PRELIMINARY DATA REGARDING THE SAPROXYLIC SPECIES OF CERAMBYCIDAE (INSECTA: COLEOPTERA) IN ROSCI0045 CORIDORUL JIULUI, ROMANIA

Abstract

Observations carried out in May-September 2022 in CoridorulJiului, a Natura 2000 area located in the south-western part of Romania, highlighted 16 species of Cerambycidae beetles. The landscape, local climate and forest management impact the diversity and distribution of these species in the site. All species have been listed on The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, of which, Cerambyx cerdo, Rosalia alpina and Morimus asper funereus are also included in the Natura 2000 network. Five species were recorded for the first time in this area. Furthermore, another species noted, Isotomus speciosus, is a rare species in many European countries. The saproxylic character of these beetles makes them an essential participant within the forest ecosystem, which is why a responsible management of the forests in the Coridorul Jiului area is necessary to maintain the populations of these coleopterans on a stable trend.