A new genus of the tribe Ephippigerini, Dinarippiger Skejo, Kasalo, Fontana et Tvrtković gen. nov., is described based on the characters of occiput coloration, tegmina coloration, cerci and pronotum ...shape. The new genus is morphologically intermediate between the genera Ephippiger Berthold, 1827 and Uromenus Bolívar, 1878, and presently includes only Dalmatian Saddle Bush Cricket, Dinarippiger discoidalis (Fieber, 1853) comb. nov., hitherto known as Ephippiger discoidalis Fieber, 1853. The species inhabits NE Italy (mainly Carso Triestino), SW Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro, i.e., islands and karst habitats along the eastern Adriatic coast, with isolated findings in Albania and Italy. Its prominent variation in size and coloration has already produced many synonyms (= limbata Fischer, 1853, = limbata var. major Krauss, 1879, = limbata var. minor Krauss, 1879, = selenophora Fieber, 1853, = sphacophila Krauss, 1879), which may suggest that what is currently regarded as a single species could represent a complex of distinct species with restricted distributions. This study also presents an annotated distribution map and a bioacoustic analysis of D. discoidalis comb. nov. Further research, especially adopting molecular methods, is necessary to assess possible cryptic diversity within the genus Dinarippiger gen. nov. and elucidate its evolutionary history.
The American bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus is one of the 100 worst alien species in the world. It has been introduced to several European countries. During our field search activities in May 2014 ...and June 2015, a male bullfrog advertisement call was heard at Fiesa Lakes in Slovenia. On September 2015, a male specimen of the American bullfrog was caught in a funnel trap at the same location. These are the first records of the occurrence of this invasive species in Slovenia. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate if an actual population is present in the area. Eradication measures should commence immediately as chances for the establishment of naturalized bullfrog populations here are high.
On the basis of morphology of the gonopodium and fin ray counts it was determined that the introduced mosquitofish in Slovenia belong to the species Gambusia holbrooki Girard, 1859 rather than G. ...affinis (Baird & Girard, 1858). This finding is in accordance with European literature sources but not with Slovene literature, where both taxa are lumped together.
In summer 2004, Chorthippus apricarius was found on Bloke plateau. This finding confirms the presence of this species in Slovenia, which was previously only documented in two unpublished camp reports.