Solariola gestroi species group (14)

(Figs 45a, 45b, 45c, 45d, 45e, 45f, 45g, 45h, 45i, 45j,45k, 45l, 45m, 45n)

Diagnosis. A Solariola group of small or medium size species (TL: 2.20–3.60 mm; BL: 1.90–3.00 mm) with elytra oblong more or less elongate oval (EL: 1.35–2.20 mm, EW: 0.73–1.16 mm, EL/EW: 1.75–1.90) and body shape suboval. Epistome absent. Rostrum more or less short (RL: 0.35–0.55 mm, RW: 0.25–0.40 mm, RL/RW: 1.17–1.75). Mesorostrum carinae generally with divergent sides, sometimes parallel. Forehead convex (FW/MW: 2.00–2.15) (measurement at 50 magnifications). Submentum with short, whitish-yellowish and flattened pappolepida. Anten- nae generally short and robust (SL: 0.45–0.70 mm, FL: 0.60–0.95 mm, SL/FL: 0.64–0.83). Pronotum more or less elongate or as long as wide (PL: 0.55–0.85 mm, PW: 0.50–0.85 mm, PL/PW: 1.00–1.20) without echinopappolepida at base.

Distribution. The species of this group are present only in the Southern Italy (Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, and Calabria) (Figs 222, 222a).

Main soil type. Vertic Cambisol (5), Dystrict Cambisol (6), Calcaro-Eutric-Cambisol (3).

Reproduction. To date all species are amphigonic or probably amphigonic (unknown male of S. sbordonii sp.n.).