Biodiversity Journal - For wildlife research and environmental studies

Biodiversity Journal 2025, 16 (1): 1-194

Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 001-002

Antonino Dentici
Percnon gibbesi (H. Milne Edwards, 1853) (Decapoda Plagusiidae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.I.II
Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 003-006

Ayari Nakaka & Kazuki Kimura
Time to freezing: plasticity or rapid evolution. A preliminary study
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.3.6

ABSTRACT
The orb-weaving spider Trichonephila clavata (L. Koch, 1878) (Araneae Nephilidae), commonly known as Joro spider, was recently introduced into North America and has been spreading in the invaded territory. Several studies have suggested potential negative impacts of this spider on native communities. The present study focused on risk-taking behavior in Joro spider individuals from their native range. A comparison between our behavioral experiment and a previous study investigating an exotic population in the USA suggests that spiders tend to exhibit more risk-aversive behavior in the introduced region. Although it remains unclear whether the observed difference is an adaptive or plastic change, knowledge on the adaptability of Joro spiders to novel conditions is crucial for assessing their impact on the ecosystem.
Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 007-010

Mauro Grano & Christian Galmuzzi
The Pond Sliders Trachemys scripta (Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792) (Reptilia Emydidae) are pets or toys?
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.7.10

ABSTRACT
The Pond Slider Trachemys scripta (Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792) (Reptilia Emydidae) is a major invasive species in freshwater habitats across the world. For decades, the main cause of individuals’ occurrences in the wild was the illegal release of pet animals. Unfortunately, the small size and ease of breeding have encouraged the trade of this species. The new trend of Thai traders has made this animal a real toy, with even greater risks for the environment.
Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 011-020

Fatmakhanum Khalid Nabiyeva, Aliyar Shahmardan Ibrahimov, Nuri Vagif Movsumova, Gulnara Shirali Shiraliyeva & Ulkar Mahmud Mammadova
Floristic analysis of Zagatala State Nature Reserve, Azerbaijan
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.11.20

ABSTRACT
The present paper provides information on the results of floristic, taxonomic, and bioecological research carried out in the expedition organized to on May 10-16, 2022 in the Zagatala State Nature Reserve and in the surrounding areas (Azerbaijan). During the expedition, 158 species belonging to 56 families and 105 genera of local vegetation were recorded. According to the analysis of life forms, due to the large number of species, trees dominate with 57 species (36.08%), perennials with 63 species (39.87%), and shrubs with 22 species (13.92%). During this research, 19 species included in 18 genera belonging to 15 families included in the Red Book of Azerbaijan were recorded in the territory of the reserve. Species such as Petasites albus, Anemonastrum narcissiflorum, Malva alcea, Ajuga pyramidalis, Morus alba pendula, Arnebia pulchra, etc. which are not given for this area, including the flora of Azerbaijan, were discovered and included in the list. The issue of the reserve is the preservation of water-retaining, soil-protecting and resort-climate important mountain meadows and forests in separate zones of the north-eastern part of the Greater Caucasus, and the effective use of the richness of the area’s vegetation, where research work on international biological problems is carried out.
Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 021-023

Khaled Etayeb, Saleh Buirzayqah & Habeeb Alghythi
First record of Wood duck Aix sponsa (Linnaeus, 1758) in Libya (Aves Anatidae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.21.23

ABSTRACT
Birds move from one place to another without regard to international borders during their migrations. Particularly, the Mediterranean region is considered a link in the African-Eurasian bird migration route, especially migratory water birds. Among the North African countries, Libya is located in the middle of the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, it is considered a stopover and resting ground for many bird species. A Wood duck Aix sponsa (Linnaeus, 1758) (Aves Anatidae), species commonly found throughout North America, was recorded for the first time in Benghazi city at the eastern coastal part of Libya on 04 Jan 2025 in a Sabkha (salt marsh). It is a female characterized by the gray and brown color of the body with a white ring around the eyes. It can be confirmed that this species is not among the ornamental birds imported into Libya for trade but may have escaped from a farm in countries bordering Libya.
Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 025-030

Claudio Bongiardino, Pasquale Micali, Edgardo Bertaccini & Paolo Petracci
On some interesting species of Mollusca Gastropoda in the Pliocene of Romagna (Italy) with description of Skenea enricoi n. sp.
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.25.30
https://www.zoobank.org/EFD55373-D8B9-4EE7-8B23-69CEBE13E777

ABSTRACT
In the present paper, the discovery of further specimens of Trochaclis isabellae Tabanelli, Bongiardino et Scarponi, 2017 (Gastropoda Trochaclididae) in the Zanclean of Monte Castellaccio (Ravenna, Brisighella, Pietramora, Italy) is reported. The discovery in Pliocene outcrops of some specimens determined as Acrochalix cf. callosa Bouchet et Warén, 1986 (Gastropoda Eulimidae), a deep-sea Atlantic species, is also reported. Furthermore, Skenea enricoi n. sp. (Gastropoda Skeneidae) is described from the Zanclean of Monte Cerreto (Forlì-Cesena, Castrocaro Terme, Italy). This new species is doubtfully placed in the genus Skenea J. Fleming, 1825 because it is morphologically atypic due to the globular outline and squared opening of the shell. Skenea enricoi n. sp. also differs from congeneric species for the globular outline and sunken suture.
Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 031-036

Sawika Kunlapapuk, Pawapol Kongchum, Patcharin Saipattana, Panutda Yodsang, Sutep Kaitep, Sitthi Kulabtong & Prapat Kosawatpat
Endemic fishes in the Royal Initiative Natural Science Park Project Suan Phueng, Ratchaburi Province, Thailand
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.16.1.31.36

ABSTRACT
In the present paper, 9 endemic fishes - Devario cf. regina (Fowler, 1934) (Teleostei Danionidae); Poropuntius melanogrammus Roberts, 1998 (Teleostei Cyprinidae); Garra surinbinnani Page, Ray, Tongnunui, Boyd et Randall 2019 (Teleostei Cyprinidae); Schistura balteata (Rendahl, 1948) (Teleostei Nemacheilidae); Schistura cf. aurantiaca Plongsesthee, Page et Beamish, 2011 (Teleostei Nemacheilidae); Paracanthocobitis nigrolineata Singer, Pfeiffer et Page, 2017 (Teleostei Nemacheilidae); Lepidocephalichthys cf. berdmorei (Blyth, 1860) (Teleostei Cobitidae); Batasio tigrinus Ng et Kottelat, 2001 (Teleostei Bagridae); Amblyceps variegatum Ng et Kottelat, 2000 (Teleostei Amblycipitidae) - are recorded from the Royal Initiative Natural Science Park Project Suan Phueng, Ratchaburi Province, Western Thailand. Biological and taxonomic observations on these species are provided.
Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 037-040

Sona Ibrahimli
Systematic analysis and taxonomy of the genus Glycyrrhiza L. (Licorice) in the Flora of Azerbaijan (Legumes Fabaceae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.37.40

ABSTRACT
In this paper, modern taxonomic status and systematic structural features of the genus GlycyrrhizaL. (Licorice) in the flora of Azerbaijan is provided. There are different opinions about the distribution of this genus in the flora of Azerbaijan. According to the work on the flora of Azerbaijan, 5 species (G. glabra, G. asperula, G. echinata, G. glandulifera, G. foetidissma) are recorded in this region but, in the flora synopsis of the Caucasus, the following 5 species are listed: G. glabra, G. asperula, G. echinata, G. macedonica, and G. foetidissima; finally, according to World flora online, the genus Glycyrrhiza is represented in Azerbaijan by 3 species with many variations and synonyms: G. glabra (sweet licorice), G. asperula (wrinkled licorice) and G. echinata (pumpkin licorice). Furthermore, we found the following variations of G. glabra in the flora of Azerbaijan: G. glabra var. caduca X.Y. Li., G. glabra var. glabra, and G. glandulifera Waldst. et Kit. One additional species cultivated in Azerbaijan, G. uralensis Fisch ex DC. (Ural licorice), has already spread in nature. Identification on key information about the wild species are detailed in the paper.
Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 041-046

Andrea Spinelli, Ivan Angelo Gatì & Salvatore Giacobbe
A new species of Steromphala J.E. Gray, 1847 (Gastropoda Trochidae) from Sicily Channel
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.41.46
https://www.zoobank.org/0A256DC0-5012-4A5D-8E40-390A8B552D2D

ABSTRACT
A new species belonging to the genus Steromphala Gray, 1847 (Gastropoda Trochidae), based on shell characters is described from the Sicily Channel. Steromphala federicii n. sp. is here compared with the most closely related species showing marked sculpture, namely S. racketti (Payraudeau, 1826), and S. nivosa (A. Adams, 1853) which is endemic of the close area of Malta. The new species, exclusively found in the Skerki Bank, cannot yet be confirmed as endemic, due to the present limited knowledge about the Sicily Channel banks.
Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 047-055

Kevin Samabide Tolovou & Arsène Lenga
Preliminary inventory of bats (Mammalia Chiroptera) from Ouesso and Impfondo forests (north of Congo Republic) with three new records for the country
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.47.55

ABSTRACT
In order to update the basic data on the species richness of frugivorous and insectivorous bats (Mammalia Chiroptera) living in the northern forests of the Republic of Congo, collections were carried out between March 2021 and September 2023. Black mist nets installed in the treetops at four sites over an 18–month period enabled 567 individuals belonging to 11 species, ten genera and four families to be collected. Fruit bats revealed 11 species of the same family, while insectivorous bats were represented by three species in three families. Eidolon helvum (n = 352) was the species most often observed at the various sites. Three species were recorded for the first time in Congo: Epomophorus intermedius, Epomophorus gambianus and Saccolaimus peli.
Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 057-101 - MONOGRAPH

Trevor A. Lambkin
Faunistic analyses of the butterflies (Lepidoptera) of the Mt Etna area (Sicily, Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.57.101

ABSTRACT
The butterflies known from the Mt Etna area, Sicily are analysed. Eighty-four species are here recorded from within the boundaries of the mountain. A checklist is provided. Species data from 176 locations across the mountain are tabled and mapped for the 84 species. Of the 84 species recorded, 72 are considered resident, with 12 considered to be likely vagrants to the mountain. The analyses showed that of the 176 mapped locations, only 28 were from the western half of the mountain. This may explain why 18 of the more common Sicilian butterfly species were not recorded from the western side of the mountain. The data did indicate that Melanargia russiae (Esper, [1781]), Chazara briseis (Linnaeus, 1764) and Melitaea cinxia (Linnaeus, 1758) have very localized distributions on the mountain. Four of the resident species were found to be inherently rare, viz. Pieris mannii (Mayer, 1851), Leptidea sinapis (Linnaeus, 1758), Leptotes pirithous (Linnaeus, 1767) and Pseudophilotes baton (Bergsträsser, 1770). The elevational zone from 500-1500 m was found to have the highest butterfly richness at 71 resident species excluding Boloria euphrosyne (Linnaeus, 1758) which is restricted to higher elevations. Polyommatus thersites (Cantener, 1834) is recorded from Sicily and illustrated for the first time. Despite strong anthropogenic influences on some areas of the mountain, the overall butterfly fauna was still relatively rich and abundant. A concern is the reclaiming of abandoned vineyard terraces on the northern slope where M. russiae, which has a very restricted distribution on this slope, has residence on some of these abandoned terraces. Thus, it would be prudent to retain some abandoned terraces to ensure survival of these resident butterfly populations. Undertaking more butterfly sampling on the mountain would provide a more complete picture of the status of the mountain’s butterfly fauna.
Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 103-118

Danilo Scuderi, Agatino Reitano & Alberto Villari
Two new species of the genus Clathromangelia Monterosato, 1884 (Gastropoda Raphitomidae) from the Mediterranean Sea, with lectotype designation of C. granum (R.A. Philippi, 1844)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.103.118
https://www.zoobank.org/2C0FB4FF-2D2F-4288-9A30-6B5FA293DED6

ABSTRACT
Notwithstanding few more or less recent contributions, taxonomy of the raphitomid extant species of the genus Clathromangelia Monterosato, 1884 (Gastropoda Caenogastropoda) remains almost controversial. Fossil materials revealed a wide diversity from Miocene to Pleistocene. Representatives in this genus seem to be almost exclusively Mediterranean, with only few doubtful taxa described for extra-Mediterranean localities. Species in the C. granum (R.A. Philippi, 1844) complex are here revised starting from the type material, among which the lectotype here designed. Two species are here described as new: C. fatamorganae n. sp. and C. martinastellae n. sp.
Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 119-123

Mauro Grano & Cristina Cattaneo
First record of the Dwarf Snake Eirenis modestus (Martin, 1838) (Reptilia Squamata) in Telendos Islet (Dodecanese, Greece)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.119.123

ABSTRACT
The occurrence of the dwarf snake Eirenis modestus (Martin, 1838) (Reptilia Squamata) in the Dodecanese Islet of Telendos (Greece) is reported here for the first time.
Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 124-130

Ignazio Sparacio & Calogero Muscarella
Cebrio (Cebrio) elymicus n. sp. from North-western Sicily, Italy (Coleoptera Elateridae Cebrionini)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.124.130
https://www.zoobank.org/044DF062-94CE-4B8C-8DD9-AE409A2EBB8B

ABSTRACT
A new species of Cebrio (Cebrio) Oliver, 1790 (Coleoptera Elateridae Cebrionini) found in western Sicily is described below. Cebrio (Cebrio) elymicus n. sp. is well distinct morphologically from C. (C.) benedicti Fairmaire, 1849 the only other species of the nominotypical subgenus present in Sicily. Further comparative notes between C. (C.) elymicus n. sp. and the other species reported in neighboring territories, in particular North Africa and Sardinia, and useful biological information are provided. The discovery of this new species confirms the particular biodiversity of the Sicilian territory that requires greater attention and protection.
Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 131-136

Augusto Cattaneo, Claudia Eleni & Antonio Pizzuti Piccoli
Preliminary note on the copulatory plugs found in Elaphe quatuorlineata (Bonnaterre, 1790) (Reptilia Serpentes)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.131.136

ABSTRACT
During a study on the reproduction of Elaphe quatuorlineata (Bonnaterre, 1790) (Reptilia Serpentes) bifid clear formations were occasionally observed being expelled by gravid females along with false feces (without the figurative component). These occurrences were typically noted approximately two weeks prior to ovodeposition, often in conjunction with the pre-ovodeposition molt. Through comparative bibliographic research, these structures were identified as copulatory spines or plugs produced by males during copulation. Their expulsion, occurring about two weeks prior to ovodeposition, was likely caused by the pressure exerted by the eggs along the oviducts.
Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 137-147

Agatino Reitano, Roberto Viviano, Ignazio Sparacio & Willy De Mattia
A new species of Acicula Hartmann, 1821 (Gastropoda Architaenioglossa Aciculidae) from western Sicily (Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.137.147
https://www.zoobank.org/2B27F5A3-036E-45D0-BA7E-5B15B1A4C5F2

ABSTRACT
Malacological surveys in the limestone massifs west of Palermo (Carini, NW Sicily), revealed the presence of a new species of Aciculidae: Acicula occidentalis n. sp. (Gastropoda Architaenioglossa Aciculidae). Diagnostic traits are: the high number of axial irregularly distributed grooves, the sub-rectangular to pyriform aperture and the larger size compared to other Acicula taxa known for Sicily. Acicula occidentalis n. sp. seems to be restricted to the mountains west of Palermo, until now known only to the eastern slopes of Montagna Longa (Carini).
Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 149-153

Daniel Patacchiola, Davide Cillo & Fabrizio Fabbriciani
First record of Temnorhynchus baal Reiche et Saulcy, 1856 from Sardinia (Italy) (Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Dynastinae)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.149.153

ABSTRACT
Temnorhynchus baal Reiche et Saulcy, 1856 (Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Dynastinae) is reported for the first time in Sardinia (Italy) on the basis of three records, one record made in the year 2003 along the coastal areas of Cagliari and the other two, made in the year 2024, in two localities along the South-Eastern coast of the island. The pest status of the species in the eastern Mediterranean basin is briefly discussed as well as the historical expansion of this species in the Palaearctic area.
Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 155-167

Franck Boyer, Bret Raines & Walter Renda
New and revised marginelliform gastropods (Mollusca Volutoidea) from the South Pacific
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.155.167
https://www.zoobank.org/65F4D17B-9DAE-4724-A030-1704490A1238

ABSTRACT
Several marginelliform species from the South Pacific collected in Fiji, Western Samoa and Pitcairn Islands are revised on the basis of their shell morphology. The species Volvaria (Volvarina) pygmaea Garrett, 1873 described from Fiji is re-assigned to the genus Gibberula Swainson, 1840, and a lectotype is designated. The species Gibberula vomoensis Wakefield et McCleery, 2004 described from Vomo Island (Western Fiji) is illustrated by a specimen from the same area (Beqa Island, Western Fiji) as a complement to the original description of the species. The species Crithe cossinea Cossignani, 1997, described from the Philippines, is reported from Western Fiji and its biogeographical status is discussed herein. Six species are described as new: Gibberula aureola n. sp. from Western Samoa and G. dixoni n. sp. from Pitcairn, Cystiscus turbinatus n. sp. from Pitcairn, Volvarina storea n. sp. from Western Samoa, Granulina vitiensis n. sp. from Western Fiji, and G. biplicata n. sp. from Pitcairn.
Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 169-176

Roberto Toffoli
An assessment of the current and historical records of the Schreibers’ Bent-Winged Bat Miniopterus schreibersii (Kuhl, 1817) in Piedmont (Northwest Italy)
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.169.176

ABSTRACT
The presence of Miniopterus schreibersii in Piedmont (Italy) is being updated. The species was first reported in the Region in 1973, and until 2000 only five records were known. Subsequently, the number of presence data increased due to improved acoustic identification capabilities. From 1973 to 2025, thirty records of the species were collected concerning specimens foraging or in transit, and two hibernation roosts were frequented by single specimens. One of the two roosts is the Rio Martino Cave where the species has been regularly present in winter since 2018 with up to a maximum of four single specimens in 2025. In the last decade, the presence of the species in Piedmont has become more regular compared to previous years, suggesting a regular presence of the species in the Region.
Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 177-190

Roberto Viviano, Arturo Viviano, Willy De Mattia, Agatino Reitano & Ignazio Sparacio
Ferussacia antonini n. sp. (Gastropoda Stylommatophora Ferussaciidae), another new species enriching Sicilian biodiversity
https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.177.190
https://www.zoobank.org/4D0B33B7-F4E7-4F2F-BFC8-F0DD1A0F4982

ABSTRACT
In the present paper, the Authors describe a new species of the genus Ferussacia Risso, 1826 (Gastropoda Stylommatophora Ferussaciidae) from western Sicily (Italy): F. antonini n. sp. It is very different, at first sight, from F. folliculum (Schröter, 1784), the only other species very widespread in Sicily, mainly due to the shape of the shell formed by 5 whorls with the last whorl comprising 2/3 of the entire shell height. Further information on the biology of this new species and the taxonomy and anatomy of Ferussacia species living in Sicily are provided.

Main Index

Biodiversity Journal 2025, 16 (1): 1-194