Study Of Fauna Research Articles

Faunistic Study of Auchenorrhyncha in Olive Orchards in Greece, Including First Records of Species

The study of Auchenorrhyncha species composition in Greek olive orchards is crucial due to the potential threat of Xylella fastidiosa invading the region. Recent studies have begun exploring agricultural landscapes, particularly olive and citrus orchards. From 2016 to 2022, biodiversity surveys were conducted in thirteen olive orchards across three regions of Greece: Peloponnese, Sterea Ellada, and the Northeast Aegean. Malaise traps were installed in each orchard and monitored monthly, supplemented by sweep net sampling in two orchards to capture less mobile species and assess their association with host plants. A total of 14,771 specimens were collected, representing 125 species predominantly feeding on weeds. The dominant species were the Typhlocybinae Hebata decipiens and Zyginidia pullula, while Euscelis lineolata was the most common Deltocephalinae. Aphrophoridae, including Philaenus spumarius and Neophilaenus campestris, were more effectively collected with sweep nets, primarily from Avena sterilis L. This study offers a detailed overview of the Auchenorrhyncha fauna in Greek olive orchards, providing essential insights for developing strategies to prevent the invasion of Xylella fastidiosa.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIESBRADYBAENA PLECTOTROPIS LIVING IN THE VICINITY OF THE NARYN RIVER

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the terrestrial malacofauna in the Naryn River region, with a specific focus on Bradybaena plectotropis in Grigorievskoe Gorge, Kyrgyzstan, to enhance understanding of its ecological roles and biological features. Methods: Field surveys and anatomical analyses were conducted in August 2024, covering diverse biotopes across Grigorievskoe Gorge and Boom Gorge. Forty specimens were collected, documented, and examined for morphological and reproductive characteristics to determine ecological preferences and habitat distribution. Results: The study identified Bradybaena plectotropis as a dominant species in the region, demonstrating significant morphological adaptations and ecological versatility. Its roles in soil formation, organic matter decomposition, and trophic chains underscore its ecological importance. Additionally, its presence across varied biotopes highlights its adaptability and widespread distribution. Novelty: This research provides the first comprehensive faunistic and anatomical study of Bradybaena plectotropis in the Naryn River region, offering valuable insights into its taxonomy, ecological roles, and conservation relevance in Kyrgyzstan's mountainous ecosystem.

The Identification of Wildlife and Animals in Sumerian:

Identifying specific animals in the Sumerian vocabulary often requires careful examination of textual contexts, alongside bioarchaeological data and representations in Sumerian art, as well as insights from linguistic, cross-cultural, ethnographic, and faunal studies. This article supports the notion that the Sumerian bird tu-gur4/8mušen referred to the European turtle dove. Artistic depictions and avifaunal remains confirm the presence of the turtle dove in early Mesopotamia, and references to tu-gur4/8mušen are common in Ur III texts, particularly in Puzriš-Dagan, where it was kept for elite consumption. Turtle doves, unlike other Columbidaespecies, migrate. This article proposes that the seasonal migration of the turtle dove through Iraq in the early autumn is referenced in the Umma month iti dal, which should be understood as the “month of flying (birds).” The seasonal migration of turtle doves was important for the agricultural calendar and the overall economy of the state. Understanding natural events of this kind, and ensuring the correct timing for agricultural tasks would have been essential for maximizing yields, and the planting of the fields—as described in the subsequent Umma month known as the “month of sowing seed” (iti šu-numun)—would commence only after these birds had passed through the region.

Lost in space and time: robust demography and enhanced resilience buffer adverse environmental effects in a highly isolated and sedentary pre-pleistocene landscape vertebrate

BackgroundFew animal populations have been studied under the framework of the OCBIL theory, which addresses the ecology and evolution of biodiversity on old climatically buffered infertile landscapes. Available genetic data challenge the low connectivity and high genetic differentiation predicted for isolated tepui-summit vertebrate communities, suggesting potential dispersal among summits. However, the OCBIL theory posits reduced dispersibility, enhanced resilience to habitat fragmentation and inbreeding due to small populations. We tested these hypotheses by conducting the first analytic evaluation of the spatial ecology and population biology of a tepui-summit vertebrate at multiple spatial scales.ResultsWe used harmonic radar tracking (100 individuals/448 points of contact) and capture-mark-recapture data (596 individuals captured/52 recaptured) to reveal the temporal niche, microhabitat use, population size, and dispersal abilities of the tepui-summit endemic toad Oreophrynella quelchii on Roraima-tepui. Abundance was determined using a closed population model incorporating sources of variation in capture probability. We tested the relative influence of biotic and abiotic variables on distances moved through model selection. Our data indicate that the population size of O. quelchii is remarkably large (ca. 12 million individuals), with strong seasonal demographic fluctuations. Ecology and observed limited spatial movements challenge the likelihood of active dispersal among tepui tops in this species. Our results are counter to those predicted by the available genetic data but support two hypotheses of the OCBIL theory: reduced dispersibility and enhanced resilience. However, they do not support the expectation of a small refugial population size.ConclusionWe postulate that the insular, hostile tepui-summit environment tends to produce robust demographic populations, likely to buffer stochastic adverse environmental effects, rather than diversity, as observed in much younger post-Pleistocene Neotropical landscapes. Our results draw attention to the value of faunal studies using an OCBIL framework to better understand the ecology and evolution of this unique biota worldwide.

Using mangrove and field observation data to identify fine-scale species distributions: a case study in bockadams (Serpentes: Homalopsidae: Cerberus).

Characterization of species distributions is a fundamental challenge in biodiversity science, with particular significance for downstream evolutionary studies, conservation efforts, field-based faunal studies and estimates of species diversity. Checklists and phylogenetic studies often focus on poorly known, rare taxa with limited ranges. However, studies of widely distributed, ecologically important species that are abundant in their preferred microhabitats are also important for systematics and local conservation efforts, but less often studied. We collected novel natural history data during fieldwork (2019-2023) for Philippine populations of bockadams (Homalopsidae: Cerberus), one of the most abundant vertebrates in Southeast Asian aquatic systems. Considered a coastal snake, many studies report Cerberus inland. We report the frequency of encounters of Cerberus schneiderii, and the IUCN data-deficient, Philippine-endemic Cerberus microlepis during six expeditions (62 days; 1041 person-hours). We report new occurrence data for 69 C. schneiderii and 6 C. microlepis for coastal and inland populations, water measurements and dietary observations. Regression analyses and ecological niche models show the importance of coastal and mangrove habitats for Cerberus. Our study is the most comprehensive assessment of Philippine Cerberus populations to date and provides critical baseline natural history data for downstream research on widespread and range-restricted species of Southeast Asian snakes.

Morphology and molecular phylogeny of four epibiotic ciliates (Ciliophora, Peritrichia) from farmed red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii Girard, 1852, with notes on the geographic distributions of related taxa

Aquaculture of red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii is an emerging farming industry in China. As shown recently, one of the most significant diseases affecting the red swamp crayfish is caused by overabundance of epibiotic peritrichs, a group of ciliated protists that are commonly found living as epibionts on aquatic animals. Nevertheless, few studies focusing on this issue have been performed. As part of a faunal study carried out in the Lake Weishan Wetland, China, four colonial sessilid peritrichs, namely Epicarchesium granulatum, Epistylis bimarginata, Epistylis semiciculus, and Zoothamnium procerius, attached to P. clarkii are documented. For each species, redescriptions and improved diagnoses are supplied. As a further aid to identification, 14 new rDNA sequences of these four and a closely related species were obtained. In addition, as an aid for future studies on epibiotic ciliates, we supply a list and information about recent integrative studies that document the geographic distributions of related taxa.

Mesostigmatid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) associated with wild mushrooms in Northern Iran

A faunistic study of mites (Acari) associated with wild mushrooms in Guilan province, northern Iran was carried out during 2022. Totally, 21 species belonging to 17 different genera and 12 families were collected and identified. The 17 species including of Cosmolaelaps lutegiensis, Dendrolaelaps saprophilus, Gamasiphis lanceolatus, Gaeolaelaps kargi, Laelaspis persicus, Macrocheles perglaber, Neoseiulus barkeri, Olopachys caucasicus, Onchodellus alpinus, Oplitis paradoxa, Pachylaelaps grandis, Podocinum pacificum, Polyaspis patavinus, Uroobovella flagelliger, Uroobovella varians, Uropoda orbicularis and Uropoda (Trachycilliba) splendida are reported for the first time from Iran in association with mushrooms. Collection information of identified species is provided.

Semiochemical-baited traps as a new method supplementing light traps for faunistic and ecological studies of Macroheterocera (Lepidoptera)

Attractivity and selectivity of two types of traps with synthetic, long-lasting, bisexual generic attractants were compared to conventional light traps to promote their wider use, as an easy-to-use standardised method for entomology. The targeted herbivorous Macroheterocera species playing important role in ecosystems as food source for higher trophic levels (e.g. predatory arthropods, birds and mammals), while other hand they can cause significant economic loss in agriculture. Data on their population dynamic and composition of their assemblages are necessary for both nature conservation and efficient pest management. Light- and semiochemical-baited traps with semisynthetic- (SBL = the acronym stands for semisynthetic bisexual lure) and synthetic lures (FLO = the acronym stands for floral lure of synthetic floral compounds) were used in species rich area of West Ukraine, and in all 10,926 lepidopterans trapped were identified. The attractivity of the light trap was highest with 252 species caught, while traps with semiochemicals captured 132 species including 28 exclusively caught only by them. The qualitative selectivity of light vs. semiochemical-baited traps differed considering both taxa and habitat preferences in such a way that they completed each-other. Differences in quantitative selectivity were also proved even in case of pest species. The parameters of methods varied depending on the phenological phases of the studied assemblages. Considering the revealed attractivity and selectivity, the parallel use of the two methods can offer improved reliable data for conservation biology and pest management.

A New Endemic Locality of Dermacentor reticulatus in Central-Southern Poland and Its Potential Epidemiological Implications.

Dermacentor reticulatus (Acari: Ixodidae) is an important arthropod vector in medical and veterinary contexts. Its geographic range is divided into western and eastern populations separated by a "Dermacentor-free zone" in central Poland. Recent faunistic studies showed a new endemic locality of the species in Upper Silesia to the west of the Vistula River (central-southern Poland) and its co-occurrence with I. ricinus. The prevalence of five tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), e.g., B. burgdorferi s.l., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., and Babesia spp., in the ticks was assessed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. The molecular studies revealed the presence of Rickettsia spp. in 23.8% of the D. reticulatus specimens. In turn, 94.1% of the I. ricinus adults were infected with B. burgdorferi s.l., 11.7 % with Babesia spp., and 5.8% with Rickettsia spp. Coinfections with two TBPs were noted in 17.6% of the I. ricinus. These findings highlight not only the risk of infestation by both tick species in an area previously considered Dermacentor-free, but also the high prevalence of TBPs in the study area. Increased focus on medical and veterinary services appears necessary to diagnose and prevent tick-borne diseases in this region.

NEW DATA ON TUMBLING FLOWER BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: MORDELLIDAE) OF THE FAUNA OF UKRAINE

Introduction. Analysis of the published data indicates that further research to establish the taxonomic composition of tumbling flower beetles of the fauna of Ukraine is needed. The ecology of tumbling flower beetles including species that are part of the fauna of Ukraine has been little studied. The host plants of tumbling flower beetle larvae are the least known. The data on the distribution of tumbling flower beetles in Ukraine remain fragmentary. Aim. The aim of the work is to analyze the distribution and trophic relationships of 23 species of tumbling flower beetles that were revealed during ecological and faunistic studies on the territory of Ukraine in the period 2015–2021. Methods. Generally accepted research methods were used during the study. The observations of the feeding of tumbling flower beetles were carried out under natural conditions. Host plants of tumbling flower beetle larvae were revealed by examining herbaceous plants and dead wood during the beginning of the flight period of adults. Main results. During ecological and faunistic studies 23 species of tumbling flower beetles were identified, of which 9 species were recorded for the first time in the Chernigov region, two species – in the Odesa one. The presence of Mordellistena episternalis Mulsant, 1856 and M. secreta Horák, 1983 in the fauna of Ukraine was confirmed. Host plants for imago are presented for 16 anthophilic species. Trophic relationships of chortobiont species at the larval stage with herbaceous plants of 8 species, which belong to 5 families, have been identified. The host plant (Jacobaea vulgaris Gaertn.) of the larvae of Mordellistena pseudopumila Ermisch, 1963 was indicated for the first time. The development of xylophilous species in the wood of three plant species was recorded. The results obtained are augmented with data from literature sources. Conclusions. Thus, the data obtained clarify the taxonomic composition and distribution of tumbling flower beetles of the fauna of Ukraine. They include new data on the feeding of adults and larvae of tumbling flower beetles and can be used to develop measures for rational environmental management and conservation of biological diversity in Ukraine. Control of the development of the larvae of Mordellistena parvula (Gyllenhal, 1827) on wild plants can reduce the number of the said sunflower pest.

Оцінка можливості та перспективності використання гістологічних та морфометричних методів в учнівських іхтіологічних та батрахологічних дослідженнях

Resume. The methods used by the students of the Zoology Section of the Volyn Regional Junior Academy of Sciences in 1996–2023 and 48 participants of the II (regional) stage of the All-Ukrainian competition-defense of research works of students-members of the Junior Academy of Sciences in the study of fish and amphibians were analyzed. It has been established that morphological studies make up a small proportion of the work, which is due to both the lack of necessary equipment in general secondary education institutions and the lack of methodological recommendations that would ensure the successful implementation of scientific work on the available equipment. Promising areas of student research are the study of fish and amphibian blood, amphibian skin, and fish respiratory organs using histological and morphometric methods. It is recommended that morphometric methods be more widely used in ecological and faunal studies. Conducting such research by students with the use of morphometric methods promotes the development of a scientific outlook, clear creative thinking, and facilitates the realization of interdisciplinary connections.

Benthic foraminifer Ammonia beccarii as a proxy for paleoproductivity changes from West coast of India

We examined three hundred sixty-five (365) sediment subsamples for benthic foraminifera from beach cores sediment in the west coast of India. The study on the recent benthic foraminiferal faunal record, reveals the paleoecological preferences. A total of 38 species belonging to 22 genera were identified from the study. For benthic foraminiferal faunal study, dry samples were sieved over 125 μm-size sieve and split into suitable aliquots to obtain ~250 specimens of benthic foraminiferal species identified and counted. Ammonia beccarii was the most prevalent species found in all subsamples. The high productivity species of Ammonia beccarii can be found in sediments from Puthenthoodu beach ~75 to 60cm and 10 to 5cm depth, from Chellanam beach sediments 100 to 70cm and 30 to 5cm depth, from Azheekal beach sediments around 90 to 70cm and 18 to 5cm depth, 100 to 80cm and 20 to 5cm depth in Anthakaranazhi beach sediments, an indicates of shallow-marine environment. The species of Ammonia beccarii were utilized for biostratigraphy for several years and have also been confirmed very constructive in paleoceanographic and paleoclimatological reconstruction.

A faunistic study on the Tachinidae (Diptera) family in Mersin (Türkiye) province with new records for Türkiye

This study was conducted between 2020 and 2021 to reveal the Tachinidae (Diptera) fauna of Mersin province. For this purpose, Tachinidae specimens from agriculture, forest and other areas (grassland, pasture, etc.) of 8 districts (Anamur, Çamlıyayla, Erdemli, Gülnar, Mezitli, Silifke, Toroslar, Yenişehir) selected to represent the province were collected together with the plants they visited. Additionally, insect species from different orders were reared in a laboratory to determine their status as hosts for Tachinidae species. In total, 32 species were determined and identified during the study. These species were categorized into subfamilies and genera: Exoristinae subfamily: 6 genera and 7 species; Tachininae subfamily: 5 genera and 7 species; Dexiinae subfamily: 6 genera and 8 species; Phasiinae subfamily: 4 genera and 10 species. Among them Prosopea nigricans (Egger, 1861), Estheria hertingi Cerretti & Tschorsnig, 2012 and Stomina calvescens Herting, 1977 were recorded for the first time in Türkiye. P. nigricans is the first record of the genus Prosopea Rondani, 1861 from Türkiye. The distribution in Türkiye, visited plants and hosts known from Türkiye of the determined species were also given. In addition, Leucostoma crassa (Kugler, 1966) was reared from Spilostethus pandurus (Scopoli, 1763) (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae), and it was determined that this host-parasitoid-couple is a new record for Türkiye. This is the first comprehensive research of the Tachinidae family in Mersin province.

Effectiveness of Malaise trap and sweep net sampling in sawfly research (Hymenoptera: Symphyta)

Malaise traps and sweep nets are commonly used to study sawfly faunas, seasonality and communities. Here we analyse a large dataset obtained with these methods in Slovakia and Hungary over the last two and a half decades. The dataset included collections from twenty-one sites, each covering the entire growing season, eleven of which were obtained with the Malaise trap and ten with the sweep net. We conclude that both methods are suitable for faunistic studies of sawflies (Hymenoptera, Symphyta), although they may lead to certain biased results for some Symphyta groups. Special attention should be paid to Siricidae, Orussidae, Xiphidriidae and Cimbicidae, which were only weakly recorded with both methods. Argidae, Blennocampinae, Dolerinae and Tenthredininae were underrepresented in the Malaise trap samples and Allantinae in the sweep net samples. Both methods gave equally good results in measuring species richness in an one-year study. Ideally, they should be used together as they complement each other well. The net method has a great advantage in determining the exact population density. In contrast, the Malaise trap collections were often heavily dominated by only a few species, with males being preferentially trapped. Use of Malasie trap should be preferred for the study of seasonal flight activity.

New records of sessile rotifers (Phylum Rotifera: Flosculariacea, Collothecacea) from Southeast Asia

Recognizing the dearth of information on the biodiversity and biogeography of Southeast Asian micrometazoa, particularly sessile rotifers, we examined two samples of submerged aquatic macrophytes (Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle and Utri cularia sp.) from different sites in Cambodia. We were able to distinguish a total of 23 taxa, three of which may represent undescribed species. Two more taxa could not unequivocally be ascribed to a known species. We further comment on the distribution of Octotrocha speciosa Thorpe, which may be much less widespread than previously thought. In addition to the three possibly new species, nine are newly recorded for the Oriental region; of these, two are recorded for the second time ever. All represent new records for the fauna of Cambodia. Our results illustrate the need for more detailed and thorough taxonomic and faunistic studies on this group of poorly known organisms.

Macrobenthic fauna and the ecological status of a shellfish farm in the Mediterranean Sea (Algeria)

A faunistic and ecological study on the benthic macrofauna was carried out in the shellfish farm in Ain Chorb (Ain Taya), central Algeria. This study aims to characterise the composition, structure, and functioning of the benthic community to establish the reference state and ecological quality of the shellfish farm and to monitor its evolution through an adapted sampling and observation methodology adapted and used by the scientific community at the international level. Benthic fauna samples were collected in two different periods (warm and cold season) between February 2020 and June 2021; six grab samples were carried out at three sampling stations. Different indices were evaluated based on the benthic community characteristics (species richness, abundance, density, ecological and trophic groups, and the biotic index) and indicator species. An inventory of the macrobenthic fauna of the farm allowed us to identify 6 phyla, 10 classes, 48 families, 106 genera, and 138 species, with a total of 45960 ind/m2. The benthic assemblage is characterised by the dominance of the species Abra alba, Salvatoria clavata, Caecum spp., and Bittium spp. The results of the four benthic indices (the Shannon-Weaver diversity index [H′], the AZTI Marine Biotic Index [AMBI], the multivariate AZTI Marine Biotic Index [M-AMBI], and the BENTIX) indicated that that the sampling stations have a moderate and good ecological status. These results were confirmed by the abundance/biomass comparison curves and geometric abundance class methods. This study provides the first inventory and represents the reference state of the soft-bottom communities of the aquaculture farm. The findings also indicate that the macrobenthic assemblage is excellent indicator of the ecological status.

Cryptofavognathus bellus sp. nov. (Prostigmata: Cryptognathidae): a member of the unexplored mites still-hidden global</p >

The genus Cryptofavognathus is represented with only two species: Cryptofavognathus anatolicus Doğan & Dönel and C. afyonensis (Koç & Akyol). The third species, Cryptofavognathus bellus sp. nov., was detected during a faunistic study on raphignathoid mites of Sansa Gorge (Türkiye) and described here. This paper also presents a current species list for the family Cryptognathidae Oudemans, with the following taxonomic recommendation in the genus Favognathus Luxton: Favognathus aegyptiaca (Fawzy, Khalil & Yassin) and Favognathus rosetta (Fawzy, Khalil & Yassin) described from Egypt should be considered species inquirendae due to their inadequate diagnostic characteristics and poor descriptions.

Diversity of insect galls in veredas of the Brazilian Cerrado in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Brazilian veredas are hygrophilous communities with high species diversity, featuring many floristic studies but a still incipient number of faunistic studies. In the present study, we conducted an inventory of insect galls in four different veredas located in the Northern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Overall, we found 75 gall morphotypes, distributed across 50 host species representing 37 plant genera and 22 families. Fabaceae was the plant family with the greatest number of insect gall morphotypes (n = 21), followed by Malpighiaceae (n = 10). The plant genera that supported the highest diversity of insect galls were Copaifera (n = 8) and Byrsomima (n = 5). The plant species Copaifera oblongifolia (n = 6) and Anacardium humile (n = 4) exhibited the highest richness of insect galls. The leaves were the most attacked organs (89% of all galls). Most morphotypes are glabrous (83%), green (69%) and lenticular (60%). The taxa of gall-inducing insects were identified for 46 morphotypes (80%), and were recorded inducers from the orders Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Hymenoptera. Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) was the most representative galling group, with 42 morphotypes, making up 93.3% of the recorded inducers. Among the sampled veredas areas, the Vereda do Peruaçu presented the highest richness of insect gall morphotypes and host plant species. The faunistic similarity was higher in the Pedras and Tiririca veredas, followed by Almescla and Peruaçu veredas. This is the first systematic inventory of insect galls and their host plant in Brazilian veredas. The diversity of insect galls in the studied veredas is relatively high when compared to other Brazilian Cerrado vegetation types.

Overcoming life stage‐centric biases illuminates arthropod diversity, systematics and biology

AbstractSynthetic studies of arthropod systematics and biodiversity are hindered by overreliance on ‘preferred’ semaphoronts, those life stages (typically adult males) that provide the most taxonomically distinctive characters. However, modern sequence‐based methods for inventory have no such limitations and permit incorporation of any and all representatives of a species. Here, we briefly review the growth and potential of these approaches to faunistic and systematic studies and share results from our own recent work that illustrate the value that other morphs, immature stages and females added to these studies.

Comprehensive checklist and distribution analysis of marine harpacticoids in Türkiye coastal waters

This study aims to provide a comprehensive checklist of marine harpacticoid copepod species found in Turkish coastal waters. The study encompasses a detailed list comprising 247 species/subspecies, 34 families, and 113 genera. Families with the highest number of species are Miraciidae (43 species), Ameiridae (37 species), Laophontidae (31 species), Ectinosomatidae (23 species), and Paramesochridae (12 species). The remaining families contain fewer than 10 species each. The distribution of species and genera highlights the Aegean Sea as the most diverse, hosting 195 species/subspecies. It is followed by the Sea of Marmara (107 species), the Mediterranean (43 species), and the Black Sea (30 species). Notably, five species including Canuella perplexa, Ectinosoma melaniceps, Eoschizopera (Praeoschizopera) gligici, Euterpina acutifrons, and Microsetella rosea are recorded across all four seas of Türkiye. In conclusion, this study presents a resource that could contribute to faunistic and ecological studies aiming to comprehend marine harpacticoid diversity along Turkish coasts.