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Acta Musei Silesiae, Scientiae Naturales
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This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Print) 2336-3193 - ISSN (Online) 2336-3207
Published by Sciendo

[389 journals]

Subfamily Phlebotominae (Psychodidae, Diptera) of the United Arab Emirates
– some new faunistic data
- Abstract: Biting midges (Phlebotominae) are medically important vectors of human and veterinary disease-causing agents. This study presents the results of the field research of arthropods of A. van Harten in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the period of approximately 2005 – 2007 at a high number of localities (15 are mentioned here, with 9 species collected incl. five confirmed; 4 spp. are new for the fauna of the UAE: Phlebotomus (Phlebotomus) papatasi (Scopoli, 1786), Sergentomyia (Parrotomyia) baghdadis (Adler & Theodor, 1929), S. (Sergentomyia) schwetzi Adler, Theodor & Parrot, 1929, S. (Grassomyia) squamipleuris Newstead, 1912).
  PubDate: Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Water beetles (Coleoptera: Haliplidae, Dytiscidae, Helophoridae,
Hydrophilidae, Hydraenidae, Elmidae, Psephenidae, Scirtidae) of the
Slavíč river basin, Czech Republic
- Abstract: Twenty-three sites within the Slavíč river basin (Silesia, Czech Republic) were surveyed to obtain up-to-date information on water beetles in the area. In total, 46 species comprising eight families were recorded. Significant findings included Ochthebius melanescens Dalla Torre, 1877, Hydrocyphon deflexicollis (Müller, 1821) (both endangered), Hydraena morio Kiesenwetter, 1849, Eubria palustris (Germar, 1818) (both vulnerable), Hydraena minutissima Stephens, 1829 (near threatened) and Elodes pseudominutus Klausnitzer, 1971 (data deficient). The Slavíč water beetle assemblage consisted mainly of typical rheophilic species, many characteristic for cold, mountainous waters, the most common beetles recorded being representatives of the families Elmidae and Hydraenidae. The species spectrum was significantly enriched by species found in non-riverine habitats along the Slavíč River floodplain (e.g. springs, wetlands and ponds), with representatives of the families Dytiscidae, Haliplidae and Hydrophilidae dominating.
  PubDate: Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Distribution and biology of (Kaltenbach, 1864) (Diptera, Agromyzidae) in
Slovakia
- Abstract: Phytomyza orobanchia Kaltenbach, 1964, a leaf miner fly of Orobanche spp. and Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel, is reported as a species new to Slovakia based upon dates from 50 localities from lowlands after as much as alpine location.
  PubDate: Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Population densities of birds breeding in an urban environment dominated
by allotment gardens and other ‘green’ areas in a Central European
city
- Abstract: A total of 50 breeding bird species were recorded in 2017 in an urban environment (589 ha) in the city of Wrocław, SW Poland. This environment was dominated by green habitats, such as allotment gardens (41.2%), parklnds (13.4%) and forests (2.7%). For 41 species, population densities were estimated. A high population densities were recorded for Phoenicurus phoenicurus (9.2 pairs / 100 ha), Sylvia atricapilla (7.3), Turdus merula (6.6), Phoenicurus ochruros (6.3), Luscinia megarhynchis (5.3.), Sylvia curruca (4.1) and Serinus serinus (3.7). In the alltment gardens, much higher population density of Pica pica (14.5) than Corvus cornix (6.5); and higher population density of Columba palumbus (2.8) than Streptopelia decaocto (1.2) were recorded.
  PubDate: Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Insectivores (Mammalia: Eulipotyphla) in the Šariš Museum in Bardejov
collection (Slovakia)
- Abstract: In study are presented data of the insectivores (Eulipotyphla from three families, i.e., Erinaceidae, Soricidae and Talpidae) specimens deposited in the collection of the Šariš Museum in Bardejov (SMB), Slovakia. In total, data of 469 individuals from twenty-eight sites of eastern Slovakia were evaluated. This collection includes individuals collected in various places and times mainly from northeastern Slovakia. Individuals were acquired in 1956–1982, but mainly in 1956 (n = 150, 31.9%) and 1979 (n = 107, 22.8%). Moreover, one specimen of the Miller’s water shrew (Neomys anomalus) had signs of „melanism“, i.e., the dorsal side (back) was velvety black and a ventral (abdominal) side was the gray-black with a touch of silver.
  PubDate: Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT
New records of Diptera from nests of and in Slovakia
- Abstract: Associations of insects that live in nests and burrows of small mammals are relatively poorly explored. This work therefore tries to expand the knowledge about Diptera communities (Psychodidae and Sphaeroceridae) of two small mammals, namely Micromys minutus (Pallas, 1771) and Muscardinus avellanarius (Linnaeus, 1758). In nests of Eurasian harvest mouse two psychodid species and one sphaerocerid species, while in hazel dormouse nest one psychodid species and three sphaerocerid species have been found, all representing new nest records.
  PubDate: Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Occurrence of the harvest mouse () and the hazel dormouse () in Slovakia
based on summer nests (2013–2021)
- Abstract: The author states the occurrence of harvest mouse (Micromys minutus (Pallas, 1771)) and hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius (Linnaeus, 1758)) in the East Slovakia based on summer nests from field margins, hedgerows, and woodland edges. A total of 791 (551 M. minutus and 240 M. avellanarius) nests from 71 localities were observed over the years 2013–2021. The total elevation range of these sites was between 110 – 560 m a.s.l., with different ratio recorded for both species. For M. minutus 15 plant species and for M. avellanarius 16 plant species were confirmed, with different dominance of their use. A statistically significant difference was confirmed by Mann-Whitney U test comparing both species for two common plants i.e., Prunus spinosa L. (U = 866.0, p = 0.012) and Rubus plicatus Weihe & Nees (U = 1103.0, p ˂ 0.0001). Moreover, Spearman’s correlations confirmed significant relationships between the positions of nests and plant height. At the same time, 12 individuals of M. minutus and 8 individuals of M. avellanarius were confirmed dead or escaping directly from their nests. Analysis of the composition of the leaves in the M. avellanarius nests showed the following proportions. Leaves of the three species R. plicatus (66.2%), Carpinus betulus L. (14.5%), and P. spinosa (8.3%) were most common in mixed nests. For foliar nests, a ratio of two dominant species, R. plicatus (50.0%) and C. betulus (41.6%), was recorded. Finally, for the layered nests, a ratio of two dominant species, R. plicatus (50.0%) and C. betulus (33.3%) was recorded. The obtained data help spreading knowledge of both species in the territory of Slovakia.
  PubDate: Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT
First knowledge of baculum size in males of the mound-building mouse (
Petényi 1882) from Slovakia
- Abstract: In this study was quantified bacular size, variation, and allometry in mound-building mice (Mus spicilegus) from the western Carpathians (Slovakia). The study presents the first knowledge of morphological variation in three baculum traits based on the analysis of 11 adult and 60 subadult males. According to descriptive statistics, bacula are variable in size. Despite the small number of adult individuals, the Mann-Whitney test indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) in proportions between age groups. However, to confirm these results, larger numbers of adults and subadults will need to be tested in the future.
  PubDate: Tue, 31 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT
The fauna of Heleomyzidae (Diptera) in the Gemer area (Central Slovakia)
- Abstract: A synopsis of the fauna of the family Heleomyzidae (Diptera) in the Gemer area (Slovakia) is presented. A total of 66 species are treated based on previously published records and material examined (largely from the Muránska planina National Park and the Cerová vrchovina Protected Landscape Area). Each species is listed with comments about its general distribution, biology and faunistic and/or nature-conservancy importance. The regional fauna of Heleomyzidae is distinguished for high species diversity and for the occurrence of a number of rare or stenotopic species. Four species are new additions to the fauna of the whole of Slovakia, viz. Neoleria ruficeps (Zetterstedt, 1838), Oldenbergiella brumalis Czerny, 1924, O. seticerca Papp, 1980 and Orbellia myiopiformis Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830; in addition, 13 species belong to rare and little-known taxa with only a few previous records from the country. The fauna of the Gemer area is enriched by 22 species; 32 species are recorded from the Muránska planina NP and 31 from the Cerová vrchovina PLA for the first time. The peculiarities of the fauna of Heleomyzidae in the Gemer territory are discussed including a review of species associated with cave habitats and species most important from the ecological, biogeographical and nature-conservancy points of view.
  PubDate: Tue, 31 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Breeding ecology of the northern shoveller () in Tiffech Lake (Souk Ahras,
Northeastern Algeria)
- Abstract: The breeding behavior of Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) was studied from January 2019 to March 2021 in Tiffech lake, an artificial wetland, in Souk Ahras Province, Northeastern Algeria. On this ecosystem, egg-laying occurred from earlier January to mid-March. In this study, there was a positive correlation between the egg-laying period and the number of active nests. The mean incubation period was 36.0 days. Clutches started later in the season and had a shorter incubation duration than early clutches. Hatching success amounted to 79.2% (n= 52 nests) and hatching success from eggs 37.6. In this study we measured water depth to control differences in habitats availability for the species, we speculate that differences in food abundance, water depth, and behavioral strategies during the breeding season collectively influence the selection of breeding habitat.
  PubDate: Tue, 31 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT
The influence of environmental factors on the abundance and composition of
water bird’s in Tiffech lake (Northeastern Algaria)
- Abstract: The effects of environmental factors (water conditions) on water bird’s distribution and abundance was determined using distance sampling point count method, direct visual observation and principal component analysis (PCA) at Tiffech lake Wetland, North East of Algeria. A total of 26 bird species were recorded in the present study; of these, 12 were passage visitor, 7 winter visitors, 5 winter migrant and 2 species are resident breeder. The R i386 (version 4.0.3) software were used for data analyzing. Principal component analysis indicated strong correlation ship between water bird abundance and environmental factors (water conditions) (86.35%) in Tiffech lake wetland. The most important environmental factors associated with abundance of water bird’s species composition in Tiffech lake communities were water pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, nitrites and chloride. While among the environmental factors water Temperature and phosphore showed a negative correlation. This study gives important insights on ecological relationships between water bird’s biodiversity and environmental factors in a primary wetland ecosystem in North East of Algeria.
  PubDate: Tue, 31 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Flavistic mound-building mouse () in Slovakia
- Abstract: In this paper are presented two cases of abnormal colouration individuals of Mus spicilegus from northern border of the species’ range. The individuals were caught during long-term research (from 2002 to 2021) of species in autumn-winter seasons in field biotopes on south-eastern Slovakia. The first individual captured on December 2, 2004, was subadult male. The second individual captured on November 11, 2020, was subadult female. Determination by morphological traits and subsequent dissection confirmed that both trapped mice were subadults. According to the findings, the observed individuals meet the criterion of flavism. The dorsal fur was yellow (or beige); the auricle, feet, and tail were light; and coloration on the belly was white. This finding is important not only in terms of colour anomalies, but also in terms of genetics.
  PubDate: Tue, 31 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT
First evidence of abnormal behaviour of obtained in the wild from
Slovakia.
- Abstract: In this study are presented six cases of abnormal behaviour based on injured individuals of Mus spicilegus from northern border of the species’ range. The material consistent of six individuals caught during autumn-winter season 2020 in field biotope on south-eastern Slovakia. Determination by morphological traits and subsequent dissection confirmed that all trapped mice were subadults. The cause of the damage found in distinctly bite was aggressive behaviour by other individuals or selfmutilation. There were three main types of damage: (1) incomplete infanticide (2) cannibalism and finally (3) self-mutilation. The findings presented in this study display the first documented abnormal behaviour in the mound-building mouse obtained in the wild.
  PubDate: Sat, 12 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT
New faunistic records of Agromyzidae (Diptera) from the Netherlands
- Abstract: Based on voucher adult specimens of Agromyzidae (Diptera) faunistic records of 23 species are given all of which are new additions to the fauna of the Netherlands. With this addition a total of 265 species of Agromyzidae are currently known from the country.
  PubDate: Sat, 12 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Stoneflies (Plecoptera) of the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts. and the
Podbeskydská pahorkatina Uplands, Czech Republic. I. Systellognatha
- Abstract: Publications up to 2011 record 21 species of stonefly, infraorder Systellognatha, as occurring in the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts. and Podbeskydská pahorkatina Uplands; however, seven of these cannot be considered part of the fauna of this area as they probably never occurred there, and one species (Perla abdominalis Burmeister, 1839) was not confirmed, despite being demonstrably recorded in 2000. In the present study, the current stonefly fauna was confirmed at 14 species, belonging to three families and eight genera. The occurrence of Isoperla sudetica (Kolenati, 1859) is published for the first time. Among the most important findings are confirmation of the occurrence of two endangered species (Perla grandis (Rambur, 1841) and Arcynopteryx dichroa (McLachlan, 1872)) and one near threatened species (Isoperla buresi Raušer, 1962). Equally important is confirmation of the occurrence of Perlodes intricatus (Pictet, 1841), based on egg morphology and DNA barcoding.
  PubDate: Sat, 12 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Moth flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts. and
Podbeskydská pahorkatina Uplands, Czech Republic, III.
- Abstract: Here, we present the latest findings on moth fly (Psychodidae: Diptera) species richness in the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts. and Podbeskydská Pahorkatina Uplands, based on both previously published and unpublished data and new samples collected between 2007 and 2020. Two species new to the fauna of the Czech Republic were recorded (Sycorax feuerborni Jung, 1954 and Jungiella (Jungiella) revelica Vaillant, 1972), bringing the total number of moth fly species in the Czech Republic to 180 (Ježek et al. 2021). In addition, five species were recorded for the first time in the area of interest: Trichomyia parvula Szabó, 1960 (second locality in the Czech Republic); Paramormia (Phyllotelmatoscopus) acuta (Krek, 1971) (third record in the Czech Republic); Philosepedon (Philosepedon) perdecorum Omelková & Ježek, 2012 (third locality and fourth record); Pericoma (Pericoma) ljubiniensis Krek, 1969 (second finding and third locality); Tonnoiriella pulchra (Eaton, 1893) (sixth area and first finding in the Czech Carpathians). The finding of Jungiella (Jungiella) valachica (Vaillant, 1963) confirms its historical occurrence in the region. In the latest survey, we collected 108 species from 29 localities, of which 16 are critically endangered, eight endangered and three vulnerable. Nine localities were evaluated as species-rich, i.e. Hluchý 1. (58 species), Vysutý 2. (56), Hluchý 2. (53), Vysutý 4. (49), Skalická Morávka 2. (46), Chladná voda 3. (44), Hluchý 3. (43), Morávka - spring and Obidová 1. (both 42). The total number of moth flies found within the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts. and Podbeskydská pahorkatina Uplands now stands at 124 species, representing 68.9 % of total Czech fauna.
  PubDate: Sat, 12 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Biodiversity of the Quarry in Stará Ves near Bílovec with focus
on butterflies
- Abstract: The quarry in Stará Ves near Bílovec is considered a significant geotouric attraction. The dominant feature is the front northern wall representing one of the best outcrops of the fold-thrust tectonics of the Jeseník culm. Until 1983, shale and Moravian offal were mined in the quarry, then the quarry was restored, abandoned, and left to natural succession. Inventory of vertebrates from 2009–2011 revealed 46 specially protected species. Arachnological research from 2013–2015 revealed the occurrence of 69 species of spiders, including seven taxonomically important xerothermophilic species. Botanical research was carried out at the site twenty years ago, systematic entomological research has not been carried yet. We performed an inventory of invertebrates focused primarily on butterflies, using sweeping and netting, supplemented by individual sampling and observation of other species. We also performed a botanical inventory, supplemented by an estimate of tree and bush cover to evaluate host offer and form of habitats present in the quarry. We revealed 144 species of higher plants, of which six belong to the Czech red list, and 121 species of animals, of which 102 species of insects, and 52 species of butterflies. Nineteen species of animals fell into the categories of endangerment according to the Czech red list, legal categories, or are part of some of the European directive annexes. Most of these species depend on the conservation of early succession xerothermic habitats. Their ecology is discussed in relation to possible management.
  PubDate: Sat, 12 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT
New and interesting records of Diptera on glacial sand deposits in Silesia
(NE Czech Republic). Part 3 – Acalyptratae 2
- Abstract: Additional records of 28 species of interest belonging to acalyptrate families Lonchaeidae (1 species), Lauxaniidae (2 species), Chamaemyiidae (9 species), Agromyzidae (16 species) and Opomyzidae (1 species) from glacial sand deposits in the Czech Silesia (NE Czech Republic) are presented and their association with sandy habitats discussed. A total of 25 species are recorded from the Czech Silesia for the first time, 15 are new additions to the fauna of Moravia of which 11 are also new for the whole of the Czech Republic. Six species (Lauxaniidae 1, Agromyzidae 5) are new additions to the Diptera fauna of Poland. Leucopis cerasiphila Gomolitzkaja & Tanasijtshuk, 1986 is recorded for the first time from Europe. None of the here reported species is classified as psammobiont but 8 species are considered psammophilous or probably psammophilous, viz. Minettia longiseta (Loew, 1847) (Lauxaniidae), Leucopis kaszabi Tanasijtshuk, 1970 (Chamaemyiidae), Cerodontha (Xenophytomyza) leptophallus Papp, 2016, Hexomyza sarothamni (Hendel, 1923), Liriomyza dracunculi Hering, 1932, L. latigenis (Hendel, 1920), L. yasumatsui Sasakawa, 1972 (Agromyzidae) and Geomyza subnigra Drake, 1992 (Opomyzidae). The conspicuous species diversity of Chamaemyiidae in Silesian glacial sand deposits is discussed.
  PubDate: Sat, 12 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Moth flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of the northern Hercynian Mountains and
adjacent localities (Czech Republic)
- Abstract: New faunistic data from the northern Hercynian Mountains and adjacent localities (Czech Republic) collected mostly at 52 sites in 2004–2010 are presented. Altogether, 88 species of moth flies (adults) of 38 genera (approximately 49% of all species of the family registered from the Czech Republic) are known to occur in this area. Twenty of these species were classified in the national Red List 2005 of threatened invertebrates and 14 are nationally scarce, suitable for further monitoring. Katamormia bezzii (Salamanna, 1983) and Berdeniella longispinosa (Vaillant, 1985) are new for Bohemia. In the appendix, the updated checklist of family Psychodidae is given for the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
  PubDate: Thu, 30 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT
A contribution to the knowledge of Agromyzidae (Diptera) of Zlaté Hory
and its vicinity (Czech Republic)
- Abstract: Results of a biodiversity investigation of Agromyzidae (Diptera) in the cadastre of Zlaté Hory town (Silesia, Czech Republic) in June 2017 are presented. In the area under study a total of 43 species of 12 genera have been recorded including 29 species representing new additions to the fauna of Czech Silesia. Agromyza seticercus, Cerodontha (Poemyza) beigerae, Galiomyza galiivora, Liriomyza europaea, L. puella, Phytomyza aurei, Ph. cirsii, Ph. vilnensis and Pseudonapomyza palliditarsis being to most interesting species found in the area. The importance of these species from a faunistic point of view is discussed.
  PubDate: Thu, 30 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT