Forum Entomologi Italiani

On 40 years of Coleoptera collection, until May 2015, never found a specimen of Aphanisticus pygmaeus.
But the last six months, were found five specimens of that species in 4 different localities of Greece (Larisa, Boeotia, Euboea and Attica - June, July, August and December respectively).
No, it wasn't "the year of Aphanisticus pygmaeus".
It was something that changed on the way of searching, I began for the first time to shake a small herb (Poaceae family), with a height of about 20-25 cm, to which until now, I did not give any importance.
It is a very common plant in Greece, especially at low altitudes. The insect was found in all cases, at a distance of 0-8 km. from the sea.
Thus, I think that it is the host-plant of Aphanisticus pygmaeus.
I do not know the plant's name, nor know if it is possible to identify a plant with these photos.
So, please help ...

I think this post must be moved to "Domande e risposte", because it's not a request for identification of insects.

I found this species only once, near my home (see here), but I wasn't able to find its host-plant, because I found specimens in flooded field. However, I think to remember there were some plants very similar to yours, in that field. One of these days I'll go to take a look. I think we must look among species in these genera: Cynodon, Chloris, or perhaps Digitaria. Perhaps could it be the very common Cynodon dactylon?

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Maurizio Gigli
http://utenti.romascuola.net/bups
http://bup.xoom.it/

I agree with Maurizio.
Digitaria, Chloris are annual, but in this case, I think I see the runners that indicate that it's a perennial species.
I think so too it is the very common and ubiquitous "Weed" = Cynodon dactylon Pers. (in Italian: Gramigna ).

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Thank you very much Maurizio,
I saw many photos of these 3 genera on the Internet, and also I read a little.
Indeed it is probably Cynodon dactylon, is extremely similar.
I recall these earlier discussions about the host-plant of A. pygmaeus, for this reason it was published this.
Perhaps your next visit to your nearby area, will give new findings.

Yes Leonardo, it resembles to a perennial plant.

OK, for the transfer to "Domande e risposte".

Ciao from Athens,
George

Today I went just a hour in a place not far from Rome (locality in EXIF data) to try to find insects (or simply to go outside after about one month). At soon as I left my car, I found a place full of Cynodon dactylon. Here, around Rome, and more or less everywhere in Italy, it's an extremely common species.

It seems very similar to you plant (consider the different season).

Next Spring and Summer I'll try to sweep it to find Aphanisticus pygmaeus.

But if it is its host-plant, it couldn't be its unique host-plant, because it is not native of Europe.

Probably A. pygmaeus lived originally in Poaceae of some related genera.

_________________
Maurizio Gigli
http://utenti.romascuola.net/bups
http://bup.xoom.it/