Prionotropis hystrix (Germar, 1817)

Habitat:
Prionotropis hystrix inhabits rocky, dry slopes, such pastures and similar places.

Life cycle:
Adults usually appear between May and July, sometimes even later. They stay on the ground on stones or open soil. While males are active and thus spotted more easily, the stridulating (!) females are much more inconspicuous.

Endangerment factors:
Prionotropis hystrix is locally endangered by abandonment of sheep grazing and subsequent bush encroachment, but also through agricultural intensification (ssp. rhodanica in Crau). In the S-French Crau new fruit groves with artificial watering have been established even in recent years totally senseless. These must be removed again urgently. But also military is a threat there due to possible new infrastructure measures. Unfortunately only a part of the last remnants of Crau is now protected.

Remarks:
Prionotropis hystrix has three subspecies: ssp. hystrix at the eastern Adriatic coast from Istria to Albania, ssp. azami in Maritime Alps from Provence to NW-Italy and ssp. rhodanica in the French Crau. The last is threatened with extinction. Sometimes all three subspecies are regarded as distinct species.