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Stipa zeravshanica M. Nobis sp. nov. from the western Pamir Alai Mts (Tajikistan) is described and illustrated. Morphologically, the new species is similar to S. gracilis, but it is easily distinguishable by pilose (vs. glabrous) lower part of the awn, and generally somewhat longer ligules of the vegetative shoots. Epidermal patterns of the lemma in S. zeravshanica and three other closely related taxa, namely S. gracilis, S. himalaica and S. orientalis, were examined by means of SEM. The main macro-morphological and micro-morphological characteristics differentiating all mentioned species are presented. Additionally, a lectotype for S. gracilis is designated. Based on phytosociological relevés prepared during field investigation in the western Pamir Alai Mts, a new plant association Asperulo albiflorae–Stipetum zeravshanicae, occurring on shelves and rocky crevices is also described.

Scopaeus klapperichi sp. n., a new species of the Middle Asian S. obscuripes species group, is described from Afghanistan and compared to the hitherto known representatives of the species group, S. kabakovi Gusarov, S. likovskyi Bohac, and S. obscuripes Cameron. Both the primary and secondary sexual characters of the males of these species are figured, and their distribution is mapped including previously unpublished records of S. kabakovi and S. likovskyi. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Four new species of caddisflies from the Tienshan-Mountains (USSR, Middle Asia) are described and illustrated: Hydropsyche kreuzbergi n. sp. (Hydropsychidae), Apataniana nikolaevi n. sp. (Limnephilidae), Dinarthrum kasachstanicum n. sp. and Dinarthrum nigrescens n. sp. (Lepidostomatidae). Some additional informations on diagnostic characters and near relatives are provided for each species.

The taxonomy and systematics of the genus Apataniana Mosely are reviewed. The genus contains 8 species which are distributed in the eastern Palaerarctic Region. One species occurs in Greece. Illustrations and diagnoses are provided for each species. A. pamirensis n.sp. from Middle Asia is described and figured. Keys to the adults and larvae are included. The larval stages of 4 species are described for the first time. At present only a combination of characters permits the separation of larvae between Apataniana and Apatania. Phylogenetic and biogeographical considerations clearly indicate the existence of 3 different species groups and the siberian origin of the genus. A biogeographical hypothesis is proposed to account for the ways in which the present distribution of species has been developed.

Platystoma suave Loew and P. murinum Hendel are redescribed. The validity of P. murinum Hendel, considered previously as P. suave murinum, is proven. One new species, P. soosi sp. n., is described from Middle Asia.

Halophytic communities of the hemicryptophytes in the lower part of the Atrek river valley (South-Western Turkmenia) are described in the paper. The characteristic of nine new associations referred to new alliances is given. The new order Aeluropodetalia littoralis ord. nov. has been distinguished for the communities of halophytic hemicryptophytes in the Middle Asia. Die Ordnung Aeluropodetalia littoralis in den Uberschwemmungsflachen im Tal des Flusses Atrek (Sudwestturkmenien) In der Arbeit werden die an Hemikryptophyten reichen Halophyten-Gesellschaften im unteren Abschnitt des Flusses Atrek (Sudwestturkmenien) beschrieben. Die neuen Assoziationen werden in zwei neuen Verbanden zusammengefasst. Fur die Gesellschaften der Halophyten-Hemikryptophyten in Mittelasien wird die neue Ordnung Aeluropodetalia littoralis ord. nov. vorgeschlagen.

Soil moisture conditions obviously play a crucial role in the distribution and structure of cryogenic forms in (ultra-arid) alpina deserts. Les conditions d'humidite du sol jouent un rǒle fondamental dans la distribution et la structure des formes cryogeniques dans les deserts alpins ultra-arides.

SUMMARY The enormous quantity of work done in the Soviet Union is inadequately known elsewhere. Soviet generalizations rest on extensive data published in the Russian and Ukranian languages. The primary criterion of community analysis is now the total algal flora, but it is foreseen that the ecology of individual species is a more desirable parameter. Methods of sampling and culture in the Soviet Union are largely the same as those used elsewhere. The basic problems of sampling and quantification have not been solved yet. It is felt that the prerequisite to understanding the Soviet experience is a commonly held taxonomy. Soviet taxonomists are judged as fully competent, but lack communications with outside taxonomists in respect to methodology and references. As a contribution to the common understanding, new identifications of Soviet species (mostly blue-greens) are included in this paper. These were derived from: a study of moist soil dishes from collections made according to a horizontal distribution plan in a single field; collections from near Leningrad, Middle Asia (Alma-Ata, Tashkent, Samarkand, Buchara); liquid cultures of soil collected by a Soviet investigator in Kazakistan; and agar cultures of soil algae which are maintained in Soviet laboratories. Also included is a selected bibliography, in English translation, of 71 Soviet publications.