Pachypus caesus Erichson, 1840

[= Pachypus caesus rubrothorax Vitale, 1927]

[= Pachypus caesus intermedia Ragusa, 1892]

[= Pachypus siculus Laporte, 1840]

Information: Pachypus caesus, is a Sicilian endemic species that was described by Erichson in 1840 from the vicinity of Palermo. An interesting species with a general distribution along the coast of Sicily even at a distance of several kilometers from the sea.

Body length: 17 - 19 mm
Peak activity: September - December

Remarks: Pachypus caesus appears exclusively in autumn, unlike other species. It is typically active from September to December, depending on the specific region. For full activity, it requires days with high humidity, ideally rainy conditions. In dry years or during prolonged periods of favorable summer weather, its appearance may be delayed or intermittent.

Moist soil encourages the activity of females, who lead an underground life. They can be identified by small entrance holes on the surface, surrounded by a mound of excavated soil. Often, several males gather around a single dug hole. Males, even in the rain, fly in search of females, and can often be found sitting on grasses or other plants. They are frequently active at night, being attracted to artificial lights.

P. caesus inhabits open areas with clay or sandy substrates, including dune systems, from coastal regions up to elevations of 700–800 meters. In more densely vegetated areas, they are commonly found along paths and field edges.

Distribution: Italy (Sicily)
Zoogeographic region: Palearctic