An annotated catalogue of the Odonata collection of Guido Lanfranco at the National Museum of Natural History in Malta

An annotated list of the Odonata collection of Guido Lanfranco, is provided. The specimens were captured between 1952 and 1971, and may be the oldest surviving specimens caught and still available in local collections from Malta. Almost all locally occurring species are represented, with some specimens collected in sites and habitats that have since been destroyed by urban development. A portion of the specimens bear no data labels and do not contribute to the knowledge of the distribution of the species. During the cataloguing process, specimens in poor condition were restored.peer-reviewe

Notes on behaviour and morphology of some species of Odonata in the Maltese Islands

The Maltese Islands have limited availability of freshwater, so the local species of Odonata may adopt behavioural strategies which they may not use elsewhere where water is readily available. Moreover, since local species of Odonata tend to be the more common, hardy and adaptable species found in neighbouring countries, their behavioural strategies and morphological features may be relatively less studied than species which are rarer and perhaps more vulnerable. Between September 2012 and September 2013, behavioural strategies and morphological features of Odonata were observed along four valleys (Wied Qlejgħa, Fiddien, Wied ta’ Għajn Riħana, and Wied Ħesri) and a saltmarsh (Is-Simar) in Malta.peer-reviewe

An overview of the dragonflies and damselflies of the Maltese Islands (Central Mediterranean) (Odonata)

Seventeen species of odonates have been recorded on the Maltese Islands of which Pantala flavescens represents a new record. Diagnostic features of the adult and larval stages of these species are described in this work. The work also combines findings from previous literature on Maltese Odonata with information gathered from fieldwork data in order to give an insight on the current situation of the Odonata of the Maltese Islands and serves as an identification guide to both adults and larvae of these insects. The anatomy and physiology of the larval and adult forms of these insects, which are discussed in this work, are adapted to the predatory lifestyle which they lead. The fact that odonate larvae frequent different habitats from adults helps to reduce competition for resources. Adult odonates can be found in a number of local habitats; mostly near freshwater but also brackish water bodies since freshwater is a scarce natural resource on the Maltese Islands. Global warming is affecting the distribution range of odonates in the Mediterranean - while some species may be on the decline, others which can thrive in hot dry environments are progressively being recorded in the Mediterranean and southern Europe, including the Maltese Islands. Relatively little work on the Odonata of the Maltese Islands has been done previous to the present work. Most of this involves listing of locally recorded species; very little research investigates odonate behaviour and distribution. No information exists as to why species such as Sympetrum striolatum, and Orthetrum cancellatum have become progressively uncommon in recent years, and therefore more research is required on the matter. Because of limiting water resources, freshwater habitats on the Maltese Islands are quickly drained of water, which may be used for agricultural purposes. This may tend to reduce species richness of local odonates. Biologists are now considering dragonflies as biological indicators of a healthy environment and make recommendations in order to preserve the habitats frequented by these insects.peer-reviewe

The Tubulifera (Hexapoda, Thysanoptera) of the Maltese Islands

This work records the presence of 13 species of tubuliferan thrips from the Maltese Islands. Eleven of these species, namely Bolothrips dentipes, B. insularis, Priesneriella mavromoustakisi, Gynaikothrips uzeli, Haplothrips acanthoscelis, H. aculeatus, H. setiger, H. tritici, Karnyothrips flavipes, Liothrips reuteri and Neoheegeria dalmatica are new records for the Maltese Islands. Two species: Gynaikothrips ficorum and Karnyothrips flavipes can be described as subcosmopolitan in distribution, another three species: Haplothrips aculeatus, H. setiger and H. tritici are distributed across the Holarctic and Palaearctic regions, while a further seven: Bolothrips dentipes, B. insularis, Haplothrips acanthoscelis, Liothrips oleae, L. reuteri, Neoheegeria dalmatica and Priesneriella mavromoustakisi have a European and/or Mediterranean distribution. Gynaikothrips ficorum and G. uzeli are considered as alien species. A key to the Tubulifera of the Maltese Islands as well as chorological data for these recorded species are provided in this work

Preliminary investigations on the thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera) fauna of the Maltese Islands

Thrips constitute a small order of insects with some 6,150 described species worldwide. Some species are of economic importance mainly due to their polyphagous nature and ability to transmit plant pathogens in agricultural crops. No surveys have ever been conducted in the Maltese Islands which specifically focus on the biodiversity of Thysanoptera. The current study attempts to determine which thrips occur both in the natural habitats and in the agro-ecosytems of the Maltese Islands.peer-reviewe

A vision for science education in Malta : the national curriculum framework 2011 : consultation document 2011

The current document was prepared by a working group of science and science education experts set up in November 2008 by Prof Grace Grima, Director General for Quality and Standards. The brief was to analyse the current situation of science education in Malta and to suggest a way forward that adequately addresses current as well as future national needs in the area.peer-reviewe

The Terebrantia (Insecta: Thysanoptera) of the Maltese Islands

Thirty-nine species of terebrantian Thysanoptera belonging to four families and 22 genera are here recorded from the Maltese Islands. Of these, 33 represent new records to this archipelago. Thrips were collected from 65 different locations over a seven-year period, covering the main habitat types found across the Maltese Islands, namely steppe, garigue, maquis and woodland, but also sand dunes and saltmarshes as well as roadsides, private and public gardens, greenhouses and cultivated fields. An illustrated dichotomous key to identify the Terebrantia of the Maltese Islands is presented. Chorological data for the species researched in the current study shows that the majority of these insects are of a European Mediterranean origin, though the geographical distribution of some of them extends to Africa and the Middle East. Seven species associated with agricultural commodities were found to be of alien origin; however they were locally found in small numbers and do not pose a threat to horticulture