Proposal for a ‘sanctuary area’ dedicated to the protection of Brachytrupes megacephalus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) in the Nature Reserve of Vendicari (Sicily, Italy)

Abstract

There are numerous initiatives in the world that concern ‘sanctuaries’ or protected areas aimed for the conservation of vertebrate species. However, almost nothing exists for the conservation of insects. The project here proposed concerns Brachytrupes megacephalus, the largest gryllid in Europe and a species of ‘community interest’ as part of the EU Habitat Directive. It is uniquely adapted to sandy dunal habitats which are increasingly subjected to transformations and habitat degradation due to anthropogenic factors. The project is proposed for the Vendicari Reserve of the Sicilian Region where the species is present in well-defined areas.