Selon la littérature actuelle, la première observation de Gomphus graslinii Rambur, 1842 dans la ... more Selon la littérature actuelle, la première observation de Gomphus graslinii Rambur, 1842 dans la région Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur est datée du 21 juin 2010 (IORIO É., 2011 : Observation de Gomphus graslinii Rambur, 1842 dans les Bouches-du-Rhône (Odonata, Anisoptera : Gomphidae). Martinia, 27 (1) : 39-43). Cependant, j’ai observé un mâle de cette espèce (Fig. 1) le long de la Durance sur la commune de Peyrolles-en-Provence le 18 juin 1987 (43,6586°N / 5,5993°E ; WGS84). Cette observation, saisie et portée à notre connaissance nationale et régionale que très récemment, antidate la première mention de G. graslinii en Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur de 23 ans.
Sympetrum sanguineum was recorded in Sardinia in 1990, 2011, and 2013 at 13 locations between 15 ... more Sympetrum sanguineum was recorded in Sardinia in 1990, 2011, and 2013 at 13 locations between 15 and 1,005 m a.s.l. Exuviae or larvae were found at ten locations. Some of these are among the highest reproduction sites for this species in Europe. With records from six of eight provinces, S. sanguineum is a native member of the Sardinian dragonfly fauna.
Riassunto Stato e distribuzione di Sympetrum sanguineum in Sardegna (Odonata: Libellulidae) – Il S. sanguineum è stato segnalato in Sardegna nel 1990, 2011 e 2013 in 13 località ad una altitudine compresa fra 15 e 1005 mslm. Esuvie o larve sono state trovate in 10 località ed alcune di queste sono i siti di riproduzione a quota più alta per questa specie in Europa. Con citazioni per sei su otto province, S. sanguineum è una specie nativa della fauna sarda.
In August 2013, at two different locations in Sardinia, individuals of Ischnura genei were observ... more In August 2013, at two different locations in Sardinia, individuals of Ischnura genei were observed and photographically documented flying at sunrise close above the water surface and picking up prey items. The prey consisted mainly of emerging Ephemeroptera (Caenis sp.) and Culicomorpha (Diptera).
Riassunto Comportamento di ricerca e caccia di prede (foraging) in Ischnura genei alla mattina presto (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) – Individui di I. genei sono stati osservati all’alba in volo su uno specchio d’acqua e raccogliere prede. Questo comportamento è stato osservato e documentato fotograficamente ad agosto 2013 in due diverse località in Sardegna. Le prede consistevano di Ephemeroptera (Caenis sp.) emergenti e piccoli Culicomorpha (Diptera).
Is the raccoon Procyon lotor a threat to Cordulegaster boltonii? (Mammalia: Procyonidae; Odonata:... more Is the raccoon Procyon lotor a threat to Cordulegaster boltonii? (Mammalia: Procyonidae; Odonata: Cordulegastridae) – First indication of the raccoon as a predator on larvae of Cordulegaster boltonii was found at a stream in NE Baden-Wurttemberg. In typical micro-habitats, like accumulations of sand or detritus in shallow and calm waters, no larvae of C. boltonii could be found, but there were footprints of raccoons. The search for larvae at locations with steep banks and deep water (> 40 cm), where raccoons may not search for food, was successful. The larvae of C. boltonii obviously use a broader range of microhabitats than previously thought.
Argiope bruennichi, a top predator on Sympetrum species? (Aranea: Araneidae; Odonata: Libellulida... more Argiope bruennichi, a top predator on Sympetrum species? (Aranea: Araneidae; Odonata: Libellulidae). – A total of 12 Sympetrum individuals were counted in a small reed west Crailsheim, NE-Wurttemberg, caught in orb-webs of the wasp spider Argiope bruennichi on 30-VIII-2013. The orb-webs were situated along the border between the mowed meadow and the unmowed reed, preferentially used as oviposition site of Sympetrum sanguineum. In a single orb-web, five individuals of S. sanguine were caught. The trapped animals corresponded to about a quarter of the individuals present at this location on that time of day. It is discussed, if the further spreading of the wasp spider could have an impact on the Sympetrum populations, mainly because egg laying females are affected most.
Calopteryx virgo as prey of the Giant Lace-wing Osmylus fulvicephalus (Neuroptera: Osmylidae; Odo... more Calopteryx virgo as prey of the Giant Lace-wing Osmylus fulvicephalus (Neuroptera: Osmylidae; Odonata: Calopterygidae) – Two incidental observations of odonates as prey of the Giant Lacewing Osmylus fulvicephalus are introduced. Thus the range of possible prey of O. fulvicephalus is expanded by Odonata (Zygoptera: Calop-terygidae).
Diplazon scutatorius (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) was found developing inside a pupae of a Syrphi... more Diplazon scutatorius (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) was found developing inside a pupae of a Syrphidae, which was mounted inside an exuvia of Aeshna cyanea (Odonata: Aeshnidae)
Several Palaearctic Sympetrum taxa from regions with an arid climate share very similar field cha... more Several Palaearctic Sympetrum taxa from regions with an arid climate share very similar field characters: they are ‘decolorate’, which means a paucity in black thoracic markings and a pale brownish body coloration. All males have a salmon-red abdomen. Typical representatives of this ‘decolorate’ group are S. arenicolor, S. haritonovi, S. meridionale, S. sinaiticum, S. striolatum pallidum, S. vulgatum decoloratum, and S. v. ibericum. Two of them, S. arenicolor and S. sinaiticum, are extremely alike. Neither the structure of the secondary genitalia of the males, nor the length of the inferior appendage, nor the projection of the vulvar scale are reliable characters to separate both taxa. Fortunately, their ranges do not overlap, so a well-defined origin considerably alleviates the identification. S. arenicolor is a Central Asiatic species, which has been collected in NE Syria, E Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Pakistan (Jödicke et al., 2000). The range of S. sinaiticum covers the whole of North Africa and extends from Saudi Arabia and Jordan in the east to Spain in the west (Jödicke et al., 2000). Notably, Laurent Juillerat and Keith DP Wilson (pers. comm.) separately recorded the species in Morocco for the first time in 2007. Only a handful of odonatologists have ever met S. arenicolor in the field. Correspondingly, its biology is hardly known. On the other hand, S. sinaiticum has been in the focus of odonatologists since the discovery of a European population in Spain. We now know that it is univoltine and has an exceptionally postponed sexual maturation (Jödicke, 2003). In the Tunisian oases at the northern fringe of the Sahara we (RJ, BK) observed emergence in May and June but oviposition did not start before October and lasted at least until March. We assume that the long pre-reproductive period is caused by an obligate diapause. During this stage individuals are widely dispersed in the desert and semi-desert, far away from wet habitats. The last record of an old female was in early June, indicating a potential adult life-span of one year and a clear overlap of the generations.
Background: Phylogeographical studies allow precise genetic comparison of specimens, which were c... more Background: Phylogeographical studies allow precise genetic comparison of specimens, which were collected over large geographical ranges and belong to the same or closely related animal species. These methods have also been used to compare ticks of veterinary-medical importance. However, relevant data are missing in the case of ixodid ticks of bats, despite (1) the vast geographical range of both Ixodes vespertilionis and Ixodes simplex, and (2) the considerable uncertainty in their taxonomy, which is currently unresolvable by morphological clues. Methods: In the present study 21 ticks were selected from collections or were freshly removed from bats or cave walls in six European and four Asian countries. The DNA was extracted and PCRs were performed to amplify part of the cytochrome oxidase I (COI), 16S and 12S rDNA genes, followed by sequencing for identification and molecular-phylogenetic comparison. Results: No morphological differences were observed between Ixodes vespertilionis specimens from Spain and from other parts of Europe, but corresponding genotypes had only 94.6 % COI sequence identity. An I. vespertilionis specimen collected in Vietnam was different both morphologically and genetically (i.e. with only 84.1 % COI sequence identity in comparison with I. vespertilionis from Europe). Two ticks (collected in Vietnam and in Japan) formed a monophyletic clade and shared morphological features with I. ariadnae, recently described and hitherto only reported in Europe. In addition, two Asiatic specimens of I. simplex were shown to differ markedly from European genotypes of the same species. Phylogenetic relationships of ticks showed similar clustering patterns with those of their associated bat host species. Conclusions: Although all three ixodid bat tick species evaluated in the present study appear to be widespread in Eurasia, they exhibit pronounced genetic differences. Data of this study also reflect that I. vespertilionis may represent a species complex. Keywords: Chiroptera, Ixodes, Cytochrome oxidase gene, 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA
In July 2008 Orthetrum nitidinerve was observed and collected on the Maltese Islands. Records wer... more In July 2008 Orthetrum nitidinerve was observed and collected on the Maltese Islands. Records were taken in several localities. Orthetrum nitidinerve is new to the fauna of the Maltese Islands, which now includes 16 species of Odonata.
At the bottom of a totally upset, awfully smelling garden pond, five larva of Aeshna cyanea were ... more At the bottom of a totally upset, awfully smelling garden pond, five larva of Aeshna cyanea were found: still living.
The brightness of the coloration of exuviae of Aeshna cyanea was measured with a professional lig... more The brightness of the coloration of exuviae of Aeshna cyanea was measured with a professional light meter within one population. Additional measures of the exuviae are given.
Larval development of Chalcolestes viridis was observed in a small water tank. Details on growth ... more Larval development of Chalcolestes viridis was observed in a small water tank. Details on growth rates, foraging, movement, aggression etc. are given.
Distribution of Sympetrum flaveolum in the northeast of the german federal state of Baden-Wurttem... more Distribution of Sympetrum flaveolum in the northeast of the german federal state of Baden-Wurttemberg is displayed and discussed on the basis of breeding success.
Observations of the rare Sympetrum meridionals are reported from the northeast of the german fede... more Observations of the rare Sympetrum meridionals are reported from the northeast of the german federal state of Baden-Wurttemberg, taken during the dry and hot year 2003.
An unusual accident of a female Onchogomphus forcipatus forcipatus at the mating behavior is repo... more An unusual accident of a female Onchogomphus forcipatus forcipatus at the mating behavior is reported. During the high-speed race with the males, the female get stuck in a leave of Sparganium, hanging over the water, and died after this.
Two unusual observations concerning larvae of Gomphus vulgatissimus are presented, taken at the r... more Two unusual observations concerning larvae of Gomphus vulgatissimus are presented, taken at the river Jagst, German federal state of Baden-Wurttemberg.
The status quo of the only known location of Coenagrion ornatum within the german federal state o... more The status quo of the only known location of Coenagrion ornatum within the german federal state of Baden-Wurttemberg is presented.
Selon la littérature actuelle, la première observation de Gomphus graslinii Rambur, 1842 dans la ... more Selon la littérature actuelle, la première observation de Gomphus graslinii Rambur, 1842 dans la région Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur est datée du 21 juin 2010 (IORIO É., 2011 : Observation de Gomphus graslinii Rambur, 1842 dans les Bouches-du-Rhône (Odonata, Anisoptera : Gomphidae). Martinia, 27 (1) : 39-43). Cependant, j’ai observé un mâle de cette espèce (Fig. 1) le long de la Durance sur la commune de Peyrolles-en-Provence le 18 juin 1987 (43,6586°N / 5,5993°E ; WGS84). Cette observation, saisie et portée à notre connaissance nationale et régionale que très récemment, antidate la première mention de G. graslinii en Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur de 23 ans.
Sympetrum sanguineum was recorded in Sardinia in 1990, 2011, and 2013 at 13 locations between 15 ... more Sympetrum sanguineum was recorded in Sardinia in 1990, 2011, and 2013 at 13 locations between 15 and 1,005 m a.s.l. Exuviae or larvae were found at ten locations. Some of these are among the highest reproduction sites for this species in Europe. With records from six of eight provinces, S. sanguineum is a native member of the Sardinian dragonfly fauna.
Riassunto Stato e distribuzione di Sympetrum sanguineum in Sardegna (Odonata: Libellulidae) – Il S. sanguineum è stato segnalato in Sardegna nel 1990, 2011 e 2013 in 13 località ad una altitudine compresa fra 15 e 1005 mslm. Esuvie o larve sono state trovate in 10 località ed alcune di queste sono i siti di riproduzione a quota più alta per questa specie in Europa. Con citazioni per sei su otto province, S. sanguineum è una specie nativa della fauna sarda.
In August 2013, at two different locations in Sardinia, individuals of Ischnura genei were observ... more In August 2013, at two different locations in Sardinia, individuals of Ischnura genei were observed and photographically documented flying at sunrise close above the water surface and picking up prey items. The prey consisted mainly of emerging Ephemeroptera (Caenis sp.) and Culicomorpha (Diptera).
Riassunto Comportamento di ricerca e caccia di prede (foraging) in Ischnura genei alla mattina presto (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) – Individui di I. genei sono stati osservati all’alba in volo su uno specchio d’acqua e raccogliere prede. Questo comportamento è stato osservato e documentato fotograficamente ad agosto 2013 in due diverse località in Sardegna. Le prede consistevano di Ephemeroptera (Caenis sp.) emergenti e piccoli Culicomorpha (Diptera).
Is the raccoon Procyon lotor a threat to Cordulegaster boltonii? (Mammalia: Procyonidae; Odonata:... more Is the raccoon Procyon lotor a threat to Cordulegaster boltonii? (Mammalia: Procyonidae; Odonata: Cordulegastridae) – First indication of the raccoon as a predator on larvae of Cordulegaster boltonii was found at a stream in NE Baden-Wurttemberg. In typical micro-habitats, like accumulations of sand or detritus in shallow and calm waters, no larvae of C. boltonii could be found, but there were footprints of raccoons. The search for larvae at locations with steep banks and deep water (> 40 cm), where raccoons may not search for food, was successful. The larvae of C. boltonii obviously use a broader range of microhabitats than previously thought.
Argiope bruennichi, a top predator on Sympetrum species? (Aranea: Araneidae; Odonata: Libellulida... more Argiope bruennichi, a top predator on Sympetrum species? (Aranea: Araneidae; Odonata: Libellulidae). – A total of 12 Sympetrum individuals were counted in a small reed west Crailsheim, NE-Wurttemberg, caught in orb-webs of the wasp spider Argiope bruennichi on 30-VIII-2013. The orb-webs were situated along the border between the mowed meadow and the unmowed reed, preferentially used as oviposition site of Sympetrum sanguineum. In a single orb-web, five individuals of S. sanguine were caught. The trapped animals corresponded to about a quarter of the individuals present at this location on that time of day. It is discussed, if the further spreading of the wasp spider could have an impact on the Sympetrum populations, mainly because egg laying females are affected most.
Calopteryx virgo as prey of the Giant Lace-wing Osmylus fulvicephalus (Neuroptera: Osmylidae; Odo... more Calopteryx virgo as prey of the Giant Lace-wing Osmylus fulvicephalus (Neuroptera: Osmylidae; Odonata: Calopterygidae) – Two incidental observations of odonates as prey of the Giant Lacewing Osmylus fulvicephalus are introduced. Thus the range of possible prey of O. fulvicephalus is expanded by Odonata (Zygoptera: Calop-terygidae).
Diplazon scutatorius (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) was found developing inside a pupae of a Syrphi... more Diplazon scutatorius (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) was found developing inside a pupae of a Syrphidae, which was mounted inside an exuvia of Aeshna cyanea (Odonata: Aeshnidae)
Several Palaearctic Sympetrum taxa from regions with an arid climate share very similar field cha... more Several Palaearctic Sympetrum taxa from regions with an arid climate share very similar field characters: they are ‘decolorate’, which means a paucity in black thoracic markings and a pale brownish body coloration. All males have a salmon-red abdomen. Typical representatives of this ‘decolorate’ group are S. arenicolor, S. haritonovi, S. meridionale, S. sinaiticum, S. striolatum pallidum, S. vulgatum decoloratum, and S. v. ibericum. Two of them, S. arenicolor and S. sinaiticum, are extremely alike. Neither the structure of the secondary genitalia of the males, nor the length of the inferior appendage, nor the projection of the vulvar scale are reliable characters to separate both taxa. Fortunately, their ranges do not overlap, so a well-defined origin considerably alleviates the identification. S. arenicolor is a Central Asiatic species, which has been collected in NE Syria, E Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Pakistan (Jödicke et al., 2000). The range of S. sinaiticum covers the whole of North Africa and extends from Saudi Arabia and Jordan in the east to Spain in the west (Jödicke et al., 2000). Notably, Laurent Juillerat and Keith DP Wilson (pers. comm.) separately recorded the species in Morocco for the first time in 2007. Only a handful of odonatologists have ever met S. arenicolor in the field. Correspondingly, its biology is hardly known. On the other hand, S. sinaiticum has been in the focus of odonatologists since the discovery of a European population in Spain. We now know that it is univoltine and has an exceptionally postponed sexual maturation (Jödicke, 2003). In the Tunisian oases at the northern fringe of the Sahara we (RJ, BK) observed emergence in May and June but oviposition did not start before October and lasted at least until March. We assume that the long pre-reproductive period is caused by an obligate diapause. During this stage individuals are widely dispersed in the desert and semi-desert, far away from wet habitats. The last record of an old female was in early June, indicating a potential adult life-span of one year and a clear overlap of the generations.
Background: Phylogeographical studies allow precise genetic comparison of specimens, which were c... more Background: Phylogeographical studies allow precise genetic comparison of specimens, which were collected over large geographical ranges and belong to the same or closely related animal species. These methods have also been used to compare ticks of veterinary-medical importance. However, relevant data are missing in the case of ixodid ticks of bats, despite (1) the vast geographical range of both Ixodes vespertilionis and Ixodes simplex, and (2) the considerable uncertainty in their taxonomy, which is currently unresolvable by morphological clues. Methods: In the present study 21 ticks were selected from collections or were freshly removed from bats or cave walls in six European and four Asian countries. The DNA was extracted and PCRs were performed to amplify part of the cytochrome oxidase I (COI), 16S and 12S rDNA genes, followed by sequencing for identification and molecular-phylogenetic comparison. Results: No morphological differences were observed between Ixodes vespertilionis specimens from Spain and from other parts of Europe, but corresponding genotypes had only 94.6 % COI sequence identity. An I. vespertilionis specimen collected in Vietnam was different both morphologically and genetically (i.e. with only 84.1 % COI sequence identity in comparison with I. vespertilionis from Europe). Two ticks (collected in Vietnam and in Japan) formed a monophyletic clade and shared morphological features with I. ariadnae, recently described and hitherto only reported in Europe. In addition, two Asiatic specimens of I. simplex were shown to differ markedly from European genotypes of the same species. Phylogenetic relationships of ticks showed similar clustering patterns with those of their associated bat host species. Conclusions: Although all three ixodid bat tick species evaluated in the present study appear to be widespread in Eurasia, they exhibit pronounced genetic differences. Data of this study also reflect that I. vespertilionis may represent a species complex. Keywords: Chiroptera, Ixodes, Cytochrome oxidase gene, 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA
In July 2008 Orthetrum nitidinerve was observed and collected on the Maltese Islands. Records wer... more In July 2008 Orthetrum nitidinerve was observed and collected on the Maltese Islands. Records were taken in several localities. Orthetrum nitidinerve is new to the fauna of the Maltese Islands, which now includes 16 species of Odonata.
At the bottom of a totally upset, awfully smelling garden pond, five larva of Aeshna cyanea were ... more At the bottom of a totally upset, awfully smelling garden pond, five larva of Aeshna cyanea were found: still living.
The brightness of the coloration of exuviae of Aeshna cyanea was measured with a professional lig... more The brightness of the coloration of exuviae of Aeshna cyanea was measured with a professional light meter within one population. Additional measures of the exuviae are given.
Larval development of Chalcolestes viridis was observed in a small water tank. Details on growth ... more Larval development of Chalcolestes viridis was observed in a small water tank. Details on growth rates, foraging, movement, aggression etc. are given.
Distribution of Sympetrum flaveolum in the northeast of the german federal state of Baden-Wurttem... more Distribution of Sympetrum flaveolum in the northeast of the german federal state of Baden-Wurttemberg is displayed and discussed on the basis of breeding success.
Observations of the rare Sympetrum meridionals are reported from the northeast of the german fede... more Observations of the rare Sympetrum meridionals are reported from the northeast of the german federal state of Baden-Wurttemberg, taken during the dry and hot year 2003.
An unusual accident of a female Onchogomphus forcipatus forcipatus at the mating behavior is repo... more An unusual accident of a female Onchogomphus forcipatus forcipatus at the mating behavior is reported. During the high-speed race with the males, the female get stuck in a leave of Sparganium, hanging over the water, and died after this.
Two unusual observations concerning larvae of Gomphus vulgatissimus are presented, taken at the r... more Two unusual observations concerning larvae of Gomphus vulgatissimus are presented, taken at the river Jagst, German federal state of Baden-Wurttemberg.
The status quo of the only known location of Coenagrion ornatum within the german federal state o... more The status quo of the only known location of Coenagrion ornatum within the german federal state of Baden-Wurttemberg is presented.
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Papers by Bernd Kunz
Riassunto
Stato e distribuzione di Sympetrum sanguineum in Sardegna (Odonata: Libellulidae) – Il S. sanguineum è stato segnalato in Sardegna nel 1990, 2011 e 2013 in 13 località ad una altitudine compresa fra 15 e 1005 mslm. Esuvie o larve sono state trovate in 10 località ed alcune di queste sono i siti di riproduzione a quota più alta per questa specie in Europa. Con citazioni per sei su otto province, S. sanguineum è una specie nativa della fauna sarda.
Riassunto
Comportamento di ricerca e caccia di prede (foraging) in Ischnura genei alla mattina presto (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) – Individui di I. genei sono stati osservati all’alba in volo su uno specchio d’acqua e raccogliere prede. Questo comportamento è stato osservato e documentato fotograficamente ad agosto 2013 in due diverse località in Sardegna. Le prede consistevano di Ephemeroptera (Caenis sp.) emergenti e piccoli Culicomorpha (Diptera).
Two of them, S. arenicolor and S. sinaiticum, are extremely alike. Neither the structure of the secondary genitalia of the males, nor the length of the inferior appendage, nor the projection of the vulvar scale are reliable characters to separate both taxa. Fortunately, their ranges do not overlap, so a well-defined origin considerably alleviates the identification. S. arenicolor is a Central Asiatic species, which has been collected in NE Syria, E Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Pakistan (Jödicke et al., 2000). The range of S. sinaiticum covers the whole of North Africa and extends from Saudi Arabia and Jordan in the east to Spain in the west (Jödicke et al., 2000). Notably, Laurent Juillerat and Keith DP Wilson (pers. comm.) separately recorded the species in Morocco for the first time in 2007. Only a handful of odonatologists have ever met S. arenicolor in the field. Correspondingly, its biology is hardly known. On the other hand, S. sinaiticum has been in the focus of odonatologists since the discovery of a European population in Spain. We now know that it is univoltine and has an exceptionally postponed sexual maturation (Jödicke, 2003). In the Tunisian oases at the northern fringe of the Sahara we (RJ, BK) observed emergence in May and June but oviposition did not start before October and lasted at least until March. We assume that the long pre-reproductive period is caused by an obligate diapause. During this stage individuals are widely dispersed in the desert and semi-desert, far away from wet habitats. The last record of an old female was in early June, indicating a potential adult life-span of one year and a clear overlap of the generations.
Methods: In the present study 21 ticks were selected from collections or were freshly removed from bats or cave walls in six European and four Asian countries. The DNA was extracted and PCRs were performed to amplify part of the cytochrome oxidase I (COI), 16S and 12S rDNA genes, followed by sequencing for identification and molecular-phylogenetic comparison.
Results: No morphological differences were observed between Ixodes vespertilionis specimens from Spain and from other parts of Europe, but corresponding genotypes had only 94.6 % COI sequence identity. An I. vespertilionis specimen collected in Vietnam was different both morphologically and genetically (i.e. with only 84.1 % COI sequence identity in comparison with I. vespertilionis from Europe). Two ticks (collected in Vietnam and in
Japan) formed a monophyletic clade and shared morphological features with I. ariadnae, recently described and hitherto only reported in Europe. In addition, two Asiatic specimens of I. simplex were shown to differ markedly from European genotypes of the same species. Phylogenetic relationships of ticks showed similar
clustering patterns with those of their associated bat host species.
Conclusions: Although all three ixodid bat tick species evaluated in the present study appear to be widespread in Eurasia, they exhibit pronounced genetic differences. Data of this study also reflect that I. vespertilionis may represent a species complex.
Keywords: Chiroptera, Ixodes, Cytochrome oxidase gene, 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA
Riassunto
Stato e distribuzione di Sympetrum sanguineum in Sardegna (Odonata: Libellulidae) – Il S. sanguineum è stato segnalato in Sardegna nel 1990, 2011 e 2013 in 13 località ad una altitudine compresa fra 15 e 1005 mslm. Esuvie o larve sono state trovate in 10 località ed alcune di queste sono i siti di riproduzione a quota più alta per questa specie in Europa. Con citazioni per sei su otto province, S. sanguineum è una specie nativa della fauna sarda.
Riassunto
Comportamento di ricerca e caccia di prede (foraging) in Ischnura genei alla mattina presto (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) – Individui di I. genei sono stati osservati all’alba in volo su uno specchio d’acqua e raccogliere prede. Questo comportamento è stato osservato e documentato fotograficamente ad agosto 2013 in due diverse località in Sardegna. Le prede consistevano di Ephemeroptera (Caenis sp.) emergenti e piccoli Culicomorpha (Diptera).
Two of them, S. arenicolor and S. sinaiticum, are extremely alike. Neither the structure of the secondary genitalia of the males, nor the length of the inferior appendage, nor the projection of the vulvar scale are reliable characters to separate both taxa. Fortunately, their ranges do not overlap, so a well-defined origin considerably alleviates the identification. S. arenicolor is a Central Asiatic species, which has been collected in NE Syria, E Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Pakistan (Jödicke et al., 2000). The range of S. sinaiticum covers the whole of North Africa and extends from Saudi Arabia and Jordan in the east to Spain in the west (Jödicke et al., 2000). Notably, Laurent Juillerat and Keith DP Wilson (pers. comm.) separately recorded the species in Morocco for the first time in 2007. Only a handful of odonatologists have ever met S. arenicolor in the field. Correspondingly, its biology is hardly known. On the other hand, S. sinaiticum has been in the focus of odonatologists since the discovery of a European population in Spain. We now know that it is univoltine and has an exceptionally postponed sexual maturation (Jödicke, 2003). In the Tunisian oases at the northern fringe of the Sahara we (RJ, BK) observed emergence in May and June but oviposition did not start before October and lasted at least until March. We assume that the long pre-reproductive period is caused by an obligate diapause. During this stage individuals are widely dispersed in the desert and semi-desert, far away from wet habitats. The last record of an old female was in early June, indicating a potential adult life-span of one year and a clear overlap of the generations.
Methods: In the present study 21 ticks were selected from collections or were freshly removed from bats or cave walls in six European and four Asian countries. The DNA was extracted and PCRs were performed to amplify part of the cytochrome oxidase I (COI), 16S and 12S rDNA genes, followed by sequencing for identification and molecular-phylogenetic comparison.
Results: No morphological differences were observed between Ixodes vespertilionis specimens from Spain and from other parts of Europe, but corresponding genotypes had only 94.6 % COI sequence identity. An I. vespertilionis specimen collected in Vietnam was different both morphologically and genetically (i.e. with only 84.1 % COI sequence identity in comparison with I. vespertilionis from Europe). Two ticks (collected in Vietnam and in
Japan) formed a monophyletic clade and shared morphological features with I. ariadnae, recently described and hitherto only reported in Europe. In addition, two Asiatic specimens of I. simplex were shown to differ markedly from European genotypes of the same species. Phylogenetic relationships of ticks showed similar
clustering patterns with those of their associated bat host species.
Conclusions: Although all three ixodid bat tick species evaluated in the present study appear to be widespread in Eurasia, they exhibit pronounced genetic differences. Data of this study also reflect that I. vespertilionis may represent a species complex.
Keywords: Chiroptera, Ixodes, Cytochrome oxidase gene, 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA