Taxonomie der BernsteinWaldschabe Ectobius vittiventris (A. Costa, 1847) (Blattodea: Blattellidae) und ihre Verbreitung in der Schweiz

In this paper we examine the taxonomy of E. vittiventris (Ectobiinae) and its distribution and phenology in Switzerland. An illustrated key and a diagnosis are provided to separate the adults from synanthropic cockroachesand from some native Ectobius spp. Descriptive notes are included for nymphs and oothecae. We furthermore discuss the taxonomic status of the species and provide information on the type locality and type series, and the same is given for its junior synonyms. In Switzerland E. vittiventris is found on both sides of the Alps. In the northern part it is mainly confined to urban areas of the central plateau. On the southern slopes of the Alps it occurs in the cantons Ticino, Valais and Grisons. Our data indicate a rather recent introduction and colonization of urban areas in northern Switzerland, where the species has been recorded mostly after 1985. The altitudinal distribution generally ranges from 260 to about 700 m, with very few records up to 1400 m in the south. Adults are encountered from May to December, with a peak frequency in August. The presence of very small nymphs in summer and of larger nymphs in winter suggests a two-year life-cycle. E. vittiventris is frequently encountered inside houses, but apparently it cannot survive under such conditions. A special treatment or control is thus unnecessary. Finally, E. vittiventris is recorded for the first time from Germany (Baden-Wurttemberg).