Anthophila Fauna of Semi-desert and Mountain Ecosystems in Nakhchivan

Abstract

As a result of long-term (2004-2021) studies conducted in the Nakhchivan, 405 species of Anthophila belonging to 6 families and 50 genera were registered. Vertical zones and plant formations of semi-desert and mountainous ecosystems are given according to literature data. The distribution of Anthophila in these ecosystems is given based on the results of many years of scientific research. Desert and semi-desert ecosystems, limited by elevations of 700-1200 m, occupy the majority of the territory. Divided into separate plains along the left bank of the Araz river. The plain is covered with desert, semi-desert, steppe plant formations, 102 species of Anthophila were found in this zone. The zone, partially expanding from west to east between altitudes of 1200-1500 m, is represented by low mountains. The dry mountain slopes of the zone are covered mainly with frigan vegetation. Analyzing the results of our research, it was found that 173 species of Anthophila are distributed in the low-mountain zone. The mid-mountain belt occupies an area at an altitude of 1500-2400 m above sea level. Here there are natural forests and agrocenosis of local form, located along the river valleys. The presence of semi-deserts, steppes and edge meadows created plant formations with a definite species composition. It has been established that 218 species of Anthophila are distributed in the mid-mountain zone. Four types of landscape are distinguished here, and a large number of species are calculated due to the presence of different biotopes. The high-mountain zone is mainly covered with subalpine, alpine meadows, surrounded by a narrow strip of heights of 2400-3906 m. Mountain-meadow, meadow-steppe types of vegetation create a transition between both zones. In the highland zone, 64 species of bees were represented. These species are more common in biotopes on the southwestern slopes of mountains, on sloping plains, in alpine and subalpine meadows.