Acta Biologica Sibirica

Technogenic effects on scots pine generative organs: a cross-country study

Gulmira Assylbekova — 2025-01-15

This article presents the results of a study assessing the state of morphological changes in the male generative organs of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Kazakhstan and Poland. The purpose of this study is to assess the transformation of pine pollen under different environmental conditions. Research and pollen sampling were carried out in 2023 in different environmental conditions and in different geographical areas: Astana (Kazakhstan), Bayanaul State National Natural Park (BSNNP) (Kazakhstan) and Poznan (Poland). For cytological analysis, microsporophylls were selected from the middle part of the microstrobilus, the material was stained with 1% Lugol's pharmaceutical solution, the preparations were studied on a Nikon eclipse E 200 microscope with a magnification of 10x15x40. The results of the analysis showed that the maximum number of disturbances in pine pollen was detected in samples from Poznan - 63%. In the Bayanaul Natural Park and in Astana, pine has fewer anomalies in pollen - 57% and 55%. The most common types of anomalies found in Scots pine pollen in the study areas are: deformed (26.3%), pollen with impaired shell formation (19%) and degraded (7.4%). Under conditions of technogenic pollution in coniferous trees (Pinus sylvestris L.), a higher level of abnormality of pollen grains was revealed than in relatively clean conditions, and a wide spectrum (sterile, deformed and small pollen grains with disturbances (without air sacs, with one and three air bags).

Uranium phytoremediation by Helianthus annuus L. and Amaranthus caudatus L. plants

Majid Mahdieh — 2025-01-17

Uranium contamination presents significant challenges to biological systems due to its chemical toxicity and radiological impacts. Rhizofiltration emerges as a cost-effective strategy for environmental remediation of uranium. This study aimed to compare the uranium uptake capabilities of two plant species, Helianthus annuus L. (sunflower) and Amaranthus caudatus L. (purple amaranth), in a hydroponic system. The plants were cultivated in nutrient solutions supplemented with 0.5 mM or 1 mM UO₂(NO₃)₂.6H₂O without phosphate. After 14 days of growth, we assessed uranium uptake. Our findings revealed that H. annuus effectively removed over 95% of the initial uranium concentration from the solution, while A. caudatus exhibited a removal efficiency of approximately 65–80%. In both species, uranium accumulation and transport to the upper, harvestable parts were limited. The highest uranium concentration was observed in the roots of H. annuus (37,050.8 ± 3,547 mg kg-1 DW), whereas A. caudatus roots had a noticeably lower concentration (14,944.68 ± 3,278 mg kg-1 DW). Interestingly, A. caudatus demonstrated greater uranium accumulation in its shoots compared to H. annuus. Overall, while H. annuus demonstrates superior potential for uranium rhizofiltration, A. caudatus emerges as a promising candidate as a hyperaccumulator for uranium.

The effect of micro-plastics on the growth and development of Eisenia fetida (Savingy, 1826) in vermiculture

Andrey S. Babenko — 2025-01-18

The effect of different concentrations of e-waste plastic (acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene) in vermiculture on the growth and development of the compost earthworm E. fetida was studied. It was shown that at low concentrations of microplastics (1%) in vermiculture, earthworms practically do not reduce their growth and development indicators, while with an increase in the plastic concentration to 5–10%, the number of cocoons and juveniles decreases, and the growth of earthworm biomass slows down. Avoidance of the substrate and death of worms are not observed even with a relatively high (10%) proportion of plastic in the composted mixture.

New records of Lepidoptera on the South of the West Siberian Plain: report on 2024 field season

Svyatoslav V. Knyazev — 2025-01-19

Fourteen species of Sesiidae Pieridae, Lycaenidae, Satyridae, Geometridae, Arctiidae, Erebidae and Noctuidae are reported from the territory of Omsk and Novosibirsk Regions of Russia. Chamaesphecia crassicornis Bartel, 1912 is new to Asian part of Russia, Synanthedon altaica O. Gorbunov, 2018 and Gonospileia munita (Hübner, 1813) are new to the Russian Part of the West Siberian Plain. Five species are reported from the territory of Omsk Region for the first time. Nine species are new to the fauna of Novosibirsk Region. The first record of Triphysa nervosa Motschulsky, 1866 on the South of the West Siberian Plain provided.

Nuclear DNA content in some Chondrilla taxa (Asteraceae) of European Russia and Western Kazakhstan

Alena S. Parkhomenko — 2025-02-03

The aim of study was to evaluate the nuclear DNA content in samples of Chondrilla taxa from European Russia and Western Kazakhstan using flow cytometry approach. The analysis was performed in 30 populations of 8 taxa from the genus (C. brevirostris, C. laticoronata, C. juncea, C. latifolia, C. graminea, C. canescens, C. ambigua, and C. pauciflora). It was revealed that C. juncea, C. graminea, C. canescens and C. latifolia have the smallest monoploid genome size (1Cx) (1.078–1.098 pg), C. laticoronata and C. brevirostris have the intermediate values (1.190–1.203 pg), and C. pauciflora and C. ambigua have the largest (1.309–1.449 pg), i.e. the DNA content consistently increases by approximately 10% between these groups of taxa. The obtained results confirm the opinion that C. juncea, C. graminea, C. latifolia and C. canescens are synonymous with the priority name C. juncea. C. ambigua is the only one diploid species among the studied taxa. C. pauciflora is most likely its triploid cytotype. The position of C. laticoronata and C. brevirostris DNA contents between the C. juncea subspecies group, and the group including C. pauciflora and C. ambigua can be explained by distant hybridization that took place in the past, when C. ambigua or C. pauciflora acted as a maternal parent, and two species from the subgenus Chondrilla, different for each combination, acted as a paternal ones. The obtained results indicate that within the studied range the DNA content in Chondrilla at the interpopulation level changes regularly along the latitudinal gradient. From the south to about 50 °N, the genome size increases. From 50 °N to the north, the nuclear DNA content decreases.

Results of the entomological expedition of Altai State University to Pamir in 2023: Nolidae, Erebidae sensu stricto and Noctuidae (Lepidoptera)

Alexey Y. Matov — 2025-02-03

We present the faunal list of Nolidae, Erebidae sensu stricto and Noctuidae (Lepidoptera) of Mountain-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of the Republic of Tajikistan, including 184 species. Two species: Hadena chrysocyanea Boursin, 1961 and Chilodes distracta (Eversmann, 1848) (Noctuidae: Noctuinae) are reported for Tajikistan for the first time.

Composition of fatty acids, essential oils and morphological characteristics of some medial plants growing in permafrost ecosystems

Vasiliy V. Nokhsorov — 2025-02-07

Using chromatographic (TLC, GC-FID), spectrophotometric methods (3D fluorescence spectroscopy), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the composition and content of fatty acids (FA), essential oils (EO) and morphological features were investigated in five plant species (Alnus alnobetula subsp. fruticosa (Rupr.) Raus, Equisetum arvense L., Tanacetum vulgare L., Thymus serpyllum L. subsp. mongolicus Ronniger, Juniperus sibirica Burgsd.) from different taxonomic groups (angiosperms, gymnosperms, and cryptogams) growing in the conditions of cryolithozone of Yakutia. Differences in the magnitude and variability of FA composition in the studied species were revealed. The main components of total lipids were found to be polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of the acid families omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6), such as linoleic [18:2(n-6)], (LA) and alpha-linolenic [18:3(n-3)], (ALA), the content of which reached up to 47.4% of the sum of FA. Comparative analysis of the component composition of the components of EO of essential oils revealed that two species were characterized by a high content from polyphenolic compounds of T. serpyllum and J. sibirica, compared to other species studied. When plants were examined using SEM, morphological features such as the presence of well-formed trichomes, megasporophylls, and microphylls were identified. The identification of features such as high PUFA content in total lipids, polyphenolic components in essential oils, and well-formed trichomes, megasporophylls, and microphylls contribute to the survival and subsequent vegetation of perennial plants in cold climate permafrost ecosystems.

Annotated list of vascular plants of Zarafshan National Natural Park (Uzbekistan)

Flora Kabulova — 2025-02-08

The article provides an annotated list of vascular plants growing since the beginning of the formation of the Zarafshan State Reserve in 1975 and then in 2018 transferred to another category of protected area – Zarafshan National Natural Park. The list includes 416 plant species belonging to 229 genera and 61 families. One of the serious problems of our time is the degradation of ecosystems, the reduction of biological diversity and the irreparable loss of the gene pool of the plant world. Therefore, protection of the natural environment, accounting and rational use of biological resources is the basis for the development of any state.

Differences in individual behavior and trophic niche of the red wood ant Formica aquilonia from urban and natural habitats: a case study in Novosibirsk region (West Siberia, Russia)

Ivan K. Iakovlev — 2025-02-09

Behavior plays a key role in the ability of animals to adapt to human-induced environmental change, although the consistency of these behavioral changes and their links to ecological niche are less clear. In this study, we examined the effects of habitat type and season on behavioral variation, trophic isotopic niche, and their relationships in the ant Formica aquilonia, a keystone species of forest communities in North Eurasia, collected from an urban forest park and a natural forest in spring and autumn. We found that exploratory activity was lower in urban than in natural forest ants. Aggression scores towards competitors (Lasius fuliginosus, L. niger) were similar in both habitats, but urban ants interacted longer with L. niger. Individual ant responses were positively correlated as an aggression-boldness syndrome (more aggressive individuals are more exploratory) in the natural habitat, but not in the urban environment, where the association between aggression and exploration was negative in autumn and decoupled in spring. The trophic niche of the ants differed between the habitats, expressed by lower δ15N and δ13C values in urban ants. It indicates that ants in the urban park fed at a lower trophic level and presumably consumed less tree-related resources than in the natural forest. Exploratory activity was positively correlated with δ13C value, suggesting a possible link between personality traits and ant diet. Our results on ants support findings on human-induced behavioral changes in vertebrates and highlight the need for further studies on the adaptation of wood ants to life in urban environments.

Lepidoptera of South Ossetia (Northern Transcaucasia). Part VI. Family Geometridae Leach, 1815

Artem E. Naydenov — 2025-02-17

Here we provide the faunal list of 121 species from five subfamily of geometrid moths collected in South Ossetia. A total of 120 species are being reported for the first time in this territory.

An annotated checklist of ladybeetle species (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) of Ferghana Valley (Uzbekistan)

Saodat T. Gafurova — 2025-02-26

The article presents the results of a study on the fauna of lady beetles (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) based on our observations in the Fergana Valley during the spring, summer, and autumn seasons as well as the winter season from 2022 to 2024. Thirty-five species of lady beetles, belonging to 5 subfamilies (Scymninae, Chilocorinae, Ortaliinae, Coccinellinae, and Hyperaspidinae), 9 tribes, and 19 genera, were found along the valley. Noteworthy species identified in the Fergana Valley during the research include Novius yemenensis (Raimundo & Fürsch, 2006), Platynaspidius saundersi (Crotch, 1874), Brachiacontha ursine (Chevrolat in Dejean, 1837), Scymnus marinus (Mulsant, 1850). The species Calvia muiri (Timberlake, 1943) and Clitostethus arcuatus (Rossi, 1794) were recorded for the first time in the fauna of Uzbekistan and 23 species were recorded for the first time in the Fergana Valley.

On the morphology and systematics of Bembecia jakuta (Herz, 1903) (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae)

Oleg G. Gorbunov — 2025-03-02

The description and illustrations of Bembecia jakuta (Herz, 1903) are presented herein. To stabilize the species epithet, clarify the taxonomic status, and define the type locality of this under-researched species of clearwing moths (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae) within the Palearctic region, a neotype is designated. A comprehensive analysis of the external morphology, along with the examination of the male genitalia, indicates that this species is closely related to B. aktashica O. Gorbunov, 2018; however, it exhibits distinct differences in the coloration of certain body parts and the configuration of the transparent areas of the forewing. Furthermore, these two species display minor variations in the structure of the male genitalia. The female, host plants, and biological characteristics of the larvae remain unidentified.

First records of two Triplax species (Coleoptera, Erotylidae) from Kazakhstan. Report 2

Izbasar I. Temreshev — 2025-03-06

Pleasing fungus beetles (Erotylidae) Triplax rufipes (Fabricius, 1787) and Triplax scutellaris Charpentier, 1825 is firstly recorded from Kazakhstan. A new key to known species of the genus Triplax from Kazakhstan is given. The finds of T. rufipes from North Kazakhstan are currently new record for this species for Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Mealy oyster Ossicaulis lignatilis (Pers.) Redhead & Ginns mushroom were first recorded from Kazakhstan for T. rufipes and T. scutellaris.

Review of rare bird species in the North Kazakhstan: update and additions to the regional avifauna list

Ivan A. Zuban — 2025-03-11

The study details long-term observations conducted in the North Kazakhstan region from 2016 to 2024, focusing on bird species that were either previously unrecorded or rarely encountered. The research clarified data on the occurrence and seasonal activity of specific species by analyzing unpublished observations and recent publications. A notable outcome was the addition of six new species to the regional avifauna list, enhancing our understanding of local bird diversity. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of bird populations and the potential impacts of ecological and climatic changes. Key factors contributing to the registration of new species include climate change and habitat transformation. The results highlight the importance of ongoing biodiversity monitoring in light of global changes.

Triodia laetus (Staudinger, 1877) – new species of ghost moths (Lepidoptera, Hepialidae) for the fauna of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan

Svyatoslav A. Knyazev — 2025-03-12

A poorly-known Hepialidae species Triodia laetus (Staudinger, 1877) is reported from the territory of Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan for the first time. The new locations proved its wide distribution in the Caucasus and Transcaucasia. Type specimens, materials from museum and private collections, as well as photographic observations on iNaturalist were studied. A description of the external characteristics of the male and female is given, as well as a description and images of the genitals. The distinctive features are compared with the closely related species Triodia sylvina (Linnaeus, 1761).

A new species of the genus Bembecia Hübner, 1819 (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae) from Omsk Region of Russia (West Siberia)

Svyatoslav A. Knyazev — 2025-03-13

A new species, Bembecia lavrovi Knyazev, sp. n. from Omsk Region of Russia in West Siberia, is described based on a series of 80 specimens. A detailed description of the external characteristics of the male and female, as well as the structure of the male genitalia, is provided. The new species is close to Bembecia sareptana (Bartel, 1912) and Bembecia aktashica O. Gorbunov 2018 but is distinguished by its large size, more contrasting and bright coloring, details of the wing pattern and the structure of the genitals.

First record of Sphenoptera (Chilostetha) egena Mannerheim, 1852 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) from Kazakhstan with notes on its bionomics and distribution

Aizhan M. Tleppaeva — 2025-03-17

During the fieldwork conducted between 2021 and 2023 in the territory adjacent to the Tarbagatai Natural Park, a new species of jewel beetle (Coleoptera, Buprestidae), Sphenoptera (Chilostetha) egena Mannerheim, 1852, was discovered, marking a noteworthy addition to the fauna of Kazakhstan. Specimens of this species were collected in June from arid shrub-steppe slopes in the western part of the Tarbagatai Range, specifically near the village of Taskesken in the Karakol River floodplain. Prior to this discovery, Sphenoptera egena had only been reported from regions in Russia (Western and Eastern Siberia) and Mongolia. This paper presents a concise diagnostic overview of the genus Sphenoptera Dejean, 1833, along with a brief description of the species. Using ArcGIS PRO 3.1.1, we created a distribution map and modeled the favorable habitat conditions for Sphenoptera egena. Additionally, we provide a description of the background vegetation in the species' collection site. Photographs of the jewel beetle were captured using a Canon Kiss X4 camera with a Canon 60 mm Macro USM lens, illustrating the collection site of S. egena. Furthermore, other species, such as Agrilus sericans Kiesenwetter, 1857, and Meliboeus morawitzi (Semenov, 1905), were concurrently identified in the fauna of these steppe slopes. The identification of Sphenoptera egena not only enriches the inventory of jewel beetles in Kazakhstan, which currently includes over 200 species and subspecies across five subfamilies, twelve tribes, and twenty-eight genera, but also extends the known distribution range of this species.

Age structure and growth of the black-ocellated racerunner (Eremias nigrocellata, Reptilia, Lacertidae) in the loess desert of Tajikistan

Artem A. Kidov — 2025-03-19

The paper presents the results of age and growth studying of the black-ocellated racerunner (Eremias nigrocellata) by skeletochronology. 23 adult individuals (14 females and 9 males) collected on the border of Shaartuz and Nosiri-Khusrav districts in Khatlon region of Tajikistan were studied. All animals, on the section of tubular bones had a birth (hatching) line appearing shortly after the lizards hatching. Females were 1–7 years old (average 3.64 years), and males 1–5 years old (average 3.11 years). In the group of studied animals, the majority of individuals were 2–4 years old (65.2%). The largest number of females were aged three and four years (21.4% each). The male group was dominated by individuals aged four (33.3%), three and two years (22.2% each). Females and males did not differ in size from each other. The body length of the studied females was 55.25–65.61 mm (average 60.28), and males 58.42–63.32 mm (average 60.11). The calculated maximum body length (SVLmax) of females (61.33 mm) did not differ from the length of males (61.57 mm). The growth coefficient (k) of females (0.99) was higher than males (0.87). The annual survival score (S) in females (0.74) was similar to males (0.70). The life expectancy of individuals who survived one wintering (ESP) was 4.35 years for females and 3.88 years for males.

List of fungus gnats (Diptera: Bolitophilidae, Diadocidiidae, Ditomyiidae, Keroplatidae and Mycetophilidae) of the Republic of Mordovia (Russia)

Mikhail N. Esin — 2025-03-19

The annotated checklist includes 309 species from the families Bolitophilidae, Diadocidiidae, Ditomyiidae, Keroplatidae, and Mycetophilidae. In addition to the previous records, 242 species have been recorded for the fauna of the Republic of Mordovia for the first time. Among these are species new to Russia (Orfelia boreoalpina, Mycetophila rudis, Neoclastobasis draskovitsae, Novakia scatopsiformis) and a species new to the Palearctic (Sciophila emarginata). The collection sites are described. For the first time, 242 species are recorded for the fauna of the Republic of Mordovia. Over the course of the study, 275 species were noted in the Mordovia Nature Reserve, 91 species in National Park "Smolny", and 47 species in other locations within the region. Data on trapping methods for the collected fungus gnats are provided. Comparative data on species abundance in neighboring regions are also discussed.

Key factors of avian diversity and sustainability in the forest-steppe lakes of Western Siberia

Maria Yu. Ivanova — 2025-03-21

The article examines the relationship between various parameters of 25 forest–steppe lakes in Western Siberia and the biological diversity of bird communities, based on bird censuses conducted from 2002 to 2023. It focuses on factors such as the lakes' physical characteristics, climate zone peculiarities, salinity levels, lake area, and the extent of overgrowth. A total of 180 bird species typical of the Western Siberia forest–steppe zone were recorded. The study found a statistically significant differentiation in bird communities across subzones, with the mean total bird abundance in the middle forest–steppe being 2.5 times greater than that in the northern forest–steppe. Correlation analysis revealed a significant inverse relationship between lake salinity levels and both species number and total bird abundance, as well as the species diversity and resilient sustainability indices of water bird communities. Conversely, a significant direct influence of salinity on the resistant sustainability index was observed. Additionally, a statistically significant, albeit weak, positive correlation was found between total bird abundance and the degree of lake overgrowth by aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation. However, no clear correlation was established between the area of the lakes and the examined properties of bird communities.

Myriapoda (Diplopoda, Chilopoda) of the Southern Cultures Park (Krasnodar Province, Southern Russia): unappreciated biodiversity

Aleksandr P. Evsyukov — 2025-03-25

The biodiversity of botanical gardens and arboreta is typically assessed by vegetation, birds, and insects such as beetles and butterflies. At the same time, most of the invertebrate animals live in litter and soil, while remaining hidden and poorly studied. Here we present the results of studies of two classes of myriapods in Southern Cultures Park, Adler, Krasnodar Province, Russia. During 2021, the diversity and abundance of myriapods were assessed by quantitative data obtained using pitfall traps. From these traps, 20 species of diplopods and 14 species of chilopods were recorded. Alpha diversity of myriapods was significantly higher (p=0.043) in the spring-summer season in comparison to summer-fall. Beta diversity also significantly differed (p≤0.031) between these seasons. The abundance of Brachyiulus lusitanus (p=0.018), Polydesmus mediterraneus (p=0.047), Julus colchicus (p=0.020), and Cylindroiulus placidus (p=0.047) was significantly higher in the spring season, while in the summer season, the abundance of Anthroleucosomatidae Gen. sp.1 (p=0.047) was significantly dominant. Also, from 2018 to 2024, using hand collection from litter, 2 additional species of diplopods and 7 species of chilopods were recorded. Species of myriapods that were not previously recorded in Russia and introduced species were identified and illustrated.