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Zoology in the Middle East Volume 38, 2006 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) |
Jamshid Darvish, Mohammad Javidkar, Roohollah Siahsarvie
A new species of wood mouse of the genus Apodemus (Rodentia, Muridae) from Iran
Abstract. The wood mouse Apodemus avicennicus n. sp. is described from a collection of small mammals assembled during a zoological survey in Yazd province in central Iran. A diagnosis and description of the new species are provided on the basis of morphological and karyological analyses. The new wood mouse is distinguished from all other Apodemus species by reduced dental measurements, the structure of the palatopterygoid region and a broader interorbital region. Comparison of our material with the other Apodemus species from Iran and the adjoining areas demonstrates that this is a distinct species.
Key words. Apodemus avicennicus n. sp., morphology, karyology, Yazd, Middle East.
Zoology in the Middle East 38, 2006: 5-16
Ahmet Karataş, Muhammed Mouradi Gharkheloo, Mehdi Rehnema
The karyotypic characterisation of the Large Horseshoe Bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber, 1774) (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae) from Iran
Abstract. The diploid number of chromosomes of the karyotype of the Large Horseshoe Bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum from West Azerbaijan, Iran, is 2n=58, the fundamental number of chromosomes NF=62, and the number of chromosomal arms NFa=58. The Iranian karyotype thus shows similarity to different populations in neighbouring countries as regards the diploid chromosome number, but it is quite different in the fundamental chromosome number and the number of autosomal arms.
Key words. Chromosomes, karyology, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Chiroptera, Iran.
Zoology in the Middle East 38, 2006: 17-20
Farhang Torki
Spermatogenesis in the agama Trapelus lessonae (Agamidae: Reptilia) in the Central Zagros Mountains, Iran
Abstract. Spermatogenesis in a population of the agama Trapelus lessonae was studied in the Zagros Mountains, Iran, at 1900 m a.s.l. The species spends at least five months (October to February) in hibernation. Based on histological studies, three phases of the life cycle can be distinguished: (1) an active phase that occurs after hibernation, (2) a resting phase that occurs before hibernation, and (3) a transitional phase that occurs between the two other phases. The number of spermatocyte layers decreases continuously from March to August. As active spermatogenesis and mating are synchronous, the species can be assigned to those with an associated reproductive cycle.
Key words. Hibernation, mountainous area, spermatogenesis, spermatocyte, reproduction.
Zoology in the Middle East 38, 2006: 21-28
Yehudah L. Werner, Gergely Babocsay, Hilla Carmely, Mindy Thuna
Micrelaps in the southern Levant: variation, sexual dimorphism, and a new species (Serpentes: Atractaspididae)
Abstract. Variation in the primarily East African snake genus Micrelaps (Atractaaspididae) was investigated in the southern Levant (mainly Israel) from museum specimens and some photographs. The fossorial M. muelleri Boettger, 1880, hitherto considered rare, inhabits the mesic Mediterranean zone (n=82). Its usual colour pattern is a variable number of black and yellow rings but two rare longitudinally striped morphs also occur. Sexual dimorphism, hitherto unknown, affects pholidosis, proportions and colour pattern. A new species, M. tchernovi Werner, is described (n=6) from the semi-arid Irano-Turanian zone in the central Jordan Valley. It differs mainly in colour characters, having black saddles rather than rings. The distinction of the two species is verified using Principal Coordinates Analysis. Their relationships with the African members of the genus are briefly discussed.
Key words. Great Rift Valley, Israel, Jordan, Micrelaps muelleri, Micrelaps tchernovi, polymorphism, sexual dimorphism, variation.
Zoology in the Middle East 38, 2006: 29-48
Nasrollah M. Soofiani, Yazdan Keivany, Abdulhossein M. Shooshtari
Contribution to the biology of the Lizardfish, Saurida tumbil (Teleostei: Aulopiformes), from the Persian Gulf
Abstract. Some biological aspects of the Lizardfish, Saurida tumbil, from the Persian Gulf, Iran, were studied by regular monthly collections. A total of 173 specimens, including 17 immatures, 26 males, and 130 females from the Khozestan coasts were collected with a bottom trawl. Females ranged from 26.1 to 59.0 cm (38.76.8) in total length and from 126.5 to 1510 g (477.1260.8) in weight. Males ranged from 26.3 to 38.3 cm (32.73.2) in total length and from 128.3 to 450.5 g (260.283.5) in weight. The slope of the regression line suggested an isometric growth for the fish. The gut content consisted mostly of fish species and the relative length of the gut (RLG) was 0.45 on average, suggesting a carnivorous feeding habit. The absolute fecundity was 74,444-250,452. The gonadosomatic index showed two peaks for the females (March and October), perhaps indicating that the species is a spring and autumn spawner.
Key words. Biology, gonadosomatic index, Middle East, reproduction, Synodontidae.
Zoology in the Middle East 38, 2006: 49-56
Iskandar M. Mirabdullayev, Rano S. Urazova
Redescription of the female and first description of the male of Microcyclops karvei (Kiefer & Moorthy, 1935) (Copepoda, Cyclopoida)
Abstract. Microcyclops karvei, a poorly known cyclopoid, is redescribed on the basis of specimens from Uzbekistan. Problems with its taxonomy are discussed.
Key words. Cyclopoida, Microcyclops karvei, redescription, Uzbekistan.
Zoology in the Middle East 38, 2006: 57-62
Janko Kolarov, Hassan Ghahari
A study of the Iranian Ichneumonidae (Hymenoptera): I. Pimplinae and Tryphoninae
Abstract. Faunistic data for 35 species of Pimplinae and Tryphoninae are given. Of these, 30 species are new for the Iranian fauna. A zoogeographic characterisation of each species is given. With this study, the number of species of Pimplinae known from Iran is increased to 29 and the number of species of Tryphoninae to 19.
Key words. Pimplinae, Tryphoninae, Ichneumonidae, Iran, Middle East, new records, zoogeography.
Zoology in the Middle East 38, 2006: 63-68
Mehmet Salih Ozgokce, Remzi Atlihan, Ismail Kasap, Fevzi Ozgokce, Sukran Yildiz, Murat Demir, Evin Polat
The distribution and habitat of Calomera littoralis mandli (Mandl, 1967) (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) on the coastal margin of Lake Van in Turkey
Abstract. The tiger beetle Calomera littoralis mandli was found at Lake Van in eastern Anatolia at 20 out of 47 localities surveyed during 2004-2005. It occurs in open habitats with fine sand mixed with clay or in salt-marshes and with little plant cover. Three groups of larval burrows were determined, with average openings of 1.54 mm, 2.46 mm and 3.80 mm. These correspond to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd larval instars.
Key words. Cicindelidae, habitat, tiger beetle, larval instars, Turkey, Lake Van, Middle East.
Zoology in the Middle East 38, 2006: 69-72
Reza Zahiri, Alimorad Sarafrazi, Latif Salehi, Joseph G. Kunkel
A geometric morphometric study on populations of the Rice Stem Borer, Chilo suppressalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in northern Iran
Abstract. Multivariate analysis of the morphological variation in six populations of the Rice Stem Borer, Chilo suppressalis, was performed using 15 and 10 landmarks selected from the fore- and hindwings respectively. The raw planar coordinate data were aligned using geometric and mathematical calculations in Kendalls shape space. Multivariate analysis was performed following transfer of the data to a linear Euclidean space, i.e. tangent space. 311 and 319 images of fore- and hindwings respectively were made using their geometric morphometric characters (26 in the forewings and 16 characters in the hindwings). The analysis showed a significant difference between the sexes and between the populations of Guilan and Mazandran provinces. A direct correlation was observed between morphological and geographic distance.
Key words. Geometric morphometrics, thin plate-spline, Chilo suppressalis, populations.
Zoology in the Middle East 38, 2006: 73-84
Aysegul Karatas, Muhammed Mouradi Gharkheloo
A contribution to the knowledge of Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) (Scorpiones: Buthidae)
Abstract. 13 specimens (6 females and 7 males) of the rare and little-known scorpion Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) were collected from Turkey, Iraq and Iran. Its morphological characteristics such as carinal and setal features are given, and these taxonomic properties were compared between the samples from western (Turkey and Iraq) and eastern (Iran) populations of H. saulcyi. Some morphological differences (e.g. trichobothrial features, morphometric measurements, carination of carapace, mesosoma, femur and patella, setation of pedipalp segments and tergites and colouration) were established between these two populations.
Key words. Hottentotta saulcyi, Buthidae, Iran, Iraq, Turkey.
Zoology in the Middle East 38, 2006: 85-92
Wilson R. Loureno, Jian-xin Qi
A new species of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 from Afghanistan (Scorpiones, Buthidae)
Abstract. A new species of scorpion belonging to the genus Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 (family Buthidae C.L. Koch, 1837), is described on the basis of a single male specimen collected in northern Afghanistan, south of Vic Shiberghan, Dasht-e-Leili. The specimen is part of the material collected in Afghanistan by the late Clas Naumann during the 1970s. The new species is characterised by its pale yellow colouration and narrow metasomal segments with a shallow dorsal depression.
Key words. Scorpions, taxonomy, Buthidae, Middle East.
Zoology in the Middle East 38, 2006: 93-98
Fuad A. Al-Horani, Saber A. Al-Rousan, Mohammad Al-Zibdeh, Maroof A. Khalaf
The status of coral reefs on the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea
Abstract. The Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba was intensively surveyed during the year 2004 to assess the health of the coral reefs in Jordan. Permanent line transects were laid on the reef flat, at depths of 8 m and 15 m at eight sites, and selected benthos components were studied. It was found that the distribution of hard corals increases gradually from north to south and that the 15 m deep transects had the highest coverage of hard corals. On the other hand, soft corals showed the highest coverage at sites where industrial activities are taking place. Coral death was low along the Jordanian coast and is comparable to surveys made in previous years, though protection measures are needed at the sites where industrial and recreational activities are focused. The hotels area, the phosphate loading berth and the Tala Bay sites had more than 40% seagrass coverage and were classified as seagrass habitats. Giant clams were hardly found on Jordans reefs and it is suggested that they should be considered as endangered species. It is concluded that the coral reefs in Jordan are in good condition, although pressure resulting from the rapid development of the tourism, industry and construction sectors along the coast is expected to increase and to represent the major threat to this ecosystem in the future. Continuous monitoring is therefore suggested.
Key words. Coral reefs, benthic cover, corals, seagrass, Red Sea, Gulf of Aqaba.
Zoology in the Middle East 38, 2006: 99-110
Short Communications
Boris Krystufek, Rainer Hutterer
The Ural Field Mouse Apodemus uralensis a mammal species new to Iran
Zoology in the Middle East 38, 2006: 111-112
Bahram Falahatkar
Biological characteristics of the Persian Sturgeon, Acipenser persicus Borodin, 1897 in the southern Caspian Sea
Zoology in the Middle East 38, 2006: 113-114
Yunus Omer Boyaci
New records of water mites (Acari, Hydrachnidia, Torrenticolidae) from Turkey
Zoology in the Middle East 38, 2006: 115-117
Osman Seyyar, Aydin Topcu, Hakan Demir
New records of ground spiders (Araneae: Gnaphosidae) from Anatolia
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