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A total of 432 species of the family Tachinidae has been established in Bulgaria so far. The most speciesrich are the zones between 200 and 800 m a.s.l. [291-298 species (67.5-69.1%)]. The greatest number of species has been found in the zone of the xerothermic oak forests (333 species or 77.3%). The tachinid fauna can be divided into two main groups: 1) species with Mediterranean type of distribution (63 species - 14.6%), more thermophilic and distributed mainly in the southern parts of the Palaearctic and the lower parts of the mountains; 2) species with Palaearctic and Eurosiberian type of distribution (369 species - 85.4%), more eurybiontic and widely distributed. The distribution of the zoogeographical categories in the different vegetation belts of Bulgaria is scrutinised. The tachinid fauna is compared with the neighbouring countries and Mediterranean Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Although the species richness of Stratiomyidae (Diptera) in Brazil (~340 species) is one of the highest for the family worldwide, we still do not know the actual number of species, the extent of their distribution, or the species seasonal dynamics for a single area in the Neotropics. The soldier fly fauna in the semideciduous seasonal forests, which cover a major area of the countryside of the state of São Paulo, is poorly known compared to the best-known areas in the Atlantic Forest for stratiomyids, such as the ombrophilous forests on the southeast coast. With the constant habitat fragmentation of the remnants of the semideciduous forests in the state for crops and pastures for cattle, we are losing valuable data about biodiversity. This study details the stratiomyids for a single area in the Neotropical Region, using a standardized collecting methodology with Malaise traps, from May 2010 to December 2011. Here, we provide a list of 41 stratiomyid species and 25 genera in eight subfamilies from a total of 1,533 specimens collected in the Reserva Biológica e Ecológica Augusto Ruschi, Sertãozinho, Brazil. The current number of species/morphospecies reported for the state of São Paulo is raised to 113, with Merosargus golbachi James, 1971 in James and McFadden, 1971 and M. tripartitus James, 1971 in James and McFadden, 1971 reported for the first time to Brazil. Our analyses estimate even higher richness in the studied area, probably between 48 to 114 species, indicating that further collection efforts are needed.

Totally, 190 species of the family Tachinidae belonging to 96 genera and 4 subfamilies have been recorded from the Korean Peninsula. Their distribution is analysed and an areographical characteristics of the species are presented. Four species are endemics. The tachinids belong to 52 zoogeographical categories, divided into 2 main groups: (1) species with Manchurian type of distribution (82 species – 43.2 %) – more thermophilic and distributed mainly in the southern parts of the Palaearctic. The species of the southern type, distributed in the Palaearctic and beyond it, can be formally associated to this group as well; (2) species with Holarctic and Palaearctic type of distribution (108 species – 56.8 %) – more cold-resistant and widely distributed in the Palaearctic. The species of the northern type, distributed in the Palaearctic and beyond it, can be formally related to this group as well. The lack of geographical barriers allows mixing of the Palaearctic and Oriental fauna and determines the high percentage of the oriental taxa (47.4 %) in Korea. More than half of the species (106 species – 55.8 %) are distributed in the Oriental Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, 260 species of the family Tachinidae, belonging to 122 genera and four subfamilies, have been recorded from the Mediterranean Africa. Their distribution is analysed and an areographical characteristic of the species is presented. A total of 31 species is known only from the Mediterranean Africa, while 229 species have been found also beyond it. The tachinids belong to 61 zoogeographical categories, divided into two main groups: 1) species with Mediterranean type of distribution (140 species - 53.8%) - more thermophilic and distributed mainly in the southern parts of the Palaearctic. The species of the southern type, distributed in the Palaearctic and beyond it, can be formally related to this group as well; 2) species with Holarctic and Palaearctic type of distribution (120 species - 46.2%) - more cold-resistant and widely distributed in the Palaearctic. The species of the northern type, distributed in the Palaearctic and beyond it, can be formally related to this group as well. The zoogeographical character of the fauna of Tachinidae is determined by the first group (inversely to the European). The limiting role of the deserts in the migration of tropical forms to the north is conspicuous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Totally, 3368 species belonging to 84 families of the suborder Brachycera have been reported from Bulgaria. The families Tachinidae (425 species), Syrphidae (303 species), Muscidae (267 species), Phoridae (231 species) and Dolichopodidae (214 species) comprise the greatest number of species. Of the recorded species, 21 are pests on the forestry or agriculture and 49 species have a significance for the human or veterinary medicine. The distribution of dipterans in the different regions of Bulgaria is presented. The greatest number of species has been found in the zone of the xerothermic oak forests (2275 species or 67.5%). The brachycerans belong to 139 zoogeographical categories, divided into 2 supergroups: (1) species with Mediterranean type of distribution (384 species or 11.4%) - more thermophilic and distributed mainly in the southern parts of the Palaearctic and the lower parts of the mountains; 2) species with Palaearctic and Eurosiberian type of distribution (2916 species or 86.6%) - more eurybiontic and widely distributed. Totally, 68 (2.0%) endemics have been found. The distribution of the zoogeographical categories per vegetation belts of Bulgaria is scrutinised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 1672 species of the suborder Nematocera, belonging to 26 families, has been reported from Bulgaria so far. The families Chironomidae (327 species), Mycetophilidae (263 species), Cecidomyiidae (262 species) and Limoniidae (221 species) comprise the greatest number of species. Of the established species, 40 are pests on the forestry or agriculture and 26 species have a human or veterinary medical significance. The distribution of dipterans in the different regions of Bulgaria is presented. The greatest number of species has been found in the zone of the xerothermic oak forests (1087 species or 65.0%). The Nematocera belong to 104 zoogeographical categories, divided into 2 supergroups: 1) species with Mediterranean type of distribution (131 species or 7.8%) – more thermophilic and distributed mainly in the southern parts of the Palaearctic and the lower parts of the mountains; 2) species with Palaearctic and Eurosiberian type of distribution (1541 species or 92.2%) – more eurybiontic and widely distributed. A total of 60 (3.6%) endemics has been found. The distribution of the zoogeographical categories in the separate vegetation belts of Bulgaria is scrutinised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 1272 two-winged species that belong to 58 families has been reported from the Vitosha Mt. The Tachinidae (208 species or 16.3%) and Cecidomyiidae (138 species or 10.8%) are the most numerous. The greatest number of species has been found in the mesophylic and xeromesophylic mixed forests belt (707 species or 55.6%) and in the northern part of the mountain (645 species or 50.7%). The established species belong to 83 areographical categories. The dipterous fauna can be divided into two main groups: 1) species with Mediterranean type of distribution (53 species or 4.2%) — more thermophilic and distributed mainly in the southern parts of the Palaearctic; seven species of southern type, distributed in the Palaearctic and beyond it, can be formally related to this group as well; 2) species with Palaearctic and Eurosiberian type of distribution (1219 species or 95.8%) — more cold-resistant and widely distributed in the Palaearctic; 247 species of northern type, distributed in the Palaearctic and beyond it, can be formally related to this group as well. The endemic species are 15 (1.2%). The distribution of the species according to the zoogeographical categories in the vegetation belts and the distribution of the zoogeographical categories in each belt are considered. The dipteran fauna of the Vitosha Mt. is compared to this of the Rila and Pirin Mountains.

A total of 1351 species from 63 families (759 species from the Pirin Mts. and 1003 species from the Rila Mts.) have been recorded from the two mountains so far. The low degree of similarity (46.2%) of the fauna between these mountains is related to their natural features and insufficient research. The greatest number of species has been found in the zone of the beech forests (409 species or 55.1% from Pirin Mts. and 736 species or 73.4% from the Rila Mts.). The degree of similarity between the dipteran fauna of the different vegetation belts of the two mountains ranges from 0% to 46.6%. The dipterans belong to 92 areographical categories, divided into two supergroups: 1) species with Mediterranean type of distribution: more thermophilic and distributed mainly in the southern parts of the Palaearctic (49 species or 6.5% from Pirin Mts. and 48 species or 4.8% from the Rila Mts.); 2) species with Palaearctic and Eurosiberian type of distribution: more eurybiontic and widely distributed in the Palaearctic (710 species or 93.5% from Pirin Mts. and 955 species or 95.2% from the Rila Mts.). The Holomediterranean and Mediterranean-Central Asian forms (from 0.6% to 1.3%) are the best represented in the first group. The European, Holarctic, Holoeurosiberian and Transpalaearctic taxa (from 7.8% to 19.0%) prevail in the second group. A total of 12-13 species (from 1.2% to 1.7%) are endemics. The distribution of the zoogeographical categories in the separate vegetation belts of the mountains is scrutinised.

A total of 2275 species of 81 families have been recorded from the studied mountains. The degree of similarity of the dipteran fauna among these mountains is from 30.4% to 45.4%. The degree of similarity between the different vegetation belts ranges from 0% to 46.6%. The dipterans belong to 105 zoogeographical categories, divided into two supergroups: 1) species with Mediterranean type of distribution (126 species or 5.5%) - more thermophilic and distributed mainly in the southern parts of the Palaearctic and the lower parts of the mountains. The species of the southern type, distributed in the Palaearctic and beyond it, can be formally related to this group as well; 2) species with Palaearctic and Eurosiberian type of distribution (2149 species or 94.5%) - more eurybiontic and widely distributed in the Palaearctic and the mountains. The species of the northern type, distributed in the Palaearctic and beyond it, can be formally related to this group as well. The Holomediterranean, North Mediterranean and South European forms (from 0.4% to 1.0%) are the best represented in the first group. The European, Holarctic, Holoeurosiberian, Transpalaearctic and Disjunct Eurosiberian taxa (from 4.9% to 24.3%) prevail in the second group. The endemic species are 37 (1.6%). The distribution of the zoogeographical categories in the separate vegetation belts of the mountains is scrutinised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pockmarks are concave depressions on the sea bottom produced by fluid escape from subaqueous sediments which can be found worldwide in muddy and silt/clay sediments. Due to their morphological and geochemical characteristics, certain pockmarks play an important role in structuring benthic communities, and consequently, they have been proposed to be protected. The present research provides a characterisation of the benthic macrofauna composition in pockmark fields in the southeaster Bay of Biscay. A total of 11 samples were acquired in and close to pockmarks covering a range of depths of 414–992 m. The survey strategy considered the acquisition of one sample inside of each of the selected pockmarks and another sample near, but out of them. Collected macrofaunal organisms were identified at lowest taxonomical level (species) when possible, structural parameters were calculated and a hierarchical cluster analysis carried out with species data. Species density, biomass, richness, diversity and evenness were found to be higher in samples collected inside pockmarks in comparison to samples obtained outside but not statistically significant. This could be explained by the inactivity of the studied pockmarks, which do not offer/generate a particular environment with unusual characteristics that limit or enhance the development of specific species/groups with special traits. • Benthic macrofauna characterisation in pockmark fields in southeastern Bay of Biscay. • No significative differences were found among macrofauna inside/outside pockmarks. • Macrofaunal spatial variability is explained by grain size, organic matter and depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the results of an ecosystem survey carried out by the Murmansk Marine Biological Institute (MMBI) in the Laptev and East Siberian seas, the sponge fauna of the considered areas was studied. A total of 26 sponge species were identified. Some species were new records for the study area, i.e. Mycale helios, Tetilla sandalina, Halichondria sp., Polymastia rara, Lycopodina cupressiformis and Pseudosuberites montiniger. Three species were new to science, i.e. Suberites cebriones sp. nov., Artemisina lundbecki sp. nov. and Iophon koltuni sp. nov. In general, the inhospitable environment of the New Siberian shoal area is characterised by a predominance of boreal Arctic species in the faunistic composition, mostly of Atlantic origin. However, an overwhelming number of these species are regarded here as representatives of a proposed group of secondary Arctic species. Such species certainly originated from the North Atlantic fauna, but during the Pleistocene glaciation became isolated and continued to evolve independently. The phenomenon of ecological vicariance (which has repeatedly been observed for diverse groups of Arctic animals) is discussed here as a confirmation of the hypothesis. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:FA2EDE40-93E0-43B7-9ACF-ECCE12B0E671 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study provides new data on the distribution and biology of the species found in the watershed of the Mijares River. The results show that the species that present greatest abundance and are widely distributed in the study area are: Simulium angustitarse, S. equinum, S. intermedium, S. ornatum, S. pseudequinum y S. trifasciatum, while Metacnephia blanci, S. angustipes, S. bezzi, S. lineatum, S. petricolum, S. velutinum and S. xanthinum present very small populations and a small distribution. Of the species, 13 constitute new citations for the province of Castellón and 2 for the Valencian Community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The faunistic composition and ecological distribution of the swallowtail butterflies in western Sarawak were studied using both voucher specimens deposited in the UNIMAS Insect Reference Collection (UIRC) and the Research Development and Innovation Division (RDID) of the Forest Department Sarawak, and specimens obtained from field sampling in western Sarawak. A total of 649 specimens were examined, representing three tribes, namely Troidini, Papilionini and Leptocircini. These specimens represent thirty-one species documented in western Sarawak and their most favourable ecological habitat is the lowland mixed-dipterocarp forest. The most abundant species is Menelaides memnon followed by Papilio demoleus. The least abundant species is Chilasa slateri, which is represented by a singleton, followed by Papilio karna and Graphium procles, each represented by a doubleton. The lowland mixed-dipterocarp forest supports the highest number of the Papilionidae species and individuals in Sarawak, probably due to the favourable habitats and high abundance of larval host plants and food sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field sampling of the Aphodiini scarab beetles in Dosang environs (Astrakhan Province, European Russia) in 2006–2012 resulted in the collection of 44 species. All but one of them belong to Aphodius Hellwig (sensu lato). This is apparently the richest recorded local Aphodiini fauna in Russia. The high Aphodiini diversity in the area can be explained by the long vegetative season with high effective heat sum, large livestock providing abundant food resources throughout the year, and location in the transition belt between Volga-Akhtuba Floodplain and Desert floristic districts. The core fauna consists of mesophilous species widely distributed in the Palearctic region and confined to the intrazonal habitats. Other species have ranges mostly limited to the steppe, semidesert, and desert zones.

The taxonomic composition and diversity of Trichoptera larvae communities were studied in four lotic sites in central region of State of Rio Grande do Sul. Sampling was done monthly from June, 2001 to May, 2002 in four sites located at the middle section of Jacuí River (Point 4) and in three tributaries (Carijinho River - Point 1; Lajeado da Gringa - Point 2 and Lajeado do Gringo - Point 3), with a Surber sampler. The total number of larvae collected was 29,143, belonging to 25 genera distributed in nine families; twenty of these genera are new records for the State. The highest abundance was found at Point 2 (n = 12,547). The highest standardized richness, for a 1,177 specimens sample chosen by chance, was recorded at Point 1, followed by Point 4 (17.7 and 16 genera, respectively). The highest diversity was found at Point 1, and the lowest at Point 3 (H' = 1.31 and H' = 0.77, respectively). Point 1 had the lowest anthropic influence and the best preserved riparian vegetation, while Point 3 presented the highest anthropic impact, and a very reduced riparian vegetation. The diversity of Trichoptera observed in this study is low, compared to the estimated maximum theoretical diversity. Low diversity values are related to the low evenness, since the richness was relatively high. The Trichoptera larvae communities seem to be related to the food availability and physical features (riparian vegetation and anthropic influence) of the study sites.A composição taxonômica e a diversidade de comunidades de larvas de Trichoptera foram estudadas em quatro ambientes lóticos na região central do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. As amostras foram coletadas mensalmente de junho de 2001 a maio de 2002 em quarto pontos, localizados no trecho médio do Rio Jacuí (Ponto 4) e em três tributários (Rio Carijinho - Ponto 1; Lajeado da Gringa - Ponto 2 e Lajeado do Gringo - Ponto 3), com amostrador de Surber. O número total de larvas coletado foi 29.143, pertencentes a 25 gêneros distribuídos em nove famílias; vinte destes gêneros constituem registros novos para o Estado. A maior abundância foi encontrada no Ponto 2 (n = 12.547). A maior riqueza padronizada, para uma amostra de 1.177 espécimes retirados ao acaso, foi registrada no Ponto 1, seguida pelo Ponto 4 (17,7 e 16 gêneros, respectivamente). A maior diversidade foi encontrada no Ponto 1 e a menor no Ponto 3 (H' = 1,31 e H' = 0,77, respectivamente). O Ponto 1 possui a menor influência antrópica e a vegetação ripária melhor conservada, enquanto o Ponto 3 apresentou o maior impacto antrópico e a vegetação ripária muito reduzida. A diversidade de Trichoptera observada neste estudo foi baixa, comparada com a diversidade teórica máxima estimada. Os baixos valores de diversidade registrados estão relacionados à baixa equidade, pois a riqueza foi relativamente alta. As comunidades de larvas de Trichoptera parecem estar relacionadas com a disponibilidade alimentar e as características físicas (vegetação ripária e influência antrópica) dos ambientes estudados.

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Studies on the bird fauna of the middle Aldan River valley, a poorly explored area of Russia, have been performed to reveal trends of spatial changes in the group of dominants, faunistic composition, density, species richness, and distribution of bird assemblages by vegetation layers and to identify environmental factors accounting for these trends. The roles of zonal and local landscape-ecological conditions in the formation of bird communities have been compared. The status of rare and endangered species in the study region has been determined. The results are compared with similar data on the lower Maya River valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local species richness and between-site similarity in species composition of parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae; Pimplinae and Rhyssinae) were correlated with those of four plant groups (pteridophytes, Melastomataceae, Burseraceae and Arecaceae) in a western Amazonian lowland rain forest mosaic. The mosaic structure of the forest was related to variation in soils within the non-inundated terrain. Significant matrix correlation between patterns in parasitoid wasp species composition and plant species composition was found. Most of the overall correlation was due to idiobiont parasitoids of weakly concealed hosts, which attack host larvae and pupae in exposed situations, with two of the four ecologically defined parasitoid groups showing no correlation at all. A positive correlation between the number of plant species and the number of Pimplinae and Rhyssinae species at a site was found when the latter was corrected for collecting effort. Consequently, the degree of floristic difference between sites may be indicative of the difference in species composition of ichneumonids, and the species richness of plants may serve as a predictor of the species richness of parasitoid wasps. Although these results were obtained in a mosaic including structurally and floristically clearly different types of rain forest, the correlation coefficients were relatively low, and the present results lend only weak support to the idea of using plant distributions as indicators of animal distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]