Distribuzione, ecologia e conservazione della cavalletta di greto Chorthippus (Glyptobothrus) pullus (Philippi, 1830) (Orthoptera, Acrididae) in alta Valle d’Aosta

The gravel grasshopper Chorthippus (Glyptobothrus) pullus, is a rare and endangered species inhabiting well preserved fluvial environments. This species has a fragmented distribution across its range, including the Italian Alps. This study aimed to update the known distribution of this species in the Upper Aosta Valley and to gather essential ecological information for its conservation. Species distribution modeling was used to develop a suitability map, based on collected data and relevant environmental variables. C. pullus was newly recorded in the Veny Valley and confirmed in the Ferret Valley. Occurrences were concentrated in alluvial habitats characterized by sparse vegetation, predominantly composed of herbaceous species typical of protected habitat 3220 under the Habitats Directive. In the Ferret Valley, both observations and suitable areas fall within a protected area that includes appropriate conservation measures for occupied habitats. However, this species lacks similar protection in the Veny Valley, highlighting the need for targeted conservation planning. Based on the results and available information, some recommendations are provided to support the long-term conservation of C. pullus in the upper Aosta Valley.