Localities In Poland Research Articles

The genetic structure of populations of Isthmiophora melis (Schrank, 1788) (Digenea: Echinostomatidae). Does the host’s diet matter?

BackgroundHere we provide a comparative analysis of the genetic structure of populations (based on nad1 mtDNA) of Isthmiophora melis isolated from the American mink (Neogale vison), an introduced invasive species, commonly occurring in the territory of Poland, and from the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius).MethodsA total of 133 specimens of I. melis were obtained from naturally infected N. vison collected from six localities in Poland (108 samples) and 25 individuals of I. melis from A. agrarius. All sequences of the nad1 gene obtained during the present study were assembled and aligned. The standard statistics for haplotype composition, i.e., the number of haplotypes, haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity, and average number of nucleotide differences, were calculated. Haplotype analysis and visualization of haplotype frequency among populations were performed using a median-joining network.ResultsBased on the samples collected from different localities in Poland, our study revealed that the overall genetic diversity of I. melis isolated from the American mink and of the striped field mouse do not differ significantly. The median-joining network showed that the three main haplotypes are in the centre of a star-like structure, with the remaining haplotypes as the satellites, reflecting the recent expansion of the populations.ConclusionsThe overall genetic diversity of I. melis isolated from the American mink and striped field mouse reveals a high level of homogeneity. Moreover, regional differences in the food composition of the definitive hosts play an important role in shaping the genetic structure of the trematode populations.Graphical

Nesting behaviour and description of mature larva of Lindenius albilabris (Fabricius, 1793) (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae)

Nesting habits of the digger wasp Lindenius albilabris (Fabricius, 1793) at two localities in Poland were studied. The female hunts nymphs or adults of plant bugs Lygus rugulipennis Poppius, 1911 and L. pratensis (Linnaeus, 1758), depositing up to 10 individuals per cell, depending on their size. Nests are built in a wide variety of sandy habitats, on dirt roads, and in wastelands. The nest consists of a 10–12 cm long main burrow and one to three cells. Males are usually found on flowers of wild carrots Achillea millefolium, Daucus carota, Peucedanum oreoselinum, Pimpinella sp. and Tanacetum vulgare. The nest kleptoparasite Metopia argyrocephala was recorded in nests of this species. The mature larva is first described in this study and its morphology is compared with other species of the genus.

The Myxobiota of the Łagiewnicki Forest in Łódź (Central Poland)

AbstractHerein, the results of studies conducted in the Łagiewnicki Forest in the city of Łódź (central Poland) in 2010–2012 are presented. These were the first long-term observations into myxomycetes in the Łagiewnicki Forest and in central Poland. Investigations were conducted using the route method for the entire forest complex (2010–2012). Additionally, twelve logs were selected in the “Las Łagiewnicki” forest reserve for detailed observations in 2011–2012; these logs belonged to four tree species:Betula pendulaRoth,Carpinus betulusL.,Quercussp., andPicea abies(L.) H. Karst. In total, 1,561 specimens were collected and were classified into 96 taxa (91 species and five varieties). Three species (Diderma saundersii,Oligonema flavidum, andDidymium eximium) are new to the biota of Poland, while five (Arcyria stipata,Hemitrichia calyculata,Oligonema schweinitzii,Physarum flavicomum, andPhysarum robustum) are included on the red list of rare myxomycetes in Poland.Stemonitopsis amoenais also classified as a rare species; to date, this species has been reported in one locality in Poland. The scale by Stephenson et al. was used to determine the frequency of occurrence of individual taxa; 55 taxa were classified as rare, nine as sporadic, 26 as common, and six as abundant taxa. Three ecological groups of slime molds were identified based on the type of substrate they colonized: lignicolous (54 taxa), foliicolous (seven taxa), and corticolous (two taxa). No preference for the substrate was noticed in a group of 33 taxa that occurred on different substrate types. The phenology of myxomycete occurrence was also analyzed; 49 taxa occurred throughout the entire vegetative season, while only single records of species that were found in specific months were noted. The biota collected in the “Las Łagiewnicki” forest reserve and that in a Łagiewnicki Forest segment outside it (of the same size and the same occurrence of plant communities as in the reserve) in 2011–2012 were also compared.

Spatial Accessibility of Primary Health Care in Rural Areas in Poland.

The aim of the study was to assess the spatial accessibility of basic and universal healthcare (understood as primary healthcare (PHC) facilities) in rural statistical localities in Poland. Data from the National Health Fund, Central Statistical Office, National Register of Geographic Names and OpenStreetMap were used in the research. The research was carried out on the basis of modelled distance from the rural statistical localities to the nearest PHC facility. The methods used included network analysis, characteristics of normal point distribution, Theil index, and spatial autocorrelation. Areas where the greatest shortages of access to PHC facilities occurred were indicated on the basis of the analysis of their clustering density. The average distance from rural statistical localities in Poland to PHC facilities is about 5 km. Slightly more than 70% of the distance values are within one standard deviation of the mean. Better access to the examined healthcare facilities is available in the southern and central parts of Poland, while northern and eastern Poland, as well as the border areas, suffer from lower accessibility. Poor access to PHC occurs first of all at the border of Greater Poland Voivodeship with the Kuyavian–Pomeranian Voivodeship, on the border of the Lodz Voivodeship, in Masovian and Swietokrzyskie Voivodeship, and in the ring surrounding Warsaw, as well as in the Pomeranian Voivodeship. The research findings can be used to develop strategies to improve the accessibility of primary care facilities in rural areas.

Genetic and physiological diversity of white Spanish broom (Chamaecytisus albus) endophytes.

Chamaecytisus albus (Spanish broom) is a legume shrub that can be found in only one natural locality in Poland. This specimen is critically endangered; therefore, different actions focusing on protection of this plant in the natural habitat are undertaken, and one of them involves studies of the population of Chamaecytisus albus bacterial endophytes, which in the future could be used as bioprotectants and/or biofertilizers. A collection of 94 isolates was obtained from Spanish broom nodules, and the physiological and genetic diversity of these strains was studied. A few potentially beneficial traits were detected, i.e. secretion of cellulases (66 isolates), production of siderophores (60 isolates), phosphate solubilization (25 isolates), and production of IAA (58 isolates), indole (16 isolates), or HCN (3 isolates). Twenty-nine of the 94 tested isolates were able to induce the development of root nodules in plants grown in vitro and can therefore be assumed as Chamaecytisus albus symbionts. Genome fingerprinting by BOX-PCR, as well as gyrB and nodZ gene sequencing revealed a great genetic diversity of specimens in the collection. The symbiotic isolates were classified in different clades, suggesting they could belong to different species, however, most of them revealed sequence similarity to Bradyrhizobium genus.

Oligocene basking sharks (Lamniformes, Cetorhinidae) of the Carpathian Basin with a reconsideration of the role of gill rakers in species diagnostics

ABSTRACT Basking sharks are presented in the modern fauna by a single species (Cetorhinus maximus), although they have been much more diverse in the past. This group of sharks first appeared in the fossil record in the middle Eocene of the Antarctic and the U.S.A., but most of the described extinct taxa are known from the Oligocene and lower Miocene of Europe. Gill rakers are the most abundant among basking shark remains and their morphological details play an important role in species diagnostics. The shape of isolated gill rakers from 16 Oligocene localities of Poland was analyzed using various morphological approaches, including geometric morphometrics. Results indicate that descriptive characters have a wide range of variation and low diagnostic value, and they are associated directly with the position of gill rakers on the gill arch. Morphological indices describe proportions by discrete structures and could be effective only in the identification of the stratigraphically most distant taxa. Geometric morphometrics revealed significant differences between all of the species designated earlier except for †Caucasochasma zherikhini and †Keasius parvus. At the same time, considering the obtained results on morphology along with the geographic distance, Oligocene basking sharks from Poland should be assigned to †K. parvus. Geometric morphometrics of gill rakers supports the taxonomic distinctness of both †K. rhenanus and †K. septemtrionalis. Study results indicate that reliable taxonomic attribution of extinct basking sharks by the shape of gill rakers, in the absence of other skeletal elements (teeth and/or vertebrae), should be sample-based using multivariate approaches.

Variable origin of clinopyroxene megacrysts carried by Cenozoic volcanic rocks from the eastern limb of Central European Volcanic Province (SE Germany and SW Poland)

Clinopyroxene megacrysts occurring in Cenozoic mafic alkaline volcanic rocks from the northern margin of the Bohemian Massif (SW Poland, SE Germany) could be subdivided by colour and Mg# (Mg/(Mg + Fetot)) in three groups. Megacryst with the highest Mg# = 90.0–91.5 (“high Mg#”, HMg#) is transparent and strongly Light Rare Earth Element (LREE) depleted and contains abundant orthopyroxene lamellae. The clinopyroxene megacrysts with “medium Mg#” (MMg#) values (76.8–83.4) are transparent to light grey and are all LREE-enriched. The group with the lowest Mg# (LMg#; 62.2–74.6) is intensively coloured (from grey to green) and may enclose apatite, Ti-magnetite or pseudomorphs after amphibole. The “low Mg#” (LMg#) clinopyroxenes are LREE-enriched, and some display positive Zr–Hf anomalies.The single HMg# megacryst records pressures ~1GPa and temperature of 1280 °C, pointing to its mantle origin. It is the first megacryst described in European lavas and possibly worldwide, which shows affinity to Depleted MORB Mantle (DMM). The MMg# megacrysts formed from fractionating mafic magmas at variable pressures and temperatures – from those corresponding to mantle depths (>1 GPa, 1230–1350 °C) to lower/middle crustal values (0.5–0.9 GPa, 1120–1150 °C). The parental melts for this group are isotopically related to the Cenozic volcanic rocks from the study area. The LMg# megacrysts crystallized from strongly alkaline melts, mostly at lower- to middle-crustal pressures (0.4–1.0 GPa). Their parental melts were also related to Cenozoic volcanism, but their strongly evolved nature resulted in local, but significant enrichment in Zr and Hf. The LMg# megacrysts from three localities in Poland are the first evidence of strongly alkaline magmatism in the north-easternmost part of Cenozoic European Volcanic Province.

Environmental Changes Caused by the Clonal Invasive Plant Solidago canadensis

Invasive plant species pose a threat to the diversity of natural habitats. The extent of the changes depends, among others, on soil properties, settlement time and the degree of coverage of sites by an invasive species. The objective of this study was to determine changes in the habitats of Solidago canadensis at two localities in Poland that differ in soil fertility and acidity. The content of organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as pH were analysed from soil samples collected from the sites invaded by S. canadensis and from the control sites. The composition and species richness of vascular plant communities at the same sites were also determined. The analyses revealed an increase in the soil organic carbon content and in the C/N ratio at the sites invaded by S. canadensis. The presence of S. canadensis also reduced the number of vascular plant species, mainly annuals and perennials. Thus, an increase in S. canadensis cover results in soil degradation and habitat homogenization.

<p><strong>A taxonomic revision of <em>Zasmidium</em> species occurring in Poland</strong></p>

Two Zasmidium plant pathogens (Z. lythri and Z. subsanguineum) from different localities in Poland have been revised taxonomically based on herbarium specimens and on fresh collections. They are described and illustrated, and their distribution from the literature data in Poland and worldwide is compiled.

Microphytoplankton from middle palaeolatitudes of the Southern Hemisphere – a record from climate change strata of Baltica’s O/S boundary

In the present study, data on the diversity of acritarch and prasinophyte microphytoplankton were collected from Ordovician–Silurian transitional strata at three different geological localities in Poland: southern part of the Holy Cross Mountains (Malopolska Block, southern Poland), East European Platform (Baltica), and Koszalin–Chojnice Zone (NW Poland). The material represents the mucronata (trilobite) to vesiculosus (graptolite) biozones. The Ordovician microphytoplankton assemblages are characterized by low frequency and low diversity: up to 110 specimens and 12 genera per slide, in contrast to Silurian ones that are more frequent and more diverse – >3000 specimens and 16 genera per slide (diversity at the species level is also higher). Throughout the Ordovician part of the succession, typical Ordovician genera occur, such as Acanthodiacrodium , Ordovicidium , Orthosphaeridium and large Baltisphaeridium , together with isolated occurrences of typical Silurian genera, especially in the upper part of the Hirnantian (e.g., Diexallophasis ). The Silurian assemblages are typified by high frequency of prasinophytes followed by typical Silurian acritarchs: Tylotopalla , Ammonidium , Domasia and Oppilatala . The palynological material from Poland is compared with material known from other localities: the Rapla and Valga boreholes (Estonia) and Anticosti Island (Canada), as well as others placed in different palaeocontinents and different bathymetric zones. Palynological assemblages obtained from Polish material confirm that bathymetry played the key role in taxonomic diversification of the microphytoplankton assemblage. This supports the existing models of distribution: dominance of prasinophytes (leiospheres) and cryptospores is characteristic for shallow-water environments. In deeper water, dominance of acanthomorphs is observed. In the deepest-water zones – mixed assemblages occur. For the Holy Cross Mountains, microphytoplankton frequency is compared with a TOC curve in the same interval.

Distribution and habitat preferences of the stag beetle Lucanus cervus (L.) in forested areas of Poland

The incorporation of Lucanus cervus (L.) in Annex 2 of the EU Habitats Directive imposed on EU member countries the obligation to prepare protection plans and undertake adequate measures aimed at the preservation of this species. A necessary precondition for their implementation was connected with the identification of current localities of L. cervus. This paper presents the distribution of L. cervus localities in Poland, identified on the basis of a survey conducted in the areas administered by the State Forests. Habitat preferences for the selection of biotopes by stag beetles were evaluated in terms of forest-site types. This will facilitate effective protection of L. cervus by indicating potential biotopes for this species, particularly in areas with high abundance. The survey showed the presence of L. cervus in 176 localities distributed in 47 forest districts. Most of them were found in three main areas comprising forests in the areas of Zielona Góra, Wrocław and the Świętokrzyskie Mts. They constitute large-scale refuges. In 98% of cases the development of L. cervus was associated with oaks Quercus robur and Quercus petraea. Other host plants included Fagus sylvatica and Acer pseudoplatanus. The age of trees colonised by stag beetles ranged from 70 to 248 years, 134 years on average. Lucanus cervus was most frequently found in deciduous mesic forest sites (41% of localities) and deciduous mixed mesic forest sites (24% of localities). Over 90% of recorded localities are situated in forested areas, understood to include stands, residual trees and stumps, as well as localities at forest edges and along roads in the vicinity of forests.

Individual heat generation to sustainable development in local scale

The problem of air pollution, resulting from the occurrence of so-called low emission concerns many localities in Poland and Europe. The main reasons for such a situation is burning of fuels for central heating and domestic hot water in buildings, as well as the burning of fuels in the transport sector. It should be noted that in the case of building heat management, frequently this is the result of a lack of access to the heating and gas network. This is one of the reasons hindering sustainable development opportunities. The article presents calculations of combustion products emissions into the atmosphere (TSP, CO, NOx, SOx,) from individual heat sources in households for the commune which does not have the above mentioned infrastructure. The purpose of the analysis was to present the environmental impact of changes in the structure of heat generation and improvement of the effectiveness of the devices used. In addition, the proposed calculation model can be used by municipalities, allowing the assessment of ecological effects of undertaken actions.

Ophiocordyceps stylophora (Ophiocordycipitaceae) in Poland: new localities and host species

<em>Ophiocordyceps stylophora</em>, a rare fungus species in Europe, was first recorded in one locality in Poland in 2011. This paper concerns 33 specimens found between 2011 and 2015 in 23 new localities in five areas. Amongst the described specimens, one was found on the Tenebrionidae beetle, and others grew on Elateridae larvae. For the first time, Tenebrionidae larvae have been observed as hosts of <em>O. stylophora</em>. Five new positions have been located in the southern part of Poland in the area of Oszast and Reberce nature reserves, Babia Góra and Roztocze national parks, and one has been found in the northern part of Poland, in the Elbląg Upland Landscape Park.

Evaluation of Photosynthetic and Yield Traits in Ten Potato Clones and Cultivars Under Farming Conditions in Poland

Photosynthetic properties and tuber yield were compared in seven tetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) clones (‘13-VIII-10’, ‘13-VIII-27’, ‘13-VIII-45’, ‘13-VIII-49’, ‘13-VIII-50’, ‘13-VIII-60’, ‘TG-97-403’) and three cultivars (‘Jelly’, ‘Satina’, ‘Tajfun’) at four localities in Poland under either integrated (Młochów, Boguchwała) or organic (Radzików, Chwałowice) fertilisation conditions applying the ‘OJIP’ analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics. The yield-relevant parameters of leaf pigment content and chlorophyll fluorescence were used to rank the tested clones and cultivars applying multidimensional comparative analysis. The results indicate that the clones 13-VIII-10 and 13-VIII-45 cannot be recommended for cultivation, while cv. Taifun performed the best. The assessment of the efficiency of the light reactions of photosynthesis produced a different ranking, indicating that the efficiency is not related to yield, but characterises the balance between light harvesting and dark reactions of photosynthesis. In this respect, the light reactions of photosynthesis were least balanced in clone 13-VIII-49 and cv. Jelly while those of cv. Taifun and clone 13-VIII-60 were the best. The effect of the production system was of minor significance for tuber yield, but local factors dominated. Only in the case of chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoid (Car) contents of leaves did an effect of the production system became evident, favouring integrated over organic cultivation. By contrast, most of the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were controlled by soil nitrogen content, including maximum quantum yield for primary photochemistry (φP0) and the absolute and total performance indices (PIAbs, PITotal). Within a production system precipitation affected the ratio Car/total Chl content.

Endohelminths of European Perch (Perca fluviatilis) from Selected Localities in Poland with an Emphasis on Search of the Broad Fish Tapeworm Dibothriocephalus latus.

A piscivorous fish European perch (Perca fluviatilis) is present in all types of lakes and brackish waters in Poland. Previous ichthyoparasitological surveys revealed broad spectrum of endohelminths in perch from different aquatic environments. Among them, detection of Diphyllobothrium sp. and Dibothriocephalus latus (syn. Diphyllobothrium latum) in the Pomeranian Bay is of particular interest, since D. latus is one of the causative agents of diphyllobothriasis, fish-borne parasitic zoonosis. Besides, D. latus eggs werepreviously detected in coprological samples of otter, wolf and lynx from the Białowieża Primeval Forest. Toconduct parasitological examinations of European perch from the Pomeranian Bay in order to detect the spectrum of its endohelminths and to provide a pilot study on helminths of perch from different water bodies in the Białowieża Primeval Forest. Due to zoonotic character of D. latus, we have focused our attention to this tapeworm. Thelarvae of tapeworm Triaenophorus nodulosus and thorny-headed worm Acanthocephalus lucii were detected in perch from the Pomeranian Bay. In perch from different localities in the Białowieża Primeval Forest, T. nodulosus, A. lucii and tapeworm Proteocephalus percae were detected. D. latus plerocercoids were found neither in musculature nor in peritoneal cavity and other internal organs of any of the fish examined from both studied localities in Poland. Future screening implementing morphological and molecular markers is needed in order to understand the current distribution of D. latus in Europe.

New data on the occurrence and macroptery of Eumodicogryllus bordigalensis (Latreille, 1804) (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) in Poland and in other parts of the species range

Abstract A dozen specimens of Eumodicogryllus bordigalensis were found in three localities in Poland as well more than thirty foreign specimens of the species collected in southern Europe, the Caucasus and Mongolia. They are deposited in the collection of the Museum of Zoology PAS. The adult specimens were studied in detail and measured. The indigenous specimens and the majority of the foreign ones proved to be macropterous. The problems of wing polymorphism and the possibilities of migration are discussed.

Psorergatidae mite infestation in the brown rat Rattusnorvegicus (Rodentia, Muridae): the first record of Psorergatesrattus (Acariformes, Prostigmata) in Europe

Psorergates rattus Fain & Goff, 1986 has been found in the brown rat Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout, 1769) in Poland.The species has previously been found only once, in the tail base of the brown rat in the United States. In the present case, ten rats from two localities in Poland (Pomerania) were examined and infestation was discovered in 20% of them, with a total of 12 mites found. This is not only the first discovery of the species in Poland and the second globally, but also the first observation of representatives of Psorergatidae in rodents of the genus Rattus in Europe. Moreover, immature specimens of P. rattus have been observed for the first time.The infestation was asymptomatic, although in the earlier study mange was observed despite the relatively low density of the mites, which indicates a potential pathogenic threat not only to wild rat populations, but also to laboratory animals and pets.

New achievements in the mineral studies by use of the Raman microspectroscopy

By the means of the technique of the Raman microspectrometry, the complex history of the Earth can be better understood. That is why the Raman spectra determinations are the object of interest in the present paper. The examples of such experiments are presented based on the analyses performed in last years in different scientific centers (Potsdam, Banská Bystrica, Budapest). The identification of inclusion content is shown and the conclusions are drawn for fluid inclusions in some quartz samples from two different localities in Poland – in the Carpathians and in the Fore-Sudetic Block. The implications of the Raman analyses are discussed. It results from the Raman analyses performed that not fluorescing, gas-filled bubbles of huge fluid inclusions from the Jabłonki and Rabe vicinity (the tectonic mélange zone in the Carpathians) have the complex composition of CH4, CO2 and N2 in different mutual proportions dependent on the sample and locality. In another place, despite the fluorescing background, only methane has been identified by Raman spectra. Similar gas composition was determined in the inclusions in the vein quartz in the Wądroże Wielkie area (the Fore-Sudetic Block).

Evolutionary significance of the retiolitine Gothograptus (Graptolithina) with four new species from the Silurian of the East European Platform (Baltica), Poland and Lithuania.

Gothograptid retiolitines were distinctive in being one of the very few graptolite groups to thrive through the late Wenlock extinction event that killed off most graptoloid species, and their distinctive construction may have been a factor in this success amid environmental adversity. New and rich material from two localities in Poland and five localities in Lithuania contains Gothograptus nassa, Gothograptus obtectus and four new species. The detailed morphology and reconstruction of the tubarium shows its specific features, different from other lundgreni Biozone retiolitines. The tubarium is narrow, elongated, finite, massive and compact. The thecal orifices are hidden by simple hoods or by extraordinary reticulated veils, which may cover the ventral walls. The colonies of Gothograptus species from the lundgreni Biozone are short, usually having eight pairs of thecae, whereas species from the post-lundgreni interval may reach more than 20 pairs of thecae. A common feature of Gothograptus species is the presence of singular genicular structures tightly covering thecal orifices. Reticulated hoods and veils are characteristic of species from the lundgreni Biozone. The most common such structures are nassa hoods, located on the proximal thecae in some species from the lundgreni Biozone, and on every theca of post-lundgreni species. Only Gothograptus domeyki n. sp. has no genicular processes on most thecae. Within a total of four species from the lundgreni Biozone and three species from the nassa and praedeubeli Biozones, we describe here the new species Gothograptus domeyki and Gothograptus velo from the lundgreni Biozone, Gothograptus diminutus from the parvus/nassa Biozone, and Gothograptus auriculatus from the dubius/nassa and praedeubeli biozones; G. auriculatus n. sp. is the youngest form of the genus Gothograptus. Variation within the genus Gothograptus during the post-lundgreni interval period is shown for the first time.

Osteology of a forelimb of an aetosaur Stagonolepis olenkae (Archosauria: Pseudosuchia: Aetosauria) from the Krasiejów locality in Poland and its probable adaptations for a scratch-digging behavior.

Aetosaurs are armored basal archosaurs that played a significant role in land ecosystems during the Late Triassic (237–201 Ma). The polish species Stagonolepis olenkae Sulej, 2010 described from the Krasiejów locality (southern Poland) is one of the oldest known representatives of the group. Abundant and well-preserved material, including partially articulated specimens, allows a detailed description of the forelimbs in this species. The forelimbs of S. olenkae are the most similar to that of large aetosaurs like Desmatosuchus smalli, Desmatosuchus spurensis, Longosuchus meadei, Typothorax coccinarum or Stagonolepis robertsoni. Several characters recognized in the forelimbs of S. olenkae suggest its adaptation for scratch-digging. The most salient of these features are: short forearm, carpus, and hands, with the radius shorter than the humerus, carpus and manus shorter than the radius (excluding terminal phalanges); a prominent deltopectoral crest that extends distally on the humerus and a wide prominent entepicondyle, a long olecranon process with well-marked attachment of triceps muscle; hooked, laterally compressed, claw-like terminal phalanges with ornamentation of small pits (indicative of well-developed keratin sheaths). S. olenkae might have used its robust forelimbs to break through the compacted soil with its claws and proceed to dig in search of food in softened substrate with the shovel-like expansion at the tip of its snout. The entire forelimb of S. olenkae is covered by osteoderms, including the dorsal surface of the hand, which is unusual among aetosaurs and have not been noted for any species up to date.