Berberomeloe majalis (Linnaeus, 1758), uno de los coleópteros más grandes de Europa presentes en el Campo de Gibraltar. Contribución a su etología, distribución y usos tradicionales en la provincia de Cádiz

Abstract

Inside the class insecta, we can find the family Meloidae Gylllenhaal, 1810, also known as the blisters beetles. This animals are very interesting due to their hypermetabolic development and also, their deffence based on toxic substances located in the hemolymph. One of the most known species is Berberomeloe majalis (Linnaeus, 1758), vernacularly known, in most cases, as “curita” or “carraleja” in the Cádiz Province. According to previous studies developed in this region, B.majalis seems to be distributed in a striking way. Although this species is not rare to be found in fields, it has an unequal distribution within its potential ecological niche. This could be because of to the lack of knowledge of its biology, as well as the various impacts that the species might be suffering due to human activities. Therefore, this study is approached from a biological and environmental point of view to provide information, to enhace existing knowledge. Therefore this study allows a better understanding of the Cadiz natural heritage, as well as to provide information that can contribute to the design of better conservation strategies.