The structure of Lauxaniidae (Diptera) communities in San Rossore Natural Park, Italy

Detailed knowledge of species composition of flora and fauna is a key prerequisite for effective biodiversity protection. This study presents results from a two-year research project on flies from the family Lauxaniidae in the San Rossore N.P. biosphere reserve. The collections took place in 2021 and 2022 using Malaise traps in three different habitats—the sandy sea coast (SSC), xerophilous pine forest (XPF), and meso-hygrophilous deciduous forest (MHDF). A total of 2768 individuals from 22 species of Lauxaniidae were captured. Homoneura thalhammeri and Minettia dedecor were observed for the first time in Italy. The most common species was M. plumicornis, making up a third of all captured individuals. The eudominant species included H. notata (MHF), M. plumicornis (XPF, MHF), M. dedecor, M. fasciata and M. longiseta (all XPF). These eudominant species showed flight activity with two peaks, lower in spring and higher in early autumn. The abundance and richness of Lauxaniidae species were significantly higher in forest environments (MHF, XPF) compared to coastal habitats. Species accumulation curves for all three habitats were almost asymptotic, indicating that few additional species would be expected in the studied habitats.