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The paper describes the method and algorithm for creating maps of hydrolandscapes to solve practical tasks of predicting and controlling the abundance of common bloodsucking insects, such as horseflies and mosquitoes. The hydrolandscape method consists in dividing the regions into zones based on the source, distribution, and storage of moisture as the most important ecosystemic component. The method evaluates the influence of insufficient or excessive moisture content on the activity of amphibiotic insects. Hydrolandscapes unite the landscapes that are similar in moisture content, relief, mesoclimate, soils, vegetation, and groups of bloodsucking insects. In this paper, we describe the experience of applying this method to different regions of Northwestern Russia: Novgorod, Leningrad, Pskov provinces and the Komi Republic. The hydrolandscape method provides the means for predicting the species composition and relative abundance of bloodsucking insects in remote areas before their economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of argid sawflies of the small genus Pseudarge Gussakovskij, 1935 have been known for a long time only based on females. The paper gives for the first time illustrated descriptions of the males of two Middle Asian species, Pseudargerubicunda Gussakovskij, 1935 and Ps. ushinskii Gussakovskij, 1935, and also provides characters from the description of the male of Pseudargeeversmanni Gussakovskij, 1935 made by V.M. Ermolenko, which was overlooked by the authors of the genus revision. Photographs are given for these three species (including the habitus of the primary types and genital structures of both sexes), as well as an amended identification key. The intraspecific variation and differentiating characters of the species of this genus are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of long-term research of the biodiversity and quantitative invasion indices of feather mites associated with passerines in the Lower Don area. Between 2001 and 2019, we examined 2246 passerine specimens belonging to 85 species, 47 genera, and 23 families and comprising the majority of passerine species in the region. A total of 86 feather mite species belonging to 15 genera, 7 families, and 2 superfamilies (Analgoidea and Pterolichoidea) were found on 83 species of passerine hosts. A detailed taxonomic analysis of the parasite fauna has been carried out. Four species of feather mites are recorded here for the first time for the Russian fauna: Proctophyllodes balati Černý, 1978, P.remizicola Černý, 1979, P.cetti Badek, Mironov et Dabert, 2008 (Proctophyllodidae), and Corydolichus calandrellicolus Mironov et Sayakova, 2001 (Ochrolichidae). The faunistic complexes of feather mites of all the studied passerine families and their specific features in the study region have been analyzed. Parasitological indices of invasion (intensity and prevalence) for each feather mite species on each avian host have been estimated by statistical processing of the long-term quantitative data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ixodid tick communities in Primorskii Territory are characterized by significant species diversity. The species richness of Ixodidae is higher on the Primorye islands than on the mainland. Bi- and polydominant pasture ixodid communities occur only on islands. Of the eight islands surveyed in 1982–1983, only Putyatin Island had a monodominant tick community with predominance of Haemaphysalis concinna Koch, 1844. This paper is focused on the current structure of adult ixodid hemipopulations on Putyatin Island. Ticks were collected from vegetation by flagging on May 17–21, 2021 at different sites of the island. The following species were recorded (in descending order of abundance): Dermacentor silvarum Olenev, 1932, Haemaphysalis concinna Koch, 1844, Ixodes persulcatus Schulze, 1930, H.japonica douglasi Nuttall et Warburton, 1915, and I.pavlovskyipavlovskyi Pomerantzev, 1946. In total, 354 ixodid ticks were collected, and their low abundance was observed. According to the data of 2021, H.longicornis Neumann, 1901 was no longer found on Putyatin Island, I.pavlovskyi was recorded for the first time, the abundance of D.silvarum increased significantly, and that of I.persulcatus increased to a lesser extent. The possible causes of changes in the structure of ixodid tick communities are discussed. Putyatin Island currently has a bidominant complex of ixodid ticks, with 45.8% of D.silvarum and 33.3% of H.concinna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of analysis of the relationships of various colony characteristics in the resocial wasp Polistes dominula nesting on plants in the south of Ukraine (Kherson Province, the Black Sea Biosphere Reserve) in 2003-2007. The number of future foundresses and nest size at the end of the life cycle depend on the queen longevity and on the number of workers in the colony. The number of males reared in the colony is positively correlated with the nest size (the number of cells) and negatively correlated with the queen longevity. An increase in the share of the brood infested by the parasitoids Latibulus argiolus (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) and Elasmus schmitti (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) results in a smaller nest size and a smaller number of males reared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lectotypes of Tyloderes nebulosus Motschulsky, 1860, Dermatodes interstitialis Motschulsky, 1866, and Cneorhinus angusticollis Motschulsky, 1866 are designated. New combinations and new synonymies are established: Catapionus nebulosus (Motschulsky, 1860), comb. n. (= Dermatodes interstitialis Motschulsky, 1866, syn. n., = Catapionus gracilicornis Roelofs, 1873, syn. n., = Catapionus subcostatus Formánek, 1922, syn. n.); Dactylotus angusticollis (Motschulsky, 1866), comb. n. (= Blosyrus falcatus Faust, 1882, syn. n., = Blosyrus japonicus Sharp, 1896, syn. n.). The subgenus Nipponoblosyrus Korotyaev, 1996, stat. res. is restored from synonymy and returned to the genus Dactylotus Schoenherr, 1847. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports the first results of studying mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in different biotopes of the Subpolar Urals within the Yugyd-Va National Park territory. Field collections were carried out on July 12–15, 2021. As a result, 11 species were found: Aedes communis (De Geer, 1776), A.diantaeus Howard, Dyar et Knab, 1913, A.hexodontus Dyar, 1916, A.euedes Howard, Dyar et Knab, 1913, A.excrucians (Walker, 1856), A.intrudens Dyar, 1919, A.nigripes (Zetterstedt, 1838), A.pullatus (Coquillett, 1904), A.punctor (Kirby, 1837), Culiseta alaskaensis (Ludlow, 1906), and C.bergrothi (Edwards, 1921). Mosquitoes were trophically active round the clock during the polar day. The activity of mosquito attacks depended on the air temperature (Spearman correlation coefficient R = 0.5 at p = 0.005). The tundra species Aedes hexodontus Dyar, 1916 preferred lichen mountain tundra areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is devoted to the systematics and distribution of cockroaches of the genera Placoblatta and Anisolampra. A new species, Placoblattakabakovisp. n., is described from Vietnam, and the female of P. minor is described for the first time. Additional data on the morphology and geographical distribution of P. rugosa and A. panfilovi are presented. The ovipositor and adjacent structures of these species are described for the first time. The nomenclature of the modifications of the structure of the cockroach fore and hind wings is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents comparative assessment of the timing of host abandonment by different taxa of ectoparasites of small mammals after the host has been captured in a regular snap trap. The data were obtained using a specially designed trap line with automatic logging of the capture time. Our results generally support the basic rule that ectoparasites eventually abandon the dead host. The most tangible and rapid reduction in infection rates following host death was observed in Ixodespersulcatus. Fleas and parasitic gamasid mites abandoned the host in 2–4 h, and lice, in 9–13 h after snap-trapping. Ixodes trianguliceps displayed no sharp decline in abundance for a prolonged period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents information on the type specimens of four Microlepidoptera species described by S.N. Alphéraky: Leioptilus minutus Alphéraky, 1876, Aciptilia taganrogensis Alphéraky, 1876 (Pterophoridae), Alucita synnephodactyla Alphéraky, 1876, and Alucita grammodactyla Z. var. poecilodactyla Alphéraky, 1876 (Alucitidae). The following new synonymy is established: Tabulaephorus marptys (Christoph, 1872) = Aciptilia taganrogensis Alphéraky, 1876, syn. n. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sunn pest Eurygaster integriceps Put. is one of the most economically important insect pests of grain crops in many countries all over the world. This paper presents an analytical review of the world literature devoted to the harmful activity of the sunn pest and its biological background, in particular, variation in grain damage by the pest and methods of its assessment. All the currently known methods of detecting grain damage by the sunn pest (including visual assessment, radiography, infrared microscopy, and the express scanning method) have certain disadvantages and require improvement. Infrared microscopy and computer scanning methods provide the highest accuracy combined with the greatest ease of use in identifying damage caused by the sunn pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reviews the available data on seasonal development of the best studied species of the subfamily Orthotylinae inhabiting the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions and included in 2 of the 6 tribes of this subfamily: Halticini and Orthotylini. All the 12 species of the tribe Halticini studied to date and included into this review are phytophagous with a wide range of host plants; all of them are characterized by wing polymorphism with long-winged males and, as a rule, short-winged females. Of these 12 species, 11 have a univoltine seasonal cycle and overwinter at the embryonic stage. When a species with a univoltine seasonal cycle penetrates beyond its native range, its seasonal development pattern remains close to the original one adapted to the environmental conditions of the species' native range. Microtechnites bractatus stands apart in the tribe Halticini because it represents the only genus in this tribe in which all the species are restricted to the Western Hemisphere, have a multivoltine seasonal cycle, and are zoophytophagous. Almost all the species of the tribe Orthotylini, regardless of their geographic distribution, have a univoltine seasonal cycle and are zoophytophagous, with the exception of Orthotylus flavosparsus, which has a multivoltine seasonal cycle and is phytophagous, preferring plants of the subfamily Chenopodioideae throughout most of its Holarctic range. Analysis of the data indicates that the seasonal development of Orthotylinae is still poorly understood, although among them there are many species that have great economic importance and invasive potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four species are recorded from Russia for the first time: Altica cirsicola Ohno, 1960, Neocrepidodera recticollis (Jacoby, 1885), Sphaeroderma tarsatum Baly, 1874, and Cassida koreana Borowiec & Cho, 2011. A new color form of Cryptocephalus flavoscutellaris Medvedev, 1973 is described from Sakhalin. The variability of body coloration in Cryptocephalus nigrofasciatus Jacoby, 1885 is discussed. The following synonymy is confirmed: Cryptocephalus nigrofasciatus Jacoby, 1885 = Cryptocephalus turpis Chen, 1942. Two taxa, Cryptocephalus sagamensis Tomov, 1982 from South Korea and C.nigrofasciatus, are probably conspecific. A new record of Altica caerulescens (Baly, 1874) from Russia is provided and its differences from Altica viridicyanea (Baly, 1874) are given. New data on the rare species Aphthona ussuriensis Romantsov, 2021 and Monolepta pallidula (Baly, 1874) are presented. The status of three similar species of the genus Sphaeroderma Stephens, 1831 (S. fuscicorne Baly, 1864, S.akebiae Ohno, 1964, and S.unicolor Kimoto, 1965) is discussed, and a new identification key to all the species of this genus from the Russian Far East is compiled. Characters for differentiating Cassida koreana Borowiec et Cho, 2011 and Cassida vespertina Boheman, 1862 are given. Photos of the adult habitus and genitalia are provided for all the above species and their close allies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lectotypes of Cneorhinus viridimetallicus Motschulsky, 1860, C. cuprescens Motschulsky, 1866, C. nodosus Motschulsky, 1860, and Dermatodes carinulatus Motschulsky, 1866 are designated. A new synonymy Catapionus viridimetallicus (Motschulsky, 1860) (= Cneorhinus cuprescens Motschulsky, 1866, syn. n.) and a new combination Scepticus carinulatus (Motschulsky, 1866), comb. n. are established. New data on the morphology of some genera of the tribes Cneorhinini and Tanymecini are presented. The record of Amystax fasciatus Roelofs, 1873 for Kunashir Island is shown to be based on misidentification of Scepticus carinulatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cantonius (Procantonius) austrisinicussp. n. from Southern China (Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guangdon Province) is described. Lectotypes of Cantonius obesus Obenberger 1940 and Aphanisticus cephalicus Kerremans, 1892 (Cantoniellus cephalicus (Kerremans, 1892)) are designated. A key to the species of the subgenus Procantonius Kalashian, 2004 is provided; it includes, in addition to C. (P.) obesus and the new species, C. (P.) khnzoriani Kalashian, 2004 and C. (P.) jendeki Kalashian, 2004. A new combination Cantoniellus laosensis (Baudon, 1968), comb. n. (from the genus Endelus Deyrolle, 1864) and a new synonymy C. laosensis (Baudon, 1968) = C. kubani Kalashian, 2004, syn. n. are established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miniaturization is a widespread trend in animal evolution. In insects, the effects of miniaturization have been described at all the levels of body organization, from major rearrangements of organ systems to fundamental changes at the cellular level. The results of studies on the anatomy of tiny beetles, wasps, booklice, thrips, and strepsipterans have contributed significantly to understanding the process of miniaturization in animals. However, not all the orders of microinsects have been sufficiently well investigated so far. In this paper, the internal structure of the adult male of one of the smallest nematocerans, the midge Corynoneura scutellata Winnertz, 1846 (Diptera: Chironomidae), is described in detail for the first time using 3D computer reconstructions based on serial histological sections. Despite the tiny body size, most organ systems retain the ground plan typical of the larger representatives of related groups. The tracheal system of C. scutellata has not lost its high level of organization, being represented by large tracheal trunks and a branching system of tracheae. The ganglia of the central nervous system are concentrated, while the head muscles and those associated with the intestine are reduced. The changes in the relative volumes of the organ systems in tiny dipterans are analyzed in comparison with microinsects from other orders. The previously revealed general patterns of organ allometry are valid for tiny dipterans as well, but the reproductive system of C. scutellata has a considerably smaller relative volume, as compared with that of microinsects from other orders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an improved key to the co-occurring species of Polymerus Hahn, 1831 (Heteroptera, Miridae) based on morphological characters and our new data on the differences between the COI gene DNA sequences of these species. These characters, together with the data stored in the NCBI GenBank, provide the means for accurate and rapid identification of adults and nymphs of Polymerus unciniger Gapon, 2014, P. unifasciatus (Fabricius, 1794), P. cognatus (Fieber, 1858), P. vulneratus (Panzer, 1806), and P. brevicornis (Reuter, 1879). The subgenera Poeciloscytus Fieber, 1858 and Pachycentrum Gapon, 2014 differ considerably in morphological and molecular genetic characteristics. A PCR-RFLP method has been developed for rapid identification of the pest species P. vulneratus. The morphological characters of P. unifasciatus and the COI gene sequences of the forms earlier registered in GenBank as P. unifasciatus and P. microphthalmus (Wagner, 1951) reveal high intrapopulation variability. Polymerusmicrophthalmus may be a submacropterous form of P. unifasciatus with shortened hemelytra and smaller eyes, while the macropterous form of the latter species is characterized by larger eyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarizes data on subfossil insects from the Holocene sites of the Urals, the Cis-Ural region, and the central and northern parts of West Siberia. The material from 39 sites, mostly alluvial ones, and also the insect remains from peat bogs and zoogenic deposits is considered. The insect communities from most alluvial sites correspond to the recent faunas from the same territories. The dynamics of insect faunas, probably associated with changes in landscape and climatic conditions, can be observed only at the boundaries of the recent natural zones, such as the tundra and taiga ones. The range limits of some boreal species seem to have moved northwards during the Holocene climatic optimum. No changes in insect faunas from the sites of alluvial and swamp genesis situated within the taiga zone have been observed, these insect assemblages being identical to the recent faunas of the corresponding areas. Changes in the insect faunas in particular sections can largely be attributed to ecological successions and local habitat dynamics. No changes in plant communities caused by the Holocene climatic fluctuations and revealed by the spore and pollen data are reflected in the composition of insect complexes; this was demonstrated by the example of two peat bogs: Lake Perevalnoe site in the Polar Urals and Nyulsaveito site in the South Yamal. The data presented herein generally correspond to those obtained over the territories of Western and Eastern Europe as well as Northeast Siberia. However, changes in distribution of certain beetle species recorded at zoogenic sites (in bird pellets, burrows) may be linked to the Holocene climatic fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents analysis of the effects of the alfalfa crop age, sowing method, phenological development phases, and green mass mowing on the composition and density of insects and spiders on the aboveground organs of alfalfa grown in crop rotation without irrigation, pest control measures, and fertilizers. The main inhabitants of alfalfa crops comprised over 50 species, with prevalence of the chewing herbivores: alfalfa weevil Hypera postica, alfalfa seed chalcid Bruchophagus roddi, nodule weevils Sitona lineatus and S. inops; the sucking herbivores: flower thrips Odontothrips sp., gorse shield bug Piezodorus lituratus, lucerne bug Adelphocoris lineolatus, plant bug Lygus pratensis, cowpea aphid Aphis craccivora, and pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum; the predators: spiders, predatory bug Orius niger, predatory thrips Aeolothrips sp., and variegated ladybug Hippodamia variegata. The seasonal dynamics of the composition and density of dominant groups was more pronounced in the first-year crops than in 2–4 year old ones. In field crop rotations without the use of insecticides, plots with periodic green mass mowing during the budding and flowering phases of alfalfa seed crops should alternate with unmown plots, so that plots with blossoming plants should be present in the field throughout the summer. This measure would promote the development and maintenance of highly diverse insect complexes, attract predators and pollinators, provide additional feeding for parasitic Hymeno-ptera, and reduce the number and harmfulness of herbivores as the result of greater trophic competition between them as well as of the impact of entomophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents comparative assessment of the reaction of the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis and the predatory bug Orius laevigatus to the seed oil of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre. This oil had repellent and toxic effects on the adult and larval thrips, and also reduced the number of laid eggs. The predatory bug O. laevigatus was highly sensitive to P. pinnata oil under various methods of exposure, even at a concentration of 0.75%, which was the lowest concentration effective against the thrips. The observed side effects of the oil on O. laevigatus determine the need either for development of a specific approach for combined use of the oil and this entomophage, or for replacing O. laevigatus with some other predator resistant to P. pinnata oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of long-term monitoring of the abundance and harmfulness of the sunn pest in commercial wheat crops in Rostov Province of Russia. During the study period, the pest was in a sustainable outbreak phase while the wheat varieties most commonly grown in the region were damaged by 20% and more. The level of damage to wheat grain was significantly and positively correlated with the sunn pest nymph abundance in the crops: rx = 0.85; R2 = 0.72. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on the fauna and ecology of the ladybird beetles (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) of Moscow Province are summarized. In total, 60 species of 29 genera are recorded for this region. The paper is provided with 30 original color photographs of 29 species representing all the genera known from Moscow Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports data on the karyotype structure and hemoglobin composition of Chironomus sp. Ya3 (Kiknadze, Istomina et Salova, 1996) found in a pond in the Pechora River delta within the permafrost zone. The collected larvae morphologically corresponded to the original description. Of the 9 chromosome banding sequences detected in them, Ya3A2 and Ya3E2 were for the first time recorded in the homozygous and heterozygous state, respectively. Electrophoresis data demonstrated a complex hemoglobin structure. Disc electrophoresis revealed 9 fractions with relative mobility Rf from 0.43 to 0.84, formed by subunits with molecular weights from 11.5 to 15.6 kDa. The complex structure of the hemoglobin probably ensures survival of the species under the extreme local environmental conditions. The species resembles Ch. plumosus in the native hemoglobin composition and shows great similarity with Ch. riparius in the subunit composition of individual hemoglobin fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]