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The first detailed description of early development of the recently described European geophilid Geophilus serbicus is presented. Based on specimens from a natural population from the Balkan Penins...

Covariation of multiple morphological traits and modularity have been widely studied in the field of evolutionary developmental biology. Subunits of a morphological structure can evolve separately from each other in a modular fashion. The aims of our study therefore were: i) to test the hypothesis of modularity in the dorsal part of the head capsule and the gnathochilarium separately during late postembryogenesis in the julidan millipede Megaphyllum unilineatum (C. L. Koch, 1838) using geometric morphometrics; and ii) to investigate the influence of allometry on overall morphological integration in the dorsal part of the head capsule and the gnathochilarium in the mentioned species. Individuals from different ontogenetic stadia (stadium VI – stadium XI) were included in the analyses. Significant influence of fluctuating asymmetry on the dorsal part of the head capsule shape was detected by Procrustes ANOVA. Regressions were significant for the symmetric component of both analysed morphological traits, while non-significant regression was detected for the asymmetric component of the head capsule’s dorsal part. Hypotheses of modularity for the dorsal part of the head capsule and the gnathochilarium are rejected because our results indicate that a small proportion of alternate partitions has higher covariation between subsets of structure than between the hypothesized modules. Contrary to our expectations, results of the present study show that allometry does not increase the level of morphological integration in the dorsal part of the head capsule and the gnathochilarium in M. unilineatum. Based on the obtained results, we conclude that the dorsal part of the head capsule and the gnathochilarium are not composed of independent modules and that in the case of the capsule’s dorsal part, developmental processes affect morphological integration in different ways at different levels of shape variation.

Sexual selection can be a major driving force that favours morphological evolution at the intraspecific level. According to the sexual selection theory, morphological variation may accompany non-random mating or fertilization. Here both variation of linear measurements and variation in the shape of certain structures can significantly influence mate choice in different organisms. In the present work, we quantified sexual behaviour of the millipede Megaphyllum bosniense (Verhoeff, 1897) as characterized by several sequences. These are: mating latency, duration of copulation, contact to copulation time, duration of contact without copulation, time from entrance (time-point when individuals were placed in boxes in which tests occurred) to contact with copulation, and time from entrance to contact without copulation. Further, we analysed the influence of morphological variation (both variation of linear measurements and variation in the shape of several structures) on mating success. Variation of body length, antennal length, length of the walking legs, trunk width, and trunk height was analysed by traditional morphometrics, while variation in size and shape of the antennae, walking legs, head, and gonopods (promeres, opisthomeres) was analysed using geometric morphometrics. More than half of all physical contacts detected among the millipedes resulted in copulation. Based on the value of sexual selection coefficients, preferences toward the previous partner were found to be prevalent in both female and male choice tests. Individuals with different mating status significantly differed in some morphological traits (body mass, head centroid size, head shape, and promere shape). Our study yielded new information about the sexual behaviour of millipedes and variation of morphological traits as a potential basis for mate preferences.

Stem weevils (Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus and Ceutorhynchus napi) are significant pests of oilseed rape that farmers regularly suppress by insecticide treatments intended against Brassicogethes aeneus. Recent studies have shown that in some regions of northern Serbia C. napi is dominant, while C. pallidactylus prevails in others. Increased damage from stem weevils has elicited an exploration of the situation and a study of their phenology and effects of insecticides in three differently managed fields: conventional, organic and integrated. New findings regarding the phenology of stem weevils show that both species were sporadically present in our experimental oilseed rape fields as early as during autumn (from the end of October 2010, BBCH 17-18). The main period of stem weevil settlement is the end of winter and early spring. Maximum flight of both weevil species was recorded on March 23 at the beginning of oilseed rape (OSR) stem elongation (BBCH 22-25), and one week later in the organic field. There were no significant differences in the number of settled weevils among the three differently managed fields. The insecticide treatment against C. napi was applied two weeks earlier than the usual treatment against B. aeneus and C. pallidactylus. Thus, it is clear that insecticide treatment directed against B. aeneus and C. pallidactylus is not effective against C. napi. In this way, such a practice can contribute to an increase in OSR damage, and density of the next generation of C. napi. A new generation of C. pallidactylus emerged from OSR fields in June 2011, while the majority of C. napi emerged in March of the following year. Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus i Ceutorhynchus napi su značajne štetočine uljane repice koje farmeri redovnu suzbijaju insekticidnim tretmanom protiv Brassicogethes aeneus. Nedavne studije su pokazale da u nekim regionima na severu Srbije dominira C. napi, a u drugim regionima C. pallidactylus. Povećane štete od stablovih rilaša ukazale su na potrebu praćenja njihove fenologije, efekata insekticida i uticaj agrotehnike. Utvrđeno je po prvi put da je pojava ovih insekata (C. napi i C. pallidactylus) na poljima uljane repice već tokom jeseni, od kraja oktobra 2010 (BBCH 17-18). Glavni period kada oni naseljavaju uljanu repicu je tokom kraja zime i na početku proleća. Maksimalni let je zabeležen 23. marta, u vreme izduživanja stabla uljane repice (BBCH 22-25). U odnosu na primenjenu agrotehniku nije bilo značajnih razlika u broju insekata koji su doletali. Registrovan broj doletelih imaga C. napi bio je 2,7 puta veći nego C. pallidactylus. U skladu sa tim, insekticidni tretman je bio 25. marta 2011. Posledica dominacije C. napi je potreba za primenom insekticida oko 2 nedelje ranije u odnosu na termin kada se suzbijaju B. aeneus i C. pallidactilus. Stoga je jasno da konvencionalna jednokratna primena insekticida za suzbijanje B. aeneus nije efikasna protiv C. napi i da takva praksa doprinosi tako velikim razlikama u brojnosti ova dva rilaša. Nova generacija C. pallidactylus izleće već tokom juna meseca iz zemljišta sa uljanom repicom (BCH 76-88) dok glavnina imaga C. napi izleće naredne godine u martu mesecu.

Although millipedes (Diplopoda) represent one of the most diverse classes of arthropods, data concerning details of their mating behaviour are very scarce. In this work, we explored mating behaviour of the European millipede Pachyiulus hungaricus under laboratory conditions, and its relationship with the size and shape of certain morphological traits. We conducted 3 types of behavioural tests: a mating arena test, a female choice test, and a male choice test. Premating behaviour was "sequenced" in 5 behavioural steps and, together with the duration of copulation, scored in all mating assays. Males were the more active sex in searching for mates, while females were the "choosier" sex. Furthermore, in the choice tests, previous mating partners had significantly more copulations than new ones, thus raising questions about postcopulatory sexual selection in this species. On the other hand, our results indicate that size and/or shape of the tested morphological traits, except for the shape of the male walking legs, were not subject to precopulatory sexual selection. Other sensory domains known to influence courtship behaviour need to be investigated in this regard in P. hungaricus.

An overview of the anamorphic development of Apfelbeckia insculpta is provided. As in other myriapods and arthropods, this period of the life cycle includes different stages that are separated by molts. Based on an earlier description of post-embryogenesis of A. insculpta and on our data, we describe ten stadia that occur after juveniles of our focal species hatch from the egg. Each molt is accompanied by the addition of podous and apodous pleurotergites, leg-pairs and ocelli. Thus, the numbers of these structures can be used as reliable criteria for the separation of post-embryonic stadia in A. insculpta. Adulthood is reached through teloanamorphosis, i.e., with the ninth and last molt individuals become sexually mature and achieve adulthood. Sexes can be distinguished from stadium VIII onward. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173038]

Here we describe in detail the late post-embryonic development of the common European scolopendromorph centipede Cryptops parisi. Canonical variate analyses of two groups of external morphological characters, viz., cephalic capsule characters (head length, length of the anterior and posterior paramedian cephalic sutures) and coxopleuron surface characters (number of pores in the coxal pore-field, number of setae on the posterior coxopleuron edge, their number on the coxal pore-field, and their number posterior to the coxal pore-field) were conducted on a large sample of specimens collected from two localities in Serbia. Ten free-living stages are recognized: three pre-adult stages (adolescens I, II, and III) and seven adult stages (one maturus junior stage, four maturus, and two maturus senior stages). The fourth late post-embryonic stage is the first mature stage in both sexes. Sexual dimorphism in the aforementioned characters was not observed. Morphological variation of coxopleuron characters was more informative for the discrimination of developmental stages in Cryptops than the morphological variation of cephalic capsule characters.

In recent years, it is widely accepted that bioactive compounds of fruits and vegetables are related to reduction of oxidative stress, thus having the beneficial effect of decreasing the risk of many human diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of Aronia melanocarpa fruit extract. This in vivo study was conducted using fruit fly (Drosphila melanogaster) larvae. Simultaneously with treatments, co-treatments with the same concentrations of aronia fruit extract mixed with a strong mutagen, methyl methanesulphonate (MMS), were performed. Fitness traits and morphological characters were monitored. Positive biological effects were observed in flies that developed on substrates with 2% and 25% A. melanocarpa extract. Only a mixture of MMS+25% fruit extract showed preferable effects both on fitness components and on wing development in comparison with other MMS co-treatments, indicating the ability of this concentration to protect the cells from MMS-induced damage.

The effects of insecticides that are commonly used for conventional and integrated oilseed rape (OSR) management on ground beetles were studied. Monitoring of harmful species showed that only insecticides intended against Ceutorhynchus napi should be applied. There were no differences in beetle numbers and phenology of settling of C. napi in the OSR fields that received different management practices. The type of OSR management has a primary and significant impact on ground beetles abundance. Early in the spring, ground beetles settled more massively on the non-tilled OSR field with abundant weed cover and mulch on soil surface. However, there were no significant differences in species richness between the OSR fields managed differently. A total of 22 species were recorded. Early in the spring, the granivorous ground beetles Amara aenea (47.3%) and Harpalus distinguendus (32.5%) were dominant. When insecticides were applied, immigration of ground beetles began, so that their adverse effect was minimal. In both management systems the number of ground beetles and their diversity increased after spraying. In conclusion, no significant harmful effects of the insecticides on ground beetles were detected in OSR fields managed in two different ways. Ispitivan je efekat insekticida u konvencionalnoj i integralnoj proizvodnji i zaštiti uljane repice. Monitoring štetnih vrsta je pokazao da se insekticidi moraju primeniti samo u suzbijanju Ceutorhynchus napi. Brojnost imaga i fenologija naseljavanja C. napi se nije razlikovala na različitim poljima uljane repice. Pokazalo se da način gajenja uljane repice ima primarni uticaj na brojnost karabida jer su se one u značajno različitom broju naselile na različito gajenim poljima uljane repice. Rano u proleće, karabide su u najvećem broju naselile neorano polje pokriveno korovima i malčom od slame. Međutim, nije bilo značajnih razlika u bogatstvu vrsta koje su naselile ova dva polja uljane repice. Ukupno je registrovano 22 vrste karabida. U rano proleće dominantne su granivorne vrste Amara aenea (47.3%) i Harpalus distinguendus (32.5%). U vreme kada su primenjeni insekticidi, počinjala je imigracija karabida tako da je njihova brojnost bila mala a stoga je i štetni efekat insekticida bio minimalan. Posle prskanja je došlo do porasta broja karabida i njihovog diverziteta na oba polja sa različitim načinom gajenja. Na osnovu toga se može zaključiti da nema značajnog štetnog delovanja insekticida na karabide kada se suzbija C. napi u poljima uljane repice u konvencionalnoj i integralnoj proizvodnji.

The defensive secretions of two blaniulid millipedes, Nopoiulus kochii and Cibiniulus phlepsii, were characterized by GC-FID and GC/MS analyses, which showed the presence of a complex mixture of benzoquinones, hydroquinones, and oleates. Altogether, 13 compounds were identified. The major compound in the secretions of both analyzed species was 2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (toluquinone). The second major constituent in the N. kochii secretion was 2-methyl-3,4-(methylenedioxy)phenol, while in that of C. phlepsii, it was 2-methoxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone. The defensive secretion of N. kochii also showed a high content of hydroquinones (13.5%) in comparison to that of C. phlepsii (0.8%). Hexyl oleate and octyl oleate were detected for the first time in defensive millipede fluids. The chemical composition of the defensive secretions supports the chemotaxonomic position of the family Blaniulidae in the 'quinone' millipede clade.

A second member of the genus Belbogosoma Curcic & Makarov, 2008, the troglobitic B. stribogi n. sp., is described, illustrated and diagnosed. A brief discussion of anthroleucosomatids from Serbia and a distribution map of the genus are provided. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173038]

A complex mixture of compounds was identified from the secretion of specimens of Unciger transsilvanicus. Phenol and p-cresol were detected for the first time in the family Julidae, and for the second time in the order Julida. Thirteen quinones were identified, with a great relative abundance of toloquinone and 2-methoxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone. Hydroquinone was detected for the first time in the order Julida. Besides these compounds, isopentyl hexacosatetraenoate and isopentyl esters of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids with chain lengths from C14 to C20were identified. The most abundant non-quinone compound was isopentyl eicosenoate. The relative abundance of quinone and non-quinone in the defensive fluid of U. transsilvanicus was 77% and 23%, respectively. The phylogenetic importance of the registered compounds is briefly discussed. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173038 i br. 172053]

A single species of Roncus L. Koch, 1873, which was collected in the Baretina Lokva on Mt. Orjen, Montenegro, is new to science (R. teutae n. sp.) and described herein. Its diagnostic characters are illustrated and their distribution is provided. The possible establishment of this species of Roncus is presented briefly in view of the importance and analysis of its diagnostic characters. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173038]

The millipede fauna of Serbia consists of 100 species, 44 genera, 16 families and 7 orders. The most abundant are families Julidae (41 species or 41%) and Polydesmidae (22 species or 22%). Of the total number, 27 species (27%) are endemic to Serbia, while 18 (18%) are endemic to the Balkan Peninsula. All registered species can be related to 15 zoogeographical categories. Glomeris klugii Brandt, 1833 (Glomerida: Glomeridae), Cibiniulus phlepsii (Verhoeff, 1897) (Julida: Blaniulidae), Brachyiulus bagnalli (Brolemann, 1924), Megaphyllum carniolense (Verhoeff, 1897), Typhloiulus incurvatus Verhoeff, 1899, Xestoiulus luteus (Attems, 1951) (all Julida: Julidae), and Polydesmus renschi Schubart, 1934 (Polydesmida: Polydesmidae) represent new records for the diplopod fauna of Serbia. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173038]

A new cave polydesmid, Brachydesmus sjenicae n. sp. is described from Ledena Pećina Cave, in southwest Serbia. The new taxon belongs to the vermosanus-group of species. Relationships with congeners are briefly discussed. The distribution map and key is given for all currently known taxa belonging to this group of species. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173038]

The Balkan millipede genus Serboiulus Strasser, 1962, is reviewed, and a new species, S. kresnik n. sp, isdescribed. The new species differs from all other congeners in a number of gonopod details. The distribution of the species of Serboiulus is mapped and discussed. A new key is provided for all four currently known serboiulid species. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173038]

Three new endemic species of the genus Roncus L. Koch (Neobisiidae, Pseudoscorpiones) from eastern Serbia have been erected, described and fully illustrated. Their main characters and important diagnostic features have been analyzed and compared to those of their closest congeners from the area studied. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173038]

A new cave pseudoscorpion from Montenegro, Chthonius (Ephippiochthonius) rhizon n. sp., is described. The newly erected taxon is endemic to the Bukarička Pećina Cave, Knezlaz, Montenegro. Its taxonomic relationship with the phenetically close congeners, including comparative morphological traits, is described. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173038]

A new endemic epigean pseudoscorpion species from Mt. Orjen, Montenegro, is presented, described, and illustrated. Its main morphometric characters and important diagnostic features are analyzed and compared to its closest congeners. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173038]

The following new cavernicolous ground beetle taxa are described from three caves in eastern Serbia: Duvalius (Paraduvalius) trifunovici sp. n., from the Mandina Pećina Cave, village of Zlot, near Bor, Kučajske Planine Mts., D. (P.) rtanjensis sp. n., from the Golema Porica Pit, Mt. Rtanj, and Glabroduvalius gen. n., G. tupiznicensis sp. n., from the Gornja Lenovačka Pećina Cave, village of Lenovac, near Zaječar, Mt. Tupižnica. The new taxa are easily distinguished from related organisms. All important morphological features have been listed, along with the diagnoses and illustrations of the taxa. The new taxa are relicts and endemics of eastern Serbia and probably belong to old phyletic lineages of Tertiary or even pre-Tertiary origin. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173038, br. 43001 i br. 43002]

A new troglobitic diplopod, Hyleoglomeris faberi n. sp., is described from a cave in western Serbia. Taxonomic relationships among European members of the genus Hyleoglomeris Verhoeff, 1910 (and some related taxa) and a number of biogeographical data are briefly discussed. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173038]

A new eyeless false scorpion, Microchthonius elegantissimus n. sp. from inside an underground (cave) system, i.e. Jama Golubinka u Kalaševin Dugin Njivaman Cave (= Kalaševa Jama Pit), Kladnjice, Croatia, is described. This new pseudoscorpion differs from all other congeners. There exists a probability that the new false scorpion belongs to relicts of an old tropical area incorporating the northern subtropical part of the Mediterranean. Morphometric ratios, linear measurements and figures of the taxon are presented in detail.

At six localities in northern Croatia (Donje Oresje, Gornje Oresje), Slovenia (Stranice, Slovenj Gradec), and Bosnia (Bespelj and Kober), successions of shallow-water Campanian deposits transgressively covered a tectonically uplifted and eroded paleorelief. They constitute different lateral parts of a transgressive subtidal environment, where rudists and corals are typical macrofossils. At the investigated localities, two types of succession were distinguished: (a) clastic and (b) carbonate. Most localities are within the extended chronostratigraphic range of Calveziconus cf. lecalvezae (80.5–79.03 Ma), which comprises the upper part of the Vaccinites alpinus interval zone (for Stranice and Slovenj Gradec localities) and beginning of the Pironaea polystyla interval zone (for Bespelj and Kober localities). In clastic successions, corals are the most abundant macrofossils, whereas rudists predominate within carbonate sections. The depositional setting of the investigated localities results from rapid relative sea-level rise with a tectonic overprint, which covered different types of paleorelief. In cases when the paleorelief is gentle, a transgressive succession starts with clastic coral-rich sediments or carbonates with radiolitids. In areas of steeper paleorelief carbonate sediments were deposited with a mixed radiolitid-hippuritid community, and the rudists, as the major macrofossils, indicate higher sedimentation rates in comparison with the clastic situations.

The chemical defence of the millipede Pachyiulus hungaricus is reported in the present paper, in which a chemical characterization is given and antimicrobial activity is determined. In total, independently of sex, 44 compounds were identified. All compounds belong to two groups: quinones and pentyl and hexyl esters of long-chain fatty acids. The relative abundances of quinones and non-quinones were 94.7% vs. 5.3% (males) and 87.3% vs. 12.7% (females), respectively. The two dominant quinones in both sexes were 2-methyl-1,4,-benzoquinone and 2-methoxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of the defensive secretion was evaluated in vitro against seven bacterial strains and eight fungal species. With the aid of a dilution technique, the antimicrobial potential of the secretion and high sensitivity of all tested strains were confirmed. The lowest minimum concentrations of these compounds (0.20-0.25 mg/mL) were sufficient for inhibition of Aeromonas hydrophila, Listeria monocytogenes and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The growth of eight tested fungal species was inhibited by slightly lower concentrations of the secretion, with Fusarium equiseti as the most sensitive fungus and Aspergillus flavus as the most resistant. Values of MIC and MFC in the employed microdilution assay ranged from 0.10 to above 0.35 mg/mL. The given extract contains antimicrobial components potentially useful as therapeutic agents in the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries.

The presence of a rare anomaly, viz., symmetrical pedipalpal polymely, was registered in a male specimen of the spider Pardosa agrestis (Westring, 1861) from Stari Žednik, Serbia. The abnormal structure had the appearance of a normal pedipalp and consisted of five segments with immature internal parts.

The cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodeschrysocephala (L.) is an important pest of winter oilseed rape in Serbia. Beetles colonize oilseed rape in early October and are active in the field until first frost and wintertime. In autumn, adults can be seen laying eggs in the soil around plants. Larvae of P. chrysocephala developed intensively on leaf petioles in November, reaching their highest numbers at the end of the month. No infested plants were found in a conventional field, while 14.5% of all dissected leaf petioles were infested on an integrated field. On unprotected plants in an organic field, 76.0% of the plants were infested with larvae at the growth-stage BBCH 18-19, with 31.1% infested leaves on average. As a results, the number of plants was reduced by 51%, i.e. from 43.0/m2 recorded in the autumn to 22.0/m2 in the following spring. A new generation of P. chrysocephala beetles emerged from the soil in the first half of June and rapidly escaped the fields from almost dry plants. Our results showed that a part of the population stayed in aestivation and emerged in the following crop during the next season. On the following 5 March, 0.5 beetles/m2 were found in emergence cages in the organic field, while 0.81 beetles/m2 were found in the former trap crop. Crvenoglavi buvač (Psylliodes chrysocephala (L.) je važna štetočina ozime uljane repice u Srbiji. Naseljava uljanu repicu početkom oktobra i aktivan je u polju sve do pojave mraza i zime. Tokom jeseni adulti se mogu videti kako polažu jaja u zemljište u blizini biljaka. Larve P. chrysocephala se tokom novembra intenzivno razvijaju u lisnim peteljkama i najviše ih ima krajem ovog meseca. Na netretiranim biljkama disekcijom je utvrdjeno 76.0 % napadnutih biljaka sa u proseku 31.1 % napadnutih listova u razvojnom stadijumu BBCH 18-19. Rezultat ovolikog napada je bilo smanjenje broja biljaka za 51%, od 43,0/m2 koliko ih je bilo u jesen na 22,0/m2 u proleće naredne godine. Nova generacija adulta P. chrysocephala izleće iz zemljišta tokom prve polovine juna i brzo napušta polje sa skoro suvim biljkama uljane repice. Naši rezultati su pokazali da deo populacije ostaje u dijapauzi i eklodira u narednom usevu tokom proleća naredne godine. Mi smo u fotoeklektor kavezima, koji su ostavljeni u polju i tokom naredne godine, 5. marta 2012. u organskom polju registrovali 0.5 imaga/m2, dok je u lovnom pojasu zabeleženo 0.81 imaga/m2.

A new endemic epigean species from the village of Adzina Livada, nr. Kragujevac, Mts. Gledicke Planine, western Serbia, is erected, described and thoroughly illustrated. Its main morphometric characters and important diagnostic features are analyzed and compared to the two closest congeners, Roncus ivanjicae B. Curcic, and R. golijae B. Curcic from western Serbia, respectively.

The pseudoscorpion sample from a cave in Bosnia has been studied. Two new species have been described herein: Chthonius (Chthonius) protobosniacus n. sp. and C. (C.) kladanjensis n. sp. Both taxa are considered endemic of Bosnia and the Balkan Peninsula. In this paper, diagnostic characters of the analyzed forms are thoroughly described and figured. Taxonomic interrelationship amd geographic distribution are briefly discussed.

The trichobothrial pattern was studied during the postembryonic development of Cyclosa conica. Juvenile and adult specimens have the same trichobothrial pattern but a different number of setae. The considerable difference in the number of trichobothria on the tibias of immature specimens allowed separation into four groups. The distinction in trichobothrial number and pattern between pedipalps of adult male and female spiders is also noted. Mature and immature specimens have the same number of trichobothria on metatarsi I and II.

Parental care in the centipede Clinopodes flavidus Koch (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha: Geophilidae) is described for the first time: the female coils round the brood with the sterna outwards, as do the females of most geophilomorphs. Also the variation in body length and major external morphological characters of the early post-embryonic stadia are described. The peripatoid and foetus stadium are easily distinguished by the degree of segmentation of the trunk and the appendages, and by the capability of making ‘writhing’ movements. The variation in the number of leg-bearing segments in mother—offspring broods is analyzed and discussed.

Two new species of endemic and relict epigean dwellers of the genus Chthonius C. L. Koch, have been described from Croatia. From its phenetically close congeners (C. litoralis Hadzi and C. dalmatinus Hadzi), Chthonius (Chthonius) torakensis n. sp. is distinguished in many important respects. In addition, Chthonius (Ephippiochthonius) cikolae n. sp. (also from Croatia) differs from its closest forms (C. (E.) lychidis Curcic and C. (E.) tetrachelatus (Preyssler) by many morphological characters and form of different body parts. Both species are illustrated, diagnosed and thoroughly described.

We have analyzed and discussed the indirect evidence of regeneration of the forcipular telopodites and the walking legs (reduced in size or abnormal characteristics such as atypical morphology and a reduced number of articles) in wild populations of the lithobiomorph centipede Eupolybothrus transsylvanicus (Latzel). In our opinion, these morphological defects can be interpreted as a result of incomplete regeneration. In some cases, the full segmentation of the regenerating appendages will be completed later in ontogeny through an anamorphic schedule of post-embryonic segment addition.

A thorough analysis of a specimen of the collembolan family Entomobryidae from a cave in Montenegro has yielded a species new to science: Heteromurus (Verhoeffiella) anagastumensis n. sp. This is the first known cave-dwelling member of the subgenus Verhoeffiella Absolon in Montenegro. Heteromurus (V.) anagastumensis n. sp. is described, illustrated, and diagnosed; it is a phenetically close congener of H. (V.) longicornis (Absolon) from Herzegovina. Some biogeographical and evolutionary characteristics of this new Verhoeffiella species are discussed in the light of the origin of the North Mediterranean fauna.

A new cave-dwelling species of pseudoscorpion belonging to the family Neobisiidae - Neobisium ninae n. sp. - is described from the Pecina u Dubokom Potoku Cave in the village of Donje Bisevo, near Rozaje in Eastern Montenegro. A diagnosis of the new species is presented. This taxon is a relict and endemic to the area studied. Additionally, some taxonomic and biogeographical traits of the new species are discussed in the light of the evolution of the karst relief of the Balkan Peninsula.

A new species of false scorpion belonging to the family Chthoniidae, Chthonius (Chthonius) globocicae n. sp., is described from a cave in the village of Trnovo, near Virpazar in Montenegro. This endemic form is illustrated, diagnosed, and thoroughly compared to its phenetically closest congener [C. (C.) porevidi Curcic, Makarov & Lucic, 1998] from the area of Krivosije in Montenegro. Additionally, certain diagnostic and other features, taxonomic traits and biogeographical details are briefly discussed in the light of evolution of the karstification process in Montenegro.

A cave collembolan, new to science, Protaphorura zlatiborensis sp. n., is described from Serbia, thoroughly illustrated, and diagnosed. Its interrelationships with other species, geographic distribution, and origin are briefly discussed.

A new diplopod species, Anamastigona radmani sp. n., from Croatia, is described, illustrated, and diagnosed. Its relationships with congeners and their geographic distribution are briefly discussed.

The millipede Perunosoma trojanicagen. nov., sp. nov. is described on the basis of specimens from the Prekonoška Pećina Cave in southeast Serbia. Scanning electron micrographs of the gonopods and legs are presented. Comparative photomicrographs of the closely related genus Serbosoma Ćurčić and Makarov, 2000 are also presented. The central part of the anterior gonopods in these genera can be species-specific and provide grounds for initial recognition of species. The Anthroleucosomatidae occupy three disjunct areas globally: one on the west coast of North America, the second in Asia, and the third in Europe. The North American anthroleucosomatid fauna is composed of one monotypic genus, while the Asian one includes six genera with seven species and the much more diverse European anthroleucosomatids include 14 genera with 39 species.

This study, based on an analysis of some palaeo‐Mediterranean pseudoscorpions (Ernstmayria venizelosi n. sp. and E. apostolostrichasi Curcic and Dimitrijevic from the family Neobisiidae) represents an outstanding improvement of our knowledge of the diversity of relict and distributionally limited false scorpions from the ancient (or proto‐) Aegean area. Both E. venizelosi n. sp. and E. apostolostrichasi originated in the proto‐Balkan region; their ancestors are to be sought among extinct forms. Since Ernstmayria species presently inhabit the ‘peripheral’ location of the ancient Aegeis, it is evident that their remote ancestor gave rise to a number of recent genera which presently constitute two generic groups inhabiting the Mediterranean region: Neobisium Chamberlin, Occitanobisium Heurtault, Roncobisium Vachon, Protoneobisium Curcic, and Pennobisium Curcic, on the one hand, and Acanthocreagris Mahnert, Balkanoroncus Curcic, Insulocreagris Curcic, and Roncocreagris Mahnert, on the other.

Two "subspecies" of the diplopod genus Macrochaetosoma Absolon & Lang, M. troglomontanum biokovense Mrsic & M. troglomontanum deleemanorum Gulicka are synonymized and attributed to M. troglomontanum Absolon & Lang. Abundant material from Montenegro and Herzegovina led us to reanalyze taxonomic relationships of member of the genus Macrochaetosoma (as well as these of some related taxa); some biogeographic and phylogenetic details are also briefly discussed.

Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) in Drosophila melanogaster represent the basis of chemical communication being involved in many important biological functions. The aim of this study was to characterize chemical composition and variation of cuticular profiles in five D. melanogaster strains. These strains were reared for approximately 300 generations on five diets: standard cornmeal medium and substrates prepared with apple, banana, tomato, and carrot. Differences in quantity and/or quality in CHCs were assumed as a result of activation of different metabolic pathways involved in food digestion and adaptations to the particular diet type. In total, independently of sex and strain, 66 chemical compounds were identified. In females of all strains, 60 compounds were identified, while, in males, 47 compounds were extracted. Certain new chemical compounds for D. melanogaster were found. MANOVA confirmed that CHC amounts significantly depend on sex and substrates, as well as on their interactions. Discriminant analysis revealed that flies belonging to 'apple' and 'carrot' strains exhibited the most noticeable differences in CHC repertoires. A non-hydrocarbon pheromone, cis-vaccenyl acetate (cVA) also contributed to the variation in the pheromone bouquet among the strains. Variability detected in CHCs and cVA may be used in the explanation of differences in mating behaviour previously determined in analyzed fly strains.

Our research of the genus Ceutorhynchus associated with oilseed rape was conducted in northern parts of Serbia (Stari Žednik, Subotica). A specific assemblage of eight weevil species was found. The most numerous were stem weevils Ceutorhynchus napi with 81% of all trapped specimens, followed by C. pallidactylus with 18%. The remaining six weevil specimens were C. obstrictus, C.erysimi, C. minutus, C. picitarsis, C. sulcicollis and C. typhae, comprising 1% of all trapped insects. Stem weevils C. napi and C. pallidactylus began to immigrate into the oilseed rape fields in autumn, as early as November 10 (BBCH 17-18). The maximum flight was recorded at the beginning of oilseed rape stem elongation (BBCH 22-25) on March 23. A new generation of C. pallidactylus emerged from oilseed rape fields in June (BBCH 76-88), while individual specimens occurred during the autumn. The majority of C. napi emerged in March next year, sporadically until May 7. As a consequence of C. napi dominance insecticide treatment should be performed earlier than usual, i.e. when C. pallidactilus is the primary target. Istraživanje rilaša roda Ceutorhynchus koji se nalaze na uljanoj repici je bilo na severu Srbije. Našli smo specifičan skup od osam vrsta rilaša koji se sastojao od dominantne vrste veliki repičin rilaš, Ceutorhynchus napi, koji je imao učešće od 81% od ukupno sakupljenih jedinki i od subdominantnog rilaša C. pallidactylus sa učešćem od 18%. Preostalih šest vrsta rilaša je sadržao 1% ukupnog broja i to su bile vrste: C. obstrictus, C. erysimi, C. minutus, C. picitarsis, C. sulcicollis i C. typhae. Obe najbrojnije vrste, C. napi and C. pallidactylus, su rilaši stabla uljane repice i počinju da naseljavaju repicu već u jesen, počevši od 10. novembra (BBCH 17-18). Maksimalni let je registrovan 23. marta na početku izduživanja stabla (BBCH 22-25). Nova generacija C. pallidactylus eklodira tokom juna sa polja uljane repice (BBCH 76-88), ali se pojedinačni primerci pojavljuju i tokom jeseni. Većina odraslih C. napi eklodira naredne godine u martu, a sporadično sve do 7. maja. Posledica dominantnosti C. napi je potreba ranije primene insekticida nego kada je C. pallidactillus glavna meta.

An experiment on three differently-managed agricultural fields in Ahlum, Germany, which aimed at establishing the impact of different management systems on the biodiversity of predators and decomposers, yielded a significant number of spiders parasitized by larvae of Trombidium brevimanum (Actinotrichida, Parasitengona, Trombidiidae). Spider data from the whole sampling period (September 2010-July 2012), indicated that ectoparasitic larvae were recorded only on spiders in pitfall traps in the period of June- July 2011. In this period, only eight species of Linyphiidae-out of 42 species assigned to nine spider families recorded from the study area-were parasitized by mites ; considerable levels of parasitism were recorded on Erigone atra, E. dentipalpis, and Oedothorax apicatus. The highest prevalence of parasitism was recorded on the organic field for E. atra (29 %), while on the integrated and conventional fields significantly fewer parasitized spiders were observed. The preferred attachment sites on the spider host were regions with softer cuticle, especially regions on the carapace and on the abdomen, adjacent to the pedicel.

The Brassica pod midge (Dasineura brassicae Winn.) is an important pest in oilseed rape (Brasica napus L.). It develops two generations per year and overwinters in the larval stage in cocoons in soil. Immigration of the first generation adults lasted from the beginning of April until the end of May. Larvae developed in pods from mid-April to mid-June, causing pod deformation and cracking, which resulted in premature falling out of seeds and yield reduction. Pod damage amounted to 11.6%. The emergence of the second generation adults was detected at the end of May and in the first ten days of June. D. brassicae was found to lay eggs in healthy pods and no correlation was found with the cabbage seed weevil, Ceutorhynchus assimilis Paykull. Mušica kupusne ljuske, D. brassicae (Winn.) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), je značajna štetočina uljane repice (Brasica napus L.). Tokom 2011. godine, na uljanoj repici, na lokalitetu Stari Žednik, kao i 2011/12. godine, na ozimoj pšenici koja je u plodoredu sa uljanom repicom, praćena je biologija i štetnost ove vrste. U toku godine D. brassicae razvija dve generacije, a prezimljava kao larva u kokonu u zemljištu. Imigracija imaga prve generacije je dosta razvučena i traje od početka aprila do kraja maja. Dug period imigracije uslovio je prisustvo larvi u ljuskama od sredine aprila do sredine juna. Infestirane mahune se deformišu i pucaju, semenke ispadaju, što ima za posledicu smanjenje prinosa uljane repice. Oštećenost ljuski iznosi 11,6%. Eklozija imaga druge generacije je registrovana krajem maja i u prvoj dekadi juna. Tokom istraživanja utvrđeno je D. brassicae polaže jaja u zdrave mahune i da nema korelacije sa Ceutorhynchus assimilis Payk.