Ricerc@Sapienza

One aim of the MIPP Project (http://www.lifemipp.eu) was to develop non-invasive monitoring methods
for selected saproxylic beetles. In this paper, a method is proposed for monitoring the larvae of Osmoderma
eremita in their natural habitat (i.e. hollow trees), using a conservation detection dog (CDD). Wood mould
sampling (WMS), the standard method to detect hermit beetles and other saproxylic insects inside tree hollows,
is time-consuming and exposes the target species and the whole saproxylic communities to some risks.

Cerambyx cerdo is a longhorn beetle widely distributed in southern and central Europe. This saproxylic beetle is generally associated with oak forests where there are mature or partially dead and sun-exposed trees. Its populations are currently threatened by forest practices such as the removal of partially dead trees and the decline in the number of old oak trees situated in open or semi-open landscapes. Thus, C. cerdo has been included in Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive.

Rosalia alpina (Linnaeus, 1758) is a large longhorn beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) which is protected by the Habitats Directive and which typically inhabits beech forests characterised by the presence of mature, dead (or moribund) and sun-exposed trees. A revision of the current knowledge on systematics, ecology and conservation of R. alpina is reported. The research was carried out as part of the LIFE MIPP project which aims to find a standard monitoring method for saproxylic beetles protected in Europe.