Naslov
Ecology, biology and conservation of Pterostichus rhaeticus Heer, 1837 (Coleoptera: Carabidae) at the edge of its distribution range, in the Western Balkans

Autori
Brigić, Andreja ; Vujčić-Karlo, Snježana ; Alegro, Antun ; Šegota, Vedran ; Ternjej, Ivančica

Izvornik
The Italian journal of zoology (1125-0003) 81 (2014), 4; 517-529

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Peatland; bog; fen; sibling species

Sažetak
Pterostichus rhaeticus is widely distributed in northern and central Europe and has now been recorded for the first time in Croatia, and this record represents its southeasternmost distribution point. This species was only recently separated from the very common and widespread Pterostichus nigrita Paykull, 1790. These two sibling species differ in a few morphological features and can be certainly distinguished by the form of male and female genitalia. Therefore, we measured a few morphometric features, e.g. body length, elytrae length and width, male right paramere and female eighth abdominal sternite. In general, P. rhaeticus is significantly smaller and narrower than P. nigrita. However, in mixed populations, the differences in body size, length and width of elytrae were not observed and the overlap in sizes is considerable. Additionally, we noticed that the range edge individuals of P. rhaeticus are larger compared to individuals in central Europe. Most of the individuals of both species can be clearly and immediately identified by the shape of their genitalia, but in mixed populations these differences are possibly not so obvious, and measurements are necessary. P. rhaeticus is a tyrphophilous species that was exclusively found at three peatlands in Croatia. It was found in the open peat bog centre and adjacent shaded habitats, in both acidic peaty and alkaline soils with high soil humidity. According to present knowledge, this species can be considered an indicator species of peatland habitats in Croatia. These distinctive habitats are highly endangered in the Western Balkans, and therefore the survival of this and other bog-specific species depends on active conservation and protection measures.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biologija

POVEZANOST RADA