Spatial distribution of Calomera littoralis nemoralis (Olivier, 1790) in a coastal habitat of Southern Italy and its importance for conservation (Coleoptera Carabidae Cicindelinae)

The spatial distribution of Calomera littoralis nemoralis (Olivier, 1790) (Coleoptera Carabidae Cicindelinae) was studied on the marine sandy beach area of 1 km, near the mouth of a stream in Catanzaro province (Southern Italy, Calabria). During the sampling period (July-August 2011- 2012) we investigated the distribution of adults of C. littoralis nemoralis by visual census method and the spatial distribution of larval burrows of C. littoralis nemoralis along three transects (A, B, parallel to the coast line; C, embracing the river mouth). All the transects were selected by soil microclimate (a higher or lower humidity) and food availability. Larval burrows distribution was performed using QGIS. The dispersal index (ID) shows regular distribution of adults along transects A and B while in C the individuals are aggregated. Concerning the larval galleries distribution, the QGIS analysis shows a significant difference in their spatial distribution. The sampled data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistical methods. This is the first report on spatial distribution of adults and larvae of C. littoralis nemoralis in relation to soil humidity and food availability. The adult home range of this species is much larger than the reproductive habitat, that seems limited to wet sandy river bank around the mouth. The importance of such experimental studies for cicindelid conservation is briefly discussed.