Xerothermic Habitats Research Articles

Taraxacum sect. Erythrosperma (Asteraceae, Cichorioideae) in Slovakia IV. Distribution of T. erythrospermum and synonymisation of T. slovacum

The group of lesser dandelions (Taraxacum sect. Erythrosperma) is represented by more than 215 species growing in mostly xerothermic habitats throughout Europe. The only known species with sexual reproduction in this section is the diploid T. erythrospermum. It occurs in southern parts of Europe and reaches its northern limit in central Europe. In this study, we aimed at a detailed mapping of the species distribution in Slovakia in order to understand the spatial distribution at its northern range limits. We found that it is the most common xerothermous species in Slovakia, growing on various substrates such as limestone, dolomite, travertine, volcanic rocks and sands, while it is less common on brown soils and ruderal biotopes. It is a characteristic species of the class Festuco-Brometea with an altitudinal range extending from 120 to 650 m above sea level. We delimited the northern distribution and documented its highest occurrence at approximately ca 1500 m a.s.l. Two taxa, T. slovacum and T. punctatum, were described from the territory of Slovakia and we discuss their relationships to T. erythrospermum, with which T. slovacum is synonymised here for the first time. We also present new data on the genome size of T. erythrospermum in Slovakia, which range from 1.529 to 1.604 pg with a mean of 1.554 pg (± 0.024 SD), and provide chorological data on a remarkable morphological variant with grey-coloured achenes.

Lichens of carbonate substrates of the Patom Highlands (Eastern Siberia)

The study of lichens of carbonate substrates of the Patom Highlands was carried out. 177 samples were collected and 28 species of lichens were identified. Among the discovered species there are representatives of both strictly calciphilous flora and lichens of the eurysubstrate group. Calciphilic species constitute a special group of lichens, usually xerophytic or even ultraxerophytic, and have a complex of adaptations to life on carbonate substrates, and adaptation strategies affect not only the fungal component, but also the photobiont. As adaptations to xerothermic habitat conditions, lichens are considered to have a squamous thallus, the presence of pruritus, an epinecral corteх of the thallus, as well as cyanoprokaryotes as a photobiont. Some of the discovered species of cyanobiotic lichens are rare in Russia, among such species are Synalissa symphorea (Weber) Poelt and Racodium rupestre Pers. Increased resistance to adverse climatic conditions is provided to them by blue-green algae as a photobiont, or rather, their mucous membranes surrounding cells and leveling the effects of high humidity - dryness, as well as temperature fluctuations. The carbonate substrates of the Patom Highlands are inhabited by a peculiar complex of lichens, among which there are both ecologically plastic, occurring quite often and under various conditions, and specific species with a narrow ecological amplitude. It is carbonates that are «guides» to the northern latitudes of heat-loving species that have a number of specific adaptations.

Microfungi in the phyllosphere of <i>Senecio umbrosus</i> Waldst. et Kit., a host species with a narrow ecological niche

Among the biotic factors that limit plant growth, population size, and reproduction, there is a mass appearance of microscopic parasitic fungi. The aim of the study was to determine the spectrum of the microfungi and the degree of leaf surface infection in the ragwort <i>Senecio umbrosus</i>, i.e., one of the Polish red data book species. In 2014–2016, studies on the diversity and dynamics of microfungi were carried out within its population on White Mt, southeastern Poland, where it grows in xerothermic habitats. During three seasons (6 collection series between May and October), 15 microfungal species were identified in total (1–9 species per one collection date, 9 species in each season). Only <i>Coleosporium tussilaginis</i> was present in all study dates, and it accounted for 30–100% of all records of the microfungi. Three hyperparasites were also identified on <i>C. tussilaginis</i>: <i>Cladosporium uredinicola, Ramularia coleosporii</i>, and <i>Alternaria</i> sp. The other taxa were found five (<i>Boeremia exigua, Leptosphaeria ogilviensis</i>), four (<i>Alternaria</i> sp.), or three times (<i>Ascochyta compositarum, Periconia cookei</i>), but the majority of the microfungi were noted twice or only once, depending on meteorological conditions in a given growing season. Among common species of microfungi, we collected <i>Ascochyta compositarum</i>, which is a new species for Poland. Additionally, we found new fungus/host plant combinations for <i>C. tussilaginis</i>.

Cavity-nesting bees and wasps (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) of xerothermic habitats are unable to use cavities in reed galls

Cavity-nesting bees and wasps (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) of xerothermic habitats are unable to use cavities in reed galls

Biodiversity of the Quarry in Stará Ves near Bílovec with focus on butterflies

Abstract The quarry in Stará Ves near Bílovec is considered a significant geotouric attraction. The dominant feature is the front northern wall representing one of the best outcrops of the fold-thrust tectonics of the Jeseník culm. Until 1983, shale and Moravian offal were mined in the quarry, then the quarry was restored, abandoned, and left to natural succession. Inventory of vertebrates from 2009–2011 revealed 46 specially protected species. Arachnological research from 2013–2015 revealed the occurrence of 69 species of spiders, including seven taxonomically important xerothermophilic species. Botanical research was carried out at the site twenty years ago, systematic entomological research has not been carried yet. We performed an inventory of invertebrates focused primarily on butterflies, using sweeping and netting, supplemented by individual sampling and observation of other species. We also performed a botanical inventory, supplemented by an estimate of tree and bush cover to evaluate host offer and form of habitats present in the quarry. We revealed 144 species of higher plants, of which six belong to the Czech red list, and 121 species of animals, of which 102 species of insects, and 52 species of butterflies. Nineteen species of animals fell into the categories of endangerment according to the Czech red list, legal categories, or are part of some of the European directive annexes. Most of these species depend on the conservation of early succession xerothermic habitats. Their ecology is discussed in relation to possible management.

Walckenaeria stylifrons and Spiracme mongolica (Araneae, Linyphiidae, Thomisidae), two new species to Slovakia

The spiders Walckenaeria stylifrons (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1875) and Spiracme mongolica (Schenkel, 1963) are reported from Slovakia for the first time. These new records are based on adult males found in Western Slovakia in xerothermic habitats. The occurrence of W. stylifrons in Slovakia fills the gap in its distribution in Pannonian Basin and between Austria and Ukraine. Spiracme mongolica has been known only from the Balkans and south-eastern part of Europe to central Asia, this is the first record for Central Europe. We suggest Spiracme mongolica (Schenkel, 1963) new combination for Xysticus mongolicus Schenkel, 1963. Characteristic features, photographs of habitus and copulatory organs, and habitats of the new records are presented. 

Assessment of the conservation value of dry grassland habitats in the Inhulets River basin (Central Ukraine) based on vegetation and spider research

Abstract Dry grassland ecosystems are highly fragmented in Ukraine and increasingly threatened from intensification of farming practices. Evaluation of the habitat conservation importance based on multitaxon studies allows for optimizing selection of priority sites. Botanical research of xerothermic habitats in the Kryvorizkyi Iron Ore Basin has been conducted since 2012, while spiders were investigated for the first time in 2017. In the four study sites, we recorded 265 vascular plant species (23 under protection) and 95 spider species (19 are rare). Both vegetation and spider communities of the site Zelena Gully are well preserved and rich in rare and threatened species (18 plant and 11 spider species), which confirms its value as a priority site of the Emerald Network. Chervona Gully and the Slate Rocks should be included in the network. Frequent fires and intensive grazing in Khrystoforova Gully affect the spider diversity, decreasing the number of specialist and rare species, while early flowering plants benefit from this disturbance. Nevertheless, its vegetation is poorer than in Zelena and Chervona gullies. Inclusion in the Emerald Network is critically important to the investigated sites, since expansion of mining activities is constantly threatening natural habitats in industrial regions.

Two new species of Tardigrada from moss cushions (Grimmia sp.) in a xerothermic habitat in northeast Tennessee (USA, North America), with the first identification of males in the genus Viridiscus.

BackgroundThe phylum Tardigrada consists of over 1,300 species that inhabit terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments throughout the world. In terrestrial habitats they live primarily in mosses, lichens, leaf litter and soil, whereas tardigrades in freshwater and marine environments are mainly found in sediments and on aquatic plants. More than 65 species have been previously reported in the state of Tennessee, USA.MethodsTardigrades present in moss cushions (Grimmia sp.) collected from a xerothermic habitat on the East Tennessee State University campus, Johnson City, TN, USA, were extracted, mounted on slides, identified, and counted. Additional samples of fresh dried moss were used for integrative analyses, including morphological analysis with phase contrast (PCM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as molecular analyses of COI, 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and ITS-2 of the Macrobiotus and Milnesium species.ResultsFive species were found, including two species new to science: Viridiscus miraviridis sp. nov. and Macrobiotus basiatus sp. nov. Viridiscus miraviridis sp. nov. differs from other members of the genus mainly by having a different type of dorsal cuticle and some other, more subtle, morphometric characters. In addition to the two new species, Viridiscus perviridis and Viridiscus viridissimus were present, and males of Vir. viridissimus were found for the first time, the first record of males in the genus Viridiscus. Macrobiotus basiatus sp. nov. is most similar to Macrobiotus nelsonae, but it differs from Mac. nelsonae mainly by the stylet supports being situated in a more anterior position, shorter and narrower egg processes, and a smaller number of areoles around the egg processes. Moreover, the identification of Milnesium inceptum was confirmed as the first record for the USA by analysis of COI.

Habitat requirements of the endangered heath bush-cricket Gampsocleis glabra (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) in an isolated population

Steppes and xerothermic grasslands are hotspots of biodiversity, but are threatened by habitat destruction and fragmentation. The heath bush-cricket, Gampsocleis glabra, is considered to be a specialist of xerothermic habitats and appears in national red lists as a threatened species in several European countries. The goal of the current research was to determine the habitat requirements of G. glabra in an isolated habitat patch in Poland, at the northern edge of its range. By comparing the composition of plant species and vegetation architecture of vacant and occupied sites in the summers of 2018 and 2019, it was found that this population of G. glabra still maintained a strict specialisation for the xerothermofilous Festuco-Brometea plant community. On the contrary to previous studies, however, Stipa-type grasses were not essential for the occurrence of the species and the majority of occupied areas were based on the plant Brachypodium pinnatum. The physiognomy of plant communities was crucial for the abundance of stridulating males, which showed a preference for dense grasses at 10 cm high. The habitat characteristics of patches occupied by males and females did not differ significantly. The study of habitat requirements of this endangered Orthoptera species in an isolated habitat patch could serve as a prelude to the restoration of similar locations before it becomes extinct. This study may also underpin the development of a global conservation strategy for G. glabra.

Echiniscus siticulosus (Echiniscidae: spinulosus group), a new tardigrade from Western Australian scrub

ABSTRACTAustralian fauna is widely recognised for its high levels of endemism, and tardigrade fauna does not seem to be an exception in this respect. The richness of xerothermic habitats in Australia, often occupied by heterotardigrade family Echiniscidae, entails high abundance and uniqueness of echiniscid assemblages. A new gonochoristic/dioecious echiniscid species was found in large numbers in samples from Western Australia. Echiniscus siticulosus sp. nov., characterised by dominant large cuticular pores in the dorsal sculpture and appendages in the form of spines, represents the spinulosus group but can be distinguished from the known members of this species complex by a unique combination of traits: peculiar faceting of the caudal plate formed by ridge-shaped epicuticular extensions and pore morphology. An amended phenotypic diagnosis of Echiniscus spiniger Richters 1904, the species morphologically most similar to the new species, is also presented.

<p><strong>On the distribution of the weevil <em>Adosomus roridus</em> (Pallas, 1781) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Lixinae)</strong></p>

The paper summarizes original and literature data on the geographical distribution of Adosomus roridus (Pallas, 1781). The major part of the A. roridus range lies within the Eurasian Grass-Steppe. This range has no disjunction in the regions located to the north of the Black Sea. The northern limit of it runs along the line 54°N (East) – 44°N (West). In the latitudinal direction, the species range stretches from Piedmont, Italy (~8°E; Luigioni 1929) to West Kazakhstan. According to the literature sources, A. roridus occurs in xerothermic sunny habitats, life cycle is associated with some Asteraceae (Tanacetum vulgare, Artemisia spp. and possibly Achillea millefolium).

New and interesting species of lichens from xerothermic habitats in NW Poland

This paper presents data on the occurrence of lichens in xerothermic grasslands, representing a great mycological peculiarity of the NW part of Pomerania, Poland. The 12 examined specimens of six species originated from fieldwork carried out in 2011–2014 in the nature reserves Brodogóry, Stary Przylep, Bielinek, Wrzosowiska Cedyńskie, Prof. Adam Wodziczko Nature Reserve in the Wolin National Park, and an old chalk excavation site on Wolin Island. Within the study sites, four lichen species were recorded as a new to Western Pomerania: <em>Agonimia gelatinosa</em>, <em>Collema cristatum</em>, <em>Dermatocarpon luridum</em>, and <em>Leptogium subtile</em>. The other two species, <em>Collema auriforme</em> and <em>C. flaccidum</em>, are rarely observed in the studied region.

Population demography of the endangered large blue butterfly Maculinea arion in Europe

Demographic parameters such as survival, sex ratio and abundance can profoundly affect the viability of populations and thus are of primary importance in species of conservation concern. Although numerous studies have been published on certain aspects of the ecology and evolution of the endangered Large Blue butterfly Maculinea arion, there is still a lack of detailed knowledge on its populations’ demography. Moreover, M. arion populates a variety of xerothermic habitats throughout its European range using various food plants and host ants, which leads to complications in its conservation. Our aim was to estimate demographic parameters of M. arion populations in different parts of its European range. Detailed mark-recapture sampling was conducted on populations in four different countries. We often found that daily apparent survival probability declined with increasing age of individuals, but there was no difference between male and female survival. In smaller populations, the sex ratio was rather female-biased. Our most interesting result was the lack of protandry in some populations that might be a consequence of selection against reproductive asynchrony in small populations or a polyandrous mating system. The perfect coincidence of male and female phenology can positively affect the effective population size, because the lack of reproductive asynchrony increases the chance of male–female encounters. Abundance of the studied populations ranged between 100 and 1,600 individuals, smaller populations were on the verge of extinction. Habitat of the threatened small populations was either overgrazed or abandoned, while habitat of larger, stable populations was lightly grazed.

Habitat Impact on Ultraviolet Reflectance in Moths.

A comparison of 95 species of Central European moths, representing 11 families and inhabiting various habitats, was carried out in order to detect the potential impact of biotope on the ultraviolet (UV) light reflectance of their wings. Based on digitized photographs taken under UV light conditions, a phylogeny-controlled redundancy analysis relating UV reflectance to preferred habitat type (xerophilous, mesophilous, and hygrophilous) and habitat openness (open, semiopen, and closed) was carried out. Species preferring hygrophilous habitats displayed significantly higher UV wing reflectance than species inhabiting xerothermic and mesic habitats, and this pattern remained significant even after controlling for phyletic relationships. In contrast, UV wing reflectance displayed no pattern related to habitat openness. Given the higher UV reflectance of water and humid surfaces, we interpret these results, which are based on the first comprehensive sampling of UV reflectance in Central European moths, in terms of predator avoidance under habitat-specific light conditions. We conclude that the moisture content of the environment may markedly contribute to the variation of appearance of moth wings for better imitation habitat characteristics and therefore to increase protection.

Biology and immature stages of Pherbellia limbata (Diptera: Sciomyzidae),a parasitoid of the terrestrial snail Granaria frumentum.

The very rare Palaearctic Pherbellia limbata (Meigen, 1830) lives in limestone steppes and other xerothermic habitats in central and southern Europe. For the first time, the egg, first-, second- and third-instar larvae and the puparium are described. Scanning electron micrographs of various morphological features of immature stages are provided. Larvae of P. limbata are parasitoids exclusively of the terrestrial snail Granaria frumentum (Draparnaud, 1801). Results of this study are integrated with those of previous studies of the biology, ecology, immature stages, and mollusc-prey habitat of the other 28 (of 96) Pherbellia species for which life cycles have been completely or partially elucidated. Recent published taxonomic approaches to clarifying the phylogeny of the Sciomyzidae are discussed, particularly those involving DNA analyses of Pherbellia species.

Natural foci of Borrelia lusitaniae in a mountain region of Central Europe

Lyme borreliosis is the most prevalent tick-borne disease in Europe. It is caused by spirochaetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) complex and transmitted to humans by ticks of the genus Ixodes. Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, and Borrelia valaisiana are the most common genospecies in Central Europe. In contrast, Borrelia lusitaniae predominates in Mediterranean countries such as Portugal, Morocco, and Tunisia. In Slovakia, its prevalence is low and restricted to only a few sites.The aim of our research was to study the expansion of ticks into higher altitudes in the ecosystem of the Malá Fatra mountains (north Slovakia) and their infection with B. burgdorferi s.l. pathogens. Questing ticks were collected by flagging in seven years (2004, 2006–2011) at three different altitudes: low (630–660m above sea level (ASL)), intermediate (720–750m ASL), and high (1040–1070m ASL). Tick abundance was highest at the lowest altitude and lowest at the highest altitude. The average infection prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in nymphs and adults was 16.8% and 36.2%, respectively. The number of infected ticks decreased from 38.5% at the lowest altitude to 4.4% at the highest altitude. B. lusitaniae was the most frequently found genospecies (>60% of the ticks found positive for B. burgdorferi s.l.) in all sites in all the studied years with the exception of 2008 when B. afzelii predominated (62%).Our study confirms the spread of Ixodes ricinus ticks to higher altitudes in Slovakia. The discovery that our mountain study sites were a natural foci of B. lusitaniae was unexpected because this genospecies is usually associated with lizards and xerothermic habitats.

Heat shock proteins expression during thermal risk exposure in the temperate xerothermic ant Formica cinerea

The abiotic conditions of the desert habitat fluctuate in a circadian rhythm of hot days and cold nights. Species living in desert habitats evolved many adaptations to increase their chances of survival. However, abiotic conditions in xerothermic habitats of a temperate climate are much different. Diurnal fluctuations are not as strong, but animals have to cope with seasonal changes and hibernate during the winter, which may potentially influence their adaptations to critical temperature conditions. We attempted to assess heat resistance adaptations using the example of a widely distributed xerothermic ant Formica cinerea. Using Real-Time PCR, we measured the expression of three heat shock protein genes (Hsp60, Hsp75, Hsp90) and assessed the adaptations of F. cinerea to enable foraging in risk prone conditions. The analysis of gene expression using the Generalized Linear Model surprisingly indicated that there was no significant effect of temperature when comparing workers from the control (23ºC) with workers foraging on the surface of hot sand (47-54ºC). As a next step we tried to estimate the threshold of a thermal resistance with the use of thermal chambers. Expression of all Hsps genes increase compare to the control group, expression of Hsp60 and Hsp90 continued up to 45ºC.

Aphids in jeopardy? Aphid communities on xerothermic habitats

AbstractThe aim of this project was to characterize the aphid groups closely, relating to xerothermic plant assemblages (Festuco-Brometea class) and identifing the aphid species diagnostic for this type of community (aphidocoenosis). The paper represents the first attempt to classify the aphid communities distributed in one type of particular habitat at a country-level scale. The research involved quantitative and qualitative sampling, conducted at 23 xerothermic study sites in 7 regions (belonging to 3 geographical provinces of Central Europe), for three years. Among the 187 aphid species collected, 91 were determined to be closely associated with xerothermic habitats. Of these, 32 were considered to be diagnostic in recognizing xerothermic aphid communities. The xerothermic habitats in question proved to be diverse, with a high value of Shannon’s index (Pielou’s eveness index) (85.95%). The diagnostic species formed a characteristic species community, varying between the regions of the studied areas. This was confirmed by a statistical analysis of similarities based on Ward’s method. Frequency analyses indicate that many aphids related to xerothermic habitats are scarce locally and rare on a regional spatial scale. They exhibit a narrow geographical range and a narrow ecological amplitude and thus can be described as unique on a global scale

Centipede (Chilopoda) richness and diversity in the Bug River valley (Eastern Poland).

The main aim of the survey was to describe the diversity and richness of Chilopoda in the selected area of the Bug River valley. The study sites were located in two regions differing in the shape of the valley, the presence of thermophilous habitats and the size of riparian forests. Pitfall traps were used as a sampling method. As a result, 444 specimens belonging to 12 centipede species of two orders – Geophilomorpha (four species) and Lithobiomorpha (eight species) were caught. Lithobius (Monotarsobius) curtipes C.L.Koch, 1847, Pachymerium ferrugineum (C.L.Koch, 1835), Lamyctes (Lamyctes) emarginatus (Newport, 1844) and Lithobius (Monotarsobius) dudichi Loksa, 1947 were the most common and the most numerous species. Of particular note is Lithobius dudichi found in Poland for the first time and previously known based on a single specimen. Two to 10 Chilopoda species were found in each habitat under investigation. The greatest species richness was found in thermophilous thickets (10 species), sandy grasslands (eight), xerothermic grasslands (eight) and mesic meadows (six). The fewest number of species (two) was found in rushes at oxbows and in wet meadows. We found differences in the species composition and the number of Chilopoda between the lower (102 specimens, six species) and the middle (324 specimens, 11 species) section of the river valley. Our results confirm the need to protect xerothermic habitats, unique almost throughout entire Central Europe, which due to their distribution and their small area covered are fairly easily subject to the process of destruction.

A three-marker DNA barcoding approach for ecological studies of xerothermic plants and herbivorous insects from central Europe

The DNA barcoding technique developed for species identification has recently been adapted for ecological studies (e.g. host plant identification). Comprehensive barcode databases, covering most species inhabiting areas, habitats or communities of interest are essential for reliable and efficient identification of plants. Here we present a three-barcode (plastid rbcL and matK genes and the trnL intron) database for xerothermic plant species from central Europe. About 85% of the xerothermic plant species (126 out of c. 150) known to be associated with xerothermic habitats were collected and barcoded. The database contains barcodes for 117 (rbcL and trnL) and 96 (matK) species. Interspecific nucleotide distances were in the ranges 0–17.9% (0–3.2% within genera) for rbcL, 0–44.4% (0–3.1%) for trnL and 0–52.5% (0–10.9%) for matK. Blast-searching of each sequence in the database against the entire database showed that species-level identification is possible for 89.6% (rbcL), 98.4% (trnL) and 96.4% (matK) of examined plant species. The utility of the presented database for identification of host plants was demonstrated using two insect species associated with xerothermic habitats: the oligophagous leaf-beetle Cheilotoma musciformis (for which two host plants in Fabaceae were identified) and the polyphagous weevil Polydrusus inustus (which was found to feed on 14 host plants, mostly Rosaceae, Asteraceae and Fabaceae). The developed database will be useful in various applications, including biodiversity, phylogeography, conservation and ecology. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 177, 576–592.