Berberomeloe insignis subsp. insignis

Berberomeloe insignis insignis (Charpentier, 1818) Meloe insignis Charpentier in Germar, 1818: 258. Type locality: “ Spanien ” Berberomeloe insignis (Charpentier, 1818): García-París, 1998: 99. Description. Detailed descriptions of B. insignis s. l. were provided by García-París (1998) and Sánchez-Vialas et al. (2020). Currently, only the information derived from populations of B. insignis s. l. from Murcia refers to this subspecific taxon. This subspecies corresponds to the B 1 lineage as defined by Sánchez-Vialas et al. (2023). Diagnosis and comparisons. Berberomeloe insignis insignis can be differentiated from other taxa of the B. insignis species group by the presence of (1) two symmetric red- to orange-colored blotches over the temples that do not extend anteromedially as a lobate projection above the ocular margin; (2) absence of a V- or Y-shaped mark on the frons; (3) strongly elongated antennomeres in both sexes; (4) elongated male genitalia (Fig. 9). From B. insignis trisanguinatus ssp. nov. (B 2 lineage) it can be readily differentiated by the lack of the red V- or Y-shaped mark on the frons, different shape of male antennomeres VII – XI and more elongated female antennomeres VII – XI. From B. nazari sp. nov. it differs by a more regular shape of the marks of the temples, that do not extend to the frons bordering the upper ocular margin area, by different shape of male antennomeres VII – XI, and by more elongated antennomeres VII – XI in female. The most phenotypically similar populations to Berberomeloe insignis insignis are those from Campo de Dalías and southern Sierra de Gádor (lineage C 2) from which it can be distinguished by the closer proximity of the blotches on the temples in the occipital area, distinct shapes of male antennomeres VIII – XI, and by the more elongated antennomeres VII – XI in female (Table S 5). Variability. Females have the last exposed abdominal tergite VIII rounded, not emarginated at its posterior margin, with antennomeres IX, VII, and V less widened apically, and the last antennomere wider in its apical area. Distribution and notes on natural history. According to the available distribution data, this subspecies is endemic to the province of Murcia, primarily inhabiting coastal and subcoastal areas from sea level to 630 m a. s. l .. Some populations extend inland up to 30 km from the coast, particularly around Sierra de Carrascoy (Majal Blanco) and South to the city of Murcia (Algezares) (García-París and Ruiz 2011; Table S 4). Within this range, B. insignis insignis occupies xerothermic scrublands with sparse low vegetation (Fig. 10), such as Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam., Maytenus senegalensis (Lam.) Excell, Periploca angustifolia Labill., Pistacia lentiscus L., Chamaerops humilis L., Retama sphaerocarpa (L.) Boiss., Calicotome intermedia C. Presl, Launaea arborescens (Batt.) Murb., Anthyllis cytisoides L., Rhamnus lycioides L., Gypsophila struthium Loefl., and Macrochloa tenacissima (L.) Kunth (see Alcaráz and Peinado 1987; Sánchez-Gómez et al. 1998; Valle 2003; Carrión et al. 2008). This habitat also supports biogeographically significant plant species, such as Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters, which is native to North Africa, Malta, and the Spanish province of Murcia (Esteve Selma et al. 2017), along with other species endemic to Murcia: Limonium carthaginense (Rouy) C. E. Hubb & Sandwith, Teucrium carthaginense Lange, Astragalus nitidiflorus Jiménez & Pau, and Asparagus macrorrhizus Pedrol. Adults of this subspecies have been observed feeding on flowers of Convolvulus L. and leaves of Asteraceae (authors pers. obs.). We have revised the coordinates of “ Algezares ” as reported by Sánchez-Vialas et al. (2023). The correct location is not in the town of Algezares in the northern part of the province of Murcia, but rather in the neighborhood of Algezares, located south of the city of Murcia, near the Sierra de Carrascoy. It has been found in sympatry with Berberomeloe majalis (Linnaeus, 1758) in the surroundings of Isla Plana (authors pers. obs.).