New Italian records of Lichenophanes varius (Illiger, 1801) (Coleoptera, Bostrichidae)

Abstract

Lichenophanes varius (Illiger, 1801) is a Turanic-European-Mediterranean species. In most of European countries, this species is protected at different levels and it is classified as “NT” (Near Threatened) in the IUCN European Red List of Saproxylic Beetles. In Italy, it is classified as “EN” (Endangered). Its larvae are saproxylophagous and develop in branches and rotting trunks of many broadleaved tree genera. Nevertheless, this beetle seems to attack only wood which is already invaded by the mycelia of Biscogniauxia spp. (Pyrenomycetes, Xylariaceae). The Italian distribution and ecology of L. varius are updated on the basis of recent records; the species is recorded for the first time from Calabria, where it was reared from Quercus frainetto Ten. which represent a new host-plant record for this beetle. Finally, the authors discuss the possibility that global warming can promote a resurgence of attacks from the above mentioned phytopathogenic fungi in Italian forests and, therefore, this climatic change can also favour the populations of this red-listed beetle.