Contents of Proceedings of the Zoological Institute

Volume 315 (4), 2011

Date of publication — December 23, 2011

A review of the genus Euphyllodromia Shelford, 1908 (Dictyoptera: Ectobiidae), with description of three new species

The genus Euphyllodromia is reviewed. Three new species (E. propinqua sp. nov., E. rasnitsyni sp. nov. and E. tingomariensis sp. nov.) and a first fossil representative from the Colombian Copal (Pleistocene-Holocene) (E. cf. angustata) are described. E. angustata, E. peruana, E. albomaculata, E. venezuelica, E. hystrix, E. erytromelas, E. nigrochlamys and E. boliviensis are redescribed. A detailed morphological description of the male genitalia is provided for the first time. Geographical distribution of the studied species is clarified.

A new species of soft-shelled turtle (Trionychidae) from the Middle Eocene of Ukraine

Trionyx ikoviensis sp. nov., a new species of soft-shelled turtles (Trionychidae: Trionychinae), is established based on a partial but well preserved skull, isolated shell bones and cervical vertebrae VII and VIII from the Middle Eocene (Early Lutetian) Ikovo locality in the Luhansk Province of Ukraine. Trionyx ikoviensis cannot be assigned to any modern group within Trionychinae, but demonstrates most similarities with Trionychini (sensu Meylan 1987). Among fossil forms, T. ikoviensis is most similar to species of the genus Rafetoides and/or to some species of Trionyx sensu lato (sensu Lapparent de Broin 2001) from Europe with middle-sized carapace and long and wide jaws and snout, especially to Trionyx michauxi from the Lower Eocene of France. Although the taxonomic status and phylogenetic position of both Rafetoides and Trionyx sensu lato (sensu Lapparent de Broin 2001) need additional study, the latter assignment seems to be better corroborated. Trionyx ikoviensis is the easternmost representative of Trionyx sensu lato (sensu Lapparent de Broin 2001). Trionyx ikoviensis furthermore represents the first discovery of a trionychid skull in the Cenozoic deposits of the Ukraine in particular and the best discovery of this kind from the Cenozoic of the former USSR in general.

A revision of black flies of the genus Taeniopterna Enderlein, 1925 (Diptera: Simuliidae) from the fund collection of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences

As a result of the examination of the fund collection of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, a detailed re-descriptions and original drawings of 12 species (of 13 known in the world fauna) of the genus Taeniopterna Enderlein, 1925 (all known Palaearctic species of this genus) are given, 2 species are described as a new species, pupa of 1 species, male and female of 1 species are described for the first time, 1 former subspecies is treated as the separate species. Key to all 13 species of the genus Taeniopterna is provided.

Notes on the Philodromidae (Araneae) of the United Arab Emirates

The paper presents records of ten species of Philodromidae of the United Arab Emirates, all being new to the spider fauna of this country. One species, Halodromus vanharteni sp. nov. (male), is described as new to science. A new synonymy, Thanatus lesserti (Roewer, 1951) = T. nitidus Logunov et Kunt, 2010 syn. nov. is established. The male of T. setigerus is described for the first time. Two species – Thanatus saraevi Ponomarev, 2007 and T. lesserti (Roewer, 1951) – are reported from Iran for the first time.

Pteroherpus surmachi sp. n., first record of the feather mite family Pteronyssidae (Acari: Analgoidea) from nuthatches (Passeriformes: Sittidae)

A new feather mite species, Pteroherpus surmachi sp. n. (Analgoidea: Pteronyssidae), is described from the Chinese nuthatch Sitta villosa Verreaux, 1865 (Sittidae) from the Primorsky Kray, Russia. This is the first record of a pteronyssid mite from representatives of the family Sittidae. Feather mite fauna currently known from nuthatches is briefly discussed. Analges sittae Mironov, 1985 syn. n. is synonymized with A. picicola Cerny et Schumilo, 1973 (Analgidae).

The structure of craniometrical diversity of grey voles Microtus subgenus Alexandromys

The sample of 1671 intact skulls (15 measurements) of grey voles from Alexandromys subgenus and Microtus oeconomus was studied. Representatives of M. oeconomus and M. middendorffii are very similar in craniometrical features. The race M. o. kharanurensis is morphologically distant from other representatives of M. oeconomus, and possibly should not be included into this species. M. sachalinensis morphologically is similar to M. fortis. The specimens of M. gromovi are located inside the limits of internal variation of M. middendorffii. The both latter species are similar to M. mongolicus. There are western and eastern groups found inside M. mongolicus. The level of morphological differences between M. maximowiczii, M. mujanensis and M. evoronensis does not differ from the same between two groups of M. mongolicus or between races of M. fortis. The Russian part of the range of M. maximowiczii should be enlarged due to finding of the population of this species from the floodmeadows of Ussuri River. The morphological similarity between M. limnophilus and M. mongolicus is revealed. The voles M. l. malygini does not display similarity with the type specimen of M. limnophilus. The propriety for considering malygini as a race of M. limnophilus should be questioned.

A new species of the genus Deltonotus Hancock, 1904 (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae: Cladonotinae) from Vietnam

Deltonotus vietnamensis sp. nov. is described from Vietnam. A key to species of the genus Deltonotus Hancock, 1904 is given.

Comments on the article by E.N. Mashchenko «Evolution of the elephants of the mammoth lineage in the Northern Caucasus (Russia) in the Pliocene and Pleistocene»

The holotype of the recently described new species of mammuthoid elephant Archidiskodon garutti Mashchenko, 2010, contrary to the stated provenance from the Sablya locality, actually comes from Novotroitskaya site lacking age control. The published diagnostic features of this form collectively based on the holotype and additional material with more advanced characters from the locality Sablya (MN17) have no biological and biostratigraphic significance. The Sablya elephant material shows a close correspondence to A. meridionalis gromovi from the Middle Villafranchian (MN17) Khapry faunas of the Lower Don area. The concept of A. m. gromovi as a primitive chronoform of the southern elephant is confirmed by the morphometric features and biostratigraphic position of the type material from Liventsovka and Khapry. Archidiskodon garutti, being an isolated find without external age control, can be regarded as a form of doubtful taxonomic position. This form (based solely on the holotype) shows primitive dental features and may be considered a junior synonym of “Mammuthus rumanus”. It does not in any way affect the validity of A. meridionalis gromovi.

Volume 315 (3), 2011

Date of publication — September 23, 2011

Pleistocene felidae (Mammalia, Carnivora) from the Kudaro Paleolithic sites in the Caucasus

The Kudaro Paleolithic site complex in Southern Ossetia includes five species of felids: Panthera onca gombaszoegensis, P. spelaea, P. pardus, Felis silvestris and possibly Lynx lynx. The fossil jaguar P. onca gombaszoegensis was identified from the lowest stratigraphic level of the Middle Pleistocene (Likhvian = Holsteinian Interglacial). Remains of P. pardus and Felis silvestris were recovered from all layers. Panthera spelaea and Lynx lynx represent northern migrants appeared there at the end of the Middle Pleistocene and Late Pleistocene respectively.

Crickets of the subfamily Phaloriinae (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) from Malacca, Sulawesi and Moluccas

Trellius (Protrellius) michaili sp. nov., T. (P.) helverseni tioman subsp. nov., T. (P.) elenae sp. nov. and Sumatloria juara sp. nov. from Malacca, Phaloria (Sulaweloria subgen. nov.) doloduo sp. nov., Ph. (Papuloria) lindu sp. nov., Tremellia minahassa sp. nov. and Strophiola tangkoko sp. nov. from Sulawesi, Ph. (P.) halmahera sp. nov., Ph. (P.) ternate sp. nov. and Pseudotrigonidium (Pseudotrigonidium) grigoriji sp. nov. from Molucca Islands (Halmahera I. and Ternate I.) are described. Distribution of this subfamily and of some its genera and subgenera is clarified.

A description of a new subspecies of rock lizard Darevskia brauneri myusserica ssp. nov. from the Western Transcaucasia (Abkhazia), with comments on systematics of Darevskia saxicola complex

The description of a new subspecies of rock lizards Darevskia saxicola complex, inhabited the territory of PitsundaMyussera Reserve and in the Gagra (Republic of Abkhazia) is given. Myussera lizard, Darevskia brauneri myusserica ssp. nov., differs from other taxa of the complex by the following combination of morphological characters: (1) large or very large masseteris scute; (2) interrupted series of ciliated grains between supraciliar and supraocular scutes; (3) presence of additional scutes lying on either side of occipital and interparietal scutes or splitting of the latter; (4) net color pattern on the back (in females fuzzy); (5) dominance of gray and light gray color in the coloration of the back of females; (6) white throat and belly. In addition, these subspecies differs by some peculiarities of biology: biotopical preference to coastal pebble conglomerates and a relatively low population size. Probably, the taxon was formed during the Pleistocene. Formation of the coastal plains of Pitsunda Peninsula by alluvial and marine accumulation in the Late Neopleistocene – Holocene divided the area of Myussera lizard into the Gagra and Myussera plots. This area is situated within the Black Sea refuge of Eastern Mediterranean species of herpetofauna.

Sensory organs of mesostigmatic mites (Acarina, Mesostigmata) dwelling in body cavities of mammals and birds

Receptors on palps and fore tarsi of Pneumonyssus simicola Banks, 1901, Raillietia auris and Raillietia sp. (Trouessart, 1902) (Mesostigmata: Halarachnidae), dwelling in lungs and ears of mammals, and of Sternostomoides turdi (Zumpt et Till, 1905) and Tinaminyssus sp. (Mesostigmata: Rhinonyssidae), dwelling in nasal cavities of birds, were examined in a scanning electron microscope. Morphological changes of sense organs, associated with adaptation to parasitizing in body cavities, are discussed.

Sexual size dimorphism in burrowing wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae)

This paper presents an overview of various aspects of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) in the Lycosidae, with particular emphasis on burrowing wolf spiders. Three species of the genus Zyuzicosa Logunov, 2010 exhibit pronounced SSD, having typical dwarf males that are half or less than half the size of females. It is argued that although the reported case of extreme SSD could reasonably be explained by the differential mortality model, understanding the evolutionary origin of extreme SSD in wolf spiders is better elucidated by examining life-history theory integrated with aspects of whole organism ontogeny.

Role of macro- and meiobenthos in the bottom communities of the inner Gulf of Finland

The role of macro- and meiobenthos in the bottom communities of the inner Gulf of Finland was studied under different environmental conditions. In the shallow areas above 20 m isobath so-called principle of biocoenotic compensation was observed, that is, increase of meiobenthos quantitative characteristics with macrobenthos impoverishment. This principle was violated in the deeper areas, where bottom communities were wiped out periodically because of hypoxicanoxic events. The deep-water communities characterized by very unstable structure. The both studied benthos components were adversely af fected by hypoxia. In the following recovery succession macrobenthic polychaetes Marenzelleria spp. got advantage, which able to colonized quickly vacant bottoms because of presence of plankton larvae. The meiobenthos was typified by slower recovery. Thus, in the open waters of the Gulf of Finland meiobenthos can not compensate disappearance or strong impoverishment of macrozoobenthos in the case of near-bottom hypoxia formation, which in the last years became a common phenomenon for the most part of area of this water body.

Remarks on the spider genus Clubiona Latreille, 1804 (Aranei: Clubionidae) of Mongolia

A brief review of the spider genus Clubiona from Mongolia is provided. C. yurii sp.n. (female) is described as new to science. C. falcata Tang, Song et Zhu, 2005 (male) is redescribed.

Larvae of midges and flies (Diptera) developing on common reed (Phragmites australis): review and key

A key and review are provided for the larvae of Diptera (35 species in 8 families) associated with common reed (Phragmites australis) in Europe. Separation of resources and ecological niches of species are discussed.

Morphological and mtDNA sequence studies searching for the roots of silver crucian carp Carassius gibelio (Cyprinidae) from ponds of Sergievka Park, Saint Petersburg, Russia

The roots of the silver crucian carp Carassius gibelio from ponds of Sergievka Park (Petergof, Saint Petersburg), were surveyed based on morphological and molecular (mitochondrial DNA sequences, control and cytochrome b regions) study of samples of this species, collected there in 1930-thies and 2008, in comparison with C. g. gibelio and C. gibelio subsp. M. collected from Kazakhstan. It is demonstrated, that the fish is most similar to C. gibelio gibelio morphologically. Their mitochondrial haplotypes were clustered with those of the Far Eastern populations such as the Amurian one. The result indicates that the silver crucian carp of Sergievka Park has been introduced originally from the Far East region.

Volume 315 (2), 2011

Date of publication — June 25, 2011

New Asiatic materials on turtles of the family Adocidae with a review of the Adocid record in Asia

This paper presents a review of all known records of turtles of the family Adocidae in Asia, including data from 88 localities. New records of adocids (cf. “Adocusorientalis, “Adocus” sp. indet. 1 & 2, Adocus sp. indet. 1–4, Shachemys ancestralis, Shachemys sp. indet. 1–5, Adocidae indet.) are described from 14 Cretaceous and Paleogene localities of China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Among them the records of Adocidae (“Adocus”) in the Oligocene of Kazakhstan and China are reported for the first time. Reassessment of the published records allows us to change taxonomic status of previous findings from 16 localities. The previously mentioned materials of “Adocusorientalis from the Upper Eocene of Mongolia are described in detail for the first time. Shineusemys plana and Adocoides amtgai are considered here as species of the genus Adocus, and Mlynarskiella mariani – as Shachemydinae indet.

Morphology of the genital structures in some species of the genus Dinothenarus Thomson, 1858 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae)

The structures of the genitalia of the representatives of the genus Dinothenarus Thomson, 1858 [D. pubescens (De Geer, 1774), D. flavocephalus (Goeze, 1777), D. arrosus (Eppelsheim, 1890) and D. sibiricus (Gebler, 1830)] are described. Topology, morphology and nomenclature of some structures (spermatheca, vagina, penis tube, endophallus and their components) are specified. The homology of these structures is discussed.

Archaeozoological analysis of the osteological material from the Neolithic pile dwellings in the Dvina–Lovat area: economy and ecology

The faunistic material from several Neolithic sites in the Dvina–Lovat Area (Serteya II, VIII, X, XI, RudnyaSerteya, Dubokrai V, VII, Naumovo [layers A and B], and Usvyaty IV [layers A, B and α]) was studied. As shown by the animal remains, the subsistence of the early Neolithic settlements of North-Western Russia was based on hunting supplemented by fishing. Large ungulates constituted the preferred hunting prey, followed by fur animals. During the Middle and Late Neolithic the climate became cooler and drier, and the coniferous forests gradually replaced the mixed broad-leaved ones. The appearance of domesticates, the horse and cattle, was the most important feature in the sites of the mid-third millennium BC. The analysis of the osteological material leaves one in no doubt that the Neolithic pile dwellings were inhabited perennially. The occurrence of animal remains procured in the winter and summer proves that these were sedentary and not seasonal settlements.

Review of the European species of the genus Gelanes Horstmann (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Tersilochinae), parasitoids of xyelid sawflies (Hymenoptera: Xyelidae)

Twelve species of the genus Gelanes occur in Europe. Six of them are described in this paper: G. altenhoferi sp. nov., G. alternus sp. nov., G. carinatus sp. nov., G. clavulatus sp. nov., G. flagellatus sp. nov., and G. graecus sp. nov. Gelanes cuspidatus Khalaim is recorded from Europe for the first time. New data on distribution of other species in Europe are provided. A key to the twelve European species of Gelanes is given. New host records and plant associations are ascertained for ten species of Gelanes; all these species are parasitoids of Xyela larvae developing in staminate pine cones.

A new genus and species of basal salamanders from the Middle Jurassic of Western Siberia, Russia

A new basal stem salamander, Urupia monstrosa gen. et sp. nov., is described based on an atlantal centrum (holotype), fragments of trunk vertebrae, and some associated elements (fragmentary dentaries and a femur) from the Middle Jurassic (Bathonian) Itat Formation of Krasnoyarsk Territory in Western Siberia, Russia. The new taxon is characterized by the following combination of characters: lack of the spinal nerve foramina in the atlas, presence atlantal transverse processes and a deep depression on the ventral surface of the atlas; lateral surface of anterior part of the dentary is sculptured by oval and rounded pits; very short diaphyseal part of femur. The absence of intercotylar tubercle on the atlas and presence of atlantal transverse processes support for neotenic nature of Urupia monstrosa gen. et sp. nov. Large size, presence of sculpture on vertebrae, and the absence of spinal nerve foramina in the atlas suggest that Urupia monstrosa gen. et sp. nov. is a stem group salamander. The phylogenetic relationships of Urupia monstrosa gen. et sp. nov. with other stem group salamanders cannot be established on the available material.

Crickets of the subfamily Pteroplistinae (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) from Malacca

Two new species of Pteroplistinae (Kerinciola tabulophila sp. nov. and Changiola pahangi sp. nov.) from Malaysian part of Malacca are described. Tembelingiola plana Gorochov, 2004 is firstly recorded for mountain part of this peninsula.

New material and phylogenetic position of Aidachar paludalis Nesov, 1981 (Actinopterygii, Ichthyodectiformes) from the Late Cretaceous of Uzbekistan

Aidachar paludalis Nesov, 1981 from the Upper Cretaceous (Turonian) Bissekty Formation of Uzbekistan is referable to the teleost order Ichthyodectiformes by combination of the following diagnostic characters: large and massive intercalar, forming part of the hyomandibular facet and a canal for the jugular vein; deep premaxillamaxilla attachment; deep dentary symphysis; angled coronoid process of the dentary; teeth forming a single series in the jaws. It shares a unique character with Aidachar pankowskii (Forey et Cavin, 2007), comb. nov., from the Cenomanian of Morocco: hyomandibular facet clearly divided into two parts.

Volume 315 (1), 2011

Date of publication — March 30, 2011

Digestive system of the Laotian rock rat Laonastes aenigmamus (Rodentia: Diatomyidae) from the evolutionary viewpoint

A preliminary study of the gastrointestinal tract of Laonastes aenigmamus Jenkins et al., 2005 has been carried out. We have revealed that Laonastes is the smallest folivorous mammal with the enlarged forestomach, which is similar to that of certain herbivorous marsupials. The stomach of this rodent contains 70% of the digesta and performs the main role in storing and digesting of plant foods. Laonastes is a unique rodent having such the digestive system, and its herbivory is confirmed by the enlarged ampulla duodeni, small dimensions of the hindstomach (pars pylorica), the absence of vesica fellea, the presence of colon spiral loops, the well-developed lymphoid tissue of stomach, and the gut mass making up to 25–27% of the entire body mass. Such the gastrointestinal tract might have evolved as a result of a general digestive strategy of the foregut mammals that inhabited tropical forests in the Miocene. This strategy involved an adaptation to the nutrition on leaves of tropical dycots which apparently contributed to the convergent evolution of the digestive system in different folivorous mammals.

Feather mites of the genus Pandalura Hull (Astigmata: Psoroptidae) from owls and caprimulgiforms

Two new species of the feather mite genus Pandalura Hull, 1934 (Psoroptoididae: Pandalurinae) are described for the first time from birds of the order Caprimulgiformes: Pandalura oconnori sp. n. from Steatornis caripensis Humboldt, 1817 (Steatornithidae), and Pandalura podargi sp. nov. from Podargus strigoides (Latham, 1802) (Podargidae). Two previously described species of this genus from owls (Strigiformes: Strigidae) are redescribed based on materials from corresponding type hosts: P. strigisoti (Buchholz, 1869) from Asio otus (Linnaeus, 1758), and P. cirrata (Muller, 1860) comb nov. from Bubo bubo (Linnaeus, 1758). An improved diagnosis of the genus Pandalura and a key to known species are provided.

Turtles of the genus Ferganemys Nessov et Khosatzky, 1977 (Adocidae): shell morphology and phylogenetic position

This paper describes the morphology and variation of the shell in turtles of the genus Ferganemys Nessov et Khosatzky, 1977 (Adocidae). Ferganemys itemirensis Nessov, 1981 is described in detail for the first time based on previously published and new material (more than 400 isolated shell plates) from the Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian) of Uzbekistan. New diagnoses and shell reconstructions for two species of Ferganemys are given. Inclusion of new observations of Ferganemys into a phylogenetic analysis of Adocusia (the clade uniting Adocidae and Nanhsiungchelyidae) does not support the monophyly of this genus, but rather suggests that Ferganemys species form a polytomy with the Shachemys clade.

Spatial and temporal aspects of the relationships between Latibulus argiolus (Rossi) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) parasitoid and the resocial host wasp Polistes nimpha (Christ) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

The observations have shown that under the conditions of the Proval‘skaya steppe of the Lugansk nature reserve females of the first generation of parasitoid Latibulus argiolus display a behavioral response to the distribution of the host, the resocial wasp Polistes nimpha. L. argiolus females concentrate their searching activity on the sites with a high host colony density, and their distribution depends on the nest size. When the parasitoid number increases, they start parasitizing the host earlier, sometimes even before worker emergence. The density-dependent behavioral response observed in the nature is conditioned in the first place by the influence of the numerical response component since when the parasitoid number increases, they start parasitizing the host earlier, sometimes even before worker emergence.

Redescription of the Himalaian Pardosa flavisterna Caporiacco, 1935 (Aranei: Lycosidae) with notes of the Pardosa nebulosa species-group

Pardosa flavisterna Caporiacco, 1935 from Karakoram, a species known by the original description only, is redescribed on the basis of syntypes and new material collected in Pakistan and India. P. flavisterna belongs to the P. nebulosa species-group, which has over 60 species. An updated diagnosis is provided for this species group and its position within Pardosa is briefly discussed.

North and Central American species of the genus Flacopimpla Cauld (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimilinae), with description of a new species from Mexico

Five species of the genus Flacopimpla Gauld occur in North and Central America. Two species are known from the USA and Canada, F. kasparyani sp. nov. is described from north-eastern Mexico in this paper, and two species occur in Costa Rica. A key to the five species of Flacopimpla of North and Central America is provided.

Growth model of juvenile Red king crab in the Barents Sea

Parameters of the growth model in juvenile red king crabs were determined for the first time on the base of analysis size-at-age data obtained for the crabs collected in Dalnezelenetskaya Bay (Eastern Murman, Barents Sea) in the summer period, 2002–2010. Growth of immature individuals is described by the Gompertz equation with the intrinsic growth rate 0.630. Size of juvenile crabs (carapace width) at the age 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years was estimated to be 1.4, 10.7, 31.9, 57.0, 77.6 and 91.6 mm, respectively. Growth rates in early juveniles in the area studied were higher than in Bristol Bay (Bering Sea) and lower than near Unalaska Island (Pacific ocean) due to differences in water temperature of these sites.

A new species of the weevil genus Sitona Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from Mt. Hermon in Israel

A new species of the weevil genus Sitona Germar, 1817 (Sitona volkovitshi sp. nov.) is described from Mt. Hermon in Israel.

The raptors (Falconiformes) of Kharkov city: features of ecology and interspecific relations

Twelve species of raptors from the families of Accipitridae and Falconidae were registered in the Kharkov city and its suburb; among them 8 species were registered during breeding season. Peregrine falcon, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk and Merlin spend the winter in the city regularly. Most common breeding raptors in the city are Common Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Goshawk. These species prefer urban quarters for the hunting even near agriculture landscapes. The raptors find rich forage reserve within the limits of the city, mainly synanthropic birds and rodents. It has been ascertained that activity time of birds is a niche difference. Decrease of interference competition and antagonism between different species and age/sex groups of raptors is the result of the difference in the tactics and the time of hunting as well as the selectivity of prey.

 

 

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