Abstract We compared the impact of contamination by military activities (over 50 years) on the diversity of filamentous fungi at the Zemianske Kostoľany site (soil samples 1–6) and the Trenčín site (soil samples 7–13) in central Slovakia. In several samples, limit values for As, non-polar hydrocarbons, the sum of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and Zn were found to be exceeded. In all samples, a total of 21 genera and 58 species of filamentous fungi were identified. The most abundant species include Cunninghamella elegans , Mortierella alpina and Mucor hiemalis (phylum Mucoromycota). The phylum Ascomycota was dominated by species of the genera Fusarium , Penicillium and especially Trichoderma with many species in all soil samples. The species Cephalotrichum microsporum , Cephalotrichum gorgonifer , Fusarium armeniacum , Marquandomyces marquandii , Penicillium paraherquei , Purpureocillium lavendulum , Sporomia subticinensis , Talaromyces calidicanius , Trichoderma gamsii , Trichoderma paraviridescens , Trichoderma sulphureum (phylum Ascomycota) and the species Earliella scabrosa (phylum Basidiomacota) were recorded for the first time in Slovakia. The number of genera and species of filamentous fungi in samples at the Zemianske Kostoľany site was comparable with only minimal differences, which also characterizes their low diversity with the highest Sørensen’s similarity index value of 57.1% between samples 4 and 6. In soil samples at the Trenčín site, there was a slightly higher number of genera and species of filamentous fungi. This also implies a higher diversity with a maximum similarity of 62.8% between samples 12 and 13. Among the analysed contaminants, the contents of As and non-polar hydrocarbons had the most significant impact on the Sørensen’s similarity index.

Abstract The subfamily Cryptocephalinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is characterized by the behavior of constructing fecal shelters. Despite such a peculiar biology, there are few studies on their natural history. In view of this need, we present here for the first time the natural history of a species of Pseudochlamys Lacordaire, 1848. Adults were collected and reared in the laboratory at a temperature of around 25 °C. Eggs produced were individualized, and hatched larvae were fed and monitored daily until adult emergence. Emerged adults were monitored in couples for the reproductive performance of the females. Parasitoidism was also observed on eggs collected in the field. Pseudochlamys megalostomoides Lacordaire, 1848 has four larval instars. The preimaginal period lasted 89.95 days: 15.27 in the fecal egg capsule; 46.83 as a larva; and 28 days in the pupal chamber. The active period of the immature was about 39.61% of its development. Females lived for 71.25 days, ovipositing for 41 days. Of the eggs collected in the field, 49.31% were parasitized and only 23.43% were viable. Unlike most Cryptocephalinae taxa, P . megalostomoides is a monophagous species that feeds on Waltheria indica Linnaeus and Waltheria rotundifolia Schrank. This beetle is parasitized by Entedoninae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera). This species of Pseudochlamys probably has more than one generation per year.

Abstract Triozocera Pierce, 1909 is the largest genus of Corioxenidae, comprising 33 species recorded from all continents except Antarctica. The Americas harbor ten species. South America currently has only two species, both from Brazil. Herein, we describe the third Brazilian species, Triozocera titania sp. n., and provide an identification key to the American species of Triozocera . This new species was collected in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park in the Serra do Mar Mountain range, at an altitude above 1700 m.

Abstract Stenomicra Coquillett, 1900 comprises forty species worldwide, most know in the Afrotropical and Australian regions. In the Neotropical region, there are nine species of Stenomicra , and in South America, only three species are known. In the manuscript, eight new species of Stenomicra are being described from South America: Stenomicra ( Stenomicra ) dorsimaculata sp. n. , Stenomicra ( Stenomicra ) frontalis sp. n., Stenomicra ( Stenomicra ) geovaniae sp. n., Stenomicra ( Stenomicra ) limeirai sp. n. , Stenomicra ( Stenomicra ) longiseta sp. n. , Stenomicra ( Stenomicra ) paraensis sp. n., Stenomicra ( Stenomicra ) rafaeli sp. n. and Stenomicra (Podocera) cuscana sp. n.. A geographical records map of the new species, plates with photographs of adults and terminalia, and a dichotomous key illustrated with photographs of the holotypes of the Neotropical species of Stenomicra are also provided. These discoveries advance the study and knowledge of Stenomicra in the Neotropical Region and mark the first records of this genus in Peru and the subgenus Podocera in South America.

Abstract Following decades of atmospheric acidification, the Bohemian Forest watercourses are now witnessing a remarkable resurgence of natural fish communities. This study presents the most comprehensive ichthyological survey of the region to date, covering 168 watercourse sites across the Czech and Bavarian parts of the Bohemian Forest. Using standardized electrofishing methods, we assessed species composition, density, and the presence of young-of-the-year individuals in relation to environmental characteristics. Fish were detected at 165 sites, with brown trout ( Salmo trutta ) and bullhead ( Cottus gobio ) being the dominant species. The widespread occurrence of young-of-the-year individuals indicates successful natural reproduction. Multivariate analyses revealed that fish community structure was significantly influenced by altitude, watercourse morphology, and substrate composition. Species richness increased with watercourse size and habitat heterogeneity. Acidification-sensitive species were found even in high-altitude headwaters, suggesting substantial ecosystem recovery. The near absence of invasive species further supports the high ecological quality of these watercourses. The fish fauna of the Bohemian Forest nowadays reflects the natural recovery of aquatic ecosystems after decades of atmospheric acidification. This study highlights the importance of preserving natural processes in mountain freshwater ecosystems.