Elevated Extinction Risk of the Sicilian Endemic Dociostaurus minutus (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Dociostaurini), with Conservation and Taxonomic Considerations

Dociostaurus minutus is one of the smallest European acridids and is closely associated with the dune systems of southeastern Sicily. It is a highly brachypterous species, having very short first and atrophic second wings, and its population is now considered to be in serious decline due to the degradation, fragmentation, and poor management of the island’s dune systems. Although there are seven Natura 2000 sites in the area where this endemic species occurs, in most of them, the dunes have been leveled and covered by greenhouses or other illegal constructions. The authors draw a brief comparison with the four other short-winged Dociostaurus species in the western Mediterranean, demonstrating the uniqueness of D. minutus compared to other short-winged species. They also present the current status of this species, suggesting some guidelines for the future protection of Sicilian dunes.