21. Dicheirotrichus (Pelagophilus) punicus Bedel, 1899

Fig. 4 B

Habitat and general distribution.

Dicheirotrichus punicus has an circum-Mediterranean distribution (Jaeger and Kataev 2017). The species occurs in saline coastal habitats (Austin et al. 2008; Arndt et al. 2011).

Material examined.

• Lasithi: Chrysi isl., Vages Beach, salt-lake, 34.874799°N, 25.728071°E, 1 m elev., 23.III.2023 – 13.VII.2023, pitfall traps, 2 spms, leg. Bolanakis G. (NHMC) .

Comments.

Dicheirotrichus punicus was first recorded in Greece by Apfelbeck (1904) from Kyklades (Naxos). To our knowledge, this is the first record of the species in Crete. Moreover, it is the first time the species has been recorded in Greece in more than one century (Arndt et al. 2011). Its geographical distribution in the Aegean Archipelago requires further research. The species was found in a salt-lake at Chrysi islet. In contrast to D. obsoletus, the species has not been recorded in the Cretan island yet, although it may occur in southern / eastern saline wetlands.