Continental Italy Research Articles

Eudesis tenuissima sp. n. on Italian Peninsula (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae)

Eudesis Reitter is a Mediterranean endogean endemic genus comprising four species known to occur on Sardinia, and one in the coastal region of Spain. The first species found in continental Italy is described, Eudesis tenuissima sp. n., and compared with remaining members of the genus.

I sondaggi, i metodi e le analisi del progetto GeoDocuM. Alla ricerca delle tendenze locali e sovralocali del latino documentale dell’Italia meridionale

Abstract The GeoDocuM project deals with the lexical variation that characterizes the ancient legal documentation written in Latin of continental southern Italy (with particular reference to the area between Campania and central-northern Puglia in a period ranging from the 8th to the 11th century), by testing a geospatial and statistical representation of the textual data. The paper focuses on the methodological issues addressed to enhance the local dimension, which is central in the setting up of the project.

From Galena to Lead: Divergent Paths in Early Metallurgy in the Western Mediterranean

This paper examines the use of galena, beginning in the Middle Paleolithic, before the onset of metallurgy in the Iberian Peninsula, and shows that it was a well-known raw material during the Neolithic, both in funeral and in household contexts. The identification of probable provenance suggests a non-long distance movement, with the Molar-Bellmunt-Falset mining district in Tarragona as the main source area for extracting this ore since the Palaeolithic. Although southern France and other European regions share a similar use of galena in Neolithic times, each took different approaches to the use of the raw material. In some areas (southern France, Sardinia) lead was used for metal production, while in others (Iberia, continental Italy) it was not. These differences can be explained by different social choices in each region, reinforcing the idea that innovation is not simply a question of technology.

Morphometric, histopathological and molecular findings of Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus infection in wild boar (Sus scrofa) from continental Italy

Although Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus is a neglected acanthocephalan of suids occasionally responsible for severe infections in humans, the spread of wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations in Europe could promote the circulation. Herein, we report the first morphometric, histological and molecular characterization of a severe M. hirudinaceus infection in a boar from continental Italy. The boar’s intestine displayed granulomatous enteritis due to 24 helminths (14 females, 10 males), identified as adults of M. hirudinaceus by a combined morphometric/molecular approach. The phylogenetic analysis of the cox1 gene revealed a close relationship of the M. hirudinaceus sequence type found herein with those from Hungary and insular Italy. The high haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity of M. hirudinaceus specimens would suggest its rapid demographic expansion in the Mediterranean basin. More research is needed to assess the presence of M. hirudinaceus in susceptible beetle species and the role of boars in the epidemiology of infection.

Colonization routes uncovered in a widely introduced Mediterranean gecko, Tarentola mauritanica

In this study, we aimed to understand the contemporary and ancient colonization routes of the Moorish gecko, Tarentola mauritanica, using simple sequence repeats. By analyzing the genetic diversity of populations in different regions, we found that Morocco is the genetic diversity hotspot for the species, followed by the Iberian Peninsula. However, historical gene flow estimates identified the Iberian Peninsula, not Morocco, as the primary contributor of colonizing individuals, along with continental Italy to a lesser extent. Currently, mainland Italy is the main source of introduced individuals, likely due to the plant nursery trade. The study suggests that human-facilitated introductions from various geographical origins, with numerous regions colonized through continental Italy during two distinct periods, are responsible for the recurrent entry of individuals belonging to the European lineage of T. mauritanica into the Mediterranean and Macaronesia. These findings can inform better monitoring surveys and conservation programs by identifying putative current colonization routes of alien species.

Drivers of diversity of arable plant communities in one of their european conservation hotspots

The changes of agriculture led to deep transformations of arable plant diversity. The features of arable plant communities are determined by many anthropic, environmental, and geographic drivers. Understanding the relative importance of such drivers is essential for conservation and restoration purposes. In this work, we assessed the effects of agronomic, climatic, geographic, and landscape features on α-diversity, β-diversity, and composition of winter arable plant communities across continental Italy, a European hotspot of arable plant diversity. Using redundancy analysis and variation partitioning, we observe that the selected groups of variables explained a restrained to moderate proportion of the variation in diversity and composition, depending on the response (5.5–23.5%). We confirm previous evidence that climate and geographic location stand out in determining the features of arable plant communities in the country, followed by the type of rural area. The surrounding landscape has a subordinate influence but affects both α and β-diversity. The α-diversity is higher in traditional agricultural areas and in landscapes rich in woody vegetation, while it is lower in warmer areas. Species composition is determined by climate, latitude, and the type of rural area, but not by landscape. Total β-diversity is mainly explained by climate and latitude, and subordinately by the agricultural context and landscape. Its components are explained by latitude and climate (replacement) and agricultural context and climate (richness difference). The local contribution to β-diversity of single sites suggested a good conservation status of the studied communities. We discuss the implications of our findings in the light of conservation and restoration of vanishing arable plant communities.

Threats of the emerging pathogen Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) to Italian wild salamander populations

The salamander killing fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), recently introduced from Asia, is threatening salamander populations in different parts of Europe. In fact, this pathogen is rapidly spreading in Central Europe and has been also introduced into NE Spain. Of special concern are those regions with an exceptionally high salamander diversity such as Italy, where 19 salamander species are present most of which are strictly endemic. In this study, we update the information on the presence of Bsal in Italian wild salamanders, by adding samples from two presumptive outbreak sites, one on the island of Sardinia and one on continental Italy (Liguria). In addition, we reviewed the potential susceptibility of all the Italian salamander species on the basis of laboratory experimental infection trials, or from the tested susceptibility of the phylogenetically nearest species, according to the literature. Overall, 15 skin swabs from three species (Speleomantes sarrabusensis, Speleomantes strinatii and Salamandra salamandra) collected in the two presumptive Bsal outbreak sites were analysed by quantitative molecular methods, but none gave positive results. The majority of Italian salamander species and almost all of the endemic ones showed a high susceptibility to Bsal infection. Therefore, even if the presence of Bsal in Italian salamander populations has not been proven yet, the entire salamander fauna is highly threatened and preventive management actions should be taken. The need for strict biosecurity protocols on the international trade of captive or wild amphibians and for the implementation of preventive measures during field activities to limit the introduction and spread of the Bsal pathogen is again stressed.

Genetic variability ofChamaerops humilis(Arecaceae) throughout its native range highlights two species movement pathways from its area of origin

AbstractThe European fan palm (Chamaerops humilis, Arecaceae) is the only native palm in continental Europe, providing ecosystem services that are hard to obtain from other species. However, its populations are declining in some areas due to anthropogenic effects including climate change. Knowledge of genetic variability among natural populations is needed to establish conservation plans, to prevent genetic contamination of native stands by cultivated germplasm and to exploit it as an ornamental species. However, information on the genetic similarities among C. humilis populations is scarce. The aims of this work were to study genetic structure in C. humilis using a set of specifically designed genetic markers and to highlight genetic similarities and their relationships with geographical proximity. We sampled 301 specimens from 42 natural populations throughout the distribution area and analysed these with ten di-, tri- and tetra-nucleotide simple sequence repeats. Relationships between genetic similarities and geographical distances were analysed and populations grouped according to a genetic, geographical or national clustering. We found lower variability in populations from the eastern half of the distribution, and this lower variability was accompanied by a stronger relationship between genetic differences and spatial proximity. In addition, we found that C. humilis probably showed two patterns of spread and further differentiation: one from Morocco to southern continental Spain and then to Portugal and the Balearic Islands, and one from Morocco to Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily and continental Italy. Populations from Sardinia and France showed similarities to those from Spain and Tunisia, respectively, and may have arisen from multiple colonization events. Our results support the hypothesis that isolation on large islands may have increased diversification of the species even if all populations shared the same founder. These results have important implications for both the ecological management and the conservation of the species.

First records of Anagraphis ochracea (Araneae: Gnaphosidae) for continental Italy and Sicily with new observations on its myrmecophilous lifestyle

In der vorliegenden Studie wird zum ersten Mal das besondere myrmekophile Verhalten von Anagraphis ochracea (L. Koch, 1867) und ihre enge Bindung an die Ameisenart Messor ibericus Santschi, 1931 beschrieben und diskutiert. Die Studie basiert auf Beobachtungen zum Verhalten im natürlichen Lebensraum wie auch im Labor und gibt Aufschluss über die Lebensweise dieser wenig erforschten und selten gefundenen Art. Ebenso wird der Erstnachweis von A. ochracea für das italienische Festland und Sizilien erbracht, sowie eine Zusammenfassung der taxonomischen Historie, Bilder adulter wie auch juveniler Tiere, der Kopulationsorgane beider Geschlechter und des Eikokons präsentiert. Zusätzlich wird erstmals der genetische Barcode (COI) der Art, und auch der Gattung Anagraphis, beschrieben.

Mitogenomic diversity and stable isotopes provide insights into the maternal genetic history, mobility patterns, and diet of early medieval individuals from the Eastern Italian Alps

The Eastern Italian Alps (South Tyrol) is a connection area between continental Italy and the northern Alps. Various local factors, such as the heterogeneous environment, complex historical events, and different mobility patterns, may have influenced the genetic makeup of early medieval alpine groups. However, no ancient genetic data from these groups are currently available. This study provides a first picture of the ancient mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diversity of alpine groups from four locations in South Tyrol (Adige, Isarco, Venosta, and Merano). In total, 94 ancient mitogenomes of individuals (dated from 400 to 1100AD) were reconstructed by shotgun sequencing and a mtDNA capture approach. Moreover, stable isotope ratios (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) were analyzed in a subset of 32 individuals. The results indicate different mtDNA haplogroup distributions among the alpine locations and the presence of rare lineages besides a possible maternal relatedness between individuals buried in the same and in diverse archaeological contexts. The study also shows differences in the genetic and mobility patterns (δ34S) between individuals from the central and north-eastern parts (Adige, Merano, Isarco) and those from the north-western part of South Tyrol (Venosta). These results suggest genetic exchanges with allochthonous people in the first group probably linked to high mobility and to geomorphological, historical, and socio-cultural factors. Comparisons extended to present-day alpine populations also suggested maternal genetic continuity in this alpine area. Finally, stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) data provided further support for regional differences in the diet of past alpine groups possibly linked to altitude and/or social status.

Planning a novel regional methane network: Demand forecasting and economic evaluation

• Planning a new regional gas network without historical data on gas consumption. • Use of causal spatial autoregressive (SAR) models for out-of-sample forecasting. • Evaluation of gas demand with municipal data and gas supply by LNG plants. • Smoothing point forecasts for spatial mapping and optimal network design. • Evaluation of economic sustainability on the basis of scheduled costs and revenues. Planning the use of non-renewable energy resources is a crucial issue for social and environmental development, both at global and local scales. Although fossil fuel depletion is still far in time, their rational use is essential to prevent energy shortages and avoid economic and political crises. Natural gas (NG) is one of the preferable sources since it is comparatively clean and cheap, and its energetic power covers a wide range of purposes, especially in domestic heating and electric generation. This paper aims to design and evaluate a novel methane infrastructure in the insular region of Sardegna, which has not yet an NG network. We provide a statistical methodology to forecast gas demand at the municipal level in the absence of historical data on gas consumption, by using spatial autoregressive (SAR) models with exogenous (X) variables. Specifically, the model identification is performed by fitting various SARX systems on the data of the main cities of continental Italy, for which data on gas consumption and its covariates (X) are available. Next, the most suitable model is selected by optimizing the out-of-sample prediction performance on a subset of continental cities which are similar to those of Sardegna from the environmental and social viewpoint and are held outside of the estimation. Then, the coefficients of the model with the smallest prediction errors are applied to the spatial covariates of Sardegna cites, obtaining the predicted per-capita gas demand. Finally, using the global demand and its spatial diffusion, the entire gas network, at central and peripheral levels, is designed and its economic sustainability is evaluated. This analysis considers several categories of fixed and variable costs, together with the revenues of the private companies of gas transportation and distribution, that are involved in the realization of the project. The analysis demonstrates the economic viability of gas infrastructure for Sardegna under 70% of the market penetration rate, as it allows a break-even point within 15 years.

New records of mites from some European countries (Trombidiformes: Erythraeidae, Trombidiidae) with new data for some species

Abrolophus wratislaviensis, Charletonia cardinalis and Erythraeus (Zaracarus) budapestensis are recorded for the fisrst time from France, C. postojnensis from continental Italy and Serbia, Balaustium nikae and B. ryszardi from Sicily, B. nikae from Spain and B. murorum from Ukraine. New or corrected metric data for C. cardinalis C. postojnensis, B, murorum, B. nikae and B. ryszardi are provided. A list of Parasitengona mites for France, Serbia, Sicily and Ukraine is given. The relations between species of the genus Abrolophus and the Balaustiinae subfamily with their hosts are discussed.

First evidence in Italian mainland of Pantelleria obsidian: Highlights from WD-XRF and SEM-EDS characterization of Neolithic artefacts from Galliano necropolis (Taranto, Southern Italy)

In the Late Neolithic necropolis of Galliano (Taranto, Southern Italy) 52 samples of obsidian artefacts were found. Their characterization by absolutely non-destructive techniques like WD-XRF and SEM-EDS, for almost all of the samples, recognized the Lipari source for the raw material. Two samples show a different origin area: one from Palmarola, the southernmost signalling in Puglia for this source, and one from Pantelleria (sub-source of Salto la Vecchia and Balata dei Turchi) as first signalling on the continental Italy. Both source area, Palmarola and Pantelleria, have also been safely ascertained through quantitative compositional analyses of the microphenocrysts (pyroxenes and feldspars) present in the glass of 27 and 42 obsidian samples. In particular, the discovery of obsidian from Pantelleria in the Late Neolithic necropolis of Galliano, which can be traced back to the first centuries of the second half of the fifth millennium BC, significantly expanded its distribution area towards the east and the north, in a chronologically well-defined context.

Taxonomy and distribution of the genus Santolina (Asteraceae) in Italy

The Santolina chamaecyparissus complex includes 13 species of dwarf aromatic evergreen shrubs from the western Mediterranean Basin. Five native species occurring in Italy are currently accepted. Four of them are endemic to relatively restricted areas in the peninsula, whereas S. corsica Jord. & Fourr. is endemic to Corsica and Sardinia. The taxonomic treatments of Italian Santolina have been changing significantly in the past, probably due to the misinterpretation of naturalised populations of S. chamaecyparissus, a widely cultivated pentaploid species, which occasionally escapes from cultivation through agamospermy or vegetative propagation. In this study, we carried out the first quantitative morphometric and comparative niche analyses concerning the four species endemic to continental Italy (S. etrusca, S. ligustica, S. neapolitana, and S. pinnata). Morphometric analyses (PCoA, Random Forest, and univariate analyses) show that these species can be easily distinguished by combinations of character states, whereas niche analyses (Schoener’s D and similarity test) suggest that they occur in distinct climatic conditions. Based on our results, we fully confirm the taxonomic distinctiveness of these species. An updated identification key, including all Santolina species occurring in Italy, is presented.&nbsp

Potential importance of wind patterns and guidance opportunities for the conservation of the Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus in Italy

Summary Movement ecology and environmental factors are topics of paramount importance to consider when planning conservation programmes for target species. Here we discuss this topic by reviewing the available information related to the Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus, with reference to the remnant breeding population of Southern Italy, of high conservation concern and subject of a long-term captive-breeding re-stocking programme. We describe how adverse wind conditions over the Central Mediterranean Sea make the sea-crossing challenging with detrimental effects on the survival of inexperienced birds, and coupled this information with count data of migrating Egyptian Vultures. Furthermore, we indicate how low population size and scarce opportunities in meeting migrating conspecifics could potentially lead juvenile Egyptian Vultures to follow unfavourable migratory routes, with possible repercussions on survival. We postulate how these concomitant factors could be indirectly influencing the long-term survival of this small population, principally affected by anthropogenic threats. We also discuss how the same factors could actually be affecting captive-bred young individuals released in late summer in southern continental Italy, in the framework of the restocking programme. An integrative approach with tailor-made release methods, which also takes into account the age of released birds and geographical and environmental factors, would likely be useful for a more goal-oriented and long-lasting conservation outcome, for the preservation of this endangered scavenger.

Pleistocene Caves of Eastern Sicily Coast: Exceptional Archives to Reconstruct the History of the Island’s Biota

The distinctive features and fossil content of some caves from eastern Sicily (San Teodoro, Donnavilla, Fulco, Taormina, Tremilia, Spinagallo), altogether spanning from the middle Pleistocene until the beginning of the Holocene, are discussed. Although dating on vertebrate and/or invertebrate remains is available in few instances, coastal notches and marine terraces correlate with the caves, provide further chronological constraint. The San Teodoro and Spinagallo caves are the best known, whereas the Tremilia cave deserves to be better analysed. Most caves, but not the San Teodoro one (including only terrestrial faunas), testify to the transition from submarine coastal environments (documented by biogenic crusts, borings, shelly sediments), to continental conditions (vertebrate remains of the Paleoloxodon falconeri, Maccagnone and San Teodoro Faunistic Complexes). The fossil register preserved in these cavities represents a source of information useful to (1) reconstruct the palaeogeography of Sicily and its coastline, largely resulting from the interplay between tectonic and sea-level changes linked to climate fluctuations; and (2) the consequent evolution of the terrestrial biota, including the dominance of insular endemic taxa later replaced by species shared with continental Italy, after the establishment of temporary connection through the Messina Strait.

Reaching across the Adriatic: northern and western interactions of the Cetina phenomenon (25th–20th centuries BC)

As is well known, peninsular Italy was considerably involved in the “Cetina phenomenon” during the second half of the 3rd millennium BC, as illustrated by the occurrence of pottery akin to Cetina-types at several sites on the Adriatic side; recent discoveries in present-day Campania have enriched this picture and evidence from the north-east (present-day Veneto and Trentino), besides that from the Trieste/Slovenian karst, may also enlarge this range of connections. The most probable hypothesis to explain the situation is that of small groups, which identified themselves with some elements that we consider as ‘Cetina’, moving from the eastern Adriatic (mainly Dalmatia) to the northern and western Adriatic. Several questions remain open, such as those related to the patterns of interaction between the eastern Adriatic small groups reaching the Italian regions and the local communities. What was the dimension of these cross-cultural contacts and how did they differ from one region to another? To what extent did the foreign groups blend with the local ones? Which were the aftermaths of these interactions? This paper presents a critical reconsideration of the available evidence from continental and peninsular present-day Italy, including the geographical setting of sites and reciprocal distances, with the aim of tracing similarities and differences between the various cases. Hypotheses on both the chronology and patterns of these Cetina interactions are discussed.

Monitoring and detection of new endemic foci of canine leishmaniosis in northern continental Italy: An update from a study involving five regions (2018-2019).

Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is an emerging zoonosis caused by Leishmania infantum and transmitted in southern Europe by phlebotomine sand flies of the subgenus Phlebotomus (Larroussius). Endemic foci of CanL have been recorded in northern continental Italy since early 1990s and attributed to the northward expansion of vector populations due to climatic changes in association with travelling/relocated infected dogs from the southern Mediterranean littoral. In this study, further spread of endemic Leishmania foci was monitored during 2018-2019 in five regions (Aosta Valley, Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia), with focus to territories where investigations were not performed, or they have been inconclusive. Clinical cases of CanL identified by local veterinary practitioners and confirmed by reference diagnosis centers were regarded as autochthonous if their origin from, or travel to, areas endemic for CanL were excluded in the previous ≥2years. Around these index cases, i) serosurveys for L infantum were carried out where indicated, ii) sampling from potential autochthonous cases in healthy or clinically-suspected resident dogs was intensified by collaborating veterinary practitioners, and iii) suitable sites were investigated for the presence of competent phlebotomine vectors. Fifty-seven municipalities whose enzootic status of CanL was unreported before 2018, were identified as endemic. The stability of 27 foci recorded over the past decade, was also confirmed. Competent phlebotomine vectors, mainly Phlebotomus perniciosus, were collected for the first time in 23 municipalities. The newly recorded endemic municipalities appear to be distributed over a west-to-east decreasing gradient: 30 in Piedmont, 21 in Lombardy, 4 in Veneto and 2 in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. As regards Veneto, it should be noted that a relatively restricted territory was investigated as several municipalities of the region had already been surveyed and detected as endemic for CanL in the past. Cold climate conditions of the easternmost region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia bordering non-endemic territories of Slovenia, are probably less favorable to L infantum transmission.

Neo-deterministic seismic hazard assessment of Corsica-Sardinia block

The Corsica-Sardinia lithospheric block is commonly considered as a region of very low seismicity and the scarce reported seismicity for the area has till now precluded the reliable assessment of its seismic hazard. The time-honored assumption has been recently questioned and the historical seismicity of Sardinia has been reevaluated. Even more, several seismogenic nodes capable of M5 + have been recognized in the Corsica-Sardinia block exploiting the morphostructural zonation technique, calibrated to earlier results obtained for the Iberian peninsula, which has structural lithospheric affinities with the Corsica-Sardinia block. All this allows now for the computation of reliable earthquake hazard maps at bedrock conditions exploiting the power of Neo Deterministic Seismic Hazard Assessment (NDSHA) evaluation. NDSHA relies upon the fundamental physics of wave generation and propagation in complex geologic structures and generates realistic time series from which several earthquake ground motion parameters can be readily extracted. NDSHA exploits in an optimized way all the available knowledge about lithospheric mechanical parameters, seismic history, seismogenic zones and nodes. In accordance with continuum mechanics, the tensor nature of earthquake ground motion is preserved computing realistic signals using structural models obtained by tomographic inversion and earthquake source information readily available in literature. The way to this approach has been open by studies focused on continental Italy and Sicily, where the agreement between hazard maps obtained using seismogenic zones, informed by earthquake catalog data, and the maps obtained using only seismogenic nodes are very good.

First comprehensive contribution to the knowledge of the lepidopteran fauna of Gioia Tauro Plain, South Italy (Lepidoptera)

In this paper, we investigated for the first time on the composition of nocturnal Lepidoptera of the Gioia Tauro Plain, Calabria region (South Italy). The main goal was to acquire information on the biodiversity of this insect order in an area little investigated and subject to strong anthropic pressures. The study was carried out for one year in 4 sites characterized by different habitats. Sampling was carried out about twice a month through the use of UV-LED light traps. In total, 791 specimens belonging to 97 species were collected. The species richness of the study area was rather low compared to a more natural habitat sampled near to the study area in previous years. However, we found species very interesting from a faunistic point of view. In detail, Morophaga morella (Duponchel, 1838) is a new record for the continental Italy. 15 species are new for the fauna of the Calabria region: Ornativalva tamaricella (Zeller, 1850), Cnephasia (Cnephasia) genitalana Pierce & Metcalfe, 1915, Euzophera lunulella (O. Costa, 1836), Hellula undalis (Fabricius, 1794), Raphimetopus ablutella (Zeller, 1839) Achyra nudalis (Hübner, 1796), Dioryctria mendacella (Staudinger, 1859), Ematheudes punctella (Treitschke, 1833), Endotricha flammealis (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775), Oxybia transversella (Duponchel, 1836), Lamoria anella (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775), Anania crocealis (Hübner, 1796), Evergestis isatidalis (Duponchel, 1833), Udea ferrugalis (Hübner, 1796), and Uresiphita gilvata (Fabricius, 1794).