Acta Biologica Sibirica

Interrelationships between snowpack dynamics and tree growth in the Tigiretsky Ridge (Altai): Implications for ecological responses to climate variability

Nikolay I. Bykov, Roman Ju. Birjukov — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study examines the complex interplay between snowpack dynamics and tree growth in the Tigiretsky Ridge region, utilizing a combination of tree-ring chronologies and snowpack data from 2013 to 2020. Employing the Temperature-Based Melt-Index Method, we accurately assessed the maximum snowpack water equivalent during winter months, revealing significant spatial variability influenced by elevation, slope aspect, and proximity to watersheds. Our findings indicate an asymmetrical distribution of snow cover, with higher snow reserves on the southern slopes at lower elevations and a reversal at higher altitudes. Notably, near watershed areas, snow reserves on the northern slope can exceed those on the southern slope by a factor of 30. The analysis also highlights the positive correlation between increased snowpack water equivalent and radial growth of Abies sibirica L. within the ecotone of the upper timberline, suggesting a significant ecological response to changing snow conditions. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of how climate variability impacts snow-vegetation interactions in mountainous ecosystems, laying the groundwork for future research aimed at unraveling the underlying mechanisms of these relationships.

Officinal medicinal plants of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

Anvar M. Ibrahimov, Alex V. Matsyura — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, situated at the crossroads of Mediterranean, Western Asian, and Iranian floras, is home to a rich diversity of medicinal plants. Approximately 132 species of officinal medicinal plants have been identified, with 44 cultivated and 88 wild-growing species. This region's flora contributes significantly to both traditional and scientific medicine, with many species documented in pharmacopoeias over the past 137 years. The escalating global demand for herbal remedies and natural health products underscores the importance of these plants, yet they face threats from habitat destruction, over-harvesting, and climate change. This study aims to assess the species composition, distribution, and conservation status of medicinal plants in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. It focuses on understanding their habitats, ecological conditions, and the traditional knowledge associated with their use. Field expeditions conducted from 2015 to 2021 involved the collection of herbarium specimens and the identification of species using established botanical references. The study employed Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping plant distributions and assessing biodiversity hotspots. The Conservation Priority Index (CPI) was calculated for each species, incorporating biological scores and risk of use scores to classify species into three conservation categories. The study identified 132 officinal medicinal plant species across 47 families and 105 genera. The most represented families include Rosaceae, Asteraceae, and Fabaceae. Among these, several species are classified as endangered, including Adiantum capillus-veneris and Juniperus sabina. The research also documented the traditional uses of 59 species in folk medicine, highlighting their cultural significance.

Biodiversity assessment of Eucyclops Claus, 1893 (Copepoda: Crustacea) in the Baikal region using genetic methods

Tatyana Yu. Mayor, Olga A. Chaban, Kseniia A. Kaskova, Natalia M. Sukhikh — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The genus Eucyclops is the most species-rich within the subfamily Eucyclopinae. Despite the significant research of Eucyclops in Russia, there are still vast areas including Siberia, the Baikal region, and the Far East with fragmentary study of this genus, particular with regard to molecular methods. In this work we have sequenced four molecular markers with different evolutionary rates and inheritance types (COI and 12S rRNA mtDNA, 18S rRNA and ITSn rDNA) to estimate the biodiversity of Eucyclops in the Baikal region. Five species E. serrulatus, E. speratus, E. macruroides, E. arcanus, and E. macrurus baicalocorrepus were identified through a combination of morphological and genetic methods in the Baikal region. The necessity for a taxonomic revision of endemic Baikal E. macrurus baicalocorrepus and E. macruroides baicalensis has been established. We assume that two forms of E. macrurus baicalocorrepus with short and long caudal rami are distinct endemic Baikal species. The genetic analysis of E. serrulatus, E. speratus, and E. macruroides revealed that the Baikal Cyclopoida, along with the Far Eastern and other Siberian representatives of the genus, form a distinct genetic lineage that differs from the majority of European representatives, with some exceptions.

First results of the study of entomopathogenic microflora Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus, 1758) in apple orchards of Uzbekistan

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

In this study, Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus, 1758) entomopathogenic microorganisms were isolated from damaged insect carcasses in the territory of Tashkent and Fergana regions of Uzbekistan. Insect specimens were selected using the trapping belt method and 30 strains of micromycetes were isolated from these specimens. In morphological and cultural studies, entomopathogenic micromycetes in dead and infected individuals of C. romonella belong to the genera Penicillium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Alternaria. The results obtained showed that micromycetes of the species Penicillium chrysogenum Thom, Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl., Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc., Fusarium oxysporum Schltdl., Aspergillus fumigatus Fresen., Aspergillus niger Tiegh., Aspergillus terreus Thom were present both in the suspension after washing off the insects and in the homogenized insects.

New data on the ultrastructure of stomatocysts, plate and spines scales of Chrysosphaerella coronacircumspina (Chrysophyceae, Chromulinales)

Anna Yu. Bessudova, Alena D. Firsova, Yelena V. Likhoshway — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

An updated and refined description of the ultrastructure of siliceous elements – plate and spine scales, as well as the morphotype of the stomatocyst Chrysosphaerella coronacircumspina is provided using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. A wide range of sizes of plate scales of C. coronacircumspina allows us to distinguish two types of them – large and small elliptical. Also, single small subcircular plate scales were discovered for the first time. The spine scales of C. coronacircumspina can grow up to 22.8 μm in length. The collar of the found morphotypes of stomatocysts has a smaller diameter (2.6 μm) than previously described. In the studied reservoirs, C. coronacircumspina cells were found mainly in the summer and autumn season, and stomatocysts only in autumn.

The review of the Plebejus argyrognomon (Bergstrasser, [1779]) species group from the East Palaearctic. Part 1: Valuable characters of the male genitalia, Plebejus mongolicus (Rühl, [1893]), P. pseudaegon ussuricus (Forster, 1936) and P. transbaicalensis

Sergei V. Churkin, Anatoly V. Krupitsky — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The paper presents the first part of the review of the Plebejus argyrognomon (Bergstrasser, [1779]) species complex focused on the territory of the East Palaearctic. The general characters of the male genitalia are discussed, taxonomically valuable sclerites are pointed out. The male genitalia of P. maracandicus (Erschoff, 1874), P. argyrognomon and P. caspicus (Forster, 1936) are described and figured, the species status of the taxon caspicus is confirmed. Three eastern species are reviewed: P. mongolicus (Rühl, [1893]), P. pseudaegon ussuricus (Forster, 1936) and P. transbaicalensis (Kurentzov, 1970), stat. nov. Two new subspecies are described: P. mongolicus okianus ssp. nova (type locality: Russia, Buryatia, East Sayan, Oka Valley) and P. m. barguzin ssp. nova (type locality: Russia, Buryatia, Barguzin Valley).

A dataset on the distribution of genus Panorpa (Mecoptera, Panorpidae) in the forest and forest-steppe zones of European Russia

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Among all insects, the order Mecoptera is the least studied in European Russia. Among this order, the small family Panorpidae stands out, the species of which are found mainly in forest ecosystems. In order to fill this gap, during 2008, 2009, 2011, 2015, and 2017-2023 we collected data for the Panorpa distribution dataset in European Russia. In our research, the biology of 6 species of Panorpa (P. alpina, P. cognata, P. communis, P. germanica, P. hybrida, P. vulgaris) was studied. To obtain the most information, various collection methods were used (handheld sweep-net, light traps, pitfall traps, pan traps, Malaise traps, and window traps) and the entire insect activity season. Data have been obtained that can be used to understand the timing of species activity in nature, to understand biotopic preference, and to study other aspects of Panorpa biology.

The first data on subnivean activity of spiders (Arachnida: Aranei) in Southwestern Siberia (Russia)

Alexander A. Fomichev, Seppo Koponen — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Thirteen species of spiders from four families were collected using pitfall traps in subnivean habitat in the foothills of Salair Mt. Range, eastern Altai Krai. Linyphiidae predominate in the material. Agroeca limnicunae (McCook, 1884), previously known from Yenisei River in Middle Siberia through Cisokhotia and Alaska to New Jersey (USA), is recorded for the first time in West Siberia and redescribed. The Euro-Uralian boreo-mountainous Maro sublestus Falconer, 1915 is recorded in West Siberia for the first time. A Trans-Palaearctic-NW Nearctic boreal species, Tibioplus diversus (L. Koch, 1879), is reported for the first time from Altai Krai. The winter active spider fauna of eastern Altai Krai consists of species which can be found as adults all year round. All collected species are illustrated.

Faunal structure of small mammals (Erinaceomorpha, Soricomorpha, Chiroptera and Rodentia) in two protected areas of the Middle Volga region (European Russia)

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Most existing data on the distribution of living organisms are usually contained in various taxonomic publications, checklists and natural history collections. As a result, these data tend to be often difficult to generalize. Biodiversity databases are an effective tool for integrating and assessing this type of information. Our dataset, recently published in GBIF as the Darwin Core Archive, contains up-to-date information on the occurrence of small mammals (hedgehogs, shrews, bats and rodents) in two protected areas of European Russia: the Mordovia Nature Reserve and National Park “Smolny”. The dataset summarizes animal occurrences from our field studies of small mammals using snap traps, mist nets and nature observations during 2018–2023. This database consists of 7950 records of occurrence of small mammals, including 5672 records in the Mordovia Nature Reserve and 2278 records in the National park “Smolny”. Our dataset lists 35 species of small mammals from 21 genera and 9 families. Each occurrence record contains the name of the species, the basis of the record, the age and sex of animal individual, the reproductive state of the females, the location, the date and the authors of the record. All records are georeferenced and published in GBIF for the first time. The species richness of small mammals noted in the protected areas of Mordovia is similar for other regions of European Russia.

Amitermes rhizophagus Belyaeva, 1974 – a new genus and species of termites (Blattodea: Termitidae) in the fauna of Uzbekistan

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Turkmenistan is considered to be the habitat of termites of the genus Amitermes Silvestri, 1901 in the CIS countries. In Uzbekistan, as it turned out, they are very rare and were found for the first time for the fauna of the republic in 2024 in the south of the republic. A single species Amitermes rhizophagus Belyaeva, 1974 is registered within the genus Amitermes. Morphological features of nymphs, soldiers and workers with corresponding illustrations are described. A map of the place where the species was found is presented.

Diversity and habitat distribution of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) nematoda fauna (Zarafshan valley, Uzbekistan)

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Nematodes are the most widespread multicellular organisms found in soil ecosystems. They engage in complex and diverse relationships with plants and other living organisms. Additionally, the composition of nematode communities varies across different climatic conditions. This study was conducted in the Zarafshan Valley of Uzbekistan, where the species and ecological diversity of nematodes have not been thoroughly explored. Our research identified 87 nematode species belonging to seven orders across various biotopes associated with tomato plants in three regions of the Zarafshan Valley. Notably, the majority of these species were found in the rhizosphere soil. For the first time in this region, we classified nematodes into ecological groups based on their trophic characteristics, revealing that the bacterivores group is the most dominant. We calculated ecological indicators for nematodes in different biotopes using the Simpson index (Dˊ), Shannon index (Hˊ), Menhinck index, Margalef index, and Berger-Parker index. The diversity of nematode fauna across these biotopes was analyzed in relation to soil organic matter content, humidity, and pH levels. Our findings further demonstrate that variations in the species and ecological composition of nematodes among biotopes are influenced by multiple factors, particularly their trophic characteristics.

Comparative characteristics of the fauna of terrestrial vertebrates of the Zagatala Nature Reserve (Azerbaijan) and the Lishan Nature Reserve (the People's Republic of China)

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to compare terrestrial vertebrate mammals in two protected areas located in different countries, each characterized by unique natural-ecological conditions and disparate management methods. Research focuses on terrestrial vertebrates of the Lishan Nature Reserve in the People’s Republic of China (24,200 hectares) and the Zagatala Nature Reserve in the Republic of Azerbaijan (47,349 hectares). We examine various indicators, such as size, weight, age, habitat, altitude, climate, and eating habits, to understand the factors that contribute to the differences between the two reserves. Field research was conducted from July 6–10, 2022, in the Zagatala Reserve and from June 15–21, 2023, in the Lishan Reserve. A systematic literature review was performed on the scientific, theoretical, and methodological foundations of protected area research. Additionally, we analyzed the natural and ecological characteristics (relief, climate, hydrography, soil cover, and vegetation) of both reserves and explored the taxonomy and distribution of terrestrial vertebrate species. We specifically studied rare and endemic species that inhabit these reserves, culminating in a comparative analysis of the fauna of amphibians and mammals in both locations, focusing on their size, weight, age, habitat, altitude, climate, and dietary patterns.

New camera trap data of the Pallas' cat Otocolobus manul (Pallas, 1776) from the Katon-Karagai National Park (Eastern Kazakhstan)

Aliya U. Gabdullina, Zhomart B. Amanbaev, Renata A. Chelysheva — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The article presents new information on the location of the Pallas's cat in the territory of the Katon-Karagai National Park, including data obtained from camera traps.

To the knowledge of the fauna of pyraloid moths (Lepidoptera, Pyraloidea) of Belgorod Region

Margarita G. Kovalenko, Julia A. Lovtsova, Aleksandr N. Streltzov — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

We report the first faunal list of Pyraloidea of Belgorod Region, including 60 species of 46 genera, belonging to two families. Phycita roborella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775), Euzophera pinguis (Haworth, 1811), Cadra furcatella (Herrich-Schäffer, 1849), Cadra figulilella (Gregson, 1871), Pediasia contaminella (Hübner, 1796), Schoenobius gigantella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) have been recorded for European Central Black Earth region for the first time. We collected the invasive boxwood pest Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) already registered in the territory of Belgorod region in 2022. In addition the results of testing traps with synthetic sex pheromone of Ephestia elutella (Hübner, 1796), including components (Z, E)-9,12-tetradecadienyl acetate and (Z, E)-9,12-tetradecadienol, are presented. 7 species of the Phycitini tribe attracted by this pheromone in the observed locality were recorded.

New records of true bugs (Heteroptera) from the Kemerovo Region (West Siberia, Russia). II.

Valentin V. Rudoi, Nikolay N. Vinokurov, Sergey L. Luzyanin — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The paper presents data on 38 species of true bugs from 11 families found in the Kemerovo Region (Western Siberia) on recultivated coal mining sites. Of these, Spathocera laticornis (Schilling, 1829) (Coreidae) is a new record for the Asian part of Russia. A total of 36 species have been identified for the fauna of the Kemerovo Region for the first time: Prostemma kiborti Jakovlev, 1889, Nabis americolimbatus (Carayon, 1961) (Nabidae); Tetraphleps aterrima (J. Sahlberg, 1878) (Anthocoridae); Dicyphus stachydis J. Sahlberg, 1878, Deraeocoris punctulatus (Fallén, 1807), Mecomma dispar (Boheman, 1852) (Miridae); Acalypta marginata (Wolff, 1804), Dictyla humuli (Fabricius, 1794), Kalama tricornis (Schrank, 1801), Oncochila simplex (Herrich-Schaeffer, 1833) (Tingidae); Berytinus crassipes (Herrich-Schaeffer, 1835) (Berytidae); Drymus brunneus brunneus (R.F. Sahlberg, 1848), D. ryeii Douglas & Scott, 1865, Ischnocoris punctulatus Fieber, 1861, Lamproplax membranea Distant, 1883, Scolopostethus affinis (Schilling, 1829), S. pilosus pilosus Reuter, 1875, S. thomsoni Reuter, 1875, Emblethis brachynotus Horváth, 1897, E. denticollis Horváth, 1878, E. filicornis Linnavuori, 1954, Trapezonotus anorus (Flor, 1860), Megalonotus antennatus (Schilling, 1829), M. hirsutus Fieber, 1861, M. sabulicola (Thomson, 1870), Plinthisus pusillus (Scholtz, 1847), Graptopeltus lynceus (Fabricius, 1775), Peritrechus convivus (Stål, 1858) (Lygaeidae); Dicranocephalus agilis (Scopoli, 1763), D. medius (Mulsant & Rey, 1870) (Stenocephalidae); Bathysolen nubilus (Fallén, 1807), Coriomeris denticulatus (Scopoli, 1763), Nemocoris fallenii R.F. Sahlberg, 1848 (Coreidae); Ochetostethus opacus (Scholtz, 1847) (Cydnidae); Odontoscelis fuliginosa (Linnaeus, 1761) (Scutelleridae); Sciocoris distinctus Fieber, 1851 (Pentatomidae). The ranges of some poorly studied species known from isolated records in Siberia have been specified. A rare female macroptera form of Himacerus apterus (Fabricius, 1798) (Nabidae) has been identified. According to the latest data, 244 species of true bugs from 28 families have been recorded in the Kemerovo Region.

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

Izbasar I. Temreshev — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Pleasing fungus beetles Triplax aenea (Schaller, 1783) and T. melanocephala (Latreille, 1804) from the family Erotylidae are firstly recorded from Kazakhstan. A new key to known species of the genus Triplax from Kazakhstan is given. The finds of T. aenea from South-East Kazakhstan are currently new record for this species for Central Asia. The finds of T. melanocephala from South-East Kazakhstan are currently the easthernmost localities for this species and new record for Central Asia. Dryad's saddle mushroom Cerioporus squamosus, big sheath mushroom Volvopluteus gloiocephalus, Rhodofomes roseus and milk-caps mushroom Lactarius badiosanguineus are firstly recorded from Kazakhstan for T. aenea; fungi from family Agaricaceae – field mushroom A. campestris and Prince mushroom A. augustus for T. melanocephala.

A comparative study of spring avifauna in natural biotopes and agricultural landscapes of the Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan

Bunyod N. Ganiev, Nodirjon N. Azimov, Bakhtiyor R. Kholmatov — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Between 2014 and 2022, a comprehensive analysis was conducted to compare the spring diversity of avifauna, including bird occurrence, density, similarity, and differences between natural biotopes and agrarian landscapes in the Tashkent region. This study assessed changes in avifauna composition resulting from the conversion of natural biotopes into cultivated areas and evaluated the influence of anthropogenic factors on bird behavior. During the spring months of March, April, and May, approximately 205 bird species were recorded. Of these, 186 species were observed in natural biotopes, while 162 species were identified in agrarian landscapes. Notably, 143 species were common to both biotopes, whereas 43 species were exclusive to natural biotopes, and 19 species were found only in agrarian landscapes. The spring avifauna was classified into six categories based on their occurrence: Resident (51 species), Breeding-Migratory (75 species), Migratory-Wintering (34 species), Migratory (25 species), Breeding-Migratory-Wintering (11 species), and Wintering (9 species). The study included a comparative evaluation of bird diversity in natural biotopes and agrocenoses.

Implementation of artificial intellect for bird pest species detection and monitoring

Elena V. Shapetko, Vasiliy V. Belozerskikh, Valery D. Siokhin — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to develop a real-time method for detecting and selecting birds in video images using artificial intelligence. The objectives included creating a reliable method for isolating bird signals against varying terrain backgrounds using neural networks, estimating bird numbers in frames through AI-driven threshold techniques, and proposing a solution for managing pest bird populations by analyzing video data to control electronic deterrents. Throughout the research, we identified the bird species present on the premises of brewery across different seasons, compiled an annotated species list, and established a database of granary birds. Leveraging the YOLO architecture based on artificial intelligence, we developed a program for bird detection in low-resolution, low-quality images. The system underwent laboratory and field testing to validate its effectiveness.

Three new records of spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) from Azerbaijan

Tamara V. Nuruyeva, Nataly Yu. Snegovaya, Mahir M. Maharramov — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0700

New data on three species of spiders from Azerbaijan is presented. Of these, Anyphaena furva Miller, 1967 (Anyphaenidae) and Dysdera tbilisiensis Mcheidze, 1979 (Dysderidae) are recorded for the first time in Azerbaijan, and Cyclosa algerica Simon, 1885 (Araneidae) is new to the entire Caucasus.

New records of moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera) from Kunashir Island (Russia)

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This paper presents new records of six species of moths and butterflies from Kunashir Island. We report on the first records of Nymphalis (Kaniska) canace (Linnaeus, 1763), Araschnia levana (Linnaeus, 1758) (Nymphalidae), Archiearis parthenias (Linnaeus, 1761) (Geometridae), Bastilla maturata (Walker, 1858) (Erebidae), Xylena (Lithomoia) solidaginis (Hübner, 1803), and Orthosia aoyamensis (Matsumura, 1926) (Noctuidae) from Kunashir Island.

Patterns of diversity and driving factors in microcrustacean assemblages in the lowland and mountain Arctic: comparison of the Anabar Plateau and the adjacent regions of Middle Siberia

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0700

One of the key problems of modern ecology is to analyze the structure of ecosystems in Arctic water bodies, which are sensitive to global climatic changes and anthropogenic stress. It is important to determine the general principles of the formation of aquatic communities in different polar landscapes. An attempt was made to characterize the potential influence of altitude on the dominance structure, taxonomic richness, and species composition of benthic and planktonic microcrustacean assemblages on the example of the Anabar Plateau. In parallel, a comparative analysis of assemblages’ regulation in the Lena River Delta (flat tundra), the Anabar Plateau and the Putorana Plateau (mountainous massifs) in northern Middle Siberia was conducted. A total of 96 crustacean taxa were found in the water bodies of the Anabar Plateau: 44 Copepoda, 50 Cladocera, one species each of Anostraca and Laevicaudata. Of these, 44 species are newly found in the region. Structure of the microcrustacean assemblages on the Anabar Plateau depends on mountainousness and the associated hydrochemical and hydrological characteristics of the water bodies. For zooplankton, altitude and macrophyte composition are the main determinants of the assemblage structure. For meiobenthos, altitude and water mineralization are the key environmental factors. A comprehensive analysis of the original and literature data revealed that the formation of fauna and assemblages of microcrustaceans in Arctic water bodies is a result of a complex influence of climate and landscape. The species richness of thermophilic Cladocera exhibits a notable decline with increasing latitude, in contrast to that of thermotolerant Copepoda. In lowland regions, the variability of assemblages is determined by a set of hydrological and hydrochemical factors correlating with the age of the water body. In mountains, the assemblage variability is related to altitude above sea level, which determines the main characteristics of water body.

Orthoptera and Mantodea in the Continental biogeographical region and adjacent areas of European Russia (data paper)

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Orthoptera is one of the most conspicuous groups of insects in any landscape. However, limited data on this group of insects have been published for European Russia. This article describes an occurrence dataset providing primary data on Orthoptera and Mantodea in European Russia, covering areas from the Kaluga region to Tatarstan and from the Nizhny Novgorod region to the Saratov region. A notable aspect of the dataset is the using of a wide range of sample methods, including acoustic observation, sweep net, pitfall traps, Malaise traps, pan traps, window traps, and beer traps. In total, 64.238 specimens were sampled across 1,186 plots. The dataset includes 7.095 occurrences representing 91 species of Orthoptera and 1 species of Mantodea. The number of plots, occurrences, and specimens is provided for each species in the article. The contribution of different sampling methods to insect identification is discussed. The latitudinal and longitudinal distributions of the species within the study area are analyzed.

Effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles and auxin on adventitious roots morphology and phytochemistry of Coleus forskohlii Briq. (Lamiaceae)

Majid Mahdieh, Atefeh Sadat Hashemi, Seyed Mehdi Talebi, Alex Matsyura — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Coleus forskohlii Briq., a medicinal plant from the Lamiaceae family, has been utilized worldwide to treat various disorders. The primary active compound in this plant is forskolin, a diterpene that accumulates in its rhizome. This study aims to assess the in vitro culture of C. forskohlii by investigating the effects of different concentrations of auxin hormone (1 and 2 mg L^-1) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (10 and 20 ppm) as elicitors on biometrical traits related to rooting as well as forskolin content. Each treatment was replicated three times, and the results were analyzed using SPSS version 20. We observed that most traits examined decreased in samples treated with 1 mg L^-1 of IAA hormone. In contrast, samples treated with 2 mg L^-1 of IAA exhibited the highest values compared to the control samples. However, the differences in the examined characteristics among the samples were not statistically significant. Notably, the number of adventitious roots and the forskolin content increased with each increment in IAA hormone concentration. In plants treated with 2 mg L^-1 IAA hormone, all measured biometrical traits surpassed those of the control group as well as those of samples co-treated with IAA (2 mg L^-1) and ZnO nanoparticles (10 and 20 ppm). The forskolin content followed a similar trend. However, the lowest values for these traits were observed in the plants treated with 2 mg L^-1 IAA and 20 ppm ZnO nanoparticles. These findings indicate that 2 mg L^-1 of IAA hormone significantly impacts both root morphology and phytochemical characteristics compared to 1 mg L^-1. Furthermore, ZnO nanoparticles at a concentration of 20 ppm exhibited an inhibitory effect on root morphology and forskolin content, which could not be mitigated by treatment with 2 mg L^-1 IAA.

The first checklist of rotifers of Armenia

Susanna Hakobyan, Karén Jenderedjian — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Armenia is located in the Caucasus Ecoregion, one of Earth's most biologically rich regions and ranked among the planet’s 36 most diverse hotspots. Although the country is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, much of its biological wealth has yet to be explored. This study aims to compile the first checklist of Armenian rotifer species with an indication of their sampling sites based on available literature data. The phylum Rotifera comprises about 2,000 species of tiny invertebrates that occupy key positions in aquatic ecosystems. The oldest available records of rotifers in Armenia date back 100 years. To date, 101 rotifers below the genus level (95 species and 6 subspecies) belonging to 35 genera and 21 families from the class Eurotatoria, orders Ploima (79 species and 6 subspecies), Flosculariaceae (10 species), Bdelloidea (5 species), and Collothecacea (1 species) have been recorded in Armenia. The highest number of rotifer species (69) has been reported from Lake Sevan. Similarities in species diversity of rotifers with neighboring countries are as follows: Turkey – 88%, Iran – 85%, Azerbaijan – 43%, and Georgia – 29%. Only 5 species recorded in Armenia were not found in adjacent countries. While the checklist of Armenian Rotifera provided in this article incorporates almost all available records, it needs to be completed by future studies, especially from the Ararat Valley, as well as the major rivers, high-altitude brooks, lakes, ponds, and marshes of the southern and northeastern parts of Armenia.

Parental behavior of Lynx lynx and Puma concolor: insights from offspring rearing in captivity?

Oksana M. Ulitina, Tatiana V. Antonenko, Marina N. Nosova, Daria Glukhova — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Animal behavior can serve as an important indicator of welfare for zoo inhabitants. The maternal behaviors exhibited by lynx and puma in captivity are crucial not only for the survival and well-being of their cubs but also provide valuable insights for species conservation programs. We analyzed the motor activity of a male and female Siberian lynx and a male and female puma during the period when they were raising their kittens, which had not yet left the shelter at the time of observation. Our ethological monitoring revealed both similarities and differences in behavior across species and sexes. We found that males of both species exhibited passive behaviors more frequently than females. Overall motor activity was higher during the evening observation periods. Notably, the male lynx spent significantly less time in the shelter compared to the other studied animals, likely due to his close cohabitation with the female and their kittens. In contrast, the male puma was kept nearby but separately from the female and her offspring. Abnormal behaviors were observed in nearly all animals, except for the female lynx. The female puma exhibited the highest level of abnormal activity, frequently carrying her kitten in her mouth for extended periods, which suggests a high level of stress. The intraspecific Shorygin indices of behavioral similarity between male and female lynxes and pumas were relatively low, at 42% and 45%, respectively. In comparison, our previous research indicated that the behavioral similarity index between male and female Eurasian lynxes without offspring was 87%. This suggests that the presence of kittens significantly increases the differences in time budgets between males and females.

The influence of ants on the environment and their relationship with ecosystem components

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Having a wide geographical distribution and, as an engineering species, actively transforming the landscapes they inhabit, ants have a significant impact on the environment, creating new biogenic landforms and changing a number of its parameters, including biotic ones. This review is devoted to the consideration of the diverse environment-forming activities of ants in different regions of the world. An analysis of the scientific literature carried out in this context revealed a clear disproportion between the fairly good knowledge of tropical regions and the insufficient knowledge of temperate latitudes. The environment-forming activity of ants actively populating grasslands removed from agricultural use: steppes, continental and floodplain meadows of temperate latitudes has been especially poorly studied, which determines the undoubted priority of this area of research.

Genus Spiniferomonas (Chrysophyceae, Chromulinales) in Eastern Siberian reservoirs

Anna Bessudova — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Species belonging to the genus Spiniferomonas are commonly found in continental reservoirs in northern latitudes and may serve as indicators of climate change. A recent revision of the genus has identified 21 morphologically confirmed species of Spiniferomonas, with 17 species inhabiting reservoirs in Eastern Siberia. Detailed descriptions of these species are provided, along with their morphological characteristics supported by microphotographs and original distribution data in Eastern Siberia's reservoirs.

The North American leaf-mining moth Coptodisca lucifluella (Lepidoptera: Heliozelidae) reached Southern Russia and Abkhazia: genetic variability and potential for further spread

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The invasive North American leaf-mining moth Coptodisca lucifluella (Clemens, 1860) (Lepidoptera: Heliozelidae) is reported for the first time in Russia and Abkhazia based on findings of the leaf mines on Carya illinoinensis, Car. tomentosa, Pterocarya fraxinifolia, Juglans regia, and J. nigra in Sochi, Sirius, Crimea, and Abkhazian settlements in 2023 and 2024. The species was identified by DNA barcoding of two larvae dissected from the leaf mines and by morphology of adults grown from the leaf mines in 2024. The analysis of DNA barcoding data of the Russian and Abkhazian specimens together with those from Europe (invaded range) and North America (native range), publicly available in BOLD and/or GenBank, defined relatively low (1.45%) intraspecific variability. High interspecific divergence (over 9%) was detected when comparing C. lucifluella with another invasive North American heliozelid, C. juglandiella, currently spreading in Europe but not yet recorded in Russia and Abkhazia. The leaf mines of C. lucifluella (Chambers, 1874) were notably abundant on the North American pecan, Car. illinoinensis, widely cultivated in orchards and urban area in Southern Russia and Abkhazia. Around 162±23 mines (maximal of 216 mines) and 182±30 mines (maximal of 269 mines) per a compound leaf were documented in Sochi (Russia) and Gulrypsh District (Abkhazia), respectively. In Abkhazia, up to 35% parasitism rate was recorded, with unidentified Eulophidae as a main cause. The overview of the modern range of C. lucifluella and the note on its bionomics in the studied localities are provided. Furthermore, the potential of the species spread in Russia and beyond (in particular to Caucasus and Asian countries) is discussed.

Endemic grasshoppers (Orthoptera, Acridoidea) of the steppes of West Siberia and North-East Kazakhstan: how can we estimate their future?

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The distribution patterns of 3 rare acridid species, namely Asiotmethis jubatus (Uvarov, 1926) (Pamphagidae), Aeropedellus baliolus Mistshenko, 1951 and Mesasippus arenosus (Bey-Bienko, 1930), are described and compared. In the region, there are the type localities of these species. A. jubatus and M. arenosus are very rare and mainly associated with the dry steppes and the semi-deserts of the region, while A. baliolus are more or less common and distributed over the steppes from their northern boundary up to the southern one. The ecologo-geographic modelling based on the Maxent approach allows to reveal the potential distribution patterns of habitats applicable for each species to forecast possible shifts of species distributions relative to feasible climatic changes according the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 3-7.0 and the global climate model CNRM-ESM2-1. The comparative analysis of the species distributions, the predicted distributions of suitable conditions and the forecasts of their possible shifts showed that predictions for the endemic steppe species can be quite different. The fore-casts for A. jubatus and M. arenosus based on the species distribution models and the predictions of high greenhouse gas emissions show that they may become relatively prosperous in the middle of the 21st century and the northern boundaries of the optimal parts of their ranges may shift northward. The predictions for A. baliolus show that the species optimal territories may catastrophically reduce in the future (from 265,000 km² now up to about 18,000 km² in the middle of the 21st century). As a result, the conservation status of A. baliolus may significantly change, because it will explicitly meet the IUCN criteria of the Vulnerable species.

Ecological conditions and biodiversity of meadow vegetation of the Crillon Peninsula (Sakhalin Island)

Inna O. Rozhkova–Timina, Andrei A. Zverev, Ludmila F. Shepeleva — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The Crillon Peninsula is located in the southwest part of Sakhalin Island and is a poorly explored territory. Despite the small size of the peninsula, environmental conditions in different parts of Crillon may vary. The research materials include 58 relevés from the northwest and southeast subregions of the peninsula. Taxonomic analysis was performed; and ecological patterns of meadow vegetation using the indicator scales of DN Tsyganov and IA Tsatsenkin were identified. Indices of species diversity, dominance, evenness, and the Jaccard index of similarity were calculated. The classification was based on a resemblance matrix of relevés calculated with the quantitative Bray–Curtis index. A total of 121 plant species representing 93 genera and 27 families have been found in the meadow ecosystems on the Crillon Peninsula. Five groups of meadow phytocoenoses were distinguished after classification, and nearly all of them are distributed equally in both research locations. The Crillon Peninsula’s north-west subregion has higher species diversity and equitability indices, whereas the southeast subregion has higher dominance indices. According to the results of the indicator analysis, both subregions of the Crillon Peninsula have the identical climatic and edaphic conditions. Statistically significant differences were obtained only for the regimes of climate continentality, harshness of winter, soil nitrogen richness (at p < 0.01) according to DN Tsyganov’s scales, and for indicators of soil richness/salinity and pasture digression (at p < 0.05) according to the scales of IA Tsatsenkin. These differences are explained by the climatic characteristics of the peninsular coasts and human activities. The results obtained allow us to conclude that data from one study location can be carefully extrapolated to the entire Crillon Peninsula. During the extrapolation process the anthropogenic stress and agricultural development should be considered.

New records of the adventive land snail Helix lucorum (Gastropoda: Helicidae) in Kazakhstan

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Snail Helix lucorum Linnaeus, 1758, was first found on the territory of Kazakhstan in 2020. This species is invasive for the country. A stable population of the snail has been discovered in parklands in Kentau and Shymkent cities in the Turkistan oblast, in the city of Taraz in the Jambyl oblast, South Kazakhstan, and in the Almaty city in the South-East Kazakhstan. The nearest point where H. lucorum lives is the city of Tashkent (Uzbekistan), where this species was found in 2012. According to the local residents, tree seedlings were brought from Tashkent for landscaping the cities of Kentau and Shymkent. Thus, Tashkent was the most probavle source of the invasion. Further dispersal of H. lucorum in the South and South-East Kazakhstan, on the territory of Turkestan, Jambyl and Almaty oblasts is expected.

New data on the Lepidoptera of Azerbaijan (Southern Transcaucasia). Superfamily Pyraloidea Latreille, 1809

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0700

We present the faunal list of Pyraloidea (Lepidoptera) of Azerbaijan, including 222 species of 114 genera, belonging to two families. Forty eight species of Pyraloidea Moths are reported for Azerbaijan for the first time.

Microplastic size matters for absorption and excretion by Artemia salina and Acipenser ruthenus larvae in models of water pollution and food chain transfer

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Microplastics pervade the hydrosphere and inevitably come into contact with aquatic organisms. The study reports quantitative data on absorption and excretion of polystyrene microspheres 2 and 10 µm in diameter by zooplankton and fish larvae on the example of Artemia salina L. and Acipenser rithenus L. At the initial concentration of 500 µg/L, A. salina accumulated 2 and 10 µm particles in amounts up to 0.103 and 0.151 ng/individual, respectively, at a similar rate. The mass content of large-sized particles in A. salina was significantly higher (p < 0.01) compared to small-sized particles throughout the experiment. Artemia salina and A. rithenus larvae did not accumulate microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract over a period of 96 and 72 h, respectively. Consumption of microplastics by A. ruthenus larvae with A. salina through the food chain was slower and less pronounced in mass than their direct absorption from water. The rates of absorption of 2 and 10 μm particles by fish attained 0.9 and 8.22 ng/individual/h from water, and 0.06 and 0.23 ng/individual/h with food, respectively. In the models of water pollution and food chain transfer, A. ruthenus larvae consumed more 10 µm particles in mass compared to 2 µm particles (p < 0.05) and at a higher rate. For 2 µm particles, the excretion time for 50% of particles from the gastrointestinal tract of fish (T₅₀) was 32–33 h, whereas for 10 µm particles, the excretion of particles consumed with food was slower (T₅₀=45 h) compared to that of particles absorbed directly from water (T₅₀=25 h). The data obtained can be used to simulate transport and circulation of microplastics of different sizes in the environment.

Effect of different types of microplastics on the vital activity of bloodsucking mosquitoes Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae)

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0700

We have experimentally investigated the effect of three different types of microplastics (high-density polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene) on body weight, metamorphosis rate and mortality of bloodsucking mosquitoes Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus 1762), vectors of protozoal and helminthic diseases of humans and animals. Supplementation of the diet with polypropylene was found to have no effect on mosquito weight at all life stages, while the addition of high-density polyethylene and polystyrene promoted a decrease in larval weight and an increase in adult weight (p < 0.05). Ingestion of high-density polyethylene by larvae increased pupal weight and decreased adult weight compared to the control, whereas no such effect was found for polypropylene and polystyrene. High-density polyethylene and polystyrene did not affect mosquito mortality at all stages, but there was a tendency for polypropylene to have an adverse effect on pupal and adult survival. The survival rate of mosquitoes at all life stages in both the control and experimental groups was generally quite high. Supplementation of the diet with different types of plastics did not affect the metamorphosis rate at all stages of mosquito development and was comparable in both the control and experimental groups. The experiments revealed no significant effect of different types of plastics on the vital activity of Ae. aegypti. Only high-density polyethylene microparticles were found to significantly affect mosquito body weight, yet this was opposite at the pupal and adult stages.

Review of the African golden-spotted genera Haplopacha and Dasychirinula (Lepidoptera, Lasiocampidae, Poecilocampinae)

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0700

African golden-spotted lappet moths from the genera Haplopacha Aurivillius, 1905 and Dasychirinula Hering, 1926 are reviewed. Antennae, heads and legs are investigated in addition to the traditional comparison of habitus, genitalia, and distribution areas. Two new genera are established and four new species are described as a result: Eudoumbia gen. n. with the type-species Eudoumbia thorogood sp. n. from Angola, Namibia, and Botswana; Auripluvia gen. n. with the type species Auripluvia sophia sp. n. from Ethiopia; Haplopacha mason sp. n. from Tanzania; and Dasychirinula julia sp. n. from Ethiopia. One species is reattributed to the new genus as Eudoumbia ndoumoi (Dupont, Simonsen & Zilli, 2016) stat. n. One new synonymy is established for two Tanzanian species: Dasychirinula chrysogramma Hering, 1926 = Haplopacha lunata Dupont, Simonsen & Zilli, 2016 syn. n.; and one potential synonymy is remarked between Haplopacha tangani Dupont, Simonsen & Zilli, 2016 from Tanzania and Malawi and Haplopacha riftensis Dupont, Simonsen & Zilli, 2016 from Malawi. Photos of the related material stored in the main collections of Ditsong National Museum of Natural History (Pretoria, RSA) and Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe (Bulawayo, Zimbabwe) are showed.

The potential threats posed by the invasive bark beetle Polygraphus proximus (Coleoptera, Curculionidae: Scolytinae) to a natural park in the Middle Urals (Russia)

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The four-eyed fir bark beetle Polygraphus proximus Blandford, 1894 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is an invasive species that originates from the Far East. Since early 2000s, it became known as an aggressive pest causing massive dieback of Siberian fir (Abies sibirica Ledeb.) in Siberia and, to some extent, in the European part of Russia. Here, we report the first record of P. proximus in Sverdlovsk Region (the Middle Urals, Russia). In summer 2023, A. sibirica trees colonized by the pest were discovered on the territory of the “Olenyi Ruchyi” Natural Park. The dendrochronological analysis of the cores of fir trees killed by the beetle indicated that the majority (72%) of these trees died in 2021–2022, while the earliest tree death occured already in 2007 and 2009, meaning that the pest was present in the Natural Park for at least two decades. Mycological analysis of bark and wood samples of infested trees revealed the fungus colonies assigned to Grosmannia aoshimae (Ohtaka, Masuya & Yamaoka) Masuya & Yamaoka. Associated with P. proximus, this Far Eastern fungus species has spread with the beetle to Siberia and the Urals, contributing to tree mortality. Siberian fir is present on 69% of the forested area in the “Olenyi Ruchyi”. The colonization of fir trees by P. proximus recorded in the park in 2023 alarms about the high risk of the pest outbreak in the coming years, which may lead to subsequent tree death over a huge territory of the park affecting its ecological, cultural, and recreational values. To prevent the dramatic impact, it is highly urgent to take all the necessary measures to suppress the distribution and combat this alien pest.

Overview of Trematodes (Trematoda) of mammals in Uzbekistan

Erkinjon B. Shakarboev, Jasurbek E. Jumamuratov, Guzal A. Khosilova — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Based on the research and the analysis of literary data, we identified 27 species of trematodes from 19 genera, 12 families and 7 orders, which parasitise mammals in Uzbekistan. The families Brachylaemiidae and Paramphistomatidae, with 6 and 5 species, respectively, showed the highest species diversity. These two families contained 40.7% of all recorded trematode species infecting mammals. The families Fasciolidae and Echinostomatidae include 3 species each, Dicrocoeliidae and Plagiorchidae – 2 species each, with 1 trematode species in each of the remaining 6 families.

Baikal endemic and Palearctic species of caddisflies (Trichoptera) build cases from microplastics

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Pollution of freshwater ecosystems by microplastics is a serious problem. Many studies are related to the pelagic zone and the organisms living in it. However, benthic organisms are most susceptible to this problem in aquatic ecosystems. Benthic organisms can both consume microplastics and incorpo- rate them into their cases. The last statement concerns caddisflies. In this study, cases and larvae of two caddisfly species were analyzed. The first species is endemic to Lake Baikal (Baicalina thamastoides), the second species is a Palearctic species (Hydatophylax nigrovittatus). Microplastic fragments were found in both species. However, we are the first to show that microplastic fragments can be embedded in cases in large numbers (from 10 to 38, with an average value of 20.56 ± 1.91 specimens/case in H. nigrovittatus). For this species, there is a negative significant (p<0.05) correlation between the length of the larvae and the number of microplastic particles (fragments). In addition, mesoplastics with a length of more than 5 mm were found among the embedded particles.

Variability of morphometric characteristics of Dactylis glomerata L. (Pooideae Benth.) leaf phytoliths at two stages of the growing season

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The study is devoted to the analysis of the morphometric parameters of Crenate phytoliths of the Dactylis glomerata L. leaf epidermis. The use of morphometry for the nomenclature and identification of phytoliths determines the relevance of studying factors that impact on the size of silica bodies. One of the possible reasons for morphometric differences may be the phenophase in which the herbarium material was collected. We collected herbarium material of D. glomerata from its two habitats at the beginning and the end of the growing season. Morphometric data of phytoliths extracted from leaves were processed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. The Crenate study of D. glomerata phytoliths at different stages of the growing season shows that some parameters tend to increase, while others remain stable and may have a taxonomic potential. Finally, the increase in the size characteristics of phytoliths at the end of the growing season has been revealed. Such parameters as area, width and equivalent diameter are stable. By the end of the growing season, the phytoliths have a more elongated and irregular shape. The most stable shape parameters are roundness, compactness and aspect ratio.

Memory of Vladimir Longinovich Kazenas

Izbasar I. Temreshev — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The article is dedicated to the memory of Vladimir Longinovich Kazenas (1941–2024), Doctor of Biological Sciences, entomologist, researcher of fauna, biology and systematics of insects of Central Asia, participant of many expeditions, major specialist in digger wasps, hymenopterologist, who discovered and described tens of insect species new to science, the author of about 200 scientific works, including 30 popular science and scientific books.

Sphaeritidae (Coleoptera, Histeroidea) – a new beetle family to the fauna of Kazakhstan

Izbasar I. Temreshev — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0700

False clown beetle Sphaerites glabratus (Fabricius, 1792) is firstly recorded from Kazakhstan. The records of the beetles from family Sphaeritidae were absent for Kazakhstan. The spider Philodromus poecilus (Thorell, 1872) is cited for the first time as a natural enemy of this species.

Features of the development of Galega orientalis Lam. in the conditions of the middle taiga of Western Siberia

Ekaterina A. Moiseeva, Ludmila F. Shepeleva, Rimma Kh. Bordey — Sun, 23 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This paper presents the results of an introductory assessment of the Galega orientalis Lam. culture (Eastern Galega) to introduce it as a food crop in extreme Northern environmental conditions. To reach the study aim, we conducted a small plot experiment based on the methodology of B. A. Dospekhov with randomized repetitions. We sowed the eastern Galega uninoculated seeds (the control experiment) in sandy podzolic soil; the seeds inoculated with microbiological fertilizer; binary sowing with legumes (pea). We observed the experiment and accounted for the research parameters in agreement with the standard research methods. The results of this study demonstrate ontogenetic and seasonal development characteristics of the species under review growing in the vicinity of Surgut, its biologic productivity, and the advantages of its use as a feeding crop. We analyzed the efficiency of the inoculation of the seeds with microbiological fertilizer Baikal-EM1 and binary sowing. These measures aimed to enhance the productivity and adaptive properties in the eastern Galega grown in the middle boreal subzone of Western Siberia. This research proves the introduction of the eastern Galega into the regional forage production to be of high potential. The introductory assessment of the eastern Galega in environmental conditions of the middle boreal forest of Western Siberia was carried out for the first time. We validate the use of the Baikal EM1 fertilizer for presowing seeds preparation. The identified species-specific characteristics in growth, productivity, chemical composition, and nutritional value are equal to those of the same culture grown in more favorable conditions. Therefore, Galega orientalis can be recommended as a promising feeding crop for the region in question.

Anatomical and morphological features of leaves of Rhodiola rosea L. in natural conditions of the mountains in Southern Siberia (Altai Mountains)

Alina N. Butenkova, Alexey S. Prokopyev, Mikhail S. Yamburov — Sat, 22 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The study of natural coenopopulations of the rare medicinal species Rhodiola rosea is of highest relevance for conservation of this valuable plant species. Analysis of the adaptive response of the species growing under different environmental conditions is basically used to elaborate recommendations for its protection and rational use. The aim of this work was to study the anatomical and morphological features of the leaf blades of Rh. rosea growing under different environmental and coenotic conditions of the Altai Mountains. We studied the anatomical features of leaves of Rh. rosea from 7 coenopopulations (in one coenopopulation, both female and male plants were studied) and assessed the adaptive response of plants to different growing conditions by conventional methods. The values of indicators from different coenopopulations were compared by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the correlation coefficient was calculated to estimate the correlation between different indicators. The study revealed a reserve of adaptive plasticity for Rh. rosea, which allows the species to grow under different light and water conditions. For specimens from one geographic location studied, statistically significant differences in the indicator values were fewer compared with specimens from different areas. Heliophytic and xerophytic adaptations of the studied plants varied depending on coenopopulation. The analysis of male and female Rh. rosea species from the Kurai ridge (CP 3) revealed that the most photosynthetically active layer and vascular tissue are better developed in leaves of females compared to males. It was found that Rh. rosea growing in the mountains bear shorter and thicker leaves; the thickness of integumentary tissue with cuticle increases at higher altitudes, the number of stomata and cells on integumentary tissue per epidermis unit area decreases, and the thickness of photoassimilating tissue grows. Changes in anatomical and morphological characteristics are adaptive responses to increased insolation at higher altitudes and, probably, to decreased partial pressure of carbon dioxide.

Ongoing invasion and first parasitoid record of the North American leaf-mining moth Chysaster ostensackenella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) in Primorsky Territory (Russia)

Natalia I. Kirichenko, Nina A. Kolyada, Oksana V. Kosheleva — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The North American leaf-mining moth Chrysaster ostensackenella (Fitch, 1859) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) is an invasive species newly documented in Russia in 2022 based on our findings in Primorsky Territory. The article provides data on its biology and distribution in the southern part of the region in 2023. A survey of Robinia pseudoacacia (a host plant) carried out in 12 distant settlements revealed widespread spread of Ch. ostensackenella: from the town of Spassk-Dalniy (44°36′N, 132°49′E) on the north to the village of Khasan (42°25′N, 130°38′E) on the south. Significant plant damage (>50% of leaves with the mines) was documented in the city of Artem and the village of Sinyi Gai, moderate (>25%) in Khasan, Bolshoi Kamen and Ussuriysk, and low damage (<10%) in other six settlements. Parasitism was recorded in two localities (Khasan and Slavyanka), reaching 22%. Altogether, six parasitoid adults (five females and one male) of Achrysocharoides chrysasteris Kamijo, 1990 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were reared from the moth pupae. This East Asian parasitoid is a novel record for Russia, and its trophic association with the North American moth is a new to science. Diagnoses of the parasitoid genus and species are given, and the species male is newly described. Additionally, the illustrations of male and female of A. chrysasteris are provided.

Two new Spariolenus Simon, 1880 species from Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan – the first representatives of Heteropodinae in Central Asia

Alexander A. Fomichev — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Two new species of Spariolenus Simon, 1880, S. badakhshanicus sp. n. (♂♀) and S. darvazicus sp. n. (♀), are described from Pamir Mountains in eastern Tajikistan. They represent the first records of Heteropodinae in Central Asia. The type localities of new species in West Pamir are remote approximately 500 km north from the closest known locality of the subfamily, represented by S. lindbergi (Roewer, 1962), in Afghanistan. Both new species were collected at night in rocky habitats. Detailed descriptions, digital photographs of the new species, and a distributional map of all known Spariolenus species are provided.

Asciodema obsoleta (Hemiptera: Miridae): new record for Uzbekistan

Mon, 27 May 2024 00:00:00 +0700

European plant bug Asciodema obsoleta (Fieber, 1864) was the first to be reported; to date, no records have been published. In our recent fieldwork, we extended the recorded distribution of true bug species and provided the first Uzbekistan record: in the Fergana, Namangan, and Khorezm regions. For this species, collection data in the Khorezm, Namangan, and Fergana regions and information about distribution in Uzbekistan were compared with old literature and online base dates. These species were recorded in 2023 from different places in the territory of Uzbekistan. Until now, reliable information on the zoogeography of A. obsoleta species in Uzbekistan’s south and north-western regions has not been published. The composition of species of true bugs, diversity, and the proportion of endemism vary greatly across the country’s zoogeographic regions in these three regions.

Seasonal migrations, population dynamics and age structure of the Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata (Aves, Passeriformes) according to trapping and ringing data for sixty-four years (1957–2020) in the Eastern Baltic

Vladimir A. Payevsky, Anatoly P. Shapoval — Mon, 27 May 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The results of the trapping and ringing of the Spotted Flycatcher at the “Fringilla” field station in the Courish (Curonian) Spit, Eastern Baltic, for the period 1957–2020, in the number of 7984 individuals are presented. The annual number of birds caught has varied for 64 years, while the period since the mid–1980s has been characterized by a downward trend in numbers. Due to the "coastal effect", the proportion of adult birds averaged 3%, varying by year from 1% to 14%. The recoveries of our rings during the spring arrival and breeding of birds are concentrated in the coastal northern parts of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia, in the territories of Denmark, Sweden and Finland. The recoveries of our rings during the autumn migration are from Italy. The average daily speed of autumn movement is 66–87 km per day. The age (in years) at the discovery time of the bird with the ring was from one to five years old.

Lepidoptera fauna of Kemerovo Region: Lasiocampoidea and Bombycoidea

Fri, 24 May 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Thirty six species from 5 families (Lasiocampidae, Brahmaeidae, Endromididae, Saturniidae, Sphingidae) of Lasiocampoidea and Bombycoidea superfamilies are reported from the territory of Kemerovo Region of Russia. Nine species – Malacosoma castrense (Linnaeus, 1758), Eriogaster lanestris (Linnaeus, 1758), Macrothylacia rubi (Linnaeus, 1758), Phyllodesma japonicum Leech, 1889, Dendrolimus pini (Linnaeus, 1758), Odonestis pruni (Linnaeus, 1758), Lemonia dumi (Linnaeus, 1761), Agrius convolvuli (Linnaeus, 1758), and Proserpinus proserpina (Pallas, 1772) – are new to Kemerovo Region.

The semiaquatic bugs (Heteroptera: Gerromorpha) of Uzbekistan

Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The updated list of semi-aquatic hemipteran insects (Heteroptera) of the Gerromorpha infraorder is provided for the first time for the fauna of Uzbekistan, based on collections studied and literature sources. The insects were collected from 2021 to 2023. As a result, 18 species of water striders with two subspecies belonging to 9 genera, 5 families were identified. Microvelia (Microvelia) reticulata (Burmeister, 1835) is recorded for the first time for the fauna of Uzbekistan. The erroneous species records from some areas of the republic have been corrected.

Trophic state and water quality of the Maloe More Strait, Lake Baikal

Nina A. Bondarenko, Olga G. Pen’kova, Yelena P. Zaitseva, Natalya G. Sheveleva — Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The results of a two-year study on the plankton structure and abundance in the Maloe More strait, Lake Baikal, are presented. This place is an area of increased anthropogenic pressure because it is too popular for tourists. The data obtained, in comparison with other previous data, enabled us to identify recent changes in the plankton structure and assess the trophic state of the strait. It was found that in the pelagic zone, the trophic state increases in years of abundant development of cryophilic Baikalian diatoms and decreases in low-productive years, while in the littoral zone, the situation is opposite. The water quality of the strait was assessed using the bioindication method. Water quality in the pelagic zone corresponded to class 1 called “purity” but in the littoral zone to classes 1 and 2 from “purity” to “satisfactory purity”.

Astragalus cephalotes Banks & Sol. – a new species for the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dashgin Sh. Ganbarov, Yegana A. Aslanova, Alex V. Matsyura — Tue, 21 May 2024 00:00:00 +0700

New species Astragalus cephalotes Banks & Sol. is reported to the flora of the Republic of Azerbaijan. We sampled it in Safdara, Kechili village (Shahbuz district, Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic) in mountain xerophytic community in 2016. Considering species current status and distribution we suggested include it in the future edition of the Red Data Book of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan with status VU, A2c+3c and with IUCN status 2016-LC.

Butterfly fauna (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea and Hesperioidea) of the Hazratisho Ridge (Tajikistan)

Abdulaziz M. Davlatov — Sat, 18 May 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The butterfly fauna of the Hazratisho Ridge includes 105 species and subspecies from 5 families. The faunal composition in general and taxonomic status of some recorded species is discussed.

Faunistical and ecological analysis of digger wasps (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae, Crabronidae) in Uzbekistan

Fri, 17 May 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This article presents the results of scientific research conducted in 2021–2023 on the study of digger wasps belonging to the Sphecidae, Crabronidae family in different regions of Uzbekistan, as well as the results of the study of literature sources. Total 484 species of which 69 species belonging to Sphecidae family, 415 species to Crabronidae family, 21 tribes and 74 genera were recorded in our republic. In terms of subspecies, Crabroninae equals to 24.8%, Bembicinae 18.2%, Philanthinae 17.8 %, Eremiaspheciinae 15.7 %, Ammophilinae 7.2 %, Pemphredoninae 6.6 %, Sphecinae 5.2 %, Astatinae 2.1%, Sceliphrinae 1.8 % and Dinetinae 0.6 %. 125 species were identified in the North-Western region of Uzbekistan, 253 species in the North-Eastern region, 66 species in the Eastern region, 261 species in the Central region, and 101 species in the Southern region. The digger wasp species in the North-Western and Central regions of Uzbekistan have the closest similarity of 30%, and the Eastern and Southern regions have the furthest similarity. 48% of digger wasps are native to desert, 35% to mountain and lowlands and least agrocenosis landscapes.

First record of Corticeus bicolor (Olivier, 1790) (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) from Kazakhstan

Izbasar I. Temreshev — Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The darkling beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Corticeus bicolor (Olivier, 1790) is recorded for Kazakhstan for the first time. The species was found in gallery of bark beetles Anisandrus dispar Fabricius, 1792, Scolytus intricatus Ratzeburg, 1837 and Xyleborinus saxeseni (Ratzeburg, 1837) in Akmola and Kostanai oblasts. A key to known species of the genus Corticeus Piller & Mitterpacher, 1783 from Kazakhstan is given.

First record of Lynceus brachyurus (Branchiopoda: Diplostraca: Laevicaudata: Lynceidae) in Armenia

Susanna Hakobyan, Karen Jenderedjian, Mark Kalashian — Wed, 15 May 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Lynceus brachyurus was first discovered in the highland wetland of Armenia. This finding not only contributes to our understanding of the geographic distribution of Lynceus brachyurus but also sheds light on the ecological preferences and adaptability of this species to diverse habitats.

A new subspecies of Papilio machaon Linnaeus, 1758 (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae) from Gobi desert, Mongolia

Sergei V. Churkin, Roman V. Yakovlev, Tserenpil Odbayar — Tue, 14 May 2024 00:00:00 +0700

A new subspecies, Papilio machaon bilguun ssp. nov. (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae) from Mongolia, South Gobi (Umnegov) aimak, Nomgon somon is described. The characters of new and neighbouring subspecies are discussed. A hypothesis about the relations and distribution of different taxa is proposed.

Notodontidae (Lepidoptera) of Kemerovo Province (Southern Siberia, Russia)

Dmitry A. Efimov, Alexey V. Korshunov, Pavel S. Morozov, Roman V. Yakovlev — Sun, 12 May 2024 00:00:00 +0700

An overview of Notodontidae species composition of Kemerovo Province is given in the article. At present time, 28 species of 13 Notodontidae genera are registered. Two species (Cerura przewalskii (Alphéraky, 1882) and Notodonta dembowskii Oberthür, 1879) are recorded from Kemerovo Province for the first time.

Lepidoptera of South Ossetia (Northern Transcaucasia). Part V. Superfamily Papilionoidea Latreille, 1809

Sun, 12 May 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Seventy seven Papilionoidea species have been indicated for South Ossetia (72 – for the first time for thus territory). For three species listed in the Red Book of South Ossetia (P. apollo, I. podalirius and P. machaon) new localities are given.

Diversity and sustainability of bird communities in the Irtysh River valley (the Tyumen Oblast, Russia)

Sat, 11 May 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the avifauna of the Irtysh floodplain from June 1 to September 1, 2022–2023, revealing a rich diversity of 117 bird species across 14 groups. A notable discovery was the first documented nesting of the blackbird Turdus merula in the Uvat region. Additionally, the presence of 11 rare and declining bird species, as listed in the Red List of the Russian Federation and the Tyumen Oblast, was confirmed. The research delves into the ecological and faunal characteristics of bird communities within the key biotopes of the Uvat region, analyzing species composition, total bird population, diversity indices, and community stability. The findings indicated a direct correlation between these parameters and the heterogeneity of plant cover, spatial distribution, and food availability in critical habitats. Despite various anthropogenic activities like habitat fragmentation, tree and shrub cutting, burning, oil field operations, and recreational pursuits observed in the surveyed areas of the Irtysh floodplain, the overall stability of the bird community remained intact.

Complexes of terrestrial molluscs of various biotopes in the Gissar Range, Uzbekistan

Sat, 11 May 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The article presents the results of studying the complexes of terrestrial molluscs of various biotopes in the Gissar Range, Uzbekistan. Taxonomic identification of terrestrial molluscs collected from 13 biotopes in 4 altitude regions, determination of individual species’ density, and assessment of the similarity of species content among biotopes was carried out. Forty-six species of molluscs are found in the studied biotopes. Biotopes no. 5 (along ditches among thickets of grass, under stones), no. 10 (near springs among grasses), and no. 11 (on the banks of small streams among thickets of grasses) were found to maintain the highest species richness. The most common species in the studied biotopes are Cochlicopa lubrica, Vallonia costata, and Pupilla muscorum.

Predicting the distribution of the caucasus endemic Carabus exaratus Quensel, 1806 in the Maxent environment

Tamara A. Avtaeva, Shapaat A. Kushalieva, Alex V. Matsyura — Tue, 07 May 2024 00:00:00 +0700

To investigate how the Caucasian endemic Carabus exaratus is distributed in a changing climate, we conducted modeling of its current and predicted ranges using the Maxent environment. Data from literary sources and our own field collections were used for this study, totaling 99 identified habitats. We utilized 20 bioclimatic variables with a spatial resolution of 30 seconds for the modeling. The analysis revealed several significant factors affecting C. exaratus: average annual temperature (bio 1), precipitation of the warmest quarter (bio 18), precipitation of the coldest quarter (bio 19), seasonality of precipitation (bio 15), isothermal conditions (bio 3), and elevation above sea level (bio 20). By applying the RCP 8.5 climate scenario, we generated maps showing forecasted ranges under changing climate conditions and calculated the areas of both current and predicted ranges. Our findings indicate that global warming will cause a shift and significant reduction in the bioclimatic range of Carabus exaratus.

Lithobius (Monotarsobius) fomichevi sp.n., a new species of lithobiid centipedes (Chilopoda: Lithobiomorpha) from Tajikistan, with a key to the Middle Asian species of the subgenus

Yurii V. Dyachkov — Thu, 02 May 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Lithobius (Monotarsobius) fomichevi sp.n. is described based on eight specimens from the Pamir Mts, Tajikistan. The new species is close to L. (M.) muminabadicus (Zalesskaja, 1978) but differs well by the size of both the body and Tömösváry’s organ and by features of female gonopods.

On the genus Arrup Chamberlin, 1912 (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha: Mecistocephalidae) from Russia, with a key to the members of the family Mecistocephalidae from Russia

Yurii V. Dyachkov — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The members of the genus Arrup Chamberlin, 1912 from Russia are reviewed: A. mamaevi (Titova, 1975) is re-described based on type and new material; A. cf. dentatus (Takakuwa, 1934) is also described based on the material from Russia, differences from specimens from Japan are shown. All the records are mapped. A key to the members of the family Mecistocephalidae known from Russia is provided.

Fatty acid profiles in different phylogenetic and ecological groups of microalgae

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to examine the fatty acid profiles of 10 newly discovered microalgae strains hailing from phylogenetic groups valued in biotechnology. The fatty acid profiles were characterized utilising principal component analysis, resulting in several notable findings. First, our analysis revealed that certain characteristics of these profiles align well with those previously identified in similar study groups. Most notably, the marine strain Chlorella vulgaris MI-Ch19-a was found to have the highest concentration of saturated fatty acids, measuring 60.48%. Furthermore, this strain also boasted the highest α-linolenic content among those analyzed, representing 22.14% of the total fatty acid spectrum. Each strain under study demonstrated significant amounts of 16:0 (with a range spanning 18.43% to 38.28%), 16:1n-7 (ranging from 17.05% to 32.55%), and 20:5n-3 (ranging from 4.96% to 20.13%). When considering the phylogenetic influence, which was particularly marked in the levels of total saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acid content, it was the prominence of the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that stood out amongst the phylogenetic groups. Lastly, the strains Thalassiosira eccentrica and Cyclotella atomus MI-B47 exhibited the highest volumes of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3).

An updated review of bird diversity in Central Altai highlands

Sergei V. Vazhov, Alex V. Matsyura, Viktor M. Vazhov — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The Katun and North Chuya ridges are the highest and most popular mountain ranges in the Altai Republic. The Katun ridge is 150 km long and includes 386 glaciers; its highest mountain is 4509 m. The mountain ranges received the status of World Heritage Sites in 1998. The deepening tourist and recreational development of the Katun and North Chuya ridges is accompanied by a change in bird numbers and species diversity; therefore, constant monitoring is needed to support the bird species database. The purpose of our research was to supplement the modern information on the fauna and bird population of the highlands of central Altai within the Katun and North Chuya ridges. We conducted field observations during 2010-2022 in Central Altai on hiking routes along the Katun and North Chuya ridges with a total length of 1015.4 km to the highest elevation of 3400 m. The bird diversity of the Katun and North Chuya ridges is represented by 53 species from 11 orders and 21 families. We also registered 21 rare and endangered species, among them the extremely rare species are: great cormorant, ruddy shelduck, and Eurasian goshawk; very rare species are: black kite, upland buzzard, common buzzard, booted eagle, golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, bearded vulture, common kestrel, red grouse, demoiselle crane, common cuckoo, scops owl, pygmy owl, nightjar, black woodpecker, Richard’s pipit, grey wagtail, red-billed chough, raven, greenish warbler, white-winged redstart, common rosefinch, and common crossbill; rare species are: sparrowhawk, red-necked phalarope, water pipit, fieldfare, long-tailed tit, marsh tit, great tit, and Brandt’s mountain finch; and the common species are: spotted nutcracker, common chiffchaff, and willow tit.

Water mites (Acariformes: Hydrachnidia, Halacaroidea) of the Visimsky Nature Reserve (Central Urals)

Vitaly A. Stolbov, Sergey D. Sheykin, Sergey S. Tupitsyn — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Water mites of the Urals have been poorly studied. In 2019–2020, we studied water mites from the water bodies of the Visimsky State Nature Biosphere Reserve and its surroundings, as well as from the territory of the Chusovaya River Nature Park. Different sites of watercourse of the Sulyom River, its tributaries, spring, permanent and temporary ponds were investigated. In total, 64 species of water mites Hydrachnidia and 6 species of Halacaridae were revealed. The upper areas of the Sulyom River and its small tributary, the Kamenka River, were richest in species diversity and number of water mites. In these rivers, rhitrobiontic species prevailed. In the middle and lower course of the Sulyom River the number and quantity of mite species were significantly lower. The diversity of mites in the Chusovaya River, near the confluence of the Sulyom River was low however, the highest mite numbers were noted here. The most specific associations of mites were revealed in the helocrene spring and in the sphagnum bogs. At the same time, mites from the standing waters of the Visimsky Reserve neighborhood, provided by water reservoir, artificial ponds and ditches, had a rather poor species composition and a low number. According to the faunal composition and structure of the acarofauna of the Visimsky Nature Reserve and the Central Urals are similar to East European, however, it has both, Eastern Palearctic elements and species currently only known from the Urals.

Potentilla asterotricha (Rosaceae) is a mysterious narrowly local endemic of China from Gansu province

Alexey Kechaykin, Tao Feng, Tian-Tian Xue — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study provides new data on Potentilla asterotricha, a species endemic to China. The species was described in Gansu province without specific information on locations, collectors, or date of collection. It is not given in “Flora of China”. Additional herbarium materials we discovered in KUN, PE and WUK allowed us to significantly expand the information about this enigmatic taxon. It turned out that its classic habitat is Erlang Mountain in the south of Gansu province in Min County. Based on the presence of stellate hairs in the pubescence, P. asterotricha is assigned here to the section Fasciculato-pilosae. The closest species to it is P. acaulis, from which it differs in the presence of pinnate leaves in the basal rosette. Photos of the leaf blade and pubescence of P. asterotricha under a microscope, as well as a scanned image of its herbarium specimen, are presented. The map shows the distribution of the taxon under study and its putative parent species. The southern border of the P. acaulis range has been identified.

New subspecies of Melitaea sultanensis Staudinger, 1886, M. elisabethae Avinoff, 1910 and M. robertsi Butler, 1880 (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae)

Sergei V. Churkin, Pavel V. Bogdanov, Kirill A. Kolesnichenko — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The paper presents the descriptions of 3 new taxa: Melitaea robertsi hersilia Churkin, Bogdanov et Kolesnichenko, ssp. nova is described from Suusamyr Mts., Tian-Shan (Kyrgyzstan), M. elisabethae tremasovi Churkin, Kolesnichenko et Bogdanov, ssp. nova from Mazorsky Range (Darvaz, Tadjikistan) and M. sultanensis sochivkoi Churkin, Kolesnichenko et Bogdanov, ssp. nova from Gardaniushti Mts. (South Tadjikistan). The holotypes of M. trivia bactriana Shchetkin, 1984 and M. t. chorasana Shchetkin, 1984 are figured for the first time.

Urban floristic diversity in the arid zone: a case study of Bukhara city

Saida M. Gafarova, Mukhamad I. Gulamov, Husniddin K. Esanov, Abdulla M. Umedov — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The urban flora of Bukhara city has experienced a surge in recent years, attributed to the introduction of adventive plants from abroad. We conducted detailed floristic descriptions of green spaces along roads, near houses, in the central city Samonid recreation park, and at the "Ko'hna va boqiy Buxoro" recreation center. We registered that urban vegetation comprises 42 species of trees, 21 species of shrubs, and 70 species of herbaceous vegetation. The density of urban phytocenoses in the surveyed areas ranges from 40 to 55 species per 1000 m2, encompassing 21–28 tree species, 4–11 shrub species, and 14–28 herb species. Our findings indicate that the introduced vegetation comprises 79 species from 34 families, with ornamental trees (43 species) and shrubs (24 species). We have observed a steady increase in the number of introduced species entering the city through natural means, suggesting their successful acclimatization despite the arid conditions. The research emphasized the importance of green spaces in promoting social cohesion, community well-being, and preserving cultural heritage in Bukhara. Additionally, the study indicated a steady increase in the number of introduced species entering the city through natural means, reflecting ongoing beautification efforts and urban development projects. Overall, the qualitative data provided insights into the resilience and adaptability of urban flora in Bukhara, the impact of urbanization on plant diversity, and the significance of green spaces in enhancing the quality of urban environments. The patterns and trends observed in the qualitative data underscore the need for sustainable management strategies to conserve and enhance biodiversity in Bukhara city.

Methane emission from the Western Siberia’s wetland ecosystems in 2000–2050

Anatoly A. Lagutin, Nikolay V. Volkov, Egor Yu. Mordvin — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The interannual variability of methane emissions from wetland ecosystems of Western Siberia in 2000–2050 has been investigated. Calculations of CH₄ emission were performed using the approach, in which the total daily methane flux is determined by the sum of positive temperatures accumulated in the soil at that time and its moisture content. Required characteristics of the soil were obtained using regional climate model RegCM4. The reanalysis NCEP-DOE AMIP-II (R2) and data of HadGEM2-ES global model for the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 evolution scenario of the global climate system were used to define the initial and boundary conditions. It was found that for Western Siberia’s wetland complexes, analyzed in this paper, the model estimates for methane emission in 2000–2013 vary from ~3.5 to ~5.5 Tg CH₄/yr. The average value of emission is 4.34 TgCH₄/yr. The rate of change of methane emission during this period is almost neutral. Growth of CH₄ emission is observed only in the areas of tundra and forest tundra. Forecast values of methane emission obtained for the period 2021–2050 for scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 ranges from 3.9 up to 7.6 Tg CH₄/yr. The average emission values are 5.0 and 5.8 Tg CH₄/yr, respectively. Trends of CH₄ emission for this period are also practically neutral.

Potential causes for the stranding of Macrohectopus branickii (Dybowsky, 1874) specimens along the Angara River: strong currents, artificial lighting, or ice melting

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Macrohectopus branickii (Dybowsky, 1874) is the world's only freshwater pelagic amphipod native to Lake Baikal. The habitat of this amphipod is limited to the pelagic zone of Lake Baikal (with periodic nocturnal migrations to the littoral part of the lake). Until now, this amphipod had never been recorded in the rivers flowing into Lake Baikal or in the Angara River flowing out of it. However, on 16 May 2022, near the Taltsy Museum, 20 km from the source of the Angara River, a massive accumulation of Macrohectopus individuals was washed ashore. The reasons for this phenomenon are still unknown. Considering the uniqueness of M. branickii within the world amphipod fauna and its importance for the Lake Baikal ecosystem, the determination of the factors contributing to this phenomenon is of great importance. In this paper we have presented some hypotheses that could explain the appearance of Macrohectopus on the shores of the Angara River. The first hypothesis is that the amphipods could not cope with the current at the source of the river and were carried down the river, and since they are negatively affected by natural light (at the beginning of the morning), they became trapped and died. The second hypothesis is that the Macrohectopus were attracted and disoriented by the artificial light emanating from the nearby villages, before being carried by the current. The third hypothesis relates to the time frame in which this event was observed. This peculiar phenomenon was observed in mid-May, following the melting of the ice on Lake Baikal. Accordingly, Macrohectopus could have been feeding on the lower surface of the ice, or alternatively they could have been frozen in the ice as the ice floes were transported downstream. Each of the hypotheses we have presented does not necessarily exclude the others, but on the contrary may complement them. In this paper we do not exclude the possibility that there are other explanations for this phenomenon. However, if massive washing ashore of Macrohectopus occurs regularly, further research is needed, taking into account, among other things, the influence of washed ashore individuals on the food spectrum of aquatic organisms and waterfowl of the Angara River.

Viruses in natural populations of wild hop in the south of Western Siberia

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Wild hops are abundant in the southern regions of Western Siberia, Russia, where the natural conditions are favorable for growing commercially valuable varieties. The genetic diversity present in wild hop populations serves as a valuable source of beneficial genes for developing new genotypes. However, before harnessing these traits, it's crucial to test the wild hops for the presence of harmful phytopathogenic viruses, which tend to accumulate in natural repositories. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of viral and viroid infections in wild hop populations in the Altai Territory and the Altai Republic. Plant material from wild hops (Humulus lupulus L. 1753) was collected during expeditions from July 15 to August 15 in both 2022 and 2023, covering 18 districts. Using DAS-ELISA and real-time RT-PCR, we assessed 243 samples for the presence of 16 viruses and 1 viroid. The frequency of infected plants varied based on the sampling location and the specific pathogen. Notably, three particularly damaging hop viruses – Hop latent virus (HpLV), Apple mosaic virus (ApMV), and Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV) – were identified, infecting 24.5%, 8.2%, and 5.5% of the studied plants, respectively. HpLV was found throughout the region, primarily in the moderate-arid steppe and forest-steppe, while ApMV was detected in three adjacent districts with a frequency ranging from 11.2% to 45.5%. ArMV was found in half of the plants in a single location. Additionally, minor viruses such as Strawberry latent ringspot (SLRSV), Tobacco necrosis virus (TNV), and Tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV) appeared sporadically in different zones. Potato mosaic viruses S and Y, as well as Potato leafroll virus (PLRV), were widely distributed in wild hop populations, with high frequencies in all natural zones except the foothills. Potato viruses M (PVM), Potato viruses A (PVA), and Potato viruses X (PVX) were common in the steppe and forest-steppe zones. It's important to note that the presence of viral infection in plants did not necessarily correlate with the expression of disease symptoms. Notably, Hop mosaic virus (HpMV), Petunia asteroid mosaic virus (PetAMV), Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), and Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) were not detected. The existence of natural reservoirs of viral infection poses a threat to commercial hop cultivars in areas where they coexist. As such, it is imperative to monitor and control the spread of these dangerous viruses.

New records of Macroheterocera (Insecta, Lepidoptera) on the South of West Siberia. Result of expeditions in 2022–2023

Svyatoslav A. Knyazev, Sofya M. Saikina, Vadim V. Ivonin — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This article considers 12 species from the families of Geometridae, Notodontidae, Erebidae, Noctuidae reported from the territory of Omsk and Novosibirsk Regions of Russia. 5 species are new to Omsk Region, among them, Horisme aemulata (Hübner, 1813), Herminia grisealis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775), Hydraecia osseola (Staudinger, 1882), Euxoa hastifera (Donzel, 1847), Agrotis robusta Eversmann, 1856. 7 species are new to Novosibirsk Region, among them, Limeria macraria Staudinger, 1892, Scopula tessellaria (Boisduval, 1840), Cerura przewalskyi (Alheraky, 1882), Pachetra sagittigera (Hufnagel, 1766), Hadena christophi (Möschler, 1862), Mythimna anderreggii (Boisduval, 1840), Agrotis robusta Eversmann, 1856. The presence of Phaiogramma etruscaria (Zeller, 1849) in Novosibirsk Region confirmed by new materials.

First records of Apatura ilia ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) and Limenitis camilla (Linnaeus, 1764) in West Siberia

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Two Nymphalidae species – Apatura ilia ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) and Limenitis camilla (Linnaeus, 1764) are reported from the territory of West Siberia for the first time. At this moment we can observe the second wave of expansion of nemoral species of butterflies into Western Siberia from the European part of Russia. The driving factor of the range expansions discussed is no doubt the notorious global warming.

Weevils (Coleoptera, Curculionoidea) of the State National Natural Park "Ulytau" and adjacent territories, Kazakhstan. Report 1.

Izbasar I. Temreshev — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The results of primary studies of the fauna of weevils (Coleoptera, Curculionoidea) in the "Ulytau" State National Natural Park and in adjacent territories are presented. In total, 54 species, 40 genera and four families of weevil beetles are recorded, including 2 species Anthribidae, 3 species Attelabidae, 10 species Brentidae and 39 species Curculionidae. In the territory of the National park, 53 species of weevils belonging to 41 genera from 4 families (Anthribidae, Attelabidae, Brentidae and Curculionidae) are recorded. For the adjacent territories, 39 species of weevils belonging to 30 genera from 3 families (Anthribidae, Brentidae and Curculionidae) are recorded. Dryophthorus corticalis (Paykull, 1792) is firstly recorded from Kazakhstan. The distribution in Kazakstan of several other species of weevils (Platystomos albinus (Fabricius, 1758), Perapion affine (Kirby, 1808), Allomalia quadrivirgata (Costa, 1863), Eremoxenus chan Semenow-Tian-Schanskij, 1892, Polydrusus piliferus Hochhuth, 1847, Orchestes alni (Linnaeus, 1758), are Orchestes jota Fabricius, 1787) are clarified.

Daily vertical migrations of aquatic organisms and water transparency as indicators of the potential exposure of freshwater lakes to light pollution

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Light pollution, which disrupts the vital functions of organisms, including aquatic organisms, has become widespread in recent years. One of the main biological features of aquatic organisms is the presence of daily vertical migrations (DVM). However, as a result of exposure to artificial lighting, organisms become visible to predators. This leads to disruption of the DVM of aquatic organisms and, accordingly, disruption of the functioning of the reservoir ecosystem. Water transparency plays an important role in predators detecting their prey under light pollution. Based on this, it was hypothesized that the susceptibility of freshwater lakes to light pollution may be indicated by both the presence and intensity of DVM of organisms and water transparency. The study was carried out on lakes Baikal, Hovsgol and Ladoga, which differ in water transparency and the intensity of DVM of amphipods. On the lakes at night, samples were taken using a net to determine the composition of organisms located in the water column, and underwater video observations were carried out at two depths using a video system with a lighting source. As a result, the greatest migratory activity of amphipods was observed in Lake Baikal both at a depth of 0.5-1 m and at 3-6.5 m. In Lake Ladoga, migration activity at both depths was equally weak, and in Hovsgol, little activity was observed at a depth of 3-6.5 m. A comparison of sampling data and video observations showed that the studied lakes contain organisms that can either be attracted to or avoid artificial light from the video system. Since Lake Baikal, of the presented lakes, has the highest water transparency and intensity of DVM of organisms, this lake may be the most vulnerable to increasing light pollution, including those associated with the growth of tourist flows.

Modern pollen spectra of the Teletskoye Lake shore: early results

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The article presents for the first time the results of an analysis of modern pollen spectra of the Teletskoye Lake shore sampled using 12 Tauber traps installed in various characteristic forest and meadow communities. Landscape descriptions have been performed for each sampling point, which increases the reliability of the interpretation of pollen spectra. Spectra are presented as a percentage of pollen from 27 identified taxa with a significant predominance of conifers, which are widespread in the composition of vegetation. Herb pollen is more diverse in the spectra compared to tree pollen but contributes less to their formation. The pollen of early flowering species is not represented in the spectra due to the late dates of trap installation. Based on the analysis, indicator taxa (Betula sect. Betula, Pinus sylvestris, Larix) marking the differentiation of natural conditions in the latitudinal and meridional parts of Lake Teletskoye were revealed mainly according to humidity regime.

New taxa of Plebejus eversmanni (Lang, 1884) and Polyommatus icarus (Rottemburg, 1775) (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae)

Sergei V. Churkin, Pavel V. Bogdanov — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The paper presents the descriptions of four new taxa: Plebejus eversmanni geminus ssp. nova from Tian-Shan (Suusamyr Mts.), P. eversmanni campulus ssp. nova from the East Pamirs, Polyommatus icarus lacuina ssp. nova (Mongolia, Mongolian Altai, Sutai Uul Mt.) and Polyommatus icarus incoronatus ssp. nova (Mongolia, Mongolian Altai, southern slopes, Mogoin-Gol r.).

The Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae) continues to expand its range in Eurasia

Sergey V. Chumakov, Dmitry V. Goshko, Alexey V. Korshunov, Roman V. Yakovlev — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The article describes the distribution dynamics of the widely spread species Vanessa atalanta (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae), which is for the first time reliably noted for a number of Siberian regions (Krasnoyarsk Territory, the Republic of Khakassia, Kemerovo Territory) and for Tajikistan (Western Pamir, the Bartang river valley).

Additions to the list of Lepidoptera (Insecta, Lepidoptera) of North Kazakhstan

Svyatoslav A. Knyazev — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The article presents the results of studying the fauna of Lepidoptera in the North Kazakhstan region in the field season of 2023. An annotated check-list includes 162 species from the families Psychidae, Plutellidae, Depressariidae, Autostichidae, Gelechiidae, Pterophoridae, Pyralidae, Crambidae, Tortricidae, Cossidae, Sesiidae, Hesperiidae, Papilionidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae, Satyridae, Drepanidae, Geometridae, Lasiocampidae, Lemoniidae, Endromididae, Sphingidae, Notodontidae, Arctiidae, Erebidae, Noctuidae. 47 species reported from the North Kazakhstan region for the first time.

Biphyllidae (Coleoptera, Cucujoidea) – a new beetle family to the fauna of Kazakhstan

Izbasar I. Temreshev — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0700

False skin beetle Biphyllus lunatus (Fabricius, 1787) is firstly recorded from Kazakhstan. The finds of B. lunatus from Ulytau Oblast of Central Kazakhstan are currently the easthmost localities for this species and first record for Central Asia. The records of the beetles from family Biphyllidae were absent for Kazakhstan.

Comparative anatomical study of underground and aboveground organs in Ferula tadshikorum Pimenov under natural and introduced environments

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0700

A comparative study was conducted on the anatomical structure of the roots and leaves of Ferula tadshikorum, a rare plant species. The study included two groups: virginile plants introduced at the age of 4 years (located in the Tashkent Botanical Garden) and natural individuals aged 12-14 years (found in the Surkhandarya region, Babatag ridge). The main objective was to understand how the plant's anatomy changes with age and its adaptation to different environments. Common characteristics were identified in the leaves of both groups of plants. These included the isolateral palisade type of mesophyll, a rounded triangular shape around the central vein, and the presence of 2-layer elongated palisade tissue on the flattened lateral parts from the adaxial side. Regarding the root structure, significant differences were observed between the natural and introduced plants. In the natural samples, the woody part of the root exhibited groups of libriform cells, which seemed to be influenced by the edaphotype (soil conditions) and age of the plant. These findings suggest that the conductive system of the roots develops differently depending on the age and environment. The introduction of Ferula tadshikorum in the Tashkent Botanical Garden proved to be successful, as evident from the results. The leaves of the introduced plants showed adaptive characteristics, such as a thickened outer wall of the epidermis, collenchyma strands, bast fibers, and the isolateral palisade type of mesophyll. These adaptations are likely to help the plant cope with its new environment. In the roots of both natural and introduced plants, an important adaptive function was observed. The parenchymal cells were filled with starch grains, and there was an abundance of secretory ducts. This suggests that the root acts as an accumulating organ for organic substances, aiding the plant's survival and growth. In conclusion, the study provided valuable insights into the anatomical changes of Ferula tadshikorum at different stages of its life and in different environments. The observed adaptations in the leaves and roots contribute to the plant's ability to thrive in varying conditions.

Coenotic and biomorphological analysis of Lamiaceae in the West Siberian floristic province

Vera A. Cheryomushkina, Evgenia B. Talovskaya, Anastasia E. Sharabarina — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

We analyzed the distribution, coenotic habitat, ecological preferences, and biomorphology of the 80 Lamiaceae species from 30 genera found in the West Siberian province. The plant species are primarily found in boreal and forest-steppe vegetation communities and are equally distributed in both lighted and shaded areas. Most species have a narrow range of humidity preferences. The study also highlights the diversity of life forms, with long-rhizomatous grasses being the most common, and morphological traits such as monocyclic elongated shoots, orthotropic growth direction, terminal arrangement of inflorescences, sympodial development, appearance of replacement axes due to basiton branching, and a long development period of more than three years. The research reveals that the diversity of life forms and biomorphological features of the shoot system play a significant role in determining the distribution of species in different ecological and coenotic conditions within the West Siberian province.

Changes in Middle Ob fish diversity: an analytical review

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The Ob River is the largest river in Eurasia, and its ichthyofauna in the Middle Ob consists of species that inhabit not only the entire river but also the upper and lower reaches. This region faces numerous anthropogenic activities that pose a significant threat to aquatic biodiversity. Therefore, changes in fish species diversity in the Middle Ob can serve as an indicator of the overall ecosystem health. This study aims to analyze these changes and their potential causes. Materials and methods: This study presents an analytical review of the Middle Ob River ichthyofauna over the past 120 years. It assesses changes in fish species diversity and discusses various natural and anthropogenic factors. Results: The ichthyofauna of the Middle Ob basin currently includes 38 fish species from 2 classes, 9 orders, 12 families, and 30 genera. Over the past century, the number of species has increased by 27%, with 9 naturalized alien species and 1 extinct species. Additionally, there has been a significant decrease in the abundance of some commercial fish species. The ichthyofauna of the Middle Ob is influenced by hydraulic construction, pollution, overexploitation of aquatic resources (especially commercially valuable fish species), the expansion of alien species, anthropogenic alteration of the river bed, and climate change. Conclusion: While most factors affect the abundance of individual fish species, they do not significantly impact fish species diversity, with the exception of alien species and pollution.

Genetic polymorphism assessment in a new lentil (Lens culinaris Medik., 1787) collection using ISSR markers

Shamsiya E. Mammadova, Saltanat A. Aghayeva — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

ISSR markers were used in the study of the genetic diversity of 46 imported lentil varieties. The lentil collection had a strikingly high level of polymorphism (76%). The UBC 810 and UBC 809 primers have the highest polymorphism rates among the primers, exceeding 85.7%. The use of nine ISSR markers resulted in 69 pieces, with 76% displaying polymorphism. The computed average genetic diversity index ranged from 0.56 to 0.81, indicating a wide range of genetic variation among lentil genotypes. Accessions were classified into six unique groups as a consequence of cluster analysis. The most divergent genotypes within their respective clusters were identified as Flip 2010-96 and Flip 2011-41, Flip 2011-32 and Flip 2011-97, 10932 and Flip 2011-20, and Flip 2010-81 and Flip 2011-19. These findings bear noteworthy implications for the future of lentil breeding, cultivation, and protection. The observed genetic diversity imparts valuable insights that can be harnessed to fortify lentil crops, fostering resilience and adaptability. The identified distant genotypes present promising avenues for targeted breeding initiatives, facilitating the development of lentil varieties harboring diverse and desirable traits. In summation, this study contributes pivotal information to the scientific community, establishing a framework for subsequent research and progress in the improvement of lentil crops.

Aegilops tauschii Coss. molecular phylogeny in comparison with proteins electrophoretic polymorphism

Alexander J. Dudnikov — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

In the case of Aegilops tauschii the comparison of intraspecies molecular phylogeny based on DNA sequences of nuclear gene Got2 with electrophoretic polymorphism of allozymes and hystone H1 proteins is actually a comparison of the one detailed phylogenetic tree with a set of low resolution trees. It could help to understand peculiarities of the species evolutionary history and role of cross-pollination in it. Proteins polymorphism patterns rather satisfactory corresponded to Got2 DNA tree. Electrophoretic polymorphism of essentially polymorphic in Ae. tauschii subsp. strangulata protein encoding loci considered (Ak, Est2, Got1, Got3, Hst2, Hst3) and essentially polymorphic in Ae. tauschii subsp. tauschii locus Fdp displayed correspondence with the molecular phylogenetic tree: each allele was common or predominant on some branches of the tree and rare or absent on the other. In contrast, alleles of Cat2 locus, Cat2³⁵ and Cat2¹⁴⁰, were “scattered” sporadically through Ae. tauschii subsp. tauschii branches on phylogenetic tree. Also in Ae. tauschii subsp. tauschii a set of different extremely rare allozyme alleles, Acph4¹¹³, Aco2¹¹⁰, Mdh1¹¹³, Nadhd1⁸⁸, was found among three out of four accessions belonging to one of the relict clades of this subspecies on the molecular phylogenetic tree. The data obtained displayed that subsp. tauschii, now being relatively less polymorphic than subsp. strangulata, in ancient times had good opportunities for genetic exchange between its different phylogenetic lineages, all but one of which are relicts in present time. And the patterns of Hst3⁹⁷⁷ allele occurrences indicated cross-pollination between subsp. tauschii and subsp. strangulata.

Ecological and geographical studies of Poa versicolor (Poaceae) aggregate in Asian Russia and adjacent territories

Marina V. Olonova, Tatyana S. Vysokikh, Roman S. Romanets — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Aggregate Pоа versicolor (Poaceae) contains closely related xeromorphic species distributed mainly in temperate regions of Asia. The most common species are P. transbaicalica, P. relaxa, P. ochotensis, P. botryoides and P. argunensis. They play an important role in the structure of steppe communities, but this aggregate is known to be difficult for the systematics. The previous research of morphological diversity and distribution confirmed morphological and geographical diversification within the aggregate, however, their ecological-climatic niches were not studied. The goal of this study was to reveal whether the species of the P. versicolor aggregate occupied the equivalent or similar niches, or the morphological diversification was accompanied by niche change. Equivalence and similarity tests were used. A comparative study of the ecological-climatic niches showed that the niches only of the most similar pairs P. transbaicalica – P. botryoides, and P. argunensis – P. botryoides were identical or equivalent. All other pairs of species were not identical and confirmed the expected diversification, revealed by previous morphological and geographic analysis. Nevertheless, the studies using the background test, which takes into account environmental features, has revealed niche conservatism at the aggregate level. The ecological-climatic niches of five species within the P. versicolor aggregate proved to be similar, but not equivalent in all species. Thus, our data show that partial or complete geographic divergence and morphological diversification of species is not accompanied by diversification of their ecological niches.

Anthropogenic impacts on Ajinohur arid forests of Azerbaijan

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Degradation of forest resources and deforestation, insufficient satisfaction of society's needs and demands for environmental, social and economic goods and services, insufficient participation of stakeholders and cross-sector collaboration in forestry practices are the main challenges of forest management in Azerbaijan. One of the main factors influencing and changing arid ecosystems is human economic activity. Ajinohur arid forests are located in the southern part of the Ajinohur foothills of Azerbaijan between the Alijanchay and Goychay rivers. The total area of the Ajinohur foothills is 152544.53 ha, where arid forests are 9379.61 ha (6.14%), and lowland forests are 5182.14 ha (3.4%), mainly mountain-steppe landscape prevails here (81.6%). The arid forests of the Ajinohur foothills are intensively used for agriculture, and therefore, are subject to strong anthropogenic impact. In this regard, in 2021–2022, we conducted research on the study of the current ecological state of arid forests, compiled maps using GIS technologies. It was established that, according to the degree of anthropogenic impact and the level of transformation, the landscapes of the Ajinohur arid forests are divided into the following groups: unaltered (7.2% of the total area), slightly modified (83.34%) and intensively modified (9.42%) landscapes. The ecological state of lowland forests is more unsatisfied compared to dry woodlands, where landscapes with a critical ecological state account for 57.31%.

Review of Semagystia monticola species group (Lepidoptera, Cossidae: Cossinae) with description of four new species from Central Asia

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The article gives a revision of the Semagystia monticola (Groum-Grshimaïlo, 1890) species group (Lepidoptera, Cossidae, Cossinae). The group comprises nine valid species. Detailed data on the distribution of all the species are provided. Four new species from Central Asia are described: S. churkini Yakovlev & Shapoval, sp. n. (Type locality: Kyrgyzstan, Moldo-Too Range, Kichine-Kindyk River), S. fomichevi Yakovlev & Shapoval, sp. n. (Type locality: Tajikistan, Eastern Pamir Mts., Zulumart [Palangguzar] Mt. Rg.), S. toropovi Yakovlev & Shapoval, sp. n. (Type locality: Kirgizia, Tschatkal Mt., Sary-Chelek lake), and S. uvaydo Yakovlev & Shapoval, sp. n. (Type locality: Tajikistan, Darvaz Mts., Khozratishoh Range, Khaburobot pass). The article is illustrated with imagoes of specimens from different localities and male genitalia of all new species.

Identification of fertility zones and assessment of potential crop yield based on biological farming approaches

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The biopotential productivity of agricultural land, along with the preservation of the biological diversity of adjacent landscapes through the development and implementation of high-tech agricultural technologies, is of critical concern in the current climatic changes and urbanization. The article reports the results of an integrated approach to the development of task maps for differentiated seeding and mineral fertilization using various tillage techniques (conventional subsurface tillage and no-till) in the experimental fields of two farms in the Altai Krai. The farms are located in the Aleiskaya soil and climate zone. The soils in the experimental fields showed a very low nitrate nitrogen content, which did not exceed 3.0 mg/kg of soil in the upper (0–10 cm) layer and 2.7 mg/kg of soil in the 10–20 cm layer. We revealed that one of the main indicators that affects soil fertility is the spatial differentiation of the humus content of humus and the main nutrients. Soil moisture was found to vary at different soil depths (11.4–25.3%), indicating a significant effect of soil fertility grades and autumn tillage techniques on moisture accumulation and distribution at different soil depths in spring, and consequently on the vegetation soil moisture regime and crop yield.

To the fauna of Geophilomorpha (Chilopoda) of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

Yurii V. Dyachkov — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Genus Stenotaenia C.L. Koch, 1847 is new to the fauna of the Middle Asia. The following taxa are new to the fauna of Turkmenistan: family Mecistocephalidae, genus Krateraspis Lignau, 1929, K. meinerti (Sseliwanoff, 1881), and genus Stenotaenia C.L. Koch, 1847. Genus Geophilus Leach, 1814 and G. lindbergi (Loksa, 1971) are new to Uzbekistan. All new records are illustrated. An updated list of the chilopod species dwelling in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan is provided.

Assessment of landscape ecological stability in the border postvirgin regions of the Urals and Siberia

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0700

In the steppe regions of the Urals and Siberia bordering the Republic of Kazakhstan (RK), there is a noticeable spatial dynamics of the land fund structure and the environmental sustainability of the territory, characterized by geographical peculiarities and confinement to international transport communications. The border municipalities of the Orenburg Oblast are characterized by a greater relative size of agricultural lands, agricultural lands, hayfields, and pastures with a smaller share of arable lands, perennial plantations, and non-agricultural lands. The index of landscape ecological stability (ILES, 1.13) is 0.29 p.p. higher than that of the oblast as a whole (0.84) and corresponds to a conditionally stable state. In the Altai Krai municipalities bordering with the RK there is an excess of the regional average relative values for the area of SPNA (specially protected nature areas), pastures, non-agricultural lands and fallow lands, a close share of agricultural land and a smaller share of agricultural land, arable land, perennial plantations and hay fields. The average ILES value (1.08) is 0.09 p.p. lower than in Altai Krai as a whole and 0.05 p.p. lower than in the border municipalities of the Orenburg Oblast. The location of bordering municipalities to international transport communications is accompanied by a trend towards decreasing ILES. To a greater extent, it is connected with the increasing share of arable land in the structure of land, especially in territories predisposed to the production of marginal crops (oilseeds, melons).

Lepidoptera of South Ossetia (Northern Transcaucasia). Part IV. Microlepidoptera: Adelidae to Choreutidae

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0700

A list of 143 species of Microlepidoptera from 27 families is provided, compiled based on the results of processing materials collected in 2021−2022; all species are recorded for the first time for the territory of South Ossetia.

The contribution of the "Darwin Initiative" collection in the Lake Baikal benthic diatom survey

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The joint Russian-British collection "Darwin Initiative. Benthic samples of Lake Baikal", was established at the end of the 1990s. Here we briefly overview the data on the survey of the Lake Baikal coastal diatom diversity obtained exclusively using the materials from the collection and methods of light and scanning electron microscopy. The collection contains over 500 initial samples taken at 53 stations of the lake littoral zone from depths 1–20 m. Studying the samples Russian and foreign algologists have identified many new for science diatom taxa, including over 20 genera and 750 species. Data on the collection survey are published in six monographs and atlases, and more than 20 scientific papers. The observed patterns of diversity, distribution, and levels of endemicity in different taxa of Lake Baikal benthic diatoms are discussed.

First record of the invasive bark beetle Polygraphus proximus Blandford (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The four-eyed fir bark beetle, Polygraphus proximus Blandford, 1894 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae), is an aggressive invasive species originating from Far East. Over the past two decades, it distributed across Siberia, traversed the Urals and invaded some regions of the European part of Russia. In the secondary range, the pest kills heathy tree stands of Siberian fir, Abies sibirica Ledeb. (Pinaceae), both in native forests and man-made plantings, resulting in profound ecological and economic consequences. Here we report the first documented occurrence of this invasive pest in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Infested Siberian fir trees were discovered in the forest nearby Karaguzhikha village (East Kazakhstan Region), approximately 43 km away from Novoaleiskoye village (Altai Territory, Russia), where the pest was detected in 2016. The presence of trees colonized by the invasive pest and dead trees with specific symptoms in the examined forest stand suggest that P. proximus has likely been present in northeastern Kazakhstan for around a decade. The illustrations of affected habitat, male and female beetles and their morphological features are provided, and the early data on the damage caused by P. proximus and the potential for range expansions are discussed. The monitoring would be required to define the actual frontier of the pest distribution in Kazakhstan. Furthermore, it is imperative to alert the relevant authorities in Kazakhstan about the potential threat posed by this invasive tree-killer to native fir stands in the country.

Specific peculiarities of woody-tree radial growth in icing areas of the Altai mountains

Nikolay I. Bykov, Natalia V. Rygalova, Anna A. Shigimaga — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The following features of the radial growth of Picea obovata L., Larix sibirica L., and Pinus sibirica Du Tour in the icing areas of Altai were analyzed: changes in growth along the trunk height, synchronicity of individual tree-ring chronologies, and sensitivity of generalized chronologies. The dependence of the width of the annual rings of the studied trees using such indicators as the volume and area of icing, the date of gathering of icing and the index of the intensity of icing formation was established. For the analysis, data from the state hydrometeorological station, remote sensing of Earth, literary sources, and materials from our own dendrochronological works were used.

New data on the spitting spiders (Araneae: Scytodidae) of Southeast Asia

Alexander A. Fomichev, Mikhail M. Omelko — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0700

A new species, Dictis oranhutan sp. n., is diagnosed and described from the Sumatra Island (Indonesia) based on a single male. The Pantropical Scytodes fusca Walckenaer, 1837 is recorded from this island for the first time. Dictis elongata Dankittipakul & Singtripop, 2010, initially described from Thailand, is redescribed and recorded from Laos for the first time, representing the first record of the genus in this country. Detailed descriptions, digital photographs and a map of distributional records of Scytodidae in the Indomalayan Realm are provided.

Environmental impact on phytolith morphometric parameters by example crenate morphotype of Dactylis glomerata L. leaves (South of Western Siberia, Russia)

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Morphometric parameters of phytoliths are effectively applied in identifying fossil remains of cultivated grass species. The research of intraspecific trait variation it phytolith size and shape will expand the possibilities of applying morphometric studies. The aim of the study is to assess the degree of intraspecific variability of D. glomerata crenate phytoliths in response to coenotic and climatic factors. 6 habitats have been studied in the south of Western Siberia (Kulunda lowland and Altai mountains). A high amplitude of intraspecific and intrapopulation variability of morphometric characteristics of crenate phytoliths D. glomerata has been revealed. Most of the parameters correlate with the amount of annual precipitation. According to the totality of all 17 morphometric parameters, phytoliths of forest and herbaceous ecosystems differ from each other. Thus, crenate phytolith size and shape are influenced by climatic and coenotic factors.

Development and transformation of floodplain territories by ants

Bogdan Mikhaleiko, Sergey N. Kirpotin, Andrei S. Babenko — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The article provides an overview of the works devoted to the role of ants in the transformation of floodplain territories and the formation of a peculiar landscape. The importance of floodplain ecosystems characterized by high productivity has been repeatedly noted by numerous researchers. There is ample evidence of the significant contribution of ants to the development and transformation of natural and anthropogenic disturbed areas. However, the contribution of ants and the inhabitants associated with anthills to the formation and development of floodplain ecosystems in Siberia remains poorly understood. The study of the role of ants in the floodplain ecosystems of the Ob will allow us to assess their contribution to changes in the productivity of floodplain soils and predict options for agricultural development of floodplain ecosystems of Western Siberia.

First record of Coryssomerus capucinus (Beck, 1817) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) from Novosibirskaya Oblast, Western Siberia

Andrei A. Legalov — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The first record of Coryssomerus capucinus (Beck, 1817) (Curculionidae: Conoderinae: Conoderitae: Coryssomerini) from Novosibirskaya Oblast is given. The distribution map in Siberia, illustrations and redescription of this species are presented. It is the first record from Novosibirskaya Oblast and the easternmost finding of C. capucinus.