Emanuela Maurizi

This work provides the first morphological analysis (both at gross and fine level) of the antennal structures in the genus Elater (Coleoptera, Elateridae). The typology, number and distribution patterns of the antennal sensilla in the rare saproxylic Elater ferrugineus (both male and female) were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The serrate antennae of E. ferrugineus consisted of a scape, a pedicel, and nine flattened flagellomeres. Overall, 10 types of sensilla were identified according to their morphological features: one type of sensilla chaetica (Ch), one type of Böhm sensilla (Bo), three types of sensilla trichodea (Tr.1–3), two types of sensilla basiconica (Ba.1–2), one type of sensilla styloconica (St), one type of grooved peg sensilla (Gp) and one type of sensilla campaniformia (Ca). A marked sexual dimorphism was found at both gross and fine scale. The male antenna was bigger (8.6 mm) than the female one (7.0 mm) and carried one type of sensilla trichodea (Tr.2) absent in female antennae possibly responsible for reception of the female-emitted sex pheromone. The female antenna carried a higher number of sensilla (~ 9800) than the male one did (~7,000), with more abundant sensilla chaetica (Ch) and basiconica (Ba.1 and Ba.2).

New records of Osmoderma eremita (Scopoli, 1763) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) are reported for Abruzzo (Italy), together with a review of its distribution in this region. O. eremita is a saproxylic beetle dependent on the presence of hollow deciduous trees with abundant wood mould in their cavities. The major threats for the species are habitat loss and fragmentation. EU Habitats Directive requests to the member States its protection and the monitoring of its conservation status. Detection of its occurrence is the first step to protect the species. The surveys have been carried out in ten sites of Abruzzo by using black cross-windows traps baited with specific pheromone. The species has been recorded for the first time in the Sant’Antonio forest and its presence is confirmed in the Peligna Valley, after a decade. The populations seem to be confined to small patches of suitable habitats. At local level, the abandonment of the pollarding practice (willow and beech forests) and the use of pollarded trees as biomass for fuel are the major threats for this species. Indeed some key actions, such as the protection of old hollow trees and the continuation of pollarding practice in rural landscape, could be key factors for the conservation strategies of the species in the study area.

The LIFE project “MIPP” - Monitoring of Insects with Public Participation (11 NAT/IT/000252) is focused on selected insect species (five Coleoptera, three Lepidoptera, one Orthoptera), all included in the annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive (HD) 92/43/EEC. One important aim is a citizen science initiative where every person may become a citizen scientist and collect faunistic data on the above species throughout Italy. Another objective of the project MIPP is the development of standard methods for monitoring the conserva- tion status of the five target beetle species. One innovative method employed is a sniffer-dog (“Osmodog”), trained to find the rare and endangered hermit beetle, Osmoderma eremita, which lives in veteran, hollow trees. The dog detects the strong smell of mature peach produced by adult males and an odor produced by the larvae. Another objective of the project MIPP is the dissemination of topics such as HD, Natura 2000, importance of dead-wood, Life projects, insect monitoring and conservation.