Mario Zunino
Università di Urbino "Carlo Bo", DiSTeVA, Faculty Member
Se presentan algunas de las principales etapas de la historia de los estudios sobre la anatomia de las piezas genitales en los escarabajos, especialmente en lo que se refiere al uso de los caracteres genitales en la taxonomia, sistematica... more
Se presentan algunas de las principales etapas de la historia de los estudios sobre la anatomia de las piezas genitales en los escarabajos, especialmente en lo que se refiere al uso de los caracteres genitales en la taxonomia, sistematica y filogenia del grupo. Se discuten tambien algunos aspectos teoricos de la evolucion de las estructuras genitales. Finalmente, se formulan algunas consideraciones criticas sobre las actuales perspectivas de las investigaciones en taxonomia y sistematica.
Research Interests:
Abstract Onthophagus halffteri Zunino was originally described based on a single specimen (a hypertelic male), the only one known at that time. The capture of several series with an abundance of individuals allows us to now describe... more
Abstract Onthophagus halffteri Zunino was originally described based on a single specimen (a hypertelic male), the only one known at that time. The capture of several series with an abundance of individuals allows us to now describe hypertelic (major), eutelic (medium), and hypotelic (minor) males and females. Additionally, the assignment of O. halffteri to the hippopotamus line within the chevrolati group of American species of Onthophagus Latreille is confirmed, with Onthophagus hippopotamus Harold the species that is most closely related to O. halffteri. The association of O. halffteri with nests of Geomyidae (Rodentia) is established, and the conditions that separate the distribution of O. halffteri from that of O. hippopotamus are given. Onthophagus halffteri and O. hippopotamus are two species that, while practically adjacent, never overlap in a given nest. Biogeographically, O. halffteri represents the largest eastward expansion of the hippopotamus line, which is distributed along the mountains of Mexico, particularly the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Biology and Scarabaeoidea
Research Interests:
With more than 2300 species, Onthophagus Latreille, 1802 is a mega diverse genus within the subfamily Scarabaeinae. Recent revisions have yielded an over-abundance of redundant species names accumulated over the years as results of bad... more
With more than 2300 species, Onthophagus Latreille, 1802 is a mega diverse genus within the subfamily Scarabaeinae. Recent revisions have yielded an over-abundance of redundant species names accumulated over the years as results of bad and inappropriate taxonomic practices. Indeed, the difficulty of access to public entomological collections, the usage of outdated bibliographic references, as well as the description of new species based on a few specimens, and often accompanied by diagnoses largely vague, has resulted thus far in a very large number of synonyms.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The South American Pleistocene–Holocene transition has been characterized by drastic climatic and diversity changes. These rapid changes induced one of the largest and most recent extinctions in the megafauna at the continental scale.... more
The South American Pleistocene–Holocene transition has been characterized by drastic climatic and diversity changes. These rapid changes induced one of the largest and most recent extinctions in the megafauna at the continental scale. However, examples of the extinction of small animals (e.g., insects) are scarce, and the underlying causes of the extinction have been little studied. In this work, a new extinct dung beetle species is described from a late Pleistocene sequence (~15.2 k cal yr BP) at the paleoarcheological site Pilauco, Chilean Northern Patagonia. Based on morphological characters, this fossil is considered to belong to the genus Onthophagus Latreille, 1802 and named Onthophagus pilaucosp. nov. We carried out a comprehensive revision of related groups, and we analyzed the possible mechanism of diversification and extinction of this new species. We hypothesize that Onthophagus pilaucosp. nov. diversified as a member of the osculatii species-complex following migration p...
Research Interests:
... F. LE MOLI, A. MORI Parentela e convivenza nel contesto sociobiologico della selezione di gruppo in insetti eusociali * Istituto di Zoologia, Università di Parma Primaria esigenza del fondamento ... Istituto di Fisiologia Generale e... more
... F. LE MOLI, A. MORI Parentela e convivenza nel contesto sociobiologico della selezione di gruppo in insetti eusociali * Istituto di Zoologia, Università di Parma Primaria esigenza del fondamento ... Istituto di Fisiologia Generale e Speciale Veterinaria e Chi-mica Biologica, Torino. ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
In this study, we revise the taxonomy of the endemic Mexican genus Ceratotrupes Jekel, 1865. It comprises three species, distributed in the Sierra Madre Occidental and Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (Ceratotrupes fronticornis (Erichson,... more
In this study, we revise the taxonomy of the endemic Mexican genus Ceratotrupes Jekel, 1865. It comprises three species, distributed in the Sierra Madre Occidental and Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (Ceratotrupes fronticornis (Erichson, 1847) and Ceratotrupes bolivari Halffter & Martínez, 1962), and the Sierra Madre del Sur (Ceratotrupes sturmi (Jekel, 1865)). We confirm C. mniszechi (Jekel, 1865) as a junior subjective synonym of C. sturmi. The examination of the holotype of C. sturmi and specimens recently collected in the Sierra Sur de Oaxaca (Oaxaca) and Omiltemi (Guerrero) allowed us to identify and describe a new species, Ceratotrupes gonzaloi sp. nov. from Omiltemi, Guerrero. We redescribe the morphology of C. sturmi and provide a diagnostic key to the four members of the genus Ceratotrupes. Photographs of the habitus and male genitalia of the four species, a distribution map, and observations on their ecology and biogeography are provided.
Research Interests:
FIGURE 21. Distribution of the O. cyanellus species line, which hypothetically represents oldest stage of evolution of the O. chevrolati species group.
FIGURE 19. Distribution of the O. aureofuscus species complex.
FIGURE 17. Distribution of the O. fuscus species complex.
FIGURE 15. Location of the Cuetzalan cave associated fauna.
Research Interests:
Se analizo el espectro trofico de una poblacion del escarabajo rodador Sisyphus schaefferi, una especie en fuerte aumento poblacional en el area de estudio, una serrania del Noroeste de Italia. Las observaciones de campo y un estudio... more
Se analizo el espectro trofico de una poblacion del escarabajo rodador Sisyphus schaefferi, una especie en fuerte aumento poblacional en el area de estudio, una serrania del Noroeste de Italia. Las observaciones de campo y un estudio experimental demuestran por primera vez en un Sisyphini la existencia de la micetofagia, principalmente en boletaceos. Se incluyen algunas reflexiones acerca de la relacion del cambio climatico y el reemplazo de las fuentes alimenticias con el gran incremento demografico de esta especie
Research Interests: Humanities and Art
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
On the ground of a recently published book, a short review of the history of the Instituto de Eclogía is provided, as well as an appraisal of its main scientific and academic achievements
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Through examples referring to Mexican Transition Zone and Euromediterranean area faunas, the phenomenon of biogeographical transition, in its spatial and temporal dimensions, is discussed. In conclusion, we propose the following... more
Through examples referring to Mexican Transition Zone and Euromediterranean area faunas, the phenomenon of biogeographical transition, in its spatial and temporal dimensions, is discussed. In conclusion, we propose the following definition of biogeographical transition: the transition among biogeographical regions is a phenomenon that starts when a possibility of biotic exchange among different regions is established. It evolves in relation to the phisiographic evolution of the interested area and of the interactions among the biotic elements and involves modifications of biotic composition in the interested regions. It finishes when an effective barrier among the regions is re-established
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
El autor desea resaltar la importancia de la literatura naturalista latinoamericana, la cual es tan pobremente reconocida dentro del medio científico italiano. Se consideran como ejemplos paradigmáticos, las contribuciones novedosas de... more
El autor desea resaltar la importancia de la literatura naturalista latinoamericana, la cual es tan pobremente reconocida dentro del medio científico italiano. Se consideran como ejemplos paradigmáticos, las contribuciones novedosas de dos científicos y pensadores contemporáneos, Eduardo H. Rapoport de Argentina, y Gonzálo Halffter de México. Acerca de E. Rapoport, el autor discute sus ideas respecto de las estrategias geográficas de las especies y el fenómeno de contaminación biogeográfico. Con respecto a G. Hallter, el autor subraya su trayectoria científica y filosófica hacia una síntesis entre los factores ecológicos e históricos de la evolución biológica, junto con su enfoque a los problemas de conservación global y las estrategias de manejo de recursos naturales -especialmente remarcando el modelo de Reservas de la Biósfera de Halffter. Se proporciona un análisis resumido del panorama histórico sobre el enfoque original latinoamericano. Finalmente, el autor hace hincapié del r...
Research Interests:
Se presentan algunas reflexiones acerca del INECOL (Instituto de Ecología A.C., Xalapa, México) a cuarenta años de su fundación en la Ciudad de México, su sucesivo traslado a Xalapa y, algunos meses después de la publicación de un libro... more
Se presentan algunas reflexiones acerca del INECOL (Instituto de Ecología A.C., Xalapa, México) a cuarenta años de su fundación en la Ciudad de México, su sucesivo traslado a Xalapa y, algunos meses después de la publicación de un libro sobre su historia. Un breve sumario de algunos acontecimientos de especial importancia en la vida y el desarrollo del Instituto, está acompañado de una evaluación de la importancia internacional de las actividades de investigación y formación académica realizadas por la misma institución, así como de sus nuevas perspectivas ante el futuro. Al mismo tiempo, se resalta la importancia para todo investigador y científico, de conocer no solamente las obras y las ideas de quienes lo han precedido en el campo en donde desarrolla su actividad, sino también su historia y la del ambiente y de las instituciones en donde se han formado y han trabajado. Los que conocen su pasado, son los que pueden trabajar para el futuro.
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Geography and Methodology
The taxonomy of the American Onthophagus Latreille, 1802 included in the “hirculus” group is revised, and a study of their morphology allows for the delineation of five species-complexes. Herein, we provide a diagnosis of the “hirculus”... more
The taxonomy of the American Onthophagus Latreille, 1802 included in the “hirculus” group is revised, and a study of their morphology allows for the delineation of five species-complexes. Herein, we provide a diagnosis of the “hirculus” group, an illustrated key to the complexes, along with a descriptive overview of their taxonomy and geographic distribution. Onthophagus hirculus Mannerheim, 1829 is considered to be a junior synonym of O. hircus Billberg, 1815, which is here demonstrated to be a valid species name. Thus, the “hirculus” group is here renamed the “hircus” group. Furthermore, a general scheme of the genital organs of American Onthophagus is provided, including names of different anatomical parts and a brief discussion on the need for nomenclatural stability for the genitalia of scarab beetles.
Research Interests:
This paper concern the acoustic emissions and the stridulatory apparatus in the adults of Copris /ncerii/sSay species and is part of a comparativo analysis on communication mechanisms in Scarab beetles (Coleoptera). The anatomical... more
This paper concern the acoustic emissions and the stridulatory apparatus in the adults of Copris /ncerii/sSay species and is part of a comparativo analysis on communication mechanisms in Scarab beetles (Coleoptera). The anatomical features were studied from the morphofunctional standpoint by observing the stridulatory movements in vivo and analyzing the structure of the sound apparatus through a Scanning Electron Microscope. The stridulatory apparatus is made up of a pars stridens and a plectrum; it works by rubbing the plectrum against the pars stridens due to the telescopio movement of the abdominal segmenta against the elytra. Acoustic emissions of uneasiness and protest were recorded and analyzed to obtain time and frequency measurements. The sounds are typically emitted in long sequences; in accordance with the structure and morphology of the stridulatory apparatus, sounds consist in pulse-trains whose pulse-rate is modulated, but with relatively smooth variatlons. Each emissio...
Research Interests:
... Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo,”, Istituto di Ecologia e Biologia Ambientale, Via I. Maggetti 22 ... for territorial purposes and for communication among family members (Sneddon 1991; Monclús and De Miguel 2003). ...... more
... Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo,”, Istituto di Ecologia e Biologia Ambientale, Via I. Maggetti 22 ... for territorial purposes and for communication among family members (Sneddon 1991; Monclús and De Miguel 2003). ... Avila, JM, P. Sandoval Schmidt, and F. Sanchez-Pinero ...
Research Interests:
Dung beetles use excrement for feeding and reproductive purposes. Although they use a range of dung types, there have been several reports of dung beetles showing a preference for certain feces. However, exactly what determines dung... more
Dung beetles use excrement for feeding and reproductive purposes. Although they use a range of dung types, there have been several reports of dung beetles showing a preference for certain feces. However, exactly what determines dung preference in dung beetles remains controversial. In the present study, we investigated differences in dung beetle communities attracted to horse or cow dung from a functional diversity standpoint. Specifically, by examining 18 functional traits, we sought to understand if the dung beetle assembly process is mediated by particular traits in different dung types. Species specific dung preferences were recorded for eight species, two of which prefer horse dung and six of which prefer cow dung. Significant differences were found between the functional traits of the mouthparts of the dung beetles attracted to horse dung and those that were attracted to cow dung. Specifically, zygum development and the percentage of the molar area and the conjunctive area dif...
Research Interests:
Dung beetles are an ecologically important group of insect species inhabiting semi-natural grasslands in Europe. Despite their ecological importance, several dung beetle species are currently facing local threats mainly stemming from... more
Dung beetles are an ecologically important group of insect species inhabiting semi-natural grasslands in Europe. Despite their ecological importance, several dung beetle species are currently facing local threats mainly stemming from changes in land use practices, including the abandonment of pasturelands. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the progressive abandonment of grazing lands on dung beetle alpha diversity, abundance, biomass and body size classes. Areas representing a range of trophic resource availability were compared: (i) abandoned, (ii) low and (iii) moderate grazing intensity. A total of 136,884 specimens belonging to 56 species (3 Geotrupinae; 16 Scarabaeinae; 37 Aphodiinae) of dung beetle were collected. Pastureland abandonment was shown to lead to a decrease in alpha diversity and biomass density, a reduction of 22 and 78% respectively in abandoned areas. From a biomass standpoint, the effects of pastureland abandonment varied according to the body size classes of the dung beetles, with larger species proving more susceptible to local extinction. Such body-size dependent variations led us to propose the use of both biomass and abundance data in making assessments since they are differentially sensitive to trophic resource availability. Hence, from a conservationist standpoint, the obtained results suggest that traditional pastureland management with low-moderate grazing intensity should be maintained.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Sono stati riuniti i dati, pubblicati e inediti, sui coleotteri Geotrupidae e Scarabeidae degradatori delle Marche (Italia centro-orientale). L’informazione, sempre sottoposta ad analisi critica, proviene da dati originali, di... more
Sono stati riuniti i dati, pubblicati e inediti, sui coleotteri Geotrupidae e Scarabeidae degradatori delle Marche (Italia centro-orientale). L’informazione, sempre sottoposta ad analisi critica, proviene da dati originali, di bibliografia, e da quelli ricavati dallo studio diretto di collezioni pubbliche e private. Per ogni specie è riportata una scheda bibliografica, la distribuzione geografica generale ed i dati di bionomia. E’ registrato un totale di 33 specie per complessive 138 località.Viene confermata la presenza di 4 specie di Scarabeidae già citate per la Regione ma non riferite nella recente “Checklist e distribuzione della Fauna Italiana” (Carpaneto et al., 2005), più un’ulteriore specie che risulta nuova per le Marche. Il numero delle località indagate si incrementa sensibilmente nei confronti della letteratura. Vengono citati, per la loro importanza generale, anche alcuni lavori che non coinvolgono direttamente l’area.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT
Research Interests:
Grazing extensification and intensification are among the main problems affecting European grasslands. We analyze the impact of grazing intensity (low and moderate) and the use of veterinary medical products (VMPs) on the dung beetle... more
Grazing extensification and intensification are among the main problems affecting European grasslands. We analyze the impact of grazing intensity (low and moderate) and the use of veterinary medical products (VMPs) on the dung beetle community in the province of Pesaro-Urbino (Italy). Grazing intensity is a key factor in explaining the diversity of dung beetles. In the case of the alpha diversity component, sites with a low level of grazing activity—related in a previous step to the subsequent abandonment of traditional farming—is characterized by a loss of species richness (q = 0) and a reduction in alpha diversity at the levels q = 1 and q = 2. In the case of beta diversity, sites with a different grazing intensity show remarkable differences in terms of the composition of their species assemblages. The use of VMPs is another important factor in explaining changes in dung beetle diversity. In sites with a traditional use of VMPs, a significant loss of species richness and biomass ...
Research Interests:
Sample of a book published in 2010, available from 1st author
Research Interests:
A collection of chapters concerning several aspects of systematics, bionomy and biogeography of Coleopterans, edited by M. Zunino, X. Bellés, M. Blas
Research Interests:
The biogeographical standpoint of Léon Croizat is revisited, and Panbiogeographical concepts are applied to several study cases. Two papers by Croizat are reported as Appendices. Introduction and Afterwords are written by theEditor, as... more
The biogeographical standpoint of Léon Croizat is revisited, and Panbiogeographical concepts are applied to several study cases. Two papers by Croizat are reported as Appendices. Introduction and Afterwords are written by theEditor, as well as 64 footnotes and 29 additional references
Research Interests:
A critical Spanish edition of the main classic papers by Vladimir I. Vernadsky on earth-life system
Research Interests:
Chromosome number is reported for G. sterquilinus, and results of different stainig techniques are preliminarily discussed
Research Interests:
On the ground of personal field observation, we hypotize a behavioural plasticity of E. arachnoides, higher than that of remaining Eucraniina beetles
Research Interests:
"Aberrant" behaviours in Coleopterans are preliminarily reported and discussed
Research Interests:
Food Relocation Behaviour by adult O. pastillarius (Coleoptera: Trogidae) is firstly described
Research Interests:
Within species invasions, differences between intentional introduction and successively favored indigenation, and other ways of invasion, are stressed. Some study cases are reported, and the concept of Biological Pollution is defined
Research Interests:
Ethological and evolutive characteristics of E. arachnoides (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Eucraniini) were studied under both field and laboratory conditions
Research Interests:
Amerini R. & R. Battiston (2014): a few comments to a recent paper paper Recently uploaded to Academia.edu, the paper " La sottile linea di confine tra lo scoiattolo rosso Sciurus vulgaris e lo scoiattolo grigio Sciurus carolinensis " is... more
Amerini R. & R. Battiston (2014): a few comments to a recent paper paper Recently uploaded to Academia.edu, the paper " La sottile linea di confine tra lo scoiattolo rosso Sciurus vulgaris e lo scoiattolo grigio Sciurus carolinensis " is very interesting for all people committed with conservation, ecology, and biogeography. However, in my opinion, the paper shows a great shallowness as regards the bibliographical information. In particular, it was not taken into account any of the papers published on the subject by Currado from 1987 to 2004. I suggest that authors consult the works of the late Prof. Italo Currado about the gray squirrel, and another species of squirrel introduced in Europe, including Italy, according to a process defined by the writer as "biogeographical Pollution". Italo Currado (1936 – 2005), Professor at the Faculty of Agronomy of the University of Turin,was among the most important experts of North American gray squirrel, at world level. He sounded the alarm against illegal import of these rodents, demonstrating the danger for the native species (red squirrel), so that is facing extinction, and the harmfulness to hazelnut crops in the Roero, Langhe and Monferrato. Follows a series of references to the work of Currado.
Research Interests:
Cantor fractal and phylogenetic trees: a self-criticism by the first author of " Biogeografiia " In chapter 2 of the book, the authors discuss the theory of evolutionary and phylogenetic trees, as one of the preconditions for... more
Cantor fractal and phylogenetic trees: a self-criticism by the first author of " Biogeografiia " In chapter 2 of the book, the authors discuss the theory of evolutionary and phylogenetic trees, as one of the preconditions for biogeographic analyses, especially when applying historical and evolutionary approaches. As part of such discussion, starting from some ideas independently published by Green (1991) and Burlando (1990, 1993), Zunino and Zullini wrote " a relevant case has to do precisely with the evolutionary trees. A perfect dichotomous tree (without extinctions) is assimilated to the Cantor fractal, that is, to a figure that is obtained by repeatedly dividing a segment into three (P = 3, p = 1), with the elimination of the central and the formation of two new segments (N = 2). If we transcribe each segment as a branching diagram (Fig. 2.21) we obtain a tree whose terminal branches have a fractal dimension". And also: "Both the evolution of living beings and its graphic representation have a fractal dimension". These ideas were already included in the first edition of the book (published in in Italian in 1995) and remained unchanged in the successive revised editions in Spanish (2003), Italian (2004) and Russian (2010), even if the issue had been the subject of extensive discussions between the two authors. However, during the most recent years, the relations between fractal geometry and organic evolution have been deepened by several authors (Anh et al. 2003; Yu & Anh 2006, and quoted literature). Therefore, the following considerations intend to stimulate further reflections among naturalists, taxonomists, biogeographers and evolutionary biologists on our relationships with mathematicians, as regards the reconstruction of phylogenies of living beings and their mathematical and graphical representations.