New insights on Troglophilus (Orthoptera Rhaphidophoridae) species distribution in the westernmost area of their main range (Northern Italy)

The genus TroglophilusKrauss includes species with a rather limited dispersal ability and a wide distribution range, making it a good model for biogeographic, phylogeographic and phylogenetic investigations, with growing interest in recent years. However, a crucial prerequisite for addressing biogeographic issues is the knowledge about species complete distribution range. In particu-lar, Troglophilus cavicola(Kollar) and Troglophilus neglectusKrauss are the species of the genus Troglophiluswith the widest distribution in Europe, where their main areal extends westward to Northern Italy, but their precise distribution and range limits are still uncertain. In this study, the presence of these two species, which overwinter in hypogean habitats, was investigated in caves of the westernmost area of Northern Italy (Lombardy, Provinces of Lecco and Como) where populations belonging to the genus Troglophiluswere reported. The individuals of these populations were described by previous literature as T. cavicolaor as Troglophilussp. without species determination. In this work, an in situ morphological identification of all individuals detected in the surveyed caves, and a molecular identification on 12 specimens through the COI barcoding, were performed. An effective, fast, simple, economical and easily reproducible protocol for DNA extraction was optimized for this taxon. The presence ofT. cavicolain the investigated area was confirmed and the presence of T. neglectuswas reported for the first time. These new data allowed us to hypothesize different scenarios about their dispersal route in Lombardy. Moreover, these new findings must be con-sidered to define sampling plans to elucidate the biogeography of this genus.