Arnold Sciberras

A major threat to biodiversity is represented by Invasive Alien Species (IAS), particularly on freshwater ecosystems, which are already heavily altered by human activities. Two of the most pernicious IAS are the eastern and western mosquitofish, i.e., Gambusia holbrooki and G. affinis. These two poeciliids are morphologically very close to each oth...

In this study, we conducted a survey in the only Maltese marine cave (Ħarq Ħammiem) to assess the amphipod communities. The investigation revealed the first record of Neogammarus karamani (Stock, 1971) for the Maltese archipelago and its eyeless habitus, never detected before.

One of the most frequently translocated species outside their native range in Europe are water frogs of the genus Pelophylax. Recently, water frogs belonging to the same genus have also been recorded on the island of Gozo in Malta. To trace their origin, we genetically examined 17 individuals from three Gozitan localities where water frogs have bee...

Specimens of two uncommon fish species, Schedophilus medusophagus and Petromyzon marinus, were recently collected in nearshore waters off the island of Malta in the central Mediterranean. Several morphological and biological parameters for the specimens are described. The findings ascertain the occurrence of the two species in the area and corrobor...

One of the most frequently translocated species outside their native range in Europe are water frogs of the genus Pelophylax . Recently, water frogs belonging to the same genus have also been recorded on the island of Gozo in Malta. To trace their origin, we genetically examined 17 individuals from three Gozitan localities where water frogs have be...

The invasive portunid species Callinectes sapidus is hereby recorded for the first time from Maltese waters, thus updating the known distribution of this decapod of Atlantic origin within the Mediterranean. Potential introduction pathways of the species to Maltese waters are discussed.

The marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis) represents a very recently evolved partheno-genetic freshwater crayfish species that has invaded diverse habitats in Europe and in Madagascar. However, population genetic analyses have been hindered by the homogeneous genetic structure of the population and the lack of suitable tools for data analysis....

Kleptoparasitic behavior was observed by the authors in P. tiliguerta and P. filfolensis. That this behavior has been observed in two mediterranean species of Podarcis, independently parasitizing on species of Camponotus ant, suggests there is benefit to kleptoparasitism on Camponotus spp. in Mediterranean ecosystems.

Climate change and manifold other anthropogenic influences are the main driving factors for changes in marine ecosystems. Characterising these changes is of great interest and can be made possible through the adoption of marine shelled mollusca as bioindicators. Malta is renowned for its rich diversity of mollusc species, including rare and endemic...

Climate change and manifold other anthropogenic influences are the main driving factors for changes in marine ecosystems. Characterising these changes is of great interest and can be made possible through the adoption of marine shelled mollusca as bioindicators. Malta is renowned for its rich diversity of mollusc species, including rare and endemic...

Tucked away in the south-east coastal corner of the island of Gozo, a stone’s throw from the busy Mġarr Harbour, is Xatt l-Aħmar. It owes its name to the reddish hues of the surrounding soils and of the sand it contains. The site is a treasure trove both for geologists and geomorphologists, because of the variety of its landforms (e.g. the widest s...

The distribution area of the tufted ghost crab Ocypode cursor includes two widely separate sub-areas, i.e. the tropical and subtropical Atlantic coasts of Africa and Macaronesia, and the central-eastern Mediterranean basin. The current disjunct distribution of the species is possibly the remnant of a previous wider and continuous distribution area...

The upside-down jellyfish—Cassiopea andromeda (Forsskål, 1775)—is considered an established alien within the eastern Mediterranean Sea, but the species exhibits a highly sporadic occurrence further west within the basin. This study reports the second documented bloom of the species within coastal waters in the Maltese Islands and the third bloom of...

Invasive species can cause significant changes in local and regional ecologies, especially in freshwater ecosystems. It is thus important to monitor and document the spread of non-indigenous species to such habitats as such information can be critical to preserving habitats and species. We document the spread of the red swamp crayfish Procambarus c...

Evidence available for most inland water and terrestrial organisms highlights the significant role played by southern Italy, Sicily and the Maltese islands as refuges during Pleistocene climatic fluctuations. However, to date, the hypothesis that these areas may have acted as Pleistocene refugia for the freshwater crab Potamon fluviatile has not be...

Overview of the two marine citizen science campaigns Spot the Jellyfish and Spot the Alien Fish and preliminary results emerging from the two campaigns

We present new faunistic records of mites and harvestmen from the Maltese Archipelago and reviewed available data on the faunistics of the class Arachnida of the Archipelago. Literature records of Arachnids are rather scarce and uncomprehensive and up to date, checklists dealing with them have not been published except for spiders and gall mites. A...

The occurrence of the white-spotted Australian jellyfish Phyllorhiza punctata Lendenfeld, 1884, an Indo-Pacific scyphozoan species mainly restricted to the Levantine Basin, is hereby reported for the first time from Maltese waters (western Mediterranean) and from the Ionian coast of Italy. Considerations on possible vectors of introduction of the j...

Ocypode cursor (Linnaeus, 1758) is the only Ocypode species present in the Mediterranean Sea, and one of the nine marine crustacean species protected in the basin. It is widely distributed in the eastern Mediterranean, but knowledge about its presence in the central Mediterranean is very limited so far. We hereby first document the established pres...

A further record of the blue swimmer crab Portunus segnis Forskal, 1775 Abstract The occurrence of the blue swimmer crab Portunus segnis, a Lessepsian species, within Maltese coastal waters is recorded for the second time. A single male was caught form the shore by means of rod fishing. The individual was caught from a depth of 3 m in close proximi...

The first earthworm report from Malta lists seven species; six species from the Holarctic family Lumbricidae and one species from the Mediterranean family Hormogastridae. Apart from the Circum-Mediterranean Octodrilus complanatus (Dugès, 1828) and the Trans-Aegean Octodrilus transpadanus (Rosa, 1884) the other four lumbricid species recorded are wi...

A new species of chigger mite, Lacertacarus sardiniensis sp. nov., is described from a lizard Podarcis tiliguerta (Gmelin) collected in Sardinia. One species, Ericotrombidium caucasicum (Schluger, 1967), previously known from Southern Russia and Southern Ukraine, is recorded for the first time on the lizards Podarcis filfolensis (Bedriaga) and Poda...

The first records of the widespread Palaearctic orb-weaver spider Araneus angulatus Clerck,1757 (Araneae, Araneidae) from the Sicilian and Maltese islands are reported.

This paper represents the first contribution on the vascular flora of the stack named Faraglione di Levanzo and of three satellite islets of Favignana, i.e. Prèveto, Galeotta and a stack located at Cala Rotonda. A sketch of their vegetation pattern is also provided, as well as a list of all the terrestrial fauna, with some more detailed information...

The expansion–contraction (EC) model predicts demographic and range contraction of temperate species during Pleistocene glaciations as a consequence of climate-related habitat changes, and provides a paradigm for explaining the high intraspecific diversity found in refugia in terms of long-term demographic stability. However, recent evidence has re...

The psammophilic genus Tylos Audouin, 1826 is represented within the Mediterranean basin as two species: T. ponticus Grebnicki, 1874, and T. europaeus Arcangeli, 1938, according to Taiti and Ferrara (1996). It is impossible to define precisely the current distribution of the two species, mainly because, in literature, both taxa have been described...

A walk on site easily reveals the rich floral diversity of the site, which is extensively described in a separate article. The presence of this vegetative biosphere is surely one of the keys to allowing any fauna to colonise, starting off with the common species not exclusive to this site. However, less common fauna, seldom seen elsewhere, also inh...

The first record of Menemerus fagei Berland & Millot 1941 (Araneae, Salticidae) from the Maltese Islands is reported and discussed. It is the 20th jumping spider species for Malta and a new record for Europe.

This study aimed to collect new taxonomic and distribution data on Phaleria bimaculata (L.) (Coleoptera Tenebrionidae) from Sicily (southern Italy), the circum-Sicilian islands and the Maltese archipelago. Particular attention was paid to the diagnostic morphological features observed in the populations sampled, focusing on the subspecies Phaleria...

It is estimated that sandy beaches cover only 2.2 per cent of the Maltese coastline. Although small in size, Maltese pocket beaches exhibit complex geomorphological interactions. A granulometric analysis of Maltese beach deposits may thus shed further light on the understanding of these interactive processes and provide baseline information on how...

For this study, the terrestrial malacofauna of minor islets of the Maltese archipelago was investigated. A number of new records were found and synthesized with previous records to produce a comprehensive list of species. A brief commentary on the population, environment, habitat, and morphology for most species is given.

st International Congress "Insularity and Biodiversity", May 11 th -13 th , 2012 -Palermo (Italy) The present study provides an updated list of flora species encountered in multiple visits carried out during 2010-2012 to the satellite islets surrounding the Maltese Archipelago.

As in other geographic situations, Maltese populations of the common Mediterranean wall gecko, Tarentola mauritanica, were found to be simultaneously infested by two species of geckobians, Geckobia loricata and Geckobia estherae n.sp.. The latter species exhibits modified scale-like setae. The geckobians, protected ventrally by such scale-like seta...

Two specimens of Hypolimnas misippus (Linnaeus, 1764) are reported in the Maltese islands.

Another specimen of Aglais urticae (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Maltese Islands is reported in this work. Such a specimen represents the third Maltese record, and it is presumed to be a casual immigrant species. All previous records are discussed.

Although the neuropteran species Synclisis baetica was recorded in the Maltese Islands (Central Mediterranean) way back in 1996, and is the largest neuropteran species on the Islands, no research on the local ecology of this species has ever been conducted. This study summarises the observations on the behaviour of the species made in the wild with...

KEY WORDS The present work aims to contribute to existing knowledge on Mammalia species occurring on Comino and its satellite islets and to provide additional records collected between the years 1998-2012. At the present state of knowledge, on the islands of the Maltese Archipelago there are 19 different species of terrestrial mammals (Erinaceomorp...

In this paper we report data on the historical and recent status of all dragonfly species (Insecta, Odonata) recorded for the Sicilian Channel islands: the Pelagie islands and Pantelleria, politically belonging to Italy, and Maltese Archipelago islands. The number of species known for the former group of islands raises from 7 to 20. Of these, 2 are...

The invasive Melanoides tuberculata (Müller, 1774), a freshwater and brackish water snail, is reported from Mosta and Baħrija in Malta. Shells from these populations are morphologically distinct from a population at Salini first recorded in 1981.

The author reports the first record of Anax ephippiger successfully breeding in the Maltese islands along with its behaviour documented locally. RIASSUNTO Segnalazione del primo caso di riproduzione di Anax ephippiger nelle isole Maltesi (Insecta Odo-nata). L'autore riporta diverse osservazioni di Anax ephippiger nelle isole Maltesi; tra queste vi...

The first records of Orthetrum chrysostigma (Odonata, Libellulidae) Burmeister,1839, from the Maltese Islands are reported in this study.

_____________________________________________________________ Notes on two Ortopthera of the Maltese Islands (Acridoidea). Arnold SCIBERRAS 1 _______________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT The presence of Oedipoda caerulescens (Linnaeus 1758) on the Maltese Islands is confirmed while the occurrence of Sphingonotus...

_____________________________________________________________ Taeniopygia guttata (Vieillot, 1817) (Avifauna: Passeridae, Estrildidae) establish a semi feral breeding population in Malta. ABSTRACT A population of Zebra Finches Taeniopygia guttata is being documented for the first time locally to establish itself in a semi feral state. Other relevan...

This present study provides a list of flora species encountered during multiple visits to the following locations listed below during 1998-2010. The majority of species are new records to the respective locations. Also the distributions of various species found and a general description on topography of each islet is given.

_______________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT The occurrence of Limoniun sinuatum L., Malephora crocea var purpureo crocea Schwantes J. , Pennisetum setaceum (Forsskal.) Chiov. and Viola alba Bess. In the Maltese Islands is recorded. Considerations are also made on the distribution of Cyperus alternifolius L. and...

Two new records of Hemiptera Coreidae, Leptoglossus occidentalis (Heidemann, 1910) and Gonocerus insidiator (Fabricius, 1787) are recorded from the Maltese islands (Central Mediterranean).

_____________________________________________________________ A note on aggressive male mating behavior of Papilio machaon melitensis Eller, 1936. (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae). __________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT In this short work two instances of aggressive mating behaviour are recorded for t...

___________________________________________________________ Aglais io (Linneus, 1758) in the Maltese Islands (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae). Denis CACHIA 1 and Arnold SCIBERRAS 2 _______________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT The appearance of two specimens of Aglais io (Linneus, 1758) in the Maltese Islands is reporte...

Not much study has been made on the fauna of Xrobb 1-Ghagin, but nonetheless, here one can find some of the rarest species, especially those that belong to the invertebrates' phyla, including a few orthopteran (grasshoppers, crickets) species. Some uncommon bird species also take refuge here but these are dealt in a separate article within this boo...

Lobotes surinamensis is considered as a rare occurrence in the Mediterranean Sea, being mainly encountered in the eastern and central areas of the basin. The species was previously recorded only once from the Maltese Islands, from offshore waters 45 miles south of the islands. Numerous recent records of the species in Maltese nearshore waters sugge...

This short study focuses on whether the Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.Family :Apiaceae) is native to the Maltese islands or not. Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (The Fennel) is a member of the carrot family, Apiaceae . Like many species of this family, it is very well adapted to live in arid conditions. F.vulgare is so adapted to the Maltese climate tha...

In July 2008 Orthetrum nitidinerve was observed and collected on the Maltese Islands. Records were taken in several localities. Orthetrum nitidinerve is new to the fauna of the Maltese Islands, which now includes 16 species of Odonata. Zusammenfassung Erstnachweis von Orthetrum nitidinerve auf den Maltesischen Inseln (Odonata: Libelluli-dae) — Im J...

Lobotes surinamensis is considered as a rare occurrence in the Mediterranean Sea, being mainly encountered in the eastern and central areas of the basin. The species was previously recorded only once from the Maltese Islands, from offshore waters 45 miles south of the islands. Numerous recent records of the species in Maltese nearshore waters sugge...

Reported in this short note are some observations on the introduced avifauna of Comino Island and observed interactions with local herpetofauna.

Potamon fluviatile lanfrancoi is being recorded in this study from a new locality in Malta: Wied Għajn Żejtuna, Mellieha. Individual crabs, exuviae, carcasses, snail shell fragments and excavated mud piles were discovered at various points of the valley, conclusively indicating the presence of the species.

Considerations are made on the historical distribution of Helichrysum melitense, Hyoseris frutescens and Matthiola incana subsp. melitensis, three floral species endemic to the Maltese Islands, whilst new records for the three species are also reported. A new variety of Matthiola incana subsp. melitensis is also recorded, whilst biogeographical asp...

Individuals of each and every species of living organism grow and develop in such a way which depends upon mainly on their surrounding environment and importantly also on their genetic makeup. Certain species such as certain trees are genetically programmed to withstand and adapt to a range of habitat, especially on an individual level/basis. Examp...

Lobotes surinamensis is considered as a rare occurrence in the Mediterranean Sea, being mainly encountered in the eastern and central areas of the basin. The species was previously recorded only once from the Maltese Islands, from offshore waters 45 miles south of the islands. Numerous recent records of the species in Maltese nearshore waters sugge...

T HE only living lacertid on the Maltese Islands is the Maltese wall lizard, Podarcis filfolensis (Bedriaga 1876), a species endemic to the Maltese Islands and the Pelagian Islands of Linosa and Lampione (Lanza, 1972). Four races of this lizard have been named from the various islands of the Maltese group and one race from the Pelagian Islands: fil...

During the period 1987-1988 a Calopteryx specimen was found dead in a rock pool at Marsascala. This was a first record of this genus on the Maltese Islands. In this paper we discuss the possibilities of its occurrence and our conclusion to the identification of the specimen as Calopteryx virgo meridionalis.

_____________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT The present work aims to contribute to and compare existing knowledge on Odonata species occurring in the Maltese Islands by providing additional records collected between the years 2000-2008.

Mainly within the last ten years, the number of species of Odonata known from the Maltese Islands has increased from nine resident and two migrant species to 13 res-idents and two migrants. The former migrant species now regularly breed in the is-lands. The literature on the Odonata of Malta is reviewed, and an overview of the flight season data is...

The complete contents, amounting to 380 papers and short communications, of three local natural history periodicals are hereby listed and categorised to facilitate future retrieval by other co-workers.

The population of the endemic Maltese Wall-lizard, Podarcis filfolensis, on the small island of Selmunett (10.9 ha), off the northeast coast of the island of Malta, has been described as a distinct subspecies P.f.kieselbachi. Selmunett is a protected site and its lizard is a protected species. Reports of a pronounced decline in the Selmunett lizard...

C HAMALEO chamaleon is not indigenous to Malta, having probably been introduced between the dates of 1846–1865, but has subsequently become established, spreading to practically every corner of the Maltese Islands. This species has few predators locally and is generally difficult to spot. Also it is generally found in shrub and tree habitats where...

We document the occurrence of Bedriaga's frog Rana bedriagae Camerano, 1882 in the freshwater pool of L-Ghadira ta' Sarraflu on the island of Gozo, one of the very few naturally occurring permanent bodies of water in the Maltese Islands, and a protected site. The frog is an alien species that appears to have been deliberately introduced in the late...

The Maltese Wall Lizard, Podarcis filfolensis, exists in a number of isolated populations, some of which have been given formal scientific names as subspecies. Special attention was given to the population of P.filfolensis kieselbachi, which is endemic to Selmunett Island due to the fact of its rapid decrease. The prime suspect for this matter is R...