Zoodiversity

Nest Characteristics and Prey Selection of Sceliphron destillatorium (Apoidea, Sphecidae) on the Territory of the Rivnenskyi Nature Reserve

2025-03-04T11:21:16+00:00

The nesting behaviour and prey selection of Sceliphron destillatorium remains poorly studied in Ukraine. In the present study we analysed a total of 59 nests of S. destillatorium. The main morphometric parameters of S. destillatorium nests, especially cell length and width, were determined by measuring the nest cells. The spiders found in the nest cells were identified to determine the trophic relationships of the S. destillatorium larvae. The main prey of S. destillatorium were found to be terrestrial orb-weavers (Araneidae), crab-weavers (Thomisidae), tangle-weavers (Theridiidae), with a clear predominance of Araneidae. Six species of spiders previously undocumented in the Rivnenskyi Nature Reserve were discovered.

Integrative Approaches for Precise Identification and Range Delimitation of the Three Most Common European Leiopus species (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)

2025-03-05T11:00:53+00:00

Leiopus nebulosus (Linnaeus, 1758), L. linnei Wallin, Nylander & Kvamme, 2009 and L. femoratus Fairmaire, 1859 are the three most common European species of the long-horn beetle genus Leiopus Audinet-Serville, 1835. These species have often been misidentified due to their general morphological similarities. This study addresses the need for a simple and reliable method to differentiate L. nebulosus, L. linnei, and L. femoratus. Through the examination of a long series of specimens, specific morphological traits were identified, such as the shape of the femora on all legs and the width of the prosternal process, which allow for rapid and accurate differentiation between the three species. The findings led to the refinement of the diagnostic criteria for these species and the development of a straightforward identification key. Ecological niche modelling was employed to construct accurate global distribution maps for all three species. Additionally, the proposal to conserve the name Leiopus linnei under Article 23.9 of the Code was made.

New Genetically Confirmed Record of Myotis alcathoe (Chiroptera, Mammalia) from Ukraine

2025-02-27T13:56:30+00:00

Myotis alcathoe is one of the iconic species among cryptic European bats, described only 20 years ago. Despite research efforts, there is still limited knowledge about its distribution and ecology, leading to its Data Deficient status on the IUCN Red List. Ukraine lies on the eastern border of the species' range, with only a few known records. Here, we document a new genetically confirmed record of M. alcathoe from the Central-Western part of Ukraine (Rivne egion, in “Dermansko-Ostrozkyi” National Nature Park). Eight individuals were mist-netted in late April 2023 near a mine entrance, alongside a few Myotis nattereri and Myotis bechsteinii. This record extends the known range of M. alcathoe 30-40 km to the northeast, marking the second genetically confirmed record of this species in Ukraine. The woodlands of the National Park area, characterized by wet old-growth oak and hornbeam forests, seem to be suitable summer habitats for this species. Continued bat surveys during the breeding season are necessary in the area to better understand its habitat preferences and distribution.

Cytological Characterisation of Autosomes and Sex Chromosomes in Tephritid Fruit Flies Bactrocera zonata and Zeugodacus tau (Diptera, Tephritidae)

2025-02-27T13:56:35+00:00

Two fruit fly species, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders, 1842) and Zeugodacus tau (Walker, 1849) (Diptera: Tephritidae) were studied with regard to their autosomes and sex chromosomes from mitotic metaphase spreads. Both species are native to South and South- East Asia and have major economic impacts in agriculture sectors of these areas. They are polyphagous, can easily adapt and spread. Both of them have the same diploid chromosome number of 2n = 12 (10 autosomes + heteromorphic sex chromosome pair XX/ XY). The male is heterogametic (XY) and the female is homogametic (XX). Chromosomes were classiﬁed into groups on the basis of centromere position and arranged in order of decreasing size. For B. zonata, chromosome formula is (3sm + 2m + Xm + Ydot-shape) and for Z. tau, the formula is (1sm + 4m + Xm + Ydot-shape). The results are analyzed and compared to chromosome studies done for other species of Tephritid fruit flies using chromosome morphometrics. Detailed images of mitotic chromosomes and measurements of various parameters relating to these chromosomes are provided. These cytological data are useful for systematics and contribute to a better understanding of the chromosomal evolution of these fruit fly species.

New Records of Helminth Parasites in Amphibians from the South American Chaco

2025-02-27T13:56:41+00:00

This study aims to identify the helminth fauna of twelve anurans species from Argentina's Dry and Humid Chaco ecoregions. We collected one hundred and fifty-two specimens belonging to the species Dendropsophus nanus (n = 17), Scinax nasicus (n = 15), Pithecopus azureus (n = 7), Pseudis platensis (n = 10), Trachycephalus typhonius (n = 7) (Hylidae), Leptodactylus bufonius (n = 3), L. latinasus (n = 16), L. luctator (n = 14), L. macrosternum (n = 12), Physalaemus santafecinus (n = 14), P. albonotatus (n = 11) (Leptodactylidae), and Elachistocleis haroi (n = 26) (Microhylidae) from 3 areas located in the provinces of Chaco and Formosa (Dry Chaco) and in Corrientes province (Humid Chaco). A total of 17 helminth taxa were found; acanthocephalans in the larval stage (Centrorhynchidae: Centrorhynchus sp.) and nematodes in the larval stage (Anisakidae: Contracaecum; Ascarididae: Porrocaecum; Physalopteridae: Physaloptera; aff. Cystidicolidae) and adult stage (Rhabdiasidae: Rhabdias sp., R. elegans; Strongyloididae: Strongyloides pereirai; Molineidae: Oswaldocruzia proencai, O. subauricularis; Pharyngodonidae: Parapharyngodon senisfaciecaudus cubensis; Cosmocercidae: Aplectana hylambatis, Cosmocerca parva, C. podicipinus, Cosmocercella phyllomedusae, Schrankiana formosula; Kathlaniidae: Falcaustra mascula). This study presents new host and geographic records and expands knowledge of helminth diversity in a critically threatened group of vertebrates.