An endemic species very important for eco-tourism: Pygopleurus koniae (Coleoptera: Glaphyridae) and new nomenclature "Furry wedding beetle" and the Turkish name: "K�rkl� D�g�n B�cegi"

Abstract

In this article, information related to some morphologic characteristics, distribution areas and population of Pygopleurus koniae (Coleoptera: Glaphyridae), which is an endemic species in Turkey. The species has been named as “Kürklü Düğün Böceği” in the Turkish language and as “Furry Wedding Beetle” in the English language, while the local name is “Hasan Mountain (Haroğlu) Polar Beetle. The species feeds on the Ranunculus spp. pollens, and exhibit the mating behavior on its flowers. It is found abundantly and has constructed a high population density between the dates 01.05.2021 and 15.05.2021. It was found that the altitude of 2340m, which is the altitude of Hasan Mountain (Haroğlu) is important regarding the natural habitat of this species. In this study, it was observed that the compound eyes of the species are blue, they do not avoid humans just like pets, and positively reacted to music played in the nature. Furthermore, new faunistic records have been reported involving the Elazığ and Malatya provinces. It is thought that the species can be significant for nature tourism in Elazığ and Baskil districts in Turkey, thanks to its beauty.