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Zoology in the
Middle East Volume
64, Issues 1–4, 2018 0939-7140 (Print), 2326-2680 (Online) © Taylor &
Francis All articles,
both print and online versions, are fully copyright-protected. Covered in the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE). ZME is published by Taylor & Francis
Group. For Access Options click here |
Zoology in the Middle East Volume 64,
2018: Issue 4
Review of the vertebrate-mediated dispersal of the Date Palm, Phoenix dactylifera
Dirk H. R. Spennemann
As a major agricultural crop in the semi-arid and arid zone of North
Africa and the Middle East, drupes (“fruits”) of the Date Palm Phoenix dactylifera form with their high carbohydrate content of the flesh
and oils in the seed a major part of the diet of resident and migratory bird
species and fruit bats. This paper reviews the range of known instances of
drupe predation by volant and non-volant vertebrate vectors. While documented
dispersal distances range from tens of metres to about 50 km, the efficacy of
that dispersal has not been assessed in any of the papers under review. While
volant animals, primarily birds, make up the greatest number of dispersal
vectors and also account for the greatest number of seeds dispersed, long
distance dispersal of a larger quantity of seeds per dispersal event seems to
rely on terrestrial animals, primarily canids, but also bears and flightless
birds, such as the Emu (Dromaius
novaehollandiae).
Zoology in the Middle East 64(4), 2018: 283-296.
The spread of the Rose-ringed Parakeet, Psittacula krameri, in
Turkey between 1975 and 2015 (Aves: Psittacidae)
Esra Per
The Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) was recorded in
Turkey for the first time in 1975 and has since then established breeding
populations in at least six cities as a consequence of intentional and
accidental introductions. Parakeet sightings have been recorded in and around
urban areas and records are available from 26 provinces. It is most abundant in
İstanbul, followed by İzmir, Ankara, Yalova, Antalya, and
Şanlıurfa. The distribution and population size has increased
continuously especially since the mid-2000s. The population is estimated to be
now over 1,355 individuals in the country, which is still moderate compared to
some other West European countries.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(4), 2018: 2^97-303.
Molecular and
morphological evidence for a new subspecies of Fazila’s Lycian Salamander Lyciasalamandra fazilae in South-west
Anatolia
Bayram Göçmen, Sarah Ehl, Mert Karış, Burkhard Thiesmeier and
Thomas Kordges
A new subspecies of the Fazila’s Lycian
Salamander Lyciasalamandra fazilae is described based on material from
ten localities in the Köyceğiz, Ortaca and Dalaman area in south-western
Turkey. It is distinguished from the nominotypical subspecies by differences in
the colouration pattern, morphometry and the mitochondrial molecular marker 16S
rRNA. The distribution area of the new subspecies is located mainly in the
western part of Dalaman River except for two seemingly intermediate populations
(Şerefler and Sarsala-Kapıkargın). New localities for the
species are reported.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(4), 2018: 304-314.
A new Chondrostoma species from the Büyük
Menderes River Basin, Turkey (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)
Salim Serkan Güçlü, Fahrettin Küçük, Davut Turan, Yılmaz Çiftçi and
Ayşe Gül Mutlu
In a study of
the fishes of the Büyük Menderes River Basin, Aegean region of Turkey, two
populations of Chondrostoma were
found which showed clearly distinctive characters: the population from the
Upper B. Menderes (Işıklı Lake) was attributed to C. meandrense Elvira, 1987, while the
population from the Çine Stream in the Lower B. Menderes River basin proved to
be a hitherto undescribed species:
Chondrostoma turnai sp. n. Altogether
24 metric and 7 meristic parameters were compared. The new species is distinguished from C. meandrense and all other cogeners by
a combination of the number of lateral line scales, the number of scale
rows between the lateral line and the dorsal-fin origin, the number of scale
rows of the lateral line and pelvic-fin origin, and the number of gill rakers
on the first gill arch.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(4), 2018: 315-321.
A new species of Maladera Mulsant & Rey, 1871 from
Iran (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Sericini) and a review of the distribution of
the genus in Iran
Silvia Fabrizi, Eckehard Rößner and Dirk Ahrens
A new species of Maladera Mulsant & Rey, 1871 is described from Iran: M. kermanensis sp. n. The habitus and
genitalia of the new species are illustrated. Additional records of Maladera species and a checklist of the species
occurring in Iran including a map of their distribution are given.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(4), 2018: 322-328.
New data on spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) of Iraq
Alexander A. Fomichev, Yuri M. Marusik and
Seppo Koponen
Until recently only 33 species of spiders had been
known from Iraq. New material collected in northern Iraq reveals 20 species, 13
genera and six families new to the country. One species, Pterotricha arzhantsevi sp.
n. is described as new to science. Comparative figures are provided for
seven species; the 54 species
currently known from Iraq are listed and their occurrence in neighbouring Iran
and Turkey is shown.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(4), 2018: 329-339.
A new species of Anagyrus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) from
Iran, parasitoid of Planococcus ficus
(Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on Vitis
vinifera
George Japoshvili and Majid Fallahzadeh
The description and illustrations of a new species, Anagyrus
planococci sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Encyrtidae), reared from Planococcus
ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on Vitis vinifera L. in
southern Iran are presented. The species is closely related to Anagyrus luci
Noyes & Hayat, 1994 and A. albatus Myartseva, 1982.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(4), 2018: 340-344.
Trichopsomyia ochrozona (Stackelberg, 1952) (Diptera: Syrphidae)
recorded from Iran for the first time with a key to the West Palaearctic
Trichopsomyia Williston, 1888 species
Jeroen van Steenis, Babak Gharali, Theo Zeegers and Hussein Sadeghi
Namaghi
The hoverfly Trichopsomyia ochrozona (Stackelberg, 1952) (Diptera:
Syrphidae) is recorded for the first time from Iran. An illustrated key to the West
Palaearctic species of Trichopsomyia
is presented. Illustrations of the puparium of Trichopsomyia joratensis Goeldin, 1997 and
the larva and puparium of T. ochrozona
are given and their larval and adult habitats are described. A short discussion
is given on the known larval habitat of other West Palaearctic Trichopsomyia species. Some of the
synonyms have been evaluated and Pipiza
melancholica Meigen, 1822 is withdrawn from synonymy of Trichopsomyia flavitarsis (Meigen, 1822)
and is considered as a junior synonym of Musca
viduata Linnaeus, 1758 syn. nov.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(4), 2018: 345-359.
Dyspessa peri (Lepidoptera: Cossidae), a new species of Cossidae
from Afghanistan
Roman V. Yakovlev and Helen Alipanah
Dyspessa peri sp. n. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) is described from Sarobi in Central Afghanistan. The new species is closely
related to D.
tristis A. Bang-Haas, 1912, and is distinguished by peculiarities of the wing pattern and structure of the
male genitalia.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(4), 2018: 360-362.
A new species and new
distribution records of Zercon C. L.
Koch from Iran (Acari: Zerconidae)
Mohammadreza Kavianpour, Mehmet Karaca, Younes Karimpour and Raşit
Urhan
A new species of the family Zerconidae, Zercon
persicus sp. n., is described based on female and male morphological
characters. It was collected in West Azarbaijan province (northwestern Iran).
Idiosomal chaetotaxy, poroidotaxy and related notations are illustrated. The
similarities and differences between the related species within the genus are
discussed. Records of some other Zercon species
from the province are given for the first time.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(4), 2018: 360-370.
SHORT COMMUNICATIONS
Record of the
Yellowback Grunt Pomadasys aheneus McKay &
Randall
(Osteichthyes: Haemulidae) from the Arabian Gulf off Iraq
Atheer H. Ali and Yukio Iwatsuki
Zoology in the Middle East 64(4), 2018: 371-373.
The Black Bordered
Arab, Colotis ungemachi (Le Cerf,
1922) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) in the Middle East, and the first confirmed
record for Ethiopia
Vazrick Nazari and Peter Merrett
Zoology in the Middle East 64(4), 2018: 374-376.
Zoology
in the Middle East Volume 64, 2018: Issue 3
Intraspecific killing among Leopards (Panthera pardus) in Iran
(Mammalia: Felidae)
Mohammad S. Farhadinia, Hossein Alinezhad, Ehsan
Hadipour, Iman Memarian, Stephane Ostrowski, Kaveh Hobeali, Amirhossein
Dadashi-Jourdehi, Paul J. Johnson, David W. Macdonald and Luke T. B.
Hunter
Intraspecific aggression is one of the most common
causes of death in leopards. Here, we report four cases of intraspecific
killing amongst Persian Leopards (Panthera pardus saxicolor) in Iran. A young
male leopard was found on 7 June 2008 which, according to camera trap images,
had been killed by an adult male over a Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) kill, with
trauma to his neck in Dorfak No-Hunting Area. A young female that had been
fitted with a satellite GPS collar on 6 December 2015 in Tandoureh National Park
died on 29 January 2016 at a site where an Urial Sheep (Ovis orientalis) ram
had been freshly killed. Necropsy results, footprints at the scene of death and
camera trap footage all supported the deduction that the animal was killed by a
larger female leopard at the kill site. On 13 January 2017, a young, partially
eaten female leopard was found with double puncture on the side of her throat.
Finally, a rehabilitated adult female fitted with a satellite GPS collar found
on 19 December 2017 with a double puncture on her head with several trauma and
haemorrhages on her back. These instances seem to be the first documented
reports of intraspecific killing among free-ranging leopards in Asia.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(3), 2018: 189-194.
Melanism and coat colour polymorphism in the Egyptian Wolf Canis lupaster Hemprich & Ehrenberg (Carnivora: Canidae) from Egypt
Mostafa Saleh, Mahmoud Younes, Moustafa Sarhan and
Fouad Abdel-Hamid
The Egyptian Wolf Canis
lupaster was recently rediscovered as
a distinct species on the basis of both morphologic and molecular genetic
evidence. Phenotypical variability, including coat colour of this species
across its vast, ecologically diverse range is yet to be investigated. In this
paper, we present the first record of melanistic individuals of this species
and compare their morphological characters and mitochondrial cytochrome b
DNA sequences with those of typically coloured Canis lupaster and other
closely related canids to verify their identity. We also study pelage
polymorphism in a population of this species in the Egyptian Nile Valley and the Nile Delta and define its
different colour variants. The typical colour, as well as the rare, very light
and reddish coat colours are described. We discuss the possibility that the
observed coat colour polymorphism is the result of hybridisation with the
domestic dog and their potential adaptive significance.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(3), 2018: 195-206.
Mehdi Ghanbarifardi, Mansour Aliabadian and Hamid Reza
Esmaeili
Mudskippers are amphibious air breathing fish with terrestrial adaptations
in contrast to entirely aquatic fish. They are adapted to living on mudflats
and show morphological, physiological, and behavioural features that could
affect their phylogeny and phylogeography. A comparative genetic analysis was
carried out on 100 specimens of the mudskipper Periophthalmus waltoni
Koumans, 1941 from eight different sites along the coast of the Persian Gulf
and Gulf of Oman. Phylogeographic inference based on two mitochondrial markers
(Cyt b and D-loop) suggests that P. waltoni populations are divided
into two well-divergent clades western and eastern. This is likely related to the
geohydrological history of the area during the last Pleistocene glaciations.
The regional phylogeographies are apparently also influenced by ecological and
geographical barriers such as salinity, water current, and the geographic
position of the Strait of Hormuz.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(3), 2018: 207-218.
The scale
characteristics of two Aphanius
species from southern Iran (Teleostei: Aphaniidae)
Azad Teimori
Fish scales are morphologically diverse among species, within species, and
even among individuals. The present study investigated macro- and
micromorphology of the scales between two closely related Aphanius species
in southern Iran including Aphanius hormuzensis, collected from Gotab/Mehran River and A. stoliczkanus, from Howba hot sulphuric spring.
The results indicated clear interspecific differences in scale macromorphology
and microstructures. The scales of A. hormuzensis are characterised by a
rounded shape, 7–9 (mean 8.0±0.83) primary radii, and a relatively large focus
with oblong shape that positioned centrally on the scale, while the scales of A. stoliczkanus are characterised
by a polygonal shape with few spines in posterior region,
8–11 (mean 10.0±0.78) primary radii and a small rounded focus that positioned
postero-centraly on the scale. These species are morphologically close but
clearly distinguished by their scale morphology and habitat requirements (e.g.
water depth and food availability). Therefore, it can be assumed that clear
differences in their scale morphology have been resulted by the combination of
both genetic and environmental factors.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(3), 2018: 219-227.
Floral preferences of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) in response to
the abundance and species richness of flowering plants
Mohammad-Reza Babaei, Seyed Ali Asghar Fathi, Ebrahim
Gilasian and Hassan Barimani Varandi
For understanding the relationship between floral resources and the
abundance of hoverflies, five meadows were selected at different elevations in a forested region.
At each site the
number of flowering herbaceous plants was assessed along a transect at 10-m
intervals. To measure floral density, we counted the number of open flowers
per species in each plot. Hoverflies visiting flowering plants were captured in
each plot during 10 minutes. Path analysis showed
that there was a negative correlation between plant species richness and
syrphid abundance. Flower abundance had a strong positive direct effect on
syrphid abundance but had indirect effects on the number of syrphid species.
Only altitude had a strong positive direct effect on the number of syrphid
species and this may be explained by the different climatic conditions. Some
plant species attracted more syrphids than others. There were significantly
fewer species of hoverfly per plot with increasing numbers of flowers. We
interpret this to mean that plant species with a high density of flowers
attracted more syrphids of the same species. Analysis of pollen grains
extracted from two species of hoverflies showed that flower constancy occurred
in three examined sites.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(3), 2018: 228-237.
Two new species of Torymidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) reared from
flower heads of Echinops orientalis Trautvetter in south-eastern Turkey
Mikdat Doğanlar and M. Murat Aslan
Two new species of torymids, Pseudotorymus hasanberkayi sp. n. and Microdontomerus kahramanmarasensis sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Torymidae), were reared from flower heads of Echinops
orientalis Trautvetter (Asteraceae) collected in Kahramanmaraş
province, south-eastern Turkey. The new species are described and their
diagnostic characters are illustrated.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(3), 2018: 238-243.
A new species of the genus Chrysotoxum Meigen, 1803 (Diptera:
Syrphidae) from Turkey
Zorica Nedeljković, Ante Vujić, Rüstem
Hayat, Ljiljana Šašić Zorić and Mihajla Đan
A new species of the genus Chrysotoxum
(Diptera: Syrphidae), Chrysotoxum
bozdagensis Nedeljković, Vujić & Hayat sp. n., collected from
Bozdağ Mt., İzmir Province, Turkey is described and illustrated. Chrysotoxum bozdagensis sp. n. can be
distinguished from the similar Ch.
octomaculatum Curtis, 1837 by the presence of a black pile on the mesonotum
and the colour of the legs. It is also similar to Ch. elegans Loew, 1841, from
which it can be distinguished by the colour of the pile
on the vertical triangle and scutellum, as well from the structure of the male genitalia. Additionally, Ch. bozdagensis sp. n. can be clearly
distinguished from the latter two species by DNA sequence data. This new
species increases the total number of Chrysotoxum
species in Turkey to 18.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(3), 2018: 244-252.
A new species of Rhytimorpha
Szépligeti (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Braconinae) from Israel
Donald L. J. Quicke, Frank Koch, Gavin R. Broad,
Andrew M. R. Bennett, Simon van Noort, Paul D. N. Hebert and Buntika A. Butcher
The distinctive braconine wasp genus Rhytimorpha Szépligeti is distributed through Africa and the Near East. We provide
photographic illustrations of the type specimens of the two species of Rhytimorpha
known up to the present, R. coccinea Szépligeti and R. nigriceps Szépligeti. Previous published records of R.
coccinea from Israel by J. Papp are confirmed. A new species, R. pappi Quicke
& Butcher sp. n. is described based on a female from Holot Agur, a
semi-desert area in the Negev Dunes in north-eastern
Sinai Peninsula.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(3), 2018: 253-261.
Two new species of the genus Anisobas
Wesmael (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Ichneumoninae) from Iran and Uzbekistan
Matthias Riedel, Farid Shirzadegan and Ali Asghar
Talebi
We describe two
new species, Anisobas rufoventris Riedel
sp. n. from Iran and Anisobas maculatus
Riedel sp. n. from Uzbekistan. Within the genus Anisobas Wesmael, both new species are similar to Anisobas cephalotes Kriechbaumer due to
their widened temples and median tubercles at apical margins of clypeus. Differential
diagnoses, detailed descriptions and illustrations of the main characters are
given for the new species.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(3), 2018: 262-266.
Taxonomic notes on Drilus
Olivier, 1790 (Elateridae: Agrypninae: Drilini) in Rhodes
Eliška Šormová
I compared the type specimens of Drilus attenuatus Pic, 1914 and D.
attenuatus var. subparallelus Pic, 1934 from Rhodes. Both taxa are
redescribed and the latter is given the full species status based on the
different external morphology and male genitalia. Altogether, four species are
currently known from the island of Rhodes: Drilus attenuatus Pic, 1914, D.
bleusei (Olivier, 1913), D. rufipes (Baudi di Selve, 1871), and D.
subparallelus Pic, 1934 stat. rev. All species but D. rufipes are
endemic to the island. An identification key to the males of Drilus
species found in Rhodes is provided.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(3), 2018: 267-272.
The Sarcophagidae (Diptera) of the Middle East
Yury Verves and Lydmyla Khrokalo
A list of 285 species of
Sarcophagidaе in the Middle East countries is presented with distributional data,
including Bahrain (3 species), Cyprus (46), Egypt (both African and Asian
parts) (114), Iran (83), Iraq (17), Israel (113), Jordan (14), Kuwait (3),
Lebanon (13), Oman (2), Gaza Strip (5), Palestinian Authority (42), Quatar (1),
Saudi Arabia (37), Syria (42), Turkey (both European and Asian parts) (157),
United Arab Emirates (14) and Yemen (15). Three new synonyms are established: Blaesoxipha
delilah Lehrer, 2006 = Agriella
setosa Salem, 1938, syn. n.; Blaesoxipha nahaliana Lehrer, 2008 = Blaesoxipha popovi Rohdendorf, 1937, syn. n.; and Liosarcophaga
daccanella Lehrer, 2008 = Liosarcophaga (s. str.) dux (Thomson, 1869), syn. n. Four new combinations for species
names are proposed: Liopygia (Engelisca) adhamae (Lehrer
& Abou-Ziad, 2008), comb. n.; Liosarcophaga (s. str.) pedestris
(Villeneuve, 1910), comb. n.; Liosarcophaga
(Pandelleisca) theodori (Lehrer, 1998), comb. n., and Liosarcophaga (Pharaonops) tewfiki
(Salem,
1940), comb. n.
Zoology in
the Middle East 64(3), 2018: 273-282.
Zoology
in the Middle East Volume 64, 2018: Issue 2
The breeding biology of the White-spectacled Bulbul, Pycnonotus xanthopygos,
at the northwestern edge of its distribution range
Aziz Aslan, Bekir Kabasakal, Matteo Griggio and
Ali Erdoğan
The White-spectacled Bulbul, Pycnonotus xanthopygos, is an abundant and
possibly invasive species in Turkey, where it has gradually expanded its
distribution and breeding range in both western and southeastern directions.
This study focused on its breeding biology, which is still poorly known. The breeding
activity extends from February until September. The preferred nesting areas are
mainly gardens and maquis groves, where 24 different nesting tree species have
been identified. The clutch size is 3.3±0.8 eggs per pair, nesting success 68%,
hatching success 94%, fledgling success 95%, and overall breeding success 89%.
While nesting success differs significantly between the years, we found no
significant differences in hatching, fledging, and overall breeding success
between the years studied. Despite favourable climatic conditions in the
Mediterranean region, the species makes only one brood per year in a relatively
extended breeding season extending over seven months, and has a relatively a
high reproduction rate per nest.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(2), 2018: 95–101.
Characteristics of Capoeta oguzelii, a new species of cyprinid fish
from the Ezine Stream, Black Sea basin, Turkey (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)
Mahmut Elp, Mustafa İbrahim Osmanoğlu,
Ali Eslem Kadak and Davut Turan
Four species of Capoeta (C. baliki, C. banarescui,
C. sieboldii and C. ekmekciae) have been reported from Black
Sea drainages, to date. We recognised an additional species in the Ezine Stream
in the Southern Black Sea basin. Based on the analysis of 21 metric and 8
meristic data, we concluded that the Ezine Stream population forms a distinct,
unnamed species, which we have described as Capoeta oguzelii sp. n. This species can be
distinguished from all other Capoeta species
by the following combination of characteristics: small size, presence of only one
pair of barbels, absence of a keratinised edge of the lower jaw, a weakly
ossified last simple dorsal fin ray, 7–10 gill rakers on the first gill arch
and 7½ branched dorsal fin rays.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(2), 2018: 102–111.
The taxonomic status of the Black Sea and Marmara Sea populations of
the Broadnosed Pipefish Syngnathus cf. argentatus Pallas (Teleostei: Syngnathidae) based on morphological and molecular characters
Adnan Çağlar Oruç and Semih Engin
As the Black Sea and Marmara
Sea population of the Broadnosed Pipefish Syngnathus
cf. argentatus show some
morphological differences from the Mediterranean Sea populations, some authors
regard it as an endemic species
Syngnathus argentatus Pallas, 1814, while others consider it as a synonym
of S. typhle Linnaeus, 1758. The aim
of this study is to compare the populations of the Black Sea and Sea of Marmara
with the Aegean Sea population, using a combination of morphological and
molecular characters, in order to clarify their taxonomic status. Sampling was
carried out at three stations in the Black Sea, two in the Sea of Marmara and
three in the Aegean Sea, and a total of 24 morphometric and 6 meristic
characters were examined. Metric data were analysed by Principal Component
Analysis (PCA) and phylogenetic relationships between the populations were
analysed using both cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene and cytochrome b
(cyt-b) gene sequences. Although constant differences were observed in snout
depths between the Black Sea/Marmara Sea and the Aegean Sea populations, other
morphological features and genetic analysis did not enable these populations to
be differentiated. These findings indicate that S. argentatus is a synonym of S.
typhle.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(2), 2018: 112–123.
Molecular confirmation of the occurrence of Elysia cf. tomentosa (Mollusca:
Heterobranchia) in the Persian Gulf
Mahshid Oladi, Ali Nasrolahi, Faraham
Ahmadzadeh, Omid Alizadeh and Patrick J. Krug
The molluscan fauna of the
Persian Gulf has recently been relatively well documented, yet there are few
records of heterobranch sea slugs (opisthobranchs) from the Arabian parts and
no report from the Iranian waters. Here we report for the first time the
occurrence of one of these molluscs in the northern Persian Gulf (Bandar Abbas,
Iran). Sacoglossan specimens were collected in association with the seaweed, Caulerpa
sertularioides. Since morphological attributes were not adequately
reliable for species identification, molecular approaches were carried out.
Maximum-likelihood and Bayesian Inference analysis of partial DNA sequences of
the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) locus were used
for DNA barcoding of large-bodied specimens of Elysia. All Persian Gulf specimens were genetically confirmed as Elysia
cf. tomentosa sp. 5, one of at least five morphologically similar
but genetically distinct species in the taxonomically challenging and
unresolved E. tomentosa complex. This
species has previously been recorded only from Australia and Thailand and our
finding adds another distant point to the geographic distribution of this
species.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(2), 2018: 124–130.
Description of a new species of Hyadaphis Kirkaldy (Hemiptera:
Aphididae) from Turkey
Shalva Barjadze and Işil Özdemir
Apterous and alate viviparous
females of Hyadaphis bupleuriphila sp. n. living on Bupleurum sp. (Apiaceae)
and further undetermined Apiaceae are described from the Ankara province in
central Turkey. The new species is morphologically similar to Hyadaphis coerulescens (Narzikulov, 1965), H. ferganica
Mukhamediev & Akhmedov, 1979 and H. foeniculi (Passerini, 1860). A
key to the apterous viviparous females of Hyadaphis
spp. in Turkey is given.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(2), 2018: 131–136.
Which species of the genus Scaurus Fabricius (Coleoptera:
Tenebrionidae) occurs in the Caucasus and the border areas of Anatolia?
Maxim
Nabozhenko, Yakov Kovalenko and Mark Kalashian
A redescription of the male
of Scaurus araxinus Richter, 1945 is
given and the female is described for the first time. The species occurs in
Azerbaijan (Nakhichevan Republic), Armenia (Tigranashen and Yeghegnadzor) and
Eastern Turkey (first record in Iğdır province). It had been regarded
as conspecific with S. syriacus
Reitter, 1914 and S. puncticollis Solier,
1838 but clearly differs from both these species and is close to S. rugicollis Reitter, 1914 from the
Mediterranean region. The female genital tubes of S. araxinus are figured, the first such illustration for the tribe
Scaurini. The genus Scaurus has a
small secondary bursa copulatrix, separated glandular, moderately short,
spermatheca and a relatively short accessory gland, similar to those found in
some genera of the tribe Helopini.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(2), 2018: 137–144.
Further records of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Iran
Shahrokh Pashaei Rad,
Brian Taylor, Roshanak Torabi, Ebrahim Aram, Giti Abolfathi, Rezvan Afshari,
Fatemeh Borjali, Maryam Ghatei, Fouzihe Hediary,
Farzaneh Jazini, Vala Heidary Kiah, Zeynab Mahmoudi, Fatemeh Safariyan and
Maryam Seiri
Wide
ranging surveys of the ant fauna of Iran have enabled us to add a further 30 named species to the country list. A review of almost all the
published literature and of photographs of unidentified specimens within the
public domain gives a grand total of 248 species, from seven subfamilies and 37
genera. In the majority of instances, our own specimens were compared with type
images available from antweb.com. This has led us to propose new or revised
status for Cataglyphis turcomanica
Crawley 1920, Lepisiota integrisquama (Kuznetsov-Ugamsky,
1929), Lepisiota surchanica (Kuznetsov-Ugamsky,
1929) and Messor obscurior Crawley
1920. We note that the total includes a number of what may be
misidentifications and a small number of named species that seem unlikely to
occur in Iran.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(2), 2018: 145–159.
Long-term effects of fire on ant communities (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
in Pinus brutia forests of south-western Turkey
Burçin Yenisey Kaynaş, Kadri Kıran and
Celal Karaman
We studied how forest fire
affects the structure of ant communities in the long term and how microhabitat
variables that influence communities of ants in different succession stages
change. For this purpose, we selected five sites burnt 3 to 26 years prior to
the study and a control site unburnt for at least 50 years. Sampling of ants
was conducted in four pit-fall traps in four transects in three replication
plots at every successional site and in two plots at the control site.
Microhabitat variables regarding the vegetation structure and litter layers were
recorded and related to the abundances of ants. The results show that
subshrubs, leaves, and needles were the most important microhabitat variables
that affected the ant communities. In certain ant genera, significant changes
depending upon successional gradient were determined. While the genera Aphaenogaster and Cataglyphis had non-linear relationships with successional
gradient, negative linear relationships were found in Crematogaster and Prenolepis.
Messor is the only genus caught in high numbers in the earliest
successional stage. It showed a decrease with successional gradient.
Significant changes in ant communities along the successional gradient were
associated with the characteristics of vegetation and the litter layer.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(2), 2018: 160–168.
Limited polymorphism in two spittlebugs, Philaenus spumarius (Linnaeus) and
P. signatus Melichar (Hemiptera: Cercopidae), in island populations from
Western Turkey
Selçuk Yurtsever
Two colour polymorphic
spittlebug species, Philaenus spumarius
and Philaenus signatus were recorded
for the first time in Gökçeada, Turkey. Three non-melanic – POP (populi), TYP (typicus), and VIT (vittata)
– and three melanic MAR – (marginellus),
FLA (flavicollis), and LCE (leucocephalus) – colour/pattern phenotypes
of P. signatus were found. Philaenus spumarius was represented only
by POP and TYP, which are expressed by a single pigmentation allele. The other
six alleles were absent on this island, although they are found in most
populations throughout the world. Stochastic events such as random genetic
drift may be the reason for shaping the polymorphism of these two sympatric
species in Gökçeada. Thus, the absence of pigmentation alleles possibly
indicates the founder effect.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(2), 2018: 169–173.
Identification key to the species of Amblyolpium Simon (Pseudoscorpiones:
Garypinidae), with first record of Amblyolpium bellum Chamberlin from Iran
Mahrad Nassirkhani
A key based on bibliographic
sources is given for identifying the 15 extant known pseudoscorpion species of
the genus Amblyolpium recorded from different localities throughout the
world. Species of Amblyolpium mostly occur in the Mediterranean basin,
the Near to Far East, and the genus is only recorded with one species from
South America. Amblyolpium bellum is redescribed and illustrated
based on four males and two females collected for the first time from southern
Iran.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(2), 2018: 174–181.
SHORT COMMUNICATIONS
Evidence of seed germination in scats of the Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus in Iran
(Mammalia: Carnivora)
Hadi
Fahimi, Ali T. Qashqaei, Mehdi Chalani, Zeinab Asadi,
Siamak Broomand, Nahid Ahmadi and Gholam Hosein
Yusefi
Zoology in the Middle East 64(2), 2018: 182–184.
The first record of the Southwest Asian Badger Meles canescens (Mammalia:
Mustelidae) from Afghanistan
Nasratullah Jahed and Stéphane Ostrowski
Zoology in the Middle East 64(2), 2018: 185–186.
Zoology
in the Middle East Volume 64, 2018: Issue 1
Systematic
relationships within the Microtus arvalis (Rodentia: Cricetidae) group in
Iran, inferred from cytogenetic analyses
Ahmad Mahmoudi, Jan
Zima, Boris Kryštufek, Jamshid Darvish, Mansour Aliabadian and Atilla Arslan
The distribution of C-heterochromatin and nucleolar
organizer regions (NORs) was studied in three species of voles of the Microtus arvalis group in Iran: M. mystacinus, M. kermanensis,
and M. transcaspicus. The
C-banding pattern and NORs distribution were similar in M. mystacinus and M.
kermanensis suggesting taxonomic proximity of these two species. At the
same time, the karyotypes of M.
mystacinus from Iran were different in C-banding pattern from the
complements of conspecific 54-chromosome voles from Europe and other regions of
Asia. The most distinct difference was in size of the distal C-positive block
of heterochromatin on the X chromosome. In this respect M. mystacinus from Iran and M.
kermanensis resembled M.
transcaspicus. Small size of the distal C-positive heterochromatic block
may be ancestral whereas larger size is derived. The X chromosome of M. transcaspicus can be derived from
that of M. mystacinus and M. kermanensis by a large inversion or
centromeric shift.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(1), 2018: 1-8.
Distribution and phylogeography of Blanford’s Fox, Vulpes cana (Carnivora: Canidae), in Africa and the Middle East
Mostafa Saleh,
Mahmoud Younes, Ali Basuony, Fouad Abdel-Hamid, Abdullah Nagy and Ahmad Badry
The distribution of Vulpes
cana in the extreme eastern Sahara is described on the basis of new photographic and sight records, as well
as a recently acquired specimen from south-eastern Egypt. The proven range of
this elusive fox now extends about 1000 km south into Africa along the Red Sea
coastal mountains. The proven and predicted distribution ranges of this fox are
discussed. Its phylogeography and evolutionary relationship to other foxes of
the region are gleaned from analysis of mitochondrial
cytochrome b DNA sequence and are discussed in light
of climatic and paleogeographic history of the area. The results show that the
species could have initially moved into Africa during the Pliocene-Pleistocene
transition period when several land bridges occurred across the Gulf of Suez.
More recent land bridges between the mountains of the Sinai Peninsula and the
Eastern Desert of Egypt seem to have developed and disappeared several times
during the Pleistocene, possibly allowing genetic exchange between V. cana
populations in these two areas. The last of this population exchange and
genetic flow between the two areas seems to have ended some 14,000 years ago
when the present Gulf of Suez inundation took place.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(1), 2018: 9-26.
Geomorphometric differences among four species of Microtus in Turkey (Mammalia: Rodentia)
Ahmet Yesari Selçuk,
Alaettin Kaya and Haluk Kefelioğlu
In order to determine
the phenotypic associations of four morphologically similar species of Microtus occurring in Turkey, we applied
landmark-based shape analysis. The skulls
of Microtus anatolicus, M. dogramacii, M. guentheri and M. levis
(= M. rossiaemeridionalis) were found
to differ significantly in terms of both size and shape. M. guentheri had the biggest
skull, while M. levis had the smallest. Sexual dimorphism was found in the shape
of the skull in M. dogramacii and M. levis. The tympanic bulla area is enlarged in M. anatolicus
compared to the other species. Mahalanobis distances (the distance between a point and the group mean,
taking into account the within-group covariance-variance matrix) confirm
the distinction of the arvalis group
(M. levis) and socialis group (Microtus anatolicus,
M. dogramacii,
M. guentheri).
Zoology in the Middle East 64(1), 2018: 27-37.
Impact of nest relocation on the reproductive success
of Loggerhead Turtles, Caretta caretta, in the Göksu Delta, Turkey
(Reptilia: Cheloniidae)
Onur Candan
When the
nests of marine turtles are at a risk of inundation, relocation of the nests
are often used in the conservation measures. Here, I determined the effect of
nest relocation on Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta
caretta) egg hatching success during the 2013 and 2014 nesting seasons in
the Göksu Delta, Mersin, Turkey. I compared natural and relocated clutches,
including those relocated before and after inundation, and evaluated 102
(94.6%) and 63 (81.1%) of survived nests in 2013 and 2014 respectively. Relocated
nests experienced a 30% decrease in hatching success and a more prolonged
incubation period compared to nests left in
situ. Egg failure in nests relocated before and after inundation was
similar in early-stage embryos, whereas it was three-fold higher in mid-stage
embryos and two-fold lower in late-stage embryos. Thus, there was no
significant difference in overall hatching success between the two relocation
types. Moreover, there was no effect of delayed relocation of nests after
inundation on hatching success. Possible impacts specific to the nesting site
should be considered and explored before using nest relocation as a
conservation tool. The relocation approach is recommended for nests at a high
risk of inundation when the loss of nests is inevitable.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(1), 2018: 38-46.
The Gray Toad-headed Agama, Phrynocephalus scutellatus,
on the Iranian Plateau: The degree of niche overlap depends on the phylogenetic
distance
Anooshe Kafash, Shima
Malakoutikhah, Masoud Yousefi, Farhad Ataei, Hamid Heidari, Eskandar
Rastegar-Pouyani
The Gray Toad-headed Agama (Phrynocephalus scutellatus) occurs in Iran,
Pakistan and Afghanistan and is represented in Iran by four distinctive genetic
clades. We built distribution models for three of these clades (one clade was
not included due to a low number of distribution records) using Maximum Entropy
Algorithm in order to determine the contribution of ecological factors to the
distribution pattern. The degree of spatial niche overlap
between every pair of clades were measured using Schoener’s
D niche overlap metric. The results showed that at species-level climate
variables (annual precipitation, annual mean temperature) were the most
influential parameters determining the boundaries of the distribution in Iran.
Temperature
seasonality was found to be the most influential factor in the
distribution of both Clade I and Clade II. However, this variable was replaced
by the annual mean temperature for Clade VI. Based on the results of Schoener’s D metric, Clades I and II had the lowest,
and Clades II and VI the highest level of ecological niche overlap. Comparing
the result of niche overlap with genetic distance between the clades, it was
found that the ecologically least similar clades were those with the longer
history of genetic segregation.
Zoology in the Middle East
64(1), 2018: 47-54.
Female reproductive pattern of Callinectes sapidus
Rathbun, 1896 (Brachyura: Portunidae) in Iskenderun Bay, Eastern Mediterranean
Canan Türeli,
İrem Nur Yeşilyurt and İ. Erdal Nevşat
We studied the female reproductive pattern of Callinectes sapidus,
which was introduced to the Mediterranean in the 20th century. We
assessed female size at first maturity, fecundity, and
fecundity relationship to size in Iskenderun Bay, eastern
Mediterranean, Turkey. Samples were collected between July 2014 and June 2015 using bottom
trawling at depths ranging from 1 to 50 m. A total of 322 crabs were caught of which 308 (95.7%)
were females including 116 ovigerous ones. The
minimum carapace width of the mature females was 39.1 mm and the mean carapace
width 123.8 mm. The carapace width of ovigerous females varied between 95.1 and 144.5 mm, with a mean of 120.3 mm. The highest number of ovigerous females was observed in July and
August. Mean fecundity was 1.91 million (667,950–4,669,853) eggs per female. A weak positive linear relationship between
fecundity and carapace width was noted, as well as a high correlation with
total egg
weight. In the eastern Mediterranean, maturity sizes of females were smaller
than those in the native region of the species.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(1), 2018: 55-63.
Pseudobithynia guldeni sp. n., a new gastropod species
from the Mediterranean region of Turkey (Gastropoda: Truncatelloidea)
Mustafa Emre Gürlek
A new Bithyniidae species Pseudobithynia
guldeni sp.n. is described from the Mediterranean region of Turkey based on
shell and male genitalia morphology. An identification key for the species of Pseudobithynia of Turkey is given.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(1), 2018: 64-67.
On the genus Sunius
Stephens, 1829 of Turkey. VI. A new micropterous species and distribution of
the genus (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae)
Sinan Anlaş
A new species of the genus Sunius
Stephens, 1829 is described from Konya province in Anatolia and illustrated: Sunius yamani sp. n. Additional records
of six species of Sunius from Turkey are reported. A total
of 39 species are now known from Turkey, 35 of them are endemic. Distribution
maps are given for all Turkish members of the genus Sunius.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(1), 2018: 68-74.
On the scorpion fauna of Egypt, with an identification
key (Arachnida: Scorpiones)
Ahmed Badry, Mahmoud
Younes, Moustafa M. H. Sarhan and Mostafa Saleh
The taxonomy and diversity of the scorpion fauna of Egypt was examined
based on a large collection from most parts of the country and in view of
recent revisionary systematics. We assessed the validity of listed records in
light of new taxonomic findings and geographic distribution data and present a
new list and an identification key to the scorpion fauna of Egypt consisting of
31 species, 18 of which were collected during this survey. Four species were
not accepted for the list because no voucher material was available.
Zoology in the Middle East 64(1), 2018: 75-87.
Short
Communications
On the distribution of Dina stschegolewi (Hirudinida:
Erpobdellidae) in the South Caucasus
Andrii Khomenko,
Serge Utevsky, Dmitry Palatov, Mair Huseynov, Shabnam Farzali, Leman Dadashova,
Kaveh Darabi-Darestani, Andrei Utevsky
Zoology in the Middle East 64(1), 2018: 88-90.
Suspected rat predation on the
Near Eastern Fire Salamander (Salamandra
infraimmaculata) by selective
consumption of non-toxic tissue
Nadav Pezaro,
Valentina Rovelli, Ori Segev, Alan R. Templeton and Leon Blaustein
Zoology in the Middle East 64(1), 2018: 91-93.
Corrigendum
Correction
to: Do recent leopard Panthera pardus records from northern Iraq and
south-eastern Turkey reveal an unknown population nucleus in the region?
Zoology in the Middle East 64(1), 2018: 94.
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