Zoogeographic Groups Research Articles

The zoogeographic regionalization for cephalopoda linked to the canary current upwelling system

Quantitative data on cephalopods collected in ten multidisciplinary surveys (20–2000 m) between 2004 and 2012, together with original oceanographic and satellite data, were analyzed using multivariate techniques. Statistical analyses were based on presence–absence matrices by species and hydrological variable indices. The results show that cephalopods are distributed in two main zoogeographical groups separated by latitude: “Temperate water” and “Tropical water” clusters. They extended by temperate and tropical regions, separated by a geographical boundary, Cape Blanc, particularly strong in the case of coastal species between these groups. For the total fauna, we have identified a third particular cephalopods’ cluster, the “Upwelling” cluster (22°–17°N), characterized by a higher diversity and dominance of oceanic cephalopods. This is proposed as a new zoogeographical region that would coincide with the area of greatest productivity, intensity and permanence throughout the year of the canary current upwelling, confined between the north of Cape Blanc and the south of Mauritania. The results confirm the strong relationship between the three zoogeographical regions (temperate, tropical, and upwelling) and certain water bodies that characterize the regional hydrology. This paper deepens into the zoogeography of the cephalopods from Northwest Africa (Central-Eastern Atlantic), providing a new, more detailed insight into the region and its boundaries in relation to the oceanography.

Spreading of Scarab Beetles (Scarabaeidae) Distributed in Azerbaijan Territories of the Greater Caucasus in Ecological and Zoogeographical Groups

Spreading of Scarab Beetles (Scarabaeidae) Distributed in Azerbaijan Territories of the Greater Caucasus in Ecological and Zoogeographical Groups

QUATERNARY-RECENT OSTRACODS (PODOCOPIDA, PLATYCOPIDA) OF THE TYRRHENIAN SEA (ITALY)

The article provides the systematic description of eight species of ostracods described by Dykan (2018, 2020), belonging to the genera Bythocypris, Pontocypris, Pterygocythereis, Bosquetina, Acantocythereis and Cytherella, as well as eleven species in open nomenclature (sp., cf., ex gr.) of the genera Argilloecia, Loxoconcha, Sarsicytheridea, Pontocytheroma, Echinocythereis, Paleoblitacythereis, Pseudobosquetina and Bythoceratina. The ostracods derive from Upper Quaternary, Holocene and modern deposits of the southwestern part of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Sampling stations cover shelf, continental slope and deep water basin in 65-3500 m water depth. The systematic section provides synonymy, detailed descriptions, ecology, geographical and stratigraphical distribution of species. SEM-images of external and internal structures of the carapace like hinge, normal pore canals, macro- and mesosculpture are provided. The documented species belong to North Atlantic, West Atlantic, South Antarctic and Mediterranean zoogeographic groups according to the zoogeographical classification developed for the ostracods of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Ecological features of groups of rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in beech forest ecosystems of the lower forest belt of the Gorgan massif

Purpose: to study the species composition of groups of predatory beetles in beech forests of the lower forest belt of the Gorgan massif and their ecological features.Materials and methods. Representatives of 54 species from 12 subfamilies. Identification of the reveal species was performed using Bay-Bienko (1965), Bоhас J (1985 a, b), Coiffait, H., (1974, 1984), Lohse, G. A., (1964, 1974) determinants. Determination of dominance groups by the Stecker-Bergman method (1977), establishment of ecological and morphological groups according to Kashcheev V. A. (1982, 1985, 1999), types of life strategies according to Planck's method, Belonging to zoogeographical groups was established by the Vtorov P. P., Drozdov N. N. (2001).Research results. According to the results of the research, 556 individuals of rove beetles belonging to 28 genera were found, which are located within 12 subfamilies. The highest level of species diversity is characterized by the subfamilies Staphylininae and Tachyporinae, which are represented by 21 and 13 species, respectively. Only one dominant species was found in the structure of dominance - Tasgius (Rayacheila) bicharicus Mull., 1825, however, a high number of subrecent species is observed. The identified species are representatives of eleven ecological and morphological groups. Analysis of the trophic specialization of predatory beetles has shown a clear dominance of predators, among which there are both specialized species and polyphagous. The analysis of life strategies revealed representatives of 7 groups, and zoogeographical features - 10.Conclusions. Among the species of predatory beetles caught, there is a clear dominance of tachyporin and staphylin, which total 62.9 % The study of the dominance structure of this group showed a small proportion of mass species, and a clear redominance of recedents and subrecedents. According to the analysis of ecomorphs, there is an increase in the number of wells and cryptobionts, as well as mixotrophs, due to the significant level of ecological niches that are inherent in the analyzed type of ecosystems

Erythraeid mites (Acariformes: Actinedida: Erythraeidae) of the Greater Caucasus region of Azerbaijan

The summary is given in the article about the observed species of the Erythraeidae Robineau- Desvoidy, 1828 mites in the Greater Caucasus Region of Azerbaijan. 25 species belonging to 8 genera of 5 sub-families have been found. Among them 1 sub-family (Balaustiinae Grandjean, 1947), 4 genera (Erythraeus Latreille, 1806, Curteria Southcott, 1961, Balaustium v.Heyden, 1826, Neobalaustium Willmann, 1951) and 22 species are new for the Caucasian fauna. 2 subfamilies (Callidosomatinae Southcott, 1961 and Abrolophinae Witte, 1995), 2 genera (Charletonia oudemans, 1910 and Abrolophus Berlese, 1891) and 1 species (Charletonia cardinalis (Pallas, 1772)) are new for the studied area. Abrolophus Berlese, 1891 genera are rich with species, 8 species have been found. The found species are spread over the altitudes and landscape zones, landscapes and forest biotopes. Also, the zoogeographic analysis of the erythraeid mites was carried out and they were divided into ecological groups. The studies show that the base of the fauna of the Erythraeidae Robineau-Desvoidy, 1828 mites in the Greater Caucasus region consists of 3 zoogeographic groups: European species (9 species), Central European species (5 species), Holarctic species (4 species).

Ecological and zoogeographical groups of rove beetles (Staphylinidae, Coleoptera, Insecta) of Subalpine Belt of Northeastern macroslope of Ukrainian Carpathians

Ecological and zoogeographical groups of rove beetles (Staphylinidae, Coleoptera, Insecta) of Subalpine Belt of Northeastern macroslope of Ukrainian Carpathians

To the study of ecological and zoogeographic structure of rove beetle (Staphylinidae, Coleoptera) assemblages of the beech forests of the northeast macroslope of the Ukrainian Carpathians

The structure of ecological and zoogeographic groups of rove beetles, which inhabit the beech forests of the Lower Forest Belt of the Northeastern macro-slope of the Ukrainian Carpathians, was studied. A total of 616 specimens of Staphylinidae, which belong to 55 species in 12 subfamilies, were recorded from the investigated area. The Staphylininae subfamily is characterized by the largest individual number (396) and the highest species richness (19). The dominant Staphylinidae species were Ocypus bicharicus (68 individuals, 11.2%), Ocypus olens (63 individuals, 10.4%), Staphylinus erythropterus (35 individuals, 5.8%), Staphylinus caesereus (35 individuals. 5.8%), Nudobius lenthus (33 individuals, 5.4%). The study of ecological and morphological adaptations of rove beetles to the habitats showed that the recorded species are representatives of 13 ecological/morphological groups in three classes. The highest species richness was typical to the representatives of the epibionts class (47.3% of the total species registered). A smaller number of species belonged to borers (36.3%). However, it should be noted that this class included the largest number of ecological/morphological groups of rove beetles (8 groups). The highest individual abundance within the given class was typical to the groups of running borers coprobionts and burrowing borers micetobionts that in total covered 14.6%. The class of cryptobionts makes up 16.3% of all identified species. Running subbark cryptobionts were the most numerous group within the given class (10.9%). By trophic specialization, most recorded species were predators (74.6%). A minor part of species belonged to myxophages, which combine zoophagia with miceto- or saprophagia. Together they made up 16.4% of the species found. Only two species belonged to micetophages and three species to nematophages. Analysis of geographic ranges has shown the prevalence of species with European and Holarctic distribution.

Macrobenthic fauna associated with the invasive alien species Brachidontes pharaonis (Mollusca: Bivalvia) in the Levantine Sea (Turkey)

The invasive alien mytilid species, Brachidontes pharaonis, forms a biogenic habitat in the mediolittoral and upper-infralittoral zones of the Levantine Sea, hosting a number of alien and native species. Examinations of samples taken from dense, continuous mussel beds at seven stations along the coast of northern Levantine Sea yielded 187 macro-benthic invertebrate species belonging to 11 taxonomic groups. Polychaeta accounted for 46% and 37% of the total number of species and individuals, respectively. The top three dominant species in the mussel beds were Stenothoe gallensis, Spirobranchus kraussi and Mytilaster minimus. The species with the highest frequency values on the mussel beds were Pseudonereis anomala, Phascolosoma stephensoni and Elasmopus pocillimanus. The highest density and biomass of the associated fauna were estimated as 42,550 ind m−2 and 1503 wwt g m−2, respectively. The species number in samples varied between 14 and 47 species. The environmental variables best explaining variations in zoobenthic community structures were salinity, dissolved oxygen and total inorganic nitrogen in the water column. The biotic indices, TUBI and ALEX, classified the ecological status of one or two stations as moderate or poor, based on the relative abundances of ecological and zoogeographic groups, respectively. A total of 21 alien species were found to be associated with the mussel bed, of which Syllis ergeni is being newly considered as a new established alien species for the Mediterranean Sea. The maximum density of associated alien species was calculated as 30,300 ind m−2. The alien species assemblages were greatly affected by salinity and total inorganic nitrogen.

Globally endangered butterflies (Lepidoptera) protected in the natural reserve «Dniprovsko-Orilsky»

Floodplain valley of the Dnieper river midstream is a unique natural complex, having a great bìogeographical, ecological, environmental, historical and recreational values. In 1990, the Natural reserve «Dniprovsko-Orilsky» was established within the area. The Natural reserve «Dniprovsko-Orilsky» is environmentally protected site within the Dnipropetrovsk region, Dnipropetrovsk oblast, Ukraine. This reserve occupies part of the Dnieper river valley and marshy and reedy banks of Protovch river (existing bed of Oril river). It was created by Regulation of the Council of Ministers of the USSR of 15 September 1990, No. 262, based on common zoological and ornitological Nature reserves «Taromskì plavni» and «Obukhovskie zaplavy». On the territory of the Natural reserve «Dniprovsko-Orilsky», they were registered 32 Lepidoptera species listed in the List of Threatened Species at different categories (5 species in IUCN Red List ; 18 in Red Data Book of Ukraine; 7 in European Red List of plants and animals endangered on a global scale; 31 in Red Book of Dnipropetrovsk oblast). The main scientific materials were author’s collections from area of research and materials of entomological funds, Department of Zoology and Ecology, Oles Honchar Dnipropetrovsk National University (mostly Memorial Collection of V. O. Barsov). Field surveys covered all the ecosystems basic on size and degree of protection. The author’s researches have conducted over the past decade during annual expeditions to the Reserve. Taxonomic structure of the complex is quite diverse, and represented by all the major families of higher millers and rhopalocera, having protectedstatus. In relation to taxonomy, this complex formed by representatives of five superfamilies (Zyganoidea, Noctuoidea, Bombycoidea, Hesperioidea, Papilionoidea) from 11 families (Zygaenidae, Saturniidae, Sphingidae, Noctuidae Arctiidae Hesperiidae, Papilionidae, Pieridae, Nymphalidae, Satyridae, Lycaenidae). High taxonomic diversity can be explained by unique geographical location of the reserve in azonal conditions of the Dnieper river valley. Such location allows to enter different zoogeographic Lepidoptera groups on the reserve territory. Zoogeographic analysis of species protected within the reserve territory selected 7 basic groups. It was found that most of the globally rare species have Mediterranean origin (39 %); species of Palearctic origin are in second place (22 %); Western Palearctic and Ponto-Kazakh types of areas are same of number of species, and come third (11 %); and others come 17 % (European, Euro-Siberian, and Holarctic). This fauna component is specific due to presence of so-called «northern» species that make up 40 % (representatives of Palearctic, Western Palearctic, Euro-Siberian, European and Holarctic groups). Their existence within the reserve territory is only possible due to development of boreal valley ecosystems.
 High taxonomic diversity can be explained by unique geographical location of the reserve in azonal conditions of the Dnieper river valley. Such location allows to enter different zoogeographic Lepidoptera groups on the reserve territory. Zoogeographic analysis of species protected within the reserve territory selected 7 basic groups. It was found that most of the globally rare species have Mediterranean origin (39 %); species of Palearctic origin are in second place (22 %); Western Palearctic and Ponto-Kazakh types of areas are same of number of species, and come third (11 %); and others come 17 % (European, Euro-Siberian, and Holarctic). This fauna component is specific due to presence of so-called «northern» species that make up 40 % (representatives of Palearctic, Western Palearctic, Euro-Siberian, European and Holarctic groups). Their existence within the reserve territory is only possible due to development of boreal valley ecosystems.

Holocene palaeoecological changes recorded in mollusc-bearing cave sediments, the Cave above the Słupska Gate (southern Poland)

The Cave above the Slupska Gate (southern Poland) contains about 2m depth of mollusc-bearing deposits. Radiocarbon and archaeological dating indicate that these deposits accumulated during the Holocene (Preboreal to Subatlantic), although the earliest layers may date from the end of the Pleistocene. Eight layers of silts, sands and loess-like deposits were distinguished at the site. Seven of them contained identifiable snail shells, sometimes in large numbers, and sparse remains of vertebrates and archaeological artefacts. The molluscan assemblages retrieved from the cave contain over 40 taxa and 1,200 specimens. The balance of species distributed among 11 zoogeographical groups enabled us to identify four assemblages which differ in their ecological structure and in the composition of the fauna. The oldest fauna (Late Glacial/Preboreal and/or Preboreal) with many shade-loving species is typical of a cool climate. Episodes of drying are evidenced by the loess-like deposits and the occurrence of open-country snails such as the glacial relic Vallonia tenuilabris. This species disappeared in the younger part of the Early Holocene, which is the most distinctive feature of the Slupsko Hill sequence. The Middle Holocene climatic optimum is characterised by abundantand diverse fauna which is typical of mixed and deciduous forests with distinct oceanic influences. The criticalDiscus ruderatus and Discus rotundatus succession reflects the general trends in European malacofaunas. The Late Holocene record may bear some hiatuses, but the shift away from a complete forest fauna is evident.

ANALYSIS OF ECOLOGICAL-GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES OF THE FAUNA SCARAB BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: SCARABAEOIDEA) OF THE SOUTH RUSSIA

Ecological-geographical characteristics of the 292 species and 17 subspecies of lamellicorn beetles of the south of Russia are consi-dered. 3 zoogeographical complexes with 6 groups and 7 subgroups of an area are discharged; 2 ecological groups with 7 basic com-plexes; 4 groups in relation to humidity. Distribution of the lamellicorn beetles in 15 physiographic areas are tracked: 3 basic groups of areas are discharged, conterminous to three basic zoogeographical groups of Tethis complex (Setian, Scythian and Mediterranean). The zoogeographical analysis of the fauna of lamellicorn beetles of region with the count of discharged areas are given.

Invasive giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis) alters the composition of oribatid mite communities

Abstract Plant invasions are a serious global threat to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. The invasive giant knotweed Fallopia sachalinensis (synonym: Reynoutria sachalinensis) is one of the most aggressive plant invaders in many countries. It forms dense stands that prevent other species from growing. To assess the impact of the knotweed, oribatid mite communities were studied under Fallopia-free native vegetation and at Fallopia-infested sites (2 types: 90-100% and 30% of coverage) with similar soil. All the sites are located in mixed forest in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland (Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska) in south Poland. Species composition and functional group composition of oribatid mite communities were compared. In total, 1540 specimens belonging to 70 oribatid species were collected from 90 soil samples. This successful exotic invasive species had a moderate influence on species richness (20% less species at the totally invaded site than at the Fallopia-free site) and a profound effect on soil oribatid mite community composition. Several oribatid species characteristic of a particular site were observed. Shifts were detected in proportions of groups with different habitat specificity (e.g. higher proportion of eurytopic mites at invaded sites), ecomorphological groups (e.g. lower proportion of litter-dwelling mites at invaded sites), trophic groups (e.g. lower proportion of macrophytophagous mites at invaded sites) and zoogeographical groups (e.g. higher proportion of mites with broad geographical distribution at invaded sites). These observations prove the radical negative change of environmental conditions for soil oribatid mites as a result of Fallopia invasion. The increase in sexually reproducing oribatid mites at invaded sites suggests that this way of reproduction is preferable when resources are in shortage.

Reevaluating sponge diversity and distribution in the Mediterranean Sea

The aim of this paper was (1) to update sponge diversity and distribution in the Mediterranean and (2) to re-examine faunal relationships among the Mediterranean areas on the basis of their sponge fauna. The Mediterranean demosponge faunal list was updated to 629 species by taking into consideration recent data from previously poorly studied areas. The species lists of 14 Mediterranean areas were compared on the basis of their sponge species richness, species composition, and taxonomic relatedness of species using multivariate analyses and diversity measures, such as PD, Delta+, and Lambda+. The 14 Mediterranean areas examined for their diversity and affinities were assembled into four major zoogeographic groups: the northwestern, northeastern, the central zone, and southeastern areas. Richest in species numbers were the areas belonging to the two northern groups. The species richness comparisons and similarity analyses performed at the generic level showed that it can be safely used as a surrogate for sponge species diversity in the Mediterranean. The results of this study showed that the simple traditional division of the Mediterranean Sea into a western, central, and eastern basin cannot reliably describe the distribution of sponges in the area. Thus, the W to E faunal decline previously presented for several faunal groups shifts to a general NNW-SSE pattern when one examines separately the northern and the southern parts of the traditional basins. This gradient seems to be in agreement with differences in key environmental variables, such as latitude, salinity, temperature, and water circulation, besides the typically examined distance from Gibraltar.

Zoogeographical analysis and statial distribution of auchenorrhynchs (Homoptera, Cicadina) in the Central Chernozem Region

A map of the biogeographical regionalization of the Central Chernozem Region (Lipetsk, Tambov, Kursk, Belgorod, and Voronezh provinces) is compiled based on the literature and the author’s own collections of auchenorrhynchs. Ranges of all the species recorded from the region are given. Thirty nine types of the ranges classified in 13 groups are distinguished based on the distribution of Cicadina in the Palaearctic and in other biogeographical regions. A scheme of the statial distribution of auchenorrhynchs in the region is given. Twenty one types of stations are classified into seven types of a higher rank. The main zonal and azonal elements of the fauna were identified by comparative analysis of the species distribution between zoogeographical and statial groups. Connection between the distributional type of certain species and their habitat preferences was demonstrated.

Otolith characteristics of species, subspecies, and populations of Aphanius Nardo, 1827 (Teleostei, Cyprinodontiformes) from Anatolia (Turkey)

Diversification and speciation processes in the endemic Anatolian Aphanius taxa are well documented today based on crossbreeding experiments and molecular data. On the other hand, otolith characteristics have rarely been utilized to demonstrate these processes in Aphanius. In this study, otoliths of 250 specimens of Aphanius anatoliae, A. asquamatus, A. danfordii, and A. villwocki were studied, mainly by SEM. The otoliths display morphological characters that clearly discriminate the four species. The otoliths were found to be morphologically different in five out of ten populations of A. anatoliae anatoliae. However, the differences in otolith morphology between subspecies of A. anatoliae are less obvious. Variation of the general otolith variability is documented in two of the four A. danfordii populations, and may reflect differences in the genetic diversity. The results obtained from otoliths correspond in part with previous reports on zoogeographic groups and phylogenetic clades.

The Relation of Energy Metabolism and Body Weight in Bivalves (Mollusca: Bivalvia)

On the basis of experimental and published data, the interspecific and intraspecific (ontogenetic) dependence of energy metabolism on body weight in bivalves was calculated. Changes in the parameters of intraspecific allometric dependence under the effect of environmental factors were analyzed. The rate of comparable standard metabolism (coefficient a at k = 0.76) was shown to vary in different taxonomic and zoogeographic groups of bivalves.

Análisis de la distribución geográfica de los anomuros (Crustacea: Decapoda) del Golfo de California, México

The anomuran crabs are important from the biogeographic perspective because of their benthonic behavior in their adult state. For this reason, the present work summarizes the different studies developed to date on these crustaceans within the Gulf of California and reinforces the separation of the zone from others in the Province of Cortéz, or Cortesiana. The Gulf of California is inhibited by seventy‐eight species of anomurans, belonging to seven families and twenty‐eight genera. The best represented family regarding the number of genera (eleven), species (forty‐five) and endemic species (eleven) is the Porcellanidae, followed by the Diogenidae with eight genera, fifteen species and four endemic species. The Gulf of California species are distributed in three large zoogeographical groups in the Eastern Pacific, the main one being the Panamic with an intrusion to the Gulf of 69.23% of the species reported. A second important group is that of the endemic species of the Gulf, with 24.35% of the existing species. The boreal species group with intrusion to the Gulf is present with 6.41%. Within the Californian Gulf, ten different zoogeographical groups are found, which demonstrate the great complexity of anomuran distribution, a product of the evolutionary history of this interior sea.

Zoogeography of Vietnamese primates

Based on geographic complementarity of congeneric taxa, the 22 species or well-defined subspecies of primates that inhabit Vietnam may be allocated to nine zoogeographic groups (lorises, two; macaques, three; langurs, three; gibbons, one). Analysis of group distributions reveals two major patterns: (1) four of the six non-macaque groups are essentially restricted to the eastern part of the Indochinese Peninsula, east of the Mekong River; and (2) species and subspecies in seven of the nine groups reach their northern or southern limits of distribution in central Vietnam, at 14–17‡N. The first pattern suggests that the Mekong River has been an important barrier to westward dispersal of nonmacaque primates in continental Southeast Asia. The second pattern suggests that a Zoogeographic barrier formerly extended east and west across Vietnam at ca. 14–17‡N.

ORIGIN AND RECENT ENDEMIC DIVERGENCE OF A CASPIAN MYSIS SPECIES FLOCK WITH AFFINITIES TO THE "GLACIAL RELICT" CRUSTACEANS IN BOREAL LAKES.

Aspects of the evolution of intralacustrine species flocks and of the origin of the Arctic or "glacial-relict" zoogeographical element in Eurasian inland waters were elucidated in an allozyme study of the crustacean genus Mysis. This element, of supposedly northern marine ancestry, is represented by vicarious taxa in the deeper parts of the Caspian Sea (an enclosed ancient basin) and in young boreal lakes. The three endemic Caspian Mysis species studied are very close genetically (Nei's D = 0.06), which suggests a recent intrabasin radiation and rapid morphological divergence. This is in contrast to the pattern in postglacial Holarctic boreal lakes, where the Mysis relicta group is represented by a set of morphologically uniform but probably much older sibling species (D = 0.3-0.6). The results provide a parallel to those on the recent diversification of some fish species flocks in ancient freshwater lakes. The situation is, however, unusual in that the Caspian sympatric Mysis flock is pelagic, and conditions promoting speciation through allopatric isolation or spatial segregation by trophic substrate specialization seem implausible. The monophyletic Caspian Mysis clade shows a relatively strong divergence from both the northern lacustrine and the Arctic marine congeners (D = 0.6-1.0); the phylogenetic branching order of these three zoogeographical groups is not conclusively resolved. The results contradict the prevailing hypothesis of a recent Pleistocene origin of the Caspian Arctic element by invasion from Eastern European continental proglacial lakes that drained south to the Caspian basin during the glacial maxima and served as refugia for the boreal lacustrine taxa.

Zoogeography and life cycle patterns of Mediterranean hydromedusae (Cnidaria)

The distribution of the 346 hydromedusan species hitherto recorded from the Mediterranean is considered, dividing the species into zoogeographical groups. The consequences for dispersal due to possession or lack of a medusa stage in the life cycle are discussed, and related to actual known distributions. There is contradictory evidence for an influence of life cycle patterns on species distribution. The Mediterranean hydromedusan fauna is composed of 19.5% endemic species. Their origin is debatable. The majority of the remaining Mediterranean species is present in the Atlantic, with various world distributions, and could have entered the Mediterranean from Gibraltar after the Messinian crisis. Only 8.0% of the fauna is classified as Indo-Pacific, the species being mainly restricted to the eastern basin, some of which have presumably migrated from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal, being then classifiable as Lessepsian migrants. The importance of historical and climatic factors in determining the composition of the Mediterranean fauna of hydromedusae is discussed.