G. it. Ent., 3 (16): 291-303
August 31, 1987
Ecologia di Mesobuthus gibbosus (Brullé, 1832)
nel Pindo (Epiro e Tessaglia, Grecia)
(Scorpiones, Buthidae)
di
P. CRUCITTI & F. MARINI
Abstract - Ecology of Mesobuthus gibbosus (Brullé, 1832) in the Pindus Mountains (Epirus and Thessaly, Greece) (Scorpiones, Buthidae) - Climatic, edaphic and biotic factors are responsible for the presence of Mesobuthus gibbosus in the Pindus Mountains (central and northern Greece); their interactions are discussed too. The species lives on red soils originated by the loss of carbonate in source rocks of limestone, with different percentage of clay, rich in iron oxides; on slopes with a slight activity, mainly facing south, with denudation caused by pasture and deforestation. M. gibbosus can be considered e xerophylous and thermophylous species, however, large populations are found in biotopes - sides looking on to fluvial valleys - characterized by a certain degree of moisture. Sex-ratio is in favour of females, mainly adult, and among the possible causes, cannibalism is discussed. Some observations on feeding in captivity are also reported.
