Anthaxia (Anthaxia) oberthuri Baiocchi & Magnani 2018, stat. nov.
Creators: name: Baiocchi, Daniele
name: Magnani, Gianluca
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2018
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Coleoptera
Buprestidae
Anthaxia
Anthaxia oberthuri

description: Anthaxia (Anthaxia) oberthuri Schaefer, 1938 stat. nov.
(Figs. 1, 2, 3, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 84, 85, 88, 90, 91, 100, 105, 113, 118, 121, 126, 131, 136)
Anthaxia (Anthaxia) oberthuri Schaefer, 1938 stat. nov. (by present change in rank; originally described as Anthaxia midas oberthuri): 206, 208, 209, 281. Type locality: [France] “Forét de la Sainte Baume, Var” [subsequent designation by Cobos (1986: 164)].
Anthaxia midas oberthuri: Schaefer, 1939: 218 (faunistics); 1940: 23‒25 (faunistics); Théry, 1942: 90 (monograph); Peyerimhoff, 1948: 72 (faunistics); Schaefer, 1950: 22, 244, 268, 269, 487, Table XIV, Figs 274, 275 (faunistic catalogue; taxonomy; biology); Hervé, 1953: 563 (biology); 1957: 820, 823 (Fig.) (faunistics, biology); Baudon, 1957: 251 (faunistics, taxonomy); Schaefer, 1957a: 127 (faunistics); 1957b: 128, 129 (biology); 1959: 228 (faunistics); 1963: 19 (faunistics; biology); Cassola, 1968: 30, 31 (faunistics); Schaefer, 1970: 78‒79 (faunistics); Baudon, 1978: 98 (faunistics); Moraguès & Ponel, 1984: 15 (faunistics); Angelini, 1987: 36 (faunistics); Pupier, 1993: 35 (oberthueri [sic!] incorrect subsequent spelling) (faunistics); Curletti, 1994: 94, 228 (Fig. 77), 269, 277, 296, 298 (faunistic catalogue); Clavier, 1994: 348 (faunistics); Sparacio, 1997: 53, 54 (Fig. 59) (faunistic catalogue); Muñoz et al., 1999: 199 (faunistics); Gobbi, 2002: 45 (oberthueri [sic!] incorrect subsequent spelling) (faunistics); Sabella & Sparacio, 2004: 495 (biology).
Anthaxia (Anthaxia) midas oberthuri: Schaefer, 1971: 283 (faunistics; biology); Magnani & Sparacio, 1985: 104, 106, 108 (faunistics; biology); Cobos, 1986: 62, 164, 309, 355, Table XXIX, Figs. 168, 169 (faunistic catalogue; taxonomy); Gobbi, 1986: 220, 254 (Biology); Gobbi, 1993a: 50, 71 (oberthueri [sic!] incorrect subsequent spelling) (faunistics); 1993b: 77 (oberthueri [sic!] incorrect subsequent spelling) (faunistics); Gobbi, in Gobbi & Platia, 1995: 14 (oberthueri [sic!] incorrect subsequent spelling) (faunistic catalogue); Bílý, 1997: 28, 98, 150 (catalogue); Arnaiz Ruiz et al., 2001: 114, 145 (map 29) (faunistics); 2002: 50, 73 (Fig.81) (faunistics); Curletti, 2005: CD-ROM: species code nr. 0 52.117.0.014.0.002 (oberthueri [sic!] incorrect subsequent spelling) (faunistic catalogue); Murria Beltrán & Murria Beltrán, 2005: 10, 22 (faunistics); Verdugo Páez, 2005: 118, 119 (map), 308 (Fig. A) (faunistic catalogue); Bílý, 2006: 372 (catalogue); Sakalian, 2007: 13 (taxonomy); Bellamy, 2008: 1426, 1440 (catalogue); Izzillo, 2010: 3, 4 (Fig. 1), 5 (faunistics); Murria Beltrán & Murria Beltrán, 2010: 503, 504, 505 (Figs 7‒8) (faunistics; taxonomy); Petitprêtre & Marengo, 2011: 93, 185 (faunistic catalogue); Izzillo, 2013: 223 (faunistics); López Vergara et al., 2015: 412 (faunistics); Kubáň et al., 2016: 499 (catalogue).
Unavailable name: Anthaxia midas ab. fagniezi Schaefer, 1933: 100 (taxonomy); 1938: 206, 208, 210, 281 (faunistic catalogue); Obenberger, 1938: 193 (taxonomy); Théry, 1942: 90, 91 (monograph); Schaefer, 1950: 268, 269, 270, 487 (faunistic catalogue; taxonomy; biology); 1971: 283 (faunistics; biology); Cobos, 1986: 164 (faunistic catalogue; taxonomy); Bílý, 1997: 133 (catalogue); Bellamy, 2008: 1426 (catalogue).
Unavailable name: Anthaxia midas oberthuri ab. massanensis Schaefer, 1968: 76 (faunistics); 1971: 283 (faunistics; biology).
Type specimens studied. A. midas oberthuri: lectotype by present designation (♂, MNHN: Figs. 31, 32; original labelling: Fig. 33); paralectotypes: [h] Foret de la Massane, Pyr. Or.le 8/7 // [p] Ex Musaeo V.Mayet 1909 (1♀ DBCR); [p] SAINTE-BAUME (Var) [h] 26.5.1931 [p] L. Schaefer leg. (1♀ SBCP); [h] S te Baume (Var) 25.6.32 [p] L. Schaefer // [h] renoncule (1♂ DBCR); [p] SAINTE-BAUME (Var) [h] 9.6.34 [p] L. Schaefer (4♂♂3♀♀ MNHN; 1♂ DBCR); same data, 24.5.36 (8♂♂4♀♀ MNHN; 4♂♂1♀ DBCR; 1♀ NMPC); 6.6.36 (2♂♂ MNHN); 29.5.37 (4♂♂ MNHN); Anthaxia (A.) midas ab. fagniezi: syntype (♂, MNHN: Figs. 37, 38; original labelling: Fig. 39); Anthaxia (A.) midas oberthuri ab. massanensis: holotype by monotypy (♂, MNHN: Figs. 34, 35; original labelling: Fig. 36).
Additional material studied. Algeria: ALGERIA—Tizi Ouzou, Ft. d' Akfadou m 1200, 2/3.VI.1986, G. Magnani leg. (2♂♂1♀ GMCC; 1♀ DBCR); ALGERIA—KABYLIE, Ft. d' Akfadou m 1000, 4/7.VI.1980, G. Sama—G. Magnani (27♂♂14♀♀ GMCC; 2exx. FICN; 2♂♂3♀♀ SBCP; 5♂♂ VKCB; 3♂♂1♀ DBCR; 1♂1♀ MNCA; 1ex. MKCN); ALGERIA—KABYLIE, Ft. d' Akfadou m 1000, 4/7.VI.1980, G. Sama—G. Magnani // ex larva, ACER OBTUSADUS, sfarfallato il, III.81 (2♂♂ GMCC); ALGERIA—KABYLIE, Ft. d' Akfadou m 1000, 4/7.VI.1980, G. Sama—G. Magnani // ex larva, ACER OBTUSADUS, sfarfallato il, IX.80 (3♂♂ GMCC); ALGERIA—KABYLIE, Ft. d' Akfadou m 1000, 4/7.VI.1980, G. Sama—G. Magnani // ex larva, ACER OBTUSADUS, sfarfallato il, 7.XII.80 (1♂ GMCC); ALGERIA—KABYLIE, Ft. d' Akfadou m 1000, 4/7.VI.1980, G. Sama—G. Magnani // ex larva, ACER OBTUSADUS, sfarfallato il, IV.81 (1♀ GMCC); ALGERIA— KABYLIE, Foret d' Akfadou m 1000, 4/7.VI.1980, G. Sama—G. Magnani // ex larva, ACER OBTUSADUS, IV.81 (1♀ GMCC). Morocco: MAROC—Rif Occid., Jeb. Tazaot m. 1600, G. Magnani // Ex larva, Acer sp., 1.XI.91 (1♂ GMCC); MA[ROCCO] N[orth], Rif Mts., 5 km NE, Tamorote [Tamorot], les Cedrus, roztroušeně Acer, Quercus, 34°57’55’’N 4°43’55.6’’W, 8.V.2015 leg. David Frank (2♂♂ DFCP, 1♂ DBCR); Morocco—Rif mts., Bab Besene, 8.5.2015, 34.966411,‒4.731699, cedar forest lgt. O. Konvička (1♂ DFCP); MAROCCO. MEDIO ATLANTE, (Fes) Mischliffen, m 2000 ca. 17.V.1979, Audisio P. lg. (1♀ DBCR); Marocco, 15‒5‒1980, Medio Atlante, Azrou 1600m, Leg. D. Gianasso (1ex. DGCC); Marocco, 22‒5‒1981, Azrou, Medio Atlante, Leg. D. Gianasso (2exx. DGCC); MAROC Moyen Atlas, Ain Leuh m 1700, 22.V.85, G. Magnani leg. (7♂♂1♀ GMCC; 1♂1♀ DBCR); same data, Sama leg. (2♂♂ GMCC; 2♂♂ DBCR); MAROC MOYEN ATLAS, Ain Leuh m 1700, 26/27‒V‒82, G. Curletti—G. Magnani (4♂♂1♀ GMCC); MOROCCO C., 10 km NE, of Azrou, 1680 m a.s.l., 33°28’N, 05°09’w, 17.v., T. Růžička lgt. 2010 (1♂ NMPC; 1♂ VKCB); Azrou (20 km S), 33°20'N 05°35'W, 1750 m, 23.iv.2009, E.+P. Hajdaj leg. (1♀ VKCB); Azrou, 17.iv.1989 (1♀ SBCP); Ain Leuh, 26.v.1982 (1♀ SBCP); Ifrane, vi.1943 (1♀ SBCP). Spain: Requesens GI, 19/5/97 660 m, Soler & Muñoz (2♂♂1♀♀ JSCG; 1♂1♀ DBCR); LA JUNQUERA, GIRONA—ESPAÑA, J. SOLER LEG. (2♂♂2♀♀ LTCZ); ESPAÑA, Jaén, Sierra de Cazorla, (30SWH11) 15/ 20‒06‒2015 Marcos A. López Vergara leg. (2♀♀ MLCJ); same data, 28‒10‒2015 (2♂♂ MLCJ); same data, 8‒11‒2015 (1♀ MLCJ); ESPAÑA, Jaén, Sierra de Cazorla, (30SWH11) M. López leg. // Ex Acer opalus granatense [different dates of emergence] 13/28‒03‒2016 (27♂♂14♀♀ MLCJ; 2♂♂2♀♀ DBCR; 1♂1♀ ACCJ; 1♂1♀ MBCC; 1♂1♀ GNCS; 1♂1♀ JRCG; 1♂1♀ PCCS). France: AIGUINES, Forét de Marges, 14.V.1976, P.Berger leg.83 (1♂ MCLF); FRANCE (Var), Forèt d’Aiguines, June 1998, local collector (2♂♂ DBCR); Var, Aiguines, 25.v.1969 (1♂ SBCP); PLAN CANJUERS, VAR VI.57 (1♂ DBCR); La S. Baume al. 900, Forêt, rte du S. Pilon, Var 5.6.1946 (+ two labels with weather conditions) (1♀ DBCR); La S. Baume, Forêt, rte du S. Pilon al. 900, Var 25.5.1950 (+ two labels with weather conditions) (2♂♂1♀ DBCR); La S. Baume, Forêt, rte du S. Pilon al. 760, Var 25.5.1950 (+ two labels with weather conditions) (1♂ DBCR); La S. Baume, Forêt, rte du S. Pilon al. 900, Var 31.5.1946 (+ two labels with weather conditions) (3♂♂1♀ DBCR); La S. Baume, rte du S. Pilon al. 870, Var 12.6.1951 (+ two labels with weather conditions) (1♂ DBCR); La S. Baume, Forêt, rte du S. Pilon al. 900, Var 1.6.1946 (+ two labels with weather conditions) (3♂♂ DBCR); La S. Baume, Forêt, rte de la Grotte al. 890, Var 31.5.1946 (+ two labels with weather conditions) (1♂1♀ DBCR); Ste BAUME, P. Veyret // COLL. A. JUNG, 1984 (underside of insect label: Ste. B., 24/V, 1954) (1♀ DBCR); SAINTE—BAUME, VAR // COLL A JUNG, 1984 (1♂1♀: underside of insect label: S. B, 25/V, 1954) (2♂♂3♀♀ DBCR); Ste Baume, Var. Madon (1♀ DBCR); Ste Beaume // 13720 (1♂ DBCR); Ste. Baume, R. Oberthur, Juin 1876 (1♂ DBCR); Ste Baume // Ex Musaeo GAMBEY 1892 (1♀ DBCR); Ste Baume // Ex Musaeo MAYET 1909 (1♀ DBCR); S. Baume // Coll. Jul. Moser (1♂ MFNB); Ste Baume (1♀ DBCR; 1♀ NMPC); Ste Baume, J. C. (1♂ DBCR); St. Baume // Abeille; (one ex. with separate label stating “Abeille”) (2♂♂1♀ NMPC); S.te Baume. ‒6, Mol. de Boissy (1♂ NMPC); Sainte Baume, E. Abeille (1♂ NMPC); Sainte Baume 20.iii.1900, Abeille de Perrin (1♀ VKCB); Sainte Baume, Pic (1♂ NMPC); Sainte Baume, 6., Mol. de Boissy (1♂ NMPC); Sainte Baume, (Var) 24.5.36, L. Schaefer (1♂ GGCR); Var, Sainte Baume (1♂2♀♀ NMPC); croesus, Ste Beaume (1♂ DBCR); croesus, Ste. Baume (1♂ NMPC); Ga. m., Var, 10.6.78, Sainte Baume, leg. Moragues (1♂ PBCK); Ga.m.Var M6, St.Pilon 76, leg.P.Brandl (2♂♂ PBCK); FRANCE, (Pyrénées Orientales), Forèt des Albères, 21.V.1994, local collector (2♀♀ DBCR); Pyrénées orientales, La Massane, 18.vi.1939, L. Schaefer leg. (1♂ NMPC); La Massane, P. Or. 18.6.39, L. Schaefer (1♀ NMPC; 3♂♂ DBCR); La Massane, (P. O.) 4.6.46, L. Schaefer (1♀ MCLF; 1♂ FTCR); La Massane, (P.O) 6.47, L. Schaefer // dét. L. Schaefer, A. Midas, oberthuri m. (1♀ FTCR); La Massane, (P.O) 6.1954, L. Schaefer // Anthaxia Midas, ssp. oberthuri Schaef. (1♂ PBCK); Massane, (P.O) 6.54, L. Schaefer // dét. L. Schaefer, A. Midas, ssp. oberthuri m. (1♂ DBCR); Massane, (P.O) 6‒54, L. Schaefer (1♂ DBCR); La Massane, (P.-O.) 6.60, L. Schaefer // Anth. Midas, oberthuri Schaef. (1♂ DBCR); La Massane, (P.-O.) 6.60, L. Schaefer // dét. L. Schaefer, A. Midas, oberthuri m. ♂ (1♂ PBCK); La Massane, (P.-O.) 6.60, L. Schaefer // dét. L. Schaefer, A. Midas, oberthuri Schaef. ♂ (1♂ FTCR); La Massane, (P.-O.) 6.1960, L. Schaefer (1♂ GGCR); La Massane, (P.-O.) 6, L. Schaefer (1♂ GGCR); La Massane, (P.O) 6.1963, L. SCHAEFER (1♂ MCLF); La Massane, (P. O.) 5.1965, L. Schaefer (1♂ IRSNB; 1♂1♀ M NCA; 3♂♂ FTCR; 1♀ DBCR); Massane, 5.65 // leg. Ferrero (1♂ MCLF); France—66, La Massane, 20.VI.1979 (1♂ HMCM); F.t de Lamassane, ‒66‒20.V.1977, Moragues (1♂ PBCK); Gallia / Pyr. or., Foret de la Massane, 1.VI.1977, leg. Feller (1♂ HMCM); Loc. La Massane Alt.—Dpt.66, Date: 30/06/82, H.Labrique (1♂1♀ MCLF); Ft La Massane, (66) 22.V.82, F. Ferrero (1♂ MCLF); same data, 3.VII.85 (1♀ MCLF); France/Pyrenees orient, Forest de la Massane, 05.07.97; C.Dolderer lgt. (2exx. MKCN); France/Pyrenees orient, Forest de la Alberes, ex.l., 0 4.05.95 C.Dolderer lgt. (1ex. MKCN); F-66 Forest du Alberes, 02.VII.1991, lgt. Guerroumi (2exx. MKCN); France—66, Ft. de Sorede, 2.VI.1975 (1♂ DBCR); Ft de Sorède, (66) 25.VI.84, F. Ferrero (1♀ MCLF); FRANCE, (Pyrènées-Orientales), Forēt de Sorède, 15. V. 2002 (1♂ SGCB); S. Frankreich (1ex. DGCC); Francia, La Massane, 20‒5‒1966, Leg. F. Ferrero (1ex. DGCC); same data, 6‒1970 (1ex. DGCC); same data, 3‒6‒1974 (1ex. DGCC); same data, 4‒6‒1974 (1ex. DGCC). Italy: ITALIA (Umbria), Sant'Anatolia di Narco, Gavelli, 1217m, 1.VI.2014 M. Luna leg. (1ex. MLCF); ITALIA (Umbria), Sant'Anatolia di Narco, Gavelli, 1170m, 19.V.2015 M. Luna leg. (1 ex. MLCF); LAZIO Filettino, Fiumata 4.VII.1965, Sorgenti F. Aniene, F. Cassola leg. (1♀ DBCR); Lazio (FR), NW Filettino, 41°54’13.3’’N 13°17’31.09’’E, 1000m VI.1970 M.Gigli leg. (1♀ MGCR); Lazio (FR), NW Filettino, 41°54’16.88’’N 13°17’17.37’’E, 1030m 2.VI.1985 M.Gigli leg. (8 exx. MGCR); LAZIO: Roma M.te Semprevisa, 1000m., 25.IV.2010, Leg. A. Degiovanni (1♂ DBCR); Italia Lazio Süd Mt. Semprevivo [=Semprevisa] ca. 1200 m 24‒05‒83 leg. Anton (1ex. MNCA); ITALY (Lazio) 1100m, SE of Carpineto Romano, 41°33'44.22''N 13°7'12.74'E, 26.V.2014 M. Gigli leg. (11♂♂2♀♀ DBCR; 1♂ JSCG; 1♂ PBCK; several exx. MGCR); ITALY (Lazio) 1100m, SE of Carpineto Romano, 41°33'44.22''N 13°7'12.74'E, 13.V.2015 D. Baiocchi leg. (22♂♂8♀♀ DBCR; 1♂ ALCB; 1♂ JLCH; 1♂ RKCK); same data, M. Gigli leg. (several exx., MGCR); same data, S. Bruschi leg. (9 exx, SBCR); ITALIA, Campania, Bagnoli Irpino (AV), dint. Lago Laceno, F. Izzillo leg. (various collecting dates) (17 exx., FICN; 1♂ DBCR); ITALIA, Campania, Castelcivita (SA) dint., strada della montagna, 9.VI.2012 I. Adamo leg. (1 ex., FICN; 1 ex. IACN); ITALIA— Abruzzo, (L’Aquila) Pereto 1400 m, 13.VII.2009 M. Gigli legit (1♂ DBCR); Frosinone, Finneta [unknown loc.], 2.vi.1989 (2♂♂ SBCP); ITALIA, Basilicata, Accettura (MT) dint., F.sta Gallipoli/Cognato, F. Izzillo leg. (various dates) (151 exx. FICN); ITALY (Basillicata) (Mt.) Accettura Foresta Gallipoli-Cognato, 600m, 11.v.2003 F.Izzillo lgt. (1♂ MOCO); ITALY (Basisliscata [=Basilicata]) Accettura m 600, forests Gallipoli-Cognato, 11.V.2003 F.Izzillo leg. (2exx. MKCN); ITALY (BASILISCATA [=Basilicata]), ACCETTURA, 19.V.2003 D. Baiocchi leg. (12 exx. MKCN); ITALY (Basilicata, MT prov.), NW Accettura 587 m., Gallipoli-Cognato Forest, 40°32’27’’N 16°06’09’’E, 13‒26.V.2002 F. Izzillo leg. (5♂♂ DBCR); [ITALY] Basilicata (PZ), Foresta Gallipoli Cognato, 40°32'47"N‒016°06'14"E, m 600, 14.VI.1997 Liberto leg. (1 ex. ALCR); same data, 5‒7.VI.2001 (15 exx. ALCR); same data, 12‒13.V.2002 (20 exx. ALCR); same data, 19.V.2004 (21 exx. ALCR); same data, 22.V.2005 (1 ex. ALCR); same data, 13.V.2006 (2 exx. ALCR); [ITALY] Basilicata (PZ), Foresta Gallipoli Cognato, Monte La Croccia, 40°32'24"N‒016°08'06"E, m 940, 12‒13.V.2002 Liberto leg. (4 exx. ALCR); ITALY (Basilicata, MT prov.), NW Accettura 587 m., Gallipoli-Cognato Forest, 40°32’27’’N 16°06’09’’E 11‒12.V.2003 D. Baiocchi leg. (32♂♂15♀♀, DBCR; 1♂ HMCM; 1♂1♀ PBCK); same data, F. Izzillo leg. (8♂♂4♀♀, DBCR); same data, M. Gigli leg. (several exx., MGCR); same data, 19‒20.V.2004 (3♂♂ DBCR); same data, 13.V.2006 (3♂♂ DBCR); same data, 8.V.2008 (7♂♂3♀♀ DBCR); same data, 18.V.2010 (5♂♂ DBCR; 1♂ HMCM); Basilicata, Accettura, foresta Gallipoli-Cognato, 11.‒12.v.2003 (2♂♂ SBCP); Basilicata (MT), Accettura, 19‒5,2004, Leg. F. Izzillo (5exx. DGCC); ITALY Lucania (PZ) Bosco di Accettura (Su Liguliflore), 750m, 22.iv.2010, Bollino lgt. (1♂ MOCO); ITALY (Puglia, FG prov.), Gargano—Mt. Sacro, G. Sama leg., ex larva Acer sp. 30.III.2000 (1♀ DBCR); Italia Appulia 750 m, Monte Gargano, Foresta Umbra, 4.v.1997, K. Hùrka leg. (1♂ NMPC); ITALY (Puglia, FG prov.), Foresta Umbra 800m, Passo del Lupo, V.2007 G. Sama leg., ex larva Acer sp. (1♀ DBCR); I—Puglia— Gargano m800, Foresta Umbra, e.l. sf. III‒2000 G. Sama leg. (2 exx. DGCC); Puglia (FG), M. Sacro, Leg. G. Sama // ex larva Acer sp. 3‒4‒2000 (1ex. DGCC); Mt. Gargano, 12.v.1968 (2♂♂2♀♀ SBCP); I—PUGLIA: Gargano, Foresta Umbra, Leg. G. Sama // ex larva, Acer sp., III. 89 (2♂♂ GMCC); I—PUGLIA: Gargano, Foresta Umbra, Leg. G. Sama // Ex larva, Acer sp., 3/89 (1♂ GMCC); I—PUGLIA: Gargano, Foresta Umbra m.600, leg. G. Sama / / Ex larva, Acer sp., 16.III.89 (4♂♂7♀♀ GMCC); I—PUGLIA: Gargano, Foresta Umbra, 21.IV.84 m.600, Leg. G. Magnani // Ex larva, Acer sp. (2♀♀ GMCC); I—PUGLIA: Gargano, Foresta Umbra, 21.IV.84 m.600, Leg. G. Magnani // Ex larva, Acer sp. VII.84 (1♂ GMCC); I—PUGLIA: Gargano, Foresta Umbra, 21.IV.84 m.600, Leg. G. Magnani // Ex larva, Acer sp. 21/30.IV.84 (1♂6♀♀ GMCC); Puglie—Gargano, F. Umbra, m.750, (Bosco delle Ginestre), V‒67 Clementi (1♀ GGCR); Puglia—Gargano, Foresta Umbra, m 700, 1.VI.72 Carpaneto (1♂ GGCR); Sicile, F. Tebaldi // midas, KSW // MUSEUM PARIS, Coll. L. BEDEL 1922 (1♂ DBCR); I—Sicilia Madonie, Piano Zucchi, 25‒28. IV.84 m. 1100, Leg. G. Magnani (1♂2♀♀ GMCC); Sicilia—Madonie, Piano Zucchi m 1300, 30.IV/2.V.86, G. Magnani leg. (3♂♂3♀♀ GMCC; 3♂♂ DBCR); Sicilia (Pa) Madonie, Piano Zucchi m.1300, 30.IV.86, G. Sama leg. (1♂ DBCR); SICILIA—Madonie, PIANO ZUCCHI, m.1100 (PA), 5.V.86 leg.I.SPARACIO (1♂1♀ DBCR).
Additional data from literature. Algeria: Sétif: Calotte du Babor, 1800m. (Peyerimhoff, 1948: 72; Schaefer, 1950: 269; Cobos, 1986: 164). Morocco: Fès-Meknès: Atlas Medio (Cobos, 1986: 164); Ifrane, Fôret d’Azrou, canton de Bou-Jirih, 1690m. (Peyerimhoff, 1948: 72; Schaefer, 1950: 269; Kocher, 1956: 136; Baudon, 1957: 252); Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima: Tanger (Obenberger, 1925: 57). Spain: Álava: Igoroin, (Arnaiz et al., 2001: 114, 2002: 50; López Vergara et al., 2015: 412); Gerona: L’Albera, La Jonquera 500/700 m. (Alt Empordà, Girona) (Muñoz et al., 1999: 199; Arnaiz et al., 2001: 114; 2002: 50; López Vergara et al., 2015: 412); Pirineos Orientales (Fuente, 1930: 112); Huesca: Valle de Ansó (Murria Beltrán & Murria Beltrán, 2005: 10; 2010: 504; López Vergara et al., 2015: 412); Islas Baleares: Mallorca, Son Sardina (Tenenbaum, 1915: 85; Cobos, 1986: 164; Arnaiz et al., 2001: 114; 2002: 50; López Vergara et al., 2015: 412 [false data: wrong identification]); Navarra: Sierra de Andía (San Martin et al., 2000: 78; Arnaiz et al., 2001: 114; 2002: 50; López Vergara et al., 2015: 412); Tarragona: Ports Tortosa (Arnaiz et al., 2002: 50; López Vergara et al., 2015: 412). France: Alpes-Maritimes: Collongues (Schaefer, 1950: 269, 270; 1970: 78; 1971: 283; Pupier, 1993: 35); Bouches-du-Rhône: Arenc (Caillol, 1913; Schaefer, 1938: 210; 1950: 270; 1970: 78; 1971: 283; Clavier, 1994: 349); Drôme: Bois de Briores, Aucelon (Pupier, 1993: 35); Hérault: Gorges d’Heric (Schaefer, 1970: 78; 1971: 283); Var: Camp Jouers (Baudon, 1957: 252). Italy: Calabria: Sila, bosco Pirillo (CS) (Gobbi, 1993b: 77); Lazio: La Tolfa (Curletti, 1994: 95 [material not traced; data need confirmation]); Puglia: Ginestra (Gridelli, 1949: 171; Angelini, 1987: 36; Curletti, 1994: 94); Sardegna: (Bertolini, 1872: 117; Luigioni, 1929: 587; Porta, 1929: 892; Curletti, 1994: 95 [material not traced; data need confirmation]).
Morphology and variability. The size of males ranges from 5.0 x 2.2 mm to 7.5 x 3.4 mm, while in females it ranges from 5.3 x 2.4 mm to 8.4 x 3.8 mm; average length to width ratio of 2.2 times longer than wide.
With regard to the dorsal chromatic pattern, the blue background colour of the pronotum, in most specimens shows green reflections (Fig. 1). The dark discal spots are always connected to the dark anterolateral area. The background colour of the elytra is usually carmine red, and may be more or less bright. The large dark discal macula, has a tinge that ranges from greenish to violet, and can slightly vary in extension, thus giving the specimen a more or less dark aspect. In some specimens from Sicily, this macula can be very faint or occasionally totally absent, but in this case the red background colour turns to violet or to a rather dull orange (Fig. 56).
In nearly all specimens of A. oberthuri that we have studied, the green basal colouration runs along the whole elytral base, and in many specimens stretches beyond the humeral angle. The sutural part of the green colouration is usually broad and parallel, neatly truncate at the apex. In some specimens though, especially from Southern France and the Spanish Pyrenees, the apex of the sutural part is slightly tapered and indented at the apex, (Fig. 48), while in some specimens from the Maghreb and Southern Italy instead, the sutural portion is occasionally slightly arched laterally (Figs. 52, 55, 56). This slight difference to the French specimens, is probably the cause of the previous incorrect assessment of the Gargano populations.
Broadly speaking, the small differences in the dorsal colour pattern, can sometimes indicate the provenance of many specimens of A. oberthuri. In fact, the populations of Southern France and the Pyrenees, are rather bright and very similar to each other, while those from southern Spain are somewhat darker, with a rather purplish aspect like those from Morocco.Those from Algeria however, are generally more clear and similar to the Italian ones, with the apical part of the basal green macula slightly more sagittate, differing from the French and the Pyrenean ones.
The most remarkable character that differentiates A. oberthuri within its group is the shape of the aedeagus, which is quite distinct both in the tegmen and in the median lobe. The apex of the parameres is more widely expanded than in the other species. The penis is more robust, with distinctly serrate lateral margins. Its apex shows completely smooth edges (Fig. 113), while in all other species, the same area is finely spiny (Figs. 110, 111, 112, 114). However, the male genitalia also proved to be somewhat variable, especially in the apical expansion of the parameres, but unlike the other species of the group, this variability is greater, and exists even within single populations. Hence, although some differences can, in some way, be associated with different populations, we consider them too variable and weak to justify a further separation of taxa.
Bionomy and distribution. Although certainly more widespread than presently known, A. oberthuri has been only sparsely recorded in its wide Western Mediterranean distribution.
The first to report this species from Maghreb was Obenberger (1925: 57), who stated its presence in Tangier. This record though, must be more broadly referred to the region of Tangier, and certainly concerns material collected in the mountains far southeast of the city of Tangier, in the higher areas of the Rif, as also confirmed by some recent findings. In fact, Tangier is at sea level, a too low an altitude if compared with the environmental conditions that this species usually requires.
Schaefer (1938: 209) was certainly unaware of this report by Obenberger when he stated that A. oberthuri was surely not present in Northern Africa, and the same happened with Peyerimhoff (1948: 72) who stated that the species had been collected for the first time by himself in Algeria, on Mt. Babor, and by Rungs at Ifrane, in Morocco. Subsequently, several entomologists, including Baudon (1957: 251), also collected A. oberthuri in Morocco, mostly in the same mountain area around Ifrane already cited by Peyerimhoff.
In Algeria, a series of specimens was collected by G. Magnani and G. Sama near Akfadou, which is the second known Algerian locality. The species is probably present in most mountains of Northern Algeria, wherever its host plant is present.
Anthaxia oberthuri has never been found in Tunisia, probably due to the great scarcity of its host plant. In fact, Acer trees seem to be rarely present only in the wettest northwestern part of the country, at an altitude not favorable for the presence of this species.
In Spain, the species was first reported by Tenenbaum (1915: 85) from the Balearic Islands, and for a longtime this finding was reported by all authors, including Cobos (1986: 164), as the only Spanish locality. Indeed, this citation turned out to be wrong. When we studied this location on maps, we realized that the local environmental conditions were not suitable to host a species that is usually found in sub-montane habitats. With the help of T. Huflejt (PASWP), we were able to verify our doubts, and find out that the species cited by Tenenbaum is actually a specimen of A. croesus (Villers, 1789) (Figs. 19, 20), a more suitable species to live in such a lowland area. It therefore follows that the real first record of A. oberthuri for Spain, was actually published by Muñoz et al. (1999: 199). The species was subsequently found in a few other localities of the Southern Pyrenees Mountains, until López Vergara et al. (2015: 412) recently published a record of A. oberthuri in Southern Spain, which represents the real link with the Maghreb populations.
In France, A. oberthuri was collected by several early entomologists in the forest of “Sainte Baume”, not far north of Marseille, the most well-known French collecting site for this species.
Mayet (1902: 117) was the first to report this species from the French Pyrenean forest of “La Massane”, at the beginning of the twentieth century. Since then, a few other localities have been added to the distribution of A. oberthuri in France. Among them was Arenc, where the species was supposedly collected by Peyton (Caillol, 1913: 484). Indeed, this site, which no longer exist, was a coastal suburb of Marseille, later incorporated in Marseille Harbor during its construction. We doubt that A. oberthuri could really live in a place at sea level, because, as above said, it is a typical sub-montane species. From Corsica we have not been able to find any reference, nor any specimen of A. oberthuri from the island. Therefore, although its presence cannot be completely excluded, at present we consider the species as not present in Corsica.
Several authors have generically reported the species from Italy, and already in the original description of A. midas, Kiesenwetter had stated that the species be found in Italy, although it is not known on which particular specimens he based his statement. The oldest Italian specimen that we have studied was collected by L. Failla Tebaldi in Sicily (DBCR), presumably at the end of the 19th century.
Since the publication of the catalogue by Bertolini (1872: 117), the species has always been considered as present in Sardinia. However, in the large amount of material that we studied, we have not found a single specimen originating from this island, and at present, the presence of A. oberthuri in Sardinia is not proved. It follows that the only Mediterranean island where A. oberthuri is actually present is Sicily.
In the rest of Italy, the distribution of A. oberthuri is limited to the southern part of the peninsula, and several localities are known, the northernmost of which is in Umbria. The record by Obenberger for “eastern boreal Italy” (Obenberger, 1930: 502), refers to the Istrian peninsula, which at the time of publication of his work, was completely included in the Italian territory, while at present it is divided between Slovenia and Croatia. Anyhow, this citation, at that time under A. midas muelleri, refers to A. midas, a species not present in Italy, although cited by some authors.
Curletti (1994: 94) reported the Balkan species, at that time known as A. midas midas, as present in the Gargano promontory, and this data was included in several subsequent works. However, based on the study of male genitalia, we have verified that in Italy only the western taxon of the group, namely A. oberthuri, occurs.
In our opinion, the presence of A. oberthuri in Italy is not likely to extend much further north of its current known limits, and anyhow, to the North East the distribution is surely interrupted by the vast lowlands of the Po river basin, a gap that helps to keep the two species separated.
The field work of many colleagues who have recently collected A. oberthuri has pointed out how very localized this species can be, even in its natural range; nevertheless, although the presence of this species needs exact and peculiar environmental conditions, we do not consider it as a species in danger of extinction as speculated by other authors.
description: Published as part of Baiocchi, Daniele & Magnani, Gianluca, 2018, A revision of the Anthaxia (Anthaxia) midas Kiesenwetter, 1857 species-group (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Anthaxiini), pp. 201-254 in Zootaxa 4370 (3) on pages 225-232, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4370.3.1, http://zenodo.org/record/1145577