Out of the shadows: rediscovery of the EU-protected beetle Stephanopachys linearis (Kugelann, 1792) in Italy and conservation implications (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

We report recent field records of the saproxylic beetle Stephanopachys linearis in Italy, observed in spring 2026 in the Western Alps. The species was found on fire-scorched living Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) and Larix decidua (European larch) trees damaged by a wildfire nine years before the survey. Prior to this discovery, the species was known from Italy only through three museum specimens collected in the Eastern Alps nearly 90 years ago. Based on historical material alone and never confirmed by recent field observations, these records were insufficient to include S. linearis among the Italian species formally requiring protection under the EU Habitats Directive. The present rediscovery fills this gap and effectively adds S. linearis to the list of species for which member states are required to designate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), ensure regular monitoring, and establish conservation measures where necessary. Notably, the species was found in co-occurrence with S. substriatus on some of the surveyed trees, a likewise protected congener and only recently reconfirmed in Italy. The new locality lies approximately 50 km from the nearest confirmed French occurrence in the Queyras massif (Hautes-Alpes). We discuss the biogeographical significance and conservation implications of the find and outline priorities for future research.