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This short communication reports the initial results of the experimental reintroduction of the Olkhon mountain vole Alticola olchonensis, an endemic mammal species of the Lake Baikal area. In 2019–2020, several dozen young individuals born in the vivarium of the Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS (Novosibirsk, Russia) were released into the wild on Borokchin Island (the Maloe More Strait, Lake Baikal). The Olkhon mountain vole used to inhabit this island but disappeared in the early 21st century. The reintroduction outcomes can be considered successful as the young-of-the-year voles have survived the winter and bred.

Two new species of Coniopterygidae , Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) tenuisetosa sp. nov., and Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) serrata sp. nov., are described from China. Both species differ from congeners in characters of the male genitalia. Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) alticola Sziraki, 2002, is recorded from China for the first time. A key to species of the genus Coniopteryx from China is presented.

In laboratory experiments, purposeful inter-relations with moving insects in the “predator–prey” manner have been revealed and described in two species of herbivorous mountain voles: the Tuva vole and the flat-headed vole. The patterns of the hunting behavior are similar in these species. The appearance of the full hunting stereotype in mountain voles does not require preliminary experience and does not improve, which indicates its innate nature. Unlike the rodent species studied earlier, mountain voles demonstrate “storing” behavioral patterns when operating with live prey. According to the characteristics of the interactions with prey, mountain voles are among the most successful and effective hunters for moving insects. Regarding the hunting tactics and the manners of their manipulations with prey, mountain voles are similar to the most “predatory” of omnivorous hamsters, Eversmann’s hamsters, but differ from them in an optional manifestation of the hunting stereotype. The frequency of occurrence of the stereotype and the success of hunting in mountain voles are twice as high as in the previously studied herbivorous narrow-head vole. Characteristics of a hunting behavior so unexpected in herbivorous rodents were revealed in mountain voles for the first time. The expansion of the diet due to the hunt for insects can be attributed to dwelling in arid places with a deficit of plant food resources.

Se examinaron ejemplares de cuatro especies monotípicas, Cryptotis mexicana (n = 48), C. obscura (n = 47),C. alticola (n = 8) y C. magna (n = 3); además, de una politípica, C. parva berlandieri (n = 1), C. p. pueblensis (n= 16) y C. p. soricina (n = 84). La gran mayoría del material proviene de localidades del centro de México, exceptolos de Cryptotis magna, C. obscura y C. p. berlandieri. Los ejemplares de C. mexicana, C. obscura y C. magnafueron recolectados en bosque mesófilo de montaña, los de C. alticola en bosque de Pinus sp. y Abies sp. y losde C. parva en bosque tropical y subtropical, mesófilo de montaña, bosque de Quercus sp. y bosques mixto depino-encino. Las medidas morfométricas de 25 variables externas, craneales y mandibulares se obtuvieron decada ejemplar. Las especies C. alticola, C. magna y C. parva se reconocieron con facilidad; sin embargo, en C.mexicana y en C. obscura se traslapan sus medidas pero se pudieron distinguir con el empleo de un AnálisisDiscriminante. Las medidas de C. magna fueron mayores que las de las otras cuatro especies, así como las deC. alticola en general lo fueron de C. mexicana, C. obscura y C. parva. La comparación de las medidas de C. p.pueblensis y C. p. soricina mostraron que las de la primera son mayores que las de la segunda. Variación sexualsecundaria se encontró solamente en C. p. soricina, en donde las hembras resultaron de mayores dimensionesque los machos. Se mencionan dos registros de simpatría entre C. obscura y C. parva y uno entre C. mexicanay C. parva.

A new representative of the genus Radix has been recorded from eastern China, Radix dgebuadzei sp. nov. This peculiar species was recorded from the Qinling Mountains, a remote highland region sharing the high levels of faunal and floral endemism. The phylogeny indicate that the new species belongs to the Radix alticola species group, being sister to the widespread species R. plicatula (Yunnan and Gansu in China and Southeast Asia) and R. euphratica (Middle East, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe). At first glance, we could assume that Radix dgebuadzei sp. nov. represents a local lineage endemic to the Qinling Region, while this preliminary hypothesis needs to be confirmed in the future. Our novel discovery highlights that China harbors a largely endemic fauna of the Lymnaeidae and that isolated mountain ranges in East Asia could be considered evolutionary hotspots of the radicine pond snails.

This study analyzes the present distribution of the Tuva mountain voles based on literary data, museum collections, and our own materials. A bioclimatic model of potential species distribution has been constructed using 25 localities identified as having Tuva mountain voles in Russia and Mongolia. It is shown that the species range of the Tuva voles consists of three large isolated parts: the northern one, located mainly in Khakassia; southern, located in Tuva and the adjacent territory of Mongolia; and a small area on the northern shore of the Khuvsgul Lake in Mongolia. The examination of habitats of the Tuva mountain voles in the territory of Khakassia has shown that in recent decades there has been a significant decrease in the number of inhabited sites, which indicates a significant decline in population and intensification of fragmentation of the northern part of the range of the Tuva mountain vole.

We report for the first time the presence of Tantilla alticola in the department of Tolima, Colombia. This report represents the southernmost distribution point for this species in the Central Cordillera of the Colombian Andes.

The check list of Tabanidae fauna found in Uruguay is presented. We used data of previously identifed species from the available bibliography, captures made by the authors, and revision of specimens deposited in the collection of Entomology, Facultad de Ciencias, Uruguay, and Museo de La Plata, Argentina. Actually, a total of 14 genera and 43 species are known in Uruguay. Catachlorops muscosus(Enderlein), Chrysops brevifasciaLutz, and Dasybasis alticola(Enderlein) are recorded for the frst time in Uruguay. Se actualiza la lista de especies de la familia Tabanidae citadas para el Uruguay. Se utilizaron datos previos tomados de la bibliografía, capturas hechas por los autores, y ejemplares de la colección de Entomología de la Facultad de Ciencias, Uruguay, y del Museo de La Plata, Argentina. Actualmente Tabanidae está representada en Uruguay por 43 especies y 14 géneros. Catachlorops muscosus(Enderlein), Chrysops brevifasciaLutz, y Dasybasis alticola(Enderlein) se registran por primera vez en Uruguay.

Lamprigera is found only in those countries from the Himalaya–Karakoran –Tibet region to SE Asia where 17 species have been previously recorded. These 17 include four species from China. In this work, combined molecular data (COI) and morphological traits identified eight species in our collections. Among these, we found three Chinese species (Lamprigera alticola Dong & Li, sp. nov., Lamprigera luquanensis Dong & Li, sp. nov. and Lamprigera magnapronotum Dong & Li, sp. nov.) that are new to science, bringing the total number of species of Lamprigera to 20 (17+3), and four other known species that are herein newly recorded for the first time in China. These four new records, the three new species, and the four previously known records bring the total number of Chinese species to 11. The morphological traits, especially the male genitalia and pronotum, are described for all eight species. We conclude that male genitalia and pronotum are the most important diagnostic traits for separating species of Lamprigera, and this is confirmed by COI data.

We documented preliminary study of coat color variations within Maxomys, one of the most common rats in the Southeast Asian region. We sampled the skin specimens that mostly deposited at Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense, Indonesia. Quantitative measurements of coat color using spectrophotometer revealed no significant difference in the dorsal pelage showing mostly dark brown (L*= 25-30, a*= 5-7, b*= 10-15). The ventral colorations were variable among the species. We classified five different color types based on the measurements: whitish grey (M. baeodon, M. whiteheadi, M. musschenbroekii, M. bartelsii, and M. dollmani), orange dark brown (M. hylomyoides), chestnut orange (M. ochraceiventer), yellowish brown (M. alticola) and creamy white (M. rajah, M. hellwaldii, and M. surifer). These fur color characteristics can be useful in species recognition, together with the craniometric features. Furthermore, molecular study of coat color variation within Maxomys spp. is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of phenotypic variation in morphology that affect the patterns of divergence, speciation and evolutionary history of Maxomys. Here, we failed to obtain the sequences from Maxomys using Mc1r (melanocortin-1 receptor) gene, and probably will be better to use other gene such as ASIP (agouti signaling peptide) gene.

In this article, we present the nearly complete mitochondrial genome of the Subalpine Kashmir voleHyperacrius fertilis(Arvicolinae, Cricetidae, Rodentia), assembled using data from Illumina next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the DNA from a century-old museum specimen. De novo assembly consisted of 16,341 bp and included all mitogenome protein-coding genes as well as 12S and 16S RNAs, tRNAs and D-loop. Using the alignment of protein-coding genes of 14 previously published Arvicolini tribe mitogenomes, seven Clethrionomyini mitogenomes, and alsoOndatraandDicrostonyxoutgroups, we conducted phylogenetic reconstructions based on a dataset of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) under maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Phylogenetic analyses robustly supported the phylogenetic position of this species within the tribe Arvicolini. Among the Arvicolini,Hyperacriusrepresents one of the early-diverged lineages. This result of phylogenetic analysis altered the conventional view on phylogenetic relatedness betweenHyperacriusandAlticolaand prompted the revision of morphological characters underlying the former assumption. Morphological analysis performed here confirmed molecular data and provided additional evidence for taxonomic replacement of the genusHyperacriusfrom the tribe Clethrionomyini to the tribe Arvicolini.

Seoda cavernicola sp. nov. and Psychoda glamocensis sp. nov., are new species and cave dwellers from Bosnia and Hercegovina, and Croatia. Adults of S. cavernicola are pale and small; the eye bridge is reduced, ommatidia irregularly arranged, epandrium with a pair of setose excrescences. The eye bridge of P. glamocensis is likewise reduced with 2 or 3 irregularly ordered facet rows, palpus segments of some individuals are malformed; its closest relative is Psychoda alticola Vaillant based on the morphology of male and female genitalia as well as on COI barcodes.

The genus Minagenia Banks, 1934 is reported for the first time from Australia. A new species, M. lasallei Decker, Rodriguez & Pitts, sp. nov. (Australia: from Queensland to Tasmania), is described and illustrated. A key to the four species from the Australasian and Oriental regions is given. Three species are removed from Asian Minagenia: granulosa Tsuneki, 1989, comb. nov., to the genus Priocnemis Schiødte, 1837; pempuchiensis Tsuneki, 1989, comb. nov., to the genus Nipponodipogon Ishikawa, 1965; and assimilis Smith, 1861, comb. nov., to the genus Dichragenia Haupt, 1950. Minagenia alticola Tsuneki, 1989 is a member of an undescribed genus. Placement of this species is maintained in Minagenia until the new genus can be described in a future work. Minagenia brevicornis (Banks, 1934) is redescribed.

Four epigean Neobisium species have been recently collected from soil and litter in north-western parts of Iran. Neobisium (N.) crassifemoratum and Neobisium (N.) anatolicum, which are recorded for the first time from Iran, are redescribed and illustrated, providing some morphometric and morphological variations within the species. Also, the male genital organ of N. (N.) alticola is illustrated for the first time and a new locality record is given for N. (N.) validum.

Mutual relations of Yersinia pestis and fleas are a necessary condition to estimation the role of carriers in maintenance of the causative agent circulation. Objective – the comparative analysis of frequency of «conglomerate» and «block» formations by Y. pestis in fleas parasitizing on the main and minor carriers in the Tuva natural focus. Materials and methods. Results of experiments with representatives of eight genera of Siphonaptera order and Y. pestis subsp. pestis from the Tuva focus were analyzed. Mammals with various epizootological roles in the focus were used as flea fooders. Frequency of «block» and bacterial «conglomerate» formations and death of the infected insects was estimated. Results and discussion. The highest level of block formation was observed in Citellophilus tesquorum altaicus, Frontopsylla elatoides, Neopsylla mana, Oropsylla alaskensis, Rhadinopsylla li transbaicalica – parasites of the basic carrier (Spermophilus undulates). Formation of «conglomerates» was more often revealed in F. hetera, Paradoxopsyllus scalonae, P. scorodumovi, P. dashidorzhii, Amphipsylla primaris – ectoparasites of the minor carriers (Ochotona pallasi, Alticola strelzovi). Positive connection between frequency of Y. pestis conglomerate formations in fleas and their death rate was detected. Maximal death rate of the carrier was observed at high degree of Y. pestis aggregation. It was supposed that fleas of the basic carrier participated in a greater degree in Y. pestis distribution and ectoparasites of the secondary carriers – in its persistence.

Two new minor eremophilane-type sesquiterpene glucosides, alticolosides H ( 1 ) and I ( 2 ) along with known earlier lignan glucosides (−)-pinoresinol-4′- O -β- d -glucoside, plucheoside D 1 and tortoside F were isolated from aerial parts of the endemic Far Eastern species Ligularia alticola Worosch. (Family Asteraceae). Structures of the glycosides were elucidated by 2D NMR spectroscopy and HRESIMS. The absolute stereochemistry of 1 and 2 was determined by comparison of experimental and calculated ECD spectra. The screening of biological activities of the compounds earlier found in L. alticola including the influence on the biofilm formation by Yersinia pseudotuberculosis , cytotoxic activities against different cancer cell lines and the ability to reduce ROS levels in the macrophages pre-stimulated with pro-inflammatory LPS from E. coli was carried out.

A new genus of Gonyleptidae Pachylinae, Qorimayus gen. nov., is described to place the high-altitude species originally named Parabalta alticola Ringuelet, endemic to Sierra de Famatina, western Argentina. While classical exomorphological features do not separate this new genus from Parabalta Roewer or Pachyloides Holmberg (to which the species was formerly combined), male genitalic features, especially the shape of the ventral process of stylus, differ clearly. In turn, penis morphology suggests the systematic relationship of Qorimayus gen. nov. with the Chilean genera Metabalta Roewer and Nanophareus Roewer. A cladistic analysis was performed to test the phylogenetic affinities of the new genus; 28 terminals were used, comprising selected species of Parabalta, Pachyloides, Metabalta and Nanophareus, as well as other Gonyleptidae to represent the ‘subtropical’ and the ‘Chilean’ opiliofaunistic elements; the most external outgroups included one cosmetid, one metasarcid and one nomoclastid. Results supported the recognition of Qorimayus as an independent genus, and its close relationship with the Chilean genera Metabalta and Nanophareus. A detailed redescription of Qorimayus alticola comb. nov., along with some habitat notes are given. The presumed zoogeographical links of this endemic species with the central Chilean opiliofauna are briefly discussed. Fil: Acosta, Luis Eduardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal; Argentina

Type material of the described species of Ascopus Marshall, 1951, Oreosecus Marshall, 1950, Perarogula Hoffmann, 1963 and Rhadinocopes Hustache, 1931 was examined and their taxonomic status is discussed. Oreosecus Marshall, 1950 and Rhadinocopes Hustache, 1931 are proposed as junior synonyms of Tapinomorphus Hartmann, 1904, Perarogula Hoffmann, 1963 is proposed as a junior synonym of Ascopus Marshall, 1951. Rhadinocopes curvipes Hustache, 1931, R. echinatus Marshall, 1951 and Perarogula lamottei Hoffmann, 1963 are transferred as valid species to the genus Ascopus, Rhadinocopes alticola Hustache, 1939, R. orientalis Hustache, 1931 and Oreosecus porculus Marshall, 1950 are transferred as valid species to the genus Tapinomorphus. Lectotypes of Rhadinocopes orientalis Hustache, 1931 and Rhadinocopes alticola Hustache, 1939 are designated. Ascopus girardi sp. nov. from Guinea, Mt. Nimba, is described and compared with all other species of the genus. Male and female genitalia of Ascopus are described and illustrated for the first time. A key to Ascopus species is presented.

Three new species of the genus Himalopsyche (Trichoptera, Rhyacophilidae) from the Hengduan Mountains in China are described. Species delimitation was based on diagnostic features of genitalia, as well as molecular data from six genes analysed using the multi-species coalescent method STACEY. Formal descriptions are focused on genital morphology. Males of Himalopsyche viteceki sp. nov. are most similar to those of H . alticola and H . martynovi, and females are most similar to those of H. tibetana and H. velata . Himalopsyche immodesta sp. nov. is described based on a single male specimen and it most resembles the males of H . viteceki . Males of H . velata sp. nov. are most similar to H . tibetana , and females are most similar to those of H. maxima and H. tibetana . Diagnostic characters are found on segment IX and the superior and inferior appendages of male genitalia, and most notably on segment VIII in female genitalia. The newly discovered species underline the Hengduan Mountains as a potential source of yet undiscovered aquatic biodiversity.

The southern African winter-rainfall genus Ixia L., with almost 100 species, is divided into four sections, with sect. Ixia distinguished by a filiform perianth tube closely clasping the style, and filaments that occlude the mouth of perianth tube and are sometimes partly united but never decurrent in the tube. The section was last revised by G. J. Lewis in 1962, at which time it included 18 species and several varieties. Five species have since been described, I. atrandra Goldblatt & J.C. Manning, I. calendulacea Goldblatt & J.C. Manning, I. frederickii M.P. de Vos (subsequently reduced to synonymy in I. dubia Vent.), I. mostertii M.P. de Vos and I. superba Goldblatt & J.C. Manning. One more, I. purpureorosea G.J. Lewis, was later transferred to sect. Hyalis (Baker) Diels. Here we provide a revised key and synopsis of sect. Ixia as the final contribution in our series of systematic studies in the genus, which already includes revisions of sects. Dichone (Salisb. ex Baker) Goldblatt & J.C. Manning, Hyalis (Baker) Diels and Morphixia (Ker Gawl.) Pax. We recognize a total of 29 species in sect. Ixia , including five new species: I. alticola Goldblatt & J.C. Manning and I. angelae Goldblatt & J.C. Manning from the central Cedarberg; late-flowering I. helmei Goldblatt & J.C. Manning from near Bot River; I. roseoalba Goldblatt & J.C. Manning from the western Langeberg; and yellow- or pink-flowered, usually stoloniferous I. sarmentosa Goldblatt & J.C. Manning from marshes and seeps at low elevations in Western Cape. We also recognize white-flowered I. leucantha Jacq. (currently a synonym of I. polystachya L.), I. fuscocitrina Desf. ex DC. (currently a variety of I. maculata L.), and elevate I. polystachya var. longistylis M.P. de Vos to species rank as I. longistylis (M.P. de Vos) Goldblatt & J.C. Manning. I. patens var. linearifolia G.J. Lewis and I. viridiflora var. minor M.P. de Vos are reduced to synonymy in their respective species.

An analysis of the phylogenetic position of the Olkhon mountain vole (Alticolaolchonensis Litvinov 1960) using the sequences of four nuclear (BRCA, GHR, LCAT, and IRBP) and one mitochondrial (cyt. b) genes was undertaken. It was noted that, until recently, multiple studies of the systematic position of this vole had been based exclusively on morphological data, while the major taxonomic traits contained contradictory information regarding both the subgeneric status of this species and its genus. It was established that the molecular data and morphology data allow us to attribute the Lake Baikal vole unambiguously to the nominative subgenus Alticola instead of Aschizomys.

Seven eremophilane-type sesquiterpenes (1–7), six cycloartane derivatives (8–13) and α-amyrin acetate (14) were isolated from the leaves of the far-eastern plant Ligularia alticola Worosch. (Family Asteraceae). (4S,5R,8S,10R)-8-Ethoxyeremophil-7(11)-en-12(8)-olide (1), 8α,11-epidioxy-8β-methoxyeremophil-6-ene (2) and 29-norcycloartan-3α-ol (8) have not been previously reported. Fukinone α-epoxide (3) was isolated for the first time from a natural source. The structures of all the compounds were established by the extensive analysis of their 1D and 2D NMR spectra and HR ESI mass spectrometry. The absolute stereochemistry of 1 was determined by comparison of theoretical and experimental ECD spectra with the application of B3LYP-TDDFT and B3LYP-GIAO calculations as well as by NMR spectroscopy. Compound 1 showed cytotoxic action against human cancer HL-60, Raji, and THP-1 cell lines (IC50 12.6, 6.0 and 6.9 μM, respectively). Compounds 2 and 4 demonstrated significant cytotoxic activities against HL-60 (IC50 2.8 and 5.8 μM, respectively) and Raji cells (IC50 2.9 and 4.2 μM, respectively). Compound 6 was cytotoxic against Raji cells (IC50 4.6 μM). None of tested compounds were cytotoxic against RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds 1 and 4–7 significantly decreased intracellular ROS levels, induced by endotoxic LPS from Escherichia coli in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages.

The Namanereidinae are one of the most successful polychaete groups to colonize subterranean waters. Many species have evolved adaptations to underground life including elongation of appendages and reduction of eyes and pigmentation. However, the use of these troglomorphic characters in the group’s systematics is contentious. The present study conducts a series of tree searching and phylogeny reconstructions to evaluate the influence of these characters in the phylogeny of the group. Results show that troglomorphic characters cause no serious errors in the phylogenetic reconstruction of Namanereidinae, and support the two existing genera, which can be unequivocally distinguished by non-troglomorphic traits. As a consequence of this phylogenetic hypothesis the following taxonomic changes are required: Lycastoides becomes a junior synonym of Namanereis, and its only species becomes a new combination, N. alticola n. comb. and Namalycastis occulta is moved to Namanereis becoming Namanereis occulta n. comb.

Muscid species of the ‘ Spilogona contractifrons species-group’ ( Spilogona alticola (Malloch, 1920), S. arctica (Zetterstedt, 1838), S. contractifrons (Zetterstedt, 1838), S. orthosurstyla Xue & Tian, 1988) and of the ‘ Spilogona nitidicauda species-group’ ( S. nitidicauda (Schnabl, 1911), S. hissarensis Hennig, 1959, S. imitatrix (Malloch, 1921), S. platyfrons Sorokina, 2018) are notoriously difficult to distinguish. In this paper, their morphological features are analysed, images of the male head, frons and abdomen of all the species are given, and the male terminalia are figured. The study of extensive material has shown that all the morphologically recognised species in each of these groups are valid species. An identification key is provided for both groups of species. To confirm the morphological differences, genetic differences in the cytochrome oxidase I gene of flies of the ‘ Spilogona contractifrons species-group’ and of the ‘ Spilogona nitidicauda species-group’ were analysed. It is shown that members of both groups of species have not only distinguishing morphological characters but also fixed substitutions in the DNA sequences. Since a low interspecific polymorphism is known in the Muscidae Latreille, 1802, the revealed genetic distances confirm the existence of separate species or subspecies in each of the groups studied.

The genera Myodes (red-backed voles) and Alticola (mountain voles) appear to be sister taxa based on morphological similarities, but molecular analyses fail to resolve them as monophyletic genera owing to the uncertain taxonomic status of Craseomys and Phaulomys . As a result of incomplete sampling of related specimens, ongoing controversies on the taxonomic positions of several generic and specific taxa necessitate further clarifications. Herein, we combined molecular, morphometric, and geometric morphometric approaches to analyze 217 specimens of 10 taxa of Myodes and Alticola systematically. We sequenced three genes ( Cytb , COI , GHR ) de novo from specimens with fresh tissues, and published sequences for M. shanseius and A. stoliczkanus for the first time. Based on this new molecular dataset, we produced phylogenetic trees using Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood, and maximum parsimony approaches. Our molecular and morphological analyses both identified three primary clades within Myodes and Alticola . The Craseomys–Phaulomys clade consistently separated from Myodes sensu stricto ( s. str. ) and Alticola s. str.–Platycranius . Our results support the resurrection of the genus Craseomys and the treatment of Phaulomys as its junior synonym. As Craseomys shanseius clustered with C. rufocanus in three gene phylogenies and this assessment was congruent with morphological results, we assigned C. shanseius to a subspecies of C. rufocanus . Specimens from one sampling site in Pulan County of Tibet possess M 3 patterns typical of A. stoliczkanus and A. stracheyi , despite clustering together in matrilineal genealogy. Thus, we tentatively assigned A. stracheyi as a junior synonym of A. stoliczkanus . Our analyses confirmed the validity of A. semicanus and unambiguously distinguished it from A. argentatus by the ratio of tail length to head–body length, color of tail and feet, M 3 pattern, and distribution.

A new homothallic Phytophthora species, isolated in Western Australia (WA), is described as Phytophthora boodjera sp. nov. It produces persistent, papillate sporangia, oogonia with thick-walled oospores, and paragynous antheridia. Although morphologically similar to P. arenaria, phylogenetic analyses of the ITS, cox1, HSP90, β-tubulin and enolase gene regions revealed P. boodjera as a new species. In addition, P. boodjera has a higher optimal temperature for growth and a faster growth rate. Phytophthora boodjera has only recently been found in Western Australia and has mostly been isolated from dead and dying Eucalyptus seedlings in nurseries and from urban tree plantings, and occasionally from disturbed natural ecosystems. It is found in association with declining and dying Agonis flexuosa, Banksia media, B. grandis, Corymbia calophylla, Eucalyptus spp,. and Xanthorrhoea preissii. The status of P. alticola was also reviewed. The loss of all isolates associated with the original description except one; discrepancies in both sequence data and morphology of the remaining isolate with that presented the original description, and inconclusive holotype material places the status of this species in doubt.

This paper describes four new species of Pegomya alticola group from China, namely Pegomya crinicauda Xue & Wang sp. n., Pegomya eurysosternita Xue & Du sp. n., Pegomya nigericeps Xue sp. n. and Pegomya parvicrinicauda Xue sp. n. Type specimens of four new species are all deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Shenyang Normal University, Shenyang, China.

Seven eremophilane-type sesquiterpene glucosides, alticolosides A–G, have been isolated from aerial parts of the endemic Far Eastern species Ligularia alticola Worosch. (Family Asteraceae) along with two known compounds, monoterpenoid glycoside (4S)-α-terpineol 8-O-β- d -glucopyranoside and norditerpenoid glycoside 7(8)-dihydro-β-ionone 3-O-β- d -glucopyranoside. Alticoloside D was identified with the earlier known 8-O-(β- d -glucopyranosyl)-2-oxo-eremophila-1(10),8,11-triene, but the stereostructure of the latter was revised on the basis of ROESY and CD data. All the glycosides are derivatives of new eremophilane-type aglycones, differing from known eremophilanes in details of planar and/or stereo structures except for the aglycone of alticoloside E.

Divergence in song culture has been well documented among isolated bird populations. Montane populations separated by unsuitable lower-elevation habitats thus appear to be excellent candidates for cultural divergence, and existing data support this conjecture. To explore the generality of this phenomenon, we investigated song sharing patterns in songbird species breeding in isolated alpine life zones in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. We recorded songs of American Pipits (Anthus rubescens alticola), Wilson’s Warblers (Cardellina pusilla pileolata), and White-crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys leucophrys) across 19 sites among 6 mountain ranges. We used spectrographic cross-correlation to calculate song similarity coefficients between individuals within and among populations. White-crowned Sparrows exhibited significantly elevated song sharing within isolated mountain ranges, but Wilson’s Warbler and the American Pipit did not. Cluster analyses showed that White-crowned Sparrow songs diverged among alpine fragments but were generally similar among sites within contiguous alpine habitat within mountain ranges. There was no such clustering within American Pipit or Wilson’s Warbler populations. Song similarity declined with distance between sites within contiguous alpine habitat in White-crowned Sparrows but not in American Pipits or Wilson’s Warblers. Our results provide convincing evidence for the existence of geographically structured vocal culture in White-crowned Sparrow populations in Colorado, and this geographic pattern may be explained by clinal variation rather than by a mosaic pattern of divergence among isolated alpine fragments.

The article is based on collection of small terrestrial mammals (Soriculus nigrescens, Episoriculus caudatus, Neodon sikimensis, Alticola stoliczkanus, Niviventer eha and Ochotona roylei) collected in the Barun Valley, east Nepal in the pre-monsoon period of 1973. Zoogeographic and ecological characteristics and altitudinal stratification of these species are analysed, depending both on abiotic (geomorphological and climatic) and biotic (vegetation, and human presence and activities) factors. All the captured mammals were examined for ecto- and endoparasities. Infestations of Trombiculid mites and Ixodid ticks were tightly linked to the local habitat where these ectoparasites must survive during their non-parasitic phase. Analysis of their occurrence completes the reconstruction of migration routes during the expansion of small mammals into the Barun Valley and the exacerbating influence of human activities (summer pasturing, mountaineering expeditions and trekking parties). An indicator of anthropogenic influence was the occurrence of synantropic flies. The potential medical importance of these findings is discussed. It is assumed a possible occurrence of arboviruses transmitted by ticks and also rickettsioses (transmitted by ticks and chigger mites). As far bacteriological infections, plague cannot be excluded.

53. Silver Mountain Vole Alticola argentatus French: Campagnol argenté / German: Silberfell-Gebirgswiihimaus / Spanish: Topillo de montana plateado Taxonomy. Arvicola argentata [sic] Severtzov, 1879, Alichur, Murgab District, Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan. In the past, A. argentatus was synonymized with A. roylei. It is paraphyletic with respect to A. albicauda and is most probably an artificial assemblage. Some authors regard blanfordi as a distinct species. Eight subspecies recognized. Subspecies and Distribution. A.a.argentatusSevertzov,1879—PamirMtsinEUzbekistan,Tajikistan,WChina,andNAfghanistan. A.a.blanfordiScully,1880—KashmirinNPakistanandNWIndia. A.a.parvidensSchlitter&Setzer,1973—KhyberPakhtunkhwaProvinceinNPakistan. A.a.phasmaG.S.Miller,1912—EKarakoruminSWChina(Xizang). A.a.severtzoviTichomirov&Korchagin,1889—TianShanMtsinKazakhstanandKyrgyzstan. A.a.subluteusThomas,1914—TianShanMtsinEKazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan,andNWChina(Xinjiang). A.a.tarasoviRossolimo&Pavlinov,1992—TianShanMtsinKyrgyzstanandNWChina(Xinjiang). A. a. worthingtoni G. S. Miller, 1906 — Basin of Tekes, Tian Shan Mts, Xinjiang, NW China. Subspecies range limits poorly resolved and not all populations have subspecific names, including some mountain ranges in S & E Kazkhstan, E Uzbekistan, and NW China (Karatau, Nuratau, Dzungarian Alatau, Tarbagatai, and Saur Mts). Descriptive notes. Head-body 87-119 mm, tail 36-64 mm; weight 20-8-54-6 g. The Silver Mountain Vole is highly variable in all aspects of its morphology. Size is small to medium, and tail is moderately long, accounting for 32-51% of head-body length. Tail is sparsely haired, lightly penciled, and uniformly whitish or bicolored. Females have four pairs of nipples. Among Silver Mountain Voles from the Osh region in southwestern Kyrgyzstan, ¢.28% of individuals had cheek pouches (length 35-9 mm, width 4-9-14-7 mm) that extended back to shoulders; individuals from the rest of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan lacked such pouches. Vibrissae are up to 37 mm long. Fur is soft (length up to 10 mm) and variable in color, sandy brown to brown above and pure white to light gray on belly. Demarcation along flanks is faint or distinct. Feet are white. Juveniles are dull gray and start molting into adult pelage at weights of 18-20 g and finish at 26-27 g. Color differences may relate to aridity. Skull is lightly built, with long braincase and short orbit. Molars are small and light, hypsodont, and rootless; they have long drawn-out appearance of grinding surfaces, thin enamel, squeezed dental fields, and wide reentrant folds with little cement. Habitat. Rocky areas, talus slopes, and accumulations of boulders at elevations of 500-4300 m. Silver Mountain Voles avoid dense vegetation, and southern exposures are preferred. Food and Feeding. Silver Mountain Voles eat primarily roots and seeds in winter and green plants for the rest of the year. Invertebrates, flowers, fruits, bark, mosses, and lichens form smaller portions of diets. In Kazakhstan, the following plants are most important: knotweed (Polygonum, Polygonaceae); locoweeds (Oxytropis), white clover (Trifolium repens), alpine milkvetch (Astragalus alpinus), bramble vetch (Vicia tenuifolia), and false lupin (Thermopsis), all Fabaceae; lousewort (Pedicularis, Orobanchaceae); spurge (Euphorbia, Euphorbiaceae); white nettle (Lamium album, LLamiaceae); cinquefoils (Potentilla, Rosaceae); cranesbills (Geranium, Geraniaceae); wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum, Lamiaceae) and edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum, Asteraceae). When vegetation starts growing, plants are collected, dried, and cached for winter. Silver Mountain Voles regularly turn over these piles to expedite drying. Caches consist of up to 29-40 different species of plants, depending on location. They weight 2-42 g, rarely up to 700 g, but caches of 270-1500 g were recorded on Trans-Ili Alatau (northern Tian Shan) in October. In autumn, dried plants are stored in well ventilated fissures and under stones. Various items found locally (e.g. bones and excrement) are mixed with caches and overmarked with urine and feces by owners. They do not cache in mesic habitats where plants remain lush throughout the growing season and where they are covered by snow. Seeds are transported in cheek pouches that can contain 0-2-5 g of food. Breeding. Pregnant Silver Mountain Voles have been recorded in February-December, but main breeding season is in March—October and May-September at high elevations. Winter reproduction has been recorded at lower elevations. Females have 2-3 litters/year, and numbers of embryos per female is 2-9. Average numbers of embryos are higher at mid-elevations in forest and subalpine zones (4-8 embryos/female) and lower in lowlands (3-5) and alpine zone (3-8). At high elevations of Kazakhstan where breeding season is curtailed to 2-5-3 months, females have an average of 6 embryos, but 6-8 embryos/female were reported from Kyrgyzstan. Winter litters are small, with averages of 3-3-8 embryos/female. Young females become sexually mature and have 1-2 litters during theirfirst year oflife. Activity patterns. Silver Mountain Voles are diurnal, with peaks in activity at 05:00-07:00 h and 18:00-20:00 h. They are active throughout the year. In winter, they stay under snow, only rarely emerging on the surface. They move around by walking and running, and they are good climbers, skillfully moving also across steep and hanging rocky walls. They occasionally climb in bushes. They do not dig burrows but seek shelter in fissures and cracks. They only exceptionally use burrows under roots of trees and shrubs around rocky outcrops. Rocky shelters can be protected against adverse environmental conditions by walls constructed of stones, excrement, and urine. A shelter found in Kazakhstan was 1 m long and 10-18 cm high. Spherical nests are constructed from plant debris and are divided into a resting part and brooding chamber. Nest chamber is lined with grass. Nests are 13-40 cm long, 8-44 cm width, and 11-60 cm deep. Movements, Home range and Social organization. Silver Mountain Voles can move up to 500 m away from their nests. They live in kin groups of 7-9 individuals. Feces are deposited in certain places. Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Bibliography. Davydov (1988), Gromov & Erbajeva (1995), Litvinov et al. (2015), Nadachowski & Mead (1999), Rossolimo & Pavlinov (1992), Shenbrot & Krasnov (2005), Sludskiy et al. (1978), Tarasovskaya (1993)., Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Russell A. Mittermeier & Thomas E. Lacher, Jr, 2017, Cricetidae, pp. 204-535 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 7 Rodents II, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on pages 304-305, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6707142

55. Kashmir Mountain Vole Alticola montosus French: Campagnol du Cachemire / German: KaschmirGebirgswiihimaus / Spanish: Topillo de montana de Cachemira Other common names: Central Kashmir Vole, True'’s Vole Taxonomy. Arvicola montosa [sic] True, 1894, “Central Kashmir, [N India], 11,000 feet [= 3353 m].” In the past, A. montosus was synonymized with A. roylei or A. argentatus. The specific name is often incorrectly spelled montosa. Latin names ending with cola (Arvicola, Alticola, etc.) are masculine therefore montosa requires modification of the suffix into —osus. Monotypic. Distribution. Known from few localities in NE Pakistan and NW India. Descriptive notes. Head-body 102-126 mm, tail 41-65 mm. No specific data are available for body weight. The Kashmir Mountain Vole is moderately large, with tail 36-61% of head-body length. Pelage is long and soft, dorsally dark brown and below gray, clouded slate by underfur. Skull has expanded zygomatic arches and small bullae, resembling Royle’s Mountain Vole (A. roylei). Enamel pattern of the M? distinguishes the Kashmir Mountain Vole from other species of Alticola. Dentaltriangles are isolated, and there are four inner salient angles. Habitat. Rocky areas in subalpine scrubs and alpine meadows at elevations of 2600-4700 m. Food and Feeding. Kashmir Mountain Voles have been observed eating stems and leaves of Artemisia (Asteraceae), Polygonum amplexicaule (Polygonaceae), and Thymus serpyllum (Lamiaceae). Breeding. No information. Activity patterns. No information. Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information. Status and Conservation. Classified as Vulnerable on The IUCN Red List (as A. montosa). Area of occurrence is estimated to be more than 20,000 km?, but area of occupancy is given as one-tenth that, or just 2000 km?®. Justification for the classification is distributional fragmentation, small area of occupancy, and continued decline in extent and quality of habitat. Conservation Assessment and Management Plan for South Asian Non-volant Small Mammals classified the Kashmir Mountain Vole as least concern in India and critically endangered in Pakistan. Justification for the classification of the Pakistani population is isolation and threats affecting habitat. Bibliography. Awan et al. (2004), Molur et al. (2005), Rossolimo & Pavlinov (1992)., Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Russell A. Mittermeier & Thomas E. Lacher, Jr, 2017, Cricetidae, pp. 204-535 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 7 Rodents II, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 305, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6707142

58. Tuva Mountain Vole Alticola tuvinicus French: Campagnol de Touva / German: Tuwa-Gebirgswiihimaus / Spanish: Topillo de montana de Tuva Other common names: Tuva Silver Vole Taxonomy. Alticola tuvinicus Ognev, 1950, vicinity of town Kyzyl, Tuvan Republic (S Siberia), Russia. Alticola tuvinicus was frequently synonymized with A. argentatus or A. roylei, and A. olchonensis was treated as a subspecies of A. tuvinicus. Monotypic. Distribution. S Russia (Khakassia and Tuva) and NW Mongolia (Mongol Altai); isolated population around Lake Khuvsgul in N Mongolia. Descriptive notes. Head—body 99-125 mm, tail 36-49 mm; weight 27-5-54-5 g. The Tuva Mountain Vole is similar in size and body proportion to the Silver Mountain Vole (A. argentatus). Tail is moderately long, 34-42% of head-body length, thick, well-haired, and tufted. Pelageis soft and long, gray or gray-brown dorsally, cream below, frequently heavily washed buff. Tail is clearly bicolored. Skull is strongly built but shallow, much like in the Mongolian Mountain Vole (A. semicanus). Mandible is long and low. Molars are like in other species of Alticola, i.e. hypsodont and rootless, with thin enamel and not much cement in reentrant angles. Habitat. Rocky places and talus slopes sparsely covered with grasses and occasional bushes and birch (Betula, Betulaceae) trees. Majority of records in Khakassia and Tuva are from elevations of 400-800 m. The Tuva Mountain Voles spreads deep into flat steppe and occasionally occupies semi-deserts. About 70 plant species have been recorded in occupied sites. Food and Feeding. More than 40 plant species were identified in diets of Tuva Mountain Voles. Dry plants are hoarded for winter in dry fissures and under stones. Breeding. Breeding season of the Tuva Mountain Volesstarts in May. Females have up to 2 litters /season; numbers of embryos are 4-5. Activity patterns. No information. Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information. Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Overall distribution is ¢.135,000 km?. In the Mongolian Red List, the Tuva Mountain Vole is in the data deficient category,justified by lack of information on distribution, population size, trends, and threats. Bibliography. Batsaikhan et al. (2008), Clark et al. (2006), Rossolimo & Pavlinov (1992), Shenbrot & Krasnov (2005), Yudin et al. (1979)., Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Russell A. Mittermeier & Thomas E. Lacher, Jr, 2017, Cricetidae, pp. 204-535 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 7 Rodents II, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 306, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6707142

62. Stoliczka’s Mountain Vole Alticola stoliczkanus French: Campagnol de Stoliczka / German: Stoliczka-Gebirgswiihimaus / Spanish: Topillo de montana de Stoliczka Taxonomy. Arvicola stoliczkanus Blanford, 1875, “Nubra valley, Ladak [= Ladakh]; Aktagh near Karakoram Pass,” India. In the past, A. stoliczkanus included A. barakshin. Some authors treat stracheyi as specifically distinct from stoliczkanus. There is no consensus on number of subspecies, and several are known from a single site. Three subspecies recognized. Subspecies and Distribution. A. s. stoliczkanus Blanford, 1875 — N Pakistan and NW India. A. s. bhatnagari Biswas & Khajuria, 1955 — Himalaya in Nepal, NE India (Sikkim), and possibly N Buthan. A. s. lama Barrett-Hamilton, 1900 — the entire Tibetan Plateau. Descriptive notes. Head—body 93-127 mm,tail 13-27 mm; weight 21-50 g. Stoliczka’s Mountain Vole is small to medium sized. Tail is short, 13-22% of head-body length and densely covered with white hairs; terminal pencil is 8:5-9-5 mm. Ears are rounded, protruding only slightly above fur. Feet are small and whitish; claws are hidden by long hairs. Females have four pairs of nipples. Fur is up to 15 mm long, soft, light yellowish brown or rusty brown and interspersed with longer dark brown hairs. Belly is white, with slate underfur. Demarcation along flanks is frequently sharp. Juveniles are darker and grayer than adults. Skull is angular, weakly ridged, with expanded zygomatic arches and short braincase. Molars are hypsodont, with thin enamel and limited cementum in reentrant angles. M* is most simplified among species of Alticola, with only two inner salient angles. Habitat. Moraines, boulders, accumulations of rock, and talus slopes above tree line at elevations of 3340-6140 m. Stoliczka’s Mountain Vole was also found on mountain peaks completely encircled by glaciers (nunataks). Food and Feeding. No information. Breeding. Female Stoliczka’s Mountain Voles have two litters of 4-5 young each in April-August. Activity patterns. Stoliczka’s Mountain Vole is predominantly nocturnal, even at temperatures down to —15°C, and rarely seen during the day. Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information. Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Bibliography. Daniel & Hanzak (1985), Gregori & Petrov (1976), Lunde (2008), Mead & Nadachowski (1999), Rossolimo & Pavlinov (1992), Shenbrot & Krasnov (2005)., Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Russell A. Mittermeier & Thomas E. Lacher, Jr, 2017, Cricetidae, pp. 204-535 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 7 Rodents II, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 307, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6707142

57. Strelzov’s Mountain Vole Alticola strelzouvi French: Campagnol de Streltzov / German: Flachkopf-Gebirgswiihimaus / Spanish: Topillo de montana de Strelzow Other common names: Flat-headed Mountain Vole, Flat-headed Vole Taxonomy. Microtus strelzovi Kastschenko, 1900, near Lake Teniga, Altai Mountains, Altai Krai, Russia. In the past, A. strelzovi has been consist ently classified as the only member of the subgenus Platycranius. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on molecular markers showed that despite its unique cranial morphology, A. strelzovi nests among other mountain voles occupying Central Asia. At c.80° E, A. strelzouvi 1s subdivided into two phylogenetic lineages. Two subspecies recognized. Subspecies and Distribution. A.s.strelzoviKastschenko,1900—AltaiMtsinRussiaandNWMongoliaextendingintoSTuva. A. s. desertorum Kastschenko, 1901 — E Kazakhstan, NW China (Xinjiang), and W Mongolia; possibly also in Russia S of Gorno-Altaysk. Descriptive notes. Head-body 101-135 mm,tail 33-47 mm; weight 34-58 g. Females are on average heavier and have slightly longer head—body length than males. Strelzow’s Mountain Vole has large semi-circular ears and moderately long tail ¢.33% of head—body length, which gets longer with elevation. Pelage is long (c.13 mm) and dense (138 hairs/ mm?), grayish brown dorsally and whitish gray below. Young individuals are duller and start molting when they weigh 20-27 g. Shoulders and area around ears are frequently buff. Tail is white, shaded cream in some individuals, densely covered by stiff hairs, terminating into distinct pencil. Feet are whitish. Females have four pairs of nipples. Skull is extremely flat and further depressed in interorbital region. Viewed from dorsalside, interorbital region is flat and wide, and zygomatic arches are bowed. Mandible is elongated, relatively lower than in other species of Alticola. Molars show no peculiarities other than those seen in other species of Alticola. M” has three inner salient angles. Habitat. Accumulations of rocks, isolated boulders, and talus slopes in steppes and semi-deserts at elevations of 400-3000 m. Strelzow’s Mountain Vole seeks shelter in cracks and fissures, frequently on steep slopes (5-70°). Deep horizontal fissures are preferred because vertical cracks shelter less effectively against rain that can decay caches. High humidity is limiting northern distribution, and frequent droughts define southern distribution. Food and Feeding. Strelzow’s Mountain Vole predominantly eats green plants and seeds. Lichens can be important in diet in late winter and early spring. Diet is diverse, with ¢.200 species known to be eaten. Most commonly found in caches are various species of sagebrush (Artemisia) and centaury (Centaurea), both Asteraceae; field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense, Brassicaceae); savin juniper (Juniperus sabina, Cupressaceae); Siberian chives (Allium nutans) and snowdrop onion (Allium galanthum), both Amaryllidaceae; eastern pasqueflower (Pulsatilla patens, Ranunculaceae); stonecrops (Sedum) and dunce caps (Orostachys spinosa), both Crassulaceae; currant (Ribes saxatile, Crossulariaceae); double flowering meadowsweet (Filipendula hexapetala), cinquefoils (Potentilla bifurca), prickly rose (Rosa acicularis), bibernal rose (R. spinosissima), and various species of spirea (Spiraea), all Rosaceae; yellow lucerne (Medicago falcata) and bramble vetch (Vicia tenuifolia), both Fabaceae; milkwort (Polygala hybrida, Polygalaceae); woolly speedwell (Veronica incana, Plantaginaceae); bedstraw (Gallium, Rubiaceae); and honeysuckle (Lonicera microphylla, Caprifoliaceae). Usually 5-10 plant species make up the majority of a cache. Strelzow’s Mountain Voles start gathering plants for caches immediately in spring (e.g. early May in Ereymentau District Mountains, northern Kazakhstan) and continue into autumn. Between 40 and 68 species of plants have been identified in caches, depending on region. In summer, most dry plant material consist of leaves (50-60%), followed by stems (20-30%) and flowers and seeds (c.15%). Plants are gathered into small heaps that can be up to 40-50 m from a nest. There can be up to 43 heaps/m?. In Khakassia and Tuva, southern Russia, they collect plants up to 80-100 m from the nest in summer and 150-200 m in autumn. Dry plants are cached in rocky caverns that can be large; e.g. in Kazakhstan, a cavern measuring 200 x 100 x 50 cm contained 8 kg of plant matter. It is estimated that a colony has 3.5-6 kg (mean 4-5 kg) of cached plants. Caches contain also dry insects, mummified reptiles and small mammals, and bones of large mammals, all with clear signs of gnawing. Fungi are locally important, making up ¢.50% of caches. Caches can rot in rainy weather or be destroyed by insects. While feeding on caches, Strelzow’s Mountain Voles always stay under shelter. Breeding. Female Strelzow’s Mountain Voles deliver two litters with 2-11 young annually. Mean numbers of embryos per female are 5-9-7-3 and vary among localities. Firstlitter is larger (4-9 young, mean 7-1) than second litter (4-7, 5-1). Resorption of embryos was not observed in Kazakhstan. Pregnant females can share the same nest. Activity patterns. Strelzow’s Mountain Vole is active day and night and throughout the year. It avoids leaving the nest in heavy wind and rain. Nest is constructed of grass, with diameters of 10-25 cm, and is hidden under a stone or in a fissure. These places buffer against climatic extremes of the surrounding environment; e.g. when daily temperature outside the nest is 18°C,it is only 4°C in the shelter. Horizontal rocky shelters can be further protected against adverse environmental conditions by a stony wall constructed by its occupants. Strelzow’s Mountain Voles use incisors to carry 1-36 g stones, corresponding to as much as one-third of their body weights. Mean weights of stones are 6-6-12-5 g, depending on the wall. Stones are mixed with excrements and urine to consolidate materials. Walls are usually 3-4 m long, ¢.30 cm high, and 30 cm wide at the base, but much larger walls have been reported measuring up 8-10 m long, I m high, and up to 1 m wide at their bases. Movements, Home range and Social organization. Strelzow’s Mountain Vole moves around by walking, running, and jumping. It can jump a distance of 50 cm and up to 40 cm high. It is agile climber over steep (60-70) rocks and on plants. It is able to climb up a stalk not more than 6-7 mm wide and can climb trees up to 10 m high. It is also good swimmer and was observed swimming across a river 10m wide. Distances between nest chamber and feeding ground can be 100-170 m. Strelzow’s Mountain Voles live in groups and share one or more communal shelters. Shelters vary in size. Normally, there is enough of room for nest and cache, but sometimes shelters are so small they can hardly accommodate nests. Two shelters of the same group can be up to 25 m apart. Family groups are dispersed due to the mosaic nature of rocky environments. In Ereymentau and Chingiz-Tau Mountains (Kazakhstan), family groups can be up to 150-800 m apart, and in Kazakh highlands, there were 1-12 groups/ha. In Khakassia and Tuva, groups occupied 40-450 m*. Groups have 3-6 individuals (mean 4-2) in spring and 5-11 individuals (8-1) in summer. Tails play roles in communication among individuals. While moving around,tails are elevated at angles of 25-40". Tail flips are visible from various distances, even in dark underground situations. Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List (as A. strelzown). Bibliography. Chertilina et al. (2012), Gromov & Erbajeva (1995), Shenbrot & Krasnov (2005), Sludskiy et al. (1978), Yudin et al. (1979)., Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Russell A. Mittermeier & Thomas E. Lacher, Jr, 2017, Cricetidae, pp. 204-535 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 7 Rodents II, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on pages 305-306, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6707142

54. White-tailed Mountain Vole Alticola albicauda French: Campagnol a queue blanche / German: WeilRschwanz-Gebirgswiihimaus / Spanish: Topillo de montana de cola blanca Taxonomy. Arvicola albicauda True, 1894, “Braldu Valley, Baltistan [= Northern Areas, Parkistan].” Widely used name albicaudus have been changed as the original albicauda is invariable. In the past, A. albicauda was synonymized with A. royler. Monotypic. Distribution. Known from only a handful specimens collected at high elevations in Kashmir (NE Pakistan and NW India). Descriptive notes. Head-body 101-108 mm, tail 28-32 mm. No specific data are available for body weight. The Whitetailed Mountain Vole is small and short-tailed. Pelage is moderately soft, with hairs up to 15 mm long. There are four pairs of nipples. Back is light gray, clouded rusty, and belly is whitish gray. Tail is densely covered with hairs and well-tufted, white or light gray throughout. Feet are white, with nude palmar and plantar surface. Skull is lightly built, with no ridges. Molars are rootless, with long drawn-out appearances. Dental fields are squeezed, and wide reentrant folds are filled with little cement. Habitat. Rocky areas at elevations of 3600-4250 m. Food and Feeding. No information. Breeding. No information. Activity patterns. No information. Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information. Status and Conservation. Classified as Data Deficient on The IUCN Red List (as Alticola albicaudus). Distribution of the White-tailed Mountain Vole is in the disputed Kashmir region where little research has been done. Conservation Assessment and Management Plan for South Asian Non-volant Small Mammals concluded that the White-tailed Mountain Vole is probably highly threatened and recommended “an ex situ [breeding] program for insurance purposes” and additional research. Bibliography. Molur et al. (2005), Rossolimo & Pavlinov (1992), Shenbrot & Krasnov (2005)., Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Russell A. Mittermeier & Thomas E. Lacher, Jr, 2017, Cricetidae, pp. 204-535 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 7 Rodents II, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 305, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6707142

59. Gobi Altai Mountain Vole Alticola barakshin French: Campagnol de Bannikov / German: Gobi-Altai-Gebirgswiihimaus / Spanish: Topillo de montana de Altai Other common names: Gobi Altai High Mountain Vole, Gobi Altai's Vole Taxonomy. Alticola barakshin Bannikov, 1947, Dzun Saykhan, Gurvan Saykhan Ridge, Govi Altai Mountains, S Mongolia. In the past, A. barakshin was synonymized with A. stoliczkanus, A. royler, and A. argentatus. Monotypic. Distribution. Altai Mts in Russia (Tuva), Mongolia, and China (Barkol County and marginally adjacent areas in extreme E Xinjiang). Descriptive notes. Head-body 95-129 mm, tail 15-30 mm; weight 28-3-62-8 g. With its short tail (14-25% of headbody length), the Gobi Altai Mountain Vole resembles Stoliczka’s Mountain Vole (A. stoliczkanus). Back is brownish gray; belly is dirty white. Tail is densely covered with hairs, light sandy above and white below. Skull is robust, with shallow and long braincase, large bullae, and robust interparietal bone. Molars are hypsodont and rootless, with elongated appearance of grinding surfaces. The Gobi Altai Mountain Vole and Stoliczka’s Mountain Vole are the only mountain voles (Alticola) with two inner salient angles on M?; all remaining species have 3-4 salient angles. Habitat. Shrubby habitats, often with junipers (Juniperus, Cupressaceae), in semi-deserts and high-elevation steppe up to the highest recorded elevation of 2500 m. The Gobi Altai Mountain Vole is less dependent on rocky substrate than other species of Alticola. Food and Feeding. Steams of crested white grass (Agropyron cristatum, Poaceae) were found around burrows of Gobi Altai Mountain Voles. Plants are dried and stored in winter caches. Breeding. A captured female had six placental scars. Activity patterns. The Gobi Altai Mountain Vole is mainly nocturnal. It seeks shelter among rocks and also digs burrows with numerous entrances. Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information. Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Most of the distribution of ¢.226,000 km? is in south-western Mongolia. In the Mongolian Red List, the Gobi Altai Mountain Vole is classified as data deficient because of lack of information on distribution, populations size and trends, and threats. Bibliography. Bannikov (1954), Clark et al. (2006), Flint et al. (1965), Hou Lanxin et al. (1995), Ognev (1950), Rossolimo (1989)., Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Russell A. Mittermeier & Thomas E. Lacher, Jr, 2017, Cricetidae, pp. 204-535 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 7 Rodents II, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on pages 306-307, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6707142

Two new species of Romulea are described from the Cape Floristic Region: Romulea alticola (subgenus Romulea) from the Jonkershoek Mountains has purple flowers with an orange cup and diagnostic papery, almost fibrous corm tunics; and Romulea monophylla (subgenus Spatalanthus) from the Cedarberg has a solitary leaf and orange flowers with submembranous outer and inner bracts with colourless margins. We provide descriptions, illustrations and notes on distribution and ecology.

Furanoeremophilan-14,6α-olide, 6β-angeloxyfuranoeremophilan-14-oic acid, 9β-angeloxyfuranoeremophilan-14,6α-olide, linoleic acid, and lupeol were isolated from the EtOAc extract of Ligularia alticola Vorosch. roots. The structures of all compounds were established using NMR and mass spectra.

Four new species of Trigonalyidae are described and illustrated from Qinling Mts (Shaanxi, NW China): Bareogonalos xibeidai Tan & van Achterberg, sp. n., Jezonogonalos mandibularis sp. n., J. shaanxiensis sp. n., and Taeniogonalos paraclypeata sp. n. Orthogonalys hirasana Teranishi, 1929, is re-instated and reported from China. The female of Taeniogonalos alticola (Tsuneki, 1991) is described for the first time. In total, 18 species are known from Shaanxi province, 20 species for NW China, and eight described species are newly recorded for Shaanxi: Jezonogonalos luteata Chen et al., 2014, Orthogonalys hirasana Teranishi, 1929, O. elongata Teranishi, 1929, Pseudogonalos hahnii (Spinola, 1840), Taeniogonalos alticola (Tsuneki, 1991), T. formosana (Bischoff, 1913), T. taihorina (Bischoff, 1914), and Teranishia glabrata Chen et al., 2014. Poecilogonalos maga Teranishi, 1929, syn. n. and Taiwanogonalos claripennis Tsuneki, 1991, syn. n. are new synonyms of Taeniogonalos taihorina (Bischoff, 1914) and Taiwanogonalos alishana Tsuneki, 1991, syn. n. of Taeniogonalos alticola (Tsuneki, 1991). Revised keys to species of the genera Bareogonalos, Jezonogonalos, and Orthogonalys are included.

A new genus of Panorpidae (Mecoptera), Cerapanorpa gen. nov., is erected with Panorpa obtusa Cheng, 1949 as its type species. The new genus can be readily recognized by having a single digitate anal horn on the posterior edge of tergum VI in males, and a broad main plate bearing two pairs of basal plates at the genital plate and a well-developed elongate axis in females. Nineteen described species are transferred from Panorpa Linnaeus, 1758 to the new genus. In addition, three new species, Cerapanorpa liupanshana sp. nov., Cerapanorpa protrudens sp. nov. and Cerapanorpa sinuata sp. nov. are described and illustrated. Panorpa alticola Zhou, 2000 syn. nov. is regarded as a junior synonym of P. obtusa Cheng, 1949. A key to genera of Panorpidae is updated to include the new genus. A key to species of Cerapanorpa is also presented.

Based on a single specimen collected in La Delfina, municipality of Dagua, department of Valle del Cauca, we fills a record gap of 255 km in the distribution of the snake Tantilla alticola in western Colombia.