Biotopic Distribution Research Articles

Размерно-возрастные различия биоэкологии Mesobuthus eupeus (C.L. Koch, 1839) (Arachnida, Scorpiones, Buthidae) в Азербайджане

The biotopical distribution, size and age structure of the population, nocturnal activity rhythm and feeding of the mottled scorpion (Mesobuthus eupeus) were studied. The research was conducted on the left bank of the Pirsagat river (Shirvan plain, Istern Azerbaijan). All discovered individuals of scorpions were divided into 5 size and age groups by the length of the metasome. The biotopical distribution of the mottled scorpion had a pronounced aggregated character with the formation of local clusters (settlements) in which 5 types of ratios of size and age groups were identified. It was found that individuals of II groups and I have unimodal, III and IV groups bimodal, and V group trimodal character of the rhythm of nocturnal activity. As the size of scorpions increases, the breadth of the nutrition spectrum increases, and the intensity of nutrition decreases. The index of electivity in II groups and I had negative values, and from III to V groups for some taxa of preys positive values. Representatives of the orders Isopoda (Crustacea), Aranei (Arachnida), Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera (Insecta) play a leading role in the nutrition of individuals of all size- age groups. As the size of scorpions increases, the proportion of members of the orders Hymenoptera, Blattodea and Collembola in their diet decreases. Representatives of the orders Coleoptera and Orthoptera are noted in the diet of scorpions from group III to V groups. Representatives of the orders Pulmonata (Gastropoda), Lumbricidae (Oligochaeta), Scolopendromorpha (Chilopoda), and Solifugae (Arachnida) are present in the diet only in individuals of IV and V groups.

Население мелких наземных позвоночных животных памятника природы «Чеускинский бор» (Ханты-Мансийский автономный округ - Югра)

There are 25 specially protected natural areas of various status have been organized on the territory of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug Ugra. Despite their great nature conservation value, the degree of study of flora and fauna, as well as the ecology of plants and animals in the territory of most of them, remains relatively low. Until now, special studies of small terrestrial vertebrates inhabiting the Cheuskinsky Bor have been carried out. In 2020, our research of small terrestrial vertebrates were carried out. The purpose of the study is to identify the species composition and some features of ecology (abundance, biotopic distribution) of small mammals, amphibians and reptiles. The research was carried out in July-September 2020. Metal cones were used to catch most of the vertebrate species. A total of 7400 cone-days have been worked out. 10 species of small mammals and 3 of amphibians are registered. The species composition of small mammals at the Cheuskinsky Bor site is relatively poor, 10 species were captured by cones, 3 were marked visually. The group of dominants included the common shrew and the red-backed vole. They accounted for 22% and 77%, respectively, of all recorded animals. Reptiles in the 2020 season were not registered in the counts, however, according to the literature, the habitat of the common European adder and viviparous lizard is known. Among amphibians, the moor frog and Siberian salamander are rare, the European toad is common. In the future, when conducting annual studies, the list of small mammals can be supplemented by 714 species of insectivores, bats and rodents, the list of amphibians 1 species.

Composition of the Fauna and Pattern of Biotopic Distribution of Bugs (Heteroptera) in the Vicinity of Pevek (Chukotka Autonomous Okrug)

Composition of the Fauna and Pattern of Biotopic Distribution of Bugs (Heteroptera) in the Vicinity of Pevek (Chukotka Autonomous Okrug)

FAUNAL AND ECOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF IXODID TICKS IN THE KURSK REGION

The article describes features of fauna and ecology of ixodid ticks on the example of the two most common species of ixodids Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus, which are the main carriers of tick-borne infections in the Kursk Region. We analyzed biotopical distribution of ixodids in landscapes of the Region, considered the main feeders of ixodid ticks in the conditions of the Kursk Region, and conducted a comparative analysis of parasitism peaks of ixodids in connection with climate indicators in epidemiological seasons in the period from 2015 to 2019. Ixodes ricinus is characterized by stronger association with forest biotopes, and Dermacentor reticulates is characterized by stronger association with meadow and forest biotopes. The data obtained indicate that biotopes of ixodid ticks in the Kursk Region are unevenly distributed; the parasitism peaks of ixodids and their numerical indicators are directly related to climatic conditions of the previous calendar year in the respective epidemiological season. As we have observed, increased humidity contributes to a decrease in the number of ixodids in following years, but a rise of the average annual air temperature has the opposite effect on the population and activity of the arthropods in the future.

Особливості гніздобудування вивірки лісової (Sciurus vulgaris) в умовах Кам’янця-Подільського

Research on the biotopic distribution, abundance, and specific nesting features of the European red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) was carried out from October 2016 until May 2017 in the entire area of Kamianets-Podilskiy (Khmelnitskiy Oblast, Ukraine). By its construction type and tree vegetation, the following biotopes were singled out in the town area: one-storey buildings, multi-storey buildings, mixed housing types, parks, industrial area, the Smotrych river’s canyon, and gardening area. In total, 272 nests of the European red squirrel were registered, including 89 nests in parks (32.7 % of the total number of nests), 79 in the industrial area (29.0 %), 49 in the mixed housing area (18.0 %), 19 in the area of multi-storey buildings (7.0 %), 13 in the area of one-storey buildings (4.8 %), 12 in the gardening area (4.4 %), and 11 in the canyon of the Smotrych river (4.0 %). In Kamianets-Podilskiy and its surroundings, 178 178 pairs of the European red squirrel were recorded, what makes up 65.4 % of the number of registered nests. The population density (pair/km2) of the red squirrel in Kamianets-Podilskiy is 6.4 pairs/km2. The highest density was observed in the forest-park area (43.3 pairs/km2), in the canyon of the Smotrych river (10.7 pairs/km2), and in the area multi-storey buildings (9.1 pairs/km2). Squirrel nests were observed on 21 tree species, including the linden Тіlіа sp., the asp Populus sp., the chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum, the sycamore tree Acer tataricum, the field maple Асеr саmреstrе, the elm tree Ulmus laevis, the sweet cherry Prunus sp., the maple Acer negundo, the fir tree Рісеа sp., the walnut tree Juglans regia, the horn beech Саrріnus bеculus, the willow Salix alba, the acacia Robinia pseudoacacia, the ash tree Frахіnus ехсеlsіоr, the birch tree Betula sp., the poplar Populus sp., the pyramidal poplar Populus pyramidalis, the cedar Thuja occidentalis, the Norway maple Acer platanoides, the honey locust Gleditsia triacanthos, and the oak Quеrсus rоbur. Most nests were located on the pyramidal poplar (24.1 %), linden (19.7 %), and Norway maple (13.7 %), while the least number of nests was found on the fir tree (0.8 %) and chestnut (0.8 %). The European red squirrel usually arranges its nests at the height of 3.5 m to 23 m, in average 9.3 m. The specific features of location of squirrel nests depend on the tree species (the highest nests being located on the ash tree, pyramidal poplar, and the lowest nests being on the fir tree and cedar). The squirrel mostly arranges its nests at whorls usually made up of 3–4 branches (51.9 %), near the trunk (32.7 %), on the branches (13.0 %) and between trunks (2.4 %).

Macrospatial structure and biodiversity of bat communities (Chiroptera) of the European fauna in the forest-steppe habitat

Twelve bat species of seven genera of the family Vespertilionidae were studied in conditions of the Central Forest-steppe of Ukraine (Myotis nattereri, M. daubentonii, M. dasycnemе, Barbastella barbastellus, Plecotus auritus, Pl. аustriacus, Pipistrellus pуgmaeus, P. kuhlii, P. nathusii, Nyctalus noctula, N. leisleri, Vespertilio murinus, and Eptesicus serotinus). The data were collected during decade-long surveys (2007–2016) in the Central Forest-Steppe (Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, and Kyiv Oblasts, Ukraine) at 23 localities. The census route included 680 km walked along the surveyed territory. The species composition of different habitats was determined during faunal and indoor surveys, when a certain type of landscape changes to another, and also by comparing the species composition of communities in different types of habitats. For species diversity comparison, five types of habitats were selected: forest (W), towns and villages (A-W), wood lines and fields (F-W), wetland areas (A-W), and fores parks (W-P). The analysis of record localities of bats and the character of their biotopic distribution shows that most species prefer floodplains with trees (wetland areas (A-W) and forest parks (W-P)), where the maximum number of species was noted. Quite high diversity was also noted for settlements (T-W). Based on abundance, a noticeable decrease of the diversity index occurs during the transfer from the area of wetland types to fields and wood lines. Due to the character of differences between groups of local bat species, relative to spatial distribution of species on topical and trophic levels, the performed analyses helped us to outline four groups of species. The first group includes species united by open type habitats (N. noctula and N. leisleri). The second group comprises V. murinus, E. serotinus, P. pуgmaeus, and P. kuhlii, which are very hard to relate to a separate type of locality. The third group includes species that prefer closed habitats: M. nattereri, M. daubentonii, Pl. auritus, P. nathusii, and B. barbastellus. The fourth group comprises M. dasycnemе, a species that is relatively rare in the studied territory and is related to lakes and slow flowing water bodies.

Курганцева миша (Mus spicilegus) на Західному Поділлі: експансія на лівобережжі Дністра

New findings of the mound-building mouse on the left bank of the Dniester in the interfluve of its tributaries—the Dzhuryn and the Nichlava (Chortkiv Raion, Ternopil Oblast)—are described. The presence of Mus spicilegus was established based on findings of food stocks common for this species in the form of mounds, which are easy to detect in the field and which can be clearly diagnosed. Both single mounds and their clusters were taken into account. The specifics of biotopic distribution, formation of food reserves, and the role in trophic chains of this species under conditions of the studied region are indicated. The mound-building mouse is one of the few rodent species that maintain a high abundance under conditions of intensive agriculture, which involves mechanical tillage several times a year and a significant level of chemical use. The distribution of the studied species is influenced primarily by two factors: the level of agricultural techniques in agricultural production (arable farming and crop care, quality of harvesting) and the distance from uncultivated areas. The mound-building mouse usually inhabits agricultural lands with a low level of agriculture (minimal chemicalization and mechanical tillage). These are lands allocated for private gardening or farming. Such lands have increased weeds and crop losses during harvesting, which creates a rich food base. After harvesting, such lands usually do not undergo long-term tillage. Results show that the settlement of arable lands comes from natural or other uncultivated areas, where the nuclei of populations are concentrated. In autumn, under the above favourable conditions, population growth is observed in adjacent cultivated lands, where winter food reserves are formed in the form of characteristic mounds. On large-area crops of monocultures cultivated by large agricultural firms, mounds are usually absent. The level of agro-technical pressure on the same area varies from year to year. This causes temporary instability in the appearance of mounds. They disappear where anthropogenic impact has re-emerged significantly and re-appear where there has been a weakening. The role of the mound-building mouse in trophic chains and in maintaining regional biodiversity is shown.

Findings of the Korean Rockfish Sebastes schlegelii Hilgendorf, 1880 in the Black Sea

A new species for the Black Sea, a representative of the Far Eastern fauna, the Korean (dark) rockfish Sebastes schlegelii Hilgendorf, 1880, was found in the coastal zone of Crimea and the Caucasus. The first find of the Korean rockfish took place in 2013; presently, the findings of this species have become more frequent, which suggests a successful introduction. This paper presents the detailed morphological characteristics of the Black Sea individuals and the features of their biotopic distribution. Random introduction of Sebastes schlegelii with ship ballast waters or during the acclimatization of the giant oyster Crassostrea gigas is assumed to be the most probable result of the appearance of the species in the Black Sea.

ДОПОЛНЕНИЯ К ОРНИТОФАУНЕ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОГО ПРИРОДНОГО ЗАПОВЕДНИКА «ОПУКСКИЙ» И СОПРЕДЕЛЬНЫХ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ

Information about the bird fauna of the reserve and adjacent territories, including their numbers, areas of permanent or temporary habitat, biotopic distribution, seasonal residence, and behavior is of interest in determining and clarifying the current conservation status of these species in a particular region. To do this, it is necessary to conduct faunal research, monitor species in General and compile (clarify) lists of bird species, in particular species of reserves and adjacent territories. State Naturе Reserve «Opukskiy» (further − the reserve) is a protected area that ensures the protection of unique natural complexes of the South of the Kerch Peninsula on the narrow coastal strip from Western tip of Kojashskoe lake to Chebakskaya beams (near Yakovenkovo). The location of the reserve determines its significance for the conservation of bird species that nest, migrate along the black sea coast and winter in the protected water area. The reserve plays an important role in maintaining breeding populations of rare and protected species of birds and are most numerous in the South of the Kerch Peninsula winter waterfowl, a transit district of rest and feeding for migratory birds and breeding areas of some species. Numbers in the last published list of bird fauna of the reserve [13] reflect the reliability of the presence of the species in the described territory. Baseline – 195 bird species in the reserve; 205 – taking into account adjacent areas [13] only in the reserve and adjacent areas was 241 and 263 species of birds, respectively, 46 and 58 species more above baseline. In this article, the author presents additions that provide information about the registration of new species of bird fauna in the reserve and adjacent territories and their status listed in the list. It contains information about 68 species of birds, 39 of which were registered in the reserve for the first time, 17 species of birds were found in neighboring territories, and 7 species were confirmed to be present in the reserve [13]. The State Nature Reserve «Opukskiy» plays an important role in maintaining breeding populations of rare and protected species of birds and are most numerous in the South of the Kerch Peninsula winter waterfowl, a transit district of rest and feeding for migratory birds and breeding areas of some species. Additions to the list of avifauna of the reserve and adjacent territories provide information on the species composition and state of the bird fauna, their current status and seasonal residence periods for the period from 1989 to 2020. 241 species of birds belonging to 132 genera, 53 families and 20 orders were registered on the territory of the reserve between 2011 and 2020, of which only 97 (39 %) nest relatively regularly. Among them – 39 new species for the reserve, and for 22 species – confirmed presence in neighboring territories. The total list of avifauna of the reserve and adjacent territories is 263 species of birds, which is 78 % of the total avifauna of the Crimea. Among the species registered in the reserve – 58 rare (37 species — in the red book of the Russian Federation and 51 species — in the red book of the Crimea). The results obtained are of theoretical and practical value for optimizing measures for the protection of rare birds in the conditions of increasing anthropogenic influence and global climate change.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ БИОТОПИЧЕСКОГО РАСПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ ГНЕЗДЯЩИХСЯ ПТИЦ КАРАДАГСКОГО ПРИРОДНОГО ЗАПОВЕДНИКА (КРЫМ)

The article gives a classification of biotopes and analyzes the features of the biotopic distribution of nesting birds of the Karadag nature reserve (2874.2 hectares), located in the extreme east of the Main ridge of the Crimean Mountains and including the Karadag mountain group (2065.1 hectares) with the adjacent Black Sea water area (809.1 hectares). On the basis of previously developed schemes and taking into account our own research, the following main types of habitats were identified: 1) natural tree and shrub vegetation; 2) open grassy biotopes; 3) rocky landforms; 4) seashore (except for rocky forms); 5) anthropogenic biotopes. Seventy-nine bird species were recorded nesting in the reserve. Ornithocomplex of natural wood and shrub communities includes 52 species, including 40 in oak open woodlands, 21 in juniper open woodlands and 32 in forests. The ornithocomplex of rocks (13 species: 9 on seaside rocks and 10 on off-shore cliffs) is characterized by high specificity as 9 species nest exclusively in these biotopes. The ornithocomplex of open herbaceous habitats is depleted and sparsely specific (10 species, most of which are common with sparse woodlands). The species composition of nesting birds of the sea coast (ground cliffs in bays, beaches with coarse material) is extremely poor (2 species). Thus, the basis of the nesting avifauna of the reserve is formed by the species of tree-shrub and rocky biotopes (in total, 82,3 % of the species composition). These ornithocomplexes include 67–89 % of the species composition of the corresponding habitats in the eastern part of the Mountainous Crimea. On the other hand, the small area, peripheral location and isolation of the Karadag mountain group resulted in the absence of a number of rare species in these biotopes and the low abundance of some species common and numerous in other regions of Eastern Crimea. At least 37 species (46,8 % of nesting avifauna) use anthropogenic biotopes – forest plantations (21 species), park (18), buildings (11), freshwater reservoirs (2). Ten species listed in the Red Data Books of the Russian Federation (7) and Crimea (9) nest in the reserve. Most of them (7 species) inhabit rock and rock-coastal biotopes, including 4 species nesting on coastal cliffs of the Beregovaya ridge. The role of the reserve is significant for preservation of Phalacrocorax aristotelis (about 10 % of the Crimean population) and Falco peregrinus (about 7 %).

Фауна и биотопическое распределение долгоносикообразных жуков (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea) участка «Ащисайская степь» государственного природного заповедника «Оренбургский»

Фауна и биотопическое распределение долгоносикообразных жуков (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea) участка «Ащисайская степь» государственного природного заповедника «Оренбургский»

Биотопическое распределение пауков-кругопрядов (Aranei: Araneidae) в привершинной зоне гор Южного Сихотэ-Алиня

Until recently, the study of spiders in the mountainous conditions of the Primorsky Region of Russian Far East was carried out only with the example of ground dwelling spiders. The purpose of this work is to reveal the species composition and features of the biotopic distribution of orb-weaver spiders (Aranei: Araneidae) in the ridge-top zone of the Southern Sikhote-Alin mountains (Primorsky Region). The field material was collected from may to october in 2016 and 2017 at key sites located on different mountain ranges and their spurs in the altitude range from 1000 to 1560 m above sea level. Within each key sites, transect-sites with a size of 3 x 25 m were laid. The spider's collections were by the hands collecting and sweeping method. A total of 305 specimens of spiders belonging to 10 species from 7 genera were caught. Comparison of species lists of spiders was carried out by cluster analysis methods (unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean, UPGMA) using the Jacquard coefficient. For automatic calculations data processing program Past v. 2.17 is used. The maximum diversity of spiders is observed among the herbage-reed meadows, which do not form a continuous belt of vegetation at altitudes of 1000–1400 m above sea level. seas. Seven species belonging to 6 genera were caught here. The minimal diversity is noted among the continuous open stony debris, devoid of vegetation. Here is the only species caught – Aculepeira matsudae. The species Plebs sachalinensis and Araniella yaginumai are most numerous and widespread in the ridge-top zone of the Southern Sikhote-Alin. The high abundance of Araniella yaginumai is achieved due to favorable conditions for this species in the herbage-reed grass lands. In all the studied biotopes in the ridge-top zone of the mountains the density of the orbweaver spiders is low and does not exceed 2.04 specimens per 10 m2.

Myrmecofauna (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of the yew-boxwood grove (Western Caucasus, Russia)

The data on the fauna and biotopic distribution of ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in the yew-boxwood grove of the Caucasian State Natural Biosphere Reserve are presented. A total of 27 ant species were identified, belonging to 17 genera of 4 subfamilies (Dolichoderinae,Ponerinae,Formicinae, andMyrmicinae). The genera –LasiusF. andTemnothoraxMayr are the richest and include 5 species each. For the yew-boxwood grove, all species of ants are presented for the first time.

Altitude and biotope distribution of species of a number of Neuroptera fauna of the Ukrainian Carpathians and the Transcarpathian lowlands

The species composition of the net-winged insects fauna, as well as the biotope distribution within the territory of the Ukrainian Carpathians have been studied. For the first time, an altitude-band analysis of the distribution of net-winged insects in the Ukrainian Carpathians was conducted, which showed that the highest species diversity is characterized by the belt of oak forests, for which 50 species of reticulated net-winged insects are listed. Seven were found to be original for the belt: Chrysopa hummeli, Chrysopa dorsalis, Chrysopa hungarica, Chrysopa nigricostata, Sisyra nigra, Distoleon tetragrammicus, Libelloides macaronius. These species occur only in this zone and are very rare. It was found that the highest species diversity is characterized by mixed forests and forest edges, for which 39 species were identified, which is 78% of the total number of species that occur in the belt of oak forests. The highest Magralef index for mixed oak forests (Quercus, Tilia, Acer, Fraxinus, Ulmus, etc.). For the belt of beech forests, there are 43 species. It was found that the greatest species diversity is characterized by forest edges, there are 32 species, which is 74% of the total number of species of beech belt of the Ukrainian Carpathians, 31 species (72%) in beech forest with admixtures of other deciduous trees. 29 on the edges and in the old beech forests (virgin forests). The highest index of species richness according to Margalef falls on the edges. As part of the spruce forest belt, 24 species were noted, ten of which, namely Wesmaelius mortoni, Wesmaelius nervosus, Wesmaelius ravus, Wesmaelius tjederi, Wesmaelius concinnus, Wesmaelius quadrifasciatus, Hemerobius contumax, Hemerobius feumax, Hemerobius fenestih only within the belt of spruce forests. Margalef's highest index characterizes young spruce forests. In the subalpine zone, only four species of reticulated net-winged insects were found – Myrmeleon formicarius, Wesmaelius nervosus, Wesmaelius ravus and Chrysoperla carnea, in the alpine zone – none.

The current state of the ornithological fauna of the Krasnoyarsk Reservoir

This paper discusses the current state of the avifauna on the territory of the Krasnoyarsk Reservoir. To date, the species composition of birds in the study area has not been studied, although it is worth noting the need to study the distribution of birds in this area. The construction of the Krasnoyarsk hydroelectric power station led to changes in the hydrological regime of the Yenisei River with subsequent flooding of the surrounding territory, as a result of which various geological processes of collapse of the Krasnoyarsk Reservoir banks are observed. Bank metamorphoses can also influence the spatial distribution of birds and creation of new ornithocomplexes. Our ecological and faunal analysis was carried out over two years (20182019) at nine key points along the bank lines of the Krasnoyarsk Reservoir within a radius of one kilometer from the water to identify the impact of geological changes in the banks on the nature of bird placement. The key areas of the study were determined, taking into account various biotopic habitat conditions that attract birds. Monitoring of avifauna on the territory of the Krasnoyarsk Reservoir will allow us to assess the degree of influence of changes in the geological processes of the banks on the spatial and biotopic distribution of birds, and it is also possible to forecast the disappearance or movement of some species and subspecies on this territory.

Remote Sensing Monitoring of Biotopes Distribution within Nature Reserve Area

The core of renewable natural resources of any nation is its natural reserve fund. The issue of natural ecosystems preserving is becoming more and more actual at the present stage in terms of increasing human influence on the environment. The article presents models of assessment and analysis of the environmental state of nature reserves combining remote and ground-based methods of research. The natural resources potential and biotope distribution within Biloozerskyi site of Rivne Nature Reserve were analyzed based on the Earth Remote Sensing data in order to ensure the preservation of background environmental indicators. The technology of cartographic provision for assessment and analysis of the environmental condition of natural protected areas by means of geoinformation technologies providing interpretation of the results of analysis in a graph form on electronic maps was considered.

The aridization effect on the characteristics of the substrate and biotopic distribution of fungi species of the <i>Polyporus s.l.</i> genus in the southeast of Western Siberia

The paper deals with the features of substrate and biotopic distribution of fungi species of the Polyporus s.l. genus in the southeast of Western Siberia. Most species have a wide range of substrates represented by various species of woody plants. The most widespread and common species are able to develop a wide range of substrates. Rare species are distinguished by a narrow substrate spectrum. For a rare species P . rhizophilus, adapted to exist in the conditions of subarid regions, found only in steppe biome communities, steppe grasses (Stipa , Festuca) are the only substrate. Most species grow on deciduous wood, only some species can grow on conifers, and only the taiga species P. tubaeformis develops exclusively on conifers in mountainous regions. Fungi substrates are represented by 11 species of angiosperms, 3 species of gymnosperms and steppe grasses. Most species are common in numerous communities; all of them are characterized by a high frequency of occurrence and colonize a wide range of substrates. Biotopically narrowly specialized species are few in number; they are characterized by narrow substrate specialization. In anthropogenic habitats, 6 species out of 14 growing in natural communities were recorded. On the plain territory, 10 species of the genus Polyporus were identified, while 14 species were found in mountain systems, since mountain humid areas contain the largest spectrum of substrates for fungi. The greatest diversity of Polyporus species is recorded in dark coniferous forests, among which the number of species is dominated by black aspen-fir forests. With an increase in aridization and a change in plant communities, rare relict mountain taiga, nemoral and typical taiga species are eliminated. The smallest number of Polyporus species is found in the steppe communities of subarid regions.

ПАУКИ-КРУГОПРЯДЫ (ARANEI: ARANEIDAE) ОСТРОВА АСКОЛЬД (ЗАЛИВ ПЕТРА ВЕЛИКОГО, ПРИМОРЬЕ)

The fauna of spiders on the islands of the Peter the Great Gulf in the south of the Far East is poorly studied. Data on the species composition, abundance and biotopic distribution of orb-weaver spiders (Aranei: Araneidae) of Askold Island are given in the paper for the first time. The island is located in the Peter the Great Gulf in the south of Primorskii krai. The material was collected in autumn of 2014, 2015 and in August 2016. In autumn, random collection of spiders was made. In summer 2016, 21 key sites were selected on the island. The size of each site is 3×25 m. The spiders were collected using a sweeping method supplemented with a manual method. The biotopic correspondence of 12 species of spiders belonging to 7 genera was revealed. It has been established that the distribution of spiders throughout the island is uneven. The greatest diversity is noted in broad-leaved polydominant forests. Araneus ventricosus (L. Koch, 1878) whose density reaches 15 specimens per 100 m2 dominates there. Rocky beaches have the lowest species diversity. The only species is found there – A. ventricosus (density 4 specimens per 100 m2). Only Neoscona adianta (Walckenaer, 1802) (density 10 specimens per 100 m2) inhabits the swampy area with sedges. The map of the density of orb-weaver spiders has been compiled on the basis of original data of the author and satellite images. This map allows to estimate the distribution and density of population of spiders over the area of Askold island in the summer. Alenatea cf. wangi Zhu et Song, 1999 and Pronoides brunneus Schenkel, 1936 are recorded on the islands of the Peter the Great Gulf for the first time.

Species composition and biotopic distribution of leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Megalopodidae, Chrysomelidae) in the Sikhote-Alin State Nature Reserve (Russia)

Species composition and biotopic distribution of leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Megalopodidae, Chrysomelidae) in the Sikhote-Alin State Nature Reserve (Russia)

Первые сведения о фауне и населении грызунов (Rodentia) и насекомоядных (Eulipotyphla) Хингано-Архаринского заказника

This is the first data on the fauna and biotopical distribution of rodents and insectivores of the Khingano-Arkharinskyi zakaznik. The preliminary results are based on field research led in 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2017. Five species of shrews (Sorex caecutiens, S. daphaenodon, S. tundrensis, S. isodon, S. roboratus) and nine species of rodents (Sciurus vulgaris, Tamias sibiricus, Craseomys rufocanus, Myodes rutilus, Alexandromys maximowiczii, Micromys minutus, Apodemus peninsulae, A. agrarius, Sicista caudata) were reliably detected, including the first find of S. caudata in Amurskaya Oblast (this is the most northwestern point of the range, 190 km to west-northwest from the previously known place). A track on snow has been found that was possibly left by Neomys fodiens. The possibility of residence of other species is discussed according to their ranges analysis and presence in Khinganskyi Nature Reserve situated 40 km to the south. The whole Middle Amur region is a territory with a complex landscape structure with intermixture of boreal, nemoral and steppe biotic components and the corresponding «transitional» character of the fauna. Many species have range borders here. Two steppe species (Cricetulus barabensis, Urocitellus undulatus) living in Khinganskyi Reserve or on adjacent territories cannot be found in the zakaznik. Two nemoral species (Erinaceus amurensis and Сrocidura lasiura, rare in Khinganskyi Reserve) have their northern range borders near the southern border of the zakaznik, they are likely to be absent here due to lack of needed habitats. The zakaznik is situated on the northern periphery of Alexandromys fortis range and the western periphery of Sorex gracillimus range, further field research is needed to clarify their status here. Two more species (Sorex minutissimus, Pteromys volans) have not been found yet but they obviously live on this territory.