Full bibliography

Ecological and biogeographical characteristics of 14 species of Tenebrionids (Coleoptera Heteromera) so far known for the Djerba Island (Tunisia, Gulf of Gabes) are illustrated for the first time. Basing on distribution we may recognize South-Western Mediterranean species; 3 centro-southern Mediterranean; 1 extended to the shores of Mediterranean Basin; 1 Western-Mediterranean element; 2 limited to South Mediterranean coast east of Morocco; 1 extended from Morocco (Atlantic coast) to Iran and Northern Arabic Peninsula, 1 extended from Algeria to Iran; 1 endemic of Djerba (Stenohelops berettai Marcuzzi), 1 widely distributed (Mediterranean s. lato). The distribution if often of relict type, due probably to its age. Basing on ecology there are 2 psammophilous species, 4 steppic, 3 rather euryoikous. Most Djeba Tenebrionids can be considered steppic (litoral or continental). Beside an endemic, 3 species show a distribution limited to centro-southern part of Mediterranean; the other are Western Mediterranean or widely distributed species (Scleron armatum and still more Tentyriagrossa and Zophosis punctata. The Tenebrionid coenosis –as well as insect coenoses as a whole– are heavily menaced by the continuously increasing anthropization, with human density, agriculture, grazing and tourism. The former determines a pumping of water from pits, with a possible salification of the water table, harmful to both invertebrates and plants. The excavation of clay for handicraft is another menace to environment, here included landscape. Grazing is bringing about a reduction and sometimes disappearance of coastal dunes, because of destruction of local vegetation (especially Gramineae). Measures of conservation characteristics of landscape invoked due to the great ecological and biogeographical interest of Tenebrionid coenoses living on Djerba since Miocene, and due to the systematic status of some species, still discussed, in this as in many steppic and desertic North African localities.