New record of the Ponerine ant Buniapone amblyops (Emery, 1887) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Nepal

Buniapone Schmidt & Shattuck 2014 is a monotypic and morphologically distinct hypogeic ant genus found only in Southern and Southeast Asia. The Ponerine ant Buniapone amblyops (Emery 1887) has been recorded for the first time from Nepal. The specimen was hand-collected in Pokhara (28.21361111 N, 83.97222222 E, 840 m asl) from animal dung on the ground. Morphological characteristics of Nepalese B. amblyops worker, distribution, and ecology are discussed.

Птицы озерных котловин южной части хребта Черского.

New data and analysis of the avifauna and bird species abundance are given for the lake systems of the southern part of the Chersky mountain ridge. In August - October of 2018 and in June and August of 2021, bird studies of lake basins of Ui, Momontay, Malyk, Darpir and Urultun lakes, situated at altitudes of 818-1234 meters above the sea level, were performed. 81 bird species were registered, of which 69 were recorded during breeding season, including 56 species referred to breeding and 13, to summering species. In comparison to the bird fauna of neighboring mountain areas, the avifauna of the studied lake systems is characterized by low species diversity, low percentage of widely-distributed species, and high percentage of boreal-hypoartcic and hypoarctic types of zonal- landscape distribution with clearly dominating species of the Siberian origin. Species content of the studied area is similar to that of the subalpine belt of Yakutia's northern mountains in the presence of Long-toed Stint, Red-throated Pipit and Pallas' Reed Bunting as well as, contrary to the subalpine belt of the Kolyma Highland, in the absence such species as Pine Grosbeak, Siberian Rubythroat, Pallas' Leaf Warbler, and Arctic Warbler on these elevations. On the other hand, the presence of such species as Ringed Plover and Dusky Warbler and the absence of Bluethroat is similar to the bird fauna of the Kolyma Highland subalpine belt. High abundance of both Beringian and Green-headed Yellow Wagtails sharing their habitats appeared to be a unique feature of the studied area. Confirmed breeding of Fieldfare on the elevations over 1000 m above the sea level significantly increases the knowledge on the distribution and ecology of this species.

An annotated checklist of groundwater Cyclopoida and Harpacticoida (Crustacea, Copepoda) from Romania with notes on their distribution and ecology

Romania, by its position in East-Central Europe has a complex geological history, high landscape heterogeneity and variable climatic conditions, ranging from temperate-continental in the northeast to sub-Mediterranean in the southwest. These conditions have created repeated waves of colonisation of groundwater by copepods, which raise particular interest in this group from a biogeographical perspective. The earliest investigations on groundwater copepods, dating back to the beginning of the 19th century, have resulted in a wealth of information on the richness of this group, making Romania one of the best studied regions from this perspective in Europe. Groundwater copepods in Romania are currently represented by 107 species and subspecies, of which 60 are harpacticoids (56%) and 47 are cyclopoids (43.9%). Of these, 50.5% are strict stygobites (32.7% harpacticoids and 17.7% cyclopoids). Among stygobite copepods 29 species (35 harpacticoids and 19 cyclopoids) are endemic to the country. Almost 86% of the species are single-site endemics (single cave, or single hyporheic or phreatic site) and the rest are restricted in distribution to a single aquifer or hydrographic basin. The aim of the present checklist represents a significant contribution to the knowledge of groundwater copepods in Romania and provides a sound baseline for future comparative faunal studies focused on the affinities and origins of copepods and the analysis of their biogeographical distribution patterns at regional and continental scales.

First detailed records of Ledra aurita (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cicadellidae: Ledrinae) from Greece

Detailed distribution records of the remarkable Eared Leafhopper Ledra aurita from Greece are presented for the first time. All available records from museum and personal collections, as well as online arthropod identification groups were assembled and mapped. The distribution and ecology of the species in the country are briefly discussed.

A new species of Delphinium L. (Ranunculaceae) from Dagestan (Eastern Caucasus)

The new species Delphinium samurense Murtazaliev et Luferov (sect. Diedropetala Huth) is described from the Eastern Caucasus. The novelty is endemic to southern Dagestan (Rutul district). Its morphological differences from the closely related species D. macropogon Prokh. are shown. Distribution and ecology of the new species are characterized.

LITSEA ANAMALAYANA (LAURACEAE) A NEW SPECIES FROM NELLIYAMPATHY HILLS, INDIA.

The new species Litsea anamalayana Robi & Udayan, from Kerala, India, is described and illustrated. A detailed description is given, together with information on its distribution and ecology. Photographs of the new species are provided, as well as a comparison with the morphologically similar L. glabrata (Wall. ex Nees) Hook.f.

Morphology and zoogeography of the burrower-like gammarid Gammarus koshovi (Bazikalova, 1946) (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Gammaridae) – An overlooked and poorly known species in the Siberian fauna

A comprehensive survey of several lakes in the Tuva Republic of Russia yielded, besides the ubiquitous Gammarus lacustris, the discovery of a small freshwater, lacustrine amphipod not previously recorded in this area. A comparative study of the Tore-Khol Lake gammarid population, probably conspecific with Gammarus koshovi (Bazikalova, 1946) originating from Khubsugul Lake, was conducted. The species, G. koshovi, is characterized by a specific habitus: a small-sized compact body, all limbs shortened, carpi of pereopods (PIII and PIV) reduced, coxal plates broad, and pereopod dactyli sturdy. It has been suggested that juveniles of the euryoecious G. lacustris or other large species could be confused with the relatively small G. koshovi. Consequently, we decided to present the distribution of gammarid species throughout south Siberia and Mongolia, referring to the sequences of works primarily by Soviet authors, which may be hard to access by international readers. We discuss affinity with related groups, distribution, and ecology of G. koshovi to better understand their evolution. Additionally, the zoobenthic species diversity of widely represented groups in the ecosystems of Tore-Khol Lake is briefly reviewed. An identification key for the Siberian Gammarus with 10 species is provided.

Description, distribution and ecology of endemic Tasmanian quillwort, Isoetes jarmaniae, sp. nov. (Isoetaceae; Lycopodiopsida)

Isoetes jarmaniae sp. nov. is described as a new lycophyte endemic to Tasmania, Australia, where it is confined to peat-bound karstic wetlands in several river valleys in the south-west wilderness. While seemingly morphologically closest to I. drummondii, this quillwort has features that are globally uncommon in Isoetes and unknown in other Australasian taxa. Most notable are its markedly flattened, strongly recurved leaves and disproportionately large sporangium ligules that are more suggestive of South American than Australian taxa. As well, the exceptionally thin and wide (alate) megaspore equatorial ridge is swollen at suture intersections, presenting a slightly triangular shape suggestive of the Indian taxon I. udupiensis. The microspores of I. jarmaniae exhibit exceptionally, perhaps uniquely, fine-papillate ornamentation. An original key placing I. jarmaniae in context with the other Tasmanian Isoetes species is provided. This diminutive, apparently diploid species is evidently maintaining a self-sustaining population within a regionally unique habitat and small geographic range.

Invasive Fucus serratus (Fucaceae, Phaeophyceae) responds to climate change along the Atlantic Coast of Nova Scotia, Canada

The distribution and ecology of the invasive brown alga Fucus serratus along the 500 km Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, has been poorly explored. We observed significant intertidal penetration at four sites in the southwestern part of the province, and then examined numerous sites along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia. Surveys of attached algae in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones and wrack show that F. serratus has become a dominant plant in the low to mid-intertidal zone and can be expected on headlands along the South Shore of Nova Scotia where it can occupy up to 40% of the intertidal zone with cover >75% and mean densities of up to 10 kg m−1. In this zone, F. serratus has replaced Chondrus crispus as the major canopy species, although C. crispus and Corallina officinalis remain primary understory species. At slightly higher elevations, F. serratus was common as an understory beneath Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus. While geographic spread along the Atlantic coast might reflect the natural dispersal capacity of F. serratus, we hypothesize that the ecological extension into the intertidal zone may be facilitated by harvesting of A. nodosum and by climate change in an ocean-warming hotspot.