Natura Croatica

Sanja Kovačić

Professional paper

Sanja Kovačić Botanical Garden, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 9a, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

This sequel provides a historical overview of collections of ferns (Monilophyta; Polypodiopsida or Polypodiophyta) grown in the Zagreb Faculty of Science Botanical Garden between 1895 and 2021. Although opinions on the systematics, classification, nomenclature and taxonomy of “true” ferns still diverge greatly, Equisetaceae and Psilotaceae are commonly included. At least 376 taxa of native and cultivated ferns from 29 families have been grown in the Botanical Garden during the last 126 years. Unfortunately, the complete COVID-19-lockdown, devastating earthquakes and weather extremes of 2020, extending to 2021, diminished our collections. Today we are growing 86 taxa within 20 families of ferns and their closest relatives.

Keywords

Zagreb Botanical Garden, Faculty of Science, historic plant collections, ferns, horsetails, psilotum

George Kakiopoulos, Savvas Zafeiriou, Jakovos Demetriou

Short communication

George Kakiopoulos Ilidos 60-62 street, 11527 Athens (Ampelokipi), Greece
Savvas Zafeiriou Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
Jakovos Demetriou Joint Services Health Unit Cyprus, BFC RAF Akrotiri BFPO 57, Akrotiri, Cyprus

Abstract

The tribe Derelomini Lacordaire, 1865 includes 13 species in the Palearctic region, including Derelomus piriformis (Hoffmann, 1938), a species introduced to Southern Europe through the horticultural pathway alongside its host plant Phoenix canariensis H. Wildpret. Most records of the species correspond to Western European countries and Israel at the eastern borders of the Mediterranean. In this publication, the alien D. piriformis is recorded as present in Greece for the first time, constituting the only known representative of the genus Derelomus in the country. Three specimens were collected from the Greek mainland, the Cyclades and the North-Eastern Aegean, extending our knowledge regarding the distribution of this alien species and raising the number of alien Curculionoidea in Greece to 11. Although the species is speculated to have minor socioeconomic impacts, further research is due in order to guard against any potential negative environmental impacts on the native palm tree Phoenix theophrasti Greuter.

Keywords

alien species, biological invasions, Derelomini, Derelomus piriformis, Greece, Phoenix

Filippo Ceccolini

Short communication

Filippo Ceccolini Natural History Museum of the University of Florence, Zoological Section “La Specola”, Via Romana 17, I-50125 Florence, Italy

Abstract

New European records of the mud-dauber wasp Sceliphron destillatorium (Illiger, 1807) are reported through photographed material on the biodiversity web platform “iNaturalist”. The first record for Lithuania is provided and the first occurrences of the species in the regions of Vitebsk, Minsk, Brest, and Vitsyebsk (Belarus), Kuyavian-Pomeranian (Poland), and Southern Albania (Albania) are given. Moreover, the first records for the islands of Lefkada and Ithaka are quoted.

Keywords

Albania, Belarus, faunistics, Ithaka, Lefkada, Lithuania, Poland

Rudi Verovnik, Jan Verovnik

Original scientific paper

Rudi Verovnik University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Jan Verovnik Prisojna pot 21, 1241 Kamnik, Slovenia

Abstract

We provide information on the unexpected discovery of Proterebia phegea in Albania, the fourth distinct distribution area for the species in the Balkan Peninsula. The butterfly was found to be numerous on south-facing slopes at Qafa e Buallit pass in Dibër County. The most striking characteristic of the habitat is the sandy brown ophiolite rocky substrate, compared to limestone areas in other parts of its range. Habitat structure and vegetation are otherwise similar to the more overgrown sites in the Dalmatian part of its range. Given the widespread presence of ophiolite rocks in eastern Albania, the species could be significantly more widespread in the country; however, further surveys are required. Two additional rare species in Albania, Erynnis marloyi and Anthocharis gruneri, were also recorded in the area.

Keywords

Papilionoidea, Nymphalidae, distribution, faunistics, checklist

Edi Gljušćić

Original scientific paper

Siniša Ozimec, Dragan Prlić

Original scientific paper

Siniša Ozimec Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Dragan Prlić Donji Meljani 92c, 33520 Slatina, Croatia

Abstract

This paper reports 85 taxa (79 species with 1 subspecies, and 5 varieties) of lichens from Papuk Nature Park, recorded during a survey carried out in the period 2013-2021. The knowledge on the lichen diversity of Papuk Nature Park has been enlarged by 28 newly recorded taxa, and total diversity includes 168 taxa. An exceptionally rich lichen habitat was discovered in an old-growth Fagus forest at the locality Svinjarevac, hosting 43 species, most belonging to the threatened epiphytic Lobarion pulmonariae community. This habitat is recognized as a kind of refugium of the species with suboceanic distribution in the continental part of Croatia.

Keywords

biodiversity, lichenized fungi, Lobarion, forest, ecosystem

Marija Bučar, Sven D. Jelaska

Original scientific paper

Marija Bučar Divison of Botany, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 20/II, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Sven D. Jelaska Division of Botany, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 20/II, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Hrastovička gora is the northernmost part of the hilly area of Zrinska Gora in Banovina (SisakMoslavina County). No systematic research on flora of this region was ever done. An inventory of the flora was conducted in 2020. In all, 433 plant taxa were found, belonging to 90 plant families. The most frequent families are Fabaceae (36 taxa), Asteraceae (35 taxa), Lamiaceae (31 taxa) and Poaceae (31 taxa). Analyses of chorological types, life forms and origin were made. The most common chorological type is Eurasian (40.1%), followed by European (14.8%) and Mediterranean (11.6%). Most taxa (80.1%) are of indigenous origin, but as many as 19 invasive plant species were recorded. Almost two-thirds of all taxa are either hemicryptophytes (44.2%) or geophytes (20.4%). Only one endemic species was found, namely Helleborus atrorubens Waldst. et Kit. A large number of endangered and strictly protected plant taxa were also recorded with 17 taxa being threatened and 14 taxa being strictly protected. Forests and thermophilous grasslands have been shown to be important habitats for endangered and strictly protected species and it is therefore crucial to keep a management regime that will conserve their favourable status, while preserving stable ecological conditions.

Keywords

floristic analysis, biodiversity, Central Croatia

Donard Geci, Halil Ibrahimi, Astrit Bilalli, Milaim Musliu, Linda Grapci-Kotori, Agim Gashi

Original scientific paper

Donard Geci Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Mother Theresa p.n., 10 000 Prishtinë, Republic of Kosovo
Halil Ibrahimi Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, “Eqrem Qabej” p.n., 10 000 Prishtinë, Kosovo
Astrit Bilalli University of Peja “Haxhi Zeka”, Faculty of Agribusiness, Street “UÇK” 30000 Pejë, Republic of Kosovo
Milaim Musliu University of Peja “Haxhi Zeka”, Faculty of Agribusiness, Street “UÇK” 30000 Pejë, Republic of Kosovo
Linda Grapci-Kotori Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Mother Theresa p.n., 10 000 Prishtinë, Republic of Kosovo
Agim Gashi Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Prishtina, Mother Teresa street p.n., 10000 Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo

Abstract

We investigated 11 pillbox bunkers in Dibër Municipality and one military tunnel near Tirana (Albania). We found 101 spider specimens belonging to 15 species, of which two species are reported for the first time from Albania: Leviellus thorelli (Ausserer, 1871) (Araneidae) and Meta bourneti Simon, 1922 (Tetragnathidae). This paper contributes new information on the diversity, distribution and natural history of spider fauna in the bunkers of Albania.

Keywords

spiders, pillbox bunkers, Albania

Abdelkhaleq Fouzi Taybi, Peter Glöer, Youness Mabrouki

Original scientific paper

Abdelkhaleq Fouzi Taybi Université Mohammed Premier, Faculté Pluridisciplinaire de Nador, Équipe de Recherche en Biologie et Biotechnologie Appliquées. Morocco
Peter Glöer Schulstr. 3, D-25491 Hetlingen, Germany
Youness Mabrouki Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Faculté des Sciences de Dhar El Mehraz, L aboratoire de Biotechnologie, Conservation et Valorisation des Ressources Naturelles, Fes, Morocco

Abstract

Although Mercuria genus has received considerable attention in Morocco in terms of species discoveries, new species continue to be found in the country. The aim of this paper is to describe two new species of Mercuria found recently in northeastern Morocco.

Keywords

Mercuria, Gastropoda, Morocco, new species

Katarina Koller Šarić, Daria Kranželić, Bruno Schmidt, Toni Koren

Original scientific paper

Katarina Koller Šarić Association Hyla, I. Lipovac 7, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Daria Kranželić Association Hyla, I. Lipovac 7, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Bruno Schmidt Association Hyla, Lipovac 7, Zagreb, Croatia
Toni Koren Association Hyla, Lipovac I 7, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

We studied the butterfly fauna of the protected area Barać Caves Significant Landscape, which is located in the southern part of the Kordun region. The surveys,carried out during 2020 and 2021, recorded a total of 79 butterfly species. The species recorded in the area outnumber those far recorded in northern Kordun (74) and Plitvice Lakes NP (71), but this is probably due to the lack of systematic surveys of those two areas. The comparison of habitat and biogeographical affiliation between these three areas revealed a similar number of species per habitat and affiliation type. During this survey, several interesting or rare species were recorded like Lycaena hippothoe, L. dispar, Phengaris arion, Melitaea aurelia, M. britomartis, Euphydryas aurinia, Apatura ilia, A. iris, and Boloria selene and their records are discussed. The results of the present study greatly contribute to the knowledge of the butterfly fauna of the Barać Caves Significant Landscape, and they can be used as a basis for the future conservation of butterfly species of the Kordun and Lika region.

Keywords

distribution, biogeography, habitat affiliation, conservation, habitat management

Halil Ibrahimi, Aleksandra Gligorović, Bogić Gligorović, Dejan Kulijer, Astrit Bilalli, Milaim Musliu, Donard Geci, Hakan Bozdoğan

Original scientific paper

Halil Ibrahimi Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, “Eqrem Qabej” p.n., 10 000 Prishtinë, Kosovo
Aleksandra Gligorović Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Montenegro, Cetinjski put b.b., 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro
Bogić Gligorović Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Montenegro, Cetinjski put b.b., 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro
Dejan Kulijer National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zmaja od Bosne 3, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Astrit Bilalli University of Peja “Haxhi Zeka”, Faculty of Agribusiness, Street “UÇK” 30000 Pejë, Republic of Kosovo
Milaim Musliu University of Peja “Haxhi Zeka”, Faculty of Agribusiness, Street “UÇK” 30000 Pejë, Republic of Kosovo
Donard Geci Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Mother Theresa p.n., 10 000 Prishtinë, Republic of Kosovo
Hakan Bozdoğan Department of Plant and Animal Production, University of Kirsehir Ahi Evran, Vocational School of Technical Sciences, 40100, Kirsehir, Turkey

Abstract

In this paper, we report the first records of the harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773) from Republic of Kosovo as well as new records from Albania, Greece, Montenegro and the Republic of North Macedonia. So far, the species is reported from 25 localities in Kosovo (first record in 2013) and 13 localities all over Montenegro. H. axyridis was found at different habitats and elevations, from sea level up to 1700 m above sea level, frequently being associated with seven coccinellid species. Our results clearly indicate that the harlequin ladybird is well established all over South-eastern Europe. Future studies should focus on its potential impact on native ladybird fauna.

Keywords

Balkan Peninsula, distribution, invasion, Ladybird Ibrahimi, H., Gligorović, A., Gligorović, B., Kulijer, D., Bilalli, A., Musliu, M., Geci, D. &

Ana Štih Koren, Toni Koren

Original scientific paper

Ana Štih Koren Association Hyla, Lipovac I n. 7, Zagreb, Croatia
Toni Koren Association Hyla, Lipovac I 7, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

The first systematic survey of the dragonfly fauna of the Brijuni National Park was carried out during the late spring and summer of 2016. A total of 13 species was recorded at two localities on the island of Veliki Brijun, 11 of them for the first time in the area. From the literature, one additional species was documented for the Park, amounting to a total of 14 Odonata species. The most common species was Sympetrum meridionale (Selys, 1841) while the rarest was Anax parthenope (Selys, 1839). Zoogeographical analysis showed the domination of the Holo-Mediterranean zoogeographical element. Four recorded species are listed in the Red book of Croatian Dragonflies, indicating the conservation value of the investigated habitats. Both of the wetland habitats surveyed, Brijuni Pond, and the saline lakes, proved to be very important habitats for the island’s Odonata. Therefore, it is essential to protect those habitats and their biota by planning and conducting restoration activities in the near future.

Keywords

species richness, Veliki Brijun, Brijuni pond, Saline, Chalcolestes parvidens

Zvjezdana Stančić

Original scientific paper

Zvjezdana Stančić Faculty of Geotechnical Engineering, University of Zagreb, Hallerova aleja 7, HR-42000 Varaždin, Croatia

Abstract

In the flora of Bedekovčina, 43 species of neophytes were recorded, or 8.5% of the 507 wild plant species recorded in total. Among the neophytes, 11 invasive species were identified, representing 2% of the total flora; the most common being Solidago gigantea Aiton, Erigeron annuus (L.) Desf., Echinocystis lobata (Michx.) Torr. & A. Gray, Robinia pseudoacacia L., and Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. Most neophytes grow in anthropogenic habitats, but to a lesser extent also in semi-natural and natural vegetation. The species that grow in the greatest number of habitats are Solidago gigantea and Erigeron annuus. Both species dominate abandoned agricultural lands, Erigeron annuus in the early stages and Solidago gigantea in the later stages of succession. The neophytes were analysed for various characteristics. The results showed that the neophyte flora was dominated by species native to North America (63%), accidentally introduced (86%), belonging to therophytes (49%), annual herbs (47%), good competitors (42%), which reproduce only by seeds (58%), and disperse with autochory (53%).

Keywords

alien species, CSR strategies, growth forms, habitats, invasive species, life forms, re- production, seed dispersal

Natura Croatica, Vol. 31 No.1

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