The Carabus subgenus Hygrocarabus contains two taxa: C. variolosus and C. nodulosus, the species or subspecies status of which is handled far from uniform in the literature. Both taxa show a similar morphology, the shape of the tip of the aedeagus provides a reliable morphological marker for identification. We analysed two mitochondrial gene parts (COI-5’ and COI-3’) and a nuclear one (ITS2). High diversity was found showing specific geographical patterns. Introgressive hybridisation was detected but interpreted not as an argument for subspecies status because high genetic distances indicated that it must have taken place in former times. In a laboratory hybridisation experiment, the male did not accept the female of the other taxon, supporting the conclusion that these are separate species. A series of refuges was expected for the period of ice ages. Although only the taxon C. variolosus is listed in Annex II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive, C. nodulosus also falls under this listing, as at the time of including the species into the Annexes in 2004, the two taxa were considered subspecies and hence the listing would include both, independent of later taxonomic revisions.
The protection of the Natura 2000 species Cucujus cinnaberinus (Scopoli, 1774), protected by Romanian and European legislation, requires knowledge of distribution, threats and conservation status. In Romania the species is protected in only 9 Natura 2000 areas of the 442 SCI declared until 2021. All the protected areas in which the species is mentioned are located along the Carpathian Arch except ROSCI0135 Pădurea Bârnova – Repedea located in the Central Moldavian Plateau. The identification of the species in ROSCI0045 Coridorul Jiului brings new data about the distribution of the species and its conservation status. Observations on the species in larval stage were made by direct searches in specific habitats in the protected area. In the months of May, August and September 2022, Cucujus cinnaberinus was identified in several points along the protected area: Dăbuleni on poplar wood in the Danube River meadow, Foișor on poplar wood in the Jiului meadow, Bratovoești in ploplar wood of the former channels of the meanders Jiului River, Calopăr on ash wood from the Dâlga valley and Turburea on alder wood in the Gilortului meadow. The identification of Cucujus cinnaberinus Natura 2000 species requires further monitoring at the site and the implementation of appropriate protection and conservation measures.
New records of Carabus (Morphocarabus) rothi alutensis Săvulescu, 1972 (Insecta: Coleoptera) in Olt River Basin (Romania) Carabus (Morphocarabus) rothi alutensis Săvulescu, 1972 was recorded only from the right bank of the Olt River (Călimăneşti, Râmnicu Vâlcea). The authors' recent studies (2008-2009) allowed the record of new sample points (for this subspecies) located on the left side of the river: the Cozia National Park at various altitudes and around Dăeşti locality.
Among the ten species of the Nebria genus, present in the Romanian Carpathians, seven are the object of morphological, geographical distribution and molecular biological studies: Nebria (Eunebria) jockischi hoepfneri Dejean, 1826, Nebria (Boreonebria) heegeri Dejean, 1826, Nebria (Boreonebria) gyllenhali Schönherr, 1806, Nebria (Alpaeonebria) reichei Dejean, 1826, Nebria (Alpaeonebria) reitteri Rybinsky, 1902, Nebria (Alpaeonebria) bissenica Bielz, 1887, Nebria (Nebria) transsylvanica Germar, 1824, Nebria (Nebria) femoralis alpigrada Csiki 1905), collected from the Maramureș Mt., Rodnei Mt., Parâng Mt., Rarău Mt., Făgăraș Mt., Cozia Mt., Bucegi Mt., Retezat Mt., Muntele Mic and Semenic Mt. The morphological description exploits the body size, the elytral reflection, the colour of the appendages and the legs, the shape of the first antennary segment, its chaetotaxy and that of the submentum, the shape and size of the elytra and alae, the position of the bristles on the ventrites 4-5-6. The shape of the first antennary segment and its chaetotaxy appear as more discriminating criteria, but supposes the integrity of the bristles. The identification is sometimes malaise due to the fragility of the bristles (first antennomere, submentum). Nebria (Alpaeonebria) reichei Dejean, 1826 has a variable chaetotaxy of antenna, 1 to 3 bristles on the first antennomere. The individuals with yellow appendages and legs provided with 2 unequal length can be confused with transsylvanica. They are distinguished by the triangular shape of the aileron (S-shaped in transsylvanica). Molecular data are given for the first time on Carpathian Nebria. The mitochondrial markers (COI I, cyt b) clearly identify the species studied and confirm that alpigrada does not belong to transsylvanica. The results show an infraspecific variability of geographic and altitudinal origin in jockischi one of the most widespread species (gyllenhali, jockischi, reichei).
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