Abstract

Here we report a new population of Capnodis cariosa from the South-Western Romania, at the border with the Republic of Serbia (Danube's Defile). The presence of this species was reported in the past from Southern Dobroudja (South-Eastern Romania, near the Bulgarian bonier), this being its only, yet nowadays probably extinct, local Romanian population. In our citizen science-based investigations, which started in the spring of 2020, we found 16 specimens in the area of the Iron Gates Natural Park, between Dubova and Svinita (Danube's Defile, Mehedinti County). This location represents the northernmost one for this species in Europe and the only verified present-day location for this species in Romania. Some considerations about biology, ecology and distribution of Capnodis cariosa are also provided. Two updated distribution maps of this species in Romania, in the Danube's Defile and in the whole Mediterranean areas, are also presented.

Abstract

The Cypress Jewel Beetle (Lamprodila (Palmar) festiva subsp. festiva (Linnaeus 1767)), is a formerly rare and protected species, present in the red lists of most Western European countries. In Romania, before 2015 it was present only in the South-Western region and less than 10 specimens were collected. The species recently changed its host plants from wild Cupressaceae (Juniperus sp., Cupressus sp.) to cultivated Cupressaceae, the most affected one being Thuja occidentalis. In 2013 the first big invasion was recorded in Budapest, Hungary. In 2015, the species was found in two horticultural seedling stations in Bucharest. More recently, in 2017, it was recorded in Cluj-Napoca, and in 2018, in Timișoara, Oradea, Suceava. The article provides a short description of the adults, larva and the signs of the attacks on the host plants. The potential distribution of the species is discussed based on climate niche modelling. The daily behaviour of the adults and their preferences, based on observations, is also discussed. Equally, the bioethics related to this attack is analysed. Copyright Ruicănescu & Stoica.

Abstract

Agrilus guerini Lacordaire is recorded for the first time in Romania, in Southern Transylvania. The occurrence of this species in Romania was expected, as it is present in neighbouring countries. A short description, some aspects of biology and ecology, and a distribution map of this species in Romania are given. © 2018 De Gruyter Open Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract

One specimen of Anthaxia (Anthaxia) suzannae Théry, 1942 was collected on a meadow, near Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Although this species is widely distributed in Europe, this is the first record of its presence in Romania. A short description of the species, and some considerations about the biology and zoogeography are given. © 2018 De Gruyter Open Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Abstract