Invertebrate Fauna of Wadi Al-Quff Protected Area, Palestine

Abstract

We report results of a preliminary survey of the invertebrate fauna of Wadi Al-Quff area (occupied Palestine). We recorded 23 species of butterflies in 5 families. Moths were a difficult group to classify but we have at least 45 species. Dragon flies and damsel flies were noted in the Wadi Hasaka area. Four mantids in three families, two species of stick insects, one earwig species (Dermeptera) and at least seven species of Orthoptera were noted. There were at least 13 species of Hemiptera (true bugs) and 5 species of Neuroptera (netwing insects). We noted at least 13 species in ten families of the Order Diptera (the flies). We also collected/observed at least 17 species of Hymenoptera in eight families. In the Order Blattoidae (roaches), we noted two species only but the Order Coleoptera (Beetles) was very richly represented with at least 23 species in 10 families. Among parasitic arthropods we collected two species of fleas and three species of ticks (Ixodidae), one of the latter involved in transmittal of spotted fever. Five species of scorpions were noted, the largest being the Jericho or Mt. Nebo scorpion Nebo hierichonticus and the smallest being the brown scorpion Compsubuthus werneri. Two species of pseudoscorpions and two species of camel spiders were collected. A more difficult group was the regular spiders (Araneae) and we noted over two dozen species in at least 8 families. We have some specimens of Collembola and of small spiders that likely represent new taxa. Five Chilopod species (centipedes), one woodlouse (Isopoda), and the very common Syrian Millipede (Order Diplopoda) round the arthropods (joint legged animals). Two species of earthworms were identified but others likely occur. A significant biodiversity of molluscs (snails and one slug) was noted with at least 13 species. While this was a preliminary work on invertebrates and much more remains to be done in alpha level taxonomy, the report adds to the ones in this series identifying fauna and flora and emphasizes the need for implementing the management plan for WAQ nature reserve.