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We present the first faunal analysis of the ants (Formicidae) of the Kingdom of Bahrain (Bahrain), an island nation in the Arabian Gulf. We document a total of 35 ant species based on published, unpublished and new specimen records, including 26 presumed native species and nine non-native tramp species. The native fauna was predominantly of Palaearctic origin, with a few Afrotropical species. A new species of the genus Lepisiota Santschi, 1926, L. bahrainensissp. n., is described and illustrated based on the worker caste. Habitat suitability modelling of the ant fauna of Bahrain was generated using a total of 157 recorded points against the panel of 19 bioclimatic factors. We used Maxent software to generate the final map which indicates a significantly high and excellent habitat suitability of species on the northern part of the country and high suitability on the eastern coasts. Our results show that the mean temperature of the driest season is the most effective parameter in modelling the distribution, and we present interpretations of the very low habitat suitability in the extremely arid desert in the southern regions of the main island. Finally, we present ecological and biological remarks and distribution maps for each species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper records six species and five genera of mites in the family Laelapidae from soil in Punjab, Pakistan. Five species are recorded from Pakistan for the first time – Euandrolaelaps karawaiewi (Berlese, 1904), Gaeolaelaps minor (Costa, 1968), Gymnolaelaps kabitae Bhattacharyya, 1968, Ololaelaps translineatus (Barilo, 1991), and Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Womersley, 1956). Cosmolaelaps lutosus sp. nov. is described as a new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-four species of oribatid mites (Oribatida), belonging to 29 genera and 14 families, were collected from Saona Island, Southeast Dominican Republic. A new species of the genus Pergalumna—P. (Pergalumna) saonaensis sp. nov.—is described from leaf litter of the mixed forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study reports four new records of phytoseiid mites from the Indian subcontinent. Detailed description of all the four species viz., Cydnoseius negevi (Swirski & Amitai), Gynaeseius liturivorus (Ehara), Okiseius subtropicus Ehara, and Phytoseius haroldi Ueckermann & Kreiter is provided in this paper along with illustrations and comparison of specimens collected in the present study with those of the previous reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is based on oribatid mite material collected from litter of the riparian mixed forest in the Hicacos Peninsula, northern Cuba. A list of 26 species, belonging to 23 genera and 15 families, is presented; of these, one genus and three species are reported for the first time for Cuban fauna. Two new species – Eremulus hicacosensis sp. nov. (Eremulidae) and Suctobelbella (Flagrosuctobelba) matanzasensis sp. nov. (Suctobelbidae) – are described. Identification keys to the known species of Eremulus and Suctobelbella (Flagrosuctobelba) from the Neotropical region are provided.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:2F4E8CE0-49AE-400B-BF0E-E9640C521E3E [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is based on oribatid mite material collected from litter in highlands bamboo location in Bale Mountains National Park, Southeastern Ethiopia. A list of 35 species belonging to 27 genera and 19 families is presented; of these, Nothrus berlesei and Dolicheremaeus capillatus neonominatus are recorded in Ethiopia for the first time. Two new species—Coronabelba pustulata Ermilov sp. nov. and Suctobelbila quattuor Ermilov sp. nov.—are described. Coronabelba pustulata differs from the other congeneric species by the presence of densely tuberculate dorsal part of the notogaster, bordered by two longitudinal ridges. Suctobelbila quattuor differs from the other congeneric species by the presence of four longitudinal cerotegumental bands represented by sparse granules connected by cerotegumental cords on the notogaster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Understanding the diversity, distribution, and ecological roles of leaf-mining Lepidoptera across different biomes is both intriguing and important for advancing our knowledge of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Despite extensive studies on leaf-mining Nepticulidae in tropical environments, no one had previously explored trapping in completely dry deciduous forests, especially during the peak of the dry season when trees are bare and even grass is dried out. This paper reveals an unexpected and astonishing abundance of minuscule plant-mining Nepticulidae moths in such dry deciduous forests. Our study ecoregion, the tropical dry forests of Honduras, includes the Pacific coastal lowlands and premontane areas extending into low-altitude regions further inland, known for their rich biodiversity and high levels of endemism. In these tropical dry forests, we identified five species of pygmy moths belonging to the genus Acalyptris Meyrick, including three new species. These moths are characterized by their distinctive grey coloration and exceptionally small size, classified as "extremely small". Despite their similarities, they exhibit significant differences in genital structures and molecular profiles, indicating distinct species groups. Our research also uncovered novel atypical morphological traits in Nepticulidae from this ecoregion. These findings highlight the unique and highly specific nature of the Nepticulidae fauna in tropical dry forests. A key question arises regarding the presence of Nepticulidae adults during the dry season: could they be mining plant bark instead of leaves? This paper aims to stimulate further exploration of micromoths in other tropical dry forests, which, despite their limited and fragmented distribution, are found not only in Central America but also in other regions worldwide. Our investigation centered on the tropical dry forests along the Pacific coast of Honduras, aiming to elucidate the presence and abundance of minuscule grey moths during the dry season. Through specimen dissections and the taxonomic identification of the collected material, we have described three new species: Acalyptris podenasi sp. nov., A. palpiformis sp. nov., and A. tortoris sp. nov. Additionally, we documented two species previously known from neighboring countries, A. lascuevella Puplesis & Robinson and A. basicornis Remeikis & Stonis. The females of A. lascuevella were previously unknown and are documented here for the first time. Morphological examinations were complemented by DNA barcoding, particularly highlighting variation in A. lascuevella. The paper's primary significance lies not only in the description of new species but also in uncovering their taxonomic, morphological, and molecular importance. We found that these species are unique and indicative of the previously unstudied dry forests as a distinct ecosystem. Our findings revealed several novel atypical morphological traits within the studied Nepticulidae, including unusually large signum cells in the female genitalia, a dorso-ventrally divided uncus, and asymmetrical valvae in the male genitalia. These discoveries underscore the morphological diversity of Acalyptris Meyrick and their significance in evolutionary biology. Consequently, the paper addresses a previously unknown phenomenon of the occurrence and astonishing abundance of minuscule plant-mining micromoths in dry deciduous forests during the peak of the dry season. We hope that this paper will encourage Lepidoptera taxonomists to explore micromoths in other tropical dry forests, which, while limited in distribution, hold global importance. The paper is extensively illustrated with photographs of Acalyptris adults and their genitalia, along with maps, habitats, and molecular phylogenetic trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nature reserve of Bec du Feyi near Wibrin has been the object of protection and nature conservation management measures for over 30 years to ensure its perennity. The reserve consists mainly of a mosaic of hay meadows, marshes, ponds, aquatic environments and old clear-cuts in the process of recolonization. The manager shares his thoughts on the evolution of nature through the various environments and habitats that make up this natural site, based on the impact of management actions, but also based on the influence of the numerous factors affecting the local environment and, more broadly, climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is relative agreement among many prehistorians that surpluses were an essential factor in the creation of socioeconomic inequalities and that storage was often an important aspect of surplus accumulation per Testart (Les chasseurs-cueilleurs ou l'origine des inégalités 1982a), Testart (Current Anthropology, 23, 523–537, 1982b). However, there is little agreement concerning the existence of large-scale kills, storage, surpluses, or inequalities in the deeply incised river valleys of the Southwestern French Upper Paleolithic. We present observations from a number of studies indicating that there were likely large-scale reindeer kills with substantial amounts of meat being filleted, dried, and stored, as well as indications of surpluses that could have resulted in inequalities. We rely on ethnographic observations among the Inuit concerning hunting, butchering, and filleting of meat for drying, as well as on ethnographic patterns of storage, taphonomic observations about bone discard of these activities, the importance of cut marks, and the behavior of reindeer. A critical distinction is made between the treatment of bones from individually killed animals versus the treatment of bones from large-scale kills. We also consider the implications for storage and surpluses of logistical hunting/gathering patterns, relative sedentism, and skeletal indications of heavy reliance on stored meat. On balance, we conclude that these indications favor the existence of mass kills, storage, and surpluses in certain areas of Southwestern France in the Upper Paleolithic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tachinid flies (Diptera) and their host species have been studied in the corn and sugar beet fields of Kermanshah and Hamedan provinces from 2022 to 2023. The infested plants by caterpillars were collected in order to rear the larvae at the laboratory. In this study, six species of parasitoids were identified of which Drino imberbis (Wiedemann, 1830), Linnaemya neavei Curran, 1934 and Pseudogonia rufifrons (Wiedemann, 1830) parasitize the larval stages of Leucania loreyi (Duponchel, 1827) in corn fields. The species D. imberbis is newly reported here as a parasitoid of L. loreyi in Iran. The tachinid Voria ruralis (Fallén, 1810) is the first world recorded parasitoid of larval stages of Sesamia cretica Lederer, 1857. Furthermore, Periscepsia carbonaria (Panzer, 1797) and an undetermined Tachina sp. were discovered to parasitize the larvae of Agrotis segetum (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) and Spodoptera exigua (Hübner, [1808]), respectively, in sugar beet fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caddisfly larvae are aquatic insects that play a crucial role in the diverse ecological functions of river ecosystems. In this study, the authors document the caddisfly fauna in northwest Hunan from 2017 to 2022, presenting a checklist for Hunan Province. Prior to this research, only 22 caddisfly species were known in this region. Our collections revealed 73 species, including 67 new records for the province. Descriptions and illustrations of seven new species, Chimarra ventriserrata n. sp., Wormaldia shapingensis n. sp., Psychomyia longispina n. sp., Psychomyia paralonga n. sp., Oecetis unguiculata n. sp., Anisocentropus rotundatus n. sp., Agapetus aries n. sp., along with two noteworthy known species, Diplectrona cf. Kallirrhoe Malicky 2002 and Wormaldia unispina Sun, 1998 are provided. This elevates the total caddisfly fauna in Hunan Province to 89 species, surpassing the previous record fourfold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is based on oribatid mite materials collected from Arsi Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, in 2021. A list of 43 species, belonging to 29 genera and 22 families, is presented; of these, three species (Scutovertex evansi, Scheloribates rugiceps and Pilogalumna arabica) are reported for the first time in the Ethiopian fauna. One new species—Antarctozetes behanpelletierae Ermilov sp. nov. (Punctoribatidae) – is described. An identification key to the known species of Antarctozetes from the Afrotropical region is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Typhlodromips coniferaphilussp. nov., is described and illustrated based on females collected from various conifers in the Altai Republic and Sakhalin Island, Russia. Moreover, a complementary description of T. quaesitus (Wainstein & Beglyarov) is provided based on females and males collected from various angiosperm plants in the Sakhalin Island, Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) from anthropogenic sources have become ubiquitous in the environment. International guidelines have been set by expert scientific bodies to protect human health from excessive exposure. There are no specifically established exposure guidelines to protect plants and animals. A previous systematic map identified 334 studies investigating the effects of RF EMF exposure from anthropogenic sources on animals and plants. This study aimed to analyse the effect of RF EMF and its relationship to different exposure parameters and the quality of those studies. Statistically significant inverse relationships were found between effect size and exposure-level parameters for studies investigating effects in animals. The results indicated that quality score is more indicative of the magnitude of the effect size than exposure-level parameters or exposure duration. This highlights the need for further, high-quality research on the effects of RF EMF exposure on plants and animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is based on oribatid mite material collected from five locations in Eastern Guatemala. A list of 98 species, belonging to 68 genera and 43 families, is presented; 70 species are recorded for the first time in Guatemalan fauna. A new species of genus Pergalumna, P. paraobsidiana sp. nov. is described from rainforest litter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is based on oribatid mite materials collected from the Gambela region, Ethiopia. A list of 41 species, belonging to 30 genera and 20 families, is presented. One new species Scheloribates (Scheloribates) aboboensis Ermilov sp. nov. (Scheloribatidae) is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aeolothrips kishensis sp. n. is described. Thrips diversity in Iran is briefly discussed and a list of 47 species and nine genera described and recorded during 2018 to 2024 is prepared. Diagnostic characters and illustrations for the new species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we provide additional data on the orb-weaver spider fauna (Araneae: Araneidae) of Kosovo. Three species are reported for the first time from this country: Araneus grossus (C.L. Koch, 1844), Argiope lobata (Pallas, 1772) and Cyclosa oculata (Walckenaer, 1802). In consideration of the findings and the updated checklist of Araneidae in this study, the documented number of spider species in Kosovo has now increased to 251. Given that the spider fauna of Kosovo is still not fully explored, our study emphasizes the necessity of ongoing exploration to better comprehend the diversity of spider species within the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of the subfamily Diplazontinae (Hym.: Ichneumonidae) were studied in West Azarbaijan province (Northwest of Iran). The specimens were collected using Malaise traps, during 2019-2020. Five species belonging to three genera were collected and identified. One species, Homotropus riedeli Johansson, 2020 was a new record for Iran as well as Asia. The distribution range of this species extends from Sweden to the north-west of Iran. A checklist is being compiled for 27 known Iranian species of this subfamily. In addition, a distribution map based on the recorded areas for each species within the Iranian provinces has been provided. We proposed a new direction for future biodiversity inventories of this subfamily in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphids constitute a significant cohort of herbivorous insects, primarily nourishing themselves by extracting plant sap, sometimes posing a notable threat to plant health. Here, we present a comprehensive investigation into the aphid fauna associated with Carthamus in Iran, unveiling 18 species across 11 genera within the Aphididae. Furthermore, 31 associations between aphid species and host plants were recognized, of which two are new for Iran. Our study expands upon prior knowledge by documenting three new occurrences, shedding light on previously unrecorded aphid species in Isfahan and Razavi Khorasan provinces. In addition, we describe the previously unknown male of Uroleucon carthami, offering insights into its life cycle and reproductive strategies. An identification key to the apterous viviparous female aphids living on Carthamus in Iran is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scorpion stings are the major public health problem related to arthropods in tropical and subtropical areas of Iran. The study aimed to determine the species diversity and geographical distribution of scorpions in southern regions of Kerman province, Iran. The descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2019 to November 2021 in the south of Kerman province. The specimens were collected by rock rolling method using long forceps during the day and UV light during the night. The specimens were put in containers containing 80% ethanol, transported to the laboratory, identified using valid taxonomic keys, and studied their sexes. A total of 126 scorpions were collected from 2 families, 7 genera, and 10 species including Hemiscorpius acanthocercus (2.2%), H. enischnochela (0.4%), Androctonus crassicauda (56.1%), Mesobuthus kirmanensis (29%), Odontobuthus baluchicus (3.5%), Hottentotta navidpouri (2.2%), Ho. sistanensis (2.2%), Orthochirus hormozganensis (1.3%), O. kucerai (0.9%) and Sassanidotus gracilis (1.3%). Mesobuthus kirmanensis were reported as dominant species. H. navidpouri, H. sistanensis, O. baluchicus, and O. hormozganensis are reported for the first time from Kerman province. Androctonus crassicauda, H. acanthocercus and H. enischnochela are known as dangerous species and could enhance the potential risk of scorpion stings deaths, especially in children. The fauna and geographical distribution of scorpions in the southeast of Iran showed the presence of suitable habitats for scorpions and can be a warning to the health care system. Identification of dangerous species and their range of distribution can be comprehensive and valuable guides to reducing the exposure of scorpions in high-risk areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ant species diversity in tropical Asia has been investigated in several locations, however, these studies mainly focused on well preserved forests or plantations. The ant fauna in urban parks has only been investigated in a limited number of locations in Singapore, Hong Kong, Macao, and Indonesia. We investigated the ant fauna in the Purwodadi Botanical Gardens, East Java, and compared it to the ant fauna obtained in the Bogor Botanical Gardens. In the Purwodadi Botanical Gardens, we employed the following sampling methods that were also carried out in Bogor: (1) visual searching of ants on tree trunks, (2) visual searching of litter and top-soil ants by hand sifting (3) visual searching of ant colonies, (4) visual searching of foraging workers. In total, 109 species in 44 genera from 9 subfamilies were collected. The number of species collected from litter and soil in Purwodadi was remarkably smaller than that in Bogor, while the ant species diversity on tree trunks was similar to that of Bogor. Of the 109 species, 68 were common to Bogor. Arboreal ants were more similar than ground ants between Bogor and Purwodadi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study represents the first investigation of the seasonal dynamics and species diversity of Drosophilidae in Moscow, Russia, from 2021 to 2023. Traps were placed on the ground under trees to collect the specimens. Among the collected species, Drosophila obscura Fll., D. phalerata Mg., and D. testacea Roser were the most abundant. Peaks in the abundance of drosophilids varied between years, but the lowest abundance was always observed in May. In 2022, the highest number of flies was collected (9604 specimens), and the highest species diversity (33 species) was recorded. The effects of temperature and precipitation on the species abundance and community diversity indices are evident during the preimaginal developmental stages of drosophila. The insect fauna of natural parks in large cities has not been sufficiently studied in Russia. This study represents the first investigation of the seasonal dynamics and species diversity of Drosophilidae in Moscow city. Traps with fermenting liquid were placed on the ground under trees to collect flies from four natural park sites between early May and late September from 2021 to 2023. A total of 26,420 individuals belonging to 11 genera and 33 drosophilid species were identified, with 21 species from 6 genera being new to the fauna of Moscow. Drosophila obscura Fll., D. phalerata Mg., and D. testacea Roser were the most abundant species in the traps. Peaks in the abundance of drosophilids varied between years, but the lowest abundance was always observed in May. In 2022, the highest number of flies was collected (9604 specimens), with slightly fewer in 2023 (8496 specimens), and even fewer in 2021 (8320 specimens). In 2022, the highest species diversity of drosophilids was also recorded—33 species—while 28 species were found in both 2021 and 2023. The high variability in the abundance of individual drosophila species obscures the differences between the studied years due to the effects of the "Month" and "Site" factors. The diversity metrics exhibit similar patterns among drosophila communities inhabiting comparable biotopes. Specific climatic factors, such as the temperature and precipitation, impact the species abundance and community diversity indices primarily through their effects on the preimaginal stages of drosophila development. For several species, the population dynamics in the spring, post-hibernation, are influenced by the conditions preceding winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is based on oribatid mite material collected from three localities in Madagascar. A list of 26 species, belonging to 18 genera and 14 families, is presented; of these, six species are reported for the first time from Madagascar. Two new species – Zetorchestes saltipessp. nov. (Zetorchestidae) and Scheloribates (Scheloribates) erectisensillussp. nov. (Scheloribatidae) – are described from forest leaf litter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species list of Dytiscidae of Iran has been composed using recently studied material and all literature data known to us. We report 139 species of Iranian diving beetles including one Dytiscus species of uncertain taxonomic position. Two species, Agabus amoenus Solsky, 1874 and Copelatus pulchellus (Klug, 1834) are recorded for the first time from Iran. For 57 species, new provincial records are provided. Twenty-two species and one genus have been excluded from the Iranian diving beetle fauna as based on misidentifications. The distributional pattern in Iran and preferred habitat (if available) are summarised for each species and discussed in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bombyliidae, a large Dipteran family, includes over 5380 species globally. Adults are frequently the primary pollinators of a wide variety of flowering plants, and larvae are predators of other holometabolous insects' immature stages. While 50 species of the family have been recorded in the UAE, a comparison with recent studies in neighboring countries suggests that this number underestimates the true diversity of Bombylliid fauna in the UAE. Results: In the present study, eleven species, classified in nine genera, five tribes, and three subfamilies are added to the UAE's bombyliid fauna for the first time. These species are Geron (Geron) gibbosus (Olivier, 1789) [subfamily Toxophorinae], Heterotropus aegyptiacus Paramonov, 1929, H. bisglaucus Bezzi, 1925 [subfamily Heterotropinae], Anthrax dentatus (Becker, 1906), A. zohrayensis El‐Hawagry, 2002, Satyramoeba bipunctata (Fabricius, 1805), Spogostylum incisurale (Macquart, 1840), Heteralonia (Zygodipla) submucorea Greathead, 1980, Exhyalanthrax triangularis (Bezzi, 1924), Petrorossia letho (Wiedemann, 1828), and Xeramoeba near salwae El Hawagry, 2001 [subfamily Anthracinae]. Three of the genera, Geron, Heterotropus and Satyramoeba, and two of the subfamilies, Toxophorinae and Heterotropinae, are recorded for the first time in the UAE. Distributions, diagnoses, remarks on feeding habits and photographs of recorded species are provided. Conclusion: The present study adds eleven species to the UAE's bombyliid fauna, classified in nine genera, five tribes, and three subfamilies. This boosts the overall recorded number of bombyliid species in the UAE to 61 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aleuroclava canangae (Corbett, 1935) was discovered on an ornamental Coleus species in Kerala, India, and represents the first occurrence of this species in India and on this plant host. The species is redescribed and illustrations of the puparium and adult males and females are provided along with morphometric data. A molecular analysis of the species using the COI gene was conducted to characterise it, determine its genetic lineage and compare it to seven other species of Aleuroclava Singh, 1931 and those of other whitefly genera. Results of the DNA analysis indicate that A. canangae forms a clade with Aleuroclava indica (Singh, 1932) which also has two pairs of very elongate, tuberculate setae which appear two-jointed because they have a wider basal part separated from a long slender apical part by a fine suture. The Aleuroclava canangae species group is established and an illustrated key is provided for the 12 species in the group, all of which were once placed in the genus Martiniella Jesudasan and David, 1990, now a synonym of Aleuroclava. The molecular analysis indicates that A. psidii (Singh, 1931), A. guyavae (Takahashi, 1932), A. montanus (Takahashi, 1939) and A. gordoniae (Takahashi, 1932) form a clade within the genus Aleuroclava and share similar morphological characters. Based on the results of the molecular and morphological analyses, Aleurothrixus trachoides (Back, 1912) is transferred back to Aleurotrachelus trachoides (Back, 1912) based on its morphology and the results of the DNA analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Heterostigmatic mites from the family Microdispidae, Premicrodispus (Premicrodispus) abani Rahiminejad & Majidi sp. n., is described and illustrated based on female individuals recovered from macro-fungi, Trichaptum sp. (Fungi: Polyporales), in forestry areas of Gorgan, northern Iran. Additionally, distributional records of four pygmephoroid species belonging to Pediculaster Vitzthum, 1931, Metapygmephorellus Rahiminejad, Hajiqanbar & Khaustov, 2015, and Krczaldania Sasa, 1961 genera are reported from various mushrooms over the sampling region. All the fungi, including Trichaptum sp. (Polyporales), Psathyrella sp., and Pleurotus sp. (Fungi: Agaricales), are recorded for the first time as hosts of Heterostigmata. Moreover, Pediculaster sklarii Sevastianov & Chydyrov, 1994 and P. amerahae Sevastianov & Abo-korah, 1984, are recorded for the first time in the arthropod fauna of Iran. Eventually, an overview of heterostigmatic mites associated with macro-fungi, as well as their host range and distribution, has been provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, the faunal complexes of helminths of waterbirds in the Aidar-Arnasay system of lakes in Uzbekistan were studied. The material for this work was collections of parasitic worms of waterbirds obtained during the hunting seasons of 2020-2023. Using parasitological dissection, 326 bird individuals belonging to 31 species and 6 orders (Grebes, Copepods, Flamingiformes, Anseriformes, Craniformes and Charadariformes) were studied. The features of the distribution and ecology of helminths of the studied groups of birds are considered. In total, 79 species of parasites have been registered in the Aidar-Arnasay lake system. Of these, 29 species belong to the class Cestoda, the class Trematoda is represented by 27 species, the class Acanthocephala - by 3 species and the class Nematoda - by 20 species, which are indicated for the study area for the first time. Original data on the structure of the helminth fauna of 6 orders of waterfowl and wading birds are presented. Various routes of transmission of helminths to their hosts, birds, and methods of circulation of the invasion have been elucidated. The life cycles of most species of helminths noted by us involve intermediate (first and second) and reservoir hosts - invertebrate and vertebrate animals. The dietary choices of individual waterbird orders play a significant role in determining the types of parasitic worms that infect them, and are the primary factor in shaping their overall worm population. These processes undeniably take place within a specific timeframe and location, closely regulated by environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation biological controls utilizing native natural enemies need to comprehend the natural enemy fauna in the area. While green lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) are an important group of natural enemies in agriculture, their distribution remains unclear in Japan, particularly in the Nansei Islands. This study reports newly recorded green lacewing species found in the Nansei Islands, and summarizes the distribution information of lacewing species. Four species were newly recorded from the Amami Islands, 2 from the Okinawa Islands, 5 from the Miyako Islands, 2 from the Yaeyama Islands, and 4 from the Daito Islands. A total of 25 species of green lacewings were recognized including one species newly found in the Nansei Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dating between 1450 CE and 1650 CE, Huber (11CK1) is the type site for the Upper Mississippian Huber phase identified in the western Great Lakes region. Occupied at a critical time in American Indian history, this late precontact village contains some of the earliest European trade goods found in Illinois. The site was briefly investigated in 1929 and again in 1957, but since then it was thought to have been virtually destroyed by looting and urban development. Recent field investigations by the Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS), completed between 2017 and 2020, confirm that large portions of the site remain intact and preserved on public lands and adjacent residential yards. Discoveries include house basins, possible ridged field structures, well-preserved organics, ceramics, chipped- and ground-stone tools, and additional trade items. New analyses of cupreous materials recovered from 11CK1, as well as other Huber phase sites in the region, better identify relationships between sixteenth- and early seventeenth-century Huber peoples and (1) earlier occupations in the area, such as Fisher, (2) potentially contemporaneous Indigenous communities, such as Langford or Oneota, and (3) European peoples and trade goods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excavations at the Joe Louis site (11CK284) in northeastern Illinois provide insight into village life along the Little Calumet River between the mid-fourteenth and late fifteenth centuries AD. In addition to evidence for their horticultural and other subsistence activities, the assemblage shows that site occupants were making stone tools and pottery, processing hides, making clothing, and possibly producing bird-wing fans. Structured deposits of bone and antler hoes, mussel shell, and specific plant and animal remains document the relational entanglements of the site's occupants, both human and otherwise. Given the geographically central location of the site at the margins of two major cultural areas (Oneota and Fort Ancient), as well as the overlapping boundaries with Langford and Huber peoples, Joe Louis villagers may have been actively negotiating social networks and identities through their material products as well as ritual gatherings. These negotiations may have enabled and encouraged coalescent occupations (Langford and Fisher, Fisher and Huber) at other sites in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Darkling beetles cause economic damage to several agricultural crops due to their common prevalence. This study has been designed because still no detailed study has been carried out on this topic in Sindh, Pakistan. This research has been done to investigate the distribution, diversity and taxonomic status of two sub-families Tenebrioninae (Latreille, 1802) and Pimeliinae (Latreille, 1802) of family Tenebrionidae. Methods: Species of subfamily Tenebrioninae and Pimeliinae were collected from the different parts of lower Sindh with the help of pitfall trap, light trap and hand-picking methods from 2018 to 2020. The most sources of collection for these species were the soil surface of diverse ranches, beneath the shaken and mountain regions, the stockpiles area/godown and the soil surface of the Wilderness range. Result: During the present study 300 individuals of Tenebrionidae were accumulated and classified into two subfamilies: Pimeliinae which consisted of Pimelia capito and Trachyderma phalistinia species and Tenebrioninae which consisted of Uloma excise and Aphitobius diaperinus species. However, Pimelia capito and Trachyderma phalistinia were recorded as new records for the first time from Sindh province. It has been observed that several of the larger species were flightless and unable to do high flight. i.e., Ulomo excise. However, this object is under inspection and requires further research in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The name of the Los Perros river alludes to the once abundance of otters in its bed. However, in the last six decades there are few systematic records and the information obtained between collaborators from different communities seemed to confirm the disappearance of the Neotropical otter in said ecosystem. In order to know the current status of the species in the area, from June 1 to 6, 2023, tours were carried out to obtain data that would allow evaluating and relating the characteristics and quality of the habitat with respect to its population abundance. At different points and covering almost nine kilometers, the track and photo-trapping records resulted in obtaining 84 excreta and 5 anal secretions that confirmed their presence in the tributary, and thus evaluated their abundance (1.3 otters/Km). A main objective is to obtain useful information that allows socializing and implementing various community conservation actions for the mustelid, whose importance in this and other regions of Mexico is not only biological, but also cultural. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A group of aquatic Coleoptera specimens was collected from Güvenç Village in the Kahramankazan region of Ankara. Among these specimens was Dryops rufipes (Krynicki, 1832) (Coleoptera: Dryopidae), which is recorded from the Middle Anatolian Region of Turkey for the first time. The egg morphology of D. rufipes is described based on light and scanning electron microscope micrographs. Copulation and oviposition are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are 33 aphid species reported so far on Lamiaceae plants in Iran. In this research, a total of 19 aphid species belonging to 12 genera were collected on 20 host plant species. Furthermore, 33 associations between aphid species and host plants were recognized, of which six are new for Iran. Among the examined specimens, an Ovatus species collected on Mentha longifolia showed a complete range of intermediate biometric data of O. mentharius (van der Goot, 1913) and O. archangelskajae Kadyrbekov, 2008. In view of the biometric data from samples of Iran, we conclude that O. archangelskajae is a geographical variant of O. mentharius, therefore we consider it as a synonym for O. mentharius and redescribe O. mentharius as its morphological entities are extended. In this paper, the distribution of the aphid species in different parts of Iran is also presented and six new occurrences are reported for Fars and Kerman provinces. An identification key to the apterous viviparous female aphids living on Lamiaceae in Iran is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is focused on the species belonging to the genus Maiestas Distant, 1917 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae, Deltocephalini) in Iran, based on some specimens collected during 2016 to 2019 from Southeast Iran and species that have been previously reported: M horvathi (Then, 1896), M pruthii (Metcalf, 1967), M schmidtgeni (Wagner, 1939), and M. trifasciata (Lindberg, 1954). M. pruthii, previously known from the Oriental region (India and Pakistan), is recorded for the first time in the Palaearctic region from Southeast Iran and M. horvathi is a new record for the fauna of Sistan and Baluchestan Province. An identification key and distribution maps for the Iranian Maiestas species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The order Hymenoptera comprises an important group of insects, with ecological and economic importance, and serving as ecological indicators. Investigating the diversity and distribution of fauna is considered a prerequisite for biodiversity conservation. In this research, the hymenopteran fauna in mangrove forests on the southern coast of Iran were studied during 2021-2022. The collection was made by sweeping net and light trap. The survey revealed the presence of ten species and nine genera belonging to six families. Of which, two species, Ampulex assimilis Kohl, 1893 (Hym .: Ampulicidae) and Paridris leda Kozlov & Kononova, 1985 (Hym.: Scelionidae) are recorded for the first time for the Iranian fauna. Diagnostic characters of the new records and geographical distribution of all species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive overview of the state of knowledge on the ChilopodaGeophilomorpha of the Asian part of Russia is presented, based on the critical revision of all published morphological descriptions and all geographical records. Revised diagnoses for all the 38 nominal species so far reported from Asian Russia are given, with comments on their validity. Among them a total of 18 species are recorded only from this region and many of them from a single locality only. The species belong to Geophilidae s. l., (in the genera Arctogeophilus, Geophilus, Pachymerium, and Strigamia), Schendylidae (Escaryus), and Mecistocephalidae (Agnostrup, Arrup, and Tygarrup). At least two species have been introduced, namely Geophilus flavus and Tygarrup javanicus. The history of studies on the Geophilomorpha in the Asian part of Russia are also summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have described here proboscideans fossil remnants which belong to six species: Prodeinotherium pentapotamiae, Gomphotherium browni, Choerolophodon corrugatus, Protanancus chinjiensis, and Elephas planifrons. The described specimens are collected from six different localities of the Siwaliks. These localities are Bhilomar, Chinji type section, Lawa, Dhok Bun Ameer Khatoon (Chinji Formation), Ochri (Dhok Pathan Formation) and Rathian (Pinjor Formation), belongs to the Lower to Upper Siwaliks, district Chakwal and Jhelum, Punjab, Pakistan. The specimens were collected from these localities after extensive fieldwork from 2015 to 2020, which confirms the presence of large mammalian fauna during the Middle Miocene to Late Pleistocene. Prodeinotherium pentapotamiae is rare taxa in the Middle Siwaliks of Pakistan, first time discovered from new fossil section Satroma wali dhal in the vicinity of the Dhok Bun Ameer Khatoon locality. Bhilomar is a less explored fossil locality belongs to the Chinji Formation, Gomphotherium browni and Choerolophodon corrugatus is reported from the Chinji type section. A beautiful juvenile mandibular ramus of Protanancus chinjiensis has been recovered first time from Lawa and Elephas planifrons were recovered from Rathian which belongs to Pinjor Formation dated as Plio-Pleistocene age of Upper subgroup of Siwaliks. Based on palaeoenvironment and stratigraphy the age of these localities is suggested as Miocene to Pleistocene. The recovered proboscideans fossil fauna indicates about the climatic changes and confirms that more seasonal extensive grasslands and savannah like ecosystem were present at that time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is based on oribatid mite material collected from litter and upper soil stratum of Rhododendron–Lithocarpus mountain forest at a single locality from eastern Nepal. A list of 39 species, belonging to 31 genera and 15 families, is presented; of these, one genus and 11 species are reported for the first time from Nepalese fauna. Two new species – Metrioppia petarberonisp. nov. (Peloppiidae) and Galumna (Galumna) gerdalbertiisp. nov. (Galumnidae) – are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is based on oribatid mite material collected from Malaysia. A list of 23 species, belonging to 19 genera and 14 families, is presented; of these, two genera and five species are reported for the first time from Malaysia. Two new species of Oripodoidea – Muliercula malaysiaensissp. nov. (Scheloribatidae) and Neoribates (Neoribates) pahangensissp. nov. (Parakalummidae) – are described from forest leaf litter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish otoliths from the Lower Miocene Oi and Katada formations, Ichishi Group, central Japan, were examined, and a total of 894 specimens were obtained, of which 523 were assigned to 21 otolith-based taxa belonging to 10 families. All taxa other than Gobiiformes indet. are considered to be from deep-sea fishes. One species of the family Phosichthyidae and two species of the family Myctophidae are new: Vinciguerria rotunda sp. nov. Myctophum isense sp. nov. and Diaphus ichishiensis sp. nov. This is the first report in the world of the genus Cyclothone as a fossil otolith. The occurrence of the genus Poromitra constitutes the oldest fossil record in the Pacific. The family Myctophidae is predominant throughout the studied sections, and the family Phosichthyidae was found commonly in the Katada Formation (uppermost formation of this group). At the family level, the main components of the otolith-based fossil ichthyofauna in the Katada Formation are composed of taxa dominating even in the modern open ocean. The Early Miocene deep-sea fish otolith fauna in the Northwest Pacific is characterised by the overwhelming predominance of the genus Diaphus as well as the presence of the genera Vinciguerria, Myctophum, Protomyctophum and Stenobrachius as significant components.LSID of ZooBank zoobank.org:act:720791A1-BFC4-4E80-90C2-C018D4AF506FLSID of ZooBank zoobank.org:act:918F452A-50BD-4012-B590-3199AC9838A4LSID of ZooBank zoobank.org:act:0BE69125-ED11-4C41-815D-2B8FA9B260E5 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reintroduction programs seek to restore degraded populations and reverse biodiversity loss. To examine the hypothesis that gut symbionts could be used as an indicator of reintroduction success, we performed intensive metagenomic monitoring over 10 years to characterize the ecological succession and adaptive evolution of the gut symbionts of captive giant pandas reintroduced to the wild. We collected 63 fecal samples from 3 reintroduced individuals and 22 from 9 wild individuals and used 96 publicly available samples from another 3 captive individuals. By microbial composition analysis, we identified 3 community clusters of the gut microbiome (here termed enterotypes) with interenterotype succession that was closely related to the reintroduction process. Each of the 3 enterotypes was identified based on significant variation in the levels of 1 of 3 genera: Clostridium, Pseudomonas, and Escherichia. The enterotype of captive pandas was Escherichia. This enterotype was gradually replaced by the Clostridium enterotype during the wild‐training process, which in turn was replaced by the Pseudomonas enterotype that resembled the enterotype of wild pandas, an indicator of conversion to wildness and a successful reintroduction. We also isolated 1 strain of Pseudomonas protegens from the wild enterotype, a previously reported free‐living microbe, and found that its within‐host evolution contributed to host dietary adaptation in the wild. Monitoring gut microbial structure provides a novel, noninvasive tool that can be used as an indicator of successful reintroduction of a captive individual to the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zooarchaeological studies of vertebrate remains from four lowland archaeological sites (consisting of 24 features) in the Kinki District, Honshu, have led to the reconstruction of certain components of local amphibian assemblages that existed in the past, ranging from a few centuries Before Common Era to the Eighth Century Common Era. However, the Japanese Rice Frog, Fejervarya kawamurai, a presently common and obligate lowland species with several biogeographic peculiarities, has been consistently absent from these reconstructions. The data presented here suggests that the major lowlands of this district (the Osaka and Wakayama plains and the Nara Basin) were devoid of this species until later times, and that the invasion was facilitated by human activities. This finding also supports a long-neglected view that the populations of this species in mainland Japan originated from an introduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chigger mites of Ethiopia were investigated based on materials collected in the field and museum depositories of alcohol-fixed mammals. Previously, only two chigger species were known from the country. In total, we collected 21 chigger species, mainly from rodents, occasionally insectivores, and one bat, from nine localities, and raised the number of trombiculids known from Ethiopia to 22. Three new species were described: Gahrliepia bochkovisp. n. from a high-mountain locality of the Arsi Mountains National Park, Schoutedenichia borenensissp. n. from Borena National Park, and Microtrombicula abaturovisp. n. from Lake Koka located in the Great Rift Valley. Seventeen species were recorded in Ethiopia for the first time; four of them were for the first time recorded on the African continent – Leptotrombidium paradux Vercammen-Grandjean and Langston, 1976, Schoutedenichia asirensis Stekolnikov, Al-Ghamdi, Alagaili and Makepeace, 2019, S. originalis Kudryashova, 1976, and Microtrombicula saperoi (Radford, 1954). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of the problem and goal. Vinnytsia region now demonstrates one of the lowest indicators of provision of natural protected areas and objects (2.27% of the region’s area). The regional figure for Vinnytsia is even lower, which is 1.65% of the city’s area. The need of the day is to study the localities of rare species of biota, rare biotopes, and migration routes of animals in an urbanized environment as potential objects for the development of protected areas. Materials and methods. Determination of the optimal methodology for identifying the taxonomic structure and ecological groups of the studied fauna based on the analysis of literary, cartographic, and stock materials. To assess the geocomponent representativeness of the fauna of the urban environment, expedition research methods were used. Systematization of terrestrial and terrestrial-aquatic taxonomic groups of fauna was carried out using empirical methods. Identification of characteristic traces and remains is used to record animals through visual observation. Audio Moth v.1.2.0 recording devices and an Echo Meter Touch 2 active bat detector were used to record owls (Strigiformes, Aves) and bats (Chiroptera, Mammalia). With the help of control catches, as well as through analysis of the catches of amateur fishermen, the species composition of fish was established. Results and discussion. Under conditions of significant technogenic transformation of the biotopes of the tract and nearby aquatic landscapes, a relatively rich zoocenosis has formed. This zoocenosis unites synanthropic and local species of birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians and fish. This is facilitated by the combination of a wide range of facies that provide the trophic and topical needs of animals. The territory of the tract, thanks to the rich species composition of animals and stable interspecies connections, can effectively serve as a center for the conservation of biodiversity and an educational, ecological and aesthetic mission in an urban landscape. Scientific novelty. A specific faunal complex of the park, the mouth of the town of Tyazhilivka and the adjacent part of the Sabarovskoe reservoir has been identified. It includes 104 species of animals of the genus Chordata: class Mammals (Mammalia) - 14 species, class Birds (Aves) - 66 species, class Reptiles (Reptilia) - 4 species, class Amphibians (Amphibia) - 4 species, class Orthoptera (Actinopterygii) – 16 species. Research materials are the basis for the creation of a nature conservation area and the expansion and optimization of the existing natural reserve network of the urban environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight species of the apterous genus Liposcelis (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae), L. bostrychophila Badonnel, 1931, L. corrodens (Heymons, 1909), L. decolor (Pearman, 1925), L. pearmani Lienhard, 1990, L. silvarum (Kolbe, 1888), L. formicaria (Hagen, 1865), L. aleksandrowiczi Georgiev, Ostrovsky & Lienhard, 2020 and L. sp. cf. entomophila (Enderlein, 1907), are recorded for Belarus. The latter species is recorded in Belarus for the first time. Brief information about their modern distribution, as well as features of biology and ecology is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harpalini (Coleoptera: Carabidae) is the largest tribe of carabid beetles. This tribe includes over 240 genera and subgenera and approximately 2000 species. In order to study Harpalini, ground beetles were collected by hand, pitfall trapping, turning logs and stones, sifting the leaf litter and sweeping the vegetation in five stations of Taleghan Watershed, Alborz Province during 2021-2022, by systematic random sampling technique. 22 species belonged to four tribes and seven genera were identified. Three species Dixus infans (Abeille, 1909), Harpalus laevipes Zetterstedt, 1828 and Harpalus punctatostriatus Dejean, 1829 are new records for Iran. Among 22 collected species, about 41% of the total species belonged to the genus Harpalus (with nine species) and 18% belonged to the genus Dixus (with four species). Each of the genera Ophonus and Stenolophus with three species included 14% of total species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new gall-forming Aceriini mite, Aceria sadeghii sp. nov., was discovered and described in the Razavi Khorasan Province of Iran. It caused distortion on the upper side of the leaves without hypertrichosis on leaves of Krascheninnikovia ceratoides (L.) Güldenstädt (Amaranthaceae). This is the second eriophyoid species found on this host plant genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]