https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/33879 Sat, 04 Apr 2026 04:50:58 GMT 2026-04-04T04:50:58Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45702 Title: Coleoptera and Lepidoptera (Insecta) diversity in the central part of Sredna Gora Mountains (Bulgaria) Authors: Kostova, Rumyana; Bekchiev, Rostislav; Beshkov, Stoyan Abstract: Despite the proximity of Sredna Gora Mountains to Sofia, the insect assemblages of this region are poorly studied. As a result of two studies carried out as a part of an Environmental Impact Assessment in the Natura 2000 Protected Areas: Sredna Gora and Popintsi, a rich diversity of insects was discovered, with 107 saproxylic and epigeobiont Coleoptera species and 355 Lepidoptera species recorded. This research was conducted during a short one-season field study in the surrounding areas of the town of Panagyurishte and Oborishte Village. Special attention was paid to protected species and their conservation status. Of the Coleoptera recorded, 22 species were of conservation significance. Forty-five Lepidoptera species of conservation importance were also recorded. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45702 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45701 Title: Pyrrhocoris apterus (Linnaeus, 1758) - a new record of firebug (Hemiptera, Pyrrhocoridae) from Malta Authors: Cassar, Thomas Abstract: True bugs of the family Pyrrhocoridae, more commonly known as red bugs, cotton stainers or (in the case of Pyrrhocoris apterus) firebugs, are represented by 43 species from 13 genera in the Palaearctic (Aukema & Rieger, 2001). The Heteroptera of the Maltese Islands have been relatively well-studied, with 141 species recorded (Cuesta Segura et al., 2010; Carapezza & Mifsud, 2015; 2016). Of these, only one species belongs to the family Pyrrhocoridae - Scantius aegyptius aegyptius. However, specimens collected in summer of 2018 were confirmed to be Pyrrhocoris apterus, a new Pyrrhocorid record for Malta. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45701 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45700 Title: New records of ichneumon wasps (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from Malta with an updated checklist Authors: Cassar, Thomas; Mifsud, David Abstract: Ten new records of ichneumon wasps are reported for the first time from Malta. A checklist of all 56 species of Ichneumonidae so far recorded from Malta is also included. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45700 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45698 Title: First record of Bethylidae (Hymenoptera) from Malta Authors: De Rond, Jeroen Abstract: Bethylidae are true aculeates, having a retractable sting with venom that temporarily immobilizes the larvae of their host. Similar to the closely related cuckoo wasps (Chrysididae), females track down a concealed larva, place one or more eggs on it, and continue their search. No nests are built and hosts are rarely transported to a safer place. Bethylid females usually place four eggs on the back of a host larva. The wasp larvae are ectoparasitoids, feeding on haemolymph with only their mouthparts inserted in the body of the host, until they have reached the required size to pupate. They than quickly consume the remaining internals of the host larva and start spinning a cocoon. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45698 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z