Marisia - Maros Megyei Múzeum Évkönyve 32-34. (2014)
Zoology
NEW DATA ON THE SPECIES OF CETONIINAE BEETLE/ COLEOPTERA FAUNA (COLEOPTERA: SCARABAEOIDEA: SCARABAEIDAE) IN THE ISLAND OF CYPRUS Petru-Vasile ISTRATE Colegiul National “Alexandru Papiu Ilarian”, str. Bernady György nr 12, RO-540072 Targu-Murej, forest_dog_yellow@yahoo.com Abstract: This paper aims to contribute to the effort of studying the beetles in the subfamily Cetoniinae in Cyprus. The author collected entomological material in April 2011 in the ecosystems close to the shores of the island and on the slopes of the Troodos Mountains. The rich material collected, is composed of about 50 specimens belonging to four cetoniinae species, ie Netocia afflicta, Tropinota (Epicometis) hirta ssp. suturalis, Oxythyrea noemi and the endemism Protaetia (Cetonischema) speciosa ssp. marchei. The first three species occur in early spring at low altitudes, on various flowers, in coastal habitats with rare trees or without any woody vegetation. The last species was found only in the wintering cocoons, Cetonischema speciosa ssp. marchei being a species related to forest habitats, its larvae developing in the rotten wood of Quercus infectoria. Keywords: cetoniinae, coleoptera, rotten wood, arboreal traps Introduction In this paper the results of the entomological material collections made from 15 to 22 May 2011 on the island of Cyprus, especially in the low, coastal areas in the west and south of the island and in the Troodos Mountains are presented. All the collection points are located in the Republic of Cyprus. Cetoniins are coleoptera insects of medium and big waist. Some of the exotic african species, ex. Goliathus goliatbus Linnaeus and Goliathus regius Mug, are one of the biggest coleopteras ever known, with total length of body up to 113 mm. Cetoniins are part of the big group of coleopteras from Scarabaeidae family which differ from other subfamilies through the border lateral of elytra sinuate. The metasternum also has a median, flat and wide or round anterior extension at the apical part. The dorsal color of the body, more or less shiny, metallic, including the species palearctik. Materials and methods The collection of entomological material in Cyprus took place in the south-east of the island, along the Mediterranean coastline. Various ecosystems were investigated by simple observation with the naked eye, such as sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, farmland borders, olive groves, and pastures with sparse vegetation grown on stony soil. In the Troodos Mountains, oak forest clumps of Quercus infectoria were inspected, searching the rotten wood in the hollows and in M A R I S I A, XXXIII-XXXIV, p. 131-138
