Insects and fungi on the relict zelkova sicula (Rosales, Ulmaceae) in Sicily (Italy): New records and known species in a short review

The Authors report the results of a study conducted with the purpose of increasing the knowledge about the insects and fungi living on Zelkova sicula Di Pasquale, Garfì & Quézel, 1992 (Rosales, Ulmaceae). The plant is a very rare relict of the Tertiary period, belonging to a genus of trees extinct in continental Europe. Only two small populations are known living in a restricted woodland in the province of Syracuse, Sicily. The results concern both the insects picked up during surveys that were carried out in 2014 and 2015, and the species of fungi and insects already known on Zelkova sicula from literature. As a result of surveys, two species of Buprestidae, two species of Cerambycidae, and two of Lepidoptera have been recognized. From literature, seven species of phytophagous insects are reported on Zelkova sicula, they belong to Hemiptera: Aphididae (1 sp.), Diaspididae (1 sp.), Coccidae (1 sp.); Coleoptera: Buprestidae (1 sp.), Cerambycidae (2 spp.); and Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae (1 sp.). Five species of fungi are known from literature and they belong to: Botryosphaeriales (3 spp.), Pleosporales (1 sp.), and Diaporthales (1 sp.).