Bothriogaster signata

Taxonomic and nomenclatural notes. The internal taxonomy of the genus Bothriogaster Sseliwanoff, 1879 is still unsatisfactory. Different authors have elaborated differently on how many species and subspecies could be recognized, based on variable characters including the shape and longitudinal distribution of peculiar sternal depressions and the number of trunk segments (e. g., Chalande & Ribaut 1909; Verhoeff 1925). Our identification follows the prevalent treatment by modern authors, who provisionally refer all Bothriogaster populations to a single species B. signata (Zapparoli 1991 1995; Edgecombe et al. 2011).

Distribution in Israel: this is by far the most common species in Israel, recorded from throughout the country in all climatic zones and landscapes, from extreme desert to Mt. Hermon (Fig. 2 C). Global distribution: the species is widespread from Greece and north-eastern Africa, through Anatolia and the Middle-East, to central Asia.

New records: Arad (6 specimens 1963 1964); Avdat (1 specimen 1957); Be’er Sheva (3 specimens 2011); Caesaria (3 specimens 1962); Ein Tamar (3 specimens 1963); Eshel HaNassi (2 specimens 2012); Ezuz (2 specimens 2011); Hermon (2 specimens 2012); Hermon Emek Bol’an (4 specimens 2012); Hermoan Emek HaMan (2 specimens 2011 2012); Jericho (1 specimen 1936); Jerusalem (4 specimens 1934 1964 2009); Khirbet Krach (1 specimen 2012); Khirbet Ramon (3 specimens 1963); Lahav (2 specimens 1963 1964); Livnim (1 specimen 2011); Ma’ale Adumim (1 specimen 2011); Mishmar HaYarden (1 specimen 1935); Mitzpe Ramon (1 specimen 1957); Mt. Meiron (2 specimens 1963); Nahal Afik (1 specimen 2010); Nahal Oren (3 specimens 2011); Nahal Zin (4 specimen 1963); Ramon Crater (1 specimen 1963); Sde Bar (1 specimen 2011); Tel Arad (2 specimens 2012); Tel Gezer (1 specimen 2011); Tel Yerucham (2 specimens 1963); Tri'be 15 Km east of Dimona (1 specimen 1963); Tzora (1 specimen 1964); Upper Nahal ‘ Amud (1 specimen 2011); Upper Nahal Deragot (1 specimen 2011); Ze’elim (2 specimens 2012); Safed (1 specimen 2012).