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Zoology in the Middle East Volume 35, 2005
ISSN 0939-7140 Covered in the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE). Admitted to ISI Master Journal list and covered by the BioSciences Information Service (Biosis Previews) and Biological Abstracts, the Zoological Record and many other review organs. Price per article: Euro 10.00 (plus Euro 2.00 postage/handling) |
Mohammad Javidkar, Jamshid Darvish, Alireza Riahi Bakhtiari
Discriminant analysis of dental and cranial characteristics in the wood mice Apodemus hyrcanicus and A. hermonensis (Rodentia, Muridae) from Iran
Abstract. We studied the morphometric characters of 33 wood mice of the genus Apodemus from 3 localities in Iran. The following species were identified: Apodemus hermonensis from the Central Elborz Mountains and Sorkhehesar National Park and Apodemus hyrcanicus from Noor in the Hyrcanian forests along the Caspian Sea in northern Iran. The 26 measured cranial and dental characters were subjected to discriminant function analysis in order to find morphometric measurements allowing species identification. A stepwise discriminant function analysis showed that 3 cranial and dental characteristics are sufficient to separate the two species and correctly assign 100% of individuals to their respective species correctly. Our work also provides new records of Apodemus hyrcanicus and Apodemus hermonensis from Iran.
Key words. Apodemus, wood mice, morphology, discriminant analysis, distribution, zoogeography, taxonomy, Iran, Middle East.
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 5-12
Mohammed A. Yousef, Zuhair S. Amr
Altitudinal stratification and habitat selection of rodents in Dana Nature Reserve, Jordan
Abstract. An analysis of the spatial distribution of 12 rodent species in Dana Nature Reserve, Jordan, showed that the Mediterranean zone has the highest number of species whereas the Irano-Turanian mid-altitude steppe zone has the lowest number. Apodemus mystacinus was confined to higher altitudes with a dense vegetation of oak trees, whereas Gerbillus gerbillus was found to be restricted to sand dune habitats with xerophilic vegetation. The distribution of the other species was analysed based on vegetation cover and substratum texture.
Key words. Rodents, spatial distribution, habitat selection, Dana, Jordan, ecology, Middle East.
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 13-18
Ibrahim Y. Mahmoud, Abdulaziz Y. AlKindi, Taher A. Ba-Omar, Sultan Al-Siyabi, Saif N. Al-Bahry, Abdul Qader Elshafie, Charles S. Bakheit
Emergence pattern of the Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas, hatchlings under laboratory and natural conditions
Abstract. Green Turtle eggs were collected at random from 5 different nests from the Ras Al-Hadd Reserve in Oman. They were incubated 16hr after oviposition at constant temperatures set at 30-31°C for female producers and at 26-27° for male producers. Standard histological procedure of the gonads was performed for sex determination. Despite the constant temperatures set in the incubators, there were differences among the incubated eggs. This is similar to the natural condition, where an asynchronous pattern of emergence is common. Pipping occurs when the eggshell has a slit and hatching is when the head and one flipper are outside the eggshell. Emergence occurs when the hatchling is completely free from the extraembryonic membranes and eggshell. There was no correlation between the pipping-hatching and hatching-emergence intervals in the female, but in males the two intervals were significantly correlated (P<0.01). Hatchling weights were: 28.22 g (±0.83) for females and 25.74 g (±0.58) for males. In both sexes, hatchling weight did not influence the duration of the two intervals. The duration between pipping emergence was significantly (P<0.01) longer in females than in males. Natural and incubator observations showed that the hatchlings remained in the nest after emergence for at least 48hr until the umbilical swelling had subsided before attempting their emergence escape. While the hatchlings remain inside the eggshell after pipping attached to chorioallontoic/amniotic membranes, they are occasionally vulnerable to injury by nesting turtles, micro-organisms or early-emerged hatchlings inside the nest.
Key words. Green turtle, marine turtles, hatchlings, pipping, emergence, Oman, Middle East.
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 19-28
Murat Bilecenoglu
Observations on the burrowing behaviour of the Dwarf Blaasop, Torquigener flavimaculosus (Osteichthyes: Tetraodontidae) along the coast of Fethiye, Turkey
Abstract. A previously unreported burrowing behaviour of the Red Sea migrant fish Torquigener flavimaculosus was observed for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea (Fethiye Bay, Turkey). The burrowing response, preceded by an escape swimming, is explained as an anti-predator adaptation by the species. It left only the eyes and a portion of the back exposed.
Key words. Tetraodontidae, Torquigener flavimaculosus, burrowing behaviour, Lessepsian migration, Mediterranean Sea, Turkey.
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 29-34
Brian W. Coad, Naomi Keyzer-de Ville
On the validity of the species in the snow-trout genus Schizocypris Regan, 1914 (Cyprinidae: Actinopterygii)
Abstract. Three nominal species in the cyprinid genus Schizocypris were examined based on 30 meristic and morphometric characters. S. ladigesi of Afghanistan was shown to be a synonym of S. brucei while S. altidorsalis of Sistan on the Iran-Afghanistan border was shown to be distinct.
Key words. Schizocypris, Cyprinidae, revision, snow trout, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan.
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 35-42
Abdorahim Pazira, Asghar Abdoli, Esmaiel Kouhgardi, Parisa Yousefifard
Age structure and growth of the Mesopotamian Spiny Eel, Mastacembelus mastacembelus (Banks & Solander in Russell, 1974) (Mastacembelidae), in southern Iran
Abstract. The age structure and growth of the Mesopotamian Spiny Eel, Mastacembelus mastacembelus (Banks & Solander, 1974), in the Helleh and Dalaky rivers (Boushehr province in southern Iran) were studied in samples caught between February and March 1999. The maximum total lengths were 425 mm in females (n=59) and 432 mm in males (n=61). Age determination based on scale, opercle and vertebra readings shows that the population has 6 age classes. The growth of both sexes was allometric (b=2.54 males; b=2.73 females). The highest growth rate was observed between age 2 and 3 in both sexes, but afterwards it dropped quickly.
Key words. Mastacembelus mastacembelus, age, growth, Iran, Middle East.
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 43-48
Ali Serhan Tarkan, Ozcan Gaygusuz, Hasan Acipinar, Cigdem Gursoy
Characteristics of a Eurasian cyprinid, Shemaya, Chalcalburnus chalcoides (Güldenstädt, 1772), in a mesotrophic water reservoir
Abstract. Age, growth and reproduction of the Shemaya, Chalcalburnus chalcoides, was studied in the Ömerli Reservoir, a large drinking water system located in Istanbul province (Turkey). The von Bertalanffy growth function displayed variation in growth rates between the sexes. Asymptotic lengths calculated for both sexes were high, probably due to the lack of large predatory fishes and lack of fishing in the reservoir. Females dominated all age classes with the exception of the second age, and this phenomenon is characteristic of species from unstable and variable environments. The condition factor and the gonadosomatic index indicated that reproduction occurred around May-June. The estimated mean lengths at first maturity (LT50) were 14.83 cm and 15.98 cm for males and females, which corresponded to 1 and 2 years of age for both sexes. Natural mortality was 0.47/year. Fishing mortality as well as exploitation rate was negligible since fishing activity is prohibited throughout the year.
Key words. Shemaya, age, growth, reproduction, Ömerli Reservoir, Turkey, Middle East.
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 49-60
Henrik Enghoff, Sayed Abbas Moravvej
A review of the millipede fauna of Iran (Diplopoda)
Abstract. Fifty species of millipedes (Diplopoda) are recorded from Iran, based on a literature survey and a study of new material. Nopoiulus extremus Enghoff, 1984 (Blaniulidae), Brachyiulus lusitanus Verhoeff, 1898 (Julidae), Megaphyllum brachyurum (Attems, 1899) (Julidae) and Oxidus gracilis (C. L. Koch, 1847) (Paradoxosomatidae) are new to the fauna of Iran. Syrioiulus persicus (Golovatch, 1983) is a new combination (from Amblyiulus p.). Several species described from Iran still need revision.
Key words. Millipedes, Diplopoda, taxonomy, Iran, Middle East.
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 61-72. | Preview (abstract/cover page) (PDF) | Order article...
Cedric A. Collingwood, Antonius van Harten
Further additions to the ant fauna (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Yemen
Abstract. Ant species and genera collected in Yemen and new to the Arabian fauna include Dolioponera sp., Pachycondyla flavopilosa, Probolomyrmex brevirostris, Dicroaspis laevidens, Smithistruma emmae, Bothriomyrmex sp., Camponotus armenius and C. robechii. First descriptions are given of Tetramorium hirsutum n. sp. and Plagiolepis breviscapa n. sp. Additional species for Yemen include the tramp species Technomyrmex albipes and Tetramorium bicarinatum.
Key words. Formicidae, ants, Yemen, Arabian Peninsula, Middle East.
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 73-78
Feza Can Doganlar, Nazife Arap
On the geometrid moths (Lepidoptera) of northern Cyprus, including three new records
Abstract. This study reports on a collection of moths belonging to the family Geometridae (Lepidoptera), made in northern Cyprus between 2002 and 2004. Specimens were collected with light traps at 7 localities, and consisted of 47 species belonging to the 35 genera. Three species are new records for the fauna of Cyprus: Myinodes shohami Hausmann, 1994, Culpinia prouti (Thierry-Mieg, 1913) and Lithostege palaestinensis Amsel, 1935.
Key words. Lepidoptera, Geometridae, systematics, new records, northern Cyprus.
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 79-86
Josef Halperin, Manes Wysoki
On biology and ecology of Uresiphita limbalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Israel
Abstract. In Israel Uresiphita limbalis Denis & Schiffermüller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) feeds on Papilionaceae bushes – the indigenous Retama raetam, Spartium junceum, Anagyris foeteda and the introduced Cytisus canariensis – and causes damage mainly to S. junceum raised in nurseries and to C. canariensis. Under optimal conditions of temperature (24–28°C) and food (young shoots of S. junceum), the average durations of the incubation of eggs, and the larval, prepupal and pupal stages are 3.5, 18, 2 and 8 days, respectively (seven successive generations were bred). The insect develops: in spring and autumn mainly along the Coastal Plain and the northern Negev; in summer in the mountains; and in winter in the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea areas.
Key words. Uresiphita limbalis, Pyralidae, Lepidoptera, Retama raetam, Spartium junceum, Anagyris foetida, Cytisus canariensis, Israel.
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 87-92
Saliha Coruh, Hikmet Ozbek, Janko Kolarov
A contribution to the knowledge of Tryphoninae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from Turkey
Abstract. This paper reports on a collection of 25 species (in 10 genera) of the subfamily Tryphoninae. Of these, 12 species and two genera, Cycasis Townes and Oedemopsis Tschek, are new for the Turkish fauna. With this contribution, the species and genera of Tryphoninae occurring in Turkey have increased to 62 and 18 respectively. For some species, the records indicate a much wider distribution area than was hitherto known. A zoogeographical characterisation is given for each of these 25 species.
Key words. Tryphoninae, Ichneumonidae, Hymenoptera, new records, Turkey, Middle East.
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 93-98
Short Communications
Ahmet Kilic, Recep Karakas
Recent observations on the Great Bustard, Otis tarda, in south-eastern Anatolia
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 99-102
Seven Secçkin, Yuksel Coskun
Small mammals in the diet of the Long-eared Owl, Asio otus, from Diyarbakır, Turkey
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 102-103. | Order article...
Abdolghasem Khaleghizadeh, Mohammad E. Sehhati-Sabet, Mohammad Javidkar, Ahmad Adjami
On the diet of the Long-legged Buzzard, Buteo rufinus, in the Turan Biosphere Reserve, Semnan, Iran
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 104-105
Abdolghasem Khaleghizadeh, Morteza Golshekan-Tatafi, Mahdieh Youzbashi, Fatemeh Aghabeigi
Autumn diet of the Crested Lark, Galerida cristata, in Iran
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 106-107
Serhat Albayrak
First record of Tapes philippinarum (Adams & Reeve, 1850) (Bivalvia: Veneridae) from the Sea of Marmara
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 108-109
Halil Bolu
On the coccinellid fauna (Coleoptera) of almond orchards in south-eastern and eastern Anatolia
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 109-110
Emine Demir
Two new records for the Cicadellidae fauna of Turkey (Homoptera: Auchenorrhyncha)
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 111
Oguzhan Doganlar
Occurrence of Lectocybe invasa Fisher & La Salle, 2004 (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) on Eucalyptus camaldulensis in Turkey, with a description of the male sex
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 112-114
Nizar J. Haddad, Stefan Fuchs, Jehad Haddaden, Jens-Peter Kopelke
Record of Sphecophaga vesparum Curtis, a natural enemy of Vespa orientalis in northern Jordan
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 114-116
Davut Turan, Vladimir Pesic
Atractides allgaier Gerecke, 2003 (Acari, Hydrachnidia, Hygrobatidae), a species new for the water mite fauna of Turkey
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 117-118
Aydin Topcu, Ayaz Babasoglu, Kadir Bogac Kunt, Hakan Demir, Osman Seyyar
Mimetus laevigatus (Keyserling, 1863), a species new for the araneofauna of Turkey (Araneae, Mimetidae)
Zoology in the Middle East 35, 2005: 119-120. | Order article...