Zoogeographic Subregions Research Articles

New and unpublished data about the ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from the subfamily Trechinae of Bulgaria

Bulgarian carabid fauna is relatively well studied but there are still many species and regions in the country lacking enough research. The present paper aims at complementing the data about the distribution of the carabids from the subfamily Trechinae, containing many diverse, interesting and endemic species. Currently, 55 species of Trechini, 118 species of Bembidiini (incl. Tachyina), and 13 species of Pogonini are known in Bulgaria. This study gives new information and new records on 41 Trechinae species and 17 zoogeographical regions and subregions. The material was collected in the period from 1979 to 2020 through different sampling methods. There are 20 species recorded for the first time in different regions. Two species are reported for the second time in the regions where they were currently collected. Seventeen species haven’t been reported for more than 20 years from the Boboshevo-Simitli valley, Sandanski-Petrich valley, Rila Mts., Pirin Mts., and Slavyanka Mts., and are now discovered there again.

First records of Hypsugo joffrei (Thomas, 1915) and the revision of Philetor brachypterus (Temminck, 1840) specimens (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from the Indian Subcontinent

The Joffre's pipistrelle Hypsugo joffrei is a rare and very little known vespertilionid bat previously thought to be confined to Myanmar and Vietnam in Southeast Asia. Based on recently collected material and reassessment of museum specimens, this species is being reported for the first time from India and Nepal which also significantly extends its westward geographic range beyond Myanmar. We also critically compare the type specimen of another poorly known congener from Myanmar, H. anthonyi with the present material and propose to recognize the name H. anthonyi as the junior subjective synonym of H. joffrei. Specimens previously identified as Philetor brachypterus from South Asia were found to represent H. joffrei, as well. Consequently, the distribution range of Philetor is restricted to the Sundaic zoogeographical subregion, the Philippines, New Guinea and Bismarck Is., and the species should be omitted from the bat checklists of India and Nepal.

Bioregionalisation of the freshwater zoogeographical areas of mainland China.

Biogeographic regionalisations extract patterns of co-occurrence from different taxa to form a hierarchical system of geographical units of different scales. This system is useful for revealing biogeographic patterns and can be used as the basis for scientific communication between different fields. The history of Chinese freshwater biogeography is not well known to most modern biogeographers and is reviewed herein. We produce the first quantitative bioregionalisation of the freshwater zoogeographic areas of mainland China based on multiple animal groups. The combined occurrence data of amphibians, freshwater fish and freshwater crabs were subjected to cluster and network analyses. The two different methods yielded largely similar results. We propose four freshwater zoogeographical subregions (Beifang, Tarim, China, and the Tibetan subregion), three dominions for the China subregion (Jianghuai, Dongyang, and the new Dian dominion), three provinces for the Dian dominion (West Hengduan, Diannan Highlands and the new Yungui Plateau province) and two provinces for the Dongyang dominion (Zhemin and the new Huanan province) according to the naming rules of ICAN. The endemic areas of each animal group were then individually studied and were found to reflect the bioregionalisation at the subregion level, but differed from each other at the dominion and province level. Our analyses show that: (1) previous intuitive biogeographical studies have found similar areas; (2) there are recurring large scale biogeographic patterns in Chinese freshwater fishes, amphibians and freshwater crabs; and (3) bioregionalisations derived from quantitative methods can be effective for partitioning areas into biogeographically meaningful units.

Species diversity of ectoparasitic chigger mites (Acari: Prostigmata) on small mammals in Yunnan Province, China.

Chigger mites are a large group of arthropods and the larvae of mites are ectoparasites. Some species of ectoparasitic mites (larvae) can be the transmitting vectors of tsutsugamushi disease (scrub typhus). Yunnan Province is located in the southwest of China with complicated topographic landform and high biodiversity, where there are five zoogeographical subregions. Rodents and some other small mammals were trapped and examined for ectoparasitic chigger mites in 29 investigation sites in Yunnan during 2001-2013. From 13,760 individuals and 76 species of small mammal hosts, we collected 274 species of mites, which were identified as comprising 26 genera in two families. The species diversity of chigger mites (274 species) in the present study were not only much higher than that from other provinces of China but also largely exceeded that recorded from other regions and countries in the world. Of the five zoogeographical subregions, both the species diversity and Shannon-Weiner's diversity of mites were the highest in subregion II (southern subregion of Hengduan Mountains) with middle altitudes and middle latitude. Both the species diversity of mites and Shannon-Wiener diversity index showed a parabolic tendency from the low altitude (<500m) to the high altitude (>3500m) along the vertical gradients with the peak occurring in the middle-altitude regions (2000-2500m). Of four dominant hosts, the species richness of mites was highest on Eothenomys miletus (S = 165) and Shannon-Wiener diversity index was highest on Rattus norvegicus (H = 3.13). Along latitude gradients, species richness of chigger mites increased first and then decreased, peaking at 25° to 26° N with 193 mite species. The geographical location, complex topography, and landscape with diverse small mammal hosts in Yunnan Province have contributed to the extremely high species diversity of mites in the province. The large sampling size of small mammal hosts in a wide geographical scope within a long time span also made it possible to have collected so many species of chigger mites.

Faunal analysis of chigger mites (Acari: Prostigmata) on small mammals in Yunnan province, southwest China.

This paper studied the species diversity and fauna distribution of chigger mites on small mammals in Yunnan province, southwest Yunnan. In total, 120,138 individuals of chigger mites were collected from 13,760 individual small mammals, and these mites were identified as comprising two families, 26 genera, and 274 species. Of the five zoogeographical subregions, the mite species diversity in subregions I and II was higher than that in subregions III, IV, and V. Four mite species (Leptotrombidium scutellare, Leptotrombidium sinicum, Leptotrombidium deliense, and Helenicula simena) were the most dominant species in the whole province. Several vector species of chigger mites co-existed in Yunnan, and L. deliense (a main vector of scrub typhus in China) was mainly distributed in subregions IV and V with lower latitude and average altitude whereas L. scutellare (also a main vector in China) was mainly distributed in subregions I, II, and III with higher latitude and average altitude. Some geographically widely distributed mite species were also the mites with wide host ranges and low host specificity. The dominant mite species and their clustering tendency in the dendrogram of hierarchical clustering analysis were highly in accordance with the zoogeographical divisions. The species diversity of chigger mites showed a parabolic tendency from the low altitude (<500 m) to the high altitude (>3,500 m) along the vertical gradients and reached the highest value in the middle altitude regions in 2,000-2,500 m. The highest species diversity of the mites and their small mammal hosts happened in the regions around the Hengduan Mountains, which is a hotspot of biodiversity in Asia continent. The host and its sample size, geographical scope, landscape, topography, and some other factors comprehensively influence the species diversity and faunal distribution of chigger mites. A systematic field investigation with a wide geographical scope and large host sample is strongly recommended in the fauna study of chigger mites and other ectoparasites.

ZOOGEOGRAPHICAL ZONING OF THE MEDITERRANEAN AND ADJACENT TERRITORIES

Aim. The article considers the zoogeographical zoning of the Mediterranean and adjacent territories with the purpose of specification of the scheme of zoogeographic zoning of land on the basis of the distribution of dragonflies. Methods. Use common methods of entomological research, mapping and analysis of the fauna. Results. On the based on our analysis of the composition and distribution of odonatofauna Mediterranean zoogeographical subregion is offered to divide into 5 provinces: Caucasian, South-European, Pyrenees, Asian and African. Analysis of the existing schemes zoning of land based on the distribution of taxa dragonflies, installed the advantages and disadvantages presented by different authors, the result of which is proposed to change the borders between the Holarctic and Subholarctic areas of the Boreal fauna Kingdom (BFK). It is connected with the fact that the dividing them into subdomains and evaluation role in the establishment of regional odonatofauna not always convincing. In this regard, the article proposed to abolish the Holarctic region sub-region: European and Mongolian-Kazakh, and in Subholarctic - add 1 sub-region of Central Asia. In a new form Subholarctic region becomes clear and logical configuration, but her name becomes inadequate, therefore, we re-name it in Paleosubtropical. The scope of the results. In fundamental research on systematics of animals, ecology and biogeography. Main conclusions. Based on the study of the composition and distribution of taxa of dragonflies in the Mediterranean and adjacent territories proposed the division of the Mediterranean subregion 5 provinces and refined scheme of zoogeographic zoning of land.

Distribution of carpenter-moths (Lepidoptera, Cossidae) in the Palaearctic deserts

Specific features of the carpenter-moths (Cossidae) distribution in the Palaearctic deserts are considered. The Palaearctic frontier was delimited to the Arabian Peninsula (the eastern and northern parts of Arabia are attributed to the Palaearctic Region; Yemen, southwestern Saudi Arabia, and southernmost Iran belong to the Afrotropical Region). Cossidae are highly endemic to arid areas. Some Palaearctic carpenter-moth genera penetrate to Africa southward of the Sahara Desert (an important characteristic distinguishing them from most of the other Lepidoptera). The local faunas of the Palaearctic deserts are united into 4 groups: the Sahara-Arabian-Southern-Iranian, Central-Asian-Kazakhstanian, Western-Gobian, and Eastern-Gobian. In the Eastern Gobi Desert, the fauna is the most specific; it should be considered as a separate zoogeographical subregion.

Decapod crustaceans of the littoral and shallow sublittoral Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf: Faunistics, Biodiversity and Zoogeography

A total of 150 species belonging to five infraorders (Caridea, Stenopodidea, Thalassinidea, Anomura and Brachyura) are recorded from the Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf. About 17% (26 species) are new records for the area. The infraorder Brachyura shows the highest species richness with 83 species. The Anomura and Caridea, with 29 and 27 species, respectively, follow. The Thalassinidea is represented by 10 species, whereas Stenopodidea only by one. The species with the highest occurence are ranked as follows: Nanosesarma sarii Naderloo &amp; Türkay, 2009 (Brachyura), Alpheus lobidens De Haan, 1850 (Caridea), Metopograpsus messor (Forskål, 1775) (Brachyura), Coenobita scaevola (Forskål, 1775) (Anomura), Diogenes avarus Heller, 1865 (Anomura), Pilumnopeus convexus Maccagno, 1936 (Brachyura) and Portunus segnis (Forskål, 1775) (Brachyura). Among the surveyed habitats, mixed rocky/cobble show the highest diversity with 99 (66%) recorded species, followed by sedimentary muddy-sandy substrates and mangroves with 40 (26%) and 24 species (16%), respectively. The least diverse habitat is sandy beaches with 6 species. The decapod fauna shows a predominance of wide ranging Indo-West Pacific species (43%) and a small degree of endemism (5%). A considerable number of species is restricted to the northwestern Indian Ocean (27%), supporting the presence of a zoogeographical subregion within the western Indian Ocean Province.

Зоогеографічні особливості поширення птахів. Частина 1. Нотогейська і Неогейська суші

Distribution of birds on the globe’s surface is a subject to the division on land and zoogeographical regions which are characterized by specific features that display owing to presence of so-called demonstrative species. The paper presents an analysis of the avifauna Notogea and Neogea, significant differences and the uniqueness of species richness of the zoogeographic lands and gives a representation of the current state of distribution of demonstrative bird species on the planet. It is proposed to change the name of the Papuan zoogeographical subregion on Papua to agree it with the origin of the country, as it was done else where. It is also proposed to include the Antarctic in Notogea zoogeographical land which is a specific territory with the original and endemic fauna. It also has a number of bird species that are common for New Zealand, Australian and Polynesian regions of the same land. Keywords: Zoogeography, land and zoogeographical region, Notogea, Neogea, demonstrative species, distribution of birds are endemic.

Catalogue of the Stick and Leaf-insects (Phasmatodea) of China, with a faunistic analysis, review of recent ecological and biological studies and bibliography (Insecta: Orthoptera: Phasmatodea)

Catalogue of the Stick and Leaf-insects (Phasmatodea) of China, with a faunistic analysis, review of recent ecological and biological studies and bibliography (Insecta: Orthoptera: Phasmatodea)

Studies on the aquatic oligochaete fauna in Lake Biwa, central Japan. IV. Faunal characteristics in the attached lakes (naiko)

Surveys for macroinvertebrates occurring in 20 small attached lakes (naiko) adjacent to Lake Biwa, central Japan, conducted in 2001–2002 yielded 44 taxa of aquatic oligochaetes (Annelida, Clitellata). Descriptions and taxonomic remarks are provided for nine species: Aulophorus furcatus, A. tonkinensis, A. flabelliger, Pristina biserrata, P. proboscidea, Ilyodrilus templetoni, Allonais pectinata, Stylaria fossularis, and Dero dorsalis; the former six species of these are new to Japan. Stylaria fossularis is regarded as a distinct species, distinguished from the congener S. lacustris, on the basis of prostomium morphology and geographical distribution. No distinctive oligochaete fauna can be seen in the individual naiko, but as a collective body they maintain a rich fauna. This fauna was richer in naidines, while poorer in other groups of oligochaetes than those in Lake Biwa, and basically can be regarded as an extension of the fauna of littoral Lake Biwa. Epiphytic oligochaetes were more diverse and more abundant in the naiko than those in littoral Lake Biwa, probably because of higher temperatures, denser aquatic vegetation, and higher primary production. Summer oligochaete assemblages in the naiko were predominated by Stylaria fossularis and include several species characteristic of subtropical and tropical Asia, suggesting a close relationship to the fauna of the Indo-Malayan zoogeographical subregion.

The Indochinese–Sundaic faunal transition at the Isthmus of Kra: an analysis of resident forest bird species distributions

AbstractAim To establish the geographical position of the biogeographical transition between Indochinese and Sundaic faunas using distributional data for the best‐documented taxon, the birds.Methods Distributional data of 544 resident forest and forest edge bird species of Thailand and the Thai–Malay peninsula were examined at 45 sites spanning 15° of latitude from northern‐most Thailand to the southern peninsular Malaysia. Sites were grouped into 23 degree or half‐degree latitudinal zones and avifaunal similarity coefficients were calculated between each zone.Results A Mantel test revealed a significant transition between northern Indochinese and southern Sundaic (Indomalay) avifauna assemblages just north of the Isthmus of Kra (10°30′ N). Northern and southern range limits of 152 species (&gt; 269 species and subspecies combined) lie between 11° and 13° N.Main conclusions This transition between zoogeographical subregions is not coincident with the widely recognized transition between floristic provinces which is traditionally placed 400–500 km further south at the Kangar–Pattani line, but is associated with a change from wet seasonal evergreen dipterocarp rain forest to mixed moist deciduous forest north of the Isthmus of Kra in the northern Thai–Malay peninsula. Climatological and ecological factors associated with the distribution of forest types today are reviewed and it is hypothesized that the avian transition tracks the northern phytogeographical boundary. Palaeogeographical factors, including hypothetical Neogene seaways, which may account for the historical development of both phytogeographical and avifaunal transitions are also described.

TAXONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE BRANCHIOBDELLIDA (ANNELIDA: CLITELLATA) ON THE NORTH AMERICAN CONTINENT

A brief review of the taxonomic history and integrity of selected North American branchiobdellidans is given to clarify their current status. The zoogeographical distribution of branchiobdellidans on the North American continent is presented based on published reports and information in the Catalog of the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC. These data are tabulated by species with locations referenced to zoogeographical subregions, political units of provinces, states, or countries, and source citations. Distributional anomalies of certain taxa are discussed.

Plio-Pleistocene Rodents of Thailand. Thai Studies in Biodiversity No. 3

Y. Chaimanee 1998. Plio-Pleistocene Rodents of Thailand. Thai Studies in Biodiversity No. 3. Biodiversity Research and Training Program, BIOTEC, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Rama VI Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, 303 pp. ISBN 974-7577-80-1, price (paper), US$20.00 plus postage. Prior to this study, relatively little research had been done on the later Cenozoic rodents of Thailand. The study of fossil rodents from this time period is of interest for several reasons. The fossil fauna from this period need to be documented, providing a platform from which to address the question of the development of the modern fauna; whether it is structured most from in situ evolution and extinction, from immigration of allochthonous taxa, or from a combination of the 2 processes. Species composition may also be used as a proxy for climate. In a study analyzing multiple faunas of different geologic ages and from different geographic areas, climatic pattern may be revealed through time and space. Study of Plio-Pleistocene faunas from Thailand has the potential for illuminating the history of the current subdivision of Thailand into 2 zoogeographic subregions: the Indochinese subregion to the north of the Isthmus of Kra (10°30′N) and the Sundaic subregion to the south. The author collected rodent fossils from 20 fissure fills and cave deposits, primarily from the central portion of northern Thailand and from peninsular Thailand. Rodents belonging to 3 families are represented: Muridae, Sciuridae, and Hystricidae. The murids (excluding rhizomyines) and sciurids are …

Freshwater oligochaeta of some urban watercourses in the Russian far east

Abstract40 oligochaete species are identified in the lowland watercourses near Ussurijsk and Vladivostok. In the Razdol'naja River, Naididae are common, increasing in numbers in enriched urban stretches where tubificids become abundant, including Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri Claparède and Tubifex tubifex (Müller). A freshwater population of Monopylephorus rubroniveus Levinsen exists there. The endemics of the Amur zoogeographical Province, Haber amurensis (Sokol'skaja et Hrabê) and Piguetiella amurensis Sokol'skaja, are redescribed. Stylaria fossularis Leidy is a valid species. Rhyacodrilus coccineus (Vejdovsky) and its East Asian congeners form a closely related species complex. A new generic name is proposed instead Muliercula (Timm). According its oligochaete fauna, the Amur‐Japanese freshwater zoogeographical Subregion is closer to the Holarctic than to the Sino‐Indian Region.

The Behavior of Stomatopod Crustacea, and Its Relationship to Rates of Evolution

The objective of this paper is to document patterns of complexity in the aggressive and reproductive behavior of mantis shrimps, and to test the hypothesis that lineages with more complex behavior evolve more rapidly than those with relatively simple behavior. Stomatopod taxa that occupy preformed holes in coral or rock habitats show more specialized social behavior, more elaborate morphological adaptations for aggression (color patterns, ornamentation, and armor), complex courtship and copulation, and more extensive parental care than taxa that excavate their own burrows in mud or sand substrates. Similarly, taxa of large body size in both coarse and level bottom habitats show more complex agonistic interactions and associated morphological adaptations than smaller relatives. We use a biogeographical and morphological method to examine degree of taxonomic divergence, degree of local species radiation, and incidence of apparent extinction in the East Pacific, West Atlantic, and East Pacific zoogeographic subregions for lineages of stomatopods with relatively complex or simple social behavior. We hypothesize that lineages with complex behavior have more endemic species, fewer cognates, and fewer conspecifics among these subregions than lineages with relatively simple social behavior; that lineages with complex behavior undergo more local species multiplication than lineages with relatively simple behavior; and that extinctions are more frequent in species with more complex than simple behavior. However, species that occupy coarse substrates and have associated complex behavior and morphology do not diverge, multiply, or become extinct significantly faster than expected. Similarly, larger taxa do not evolve more rapidly than relatives of smaller body size. Instead, rates of divergence and speciation are significantly inversely related to body size and larval dispersal potential. Although stomatopods show some of the most complex behavior known in invertebrates (with the possible exception of the cephalopods), this behavioral sophistication does not appear to be a predominant force molding the pace of evolutionary change in these marine crustaceans.

Zoogeographic Subregions of the Pacific Realm as a Background for Terrestrial Ecological Reserves: Part 1, General Introduction and Northern and Western Pacific Regions

This paper deals essentially with ecosystems, biomes, and habitats, of the Pacific realm, that are in need of restoration and conservation programmes for saving endangered vertebrates through the establishment of ‘ecological reserves’. Besides zoogeographic factors, the matter of conservation urgency is reflected in the criteria by taking into account the rate of vertebrate extinction in historic time and the number of vertebrate species and subspecies that are endangered or threatened with extinction in each area.In this paper and its successor (Part 2), twenty-two zoogeographic subregions have been defined in the Pacific realm, to which have been added three others—namely the Australian, North American, and South American coasts of the Pacific Ocean. Table I shows the division of these zoogeographic subregions within each faunal region. The Oceanian or ‘Central’ region is here introduced as a particular faunal region comprising Hawaii, Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia. This complex of islands cannot, in the Author's opinion, be conveniently grouped with any of the continental faunal regions, although it has clear affinities with near-by continents to the west.

Zoogeographic Subregions of the Pacific Realm as a Background for Terrestrial Ecological Reserves: Part 2, Central and Eastern Regions, etc., with Conclusions

Part 2 of this paper reviews the situation in the Central and Eastern regions of the Pacific Realm as well as in the Pacific mainland coasts of Australia, North America, and South America. Table I lists the ‘Pacific Faunal Balance’ as far as vertebrates are concerned, and gives the number and distribution of existing national parks or nature reserves in each subregion. It shows that the Hawaiian Islands have been subjected to a high number of extinctions. In addition an even larger number of Hawaiian vertebrates are at present on the verge of extinction. Hawaii tops the lists of both extinct (24) and endangered (37) vertebrates. It is also evident from Table I that Pacific islands are much more vulnerable to vertebrate extinctions than are the Pacific coasts of Australia, North America, and South America. Not less than six subregions of Pacific islands show a higher number of extinctions than the east coast of Australia, and 16 subregions are affected by extinctions, while the western coasts of North and South America are not.

The species of the genus Zethera Felder (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Satyrinae)

ABSTRACTThe butterfly genus Zethera Felder, endemic to the Philippines and northern Sulawesi, is shown to include six species, four of which comprise the Z. pimplea (Erichson) superspecies. Type data is given for all nominal taxa, and a key to the species recognised is presented, together with data on their variation and distribution. Attention is drawn to the zoogeographic subregions of the Philippine islands, as originally described by Semper, and illustrated by the Zethera species. Their mimicry is also noted, with particular reference to its sex‐limitation in the Z. pimplea superspecies, and non‐limitation in Z. incerta (Hewitson) and Z. hestioides C. &amp; R. Felder. The need to demonstrate whether or not Zethera represents a true monophyletic unit is briefly discussed.

Species Movement in Zoogeography

Theories of the relationships involved in species movement between different zoogeographic regions or subregions are examined, and the conclusion reached that it is not necessary to invoke the concept of relative species dominance as a determinant of the direction of species movement in many cases. Alternative views are put forward, using techniques similar to those developed by Macarthur & Wilson in their study of island biogeography. The theory of the relationships between different zoogeographic regions or subregions has not been examined in detail, although I have elsewhere (Horton, 1973a, b, 1974) looked at some aspects of the problem. Darlington (1957) examined these relationships qualitatively and suggested that the main factor determining direction of species movement between -such regions was the relative dominance of the groups in the areas concerned. Simpson (1950) documented the interchange of species between the nearctic and neotropical regions and also reached the conclusion that dominance determined the direction of species movement. I have suggested (Horton, 1974) that it is not necessary to use the concept of dominance to explain Darlington's and Simpson's findings, but that the patterns of climatic change in different regions provide a sufficient explanation. It should, nevertheless, be possible to make some generalizations about patterns of dispersal and this study is an attempt to find such generalizations. Macarthur & Wilson (1963, 1967) expressed the hope that the methods they developed for the study of island biogeography could be extended to encompass other aspects of zoogeography. This study uses similar techniques modified to allow for an interchange of species between two regions, rather than the one way flow of species from the mainland to an island. Let us consider two areas, A and B, separated by a barrier. Let each contain ten species and let each satisfy the following conditions: (1) no previous contact between A and B; (2) both A and B have reached equilibrium with other areas, i.e. they are holding an equilibrium number of species with extinction balancing immigration; (3) all species in A and B are equally likely to