Field notes on two stenotopic orthopterans from the central Mediterranean : Brachytrupes megacephalus (Grylloidea gryllidae) and Pamphagus ortolanii (Acridoidea pamphagidae)

Abstract

Brachytrupes megacephalus (Lefebvre, 1827) and Pamphagus ortolanii Cusimano & Massa, 1977 are two stenoecious species of Orthopterans that occupy psammophilic and rocky shrubland biotopes, respectively. Field investigations conducted in Sicily and on Lampedusa Is., in 2018/19 and 2019 respectively, highlight the species’ vulnerability, mainly due to habitat fragmentation. A total of 20 sites are investigated for the presence of B. megacephalus, on the north-west and southeast coast of Sicily, and on Lampedusa. Of these, presence is confirmed from three locations. Potential presence, due to the occurrence of tunnel entrances comparable to the ‘sky chamber’ typical of male burrows, is detected at three other dunal sites, although further field investigations are proposed. The occurrence of P. ortolanii is confirmed from four locations on Lampedusa. Patch occupancy for the Cala Francese site was noted to be significantly higher than that of the larger P. tunetanus on the north African mainland. Preliminary findings indicate that while B. megacephalus is reasonably well protected, further efforts are required to ensure satisfactory conservation of P. ortolanii in Lampedusa.