OSMODERMA EREMITA (SCOPOLI, 1763) (COLEOPTERA SCARABAEIDAE CETONIINAE) IN CIRCEO STATE FOREST (CENTRAL ITALY)

Lenzi A., Maurizi E., Mosconi F., Cecchetti M., Francescato S., Noal A., Stolfa G., Roversi P. F., Campanaro A. – Osmoderma eremita (Scopoli, 1763) (Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Cetoniinae) in Circeo State Forest (Central Italy). Osmoderma eremita (Scopoli, 1763) was recorded for the first time in Circeo State Forest (SAC IT6040014) by volunteers participating at the LIFE ESC360 Project “360 volunteers for monitoring forest biodiversity in the Italian Natura 2000 Network”. This finding is the result of several surveys started in 2018 that have been carried out using different sampling methodologies, including a conservation detection dog. Two male specimens of O.eremita have been collected in summer 2021, by the use of black cross windows traps baited with the species pheromone. This record provides new information on the scattered distribution of this species in the Latium Region and confirms the biodiversity value of Circeo State Forest. Furthermore, this result corroborates the importance of cooperation between non-experts and scientists, i.e. citizen science. This approach is essential to carry out monitoring programmes aimed at assessing the conservation status of protected species. Meanwhile, it allows to involve, educate, and raise awareness among non-experts, resulting in the establishment of a general positive mindset and attitude towards forest biodiversity. Key Words: Saproxylic beetles, Citizen Science, Foresta Demaniale del Circeo, Natura 2000, Osmoderma eremita, LIFE project