Zoodiversity

Feeding ecology and digestive enzyme activity of Chirruh snowtrout, Schizothorax esocinus (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae), from the River Jhelum, Kashmir

Z. Hafiz — 2026-10-01

We examined the feeding ecology and digestive enzyme activity of Chirruh snowtrout, Schizothorax esocinus, (Heckel, 1838), from three reaches of the Jhelum River (Safakadal, Amira Kadal and Zero Bridge) over 12 months. Gut-content analysis indicated an omnivorous diet dominated by plant material (63.61%) with a substantial animal component (35.25%). Diatoms were the single most abundant category (39.65%), followed by crustaceans (27.70%), macrophytes (12.64%), green algae (6.64%), and blue-green algae (4.68%), with other items comprising 8.69%. Feeding intensity peaked in June–August and was lowest from January–April. Across seasons, mean digestive enzyme activities were α-amylase 110.45 U/L, trypsin 0.96 U mg–1 protein, lipase 57.48 U/L, and alkaline phosphatase 58.98 U mg–1 protein, with trypsin, α-amylase, and lipase showing their highest seasonal values in autumn, while alkaline phosphatase peaked in summer; α-amylase showed its lowest seasonal value in spring. Together, these results clarify trophic strategy and digestive capacity in S. esocinus and suggest seasonal tuning of enzymatic function consistent with observed dietary shifts. Findings inform natural resource management and support feed formulation strategies for related aquaculture applications.

Morphological characteristics of the genus Phalera (Lepidoptera, Notodontidae) at the larval stage with keys and descriptions to the Ukrainian species

I. V. Dolinskaya — 2026-08-27

The morphological characters of each larval instar of the two Ukrainian notodontid moth species belonging to the genus Phalera Hübner, 1819 were examined using a scanning electron microscope : the shape, colour and pattern of the head and body; the microsculpture of the head; and the form and diversity of the setae, stemmata and mouthparts. A comparative morphological analysis of these structures is provided. The morphological characteristics and their transformations during larval development are discussed. Identification keys to the two species of the genus Phalera occurring in Ukraine are presented. Through this analysis, we identified the diagnostic and taxonomic characteristics of the genus Phalera and the studied species. We also identified features common to some taxa within the family.

Spider assemblages (Araneae) of the halophytic habitats of the Bilosaraiska Spit (Ukraine): new data and biodiversity assessment

N. Yu. Polchaninova — 2026-08-25

Halophytic habitats are sites of conservation concern due to their rich flora and fauna. Spiders are a diverse and abundant group of salt marsh arthropods that can serve as bioindicators of a habitat’s preservation and conservation value. From March to November 2020, we studied ground-dwelling spiders on the salt marsh and on the bay shore of the Bilosaraiska Spit in the Sea of Azov, within the Meotyda National Park. A total of 57 spider species were recorded, with 48 found on the bay shore and 41 on the salt marsh. The two habitats had similar species compositions, but varied in assemblage structure and individual abundance due to different eudominants: Gnaphosa ukrainica on the salt marsh and Zodarion rubidium on the bay shore. The former had its maximum abundance in October, while the latter was most numerous in mid-June and early August. By the end of 2020, a total of 92 spider species had been recorded in the halophytic habitats of the Bilosaraiska Spit, including the regionally rare species Zelotes prishutovi, Nurscia albomaculata, Gnaphosa cumensis, G. saurica, Marinarozelotes adriaticus, and M. cumensis. The spider assemblages were well preserved and demonstrated local specificity compared to other coastal halophytic habitats in Left -Bank Ukraine. Thus, the study habitats support a high spider diversity.

Type series of proetid trilobite species (Trilobita, Proetida) from the Silurian of Ukraine described by Leonid Konstantynenko

V. Dernov — 2026-08-25

The holotypes of the Late Silurian trilobite species Proetus (Lacunoporaspis) mukshaensis Konstantynenko, 2008, P. (P.) rashkoviensis Konstantynenko, 2008, P. (P.) bragensis Konstantynenko, 2008, and the subspecies P. (P.) conspersus elongata Konstantynenko, 2008 from Podillia (western Ukraine) are recognised and figured herein. Although these names are already available and valid, their original descriptions lacked explicit labelling of the holotypes on the illustrations, which necessitated their formal recognition in the present work. Additionally, Wenlowiproetus konstantynenkoi nom. nov. is hereby established as a replacement name for the available but invalid name Proetus conspersus elongata Konstantynenko, 2008 (non Proetus conspersus elongatus Lindstrom, 1885).

The first record of the family Xenidae (Strepsiptera) from Ukraine

S. R. Pytel-Huta — 2026-08-25

The family Xenidae (Strepsiptera) is first recorded from Ukraine based on the findings of Xenos vesparum Rossius, 1793. A total of 40 specimens (21 females and 19 males), including one adult male, were identified from museum collections and online records (UkrBIN, iNaturalist, GBIF). Twenty-two stylopised host wasps were identified: 21 specimens of Polistes dominula (Christ, 1791) and one specimen of P. nimpha (Christ, 1791). These data confirm the dominant host effect for this parasite species.