Current issue: Volume 25, No. 2 (2025) TESTING METABARCODING WITH MORPHOLOGICALLY IDENTIFIED SAMPLES RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT RELIABILITY Timo Förster*, Frank Creutzburg, Erik Anton, Andreas Weigel, Matthias Hartmann DOI: https://doi.org/10.59893/abud.25(2).007 FörsterT., Creutzburg F., Anton E., Weigel A., Hartmann M. 2025. Testing metabarcoding with morphologically identified samples raises questions retability. Acta Biol. Univ. Daugavp., 2025(2): 267-304. Abstract Arthropods of 579 species were collected, morphologically identified and grouped into three identical sets. The sets were assessed by two commercial companies using metabarcoding. The results of metabarcoding were compared with those of the morphological identification. Using metabarcoding, only 26% and 56% of morphologically identified species were correctly recognized by Company A in two independent batches, and 35% by Company B. In addition, there were large differences in the recognition rate of individual orders between the two companies and within sets. A large number of species which were identified using metabarcoding were in fact not present in the samples. In our specific study, we found that metabarcoding exhibited restricted reliability, with possible implications of its applicability. Keywords: metabarcoding reliability, morphological identification, insect monitoring, biodiversity assessment. *Corresponding author: Thuringian Entomologists Association e.V., Schützenstraße 27a, 99448 Kranichfeld, Germany. E-mail: timofoerster2@gmail.com Frank Creutzburg. Institute for Wild Bee Research JENINSEKT, Schlendorfer Oberweg 12a, 07747 Jena, Germany. E-mail: info@jeninsekt.de Erik Anton. Thuringian Entomologists Association e.V., Bonhoefferstraße 2, 07747 Jena, Germany. E-mail: eric_anton@web.de Andreas Weigel. ROSALIA Environmental Management, Am Schloßgarten 6, 07381 Wernburg, Germany. E-mail: rosalia-aw@gmx.de Matthias Hartmann. Museum of Natural History Erfurt, Große Arche 14, 99084 Erfurt, Germany. E-mail: matthias.hartmann@erfurt.de FörsterT., Creutzburg F., Anton E., Weigel A., Hartmann M. Testing metabarcoding with morphologically identified samples raises questions retabilityDownload

Current issue: Volume 25, No. 2 (2025) THE LONG-TERM STOCKING OF FISH INTO LATVIAN INLAND WATERS – A SUCCESS OR FAILURE STORY? Jānis Birzaks*, Marina Janovska DOI: https://doi.org/10.59893/abud.25(2).005 Birzaks J., Janovska M. 2025. The long-term stocking of fish into Latvia’s inland waters- a success or failure story?. Acta Biol. Univ. Daugavp., 2025(2): 231-245. Abstract Fish stock recovery is a critical fisheries management strategy designed to augment fish populations, particularly in response to declines driven by overfishing, habitat degradation, and other anthropogenic pressures that adversely affect freshwater ecosystems and ichthyofauna. This approach seeks to enhance catch composition and quality to secure sustainable socioeconomic benefits. However, empirical evidence indicates that only a minimal proportion of stock recovery initiatives have yielded the anticipated substantial long-term outcomes. Analysis of catch rates and stocking trends in Latvian waters demonstrates that (a) populations of five out of six routinely stocked species exhibit no measurable improvement, and (b) both capture and stocking metrics reflect a statistically significant reduction in total fisheries yield despite consistent annual restocking efforts. These findings suggest that contemporary stocking programs are ineffective and require comprehensive revision, optimization, or alternative management approaches. Keywords: fish stock recovery, fisheries. *Corresponding author: Jānis Birzaks. Independent researcher, Īvandes 9, Riga, LV- 1004. Email: jbirzaks59@gmail.com Marina Janovska. Daugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia. E-mail: marina.janovska@du.lv Birzaks J., Janovska M. 2025. The long-term stocking of fish into Latvia’s inland waters- a success or failure story?Download

Current issue: Volume 25, No. 2 (2025) A REVIEW OF THE SUBFAMILY PSELAPHINAE (COLEOPTERA, STAPHYLINIDAE) IN EASTERN UKRAINE Robert Krivosheyev, Oleksandr Drogvalenko, Sergii Glotov* DOI: https://doi.org/10.59893/abud.25(2).008 Krivosheyev R., Drogvalenko О., Glotov S. 2025. A review of the subfamily Pselaphinae (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) in Eastern Ukraine. Acta Biol. Univ. Daugavp., 2025(2): 305-338. Abstract The paper summarizes all known information about the findings of the subfamily Pselaphinae in Eastern Ukraine, based on the study of collections stored in the country, collected in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Sumy administrative Regions of Ukraine. As a result of the study, it was found that the subfamily Pselaphinae is represented in the fauna of the Region 58 species. The data on ecological features and distribution of the identified species are presented. The obtained results can be used for solving a number of theoretical issues of faunistics, zoogeography and ecology, as well as for the preparation of the fauna cadastre of Ukraine, for comparative faunal studies, analysis of species distribution, biogeographical constructions, study of faunogenesis, environmental monitoring and prediction of the effects of human activity on natural ecosystems of the region. Keywords: fauna, ecology, Pselaphinae, Ukraine, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk. *Corresponding author: Sergii Glotov. State Museum of Natural History NAS of Ukraine, 18 Teatralna St., Lviv, 79008, Ukraine. Lugansk Nature Reserve, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Rubіzhna St., 95, Stanica Luhanska, Luhansk Region, 93602, Ukraine. Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, 3, Ivan Bank St., Poltava, Ukraine. Kremenets Mountains National Park, 12 Osovytsya St., Kremenets, Ternopil region, 47003, Ukraine. Е-mail: sergijglotov@gmail.com. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3986-0844 Robert Krivosheyev.Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology NAS of Ukraine, B. Khmelnytskoho St., 15, Kyiv, 01054 Ukraine. E-mail: accipitergentilis777@gmail.com. ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7319-1205 Oleksandr Drogvalenko. Museum of Nature of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 8, Trinklera St., Kharkiv, 61058, Ukraine. E-mail: triplaxxx@ukr.net. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9855-8421 Krivosheyev R., Drogvalenko О., Glotov S. A review of the subfamily Pselaphinae (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) in Eastern UkraineDownload

Current issue: Volume 25, No. 2 (2025) TREE DIVERSITY AND CARBON SEQUESTRATION POTENTIAL IN FORESTRY EXPERIMENTAL FOREST OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINDANAO, DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES Nadzer C. Abbas*, Julius Blademer S. Apostol, Gene Piolo D. Madrio, Maximo A. Dagatan Jr., Charlyn T. Gorgonio DOI: https://doi.org/10.59893/abud.25(2).001 Abbas N.C., Apostol J.B.S., Madrio G.P.D., Dagatan Jr. M.A., Gorgonio C.T. 2025. Tree diversity and carbon sequestration potential in Forestry Experimental Forest of the University of Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines. Acta Biol. Univ. Daugavp., 2025(2): 175-189. Abstract Forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration. This study assessed tree diversity and the carbon sequestration potential of the Forestry Experimental Forest of the University of Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, which promote global environmental sustainability, particularly SDG Goals 13, Goal 13: Climate Action, and Goal 15: Life on Land. Tree diversity and carbon stock were analyzed using descriptive, quantitative, and correlation methods. A rectangular plot method with a 10% sampling intensity was established to measure the aboveground biomass in trees. Shannon-Weinner was used to determine the species diversity of the area, and the General Allometric Equation developed by Chave et al. (2014), was used to estimate the carbon stock. The study found 51 species, dominated by Pinus kesiya (Royle ex Gordon, 1840), with a moderate diversity index of 2.83, a high carbon stock of 62.51 Mg/ha, and a high species richness and evenness. P. kesiya (Royle ex Gordon, 1840) has the highest importance value index and a positive correlation between tree diversity and carbon stock. The drawn results encourage academic institutions and local communities to conserve and plant diverse trees to increase biodiversity. These findings are valuable for policymaking, symposiums, and future research. Keywords: species diversity, carbon stock, aboveground biomass, allometric equation. *Corresponding author: Nadzer C. Abbas. Environmental Studies Department, University of Mindanao, 8000, Davao City, Philippines. E-mail: n.abbas.485749@umindanao.edu.ph Gene Piolo D. Madrio. Environmental Studies Department, University of Mindanao, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Julius Blademer S. Apostol. Environmental Studies Department, University of Mindanao, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Maximo A. Dagatan Jr. Environmental Studies Department, University of Mindanao, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Charlyn T. Gorgonio. Institute of Biodiversity and the Environment, Professional Schools, University of Mindanao, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Abbas N.C., Apostol J.B.S., Madrio G.P.D., Dagatan Jr. M.A., Gorgonio C.T. Tree diversity and carbon sequestration potential in Forestry Experimental Forest of the University of Mindanao, Davao City, PhilippinesDownload

Current issue: Volume 25, No. 2 (2025) INFLUENCE OF ANTIMYCIN A ON TOTAL PROTEIN CONTENT IN DIFFERENT ORGANS OF WHEAT TRITICUM AESTIVUM L. SEEDLINGS UNDER HEAT STRESS Anna Batjuka*, Nataļja Škute DOI: https://doi.org/10.59893/abud.25(2).004 Batjuka A., Škute N. 2025. Influence of Antimycin a on total protein content in different organs of wheat Triticum aestivum L. seedlings under heat stress. Acta Biol. Univ. Daugavp., 2025(2): 221-229. Abstract High temperature stress is one of the abiotic stresses that makes wheat crops vulnerable, has a significant impact on crop production worldwide, disrupts cellular homeostasis, and leads to severe retardation of growth and development. This research is aimed assessing the changes in total protein content in etiolated and grown under normal daylight conditions wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings in response to short-term (1 h) and prolonged (24 h) high temperatures (42 °C). In this study, we also examined the role of antimycin A as an activator of the alternative electron transport pathway on changes in total protein content. Results indicated a decrease in total protein content in functionally different organs of etiolated wheat seedlings (4-9%) and those grown under normal daylight conditions (5-11%) following both short-term and prolonged heat stress conditions compared to the control. Antimycin A and high temperature mitigated the decrease in total protein content in functionally different organs of wheat seedlings, suggesting that the activation of alternative electron transport pathway might prevent over-reduction of the electron transport chain, supporting cell homeostasis during abiotic stress conditions.. Keywords: antimycin A, alternative respiration, high temperature, Triticum aestivum L. *Corresponding author: Anna Batjuka. Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Life Science and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Parades Str. 1A, Daugavpils, Latvia, LV-5401. Email: anna.batjuka@du.lv Nataļja Škute. Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Life Science and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Parades Str. 1A, Daugavpils, Latvia, LV-5401 Batjuka A., Škute N. Influence of Antimycin a on total protein content in different organs of wheat Triticum aestivum L. seedlings under heat stressDownload

Current issue: Volume 25, No. 2 (2025) AQUATIC INVERTEBRATE DIVERSITY OF SMALL PONDS BY EMYS ORBICULARIS IN LATVIA Aija Brakovska*, Jana Paidere, Mihails Pupiņš, Rasma Tretjakova DOI: https://doi.org/10.59893/abud.25(2).006 Brakovska A., Paidere J., Pupiņš M., Tretjakova R. 2025. Aquatic invertebrate diversity of small ponds by Emys orbicularis in Latvia. Acta Biol. Univ. Daugavp., 2025(2): 247-265. Abstract As shown in many investigations the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) is an opportunistic predator and omnivorous with a broad food niche (aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates Coleoptera, Decapoda, Odonata, Heteroptera, Gastropoda and others, and plant matter (algae, macrophytes)). To characterize the food resources of the European pond turtle one of the study aims was to examine taxa composition and observation of frequency of the macroinvertebrates and also taxa composition and quantitative structure of zooplankton communities in turtle ponds of Latvia. The investigated turtle ponds located in the protected nature area in the Southeast of Latvia, are very small (approximately from 0.08 to 0.01 ha) and shallow even dry (in July) with abundant surface and submerged aquatic vegetation. Qualitative macro-invertebrates and quantitative zooplankton samples were obtained using standard methods in June and July 2019 during the reproductive phase of turtles. Simultaneously water physico-chemical parameters were measured using a multi parameter probe (HACH Hydrolab DS5). In total 47 taxa of macroinvertebrates were identified. The most diverse groups were Coleoptera, especially Dytiscidae (15 taxa, mainly adult specimens). Hemiptera (Naucoridae, Ilyocoris cimicoides), Ephemeroptera (Beatidae, Cloeon dipterum), Odonata (Anisoptera, Sympetrum sp.) and Gastropoda (Planorbidae) were the most frequently observed taxa. Zooplankton communities were also taxa abundant, especially by Rotifera (46 taxa). The largest cladocerans (15 taxa) were represented by Scapholeberis mucronata, Ceriodaphnia sp., Chydorus sp., and also Daphnia magna, Polychemus pediculus in a smaller number. Copepoda cyclopoids, calanoids and their development stages (copepodite, nauplii) were quite numerous (6 taxa). In general, the turtle ponds have quite food rich for the European pond turtle. Keywords: Emys orbicularis habitats, macroinvertebrata taxa diversity, zooplankton diversity. *Corresponding author: Aija Brakovska. Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Parādes Str. 1a, LV-5401, Daugavpils, Latvia. E-mail: aija.brakovska@du.lv Jana Paidere. Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Parādes Str. 1a, LV-5401, Daugavpils, Latvia Mihails Pupiņš. Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Parādes Str. 1a, LV-5401, Daugavpils, Latvia Rasma Tretjakova. Institute of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rezekne Academy of Riga Technical University, Atbrīvošanas Aven. 115, Rēzekne, LV-4601, Rezekne, Latvia Brakovska A., Paidere J., Pupiņš M., Tretjakova R. Aquatic invertebrate diversity of small ponds by Emys orbicularis in LatviaDownload

Current issue: Volume 25, No. 2 (2025) TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF LONG-HORNED BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: CERAMBYCIDAE) OF THE ORIENTAL REGION. PART 6 Arvīds Barševskis*, Chrestine Torrejos, Karīna Tuča DOI: https://doi.org/10.59893/abud.25(2).003 Barševskis A., Torrejos Ch., Tuča K. 2025. To the knowledge of long-horned beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) of the Oriental Region. Part 6. Acta Biol. Univ. Daugavp., 25(2): 213 – 219. Abstract The article contains new information on the distribution of 57 cerambycid species from the Oriental Region. Four species are reported for the first time since their description, four species are reported for the first time from the Vietnamese fauna, and one species each from the Philippine and Thai faunas. In the Philippine archipelago, six species are reported for the first time from the small island of Talikud, three species from Palawan, one species from Mindanao, and one species from Marinduque. Keywords: Cerambycinae, Oriental Region, distribution, fauna. *Corresponding author: Arvīds Barševskis. Coleopterological Research Center, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Vienības Str. 13, Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia; Coleoptera Research Center, Institute of Biodiversity and Environment, University of Mindanao, 8000, Davao City, Philippines. E-mail: arvids.barsevskis@du.lv. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9703-0115 Chrestine Torrejos. Coleopterological Research Center, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Vienības Str. 13, LV-5401, Daugavpils, Latvia; Coleoptera Research Center, Institute of Biodiversity and Environment, University of Mindanao, 8000, Davao City, Philippines. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4432-5902 Karīna Tuča. Coleopterological Research Center, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Vienības Str. 13, LV-5401, Daugavpils, Latvia. Barševskis A., Torrejos Ch., Tuča K. To the knowledge of long-horned beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) of the Oriental Region. Part 6Download

Current issue: Volume 25, No. 2 (2025) A NEW SPECIES AND RECORDS OF SORA WALKER, 1859(COLEOPTERA: TENEBRIONIDAE: LAGRIINAE) FROM THE HIMALAYAS Dmitry Telnov* DOI: https://doi.org/10.59893/abud.25(2).009 Telnov D. 2025. A new species and records of Sora Walker, 1859 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Lagriinae) from the Himalayas. Acta Biol. Univ. Daugavp., 2025(2): 339-359. Abstract A new lagriine species, Sora (s. str.) gurung sp. nov. from the Great Himalayas Range, is described and illustrated. Sora nigripennis (Fairmaire, 1894) comb. nov. and S. pilosivestis Borchmann, 1936 from the southern foothills of the Himalayas are redescribed and a new combination is proposed. Data and illustrations of the type material of ten Asian species of Casnonidea Fairmaire, 1882 and Sora Walker, 1859 are presented for the first time. Keywords: taxonomy, long-jointed beetles, Nepal. *Corresponding author: Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD, London, United Kingdom; E-mail: anthicus@gmail.com. ORCID: 0000-0003-3412-0089. Coleopterological Research Center, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Vienības iela 13, LV-5401, Daugavpils, Latvia. Institute of Biology, University of Latvia, O. Vācieša iela 4, LV-1004, Rīga, Latvia ZooBank URN for this publication: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:AD6B37DB-0C46-459D-96EE-85E98716C226 Telnov D. A new species and records of Sora Walker, 1859 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Lagriinae) from the HimalayasDownload

Current issue: Volume 25, No. 2 (2025) GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS AND MAPPING OF THE HABITAT SUITABILITY OF AQUILARIA SPECIES IN MT. HAMIGUITAN RANGE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, DAVAO ORIENTAL, PHILIPPINES Rylle G. Anuber*, Charlyn T. Gorgonio, Jason Ben R. Paragamac,Nmypha E. Branzuela, Marvin Batiancela, Leo E. Ong DOI: https://doi.org/10.59893/abud.25(2).002 Anuber R.G., Gorgonio C.T., Paragamac J.B.R., Branzuela N.E., Batiancela M., Ong L.E. 2025. Geospatial analysis and mapping of the habitat suitability of Aquilaria species in Mt. Hamiguitan Range wildlife sanctuary, Davao Oriental, Philippines. Acta Biol. Univ. Daugavp., 2025(2): 191-212. Abstract This study aimed to determine the habitat suitability of Agarwood species in Mt. Hamiguitan Range in different strata employing Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques. More research is needed on its spatial distribution and habitat suitability, particularly in the Davao Region. A stratified sampling is employed for two agarwood species, Aquilaria cumingiana (Decne.) Ridley and Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk were identified. Assessment of agarwood abundance across elevation ranges revealed varying levels, with precipitation and elevation emerging as influential factors and utilizing Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) with Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Results have revealed two (2) species of Agarwood with varied characteristics. The species distribution of Agarwood has been identified and distributed in sampling areas ranging from 1,171 to 1,480 meters above sea level, classified as very high abundance. Regarding suitability layers, precipitation ranges are classified as low, receiving rainfall of 5,715 hectares, moderate elevation with 9,540 hectares with Malalag loam as the dominant soil type with 13,376 hectares. Slope aspect classified as very high with 6,911.71 hectares, in terms of vegetation cover, MHRWS is classified as high at 10,400.97 hectares, with the distance to the stream categorized as very high at 5,226.18 hectares. The AHP identified precipitation as the most influential factor in determining the habitat suitability of Agarwood. Habitat suitability shows moderate suitability with a total land area of 7,199.09 with overall accuracy of the habitat suitability model of 94.11%. Keywords: Analytical Hierarchy Process, Habitat Suitability, GIS, Davao Oriental, Philippines. *Corresponding author: Rylle G. Anuber. Faculty, Environmental Studies Department, University of Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines, 8000. E mail: rylleanuber@umindanao.edu.ph Nympha E. Branzuela, Graduate School of Arts and Related Sciences, University of Southeastern Philippines, Tagum City, Philippines, 8100 Marvin Batiancela. Graduate School of Arts and Related Sciences, University of Southeastern Philippines, Tagum City, Philippines, 8100 Leo E. Ong. Graduate School of Arts and Related Sciences, University of Southeastern Philippines, Tagum City, Philippines, 8100 Charlyn T. Gorgonion. Institute of Biodiversity and Environment, University of Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines, 8000 Jason Ben R. Paragamac and Charlyn T. Gorgonio. Proffessional School, University of Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines, 8000 Anuber R.G., Gorgonio C.T., Paragamac J.B.R., Branzuela N.E., Batiancela M., Ong L.E. Geospatial analysis and mapping of the habitat suitability of Aquilaria species in Mt. Hamiguitan Range wildlife sanctuary, Davao Oriental, PhilippinesDownload