Distribution of two Epomis species (Carabidae, Chlaeniini) in Israel, with notes on their habitat

Abstract

The records of Epomis dejeani Dejean, 1831 and E. circumscriptus (Duftschmid, 1812) in Israel are summarized and their geographical distribution is described. The two Epomis species are mainly found in the northern and central parts of Israel, but also extend southward to the Central Negev region and Arava Valley. Museum records combined with the present survey data suggest a relatively wide albeit patchy distribution of Epomis in Israel. Whereas the records suggest that E. dejeani is relatively more abundant than E. circumscriptus in Israel, records for other regions in the Palaearctic Region suggest the opposite. However, at least in Italy, E. circumscriptus is rare and recommended for listing as a critically endangered species. In none of the surveys conducted in Israel over four consecutive years were the two species recorded from the same site. None of the habitat parameters examined (vicinity to a water body; soil moisture; vegetation cover; presence of amphibians, or soil type) revealed any prominent difference in habitat choice by the two species. Epomis larvae feed exclusively on amphibians, and indeed we found the beetles sharing their habitat with amphibians during the beetles’ breeding period. In conclusion, in the absence of either a physical barrier or any apparent habitat difference, the segregation of the species to different sites may be a case of sympatric species that do not occur at the same sites.

To cite: Wizen, G., Drees, C. & Gasith, A. 2012. Distribution of two Epomis species (Carabidae, Chlaeniini) in Israel, with notes on their habitat. Israel Journal of Entomology 41–42: 95–106.