaled Rahmani, Fatiha Koudache & Farid Bennabi
Diet study of Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus Linnaeus,1758) (Carangiformes Carangidae) caught in Béni-Saf Bay, Western Mediterranean Sea (Algeria)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.1021.1030

ABSTRACT
This paper gives a description of the diet of Atlantic horse, Trachurus trachurus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Carangiformes Carangidae) living in the bay of Béni-Saf (North-Western Algeria) between November 2015 and October 2016 by analyzing the contents of the stomachs of 488 specimens divided in three classes according to the length of their body. We used several indices such as the coefficient vacancy (V), the percentage of prey (Cn) and the frequency of occurrence of prey (Fc). Of the total stomachs examined, 135 are empty which corresponds to a vacancy coefficient of 27.66. In total, 3912 preys were counted. They belong to ten major taxonomic groups: Copepoda, Euphausiacea, Amphipoda, Mysidacea, Cumaceae Cephalopods, Echinodermata, Molluscs, phytoplankton and Teleosts). The study of diet of T. trachurus shows that it has a broad food spectrum, and is a carnivorous and voracious species (benthpelagic). We found that the first class prefers Crustaceans, the second favors Euphausiacea, and the third prefers the predation of Teleosts. The diet varies with the size of specimens which is proportional to the size of the prey.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 1031-1036

Labdelli Fatiha, Bousmaha Fatma, Adamou Djerbaoui Malika, Bouchenafa Nadia, Oulbachir Karima & Laouidj Aicha
Impact of Nematode Heterodera avenae Wollenwebwer, 1924 (Heteroderidae) attack on cereal yields in the region of Tiaret (Algeria)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.1031.1036

ABSTRACT
The cyst nematode Heterodera avenae Wollenweber, 1924 (Heteroderidae) is an obligate endoparasite of grasses. It is the most studied and most damaging nematode known for more than a century. The study of the distribution of the H. avenae cyst nematode was carried out on some plots of cereal-oriented municipalities in the Tiaret region to assess the infestation levels of the plots in order to study the impact of the nematode infestation on cereal yields. Spearman’s test was used, which allowed us to study the correlation between the degree of infestation and cereal yields, particularly wheat, barley and oats. The plots of the communes surveyed are all infested by H. avenae with different levels of infestation except the plots of the town of Sebaine and Mahdia where the infestation is practically non-existent (0 cysts/100 g of soil). The correlation is negative between the degree of infestation and the yield (r = -0.06), the yields of hard wheat are low when the degree of infestation is high. Soft wheat and barley yields are negatively correlated with respectively, r = - 0.26 and r = -0.27, therefore, heavy infestations of the nematode lead to a decrease in yield. Unlike other cereal species, the correlation is positive with the degree of infestation (r = 0.18), so the infestation of the nematode did not greatly influence oat yields. Oats are a tolerant species for nematode attack in relation to wheat and barley that have recorded decreases in yields. Unlike the three previous crop types, oats stand out for their tolerance to this parasite.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 1037-1044

Arbaoui Mohamed, Yahia Noredine & Ghelamallah Amine
Influence of salinity soil on the sodium, potassium and calcium content of tomato Lycopersicum esculentum Mill. (Solanales Solanaceae) at 5-leaf stage
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.1037.1044

ABSTRACT
The effect of salinity (NaClCaCl₂) on the evolution of mineral ions (Na⁺, K⁺ and Ca⁺⁺) and the variation of (Na⁺/K⁺ and Na⁺/Ca⁺⁺ ratios) in the roots of a Rio grande (Rg) tomato variety (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., Solanales Solanaceae) at the 5-leaf stage was investigated. After germination of the seeds, the seedlings obtained are transferred to their environment to receive the nutritive solution. At 5 leaf stage, salt stress was applied with four concentrations (0, 100, 200 and 300 meq L-1 NaClCaCl₂) for 15 days. The results shows that salt stress increased Na⁺ and decreased K⁺ content significantly in both cultivars. Increase of salinity resulted in an increase of ions Na⁺ and Ca⁺⁺ in the tomato root cultivated on the two substrates but a decrease of K⁺. The Na⁺/K⁺ and Na⁺/Ca⁺⁺ ratio in roots of both cultivars cultivated on the two substrates increased significantly when concentration of NaClCaCl₂ increased in the medium. The presence of calcium in the medium (irrigation solution and bentonite) favored an increase in the average amount of calcium ions in the roots of tomato grown in sand substrate mixed with bentonite compared to those cultivated in the sand substrate alone.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 1045-1053

Andrea Lombardo & Giuliana Marletta
New data on the seasonality of Flabellina affinis (Gmelin, 1791) and Cratena peregrina (Gmelin, 1791) (Gastropoda Nudibranchia) in the Ionian Sea, Central Mediterranean
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.1045.1053

ABSTRACT
Flabellina affinis (Gmelin, 1791) and Cratena peregrina (Gmelin, 1791) are two common nudibranchs in the Mediterranean Sea. However, there are only a few studies on their seasonality which reported these species principally in summer and in well-lit shallow areas. Instead, through the present study carried out throughout three years (from 2017 to 2019) in three areas sited along the Ionian coast of Sicily (Italy), it has been observed that: 1) both species may be present in any season of the year with a high number of specimens; 2) F. affinis in the study areas is more competitive than C. peregrina; 3) both species showed a less photophilous lifestyle than that usually reported in literature, since in this study both species were found in a deeper bathymetric range; 4) F. affinis and C. peregrina could be considered warm-water species and their strong presence in cold seasons might be used as an indicator of the increase in the seawater temperature of the Mediterranean Sea.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 1055-1066

Sandro Piazzini, Matteo Tamburini, Francesco Rotondaro, Vittoria Marchianò, Francesca Martini & Leonardo Favilli
Saproxylic beetles of conservation interest in the Calabrian side of the Pollino National Park (Calabria, Italia): Lucanus tetraodon Thunberg, 1806, Osmoderma italicum Sparacio, 2000, Cerambyx cerdo Linnaeus, 1758 and Rosalia alpina (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera Lucanidae Cetoniidae Cerambycidae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.1055.1066

ABSTRACT
In this article an update on the distribution of Coleoptera Lucanus tetraodon Thunberg, 1806 (Lucanidae), Osmoderma italicum Sparacio, 2000 (Cetoniidae), Cerambyx cerdo Linnaeus, 1758 and Rosalia alpina (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cerambycidae) in the Calabrian side of the Pollino National Park is described. Data regarding the ecological part and the conservation status will be presented for each species. Therefore, of particular interest it can be noted: the presence in nine locations of L. tetraodon, an uncommon species and with little-known distribution; the discreet diffusion of O. italicum, rare and with a very restricted area, found in thirteen locations up to over 1800 m of altitude; C. cerdo for the Calabrian side of the National Park of Pollino; the first data for the presence of R. alpina at 1900 m altitude, the highest recorded in Italy and the discovery of larval stages on Italian alder (Alnus cordata), never ascertained in Italy. The Pollino National Park is confirmed as one of the areas of greatest national importance for the conservation of these xylophagous species linked to old forests.
Biodiversity Journal, 11 (4): 1067-1086

Ingrid N. Visser, Tracy E. Cooper & Heiko Grimm
Duration of pseudo-stalked barnacles (Xenobalanus globicipitis) on a New Zealand Pelagic ecotype orca (Orcinus orca), with comments on cookie cutter shark bite marks (Isistius sp.); can they be used as biological tags?
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.1067.1086

ABSTRACT
This is the first published report of a New Zealand Pelagic ecotype orca (Orcinus orca Linnaeus, 1758, killer whale, Mammalia Cetacea) as a host for the pseudo-stalked barnacle (Xenobalanus globicipitis Steenstrup, 1852, Crustacea Coronulidae). The barnacles were documented on an adult female and she hosted >79, >3.5 times higher than any other orca worldwide. They were distributed on her dorsal fin (n=3), pectoral fins (n=>36) and tail flukes (n=>40), with a higher density on her right appendages (n=>48) compared to her left (n=>28). We also document, for the first time, the longevity of X. globicipitis hosted on an orca, with a minimum duration of 36 days. We provide a global overview of the distribution of X. globicipitis on orca, based on historic and recent publications. In previous reviews (spanning 111 years of records) X. globicipitis were documented in ten regions, while we add ten more regions, in just 13 years. This leads us to speculate as to the causes of this rapid increase, which may be linked to observer bias, improved research tools, a change in the distribution of either O. orca or X. globicipitis, with distribution of the latter perhaps influenced by oceanic conditions such as marine heatwaves and acidification triggered by climate change. As such, we discuss if either pseudo-stalked barnacles (or bite marks from cookie cutter sharks, Isistius sp., Chondrichthyes Squaliformes) can be used as biological tags or markers for orca ecotypes. We recommend separate management plans for orca ecotypes.

Main Index

Biodiversity Journal 2020, 11 (4): 805-1088