Geographical distribution and conservation status of the threatened saproxylic beetles Rhysodes sulcatus (Fabricius, 1787), Clinidium canaliculatum (O.G. Costa, 1839) and Omoglymmius germari (Ganglbauer, 1891) in Italy (Coleoptera: Rhysodidae)

Abstract

The distribution of the three Italian species of Rhysodidae was reviewed by re-examining published data, museum conserved and newly collected specimens. Rhysodes sulcatus chronogeonemy encloses a large majority of old findings and only two recently confirmed active populations are recorded after the year 2000. Omoglymmius germari shows a similar picture, with only one recent record (2018) in the Pollino National Park (Basilicata) but a small number of active populations after 2000. Clinidium canaliculatum populations are in a much better conservation status, with about 50 new sites detected after 2000 in the Sila National Park. Threats and research/monitoring needs have been discussed for each species and new IUCN status proposed for Italian populations: Critically Endangered (CR) for Rhysodes and Omoglymmius, Near Threatened (NT) for Clinidium.

Keywords

• IUCN
• conservation status
• EU Habitats Directive
• chronogeonemy
• biodiversity conservation