Species composition and distribution of the genus Liquidambar L. (ALTINGIACEAE) in Ukraine

A screening of 50 institutions (botanical gardens, arboretums, parks, squares) was conducted with a view to study of species composition and the distribution of genus Liquidambar L. (ALTINGIACEAE) in Ukrainia. L. styraci- flua L. was recorded — in 26 botanical gardens, parks, squares etc; L. formosana Hanse — in 2 botanical gardens; decorative forms L. styraciflua 'Variegata pendula' — in one arboretum; L. styraciflua 'Worplesdon'; — in landscaping of the city park; L. styracifluа ‘Pasquali’ — in landscaping of the city park. Distribution of the species L. orientalis Mill. and L. acalicina Hang N. Chang need more research. Positive experience of using representatives Liquidambar genus registered in the following regions of Ukraine: Zakarpattia, Ternopil, Lviv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Cherkasy, Chernivtsi, Kharkiv, Donetsk areas, Autonomous Republic Crimea. So, it is perspective using representatives of the Liquidambar genus in landscape construction for group creations, single location іn parks, squares, zoos, forest parks, for landscaping streets, boulevards, squares, near houses territories, administrative buildings, private gardens, in exposition of botanical gardens and arboretums.

Distribution of shell gastropods in the open parts of the Barents Sea: a preliminary analysis

Species composition and distribution of shell-bearing gastropods in the Barents Sea has been described only for coastal regions. We used material from 247 stations (530 samples) remoted from the coast. In some cases, the distribution of mollusks depended on the type of substrate, and in others, only geographic location was revealed. The latter is probably due to hydrological factors or the presence of historically formed faunal complexes. The use of different approaches to the removal of uninformative samples during analysis gives similar results.

Freshwater gastropods of the western part of the Kola Peninsula and northern Karelia (northern Europe)

The species composition and distribution of freshwater gastropods in the western part of the Kola Peninsula and northern Karelia has been studied. The explored region lies in the far north of Europe and covers several landscape zones: from the northern taiga to the tundra. In sum, seventeen species were found, for each of them the distribution maps and photographs of intraspecific forms of conchological variability are presented. The taxonomic remarks are also given when appropriate. Gyraulus acronicus (Planorbidae) and Ampullacena balthica (Lymnaeidae) are the most common species in the studied region. Two species ( Ampullacena balthica and Galba truncatula ) have been recorded in the Barents Sea islands off the Kola Peninsula. A single non-indigenous species, Physella acuta (Physidae) has been registered in the studied territory. Based on the results of a comparison of the faunas of gastropods from various areas within the whole territory studied and other regions of northern Europe and Western Siberia, it has been shown that the most dramatic reduction in the species composition occurs during the transition from taiga to tundra landscapes.

Species composition and distribution of Alcyonacea (Octocorallia) in the northern Persian Gulf

Studies concerning octocoral species from the Persian Gulf coral reefs are few. This study documents the diversity and abundance of octocoral communities from three islands in the north Persian Gulf, namely, Larak Island, Hengam Island and Qeshm Island. Belt transects were used to survey the octocoral communities at these islands. We used a rapid ecological assessment technique (REA) to assess the status and abundance of octocorals. Also, K Independent sample analysis was conducted on abundance and Shannon Diversity index data to determine if octocoral abundance and species diversity varied between islands. A total of 22 morphospecies, belonging to seven alcyonacean families, including Plexauridae, Ellisellidae, Alcyoniidae, Nephtheidae, Briareidae, Acanthogorgiidae and Subergorgiidae, were identified in this study. Statistical analysis indicated octocoral abundance and diversity at Larak Island reefs were higher than those around Hengam and Qeshm islands. The primary data presented in this study could serve as the baseline data for long-term biomonitoring programmes to estimate the status of octocorals in the Persian Gulf.

Distribution of Gonipterus Species and Their Egg Parasitoids in Australia: Implications for Biological Control

Gonipterus species are pests of Eucalyptus plantations worldwide. The egg parasitoid wasp Anaphes nitens is used in many countries for the biological control of Gonipterus spp. Recent taxonomic studies have shown that the three invasive Gonipterus spp., which were previously considered as G. scutellatus, form part of a cryptic species complex. These taxonomic changes have implications for the biological control of Gonipterus spp. The aims of this study were to understand the species composition and distribution of Gonipterus spp. and their egg parasitoids in Australia. Gonipterus spp. adults and egg capsules were collected in south-eastern Australia and Tasmania. Adult Gonipterus were identified using morphology and DNA barcoding. Parasitoids were reared from Gonipterus egg capsules and identified. Thirteen Gonipterus species were collected: twelve species were found on the Australian mainland and one species in Tasmania. These included three described species, four previously recognized but undescribed species, two undescribed species and four unidentified species. Five egg parasitoid species that attack Gonipterus spp. were identified. Anaphes nitens, Centrodora damoni and Euderus sp. were identified on the Australian mainland and A. tasmaniae and A. inexpectatus were identified in Tasmania. The results from this study will contribute to the improvement of Gonipterus biological control in the future.

Species composition and distribution of dangerous scorpions of Hemiscorpius genus and clinical symptoms due to envenomation in high-risk regions of southern Iran

Shahi M, Moosavy SH, Hanafi-Bojd AA, Akbari M, Rafinejad J. 2021. Species composition and distribution of dangerous scorpions of Hemiscorpius genus and clinical symptoms due to envenomation in high-risk regions of southern Iran. Biodiversitas 22: 2945-2951. The southern regions of Iran, including Hormozgan province, are high risk areas for scorpion stings. This study aimed to determine the distribution and species diversity of dangerous scorpions of Hemiscorpius and also to determine the clinical symptoms of their bites in the high-risk areas of Hormozgan province. Scorpion sampling was carried out from Shahid Mohammadi and Koodakan hospitals in Bandar Abbas also filed areas of Bandar Abbas and Khamir counties by searching the scorpion's shelter throughout the day and using ultraviolet light at night. To determine the clinical symptoms, the data recorded in the patient's file were extracted and recorded in the sting checklists. Five species of the Hemiscorpius genus were identified. H. gaillardia and H. persicus are reported for the first time from Hormozgan province. Specific clinical symptoms after several hours of delayed were pain, swelling, itching, warmth, and edema, necrosis of the sting site, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fever. Complications such as urine discoloration, hemoglobinuria, severe hemolysis, and acute renal failure were observed. The results showed that envenomation with Hemiscorpius Scorpions should be considered as an urgent medical issue.