Polyphaga aegyptiaca (Linnaeus, 1758)

Figures 31, 32, 53

Polyphaga aegiptica (Linn.): 1. Drenski 1939: 10.

Polyphaga aegyptiaca (Linn.): 2. Bey-Bienko 1950: 292 • 3. Harz & Kaltenbach 1976: 177, 178 • 4. Popov, Ganev 1983: 67.

Distribution in Bulgaria (Fig. 80): To date the species is recorded only in the region of Sandanski-Petrich kettle (SW Bulgaria), but its occurrence in the warmest parts of southeastern Bulgaria (Eastern Rhodope Mts. and Sakar Mt.) is not excluded. Inhabits xerothermic grass-shrub habitats on sandy and rocky soils; in daytime usually hides in soil burrows and cracks or land holes.

Studied material. 42 specimens (13 adults, 29 nymphs) and 3 oothecae.

General distribution. The distribution range of the species covers the entire Mediterranean region, the southern parts of Europe and Southwestern Asia, in the east reaching Iran.