Ephippiger apulus (Ramme, 1933)

Habitat:
Ephippiger apulus inhabits dry grasslands, steppes, pastures and similar dry and hot habitats which are at least semi-open. It is especially abundant in the national park Alta Murgia south of Bari.

Life cycle:
Ephippiger apulus is adult very early and can be found between late May and July, The animals then soon die in summer heat and drought. Thus it may be found even later in humid years or higher altitudes. The animals usually rest on forbs or small bushes.

Remarks:
Ephippiger apulus occurs in two subspecies (ssp. apulus and ssp. italicus) in south Italy from south of Rome and north of the Gargano to the southeastern tip of Apulia. It largely misses in Calabria.