Acta Biologica Sibirica

New data on the spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) of Dagestan, Russia

Alexander A. Fomichev — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The study presents a list of 93 spider species collected in Dagestan, 12 of which are new records for the region. The following six species are illustrated: Aelurillus laniger Logunov & Marusik, 2000, Arctosa personata (L. Koch, 1872), Arctosa ravida Ponomarev, 2007, Clubiona caucasica Mikhailov & Otto, 2017 and Cyclosa algerica Simon, 1885. I also provide photographs of live specimens for eight species, taken in their natural habitat, and present the first published photograph of the web of Atypus muralis Bertkau, 1890. Two species, Aulonia kratochvili Dunin, Buchar & Absolon, 1986 and Cyclosa algerica, are recorded for Russia for the first time; the former species is redescribed. A new species, Paracedicus ponomarevi sp. n. (Desidae), is described based on a female specimen. The family Desidae is reported from Russia for the first time. The current state of knowledge on the spider fauna of Dagestan and prospects for future research is discussed.

Meadow communities of the Middle Ob floodplain over two years under different flooding conditions

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The paper presents a comparative analysis of changes in species, ecological and biological composition, dominant species composition, and net primary productivity (NPP) of floodplain meadows in low (2023) and high (2024) flooding years. Meadows in the study area exhibited higher productivity in 2024 compared to 2023. In 2024, NPP increased by 45.6% in the forb-grass meadow, by 37.8% in the sedge-reedgrass meadow, and by 34.5% in the elecampane meadow. Changes were observed in species richness, the proportions of ecological groups, and dominant species composition. The most significant changes were recorded in upland meadows that are not regularly flooded. The productivity of the forb-tussock sedge meadow remained virtually unchanged (an increase of only 1.4%), indicating stability and potentially maximum productivity under these conditions. An increase in NPP was attributed to the increase in both above-ground and below-ground phytomass and correlated with structural shifts in the grass stand toward a higher proportion of moisture-demanding species.

The spider wasp family Pompilidae (Hymenoptera: Aculeata: Pompiloidea) in Uzbekistan: annotated checklist with first faunal records

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This paper presents, for the first time, a review of the fauna of spider wasps (Pompilidae) of Uzbekistan. The review includes 132 species and 1 subspecies, 4 species undetermined to species level (sp.), belonging to 28 genera, 8 tribes, and 3 subfamilies recorded within the territory of Uzbekistan. The data are based on published literature and materials collected during 1909-1978, which are preserved in the Entomological Collection of the State Museum of Nature of Uzbekistan. Among these, 9 species are recorded for the first time for the fauna of Uzbekistan, namely: Cryptocheilus (Cryptocheilus) alternatus caspius Gussakovskij, 1952; Priocnemis (Priocnemis) minuta (Vander Linden, 1827); Priocnemis (Umbripennis) gypsochtona Gussakovskij, 1930; Tachyagetes (Tachyagetes) excellens (Haupt,1930); Arachnospila (Ammosphex) trivialis (Dahlbom, 1843); Arachnospila (Arachnospila) binaeva Haupt, 1930; Arachnospila (Arachnospila) rufa (Haupt, 1927); Paracyphononyx pavlovskyi Gussakovskij, 1952; Arachnotheutes rufithorax (Costa, 1882).

On the taxonomy of Salagena tesselata Distant, 1897 with description of a new genus and three new species (Lepidoptera, Cossoidea, Metarbelidae)

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0700

A new metarbelid genus, Hermanstaudeilla gen. n. is described, delimited from Salagena Walker, 1865, with its type species Salagena tesselata Distant, 1897. Three new species, H. hillwoodi sp. n. (type locality: Zambia, Hillwood Farm), H. felixtarasenkoi sp. n. (type locality: Tanzania, Ushongo Beach), H. hackeri sp. n. (type locality: Ethiopia, Nechisar National Park) are described from eastern and southern Africa. Adults, genitalia and distribution of all taxa are illustrated in 18 colour figures.

Diversity of lichens of the genus Cladonia P. Browne (Cladoniaceae, Ascomycota) in the Karegodsky Nature Reserve (Tomsk Oblast, Western Siberia)

Daria I. Kazantseva, Alexander S. Revushkin, Aleksandr L. Ebel, Vera V. Koneva — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0700

An inventory study of lichens of the genus Cladonia P. Browne was conducted in the Karegodsky Zoological Nature Reserve, located within the Ob–Chulym interfluve (Molchanovsky District, Tomsk Oblast, Western Siberia). Field investigations were carried out in August 2025 using route methods covering the main plant communities and substrate types. Pine forests, willow–poplar forests, birch–aspen forests, and anthropogenically disturbed areas were surveyed. More than 350 specimens were collected and identified. A total of 45 Cladonia species were recorded in the study area, which is comparable to the 44 species documented for the entire Ob–Chulym interfluve and indicates high representativeness of the reserve's lichen biota. Twelve species are reported for the first time for this physiographic region, substantially expanding knowledge of Cladonia distribution in Western Siberia. The highest species richness was observed in pine forests, characterized by high light availability and substrate diversity. Substrate preference analysis revealed predominance of epixylic and epigeic forms, as well as a high proportion of eurysubstrate species, reflecting the ecological plasticity of Cladonia in taiga ecosystems. The presence of pollution-sensitive species indicates favorable ecological conditions in the reserve. These data provide a foundation for future monitoring of lichen flora and assessment of natural complex dynamics in protected areas.

Two new records of the eumenine wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) from Uzbekistan

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0700

During faunistic surveys of the family Vespidae conducted in Uzbekistan between 2022 and 2025, two eumenine wasp species – Euodynerus (Euodynerus) caspicus (Moravitz, 1873) and Symmorphus (Symmorphus) crassicornis (Panzer, 1798) – were recorded for the first time from Uzbekistan. These findings significantly expand the known distribution range of both species in Central Asia and contribute to the knowledge of the Eumeninae fauna of the region. Diagnostic characteristics and notes on habitat preferences are provided.

DNA Cytometry Image Analysis Software

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The article presents the development of BioDecod, a tool for the automated detection and quantification of cell nuclei in images. BioDecod enables accurate nuclei identification and counting, measurement of their fluorescence intensity, and generation of structured data. This Windows-based application developed in TypeScript has user-friendly interface and a minimal number of adjustable parameters. In comparison with ImageJ and CellProfiler, BioDecod simplifies the analysis workflow by allowing users to work within a single window, visualize changes in real-time, and process up to 100 images simultaneously. The analysis algorithm involves image segmentation via adaptive thresholding to identify nuclei, size-based filtering, and calculation of integral fluorescence parameters across four channels, with subsequent data export to Excel. Data visualization is implemented through scatter plots and histograms, featuring functionality for population gating and automatic statistical calculations. A comparative analysis of BioDecod and ImageJ demonstrated the superior efficiency of BioDecod in image processing, evidenced by a lower coefficient of variation (CV) – 6.31–7.69 % versus 14.26–31.1 %. This improvement is attributed to BioDecod’s effective filtering of particle populations to exclude artifacts and image overlaps. BioDecod was validated using real-world samples – plants with genome sizes ranging from 0.45 to 64.54 pg. In summary, BioDecod provides a comprehensive solution for the acquisition and analysis of cell nucleus images, combining ease of use, configurable flexibility, and measurement precision, which makes it a valuable tool for researchers in the field of image cytometry.

Nine new records of spiders (Arachnida: Aranei) from Azerbaijan

Tamara V. Nuruyeva, Nataly Yu. Snegovaya, Arifa R. Aliyeva — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study reports nine spider species newly recorded from Azerbaijan. Six of these – Lasophorus zografae Chatzaki, 2018, Zelotes fulvaster (Simon, 1878), Z. prishutovae Ponomarev & Tsvetkov, 2006, Hahnia rossii Brignoli, 1977, Artema doriae (Thorell, 1881), and Synema anatolicum Demir, Aktaş & Topçu, 2009) – are documented for the first time in the Caucasus. The remaining three – Berlandina nabozhenkoi Ponomarev & Tsvetkov, 2006, Bassaniodes robustus (Hahn, 1832), and Cetonana laticeps (Canestrini, 1868) – represent new records for Azerbaijan only. These findings expand the known spider diversity of the Caucasus and increase the total number of species recorded from Azerbaijan to 785. All species are illustrated with photographs.

A new synopsis of the genus Lonicera L. (Caprifoliaceae) in the flora of Uzbekistan

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The taxonomic revision of Lonicera L. (Caprifoliaceae) in Uzbekistan was conducted based on field studies, a comprehensive analysis of herbarium material, and a critical review of the published literature. A total of 1223 herbarium specimens from national and international collections, including 915 specimens from Uzbekistan, were examined, resulting in the recognition of 10 Lonicera species for the country’s flora. For each species, an identification key, updated nomenclature, and information on distribution, ecology, phenology, and conservation status are provided. The highest species diversity occurs in the Pamir–Alay mountain system, where all recorded species are present, including one endemic species restricted to this region. According to botanical–geographical zoning, Lonicera species diversity is higher in the Mountainous Middle Asia province than in the Turan province, with representatives distributed across 21 botanical–geographical districts. Particular attention is given to Lonicera paradoxa Pojark., a relic endemic species with a narrow distribution, assessed as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List. This study contributes to the taxonomic reassessment of the Caprifoliaceae in Uzbekistan and provides an updated and reliable taxonomic framework for the genus Lonicera in Central Asia.

The effect of copper ions in different forms on the growth stages of pinto bean cultivars

Mohammad Reza Sangi, Aten Bayat, Alex V. Matsyura — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Copper is an essential micronutrient pivotal for plant physiological processes, and its nanoformulations have garnered significant attention for their potential to enhance crop productivity. This study evaluated the comparative efficacy of different forms of copper, copper sulfate (CuSO₄), copper-EDTA chelate and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), on the germination, vegetative growth, and yield of two pinto bean cultivars (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (KS1191 and KS1193) using a seed priming approach. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with nine treatments and three replications. Treatments included CuSO₄ (0.3%), CuO NPs (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%), copper-EDTA (0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%), a combination of 0.1% CuO NPs with 0.3% copper-EDTA, and an untreated control. We evaluated the impact on seed germination percentage, seedling vigor index, vegetative growth (plant height), yield components (pod number and ten seed weight), and seed copper accumulation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant effects of treatment on all measured parameters. In particular, seed priming with CuO NPs, particularly at the 0.1% concentration, elicited significant improvements in vegetative growth, yield, and seed copper content compared to the control and other copper forms. The findings indicate that seed priming with 0.1% CuO NPs represents an optimal strategy for enhancing growth and yield in pinto bean cultivation, highlighting the advantages of nanoformulations in micronutrient delivery.

New data on the distribution and ecology of Lignyoptera fumidaria (Hübner, 1825) in the steppe zone of Northern Kazakhstan

Ivan A. Zuban — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

New data on the distribution and biology of Lignyoptera fumidaria (Hübner, 1825) in the steppe zone of Northern Kazakhstan is presented. As a result of surveys conducted in October 2025, two new localities of the species were identified in the Aiyrtau District, located 300 km south of previously published records within the region. A mass aggregation of approximately 250 males was recorded within an area of about 3 ha. Adult activity was observed under persistently sub-zero temperatures (down to −6 °C). The new findings significantly expand the current knowledge of the species’ range in Western Siberia and Kazakhstan and highlight its potentially underestimated distribution within the steppe zone.

A review of the ground beetle fauna (Coleoptera: Carabidae) of the Tambov Region

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Based on published sources and original data, an annotated checklist of ground beetles of the Tambov Region was compiled, comprising 250 species belonging to 57 genera. The highest species richness was recorded in the genera Amara (30 species), Harpalus (29), Bembidion (25), Pterostichus (16), Agonum (15), Carabus (14), and Ophonus (8). The ground beetle fauna of the Tambov Region is typical of the central part of European Russia. The proportion of species shared with the fauna of the Tambov Region in neighboring regional faunas increases from north to south and ranges from 76.2% to 83.2%. High faunal similarity is observed for the Voronezh and Saratov Regions, which border the Tambov Region to the south, as well as for the Lipetsk Region, located at the same latitude. In regions situated further north, the proportion of shared species gradually decreases. Four species were identified as dominant; three of them – Carabus granulatus Linnaeus, 1758, Harpalus rufipes (De Geer, 1774), and Pterostichus melanarius (Illiger, 1798) – are eurybionts with wide geographic distributions and high ecological tolerance, occurring across a broad range of habitats.

An annotated checklist of rare and vagrant bird species in the Leningrad Region: a historical review and updated inventory

Vladimir Khrabryi — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This article provides a comprehensive annotated review of all documented encounters with rare and new vagrant bird species in the Leningrad Region, spanning the entire history of ornithological observations up to the present. Species are categorized as "rare vagrant" (recorded prior to the 1983 regional avifaunal summary by Malchevsky and Pukinsky) or "new vagrant" (recorded since 1983). In total, 87 species are recognized as vagrants within the study area: 46 classified as rare vagrants, with records predominantly from the 19th and early 20th centuries, and 41 documented here for the first time, representing additions to the regional ornithofaunal list. For each species, the locations, dates, and circumstances of encounters are summarized, with references to published sources and verified unpublished observations. The compiled data significantly expand the known bird diversity of the Leningrad Region and provide a detailed baseline for future faunal and biogeographical studies. The observed occurrence of vagrant species may reflect a combination of natural range dynamics, migratory displacement, and, in some cases, probable escapes from captivity. This inventory serves as a reference for specialists maintaining regional biodiversity records and contributes to the foundation for future assessments of avifaunal change in the context of the Red Data Books of Saint-Petersburg and the Leningrad Region.

Antennal teratology in Ammophila sabulosa (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)

İlyas Can, Alexander B. Ruchin — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

A male Ammophila sabulosa specimen exhibiting antennal teratology is reported. Both antennae have 12 segments instead of the typical 13. Partial fusion of antennal segments (incomplete symphysocery) is present on both antennae, involving segments 4 and 5 on the left antenna and segment 4 on the right antenna. Additionally, the terminal segment of the left antenna is shorter than that of the right antenna. This represents a rare case of antennal malformation in Ammophila, characterized by a reduced number of antennal segments and bilateral asymmetry.

Distribution and fauna characteristics of Zeuzerinae (Lepidoptera, Cossidae) in the New World

Artem E. Naydenov, Roman V. Yakovlev, Fernando C. Penco — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The New World fauna of Zeuzerinae remains insufficiently studied in faunistic and biogeographical terms, despite the economic importance of some species and the broad distribution of the subfamily. It currently comprises 45 valid species in 10 genera, including the introduced species Zeuzera pyrina. The present study is based on museum material, literature data, and verified publicly available occurrence records. Using these data, we characterise the geographical distribution of the subfamily in the New World, identify the principal distribution patterns of its species, evaluate taxonomic diversity across major biogeographical units, countries, and biomes, identify the main centres of endemism, compare faunal similarity among regions, and assess the distinctiveness of the New World fauna in relation to other parts of the world.

An unploughed reference pedon of Luvic Greyzemic Phaeozem under an old-growth forest in the long-cultivated North Pritom'e region in south-east Western Siberia

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study presents a morphological and analytical characterisation of a native reference soil developed under a old-growth, non-agrogenic tall herb aspen forest in the south-eastern part of Western Siberia’s forest zone. The main objective was to establish a baseline description of a Luvic Greyzemic Phaeozem, the vast majority of whose analogues in the region have been converted to arable land. Conducted at the 'Ust-Sosnovka' key site, the research employed detailed profile descriptions, morphometric analyses and a range of laboratory methods, including carbon elemental analysis, carbonate determination and sub-micromorphological investigations of carbonate pedofeatures. The results revealed a thick, well-structured and highly biogenic soil profile, characterised by a pronounced accumulative distribution of organic carbon (C_(org) reaching 5.2–9.9% in the 0–10 cm layer) and low bulk density (0.6–0.7 g/cm³), which is indicative of intense bioturbation. A significant stock of inorganic carbon (Cinorg) was identified in the middle and lower horizons, with neoformations showing signs of active dissolution and leaching under the humid climate. The soil is classified as prograding, with no signs of degradation or relic features. The calculated carbon stocks emphasise the importance of both the surface and deep horizons in the total carbon budget. The characterised pedon serves as a crucial reference for quantifying the direction and magnitude of centennial-scale agrogenic transformation in analogous soils. The findings emphasise the importance of conserving such native ecosystems for monitoring carbon stocks and assessing the sustainability of land management. Consequently, this soil should be included in regional soil protection registries, such as a prospective Red Book of Soils for the Kuzbass region.

First record of Necremnus leucarthros (Nees, 1834) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) as a parasitoid of Hypera postica (L. Gyllenhal, 1813) in Uzbekistan

Rano N. Zhononova, Fazlitdin Z. Khalimov, Khairatdin M. Seytkamalov — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

For the first time in Uzbekistan, the parasitoid Necremnus leucarthros (Nees, 1834) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is recorded as a natural enemy of the alfalfa weevil Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), a major pest in alfalfa agroecosystems. Field studies conducted in 2024–2025 in Tashkent Region, combined with laboratory observations, revealed a high level of parasitism. Analysis of 4,580 H. postica cocoons showed that 46.7% were parasitized in 2024 and 54.1% in 2025. A total of 25,578 specimens of N. leucarthros emerged from the collected cocoons. The mean number of parasitoids per cocoon ranged between 10.3 and 11.9 individuals. Morphological characteristics of adults and larvae, as well as key aspects of the species’ biology, are described, including its narrow host specialization and accelerated development (5–7 days from parasitism to adult emergence). Laboratory observations showed that females feed on host hemolymph and prefer third-instar larvae for oviposition. The increasing rate of parasitism and high survival of offspring indicate a significant role of N. leucarthros in the natural regulation of H. postica populations. These findings expand the known distribution of the species and confirm its potential as a promising biological control agent for alfalfa protection in Central Asia.

A new species of Dolomedes Latreille, 1804 (Araneae: Dolomedidae) from the island of New Guinea

Alexander A. Fomichev, Mikhail M. Omelko — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

A new species, Dolomedes afi sp. n., is diagnosed and described from New Guinea Island (Papua New Guinea) based on both sexes. The new species is similar to the Australian species D. alexandri Raven & Hebron, 2018, D. vicque Raven & Hebron, 2018 and D. wollemi Raven & Hebron, 2018, but differs from them in the structure of the copulatory organs. The new species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in body coloration. A detailed description and digital photographs are provided. The collecting localities of Dolomedes species in New Guinea are mapped.

Carabus granulatus (Coleoptera, Carabidae) body size becomes less dependent on habitat latitude as soil organic carbon increases across mid-latitude zone

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The study examined the relationship between soil quality and the size characteristics of ground beetle Carabus granulatus as bioindicators of ecosystem health. Soil quality is defined by its ability to sustain biological productivity, the surrounding environment, and the health of living organisms, with biological (especially soil invertebrates), chemical, and physical soil properties playing a key role. The aim of the research was to identify the influence of soil factors on the size variability of ground beetles. Using regression analysis, we studied the dependence of beetle size on organic carbon content in the soil (0–5 cm layer) and the geographical latitude of the habitat, taking into account the sex of the insects. Carbon content data were extracted from an existing global distribution map generated using machine learning. A total of 8107 specimens from 13 regions (42,9–56,8° N) were examined. The findings revealed a statistically significant influence of both latitude and organic carbon content on beetle size, with an interaction effect identified. It was established that males are 1 mm smaller than females. Additionally, for each degree increase in latitude, the length of the elytra decreases by 0.13 mm, and for each tonne of organic carbon in the 5 cm soil layer, it decreases by 0.14 mm. The results demonstrate a compensatory effect: as organic carbon content increases, the influence of habitat latitude on insect size weakens. These findings expand our understanding of the mechanisms shaping insect size variability in relation to soil conditions and geographical location, which is important for ecological monitoring and bioindication.

Click beetles (Coleoptera, Elateridae) of the Ulytau State National Natural Park and adjacent territories (Central Kazakhstan)

Gaukhar Zh. Ormanova, Izbasar I. Temreshev — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The results of primary studies of the fauna of click beetles (Coleoptera, Elateridae) in the Ulytau State National Natural Park and in adjacent territories are presented. A total of 29 species and 18 genera of click beetles are recorded. In the territory of the National park, 27 species of click beetles belonging to 18 genera are recorded. 12 species of Elateridae belonging to 7 genera are recorded for adjacent territories.

Seventy-one years of avian community dynamics on an island: functional homogenization among dynamic equilibrium

Valeri D. Siokhin, Alex V. Matsyura — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Long-term datasets are crucial for discerning directional ecological changes from natural variability and for testing foundational theories. This study analyzes 71 years (1949–2020) of breeding bird monitoring data from an island ecosystem to quantify long-term community dynamics and assess the applicability of island biogeography equilibrium theory. We employed an integrated analytical framework combining quadrant classification (based on presence percentage and redistribution level), the DAISIE model (Dynamic Assembly of Island Species through Immigration, Extinction and Speciation), and temporal trend analysis. Our results reveal a marked restructuring of the avian assemblage: specialist species (e.g. Hydroprogne caspia) declined to local extinction, while generalist species (e.g., Phalacrocorax carbo) increased exponentially, driving a shift from a tern–gull to a cormorant–gull dominated system. Despite stable species richness, the community experienced significant functional homogenization, evidenced by a 47% decrease in Pielou's evenness (from 0.72 to 0.38) and a drop in the effective number of species from 2.8 to 1.7. The DAISIE model estimated a colonization rate (λ) of 0.18 species/year and an extinction rate (μ) of 0.12 species/year, predicting an equilibrium richness of 1.5 regularly breeding species, closely matching the observed long-term average. Annual species turnover averaged 18.3%, with colonization events clustering in discrete periods (1975–1985, 2015–2020), suggesting environmental windows for establishment. Quadrant classification successfully classified species into functional groups (successful colonizers, stable populations, new colonizers, rare/endangered), providing a robust diagnostic tool for conservation prioritization. We conclude that while the system operates near a dynamic equilibrium, as predicted by theory, it has undergone substantial functional simplification, underscoring the vulnerability of island ecosystems to biodiversity erosion even when species counts appear stable.

Diversity and syntaxonomy of aquatic macrophyte communities in floodplain lakes of the Middle Ob River (Tomsk Carbon Polygon, Western Siberia)

Evgenya Yu. Zarubina, Arina S. Ivanova, Yury Ya. Kolesnichenko — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The floodplain of the Ob River, one of the largest wetland systems in Eurasia, plays a significant role in the regional carbon cycle, yet its aquatic macrophyte communities remain poorly studied. This work presents the first comprehensive study of the diversity and syntaxonomy of aquatic macrophyte communities in three floodplain lakes of the Middle Ob River, located within the "Kaybasovo" Carbon Polygon. Field studies conducted in the summer and autumn of 2025 included geobotanical surveys and bathymetric mapping. We recorded 40 species of aquatic and semi-aquatic vascular plants from 19 families, with the core of the flora represented by hydrophytes and helophytes (77.5%). The most species-rich families were Cyperaceae, Potamogetonaceae, and Araceae. Syntaxonomic analysis revealed five associations of aquatic vegetation, belonging to the classes Lemnetea and Potamogetonetea. The dominant communities were Stratiotetum aloidis and Nymphaeo albae-Nupharetum luteae. The flora is characterized by a stable core of 12 species common to all lakes, formed by ecologically plastic taxa adapted to the dynamic hydrological regime of the floodplain. The high alpha-diversity (23–29 species per lake) significantly exceeds that of the main river channel, highlighting the importance of floodplain lakes as local biodiversity hotspots. The obtained data provide a baseline for future monitoring of these aquatic ecosystems in the context of climate change and the functioning of carbon polygons.

Populations of Hippophae rhamnoides as an indicator of tugai forest degradation in the Zarafshan River valley

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Tugai forests of the Zarafshan River valley are highly vulnerable ecosystems experiencing increasing anthropogenic pressure and hydrological alterations. Assessing their degradation requires reliable biological indicators. This study aims to evaluate coenopopulations of Hippophae rhamnoides L. as an indicator of tugai ecosystem transformation. Field investigations were conducted in five coenopopulations within the Zarafshan National Nature Park. The study included analysis of ontogenetic structure, population density, morphological variability, and vitality indices based on standardized geobotanical and population-biological methods. All studied coenopopulations were classified as normal but incomplete. Under anthropogenic disturbance (grazing, fires, and fruit harvesting), left-skewed ontogenetic spectra dominated, characterized by a prevalence of young generative individuals and reduced regeneration. A fire-affected coenopopulation exhibited a right-skewed spectrum with accumulation of middle-aged generative and senile individuals and absence of pre-generative stages, indicating severe degradation. In less disturbed habitats. A centered ontogenetic spectrum was observed, reflecting relatively stable population conditions. Population maintenance was primarily supported by vegetative reproduction. while seed regeneration remained low. Morphological traits showed moderate variability (CV = 2.3–37.2%), indicating limited adaptive plasticity. Vitality analysis revealed both thriving and depressed coenopopulations depending on habitat conditions. The results demonstrate high sensitivity of Hippophae rhamnoides to environmental changes and confirm its suitability as an indicator of tugai forest degradation. Reduced vitality and weak regeneration highlight the need for urgent conservation and restoration measures in the Zarafshan River valley.

New records of Coleoptera (Insecta) from Kamchatka Krai and other regions of the Russian Far East

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Twelve species of beetles (Coleoptera) from the families Dytiscidae, Hydrophilidae, Leiodidae, Nitidulidae, and Scraptiidae are recorded for the Kamchatka Krai for the first time. Two species, Ilybius subaeneus Erichson, 1837 (Dytiscidae) and Cercyon emarginatus Baranowski, 1985 stat. rev. (Hydrophilidae) are recorded for the Russian Far East for the first time, first from Kamchatka and second from Primorsky Krai. Cercyon borealis Baranowski, 1985 (Hydrophilidae) is recorded for the first time from Kamchatka and Jewish Autonomous Oblast. New data on the occurrence of the little-known Leiodes shigehisai Hoshina, 2012 (Leiodidae), on the Kamchatka Peninsula is provided. These new records increase the total number of beetle species known from the Kamchatka Krai to 865.

Discovery of new habitats and ecological characteristics of endemic earthworm species (Clitellata: Lumbricidae) in the southeast of Western Siberia

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The Altai Mountains in Western Siberia constitute a center of endemism for earthworms in Russia, comparable to the Ural and Caucasus Mountains. The aim of our study was to determine the ecological characteristics of habitats of endemic earthworms in southeastern Western Siberia. During the research, two species Eisenia salairica and Eisenia altaica were found outside their previously known ranges. Since the description of these species in the 1960s, their ecology and distribution have not been studied. Our field studies on the collection of endemic earthworms have been conducted since 2014. We surveyed various locations within the Altai Krai and Kuzbass regions. In the habitats of the earthworms, soil and vegetation cover were examined. This is the first report providing updated information on current distribution and habitat ecological characteristics of these endemics. The results facilitate the development of targeted conservation measures for these Altai endemics, which are listed in the Red Data Books of the Russian Federation and regional Red Data Books. All of these factors significantly contribute to the preservation of biodiversity in Western Siberia.

The first comprehensive assessment at the Central Asian scale of the phylogenetic diversity of urban floras in the arid and temperate regions of Uzbekistan

Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Although urbanization is recognized as a major driver of biodiversity change globally, its impact on the evolutionary history of flora in arid regions remains understudied. This study provides a comparative analysis of the phylogenetic structure of the floras of three major cities in Uzbekistan Tashkent, Fergana, and Bukhara, located in different climatic zones. Species richness, phylogenetic diversity (Faith’s PD), and phylogenetic structure indices (MPD and SES.MPD) were employed in the study. The results indicated that while urbanization leads to an increase in species diversity across all cities due to alien species, the phylogenetic structure differs sharply depending on the regional climate. In the temperate cities of Tashkent and Fergana, the urban environment was observed to act as a harsh "ecological filter", resulting in strong phylogenetic clustering among alien species. In contrast, a distinct mechanism the "Phylogenetic Release" phenomenon was identified in the arid city of Bukhara. Here, anthropogenic maintenance mitigates natural stress factors, allowing the urban environment to act as a "facilitator" and enabling the persistence of evolutionarily diverse species. This study demonstrates that urbanization in arid regions can alter the evolutionary dynamics of flora and highlights the necessity of considering local climatic characteristics when creating sustainable urban ecosystems.