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The updated data on the leaf beetle diversity (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) of Algeti National Park and its environs (Georgia, Caucasus)
No full textThe species diversity of the leaf beetles was investigated in Algeti National Park and its environs (Georgia, Caucasus). Forty-eight species of leaf beetles belonging to 23 genera are listed. Among the taxa two genera and six species are recorded for the first time in the investigated area: Agelastica Chevrolat, Leptinotarsa Chevrolat, Agelastica alni Linnaeus, Coptocephala rubicunda rossica Laicharting, Cryptocephalus duplicatus Suffrian, Labidostomis longimana Linnaeus, Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say and Smaragdina xanthaspis Germar. A checklist of the chrysomelids of Algeti National Park and its environs is presented for the first time
A new genus and two new species of Empoascini (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae) from China
No full textA new genus and two new species of Empoascini from China are depicted in detail in this study: Singulus Yao & Yu, gen. nov., with a new species Singulus furcatus Yao & Yu, sp. nov., and Velu claustrum Yao & Yang, sp. nov. A revised key to males of Chinese species and a checklist of known species of the genus Velu are provided
Synotis lhozhagensis (Asteraceae, Senecioneae), a new species from south-eastern Xizang, China, based on morphological and molecular evidence
No full textSynotis lhozhagensis, a new species belonging to Senecioneae (Asteraceae), is described and illustrated herein after being discovered during biodiversity surveys in Lhozhag County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. This species is similar to S. acuminata (Wall. ex DC.) C.Jeffrey & Y.L.Chen, but differs mainly in having the ray floret absent (vs. 1), the leaf margins irregularly coarsely serrate (vs. finely mucronulate-serrate) and the phyllaries five (vs. three or four). It is also allied to S. glomerata C.Jeffrey & Y.L.Chen in growth habit, leaf blade morphology and inflorescence structure, but is distinguished by the corymbs loose and spreading (vs. dense and glomeruliform), the ligulate floret absent (vs. one or two) and the disc florets five (vs. three or four). Phylogenetic analysis, based on ITS sequences, confirms its distinct taxonomic status within Synotis. A line drawing and colour plates, a geographic distribution map, a detailed comparison table including the aforementioned three species and the provisional IUCN status are provided
Description of a new Rhizotrogus Latreille, 1825 (Scarabaeidae, Melolonthinae), from the Island of Pantelleria (Sicily Channel, Italy)
No full textRhizotrogini comprises just over 45 taxa in Italy, some of which are endemic or subendemic. However, the elusive nature of several taxa, along with the uncertain taxonomic status of certain species, means that some species or populations within these taxa remain subjects of ongoing discussion and research.This contribution is devoted to the description of a new species of Rhizotrogus from the Island of Pantelleria (Sicily Channel, Italy), historically confused with Rhizotrogus pallidipennis Blanchard, 1851
The segetal flora of Cynara cardunculus L. (globe artichoke) fields in Sardinia
No full textThe aim of the present study was to produce a first inventory of the segetal flora in Cynara cardunculus L. (globe artichoke) cropping systems in Sardinia (Italy), to address the limited research available to date, despite the economic significance of this crop. Field surveys were conducted during 2019–2021, at least three times per year, to assess the segetal flora and its main specific features (e.g., life forms, chorology and invasive status in Sardinia), using randomly located georeferenced plots (1 × 1 m) within each field. Based on floristic surveys, it was possible to make an inventory of 113 taxa classified into 91 native species of the Italian flora, 1 archaeophyte, 5 cryptogenic and 16 neophytes, of which 11 were invasive in Sardinia, four naturalized and one casual. Among identified species, 83 were therophytes, 23 hemicryptophytes, 6 geophytes, and 1 chamaephyte. The chorological spectrum shows up the dominance of Mediterranean with 52 species. Widely distributed taxa are represented by 20 species, followed by Eurasian ones with 9 taxa. The most frequent and abundant species were the three native Calendula arvensis (Vaill.) L., Convolvulus arvensis L., and Lolium rigidum Gaudin, the archaeophyte Avena fatua L. s.l., and the two neophytes Oxalis pes-caprae L., and Veronica persica Poir
Aquatic macrophytes of Angola: a preliminary verified checklist
No full textAquatic macrophytes are photosynthetic macroscopic organisms that grow permanently or periodically submerged or floating on the surface of the water. The aim of this study is to compile a checklist of fresh-water aquatic vascular plant macrophytes occurring in Angola, focusing on their origins, life forms, conservation status and distribution throughout the country. The checklist was compiled through a literature review of previous studies carried out in Angola, herbarium collections and online databases. A total of 526 species of macrophytes in 196 genera and 70 families was recorded. Cyperaceae was the most abundant family, followed by Poaceae, Lentibulariaceae, Lythraceae, Eriocaulaceae, Araceae, Podostemaceae, Hydrocharitaceae, Onagraceae and Plantaginaceae. The highest number of macrophytes was recorded from Huíla Province, followed by Moxico and Cuando Cubango Provinces, respectively, while Lunda Norte, Uíge and Zaire were poorly represented. From the aquatic macrophytes recorded, it was possible to identify the category of origin of 511 species. From these, 472 species are native, 23 introduced and 16 are endemic to Angola and the conservation status of these species was also assessed. The results obtained in this study show that there are still some gaps, especially with regard to the distribution of aquatic macrophytes in Angola, since many species are documented as native, but there is a lack of data on their distribution
Paraphlomis anisochila (Lamiaceae), a new species from Hunan, China
No full textParaphlomis anisochila, a new species from the subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests of Hunan Province, southern China, is described and illustrated. Morphological comparisons indicate that P. anisochila is most similar to P. seticalyx, whereas molecular phylogenetic analyses based on a comprehensive sampling and two nuclear ribosomal DNA regions (ITS and ETS) place it as the sister species of P. yingdeensis. Paraphlomis anisochila is characterized by its unequal corolla lips, distinguishing it from all other Paraphlomis species. Additionally, it differs from P. seticalyx in lamina shape, petiole and calyx length, and from P. yingdeensis in plant indumentum, calyx tooth apex, and corolla color
A collection of field-based indicators for assessing ecosystem services in crop fields
No full textThe transition from intensive crop production to more sustainable practices, such as ecologically intensive cropping systems, requires precise, field-based assessments of Ecosystem Services (ES). These assessments depend on selecting appropriate indicators that can measure the supply of ES directly within crop fields. Despite the growing recognition of the ES role in sustainable agriculture, comprehensive lists of field-applicable indicators remain scarce. To address this gap, we present and discuss a collection of 128 indicators for assessing provisioning and regulating ES in cropping systems, specifically designed for in situ, empirical measurements. The collection aims to support researchers and practitioners in selecting context-specific indicators that enhance site-specific knowledge for developing sustainable cropping systems. It was derived from an exhaustive previously published list, which included 507 indicators applicable across various ecosystem types and linked to various data collection methods. We filtered that exhaustive list using three criteria: applicability to crop fields, level in the ES cascade model (including ecosystem property, ecosystem function and human benefit, but excluding value and adding and including a new level of dis-service) and method of data collection (including field observation and remote sensing, but excluding all indirect methods). In the resulting dataset, including 128 indicators, we analysed the distribution of indicators across the different ES, cascade levels and methods of data collection to identify potential gaps in indicator availability that could hinder comprehensive assessments of the ES provided in crop fields. This analysis highlighted significant disparities in indicator distribution, notably concerning the levels of ES cascade quantifiables, as a vast majority of indicators for regulating ES quantify ecological properties or functions, while most indicators for provisioning ES quantify human benefits. We also identified a lack of indicators for air quality regulation, life cycle maintenance and water provision and, in contrast, a multiplicity of indicators employed for soil quality regulation and pollination. We discuss the reasons and consequences of these disparities and we underscore the importance of staying alert to emerging indicators driven by recent research trends and technological advancements, such as remote sensing
First report of a Tailless Whip Scorpion in Cyprus: the case of Sarax ioanniticus (Kritscher, 1959) (Amblypygi, Charontidae)
No full textAmblypygi, commonly known as tailless whip scorpions or whip spiders, is an order of Arachnida noted for its cryptic habits and predominantly tropical and subtropical distribution. Although the group was first mentioned on the island of Cyprus in 1990, no specific taxonomic information was provided at the time.Through a combination of literature review, targeted field surveys and citizen-science contributions, we confirm the presence of Sarax ioanniticus (Kritscher, 1959) in Cyprus, representing the first documented record of this species on the island. Following seven years of dedicated searches, a live specimen was collected in 2023 and identified, thereby establishing S. ioanniticus as part of the island’s rich fauna. This finding extends the known range of S. ioanniticus within the eastern Mediterranean and underscores the importance of integrating biodiversity research with public engagement to detect elusive or under-reported taxa. Future studies should investigate the species’ local distribution, ecological requirements and potential conservation concerns on Cyprus
Pseudobaorangia (Boletaceae, Boletales), a new genus for Boletus lakhanpalii
No full textBolete specimens collected in Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, Yunnan Province, were identified as Pseudobaorangia lakhanpalii, based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses. The ITS sequences of our collections exhibited a high similarity with Boletus lakhanpalii (99.53% for KEF13271 and 99.44% for KEF13272). However, because of limited molecular data and complex taxonomic relationships of Boletaceae, the phylogenetic placement of B. lakhanpalii could not be clearly determined. This study conducted a phylogenetic analysis by combining nrLSU, RPB2 and TEF1-α genes, and the results showed that this species has a close phylogenetic relationship with Baorangia, sharing some morphological characteristics, but also having several highlighting differences. Therefore, a new genus Pseudobaorangia is proposed with P. lakhanpalii as the type species and its detailed description is provided