2026-10-10T13:10:57Z https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/oai.php

10.3897/caucasiana.1.e60966 2022-01-12 caucasiana

CBGP, INRAE, CIRAD, IRD, Montpellier SupAgro, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France author Migeon, Alain https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4041-5158 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia Agricultural University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia author Arabuli, Tea 2022-01-12 2022-01-12 2022 Caucasiana 2667-9809 1 1 6 2022 10.3897/caucasiana.1.e60966 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/60966/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/60966/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/60966/download/xml/ This article provides an updated list of the Coccinellidae of Georgia, recording 84 species. Serangium montazerii Fürsch nec S. parcesetosum Sicard is also rehabilitated as a species actually present in the country. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers beetles Caucasus checklist faunistic entomology Rediscovery of Serangium montazerii Fürsch in Georgia and updated list of the Coccinellidae of Georgia Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.1.e81647 2022-06-20 caucasiana

Agricultural University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia Invertebrate Research Center, Telavi, Georgia author Japoshvili, George https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9901-4554 2022-06-20 2022-06-20 2022 Caucasiana 2667-9809 1 7 11 2022 10.3897/caucasiana.1.e81647 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/81647/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/81647/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/81647/download/xml/ Abstract We present data on the distribution of seven wasp families, Ceraphronidae, Diapriidae, Ismaridae, Megaspilidae, Platygastridae, Proctotrupidae and Scelionidae, collected in Georgia (Sakartvelo). Thirty-three genera are recorded for the first time from Georgia and 25 of them for the Caucasus. From these, 16 species level taxa are newly recorded in Georgia, and 14 identified species are new records for the Caucasus. This brings the number of known insect species in the Lagodekhi Protected Area (LPA) to 1682. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Ceraphronidae Diapriidae Megaspilidae Platygastridae Proctotrupidae Scelionidae parasitic wasps South Caucasus New data on some microhymenopteran families from Lagodekhi Protected Area, with new records for Georgia (Sakartvelo) and the Caucasus Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.1.e86183 2022-10-10 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Arsenashvili, Eka https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7330-9602 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Iankoshvili, Giorgi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0429-1488 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Japarashvili, Shota https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9674-3719 Unaffiliated, Gori, Georgia author Bulbulashvili, Natalia Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 2022-10-10 2022-10-10 2022 Caucasiana 2667-9809 1 13 16 2022 10.3897/caucasiana.1.e86183 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/86183/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/86183/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/86183/download/xml/ The terrestrial woodlice Hemilepistus (Hemilepistus) klugii (Brandt, 1833) is reported from Georgia for the first time, with a commentary on the species composition of the genus Hemilepistus Budde-Lund, 1879 in the Caucasus. A short review of the ecology of the subgenus H. (Hemilepistus) is also provided. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Agnaridae CaBOL Chachuna Managed Reserve South-Caucasus woodlice Discovery of Hemilepistus (Hemilepistus) klugii (Brandt, 1833) (Isopoda, Oniscidea) in the Republic of Georgia with an overview of the ecology and biology of the subgenus Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.1.e87210 2022-10-20 caucasiana

Unaffiliated, Inzlingen, Germany author Stalling, Thomas https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2734-4922 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 2022-10-20 2022-10-20 2022 Caucasiana 2667-9809 1 21 23 2022 10.3897/caucasiana.1.e87210 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/87210/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/87210/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/87210/download/xml/ The first record of the ant cricket Myrmecophilus acervorum in Georgia is presented. The species was discovered for the first time in Georgia in the Tbilisi region in 2021. Additional data on the distribution of M. hirticaudus in Georgia is presented. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Biogeography Ecology Faunistics Myrmecophiles South Caucasus The Common Ant Cricket Myrmecophilus acervorum (Panzer, [1799]), new to the fauna of Georgia, southern Caucasus ecoregion (Orthoptera: Myrmecophilidae), with additional data on Myrmecophilus hirticaudus Fischer von Waldheim, 1846 Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.1.e85093 2022-10-20 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Arsenashvili, Eka https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7330-9602 Unaffiliated, Gori, Georgia author Bulbulashvili, Natalia Unaffiliated, Telavi, Georgia author Japaridze, Lasha-Giorgi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7171-5589 2022-10-20 2022-10-20 2022 Caucasiana 2667-9809 1 17 19 2022 10.3897/caucasiana.1.e85093 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/85093/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/85093/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/85093/download/xml/ The widespread Mediterranean cricket, Arachnocephalus vestitus (Orthoptera: Mogoplistidae), is hereby reported as a new record for Georgia. In total, four females have been examined in 2020 and 2021, of which three specimens have been collected, and the information on the fourth one is based on photographic evidence. Cytochrom oxydase I (COI) barcoding further validates our finding. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Hairy Scale-cricket CaBOL Caucasus Barcoding Ensifera New Record First DNA-based record of Arachnocephalus vestitus Costa, 1855 (Orthoptera: Mogoplistidae) from Georgia Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.1.e87258 2022-10-25 caucasiana

I. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Murvanidze, Maka https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8579-4011 Agricultural University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia author Japoshvili, George https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9901-4554 I. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Inasaridze, Nino https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0753-6118 Plant Protection Institute, Budapest, Hungary author Deutsch, Ferenc https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7625-6227 2022-10-25 2022-10-25 2022 Caucasiana 2667-9809 1 25 28 2022 10.3897/caucasiana.1.e87258 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/87258/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/87258/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/87258/download/xml/ Four genera and 12 species of drosophilid flies have been recorded during our survey in five regions of Georgia in 2021. Two genera, Amiota (Loew, 1862) and Gitona Meigen, 1830, and four species (Amiota subtusradiata Duda 1934, Drosophila busckii Coquillett 1901, D. kuntzei Duda, 1924, and Gitona distigma Meigen, 1830) represent new records for the fauna of Georgia (Sakartvelo). text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Drosophila suzukii Invasive Pest Inventory Drosophilid flies (Diptera: Drosophilidae) of Georgia (Sakartvelo) with new records for the country Checklist

10.3897/caucasiana.1.e85239 2022-10-25 caucasiana

Agricultural University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia Invertebrate Research Center, Telavi, Georgia author Japoshvili, George https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9901-4554 Forest Research Institute, Sekocin Stary, Poland author Hilszczański, Jacek Institute of Forest Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland author Byk, Adam https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9505-3436 Forest Research Institute, Sekocin Stary, Poland author Jaworski, Tomasz Unaffiliated, Łomianki Dolne, Poland author Łoś, Krzysztof Institute of Forest Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland author Borowski, Jerzy Forest Research Institute, Sekocin Stary, Poland author Tarwacki, Grzegorz https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5979-7788 Institute of Forest Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland author Piętka, Jacek Forest Research Institute, Sekocin Stary, Poland author Plewa, Radosław 2022-10-25 2022-10-25 2022 Caucasiana 2667-9809 1 29 39 2022 10.3897/caucasiana.1.e85239 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/85239/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/85239/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/85239/download/xml/ During this survey, 195 species of coleopterans have been recorded from the Lagodekhi Protected Areas (LPA). Thirty families are recorded for the first time from this area, of which Rhysodidae, Sphindidaeand, and Thymalidae are new for Georgia. One hundred fifty-seven species are new to LPA and 66 of them are new country records. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Beetles South Caucasus Faunistics Biodiversity Inventory New records of Coleoptera from Lagodekhi Protected Areas, with new records for Georgia (Sakartvelo) Checklist

10.3897/caucasiana.1.e83640 2022-11-02 caucasiana

Agricultural University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia Invertebrate Research Center, Telavi, Georgia author Japoshvili, George https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9901-4554 Unaffiliated, Budapest, Hungary author Haris, Attila 2022-11-02 2022-11-02 2022 Caucasiana 2667-9809 1 41 49 2022 10.3897/caucasiana.1.e83640 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/83640/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/83640/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/83640/download/xml/ In total, 388 specimens belonging to 61 species of sawflies were collected in North-Western Georgia in 2020. Among the collected species, 29 are new country records. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers South Caucasus Biodiversity Inventory Insecta Sawflies (Hymenoptera: Symphyta) from North-Western Georgia (Sakartvelo) Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.1.e83904 2022-11-04 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Japarashvili, Shota https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9674-3719 Unaffiliated, Gori, Georgia author Bulbulashvili, Natalia Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 2022-11-04 2022-11-04 2022 Caucasiana 2667-9809 1 51 52 2022 10.3897/caucasiana.1.e83904 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/83904/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/83904/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/83904/download/xml/ The darkling beetle Palorus subdepressus (Wollaston, 1864) is recorded from Georgia for the first time. Detailed information on the recording site, pictures of the voucher specimen, and identification criteria are given, along with a mini-review of the Palorus Mulsant, 1854 species ever recorded in Georgia. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Darkling beetle South Caucasus New record First record of Palorus subdepressus (Wollaston, 1864) (Coleoptera: Tenebronidae) from Georgia (Sakartvelo) Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e98241 2023-02-08 caucasiana

Institute of Zoology, Tbilisi, Georgia author Shavadze, Lado https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7643-2382 Institute of Zoology, Tbilisi, Georgia author Barjadze, Shalva https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8992-4987 Istituto di Ricerca sugli Ecosistemi Terrestri, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Università di Firenze, Sezione di Zoologia “La Specola”, Florence, Italy author Taiti, Stefano https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4909-6037 2023-02-08 2023-02-08 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 1 7 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e98241 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/98241/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/98241/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/98241/download/xml/ Chaetophiloscia hastata Verhoeff, 1928 is recorded from Saskhori limestone quarry (Mtskheta municipality, eastern Georgia). This is the first confirmed record of the genus and species for the Georgian isopod fauna. The species is fully illustrated to facilitate its identification. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Malacostraca terrestrial isopods Saskhori limestone quarry Caucasus eastern Georgia New record of Chaetophiloscia hastata Verhoeff, 1928 for Georgia (Isopoda, Oniscidea, Philosciidae) Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e96039 2023-02-21 caucasiana

Institute of Ptytopathology and Biodiversity at the Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, Kobuleti, Georgia author Mikeladze, Irakli https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1200-6787 Institute of Ptytopathology and Biodiversity at the Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, Kobuleti, Georgia author Bolkvadze, Gia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5005-0466 2023-02-21 2023-02-21 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 9 13 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e96039 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/96039/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/96039/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/96039/download/xml/ The invasion of alien plants into the territory of Georgia started in ancient times and continues today. Sicyos angulatus L., a species of North American origin, is an example of such an invasion. The first established populations of S. angulatus occurrence in Georgia were observed in 2012. Since then, new localities have been recorded, both in agricultural and disturbed natural communities. The species, which has easily adapted to local soil and climatic conditions, is expanding every year and is already widely spread in west Georgia. The plant is characterized by fast and intense growth and a climbing habit using other plants as a support. In this contribution, the peculiarities of its distribution in Georgia and the morphological features and life-history characteristics of Georgian populations are provided. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Alien plant Invasive species Chorokhi Delta Kolkheti Lowland. New distribution records of the alien plant – Sicyos angulatus L. (Cucurbitaceae) from Georgia Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e95777 2023-03-21 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Murvanidze, Lali Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Nikolaishvili, Ketevan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9627-3916 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Lomidze, Tsitsino Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Japoshvili, Bella https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0966-0622 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Arabuli, Lela https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9921-6343 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Asatiani, Ketevan 2023-03-21 2023-03-21 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 15 23 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e95777 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/95777/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/95777/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/95777/download/xml/ The aim of the investigation was to study the current structure of the parasitic fauna of the gibel carp (Carassius gibelio) population in the Georgian part of Jandari Lake. In total, 423 young gibel carp collected during 2014-2018 years from Jandari Lake have been subject to parasitological examination. The 20.3% (n=86) of examined fish were invaded by 11 species of parasites belonging to 5 taxonomic groups. The dominant taxonomic groups were discovered to be Protozoa and Monogenea. The eight species were registered for the first time in the gibel carp of freshwater reservoirs in Georgia. In general, young fish were more invaded by the monoxenic species of the direct life cycle. None of the revealed parasites were specific to gibel carp. The parasitic fauna of Jandari Lake is relatively poor, though it is comparatively rich and diverse in spring. Trichodina sp. from Protozoa, Ancyrocephalus sp., Dactylogyrus vastator, Gyrodactylus elegans from Monogenea, and Contracaecum sp. from Nematoda were revealed as the species most sensitive to annual changes. The main factor determining the parasite fauna of gibel carp in Lake Jandari is anthropogenic eutrophication, which changes the qualitative and quantitative composition of zooplankton, the main food source of juvenile fish and intermediate hosts of helminths. The difference in invasion indices between female and male gibel carp was insignificant. The synergetic relationship between some parasitic protozoans and monogeneans was marked. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Protozoa Monogenea Nematoda Trematoda Copepoda eutrophic lake fish Caucasus Parasite ecology of Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782) in Jandari Lake (Georgia) Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e101888 2023-03-21 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Chitadze, Beka https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7311-5827 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Arsenashvili, Eka https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7330-9602 Unaffiliated, Gori, Georgia author Bulbulashvili, Natalia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6802-1209 2023-03-21 2023-03-21 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 25 28 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e101888 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/101888/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/101888/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/101888/download/xml/ The shore-bug (Leptopodidae Brullé, 1836) family is reported from Georgia for the first time upon several finds of Leptopus hispanus Rambur, 1840, and Erianotus lanosus (Dufour, 1834) (Hemiptera, Heteroptera). These species are widespread from the Mediterranean to Central Asia, including the Caucasus. Barcodes of the species, collecting information, and pictures of specimens are given. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers New species record shore-bugs South Caucasus Leptopus hispanus and Erianotus lanosus: the first DNA-assisted records of Leptopodidae (Hemiptera, Heteroptera) for the fauna of Georgia Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e101013 2023-03-22 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Mumladze, Levan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2172-6973 Unaffiliated, Horná Mičiná, Slovakia author Grego, Jozef Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre HAS, Szeged, Hungary author Szekeres, Miklos 2023-03-22 2023-03-22 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 29 61 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e101013 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/101013/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/101013/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/101013/download/xml/ The Caucasus ecoregion is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in western Eurasia. Georgia is situated in the middle of this area, between the ranges of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, a position providing exceptionally balanced environmental conditions for its flora and fauna. Animal groups of low mobility, such as land snails, are important indicators of the past and present geographic and climatic events shaping these unique ecosystems. We give an overview of the land snail family Clausiliidae in Georgia that includes 30 species, among which eight are endemic to this country. Their distribution areas are reassessed in the light of novel georeferenced occurrence data resulting from recent field work. Aspects of the origin, diversity, habitat requirements and conservation status of the Georgian Clausiliidae fauna are discussed. Additionally, Mucronaria (Mucronaria) kartvelica sp. n. is described from the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti Region. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Caucasus endemisms land snails new species zoogeography The land snail family Clausiliidae (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Stylommatophora) in Georgia: overview, novel records and a new species Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e98998 2023-04-18 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Japarashvili, Shota https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9674-3719 Unaffiliated, Gori, Georgia author Bulbulashvili, Natalia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6802-1209 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Chkhartishvili, Tinatini https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9179-0690 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Iankoshvili, Giorgi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0429-1488 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Chitadze, Beka https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7311-5827 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Balkhamishvili, Sopio https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5198-305X Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Arsenashvili, Eka https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7330-9602 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Todua, Mariami https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1870-3030 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Memishishi, Aleksi 2023-04-18 2023-04-18 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 63 70 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e98998 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/98998/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/98998/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/98998/download/xml/ First records of two species of beetles (Insecta, Coleoptera), namely Pocadius adustus Reitter, 1888 (Nitidulidae) and Byrrhus pustulatus (Forster, 1770) (Byrrhidae) are given for Georgia. In addition, an update on the occurrences of Necrobia violacea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cleridae), Coelostoma orbiculare (Fabricius, 1775) (Hydrophilidae) and Lycoperdina succincta (Linnaeus, 1767) (Endomychidae) are also presented based on the specimens collected in Samtskhe-Javakheti region, determined by morphological and mtDNA barcoding methods. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Biodiversity CaBOL fauna South Caucasus New and well-forgotten: DNA-assisted records of two beetle (Insecta, Coleoptera) species new for the fauna of Georgia with an update on the distribution of some other little studied taxa Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e102622 2023-05-02 caucasiana

author Memishishi, Aleksi Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Bikashvili, Ani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8792-2176 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Japoshvili, Bella https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0966-0622 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Mumladze, Levan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2172-6973 2023-05-02 2023-05-02 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 77 82 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e102622 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/102622/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/102622/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/102622/download/xml/ The representatives of the genus Ametropus (Insecta, Ephemeroptera) were recorded 80 years ago in Georgia. Due to the taxonomic uncertainty, the recorded specimens were considered potentially new taxa. Since then, no other record of Ametropus has been documented from the whole South Caucasus and its nearby regions further south. In the present contribution, we provide a new record of Ametropus from the Alazani River (Kura River Basin, Georgia). Morphological and DNA barcoding of the COI gene fragment showed that the species belongs to the widespread Holarctic species A. fragilis. Morpho-anatomical characteristics also confirmed the high degree of similarity between the newly recorded specimens and those once recorded 80 years ago. In addition, the COI barcode showed a strikingly closer relationship between Caucasian A. fragilis and North American A. neavei (3.54% divergence) compared to Caucasian and European A. fragilis populations (4.3% divergence). The observed pattern clearly indicates the need for further and more thorough revision of the Ametropus species complex in the Holarctic region. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Alazani River CaBOL faunistics mayfly South Caucasus Vashlovani National Park The record of Ametropus fragilis Albarda, 1878 (Ephemeroptera, Ametropodidae) from Georgia Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e103189 2023-05-02 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Arsenashvili, Eka https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7330-9602 Unaffiliated, Gori, Georgia author Bulbulashvili, Natalia Unaffiliated, Telavi, Georgia author Japaridze, Lasha-Giorgi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7171-5589 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Zukakishvili, Aleqsandre Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Japarashvili, Shota https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9674-3719 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Memishishi, Aleksi Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Mumladze, Levan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2172-6973 2023-05-02 2023-05-02 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 71 75 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e103189 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/103189/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/103189/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/103189/download/xml/ The fossorial sand cockroach Hemelytroblatta livida (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1865) is reported from Georgia for the first time, with a commentary on the species composition of the Corydiinae Saussure, 1864 subfamily in the Caucasus. Collection data, pictures of the male and female, and DNA barcodes are also provided. Furthermore, information on Polyphaga aegyptiaca (Linnaeus, 1758) is provided, along with images of the male, female, and juvenile. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Dictyoptera CaBOL faunistics sand cockroach South-Caucasus The first DNA-assisted record of Hemelytroblatta livida (Blattodea: Corydiidae) from Georgia with notes on Corydiinae species composition in the Caucasus Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e96388 2023-05-29 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Japarashvili, Shota https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9674-3719 2023-05-29 2023-05-29 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 83 90 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e96388 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/96388/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/96388/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/96388/download/xml/ Abstract A summarized list of Georgian earth-boring dung beetles is given, together with Georgian names, distribution data, and suggestions for national red list status according to IUCN Red List categories and criteria. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Sakartvelo South Caucasus distribution red list Catalog of Georgian Earth-boring dung beetles (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae) Checklist

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e104014 2023-06-01 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Balkhamishvili, Sopio https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5198-305X 2023-06-01 2023-06-01 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 91 95 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e104014 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/104014/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/104014/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/104014/download/xml/ Abstract Piophilidae Macquart, 1835, is a small family of flies widely distributed in all parts of the world but more represented in the cooler temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. At present, there is a lack of information on the distribution of this family in the Caucasus region. In this study, the family Piophilidae, with a record of Prochyliza nigrimana (Meigen, 1826), is reported for the first time from the South Caucasus ecoregion. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers CaBOL DNA barcoding Georgia new record Prochyliza nigrimana South Caucasus The first record of the family Piophilidae (Insecta: Diptera) from the Caucasus Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e101677 2023-06-07 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Tedoradze, Giorgi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8884-9177 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Akobia, Ilia The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Tbilisi, Georgia author Janiashvili, Zurab Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Jugeli, Tamar Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia National Botanical Garden of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia author Lachashvili, Nikoloz https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4702-6406 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Meghvinetukhutsesi, Nutsa Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Metreveli, Vasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9558-0655 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Mikeladze, Giorgi Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Kikvidze, Zaal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5007-4484 2023-06-07 2023-06-07 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 97 107 2023 funder Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit 10.13039/501100011099 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e101677 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/101677/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/101677/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/101677/download/xml/ Abstract The checklist includes 270 species that belong to 80 families and 183 genera. Each species has been annotated with the following information: life form, wetland indicator status, and location. In this checklist, Angiosperms are represented by 252 species (93.3%), Bryophytes – 10 species (3.7%), Pteridophytes – 8 (3%), Gymnosperms – 1 (0.4%). The largest families by the number of species are Cyperaceae – 39 (14.4%), Poaceae – 29 (10.7%), Rosaceae – 19 (7.1%), Asteraceae – 17 (6.3%), Fabaceae – 11 (4.1%) and Juncaceae – 11 (4.1%). The checklist is dominated by 55 Palaearctic species (20.4%), followed by 46 Holarctic (17.1%), 31 Euro-Mediterranean (11.5%), 31 Cosmopolitan (11.5%), and 27 Euro-Siberian (10.03%) species. The endemism rate is 4.8%, and the proportion of invasive and naturalized plants is 8.5%. Obligate wetland plants, mainly belonging to the families Cyperaceae and Juncaceae, make up 34.2% of the floristic composition. This is the first comprehensive published checklist of the flora of Georgian wetlands, annotated with wetland indicator values. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Chorotypes Floristic composition Life Forms Wetlands Wetland Indicator Status The annotated checklist of plant species that occur in the wetland habitats of Georgia (the Caucasus) Checklist

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e105742 2023-06-12 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Arsenashvili, Eka https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7330-9602 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 2023-06-12 2023-06-12 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 109 111 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e105742 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/105742/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/105742/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/105742/download/xml/ Abstract The genus Tropidopola (Insecta, Orthoptera) is recorded in Georgia for the first time. Detailed information on the barcode of the species, pictures of the live and preserved specimen, collecting information, and remarks on the ecology of T. turanica Uvarov, 1926, are given. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers CaBOL barcoding faunistic new record South Caucasus Tropidopolinae The first barcode-assisted record of Tropidopola turanica Uvarov, 1926 (Orthoptera, Acrididae) from Georgia Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e102280 2023-07-11 caucasiana

Arbeitsgruppe für Tierökologie und Planung GmbH, Filderstadt, Germany author Trautner, Jürgen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0175-6259 Arbeitsgruppe für Tierökologie und Planung GmbH, Filderstadt, Germany author Fritze, Michael-Andreas Notulae odonatologicae Editorial Office, Tbilisi, Georgia author Schröter, Asmus https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3655-2304 Unaffiliated, Tbilisi, Georgia author Chaladze, Giorgi https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3367-9032 2023-07-11 2023-07-11 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 113 125 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e102280 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/102280/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/102280/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/102280/download/xml/ Abstract In winter 2019, an excursion to the central and eastern parts of Georgia was conducted, focusing on arboreal species and other carabids overwintering under bark or at the base of trunks. Other habitat structures were also investigated. The work was done as part of ongoing studies in preparation of a new checklist of Georgian Ground Beetles and to contribute to the faunistic as well as ecological knowledge base for the main natural areas of this country. Forty-three taxa were recorded. The arboreal species Dromius agilis (Fabricius, 1787), the plant-dwelling species Demetrias imperialis (Germar, 1823), and Paradromius suturalis (Motschulsky, 1844), and another six species (Microlestes corticalis (Dufour, 1820), M. fissuralis (Reitter, 1901), M. fulvibasis (Reitter, 1901), M. luctuosus Holdhaus in Apfelbeck, 1904, Pterostichus leonisi Apfelbeck, 1904, and P. strenuus (Panzer, 1796)) are new for Georgia. In some sites, the number of recorded specimens under bark, in litter, or in the upper soil was very low, probably due to specific climatic conditions (e.g., very low humidity). It is supposed that in these areas, most of the individuals reside deeper in the soil during periods of low activity or hibernation. The number of Dromius individuals overwintering under bark near the stem base increased with altitude. The relevance of special survey methods in the winter for ground beetles is emphasized. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Faunistics biodiversity inventory new records survey methods Ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) from a winter excursion to Georgia, Southern Caucasus ecoregion Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e104244 2023-07-25 caucasiana

Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armenia author Ghazaryan, Astghik https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2840-0019 Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armenia author Hayrapetyan, Tigran Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Natradze, Ioseb https://orcid.org/https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7582-7884 University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway author Roth, Steffen 2023-07-25 2023-07-25 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 137 142 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e104244 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/104244/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/104244/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/104244/download/xml/ Besides humans, the common bed bug Cimex lectularius uses bats as hosts, but no such records were available from the Southern Caucasus. Here, we record the greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) and the lesser mouse-eared bat (Myotis blythii) as hosts of C. lectularius from two Georgian and one Armenian sites. A summary of all known published records of bat-associated populations of C. lectularius shows they are both scattered and restricted to the Palearctic only. Observations of C. lectularius from bat colonies in Georgia and Armenia were made in old buildings or ruins, like churches or monasteries, but not in caves, despite a specific search. This supports previous studies suggesting that 1) bat-associations of common bed bugs are very rare outside Central Europe and 2) almost never occur in caves. We discuss climatic conditions and host preferences as possible factors for these findings and the implications for the origin of the human bed bug interaction. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Bed bug biogeography ecology ectoparasites faunistics host-parasite relationship South Caucasus First records of bat-associated Cimex lectularius (Cimicidae, Heteroptera) for Armenia and Georgia Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e103599 2023-07-25 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Mumladze, Levan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2172-6973 Ivane Javakishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Shetekauri, Shamil Ivane Javakishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Barnaveli, Nana https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8974-1750 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Chelidze, Davit https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9157-2423 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Asanidze, Zezva https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7859-7917 2023-07-25 2023-07-25 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 127 135 2023 funder Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation 10.13039/501100004801 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e103599 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/103599/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/103599/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/103599/download/xml/ Elevational gradients in species richness and species-area relationships are among the most interesting patterns in ecology and biogeography. Both patterns can be characteristic of the same system; however, current knowledge of how these patterns co-exist and how we can disentangle their contributions to biodiversity structure is insufficient. In this article, we tested the effect of elevation and area on the formation of plant species diversity patterns in the forest-free Javakheti Highlands (Georgia). Samples (170 plots) were collected within elevations of 1400-3100 m, and the diversity distribution was examined in relation to altitude, available band area, and sampling. In total, 564 species from 67 families were recorded. Plant species richness was highest at mid-elevations (1900–2200 m), irrespective of area and sampling effort. This was in line with other studies from the Caucasus indicating the generality of plant elevational diversity patterns in the region. Area was not an important predictor of species richness; however, this may be considered a result of insufficient sampling. Our study shows that more research is needed to understand the effect of area on patterns of elevational biodiversity distribution. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Caucasus species diversity distribution plants species-area relationship Species elevational richness gradient and species-area relationship in mountain vegetation of Javakheti highland (Georgia) Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e107049 2023-07-31 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Otto, Stefan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2446-1448 Unaffiliated, Gori, Georgia author Bulbulashvili, Natalia 2023-07-31 2023-07-31 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 143 159 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e107049 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/107049/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/107049/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/107049/download/xml/ Spiders collected during field trips and by spontaneous hand-collecting throughout Georgia between the years 2006 and 2022 were determined to species level and partly characterized by genetic barcoding of the COI gene. Among the resulting 51 species, two are recorded for the first time from the entire Caucasus Ecoregion: Pireneitega armeniaca (Brignoli, 1978) (Agelenidae) and Leviellus caspicus (Simon, 1889) (Araneidae). Five species are reported for the first time from Georgia: Lycosoides coarctata (Dufour, 1831) (Agelenidae), and from the Araneidae: Aculepeira talishia (Zawadsky, 1902), Gibbaranea gibbosa (Walckenaer, 1802), G. omoeda (Thorell, 1870), Leviellus stroemi (Thorell, 1870) and Singa semiatra L. Koch, 1867. Additionally, Lycosoides lehtineni Marusik & Guseinov, 2003 syn. nov. is synonymized with Lycosoides coarctata (Dufour, 1831). Diagnostic drawings and photographs are provided. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Arachnida biodiversity faunistics new records South Caucasus Picking pearls from the Silk Road: Insights into the spider (Arthropoda, Araneae) diversity in Georgia from the CaBOL project. Part I Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e107920 2023-09-12 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 Unaffiliated, Gori, Georgia author Bulbulashvili, Natalia Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Zukakishvili, Aleqsandre 2023-09-12 2023-09-12 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 161 164 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e107920 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/107920/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/107920/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/107920/download/xml/ Abstract The first representative of the footspinners - Haploembia solieri (Rambur, 1842) (Insecta, Embioptera, Oligotomidae), is reported from Georgia for the first time. Notes on the species distribution and ecology are also provided, along with a map of collecting sites, photos of a live specimen, and diagnostic drawings. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers CaBOL faunistics footspinners new record Oligotomidae South Caucasus webspinners The first record of Haploembia solieri (Rambur, 1842) (Insecta, Embioptera) in Georgia Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e110290 2023-10-30 caucasiana

Upper Silesian Museum, Bytom, Poland author Greń, Czesław https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8500-0525 Upper Silesian Museum, Bytom, Poland author Dobosz, Roland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4441-5147 Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland author Bunalski, Marek https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6969-7625 Upper Silesian Museum, Bytom, Poland author Lasoń, Andrzej https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2331-3459 Unaffiliated, Zielona Góra, Poland author Lubecki, Krzysztof https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6703-1168 Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland author Wąsala, Roman https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7825-3273 Agricultural University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia author Japoshvili, George https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9901-4554 2023-10-30 2023-10-30 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 165 169 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e110290 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/110290/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/110290/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/110290/download/xml/ Abstract Arrhaphipterus schelkownikoffi Reitter, 1893, is reported from Georgia for the first time. Detailed information on the trapping localities, as well as photographs of the male, female, male genitalia, and empodium, are provided. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Beetle fauna new record south-eastern Caucasus A new species and family of beetle for Georgia (Sakartvelo): Arrhaphipterus schelkownikoffi Reitter, 1893 (Coleoptera: Rhipiceridae) Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e106898 2023-11-08 caucasiana

Thüringenforst, Gotha, Germany author Droessler, Lars https://orcid.org/https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1547-0975 HessenForst, Herborn, Germany author Wolff, Tobias https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7488-6332 2023-11-08 2023-11-08 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 171 176 2023 funder Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung 10.13039/501100002347 funder Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst 10.13039/501100001655 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e106898 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/106898/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/106898/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/106898/download/xml/ Abstract Main stand characteristics and tree species composition were studied in managed and old-growth Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) forests in eastern Georgia (Caucasus). Oriental beech dominates both the regeneration layer and the upper story in old-growth forest. In managed forests, Caucasian hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis) and Oriental beech co-dominate the tree layer as well as the regeneration layer. Tree species diversity and deadwood proportion are higher in managed forests than in old-growth forests. However, the absolute deadwood proportion is similar in both studied forest types. Hence, deadwood proportion is not a suitable indicator to assess the naturalness or management intensity of forests in the study area. The observed proportions of Caucasian hornbeam in managed forests raise concerns about the sustainable use of beechwood in the long term. Harvesting hornbeam and smaller removals of beech are recommended to maintain the uneven-aged forest ecosystem, with Oriental beech as the dominant tree species. The established long-term study plots are important to observe and improve future stand development and forest management. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Caucasus coarse woody debris forest characteristics forest management old-growth forest regeneration density Comparison of tree species diversity, deadwood volume and regeneration of managed and old-growth Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) forests in Eastern Georgia Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e108535 2023-11-13 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Kiria, Eleonora https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1711-2163 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Barjadze, Shalva Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic author Tuf, Ivan H. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0250-0482 2023-11-13 2023-11-13 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 177 188 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e108535 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/108535/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/108535/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/108535/download/xml/ Abstract The Caucasus ecoregion is distinguished by its biodiversity. The flora and fauna of the ecoregion became the study area of many zoologists and botanists. Georgia, as a part of it, is important for its valuable and impressive diversity. However, despite many years of scientific research, certain groups, among them centipedes, are not so well studied. This is the first comprehensive summary of current knowledge about centipedes distributed in the territory of Georgia, based on literature data. It provides information about 59 taxa (57 species and two subspecies) known from Georgia, belonging to 16 genera in seven families from four orders. Nineteen species are endemic to the Caucasus, eight of which are Georgian endemics. Among them, two species: Cryptops datviensis Tuf, Barjadze, and Maghradze, 2022, and Harpolithobius birsteini Zalesskaja, 1972, are troglobiotic. Another four species (Lithobius caucasicus Sseliwanoff, 1881; Lamyctes coeculus (Brölemann, 1889); Lithobius semperi (Haase, 1887); and Scolopocryptops nigridus McNeill, 1887) are considered doubtful records. An overview of local and global distribution for each taxon is included. Lithobius fasciatus Muralevitch, 1929, syn. nov. is formally synonymized with Lithobius striatus Muralevitch, 1926. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers South Caucasus endemic species species inventory review Checklist of Georgian centipedes (Myriapoda: Chilopoda) Checklist

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e110495 2023-11-17 caucasiana

Agricultural University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Arabuli, Tea https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0794-0487 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Gogshelidze, Mariam 2023-11-17 2023-11-17 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 189 197 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e110495 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/110495/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/110495/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/110495/download/xml/ Abstract The present publication provides a review of the soil mite (Acari; Oribatida) community’s structure and the connection between changes in environmental factors and oribatid mite diversity in the limestone quarry of Saskhori and its adjacent areas. Overall, 52 species were recorded during the study. The most abundant oribatid mite species were Steganacarus carinatus, Aleurodamaeus setosus, Xenillus tegeocranus, Ceratoppia bipilis, Oribatula tibialis, and Punctoribates punctum. Interestingly, 23 species of oribatid mites were recorded for the first time from the limestone quarry of Saskhori, and one species (Liacarus oribatelloides) was a new record for the Caucasus fauna. The following indices were analyzed: abundance (N), species diversity (S), Shannon’s diversity index (H), and Pielou’s evenness index (J’). Regarding the obtained results, the highest density of oribatid mites was recorded in the habitat with Shibliak shrubbery (332 inds/m2), while the forest habitat was characterized with the highest value for Shannon’s diversity index (2,64). In the publication, we also provide a detailed morphological description of the newly recorded species L. oribatelloides, with the respective illustration, as no figures are given in its original description. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Caucasus Kartly Region Liacaridae Liacarus oribatelloides Soil mite (Acari: Oribatida) communities in the limestone quarry of Saskhori (Gerogia) Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e111452 2023-11-20 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Iankoshvili, Giorgi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0429-1488 Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany author Tsikolia, Nikoloz https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8871-5577 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Barateli, Natia Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (LIB), Bonn, Germany author Gabelaia, Mariam https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0102-9086 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Tarkhnishvili, David https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1479-9880 2023-11-20 2023-11-20 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 199 203 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e111452 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/111452/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/111452/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/111452/download/xml/ Abstract Visual inspection of several embryos of the parthenogenetic lizard Darevskia armeniaca revealed the presence of an embryo with axial bifurcation (“two-headed”) on the stage of pigmented eyes and plate-like limb buds with a distinct border at the edges. This is the third recorded case of axial bifurcation in D. armeniaca, although two previous cases were mentioned without further discussion. Here the bicephalic embryo is described in detail and the potential reasons are discussed. The analysis of the literature on axial bifurcation in lacertids suggests that this type of developmental disorder may be particularly common in this parthenogenetic form. Hybridization may cause multiple developmental disorders, including incomplete separation of twin embryos; all parthenogenetic Darevskia have a hybrid origin, and this may cause the disorders rather than parthenogenetic reproduction by itself. The hypothesis needs further study with more representative samples of parthenogenetic and sexually reproducing Darevskia. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Axial bifurcation hybridogenous parthenogenesis Squamata Darevskia Two-headed parthenogenetic lizard embryo from southern Georgia Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e109026 2023-11-20 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Iskandarova, Tukazban https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6144-3511 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Japarashvili, Shota https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9674-3719 2023-11-20 2023-11-20 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 205 210 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e109026 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/109026/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/109026/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/109026/download/xml/ Abstract A list of 18 species of checkered beetles is given, together with images of voucher specimens and a distribution map based on literature, dry collections and databases. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers CaBOL fauna Insecta occurence data Checklist of checkered beetles (Coleoptera, Cleridae) from Sakartvelo (Georgia) Checklist

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e106544 2023-12-08 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Modebadze, Naia https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9213-5466 Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany Senckenberg Research Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany author Martens, Jochen Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan (IZB), Baku, Azerbaijan author Snegovaya, Nataly https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6060-6491 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Barjadze, Shalva https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8992-4987 2023-12-08 2023-12-08 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 211 230 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e106544 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/106544/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/106544/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/106544/download/xml/ Abstract An annotated list of the Georgian harvestmen was prepared based on literature and unpublished collection data, in which 48 species belonging to 19 genera within six families are included. Twenty-seven species are endemic to the Caucasus Ecoregion, while 10 species are endemic to Georgia. Five species are highly specialized cavernicolous ones and are only known from caves. Former subspecies Nemastoma suberbum bacuriana Mkheidze, 1959, is ranked as an independent species, Paranemastoma bacurianum (Mkheidze, 1959) (comb. nov. et stat. nov.); Metaplatybunus hypanicus Šilhavý, 1966, is justified as a junior synonym of Metaplatybunus georgicus Mkheidze, 1952 (syn. nov.). text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Caucasus Ecoregion distribution elevational records species An annotated list of the Georgian harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones) Checklist

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e110536 2023-12-12 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 Unaffiliated, Gori, Georgia author Bulbulashvili, Natalia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6802-1209 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Otto, Stefan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2446-1448 ZFMK: Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Bonn, Germany author Krammer, Hans-Joachim Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Kavhlishvili, Nino https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5632-8959 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Datunashvili, Anastasia https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1421-2057 2023-12-12 2023-12-12 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 231 297 2023 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e110536 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/110536/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/110536/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/110536/download/xml/ Abstract Spiders collected during field trips and by spontaneous hand collection throughout Georgia between the years 2006 and 2023 were determined to species and partially assisted by genetic barcoding of the COI gene. Among the resulting 297 species, 100 species, 25 genera, and 1 family were recorded from Georgia for the first time, of which 18 species and 5 genera were recorded for the first time from the entire Caucasus. Of the 283 barcoded specimens representing 150 species, 26 were barcoded for the first time. 140 diagnostic drawings of 76 preserved specimens, along with photos of 15 preserved (Supplementary File) and one alive species, are provided. Baryphyma proclive (Simon, 1884), Pritha pallida (Kulczyński, 1897), and Zelotes khostensis Kovblyuk & Ponomarev, 2008 are indicated as the species with an Italo-Caucasian disjunctive distribution. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Aranei biodiversity faunistics new records South Caucasus Picking pearls from the Silk Road: Insights into the spider (Arachnida, Araneae) diversity in Georgia from the Caucasus Barcode of life project. Part II Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.2.e114375 2023-12-19 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Gogshelidze, Mariam Hungarian Natural History Museum Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary author Novák, János https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3023-1972 2023-12-19 2023-12-19 2023 Caucasiana 2667-9809 2 299 303 2023 10.1515/9783111385402 M Beier author 1940 1940 Neue Beiträge zur Kenntnis der iberischen Pseudoscorpioniden-Fauna. M Beier author 1955 text Eos 1955 31 87 122 M Beier author 1961 1961 M Beier author 1963 1963 Zoologische Aufsammlungen auf Kreta. Pseudoscorpionidea. M Beier author 1966 text Annalen des Naturhistorichen Museums in Wien 1966 69 343 346 Šťúriky (Pseudoscorpiones) pod kôrou stromov, v dutinách a hniezdach na Slovensku. J Christophoryová author 2010 text Folia faunistica Slovaca 2010 15 1 12 A faunistic study on the pseudoscorpions (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones) of oak-hornbeam forests in SW Slovakia. J Christophoryová author 2013 text Munis Entomology and Zoology 2013 8 634 645 10.20302/nc.2017.26.10 10.11646/zootaxa.2876.1.4 DR Cuthbertson author 1982 1982 Adatok a Kaukázus álskorpió-faunájának ismeretéhez. E Daday author 1889 text Természetrajzi Füzetek 1889 12 16 22 Pseudoscorpions of the Caucasian fauna (ArachnidaPseudoscorpionida). S Dashdamirov author 1992 text Arthropoda Selecta 1992 1 31 72 T Dieterich author 2018 2018 10.1017/S0031182000010714 Recent data about pseudoscorpion (Pseudoscorpiones) phoresy from Slovakia with new host and phoront records. E Hetešová author 2022 text Revista ibérica de aracnología 2022 41 37 40 Phoresy and Commensalism in British Pseudoscorpions. PE Jones author 1978 text Proceedings and Transactions of the British Entomological and Natural History Society 1978 1978 90 96 10.30963/aramit5712 10.3161/00159301FF2015.58.2.111 D Kobakhidze author 1943 1943 A new pseudoscorpion species from Baniskhevi. Proceedings of the Institute of Zoology the Academy of Science. D Kobakhidze author 1960a text GSSR 1960a 17 239 240 D Kobakhidze author 1960b 1960b A new pseudoscorpion species from Batumi Botanical Garden. D Kobakhidze author 1960c text Bulletin of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences (Moambe) of Georgian SSR 1960c 24 4 455 456 D Kobakhidze author 1960d 1960d The distribution of pseudoscorpions – Dendrochernes cyrneus (L. Koch) in Georgian SSR. D Kobakhidze author 1961a text Proceedings of the Institute of Zoology, Georgian Academy of Science 1961a 28 209 211 The distribution of Chelifer cancroides (L.) in territory of Georgian SSR. D Kobakhidze author 1961b text Bulletin of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences of Georgian SSR 1961b 27 4 171 172 D Kobakhidze author 1961c 1961c About locality of the pseudoscorpion Atemnus ponticus (Sim) in Georgia. D Kobakhidze author 1962 text Bulletin of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences 1962 29 2 197 198 A new pseudoscorpion subspecies (Toxochernes panzeri caucasieus Kobachidze, ssp. n) from Caucasus. D Kobakhidze author 1963 text Bulletin of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences (Moambe)of the Georgian SSR 1963 30 5 645 648 A new pseudoscorpion subspecies Allochernes wideri transcaucasicus Kobachidze, ssp.n. from Transcaucasia. D Kobakhidze author 1964a text Bulletin of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences of the Georgian SSR 1964a 33 2 449 452 To the landshapte-stationaring distribution of Dactylochelifer latrellei in the condicions of Georgia. D Kobakhidze author 1964b text Bulletin of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences of the Georgian SSR 1964b 34 2 445 448 D Kobakhidze author 1964c 1964c A new pseudoscorpion subspecies Chernes cimicoides caucasicus Kobachidze, ssp. from Caucasus. D Kobakhidze author 1965a text Bulletin of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences of the Georgian SSR 1965a 27 2 441 443 Ecological and Zoological characteristis of Pseudoscorpionidea from Georgian SSR. D Kobakhidze author 1965b text Revue d’Ecologie et de Biologie du Sol 1965b 2 541 543 The materials for found inventory of pseudoscorpions of Georgian SSR. D Kobakhidze author 1966 text Bulletin of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences of the Georgian SSR 1966 12 3 701 708 L Koch author 1878 1878 10.3897/zookeys.1100.81910 The Pseudoscorpions (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones) of Georgia. E Kvavadze author 2008 text Proceedings of the Institute of Zoology 2008 23 68 73 Phoresy by North and Central American pseudoscorpions. WB Muchmore author 1971 text Proceedings of the Rochester Academy of Science 1971 12 79 97 10.15406/ijawb.2018.03.00092 10.13156/arac.2018.18.2.133 Notes on Roncus microphthalmus (Daday, 1889) (Pseudoscorpiones: Neobisiidae), a polymorphic species, with a key to the Roncus species from the Middle East and the Caucasus region. M Nassirkhani author 2019b text Revista Ibérica de Aracnología 2019b 34 97 101 10.11646/zootaxa.4624.2.12 Weitere Pseudoskorpion-Funde aus dem bezirk Scheibbs (Niederösterreich). F Ressl author 1970 text Berichte des Naturwissenschaftlich-Medizinischen Vereins in Innsbruck 1970 58 249 254 Zur Ökologie, Biologie und Phänologie der heimischen Pseudoskorpione. F Ressl author 1958 text Zoologische Jahrbücher, Abteilung für Systematik, Ökologie und Geographie der Tiere 1958 86 1 26 W Schawaller author 1983 1983 W Schwaller author 1988 1988 10.11646/zootaxa.5325.1.3 P Weygoldt author 1969 The biology of pseudoscorpions. 1969 145 pp Pseudoscorpiones Catalog World author 2023 2023 10.1080/09397140.2021.1965072 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e114375 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/114375/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/114375/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/114375/download/xml/ Pselaphochernes scorpioides (Hermann, 1804) is reported from Georgia for the first time. This is also the first record of the genus Pselaphochernes in Georgia. The finding is based on one female specimen found in the Malaise trap in Kintrishi National Park, Adjara Region. A description of the main morphological and morphometrical characteristics of the collected specimen is provided. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Adjara Chernetidae Kintrishi National Park Malaise trap Western Georgia The first record of Pselaphochernes scorpioides (Hermann, 1804) from Georgia, Caucasus (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones) Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e116995 2024-02-23 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 Unaffiliated, Gori, Georgia author Bulbulashvili, Natalia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6802-1209 2024-02-23 2024-02-23 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 1 4 2024 Insects of Saudi Arabia. Psocoptera (Part 1). A Badonnel author 1981 text Fauna Saudi Arabia 1981 3 209 212 Psocoptères euro-méditerranéens. C Lienhard author 1998 text Faune de France 1998 83 1 517 On some interesting psocids (Insecta: Psocoptera) from European Macaronesia. Thorntoniana. C Lienhard author 2004 text Publicaciones Especiales 2004 20 79 97 Country checklists of the Psocoptera species of the World, extracted from Lienhard & Smithers, 2002: Psocoptera (Insecta) – World Catalogue and Bibliography. C Lienhard author 2016 text Psocid News, Special Issue 2016 1 1 123 10.3897/zookeys.1168.103666 On the fauna and ecology of bark lice (Psocoptera) in the eastern Karakum. VN Vishnyakova author 1980 text Izvestia Akademii Nauk Turkmenskoi SSR: Seria Biologicheskikh Nauk 1980 1 41 46 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e116995 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/116995/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/116995/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/116995/download/xml/ The second psocid species of the genus Hemineura Tetens, 1891, namely H. wittmeri Badonnel, 1981, is recorded from the Caucasus region for the first time based on several female and male specimens collected in the Shida Kartli region of Georgia. Collecting data are given along with diagnostic illustrations of the preserved specimens. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Elipsocinae Georgia faunistics Hemineura new record Psocoptera The first record of Hemineura wittmeri Badonnel, 1981 (Psocodea, Psocomorpha, Elipsocidae) from the Caucasus Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e117039 2024-03-14 caucasiana

Unaffiliated, Telavi, Georgia author Japaridze, Lasha-Giorgi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7171-5589 Unaffiliated, Tbilisi, Georgia author Makharadze, Giorgi https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4443-5432 Unaffiliated, Tbilisi, Georgia author Rostiashvili, Ioane Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Datunashvili, Anastasia Upper Silesian Museum, Bytom, Poland author Dobosz, Roland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4441-5147 2024-03-14 2024-03-14 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 5 18 2024 H Aspöck author 1980 Die Neuropteren Europas. Volume 2. Eine zusammenfassende Darstellung der Systematik, Ökologie und Chorologie der Neuropteroidea (Megaloptera, Raphidioptera, Planipennia) Europas. 1980 355 pp Paradoxe Verbreitungsbilder von Neuropteroidea (Insecta: Raphidioptera, Neuroptera). U Aspöck author 1994 text Zeitschrift der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Österreichischer Entomologen 1994 46 30 44 Kommentierter Katalog der Neuropterida (Insecta: Raphidioptera, Megaloptera, Neuroptera) der Westpaläarktis. H Aspöck author 2001 text Denisia 2001 2 1 606 10.1071/IS07057 10.11646/zootaxa.3796.2.4 10.3897/asp.75.e31923 10.11646/zootaxa.1552.1.2 A review of the owlflies of Slovenia (Neuroptera: Ascalaphidae). D Devetak author 2007 text Acta Entomologica Slovenica 2007 15 2 105 112 First record of Deleproctophylla australis (Fabricius, 1787) (Insecta: Neuroptera: Ascalaphidae) in Albania. D Devetak author 2012 text Annales Series Historia Naturalis 2012 22 2 183 186 Contribution to the knowledge of Neuroptera from Georgia (Sakartvelo). D Devetak author 2019 text Acta Entomologica Slovenica 2019 27 2 99 108 10.5281/zenodo.834169 10.5281/zenodo.1147632 10.17513/mjpfi.13513 10.3157/021.124.0401 10.1146/annurev-ento-072121-075258 J Háva author 2000 2000 Ascalaphidae der Arabischen Halbinsel (Neuropterida, Neuroptera, Ascalaphidae). H Hölzel author U Aspöck author 2004 text Denisia 2004 13 213 228 10.1080/09397140.2021.1957208 10.1111/zsc.12382 10.1007/s13744-021-00889-9 10.17582/journal.pujz/2022.37.2.169.174 10.51963/jers.v25i1.2215 10.3389/fenvs.2021.710396 10.23885/18143326201814S4172 10.1111/syen.12334 10.1016/j.ympev.2016.10.014 10.5962/bhl.title.8510 JD Oswald author 2023 2023 10.5937/KgJSci2244215P Wissenschaftliches Ergebnis der zoologischen Expedition des Nationalmuseums in Prag nach der Türkei. Raphidioptera, Neuroptera und Mecoptera. A Popov author 1977 text Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae 1977 39 271 277 10.1371/journal.pone.0066213 ES Shengelia author 1947 1947 An annotated checklist of the Ascalaphidae species known from Asia and from the Pacific Islands. G Sziráki author 1998 text Folia Entomologica Hungarica 1998 59 57 72 D Tarkhnishvili author 2013 2013 10.3897/zookeys.214.3220 Сетчатокрылые (Neuroptera) европейской части бывшего СССР [Neuroptera from the European part of the former USSR]. AV Zakharenko author 1993 text Известия Харьковского Энтомологического Общества [Kharkov Entomological Society Gazette] 1993 1 2 34 83 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e117039 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/117039/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/117039/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/117039/download/xml/ The present study aims to provide an updated checklist of the owlfly subfamily Ascalaphidae Lefèbvre, 1842, with the first records of the genus Deleproctophylla Lefèbvre, 1842, from the country. The new records give an improved understanding of owlfly distribution within the country. The record of the genus Deleproctophylla in Georgia is based on a single female specimen of D. australis (Fabricius, 1787). text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers biodiversity Caucasus DNA barcoding new records Sakartvelo First barcode-assisted annotated checklist of owlflies (Neuroptera, Myrmeleontidae, Ascalaphidae) of Georgia with the first record of genus Deleproctophylla Lefèbvre, 1842 Checklist

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e115578 2024-03-15 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Iskandarova, Tukazban https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6144-3511 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Japarashvili, Shota https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9674-3719 Unaffiliated, Gori, Georgia author Bulbulashvili, Natalia Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 2024-03-15 2024-03-15 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 19 23 2024 10.1163/9789004434998 Ripiphoridae (Coleoptera) of Greece and Turkey, with notes on their distribution in the Eastern Mediterranean and some neighbouring countries. J Batelka author 2007 text Acta Musei Moraviae, Scientiae biologicae (Brno) 2007 92 155 175 Ripiphoridae. J Batelka author I Löbl author 2008 text Tenebrionoidea. Apollo Books, Stenstrup 2008 73 78 Report on the host-associations of the genus Macrosiagon (Coleoptera: Ripiphoridae) in Sulawesi (Indonesia). J Batelka author 2007 text Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae 2007 47 143 152 10.3161/00034541ANZ2016.66.1.008 10.3161/00034541ANZ2022.72.4.004 10.3406/bsef.1906.23989 Beetles of the family Rhipiphoridae (Coleoptera) from the fauna of the USSR. I. SM Iablokoff-Khnzorian author 1975 text Revues d’Entomologie de l’URSS 1975 54 4 846 856 Beetles of the family Rhipiphoridae (Coleoptera) from the fauna of the USSR. II. SM Iablokoff-Khnzorian author 1976 text Revues d’Entomologie de l’URSS 1976 55 2 410 424 10.1515/9783110911213.538 D Tarkhnishvili author 2013 2013 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e115578 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/115578/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/115578/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/115578/download/xml/ The Ripiphoridae family is reported from Georgia for the first time, based on the collected specimens of Macrosiagon bimaculata (Fabricius, 1787), Ptilophorus dufouri (Latreille, 1817), and Ripiphorus subdipterus (Bosc d'Antic, 1792). Collection data, along with photographs of the preserved specimens, are provided. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Caucasus new records Polyphaga wedge-shaped beetles The first record of Ripiphoridae (Coleoptera, Cucujiformia, Tenebrionoidea) family in Georgia Checklist

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e118074 2024-03-20 caucasiana

NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, South Africa Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran author Zarei, Fatah https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5552-4301 Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran author Esmaeili, Hamid Reza https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9736-397X Iranian Fisheries Sciences Research Institute, Bandar Anzali, Iran author Abbasi, Keyvan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5095-2905 Islamic Azad University, Borujerd, Iran author Sadeghi, Reza https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7364-9263 2024-03-20 2024-03-20 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 25 29 2024 10.1111/j.1439-0426.2009.01278.x Conditions and growth patterns in fresh water habitats. TB Bagenal author T Bagenal author 1978 text Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford 1978 101 136 10.1111/j.1439-0426.1998.tb00626.x 10.1111/j.1439-0426.2006.00805.x 10.11646/zootaxa.3266.1.3 10.11646/zootaxa.4980.1.3 PJ Miller author 2004 2004 10.1111/jai.13083 Computation and interpretation of biological statistics of fish population. WE Ricker author 1975 text Bulletin of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 1975 191 1 382 Age and growth. FW Tesch author WE Ricker author 1971 text Blackwell Scientific Publications 1971 98 100 HJ Zar author 1974 Biostatistical Analysis. 1974 620 pp 10.11646/zootaxa.5190.2.1 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e118074 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/118074/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/118074/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/118074/download/xml/ The present study provides the length-weight relationships (LWRs) for four difficult-to-sample Caspian endemic gobies for the first time: Benthophilus persicus, Benthophilus baeri, Knipowitschia longecaudata, and Hyrcanogobius bergi. They were collected from shallow and deep waters of the southwestern Caspian Sea using various methods, including beach seining, scuba diving, and deepwater bottom beam trawls. The slope (b) of LWRs ranged from 2.874 for B. baeri, to 3.408 for H. bergi with coefficient of determination higher than 0.918. The b values showed significant differences between the sexes of all species. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Baer’s tadpole goby longtail dwarf goby Persian tadpole goby Volga dwarf goby Length-weight relationships of four difficult-to-sample Caspian endemic gobies (Teleostei: Gobiidae): Benthophilus persicus, Benthophilus baeri, Knipowitschia longecaudata, and Hyrcanogobius bergi Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e117215 2024-03-21 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Tarkhnishvili, David https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1479-9880 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Todua, Mariami https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1870-3030 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Iankoshvili, Giorgi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0429-1488 2024-03-21 2024-03-21 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 31 39 2024 funder Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung 10.13039/501100002347 10.1071/IS07057 AG Bannikov author 1977 Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of the USSR Fauna. 1977 414 pp 10.1093/nar/gks1195 10.1007/BF01958859 10.1080/10635150701701083 10.1038/s41598-017-06655-5 10.1111/gcb.17180 Molecular-genetic characteristics of marsh frog from the republic of Dagestan (based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA data). OA Ermakov author 2016 text Proceedings of Samara Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences 2016 18 94 97 10.5531/db.vz.0001 10.3109/19401736.2015.1025266 10.1111/j.1365-294X.2009.04087.x SL Kuzmin author 1999 The Amphibians of the Former Soviet Union. 1999 544 pp W Hellmich author 1962 Reptiles and Amphibians of Europe. 1962 160 pp 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T58893474A173829632.en C Linnaeus author 1758 1758 Mitochondrial Phylogeography of Rana (Pelophylax ) Populations in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. P Lymberakis author 2007 text Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 2007 44 1 115 125 PS Pallas author 1771 1771 10.3897/vz.73.e95220 10.1163/15685380152770363 The lake frogs in Israel represent a new species. H Schneider author 1992 text Zoologischer Anzeiger 1992 228 1–2 97 106 10.1046/j.1439-0469.1999.372098.x 10.1046/j.1439-0469.1999.372099.x Distribution and bioacoustic of "Rana perezi" seoane, 1885 (Amphibia, Anura, Ranidae) in Tunisia. D Steinwarz author 1991 text Zoologisches Forschungsinstitut und Museum Alexander Koenig 1991 42 3–4 283 297 10.3390/d14100869 10.1111/j.1558-5646.2009.00610.x 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e117215 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/117215/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/117215/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/117215/download/xml/ Two nominal species of water frogs of the genus Pelophylax, P. ridibundus and P. bedriagae, are found in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Western Asia, Western Kazakhstan, and Siberia. So far, the taxonomic status of Pelophylax in most of the Caucasus has remained unknown. Sequencing of the Cytochrome Oxidase 1 mitochondrial gene attributed the frogs throughout Georgia to the P. ‘bedriagae’ lineage, bringing them very close to the specimens from Kazakhstan and Greece. Simultaneously, the current nomenclature of water frogs appears to be formally incorrect since western Kazakhstan, the type locality for P. ridibundus, has frogs genetically closer to nominal P. bedriagae, than to nominal P. ridibundus from Europe. Because there is no evidence that the frogs from Central Europe, Kazakhstan, and the Caucasus, as well as from Anatolia and Iran, are biological species with individual evolutionary pathways, we suggest a conservative approach and synonymize nominal P. bedriagae from most of West Asia with P. ridibundus. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers mitochondrial DNA Pelophylax ridibundus Pelophylax bedriagae water frog taxonomy Which species of water frogs inhabit ponds of the Caucasus? Taxonomic mess with Pelophylax ridibundus species complex Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e117332 2024-04-22 caucasiana

Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia author Makarova, Olga https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1820-2511 Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia author Antipova, Maria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3517-9720 Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia author Babenko, Anatoly https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6077-0619 HSE University, Moscow, Russia Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia author Bushueva, Irina Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia author Chulei, Artemii Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia author Golovatch, Sergei Komarov Botanical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, St.-Petersburg, Russia author Doroshina, Galina All-Russian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Voronezh, Russia X-Bio Institute, Tyumen State University, Tyumen, Russia author Kolesnikov, Vasiliy https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6177-7858 Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia author Mazei, Yuri https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5443-8919 Institute of Biology & Chemistry, Moscow Pedagogical State University, Moscow, Russia author Makarov, Kirill https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9184-7869 Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia author Palatov, Dmitry Federal Research Center of the Southern Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Rostov-on-Don, Russia author Ponomarev, Alexandr North Ossetian State Nature Reserve, Alagir, Russia author Popov, Konstantin Tembotov Institute of Ecology of Mountain Territories, Russian Academy of Science, Nalchik, Russia author Rapoport, Irina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6766-1482 Smolensk State University, Smolensk, Russia author Semionenkov, Oleg I. Institute of Zoology of the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, Baku, Azerbaijan author Snegovaya, Nataly https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6060-6491 Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia author Sheftel, Boris I. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3808-8389 Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia author Tsyganov, Andrey https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5660-8432 Cherepovets State University, Cherepovets, Russia Papanin Institute for Biology of Inland Waters, Borok, Russia author Turbanov, Ilya North-Caucasus Federal University, Stavropol, Russia author Zuev, Roman https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9909-6812 2024-04-22 2024-04-22 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 41 87 2024 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e117332 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/117332/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/117332/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/117332/download/xml/ In the Caucasus, the total area taken up by glaciers is known to have reduced by 23% over the last 20 years. This natural experiment allows for additive and replacement models of autogenic succession of biocoenoses within paraglacial landscapes to be tested. A certain risk of the extinction of cryophilic species also exists. However, montane paraglacial successions of invertebrate assemblages have hitherto been studied neither in the Caucasus nor in Russia as a whole. Structural changes of taxocoenoses were traced in a spatial and temporal sequence of ten properly dated paraglacial sites in the Tsey Gorge, North Ossetia − Alania (1–170-years old) among the testate amoebae, earthworms, molluscs, myriapods, mites, spiders, harvestmen, pseudoscorpions, collembolans, and beetles. As the glacier retreats, in place of bare paraglacial wastelands, grassland communities are formed that, after 10–14 years, are replaced by shrub vegetation and, on 30–35-year old surfaces, by forest communities. Most of the invertebrate groups, once “appearing” along a postglacial transect, were recorded from most older plots as well. Yet, their taxocoenoses underwent considerable transformations through increasing (or an increase turning into some decline in beetles) the species diversity and a strong, often complete change in the taxonomic composition and dominance structure. The most considerable transformations were observed at all major vegetation changes. The “appearance” of some groups in the transect was determined not only by dispersion capacities but mainly by the environmental conditions of particular habitats. When comparing the composition of the pioneer postglacial species complex of the study region with that in the mountains of Europe’s south and north, its high-degree regional specificity was noted, sometimes shown at the family level (in spiders). Spatial β-diversity of all larger taxa studied was mainly attributed to turnover (due to “the replacement model” of succession). The general level of change diminished towards the later succession stages. Endemic arthropod species were revealed both in pioneer grassland and developed forest communities. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers chronosequence climate warming endemic models of succession pioneer species species extinction Successions of terrestrial invertebrate communities during the Tsey Glacier retreat, Central Caucasus Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e120883 2024-04-26 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 Unaffiliated, Gori, Georgia author Bulbulashvili, Natalia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6802-1209 LIB: Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Bonn, Germany author Krammer, Hans-Joachim https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7012-1752 LIB: Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Bonn, Germany author Thormann, Jana LIB: Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Bonn, Germany author Hein, Nils https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5172-8531 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Karalashvili, Elisabeth https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9015-7604 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Kachlishvili, Nino https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5632-8959 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Datunashvili, Anastasia https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1421-2057 2024-04-26 2024-04-26 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 89 118 2024 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e120883 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/120883/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/120883/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/120883/download/xml/ The present study contains information about a small number of spiders collected between 2018 and 2023. The spiders were determined to species level and partially assisted by genetic barcoding of the COI gene. Among the resulting 33 species, 23 species and three genera, are recorded from Georgia for the first time, of which 11 are new records for the entire Caucasus. Of the 26 barcoded specimens representing 18 species, six species (Agroeca maculata L. Koch, 1879; Aituaria eriashvilii (Marusik, 1987); Evippa sjostedti Schenkel, 1936; Lathys cf. lehtineni Kovblyuk, Kastrygina & Omelko, 2014; Zelotes segrex (Simon, 1878); Lathys lehtineni Kovblyuk, Kastrygina & Omelko, 2014; Maculoncus obscurus Tanasevitch, Ponomarev & Chumachenko, 2016) are barcoded for the first time. In addition, 12 new regional records for 10 species are provided. The collecting information for each record is provided in detail, together with a discussion of the barcoding results and remarks, supported by 48 diagnostic drawings of 22 first-recorded species. A potential synonymy of Pelecopsis odontophora (Kulczyński, 1895) with P. parallela (Wider, 1834) and Bassaniodes loeffleri (Roewer, 1955) with B. pseudorectilineus (Wunderlich, 1995) is discussed. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Aranei biodiversity faunistic new records South Caucasus Picking pearls from the Silk Road: Insights into the spider (Arachnida, Araneae) diversity in Georgia from the Caucasus Barcode of Life (CaBOL) project. Part III Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e120656 2024-04-29 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Mumladze, Levan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2172-6973 2024-04-29 2024-04-29 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 119 126 2024 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e120656 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/120656/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/120656/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/120656/download/xml/ A new species, Psammitis abuliensis sp. nov., from Didi Abuli Mt. (Georgia, Samtskhe-Javakheti region), is described based on two male specimens. Diagnostic drawings, measurements, collecting data, diagnosis, and DNA barcodes are given. A new combination, Psammitis marmoratus (Thorell, 1875), comb. nov. (ex. Xysticus), is proposed based on the COI subunit barcode results and morphological characters. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Arachnida Caucasus crab spider description diagnosis new taxa Samtskhe-Javakheti A new Psammitis species (Araneae, Thomisidae) from an extinct volcano in Georgia with reevaluation of the generic position of Xysticus marmoratus Thorell, 1875 Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e124994 2024-09-02 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Chitadze, Beka https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7311-5827 Unaffiliated, Gori, Georgia author Bulbulashvili, Natalia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6802-1209 Unaffiliated, Telavi, Georgia author Japaridze, Lasha-Giorgi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7171-5589 Museum of Nature V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine author Drogvalenko, Alexander https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9855-8421 Museum Requien, Avignon, France author MOULET, Pierre Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 2024-09-02 2024-09-02 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 127 143 2024 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e124994 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/124994/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/124994/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/124994/download/xml/ During the fieldworks conducted within the CaBOL project in 2020–2023, 14 new species of Heteroptera belonging to seven families, and a new species of Auchenorrhyncha were collected in Georgia for the first time: Trypetimorpha occidentalis Huang & Bourgoin, 1993 (Tropiduchidae), Dimorphopterus blissoides (Baerensprung, 1859) (Blissidae), Europiella decolor (Uhler, 1893), Tuponia mixticolor (A. Costa, 1862), Deraeocoris ventralis Reuter, 1904, Orthocephalus brevis (Panzer, 1798) (Miridae), Alloeorhynchus flavipes (Fieber, 1836) (Nabidae), Holcogaster fibulata (Germar, 1831), Vilpianus galii Wolff, 1802 (Pentatomidae), Holotrichius bergrothi Reuter, 1891, Reduvius ciliatus Jakovlev, 1879, Oncocephalus squalidus (Rossi, 1790) (Reduviidae), Pterotmetus staphyliniformis (Germar, 1831), Diomphalus hispidulus Fieber, 1864 (Rhyparochromidae), and Psacasta neglecta (Herrich-Schäffer, 1837) (Scutellaridae). The present study provides distributional, genetic, and collecting information on the newly recorded species followed by remarks. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Auchenorrhyncha CaBOL entomology faunistics Heteroptera new records South Caucasus First record of 15 species of Hemiptera (Hexapoda, Insecta) in Georgia Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e124925 2024-09-02 caucasiana

Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Museum Koenig, Bonn, Germany author Salden, Tobias https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7993-8896 Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Museum Koenig, Bonn, Germany author Müller, Björn https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6233-5410 Invertebrate Research Center, Telavi, Georgia Agricultural University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia author Japoshvili, George https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9901-4554 Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Museum Koenig, Bonn, Germany author Hein, Nils https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5172-8531 Invertebrate Research Center, Telavi, Georgia author Ugrelidze, Ani https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3630-506X Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Museum Koenig, Bonn, Germany author Peters, Ralph S. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7784-9203 2024-09-02 2024-09-02 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 145 150 2024 funder Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung 10.13039/501100002347 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e124925 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/124925/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/124925/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/124925/download/xml/ We record for the first time the families Stephanidae and Mymarommatidae and the corresponding superfamilies Stephanoidea and Mymarommatoidea in Georgia. A single female of Stephanus serrator (Fabricius, 1798) was collected in Kakheti, Lagodekhi Protected Area (LPA), in the east, and five individuals of Mymaromma anomalum (Blood & Kryger, 1922) were collected in Achara, Kintrishi National Park (KNP), in the west of Georgia. Each of the studied wasp species is complemented by DNA (CO1) barcode sequences. Vouchers are deposited at Museum Koenig Bonn (LIB, ZFMK) and the Entomology Collection of the Agricultural University of Georgia (ECAUG). text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Caucasus CO1 barcode new record parasitoid wasps First records of the Hymenoptera superfamilies and families Mymarommatoidea: Mymarommatidae and Stephanoidea: Stephanidae in Georgia Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e130238 2024-09-09 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Kiria, Eleonora https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1711-2163 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Mumladze, Levan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2172-6973 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Barjadze, Shalva https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8992-4987 Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic author Tuf, Ivan H. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0250-0482 2024-09-09 2024-09-09 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 151 162 2024 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e130238 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/130238/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/130238/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/130238/download/xml/ Georgia's rich biodiversity, as a key part of the Caucasus hotspot, makes it an ideal destination for scientific research. Nevertheless, knowledge about the species diversity of different animal groups in this area remains limited. In this article we provide information on the nine centipede species (Henia brevis (Silvestri, 1896), H. hirsuta Verhoeff, 1928, H. taurica (Sseliwanoff, 1884), Strigamia caucasia (Verhoeff, 1938), S. pusilla (Sseliwanoff, 1884), Harpolithobius spinipes Folkmanová, 1958, Lithobius antipai Matic, 1969, L. foviceps Muralevitch, 1926, and L. micropodus (Matic, 1980)) newly recorded in Georgia. Three of these species (H. brevis, H. hirsuta, and L. micropodus) are also new records for the Caucasus region. Data on their distribution, maps of the localities, and photos of the specimens studied are also given. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Georgia Caucasus new records Geophilomorpha Lithobiomorpha New records of centipedes (Myriapoda: Chilopoda) in the fauna of Georgia, South Caucasus Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e128928 2024-09-13 caucasiana

Society for Nature Conservation - SABUKO, Tbilisi, Georgia author Budagashvili, Nika https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6166-9945 Alectoris Birding LLC, Sisak, Croatia author Turkalj, Josip https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2740-7428 2024-09-13 2024-09-13 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 163 169 2024 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e128928 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/128928/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/128928/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/128928/download/xml/ This paper reports the first documented breeding record of the White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus in Georgia, with additional information on its status in Georgia and in the adjacent countries. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Avifauna Breeding Georgia White-tailed Lapwing The first documented breeding record of White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus (Lichtenstein, 1823) in Georgia Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e132725 2024-09-27 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 Unaffiliated, Gori, Georgia author Bulbulashvili, Natalia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6802-1209 LIB: Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change Museum Koenig, Bonn, Germany author Krammer, Hans-Joachim 2024-09-27 2024-09-27 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 171 181 2024 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e132725 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/132725/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/132725/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/132725/download/xml/ The faunistic status of the spider family Liocranidae in Georgia is revised. Due to the preoccupation of the liocraniid genus Sagana Thorell, 1875, by a saturniid moth genus Sagana Walker, 1855 (currently placed in Copaxa Walker, 1855), the genus Drapeta Menge, 1875, is resurrected, hence the transfer of its type species D. rutilans (Thorell, 1875), comb. nov. and D. concolor (Simon, 1878), comb. nov. A new species, namely Drapeta caucasica sp. nov., is described from Georgia based on the male and female specimens from the Adjara region and Tbilisi vicinity. This is the third species of this previously considered monotypic genus. DNA barcoding results, diagnostic drawings, and detailed collecting data on Drapeta caucasica sp. nov., with a list of the Georgian Liocranidae, and previous records of ex-Sagana rutilans Thorell, 1875, in the Caucasus are discussed. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers biodiversity Caucasus Drapeta faunistic morphology new combination spiders Notes on Liocranidae (Arachnida, Araneae, Dionycha) from Georgia with description of a new species Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e132501 2024-10-01 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 Unaffiliated, Gori, Georgia author Bulbulashvili, Natalia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6802-1209 Unaffiliated, Tbilisi, Georgia author Makharadze, Giorgi https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4443-5432 Unaffiliated, Kobuleti, Georgia author Baznikin, Andrei https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9149-1735 2024-10-01 2024-10-01 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 183 213 2024 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e132501 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/132501/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/132501/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/132501/download/xml/ Spiders collected individually between 19–23 May 2024 during a trip to Vashlovani National Park and Chachuna Managed Reserve were determined, resulting in 24 species, of which two species are described as new: Synema inexpectata sp. nov. (Thomisidae) and Prodidomus trihelicoides sp. nov. (Prodidomidae). Ten species - Acanthinozodium parysatis Zamani & Marusik, 2021 (Zodariidae), Berlandina nabozhenkoi Ponomarev & Tsvetkov, 2006, Cryptodrassus helvolus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872), Synaphosus palearcticus Ovtsharenko, Levy & Platnick, 1994, Synaphosus turanicus Ovtsharenko, Levy & Platnick, 1994, Talanites involutus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1885), Turkozelotes attavirus Chatzaki, 2019 (all Gnaphosidae), Evarcha armeniaca Logunov, 1999 (Salticidae), Lycosa soboutii Shafaie, Nadolny & Mirshamsi, 2022 (Lycosidae), Rhysodromus rikhteri (Logunov & Huseynov, 2008) (Philodromidae), and Sardinidion blackwalli (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1871) (Theridiidae) are recorded in Georgia for the first time, of which six species and three genera are new to the Caucasus region. The male of L. soboutii is described for the first time. Diagnostic drawings of preserved specimens and first photos of several preserved and alive species are provided along with the detailed collecting data. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Arthropoda biodiversity new records new species South Caucasus taxonomy New and interesting spiders (Arachnida, Araneae) from Vashlovani National Park and Chachuna Managed Reserve (Georgia) Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e138762 2024-11-27 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 2024-11-27 2024-11-27 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 215 221 2024 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e138762 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/138762/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/138762/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/138762/download/xml/ Dictis L. Koch, 1875, is recorded in the Caucasus for the first time. Dictis strandi (Spassky, 1941), comb. nov. is transferred to Dictis from Scytodes Latreille, 1804 based on the examined female and two males raised to maturity from the egg sac. Collecting data and digital photos of live and preserved specimens are provided, along with detailed descriptions of both sexes, diagnostic illustrations, and observations on the natural history of Dictis strandi comb. nov. The endogyne is depicted for the first time. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers faunistics Kakheti new record Scytodinae spitting spiders Vashlovani The first record of Dictis L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae, Scytodidae) in the Caucasus Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e137308 2024-11-27 caucasiana

University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia author Antić, Dragan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1231-4213 University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia author Aleksić, Tamara https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7585-0900 University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia author Milovanović, Jelena https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8096-6870 Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Erzincan, author Elverici, Mert https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3233-9968 2024-11-27 2024-11-27 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 223 234 2024 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e137308 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/137308/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/137308/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/137308/download/xml/ A remarkable dwarf schizopetalid, Euxinopetalum dobatorum Hoffman, 1973, is rediscovered in the Heracles Cave (type locality) in Turkey. This poorly known species is recorded after more than 50 years and is illustrated here with photographs, photomicrographs, and scanning electron micrographs, including descriptive notes and remarks. The small body size and the reduced number of body segments in Callipodida are briefly discussed, while the question about the type locality is clarified. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Anatolia biospeleology Black Sea cave Euxinopetalinae millipedes Rediscovery of Euxinopetalum dobatorum Hoffman, 1973 (Diplopoda, Callipodida, Schizopetalidae) in Turkey Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e141157 2024-12-11 caucasiana

Society for Nature Conservation, Tbilisi, Georgia author Budagashvili, Nika https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6166-9945 Nature Conservation Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia author Shoshitashvili, Dachi Society for Nature Conservation, Tbilisi, Georgia author Uguzashvili, Tamar 2024-12-11 2024-12-11 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 235 243 2024 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e141157 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/141157/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/141157/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/141157/download/xml/ This study provides an analysis of the current status, population trends, and distribution of White Storks (Ciconia ciconia) in the Republic of Georgia. Findings from our most recent survey in 2024 revealed a 40% increase in the number of White Stork nesting pairs in settlements previously surveyed during the 2018–2020 census. However, this increase was not statistically significant. The 2024 survey expanded its scope to include 36 additional settlements that had not been surveyed or reported in prior assessments, resulting in the documentation of 55 new nesting pairs within 22 settlements. Among the 23 settlements surveyed in both 2018–2020 and 2024, fluctuations in the number of White Stork nesting pairs were observed in 14 settlements, with a general increase and slight declines noted in four settlements. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Avifauna Caucasus Distribution Monitoring Threats White Storks (Ciconia ciconia Linnaeus, 1758) in Georgia: Current distribution and population status Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e132243 2024-12-11 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Nikolaishvili, Ketevan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9627-3916 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Lomidze, Tsitsino https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3321-1088 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Arabuli, Lela https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9921-6343 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Asatiani, Ketevan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7357-9434 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Murvanidze, Lali https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6516-2762 2024-12-11 2024-12-11 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 245 256 2024 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e132243 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/132243/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/132243/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/132243/download/xml/ In this study, we investigated the gastrointestinal helminth fauna of small mammals in the highland region of Usholta (Racha, Western Georgia). In total, 19 specimens of small mammals were examined, of which 10 gastrointestinal helminth species were detected. Five out of eight specimens of Apodemus uralensis were infected with three nematode species: Heligmosomoides polygyrus, Syphacia obvelata, and Trichuris muris. Notably, the liver of a single individual of A. uralensis was also infected with cestode—Echinococcus multilocularis, (larvocysts) —a novel host record for this parasite in Georgia. All eight exeminated Microtus daghestanicus specimens were infected with both cestode (Paranoplocephala omphalodes and Rodentolepis asymmetrica) and nematode (Heligmosomum costellatum and Syphacia sp.) parasites. Similarly, all three exeminied specimens of Mustela nivalis were infected with cestodes (Versteria mustelae) and nematodes (Molineus patens, Syphacia sp.). For Syphacia sp., M. nivalis is a new host record in Georgia. Only one specimen of A. uralensis was simultaneously infected by two species of nematodes (Syphacia sp., T. muris) and also a single individual of M. nivalis was infected with three species of helminths (V. mustelae, M. patens, Syphacia sp.). This study provides valuable insights into the helminth diversity and host-parasite relationships in the region, highlighting the importance of continued research on wildlife parasites. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Caucasus Cestoda host life cycle Nematoda parasite Gastrointestinal helminths of small mammals (Rodentia and Carnivora) in the vicinity of Usholta, Georgia Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e137446 2024-12-11 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Institute of Zoology, Tbilisi, Georgia author Gogshelidze, Mariam Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary author Novák, János https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3023-1972 2024-12-11 2024-12-11 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 257 262 2024 10.1515/9783111385402 Zur Kennrnis der Pseudoscorpioniden-Fauna Afghanistans. M Beier author 1959 text Zoologische Jahrbücher, Abteilung für Systematik, Ökologie und Geographie der Tiere 1959 87 257 282 Pseudoscorpionidea. Contribution à l'étude de la faune d'Afghanistan. M Beier author 1960 text Förhandlingar vid Kungliga Fysiografiska Sällskapets i Lund 1960 30 41 45 Pseudoscorpions of the Caucasianfauna (ArachnidaPseudoscorpionida). S Dashdamirov author 1992 text Arthropoda Selecta 1992 1 31 72 Scientific expedition to the Salvage Islands, July 1963. VI. Einige Pseudoskorpione von den Ilhas Selvagens. O von Helversen author 1965 text Boletim do Museu Municipal do Funchal 1965 19 95 103 10.15560/17.2.347 The identity of pseudoscorpions of the genus Diplotemnus (Pseudoscorpiones: Atemnidae) from Europe and Asia. J Novák author 2015 text North-Western Journal of Zoology 2015 11 316 323 Pseudoscorpione aus dem Kaukasus,Teil 2 (Arachnida). W Schwaller author 1988 text Stuttgarter Beiträge zur Naturkunde, Serie A 1988 415 1 51 2024 2024 World Pseudoscorpiones Catalog (2024) World Pseudoscorpiones Catalog. Natural History Museum, Bern. https://wac.nmbe.ch/order/pseu-doscorpiones/3 [accessed at: 2024.10.18] 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e137446 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/137446/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/137446/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/137446/download/xml/ Diplotemnus balcanicus (Redikorzev, 1928) is reported from Armenia for the first time. This is also the first record of the family Atemnidae for Armenia. The finding is based on one male specimen found in the Ararat region, Angel’s Canyon, near Vedi. The description of the main morphological and morphometrical characteristics of the collected specimen is provided. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Ararat region Caucasus Diplotemnus new record Pseudoscorpion First record of the family Atemnidae (Pseudoscorpiones) from Armenia Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.3.140259 2024-12-11 caucasiana

National Museum of Natural History, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Kolev, Zdravko https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8244-371X Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary author Novák, János https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3023-1972 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 2024-12-11 2024-12-11 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 263 271 2024 K Aghababyan author 2024 2024 10.3897/nl.47.127357 2024 2024 Council of Europe (2024) Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats: European Diploma areas: Vashlovani Protected Areas. https://www.coe.int/en/web/bern-convention/-/vashlovani-protected-areas#:~:text=The%20Vashlovani%20Protected%20Area%20was,also%20represent%20Emerald%20Network%20sites [Accessed: 30/09/2024] Zur Generationenfolge einiger asiatischer Satyriden (Lep. Satyridae). JJ de Freina author 1978 text Atalanta (Würzburg) 1978 9 3 245 247 Annotated list of diurnal butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) of Georgia and adjacent territory from Southern Caucasus. EA Didmanidze author 2004 text Proceedings of the Institute of Zoology Georgia, Tbilisi 2004 22 197 226 A List of Sphingidae (Lepidoptera) of Georgia and neighbouring countries with special attention to material from the Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia. EA Didmanidze author 2013 text Entomofauna Zeitschrift für Entomologie 2013 34 21 269 304 Cossidae (Lepidoptera) of Georgia. EA Didmanidze author 2007 text Entomofauna 2007 28 1 1 16 Description de quelques nouvelles especes de Lépidoptères de la Russie. E Eversmann author 1851 text Bulletin de la Société impériale des naturalistes de Moscou 1851 24 2 610 644 Lindenbergia indica (Scrophulariaceae) a newly-recorded foodplant for the Blue Pansy butterfly Junonia orithya here in Arabia (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae). MPT Gillett author 2006 text Tribulus 2006 16 1 18 F Heydemann author 1954 1954 Dispersal of Hipparchia cypriensis (Holik, 1949) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Satyridae) in Cyprus, with notes on its ecology and life-history. E John author 2002 text Entomologist’s Gazette 2002 53 3 18 Lepidoptera. In: Kollar V, Redtenbacher L (1849) Ueber den Charakter der Insecten-Fauna von Südpersien. V Kollar author 1849 text Denkschriften der Kaiserlichen Adademie der Wissenschaften, Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Classe 1849 1 42 53 T Larsen author 1980 Butterflies of Oman. 1980 80 pp YP Nekrutenko author 1990 [The butterflies of the Caucasus. Identification Guide [vol. 1]. Families Papilionidae, Pieridae, Satyridae, Danaidae]. I. I. 1990 215 pp YP Nekrutenko author 1982a 1982a YP Nekrutenko author 1982b 1982b 10.37828/em.2022.56.3 10.3897/nl.45.85341 V Sbordoni author 2018 Guide to the butterflies of the Palearctic region. Satyrinae Part V: Tribe Satyrini, Genera Satyrus, Minois, Hipparchia. 2018 134 pp 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e132501 A faunistic contribution to the butterfly fauna of Oman (Lepidoptera: Diurna). P Schmidt author 2020 text Natura Somogyiensis 2020 34 153 188 Tarkhnishvili D, Chaladze G, Akhalkatsi M, Martínez DR, Kopaliani N, Japoshvili G, Murvanidze M, Iremashvili G, Seropian A, Iankoshvili G, Mumladze L (20213 Georgian Biodiversity Database. https://biodiversity.iliauni.edu.ge/index.php [Accessed: 30/09/2024] VV Tihonov author 2024 [Butterflies of the Caucasus and the south of Russia] 2024 V Tshikolovets author 1998 The butterflies of Turkmenistan. 1998 237 pp V Tshikolovets author 2012 The Butterflies of Caucasus and Transcaucasia (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Russian Federation). 2012 423 pp V Vrabec author 2019 2019 A revision of carpenter moths of the genus Holcocerus Staudinger, 1884 (sl). 2006 text Eversmannia 2006 1 1 104 N Zazanashvili author 2020 2020 10.3897/caucasiana.3.140259 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/140259/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/140259/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/140259/download/xml/ The first records of the highly distinctive Nymphalid species Hipparchia parisatis (Kollar, 1849) from the Republic of Georgia (Vashlovani Nature Reserve, hereafter VNR) are reported. The taxonomy and distribution of the species in the South Caucasus region are discussed, and the importance of the Vashlovani Protected Areas (hereafter VPA) as a hotspot for butterfly diversity in Georgia is emphasized. The report also highlights the importance of active collaboration, at the interface of web-based data recording platforms, between professional biologists and citizen science initiatives for the effective advancement of biodiversity research and conservation. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers biodiversity citizen science conservation new records Papilionoidea South Caucasus Vashlovani On the presence of Hipparchia parisatis (Kollar, 1849) in the Republic of Georgia (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae) Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e140978 2024-12-12 caucasiana

Agricultural University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia author Japaridze, Lasha-Giorgi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7171-5589 2024-12-12 2024-12-12 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 273 280 2024 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e140978 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/140978/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/140978/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/140978/download/xml/ The aim of the present study is to provide an update on the Lepidoptera diversity of Georgia, with the first records of the Cecryphalus Schoorl, 1990, and Dieida Strand, 1911, genera, along with Dyspessa infuscata (Staudinger, 1892). The records are based on three male specimens of Cecryphalus strix (Grum-Grshimailo, 1896), a single male specimen of Dieida ledereri (Staudinger, 1871), and a single female specimen of D. infuscata collected in different parts of Georgia. Digital images of imagoes, first descriptions, and pictures of male D. ledereri genitalia, along with collecting data, are provided. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Caucasus Cossoidea Heterocera Heteroneura new records First records of two genera and three carpenter moths (Lepidoptera, Cossidae) from Georgia Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.3.e139879 2024-12-12 caucasiana

Unaffiliated, Tbilisi, Georgia author Kitel, Denis https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5298-2611 University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States of America author KITTELBERGER, Kyle https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1461-732X KuzeyDoğa Society, Kars, author AĞIRKAYA, Kayahan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4030-8643 KuzeyDoğa Society, Kars, author Tutar, Gul https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3351-1071 KuzeyDoğa Society, Kars, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States of America Koç University, İstanbul, author ȘEKERCİOĞLU, Çağan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3193-0377 2024-12-12 2024-12-12 2024 Caucasiana 2667-9809 3 281 294 2024 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e139879 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/139879/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/139879/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/139879/download/xml/ A check-list of Odonata found at Aras River Valley in Kars and Iğdır provinces of Türkiye is published for the first time, representing 38 species. The abundance of species from March to November is noted by month, with the phenology of the flight period indicated. Summer months host the highest number of species, up to 28 in June. We provide a complete phenology for the imago (adult) presence in the area for 22 species, from their emergence to their disappearance at the end of their flight period and life cycle. Short notes regarding selected species which are either rare in the region or have international protection status are also provided. This study shows that the Aras River Valley is an important place for Odonata, especially Onychogomphus flexuosus and Libellula pontica, species which are classified as “Vulnerable” and “Near Threatened”, respectively, in the present IUCN Red List of threatened species. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Anisoptera Aras flight period odonate wetland Zygoptera Notes on the phenology of dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) in the Aras River Valley of Türkiye Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.4.e151922 2025-05-27 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 Unaffiliated, Gori, Georgia author Bulbulashvili, Natalia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6802-1209 Unaffiliated, Tbilisi, Georgia author Makharadze, Giorgi https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4443-5432 Unaffiliated, Bordány, Hungary author Kovács, Gábor https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7585-0550 2025-05-27 2025-05-27 2025 Caucasiana 2667-9809 4 1 14 2025 10.3897/caucasiana.4.e151922 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/151922/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/151922/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/151922/download/xml/ Eresidae (velvet spiders) is a relatively small family of spiders, most-diversified in the African continent. The present study provides the first description of the female of Eresus lavrosii Mcheidze, 1997, which has remained undiscovered for over two decades. We also briefly review the species’ history and add knowledge of its ecology, biology, and distribution. Diagnostic drawings and digital photographs of female and male copulatory organs, alongside COI barcoding results, photographs of live and preserved specimens, and of microhabitat are also presented. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Araneomorphae diet Georgia grazing South Caucasus spider taxonomy From burrows to spotlight: first description of the female of Eresus lavrosii Mcheidze, 1997 (Araneae, Eresidae), with notes on the natural history Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.4.e144670 2025-06-10 caucasiana

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, author Gür, Başak https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8152-0064 Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, author Ergül Kalaycı, Tuğba https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4790-0263 2025-06-10 2025-06-10 2025 Caucasiana 2667-9809 4 15 24 2025 10.1007/978-981-97-3169-5_5 10.3897/arphapreprints.e108466 10.1111/eva.13282 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2011.03090.x 10.2478/vzoo-2019-0034 10.1007/s10709-022-00175-5 10.1016/j.ympev.2019.02.013 10.1111/acv.12512 10.1016/j.tig.2007.02.001 BioEdit: a user-friendly biological sequence alignment editor and analysis program for Windows 95/98/NT. TA Hall author 1999 text Nucleic Acids Symposium Series 1999 41 95 98 10.1371/journal.pone.0073368 10.1098/rsbl.2003.0025 VH Heywood author 1994 1994 10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e37560 10.1016/j.bse.2017.06.001 10.1093/molbev/msy096 10.1111/1755-0998.13954 10.1007/978-3-642-20992-5_1 10.2478/s11756-019-00398-6 10.1038/35002501 10.1371/journal.pone.0034506 10.1134/S1067413617030122 10.1016/j.zool.2020.125873 10.1111/ddi.12278 10.18069/firatsbed.346684 10.1111/j.1365-294X.2011.05239.x 10.1111/1755-0998.13281 10.1371/journal.pone.0066213 10.1016/j.ympev.2011.09.008 10.1098/rstb.2005.1730 10.1093/bioadv/vbae083 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.247 Caucasus. N Zazanashvili author RA Mittermeier author 2004 text Earth’s biologically richest and most endangered terrestrial ecoregions. Mexico City: CEMEX/Agrupacion Sierra Madre 2004 148 152 10.3897/caucasiana.4.e144670 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/144670/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/144670/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/144670/download/xml/ The use of COI barcodes for specimen identification and species discovery has proven to be a functional molecular approach in the study of Anura. In this study, we evaluated the genetic status of Bufo bufo, Hyla orientalis, and Rana macrocnemis from different parts of Rize, Türkiye, using the COI gene marker, a popular method known as DNA barcoding. The Caucasus region is known to host a substantial amount of global biodiversity; however, limited barcoding studies are available for vertebrate taxa within this region. We have submitted all generated sequences to the BOLD data system, with the majority representing the first data from Rize in this database. Our analysis revealed four distinct barcode index numbers belonging to members of three different families. We observed a genetic distance of 0.038 between B. bufo specimens from İyidere and Çamlıhemşin. Within R. macrocnemis, genetic distances ranged from 0.018 to 0.020, and within H. orientalis, they ranged from 0.01 to 0.02. Our findings indicate that COI sequencing is a useful tool for the identification of anuran species present in Rize. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers COI Anura Caucasian biodiversity DNA barcoding of some Anura species from Rize Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.4.e150297 2025-06-10 caucasiana

Birding Azerbaijan, Baku, Azerbaijan author Farajli, Zulfu https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4250-616X University of Utah, Salt Lake, United States of America author D. Kittelberger, Kyle University of Utah, Salt Lake, United States of America author J. Tanner, Colby BirdLinks Armenia NGO, Yerevan, Armenia author Aghababyan, Karen Ilia State University, Tblisi, Georgia author Paposhvili, Nika https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3785-6174 Iranian Birding Club, Tehran, Iran author Hakiminejad, Motahareh https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9740-142X Russian Raptor Research and Conservation Network, Novosibirsk, Russia author Karyakin, Igor https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4543-1870 Southern Federal University, Rostov, Russia author Belik, Viktor Koç University, İstanbul, author ȘEKERCİOĞLU, Çağan KuzeyDoğa Society, Kars, author Çoban, Emrah Youth Development Officer, Ornithological Society of the Middle East, Stockholm, Sweden author Axen Haraldsson, Tomas 2025-06-10 2025-06-10 2025 Caucasiana 2667-9809 4 25 43 2025 MS Adamian author 1999 Handbook of the Birds of Armenia. 1999 649 pp 10.2478/orhu-2025-0012 Ş Arslan author 2022 2022 Birds of the mountainous part of the North-Western Caucasus. YV Averin author 1938 text Proceedings of the Caucasian State Nature Reserve 1938 1 5 56 Fitting Linear Mixed-Effects Models Using lme4. D Bates author 2015 text Journal of Statistical Software 2015 67 1 48 N Bär author 1997 1997 VP Belik author 2020 2020 T Bilisim author 2023 2023 2024 2024 BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Falcocherrug. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/saker-falcon-falco-cherrug [Accessed: 06/03/2024] 10.1017/S0959270917000533 On the Breeding of the Lanner Falcon in Azerbaijan // Scientific Notes of Azerbaijan State University, Series of Biological Sciences. NI Burchak-Abramovich author 1962 text 1962 4 59 65 I Burfield author 2004 2004 S Cramp author 1980 1980 Saker Falcon breeding population estimates. Part 1. A Dixon author 2007 text Europe Falco 2007 29 4 12 GS Dzhamirzoev author 2008 2008 Saker Falcon – Falco cherrug (J. Е. Gray, 1834) GS Dzhamirzoev author BI Magomedov author 2009 text Makhachkala 2009 451 452 Z Farajli author 2024 2024 D Forsman author 2016 2016 RA Galvez author 2005 Raptors and Owls of Georgia. 2005 128 pp 2020 2020 Hürriyet (2020) Tuzakla yırtıcı kuşları yakalayan 3 kişiye 176 bin lira ceza. https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/ (in Turkish) 2019 2019 IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee (2019) Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Version 14. Prepared by the Standards and Petitions Committee. The Saker Falcon in Dagestan. KN Ismailov author 2012 text Caucasian Ornithological Bulletin 2012 24 48 59 Saker Falcon Falco cherrug (Gray, 1834). IV Karyakin author DS Pavlov author 2021 text 2nd edition. Moscow 2021 653 655 IV Karyakin author 2023 2023 Saker Falcon in Russia and Kazakhstan. IV Karyakin author AF Kovshar author 2015b text Almaty 2015b 473 530 Saker in the North-Western Kazakhstan: results of the 2003–2004 surveys. IV Karyakin author 2005 text Raptors Conservation 2005 2 42 55 10.19074/1814-8654-2015-31-103-129 10.19074/1814-8654-2023-2-450-458 A Khaleghizadeh author 2017 2017 10.1016/j.avrs.2023.100140 A Kovács author 2014 2014 Taxonomic revision of the Palaearctic rodents (Rodentia). Sciuridae: Xerinae 1 (Eutamias and Spermophilus). B Krystufek author 2012 text Lynx 2012 43 1–2 17 111 2023 2023 Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan (MENR), Institute of Zoology, National Academy of Science (2023) Azərbaycan Respublikasinin Qırmızı Kitabı - Fauna [Red Book of the Republic Of Azerbaijan Fauna] III edition. KT Molamusov author 2017 2017 Is there any scientific basis for decreasing the conservation status of the Saker Falcon? Raptors Conservation. AV Moshkin author 2010 text 2010 19 37 74 MG Muller author 2013 2013 Illegal Trade and Decrease in Numbers of the Saker Falcon in Kazakhstan. AS Levin author 2011 text Raptors Conservation 2011 23 64 73 Illegal trade and the decline of the Saker Falcon population in Kazakhstan. AS Levin author AF Kovshar author 2012 text Vol. 1. Almaty 2012 193 197 10.2173/bow.sakfal1.01 M Patrikeev author 2004 The Birds of Azerbaijan. Pensoft Series Faunistica No 38. 2004 380 pp Chink Saker Falcon – is a Separate Subspecies Inhabiting North-West of the Middle Asia. Raptors Conservation. RG Pfeffer author 2010 text 2010 19 164 185 Satellite-tracking of Saker Falcons (Falco cherrug) in Hungary in the period 2006–2018. M Prommer author 2023 text Heliaca 2023 19 34 52 Relationship between the Central and East European Saker Falcon populations based on results of ringing schemes and satellite-tracing. M Prommer author MN Gavrilyuk author 2012 text Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Birds of Prey and Owls of North Eurasia. Kryvyi Rih 2012 434 445 2023 2023 R Core Team (2023) R: A language and environment for statistical computing. R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria. G Radde author 1884 1884 10.1007/s10530-020-02425-z M Strimas-Mackey author 2025 2025 10.1088/1755-1315/590/1/012006 SN Varschavskiy author 1989 1989 P Voříšek author 2008 2008 H Wickham author 2024 2024 Globally threatened bird species of Türkiye. N Yavuz author 2021 text Doğanın Sesi Journal 2021 7 19 39 N Zazanashvili author 2020 Ecoregional Conservation Plan for the Caucasus: 2020 Edition. 2020 58 pp 10.3897/caucasiana.4.e150297 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/150297/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/150297/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/150297/download/xml/ This study provides a detailed overview of the Saker Falcon’s status across the Caucasus, integrating contributions from collaborators from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye, Armenia, Iran and Russian Caucasus, and reviewing citizen science platforms such as eBird, iNaturalist, and Observation.org. We found that there are a lack of targeted studies on Saker Falcons across all Caucasian countries, however, increased research efforts may uncover previously undocumented nesting sites, improve threat assessments, and guide effective conservation actions critical for the species' survival in the Caucasus. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Citizen science conservation falconry ornithology population trend raptor Status and breeding population of the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) in the Caucasus Ecoregion: Regional perspectives and conservation challenges Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.4.e155494 2025-06-17 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Epitashvili, Giorgi The National Environment Agency, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia author Ramazashvili, Giorgi Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Japoshvili, Bella https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0966-0622 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Mumladze, Levan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2172-6973 2025-06-17 2025-06-17 2025 Caucasiana 2667-9809 4 45 58 2025 IS Aphkhazava author 1975 Lakes of Georgia. 1975 181 pp 10.1002/aqc.2712 10.31578/hum.v6i1.345 10.1111/1749-4877.12493 10.1002/aqc.2958 10.1017/S1464793105006950 10.3897/BDJ.8.e57862 10.3897/BDJ.11.e101095 10.3391/bir.2023.12.4.23 10.11646/zootaxa.4952.1.8 R Fricke author 2025 2025 Gamma Consulting LLC author 2016 2016 10.20506/rst.29.2.1973 K Hughes author 2021 2021 10.1111/jai.14038 10.1051/kmae/2021028 10.1080/02508069808686730 M Kottelat author 2007 Handbook of European freshwater fishes. 2007 646 pp 2021 2021 “Reclamation of Georgia” LLC (2021) . Letter N 3989 (December 12), In response to the statement No. 3858 of November 22, 2021, on the request for public information. 10.1007/978-1-4757-2880-4_8 10.1371/journal.pbio.0060028 10.1016/j.aasci.2016.08.00 10.1577/1548-8446(1989)014%3C0022:EONAFD%3E2.0.CO;2 10.3897/neobiota.76.82776 N Ninua author 2013 Fishes of Georgia. 2013 180 pp List of Fish for Reservoirs of Armenia. SK Pipoyan author 1998 text Biology Journal of Armenia 1998 4 51 258 265 TP Simon author 1995 1995 10.1111/j.1365-2427.2009.02380.x 2025 2025 The Code of Administrative Offenses of Georgia (2025) https://www.matsne.gov.ge [In Georgian] 10.3897/caucasiana.4.e155494 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/155494/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/155494/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/155494/download/xml/ This study presents the first comprehensive survey of fish species’ diversity and distribution in the Algeti River and its reservoir in Georgia, a region within the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot. The research, conducted between 2016 and 2022, identified 19 fish species, including nine native to the Kura River basin and ten introduced or invasive species. The construction of a hydro power plant (HPP) dam in the 1980s and other subsequent anthropogenic activities have significantly altered the river ecosystem, creating distinct upstream, reservoir, and downstream sections with varying fish communities. The study reveals a concerning ongoing impact of anthropogenic factors on the Algeti River's fish fauna and whole ecosystem. The dam impedes fish migration; in addition, pollution, particularly in the mid-downstream section, has led to habitat degradation and a decline in native species. The introduction of non-native species, including predatory and bioturbator species, poses a substantial threat to the native fish populations. Our findings highlight the urgent need for conservation action to mitigate these threats. While the river's headwaters are within a protected area and some species are on the Red List of Georgia, alone these designations are insufficient safeguard. Effective conservation strategies must include stricter enforcement against illegal activities like poaching, as well as better pollution control and habitat management to preserve the Algeti River's biodiversity. This baseline study provides critical data for future research and conservation planning in this ecologically important region. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Artificial barriers Freshwater HPP dam Invasive Reservoirs South Caucasus Distribution, community composition and vulnerability of fish species in the Algeti River Basin (Georgia) Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.4.e158970 2025-06-17 caucasiana

Agricultural University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia author Japaridze, Lasha-Giorgi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7171-5589 Estonian Lepidopterist's Society, Tallinn, Estonia SHILAP, Madrid, Spain SEL Societas Europaea Lepidopterologica, Stuttgart, Germany Finnish Lepidopterist's Society, Helsinki, Finland author Haverinen, Risto https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8072-847X Unaffiliated, Vantaa, Finland author Junnilainen, Jari https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5000-4170 Institute of Zoology of Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology, National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia author Kalashian, Mark SHILAP, Madrid, Spain Lasnamäe Gymnasium, Tallinn, Estonia author Pototski, Aleksander https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1843-3627 2025-06-17 2025-06-17 2025 Caucasiana 2667-9809 4 59 64 2025 10.11646/zootaxa.5062.1.1 Monographie der Cossidae. I. Kritische Beurteilung der bisher dem Genus Stygia Latr. zugeteilten Arten.— Mitt, munch, ent. Ges. F Daniel author 1995 text 1995 45 159 181 Cossidae. JJ de Freina author O Karsholt author 1996 text A distributional Checklist. Apollo Books, Soro 1996 129 130 JJ de Freina author 1990 1990 Cossidae (Lepidoptera) of Georgia. EA Didmanidze author 2007 text Entomofauna 2007 28 1 1 16 Technique for making preparations of genitalia. M Fibiger author M Fibiger author 1997 text Noctuidae Europaeae 3. Sorø, Entomological Press 1997 14 17 10.3897/caucasiana.3.e140978 10.11646/zootaxa.5271.1.8 New faunistic records of Stygia mosulensis Daniel in Türkiye and nomenclatural comment on the subfamily Stygiinae (Lepidoptera, Cossidae). M Kemal author 2016 text Cesa News 2016 121 1 3 On the Lepidoptera fauna of a single locality, Saklıvadi (Van Province, East Türkiye). M Kemal author 2017 text Priamus 2017 15 1 1 81 The preparation of slides of Lepidoptera genitalia with special reference to the Microlepidoptera. GS Robinson author 1976 text Entomologist’s Gazette 1976 27 127 132 10.11646/zootaxa.5374.2.3 A phylogenetic study on Cossidae (Lepidoptera: Ditrysia) based on external adult morphology. JW Schoorl author 1990 text Zoologische Verhandelingen Leiden 1990 263 1 295 10.15421/2017_23 TJ Witt author 1983 1983 A revision of Carpenter moths of the genus Holcocerus Staudinger, 1884 (s.l.). RV Yakovlev author 2006 text Eversmannia, Supplement 2006 1 1 104 10.1134/S0013873811040130 Catalogue of the Family Cossidae of the Old World (Lepidoptera). RV Yakovlev author 2011b text Neue Entomologische Nachrichten 2011b 66 1 129 10.11646/zootaxa.3802.2.6 10.11646/zootaxa.3990.1.10 10.37828/em.2025.82.12 10.11646/zootaxa.3990.1.3 10.1080/09397140.2020.1809784 New for Turkish fauna genus Stygia Latreille, [1802] (Lepidoptera: Cossidae). RV Yakovlev author 2016 text Far Eastern Entomologist 2016 305 10 12 10.3897/caucasiana.4.e158970 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/158970/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/158970/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/158970/download/xml/ The study provides an update on the Lepidoptera diversity of Armenia, with the first record of two genera Phragmacossia Schawerda, 1924 and Stygia Latreille, [1802] based on 10 male specimens of Phragmacossia territa (Staudinger, 1879) and a single female specimen of Stygia mosulensis Daniel, 1965 collected in Alvank, Syuik Province, Armenia. These are also the first record of this genera in the South Caucasus. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Armenia Cossoidea Heterocera Heteroneura new records First records of two genera Phragmacossia Schawerda, 1924 and Stygia Latreille, [1802] in the South Caucasus (Lepidoptera, Cossidae) Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.4.e162490 2025-09-12 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Ninua, Levan https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6607-2428 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Rostiashvili, Ioane Unaffiliated, Gori, Georgia author Bulbulashvili, Natalia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6802-1209 Unaffiliated, Tbilisi, Georgia author Makharadze, Giorgi https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4443-5432 2025-09-12 2025-09-12 2025 Caucasiana 2667-9809 4 65 80 2025 10.3897/caucasiana.4.e162490 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/162490/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/162490/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/162490/download/xml/ In this paper we present new faunistic and regional data on the Agelenidae, Gnaphosidae, Linyphiidae, and Lycosidae of Georgia. Tegenaria hasperi Chyzer, 1897 (Agelenidae), Archaraeoncus prospiciens (Thorell, 1875), Trichoncoides piscator (Simon, 1884) (both Linyphiidae), and Aulonia kratochvili Dunin, Buchar & Absolon, 1986 (Lycosidae) are reported for the first time from Georgia. Echemus levyi Kovblyuk & Seyyar, 2009 (Gnaphosidae) is reported for the first time from the Caucasus region. Tegenaria pseudolyncea (Guseinov, Marusik & Koponen, 2005) (Agelenidae) is documented in Georgia outside the Samachablo region for the first time. Marinarozelotes malkini (Platnick & Murphy, 1984) (Gnaphosidae) is recorded in the Southern Caucasus for the second time. Lastly, a new species from the Tegenaria lyncea group, T. amirani sp. nov. is described based on both male and female specimens from Georgia. Diagnostic illustrations, photographs of a live T. hasperi female, and images of T. amirani sp. nov. are provided along with detailed collecting data. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Agelenidae biodiversity Gnaphosidae Linyphiidae Lycosidae new species new record South Caucasus New data on spiders (Arthropoda, Arachnida, Araneae) of Georgia with description of a new species from Tegenaria lyncea group Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.4.e151878 2025-09-15 caucasiana

Unaffiliated, Tbilisi, Georgia author Schröter, Asmus https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3655-2304 2025-09-15 2025-09-15 2025 Caucasiana 2667-9809 4 81 94 2025 10.3897/caucasiana.4.e151878 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/151878/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/151878/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/151878/download/xml/ Two cases of interspecific aggression by overwintering black-throated divers directed at great crested grebes Podiceps cristatus, are for the first time described from Georgia and the South Caucasus. In one case, the attack on a pair of great crested grebes had a fatal outcome for one grebe. The reasons for interspecific aggression outside the breeding season and the biological basis of this behaviour is discussed and observations compared with available literature. Due to the anecdotal nature of current knowledge of this puzzling issue no explanation for interspecific aggression per se is provided. The previously published hypothesis that competition for fish prey might play a role is supported. Observed interspecific aggression included adopting the aggressive display postures and performing actions used in territorial defence typical for the black-throated diver and the four larger Gavia species, such as fencing, crouching, bill-dipping, rushing, bow-jumping, and wing-flapping. Calls uttered during attack are a characteristic shortened form of the territorial yodel. A previously unpublished behaviour possibly linked to interspecific aggression of black-throated divers is described. Observation data obtained from 2021-2025 show that the black-throated diver is a regular passage migrant and winter guest at Tbilisi reservoir, emphasising the importance of the reservoir as a migration stop-over for the species in inland Georgia. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers arctic diver arctic loon black-throated loon concurrence ethology food competition Gavia immer overwintering Southern Caucasus ecoregion Yodelling death – on interspecific aggression in overwintering Black-throated Divers (Gavia arctica) (Aves: Gaviidae) Review Article

10.3897/caucasiana.4.e171922 2025-09-15 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Ninua, Levan https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6607-2428 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Rostiashvili, Ioane Unaffiliated, Gori, Georgia author Bulbulashvili, Natalia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6802-1209 Unaffiliated, Tbilisi, Georgia author Makharadze, Giorgi https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4443-5432 2025-09-15 2025-09-15 2025 Caucasiana 2667-9809 4 95 96 2025 1999 International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, Fourth Edition. 1999 306 pp ICZN [International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature] (1999) International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, Fourth Edition.The International Trust for Zoological Nomenclature, London, 306 pp. https://www.iczn.org/the-code/the-code-online/ 10.3897/caucasiana.4.e151922 10.3897/caucasiana.4.e171922 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/171922/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/171922/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/171922/download/xml/ We recently published the description of a new agelenid spider Tegenaria amirani (Seropian, Bulbulashvili et Makharadze 2025). However, no holotype depository was indicated in the paper. This is mandatory after 1999 according to the current International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, and the new species name would be a nomen nudum and unavailable (ICZN 1999: Art. 16.4.2). In this corrigendum, we indicate the holotype depository, which we did not include in the original paper. We thank Theo Blick (Hummeltal, Germany) for kindly pointing out this error.To rectify this oversight, we hereby provide the missing depository information: the holotype and all paratypes bearing the sample code CaBOL-ID are deposited in the deposited in the scientific collections of Ilia State University, Georgia, Tbilisi. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Corrigendum: New data on spiders (Arthropoda, Arachnida, Araneae) of Georgia with description of a new species from Tegenaria lyncea group. Caucasiana 4: 65–80. https://doi.org/10.3897/caucasiana.4.e162490 Corrigenda

10.3897/caucasiana.4.e162106 2025-09-23 caucasiana

University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland author Kitel, Denis https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5298-2611 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Buknikashvili, Alexander https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2361-3078 2025-09-23 2025-09-23 2025 Caucasiana 2667-9809 4 97 104 2025 10.3897/caucasiana.4.e162106 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/162106/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/162106/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/162106/download/xml/ The pygmy white-toothed shrew (Suncus etruscus), one of the smallest mammals globally, has long been considered rare and poorly studied in Georgia. Traditionally under-recorded due to its small size and elusive behaviour, the species' presence has remained uncertain, with only a few historical or unverified records. In this study, we analysed barn owl (Tyto alba) pellets collected across eastern Georgia between 2023 and 2025 to assess the presence of S. etruscus in the region. From a total of 6,627 prey items extracted and identified, 41 individuals of S. etruscus were found in pellets from 12 different locations in Kakheti and Kvemo Kartli regions. These findings significantly expand the known distribution of the species in Georgia and suggest that it is more common in lowland habitats than previously believed. Given the barn owl’s relatively small foraging range, the occurrence of S. etruscus remains in pellets is a reliable indicator of its local presence. Our results highlight the value of raptor pellet analysis in detecting elusive small mammals and suggest that S. etruscus may have been previously overlooked due to methodological limitations in traditional trapping surveys. This study provides a new foundation for understanding the distribution and habitat preferences of this poorly known species in the Caucasus. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Suncus etruscus barn owl pellet analysis small mammals Georgia distribution Barn Owl (Tyto alba) Pellet Analysis Reveals Wider Distribution of the Pygmy White-toothed Shrew (Suncus etruscus) in Georgia Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.4.e162505 2025-09-23 caucasiana

University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland author Kitel, Denis https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5298-2611 School of Natural Sciences and Medicine, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Javakhishvili, Zurab https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8909-1081 2025-09-23 2025-09-23 2025 Caucasiana 2667-9809 4 105 118 2025 10.3897/caucasiana.4.e162505 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/162505/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/162505/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/162505/download/xml/ The Barn Owl (Tyto alba) has only recently colonized Georgia, yet has rapidly expanded throughout the country's lowland agricultural landscapes. Despite its increasing presence, no prior comprehensive study has examined its diet in Georgia. We analyzed 6627 prey items from Barn Owl pellets collected between 2023 and 2025 at 34 sites across five Georgian regions. After sterilization and dissection, prey remains were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level and biomass was estimated. The results show that mammals dominate the diet, accounting for 98.6% of all prey items, with rodents (53% by number, 75% by biomass) and shrews (45% by number, 23% by biomass) being the most common prey groups. Other prey included birds, bats, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. Notably, Mus macedonicus, Microtus socialis, and Crocidura spp. were the most frequent mammalian prey. Geographic variation in diet composition was observed, with some sites showing a predominance of shrews. This study provides novel insights into the Barn Owl’s feeding ecology in Georgia and offers the first regional data on several small mammal species, including updated records for Micromys minutus and Suncus etruscus. Given the owl’s preference for rodents, it may serve as a valuable component of sustainable rodent control strategies in Georgian agriculture. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Barn Owl diet pellets prey rodents shrews pest control The diet of Barn Owl (Tyto alba) in Georgia Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.4.e164996 2025-09-26 caucasiana

Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, author Yaman, Mustafa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5656-7266 Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture, Tbilisi, Georgia Agricultural University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia author Kereselidze, Manana https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3888-6719 Isparta University of Applied Sciences, Isparta, author Sağlam Güvendik, Tuğba https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1654-2261 2025-09-26 2025-09-26 2025 Caucasiana 2667-9809 4 119 124 2025 10.3897/caucasiana.4.e164996 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/164996/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/164996/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/164996/download/xml/ Gregarines, which belong to the parasitic protozoa, have a variety of negative effects on their hosts. Therefore, it's important to report this pathogen for the first time from a new insect population in Tbilisi, Georgia. Several life stages of the gregarine were found in the midgut lumen of the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, a pest species of grain and stored food products, which is also gaining attention as a potential sustainable food source. Forty samples from both larvae and adults were dissected, and their intestines were examined under a microscope, demonstrating that both were infected by the parasite. Several life stages of the gregarine parasite were found in the midgut lumens of these mealworms, with the largest trophozoite observed being 67.9 µm in length. Gregarine infection rates in T. molitor larvae were found to be higher than in the adults. Twenty-nine of the 40 examined larvae were infected (72.5%) compared to seven of the 40 examined adults (17.5%). These results suggest that T. molitor larvae are more susceptible to gregarine parasite infection than adults. Our study contrasts with a similar study in Antalya, Turkey, where no gregarine infection was observed in either larval or adult T. molitor. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers apicomplexan protists Caucasian coleoptera distribution infection rate Occurrence of gregarine parasites of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in Georgia and Türkiye Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.4.e164636 2025-10-20 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Svanidze, Eteri https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4122-4392 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Kvelashvili, Archili https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1408-1351 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Jorjadze, Angelina https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3828-2296 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Peikrishvili, Ketevan https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6672-8075 2025-10-20 2025-10-20 2025 Caucasiana 2667-9809 4 125 136 2025 10.3897/caucasiana.4.e164636 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/164636/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/164636/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/164636/download/xml/ The data presented here cover all the macromycete species recorded from the National Botanical Garden of Georgia from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day. This is the first time a list of macromycetes from the National Botanical Garden of Georgia has been compiled; it totals 126 species, along with their ecological and trophic characteristics, collection date, and sources (herbarium, literature). Five species records from collections made between 2021–2024 are new to the Georgian mycobiota. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Botanical Garden Macromycetes New records Macromycetes of the National Botanical Garden of Georgia: Revised data Data Paper

10.3897/caucasiana.4.e168433 2025-10-21 caucasiana

Agricultural University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia author Japaridze, Lasha-Giorgi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7171-5589 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 2025-10-21 2025-10-21 2025 Caucasiana 2667-9809 4 137 151 2025 10.3897/caucasiana.4.e168433 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/168433/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/168433/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/168433/download/xml/ This study aims to expand our current knowledge of biological invasions of Georgia by reporting the first records of two non-native moth genera Micromelalopha Nagano, 1916 (Notodontidae), and Antheraea Hübner, 1819 (Saturniidae) from the South Caucasus, based on three male specimens of Micromelalopha sieversi (Staudinger, 1892) and five male specimens of Antheraea pernyi (Guérin-Méneville, 1855). These findings are based on recent field collections, supported by morphological examination and DNA barcoding, and contribute to a better understanding of the region's shifting lepidopteran fauna and potential bio-invasion risks. Additionally, we provide the first comprehensive list of non-native animal species recorded in Georgia, based on literary and online sources. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Antheraea pernyi barcoding Lepidoptera Micromelalopha sieversi new records Notodontidae Saturniidae South Caucasus Unwanted guests: The first records of two established non-native moth species in the Caucasus, with notes on non-native fauna of Georgia Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.4.e173667 2025-12-02 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilis, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 2025-12-02 2025-12-02 2025 Caucasiana 2667-9809 4 153 161 2025 10.3897/caucasiana.4.e173667 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/173667/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/173667/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/173667/download/xml/ The first illustrated description of transverse intersexuality in Trochosa cachetiensis Mcheidze, 1997, from Georgia, is provided. In this specimen, both male (palpal bulbs) and female (epigyne) structures are underdeveloped. Brief comparison of the intersex specimen with normally developed conspecifics is given. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers development intersexes sexual abnormalities wolf spider Stuck in between: First case of transverse intersexuality in Trochosa cachetiensis Mcheidze, 1997 (Araneae, Lycosidae) from Georgia Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.4.e172790 2025-12-03 caucasiana

Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Memishishi, Aleksi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5862-5105 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Dzuliashvili, Kristina https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2994-6586 Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Japoshvili, Bella https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0966-0622 2025-12-03 2025-12-03 2025 Caucasiana 2667-9809 4 165 171 2025 10.3897/caucasiana.4.e172790 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/172790/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/172790/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/172790/download/xml/ In this paper, we provide evidence of the presence of Calamoceras illiesi Malicky & Kumanski 1974 in the South Caucasus for the first time. In addition, the occurrence of Mystacides azureus Linnaeus, 1761 is confirmed in Georgia, with the initial photograph observation in social media supported by the collection of specimens from several locations in the country. Detailed collection data, photos of preserved specimens, and habitat of C. illiesi in Georgia are provided along with a map of known records for both species. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers biodiversity caddisflies faunistics Kvereti Managed Reserve The first record of Calamoceras illiesi Malicky & Kumanski, 1974 (Trichoptera, Calamoceratidae) and confirmation of the occurrence of Mystacides azureus Linnaeus, 1761 (Trichoptera, Leptoceridae) from Georgia Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.4.e173656 2025-12-08 caucasiana

Perm State University, Perm, Russia author Tiunov, Artyom https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3256-5594 Perm State University, Perm, Russia author Ustinova, Anastasiya L. https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8053-3286 2025-12-08 2025-12-08 2025 Caucasiana 2667-9809 4 195 201 2025 10.3897/caucasiana.4.e173656 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/173656/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/173656/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/173656/download/xml/ Based on the female lectotype from the D.E. Kharitonov’s collection, we provide a re-evaluation and redescription of an orb-web spider Araniella tbilisiensis (Mcheidze, 1997). Following an examination of Araniella villanii Zamani et al., 2020 paratypes, we considered this a junior synonym of A. tbilisiensis. Additionally, the photographs of the epigyne of a female specimen from D.E. Kharitonov’s collection, originally assigned to A. tbilisiensis, are presented as an unknown Araniella sp. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Araneomorphae Georgia orb-web spiders South Caucasus synonymy A revalidation and redescription of the orb-web spider Araniella tbilisiensis (Mcheidze 1997) (Araneae: Araneidae) Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.4.e165329 2025-12-08 caucasiana

Tembotov Institute of Ecology of Mountain territories KBSC, RAS, Nalchik, Russia author Karmokov, Mukhamed https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3797-2511 Institute of Biomedical Problems RAS, Center of medico-ecological researches, Nalchik, Russia author Akkizov, Azamat 2025-12-08 2025-12-08 2025 Caucasiana 2667-9809 4 173 194 2025 funder Russian Foundation for Basic Research 10.13039/501100002261 10.3897/caucasiana.4.e165329 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/165329/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/165329/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/165329/download/xml/ This study provides new details on the karyotype characteristics, chromosomal polymorphism, and COI gene data of the Dipteran species Chironomus degelenus from the Eastern Caucasus. This is the first record of Ch. degelenus in the Eastern Caucasus (and Russia in General). The Caucasian population of this species shows eight banding sequences and low polymorphism. We discovered a new banding sequence, degC2, in Ch. degelenus. Only arm C showed an inversion polymorphism. There are striking similarities between the polytene chromosome banding patterns of Ch. degelenus and Ch. atrella. Therefore, we propose including Ch. degelenus in the Ch. atrella group of closely related species. Phylogenetic analysis of COI gene sequences reveals two distinct entities referred to as “Ch. atrella”, with a higher-than-average K2P distance of 6.2%. This pattern is attributed to “dark taxa”; genetic information in databases from unknown and taxonomically challenging species. We also discuss the potential link between the emergence of the species Ch. degelenus and Ch. atrella and Pliocene climate changes. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers mitochondrial DNA phylogeny polytene chromosomes Karyotype characteristics and COI gene data of Chironomus degelenus Seisebaev, Bakhtin & Siirin, 2001 (Diptera, Chironomidae) from the Eastern Caucasus (Dagestan) and its relationship with the Nearctic species Chironomus atrella (Townes, 1945) Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.4.e169350 2025-12-10 caucasiana

Institute of Zoology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author ana margalitadze, ana margalitadze https://orcid.org/https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4805-7783 Institute of zoology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Kiria, Eleonora https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1711-2163 Institute of Zoology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Gogshelidze, Mariam https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3614-213X Institute of Zoology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Shavadze, Lado https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7643-2382 Institute of Zoology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Modebadze, Naia https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9213-5466 Institute of Zoology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Barjadze, Shalva https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8992-4987 2025-12-10 2025-12-10 2025 Caucasiana 2667-9809 4 203 229 2025 10.3897/caucasiana.4.e169350 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/169350/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/169350/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/169350/download/xml/ The Caucasus region is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot, hosting a remarkable diversity. Among its unique ecosystems, karst caves in western Georgia provide habitat for highly specialized invertebrate fauna. Despite the ecological significance of these cave systems, biospeleological research in the region remains limited. Based on recent studies, an updated and expanded checklist of invertebrates from the Racha and Khvamli karst massifs is provided. We report 102 species, representing 25 orders, 57 families, and 78 genera, including eight newly recorded taxa for the caves of Racha and Khvamli karst Massifs: Globochthonius satapliaensis, Harpolithobius perplexus, H. spinipes, Lithobius viriatus, Chaetoleptophyllum flexum, Leucogeorgia gioi, Porrhomma convexum and Colchidoniscus kutaissianus. Of these 102 species, 20 are troglobionts, 11 are stygobionts, 45 are troglophiles, two are stygophiles, 13 are trogloxenes, six are accidental records and for five species ecological status is not defined. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers South Caucasus endemism subterranean fauna Checklist of Invertebrates from the Racha and Khvamli Karst Massifs, Sakartvelo (Georgia) Checklist

10.3897/caucasiana.5.e169526 2026-04-01 caucasiana

Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Murvanidze, Maka https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8579-4011 Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Abuladze, Mariam 2026-04-01 2026-04-01 2026 Caucasiana 2667-9809 5 1 14 2026 funder Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation 10.13039/501100004801 10.3897/caucasiana.5.e169526 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/169526/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/169526/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/169526/download/xml/ Here, we present the results of a litterbag experiment performed in a natural broadleaved forest to study the patterns of microarthropod succession in decomposing litter and the level of adaptation to local vs. spatially distant microhabitats. Ten oak and ten beech leaf-filled, defaunated litterbags were placed under an oak tree, and the same were placed under a beech tree (forty litterbags in total). Five litterbags of each type were collected six and twelve months after the beginning of the experiment, in June and December, respectively. Microarthropod fauna differed between the two sampling events, showing higher diversity and abundance in winter, reflecting the progress of colonization. Microarthropod faunal abundance and species numbers in litterbags filled with oak leaves and placed under the oak trees were significantly higher than those in the other types of litterbags, suggesting the adaptation of the local microarthropod community to this type of litter. The trophic composition of microarthropods showed a higher diversity at the end of the experiment, with increased ratios of predatory and fungivorous taxa, indicating more diverse and easily accessible food resources. Litter dry mass declined continuously for beech litter, while the rate of decline slowed in oak litter between the first and the second sampling events, probably due to the more robust structure of oak leaves compared to beech. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers decomposition feeding mode litterbag Mesostigmata Oribatida soil microarthropods Succession of soil microarthropods during leaf litter decomposition in two contrasting broadleaved tree stands: A litterbag study Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.5.e177177 2026-04-03 caucasiana

Invertebrate Research Center, Telavi, Georgia Agricultural University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia author Japoshvili, George https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9901-4554 Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Ljubomirov, Toshko Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany author Kulanek, Dustin Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany author Husemann, Martin https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5536-6681 2026-04-03 2026-04-03 2026 Caucasiana 2667-9809 5 15 24 2026 10.3897/caucasiana.5.e177177 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/177177/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/177177/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/177177/download/xml/ We hereby present the first country records of two vespid species of the genus Polistes Latreille, 1802 (Vespidae) — Polistes bucharensis Erichson, 1849 and P. mongolicus du Buysson, 1911 — for Georgia (Sakartvelo). We identified specimens morphologically and confirmed the identification with DNA barcode data. Based on this, we provide some of the first DNA barcodes for these species from the region as a basis for future research. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Biodiversity hotspot Caucasus integrative taxonomy Sakartvelo New records of Polistes paper wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) for Georgia with first DNA barcodes from Vashlovani National Park Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.5.e176387 2026-04-03 caucasiana

Agricultural University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia author Japaridze, Lasha-Giorgi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7171-5589 Unaffiliated, Tbilisi, Georgia author Makharadze, Giorgi https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4443-5432 Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia author Petrov, Valeri https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4125-894X OpenScienceLab NZ, Ngaio, New Zealand author Grehan, John https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3119-1140 2026-04-03 2026-04-03 2026 Caucasiana 2667-9809 5 25 29 2026 10.3897/caucasiana.5.e176387 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/176387/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/176387/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/176387/download/xml/ This study reviews the diversity of ghost moths (Hepialidae) in Georgia, including the first documentation of the genus Hepialus Fabricius, 1775 with the recording of Hepialus humuli (Linnaeus, 1758) based on a two male and a single female specimens collected in 3 regions of Georgia in 1961, 1962 and 1970. The newly recorded genus also represents the first record for the South Caucasus more widely. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Biodiversity biogeography Hepialus humuli new record New Light on Old Ghosts: First Record of the genus Hepialus Fabricius, 1775 (Lepidoptera, Hepialidae) from Georgia Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.5.e189638 2026-05-07 caucasiana

Institute of Zoology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia Institute of Ecology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 Unaffiliated, Tbilisi, Georgia author Bulbulashvili, Natalia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6802-1209 Institute of Zoology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Egidunashvili, Vano 2026-05-07 2026-05-07 2026 Caucasiana 2667-9809 5 31 39 2026 10.3897/caucasiana.5.e189638 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/189638/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/189638/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/189638/download/xml/ The spider fauna of Tbilisi was systematically documented in the early 2000s, when 252 species were recorded from the city and its surroundings. Despite a rapid urban expansion over the past two decades, subsequent studies have increased this number to 371 species. In the present study, we provide the first Georgian records of Tolokonniella stigmatisata (Menge, 1869) (Lathyidae) and Scotargus pilosus Simon, 1913 (Linyphiidae), and record Drassodes serratichelis (Roewer, 1928) (Gnaphosidae) in the Caucasus region for the first time, all based on specimens collected in Tbilisi. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Drassodes Gnaphosidae Lathyidae Linyphiidae Scotargus South Caucasus Tolokonniella Spiders in a Growing City: New Country and Regional Records of Spiders (Araneae) from Tbilisi, Georgia Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.5.e188959 2026-06-24 caucasiana

The branch of German Nature Protection Union (NABU) in the Republic of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia author Harutyunyan, Levon https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1379-4670 The Nature And Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), Berlin, Germany author Kovalev, Vitalij The branch of German Nature Protection Union (NABU) in the Republic of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia author Markosyan, Astghik The branch of German Nature Protection Union (NABU) in the Republic of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia Institute of Geological Sciences NAS RA, Yerevan, Armenia author Tarasyan, Narek https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8377-7873 Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology, Yerevan, Armenia The branch of German Nature Protection Union (NABU) in the Republic of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia author Aghajanyan, Lusine https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4486-6095 The branch of German Nature Protection Union (NABU) in the Republic of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia author Gudkov, Mark 2026-06-24 2026-06-24 2026 Caucasiana 2667-9809 5 41 57 2026 10.3897/caucasiana.5.e188959 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/188959/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/188959/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/188959/download/xml/ Electrocution on medium-voltage distribution lines is a globally recognized threat to birds, yet data from the South Caucasus remain scarce. In Armenia, the magnitude and spatial distribution of this impact have not previously been assessed through systematic field surveys. This pilot study evaluated bird electrocution in selected regions of the country during the 2024 breeding and autumn migration periods. Surveys covered approximately 114 km of 10 kV overhead power lines (OPLs) (2,071 poles) across Armavir, Ararat, Kotayk, and Shirak provinces. Transects were walked along a 40 m search belt, and all carcasses discovered were documented, with species identification, pole type, and geographic coordinates being recorded. Given resource constraints, following initial surveys, the study prioritised concrete poles over wooden ones as the former were identified as presenting a potentially higher mortality risk. In total, 252 electrocuted birds representing 15 identified species were recorded. Mortality was markedly higher during autumn migration in Shirak (228 cases) than during the breeding season in other surveyed regions (24 cases), although this contrast may reflect both seasonal patterns and regional landscape differences. Corvids and small- to medium-sized diurnal raptors comprised the majority of recorded casualties. Spatial mapping revealed distinct mortality clusters, particularly around Arpi Lake National Park and in open steppe–agricultural landscapes with limited natural perching structures. Informal carcass persistence observations suggested prolonged detectability of large raptor remains. The results indicate that electrocution on medium-voltage lines represents a concentrated and potentially significant source of avian mortality in parts of Armenia, underscoring the need for targeted mitigation and systematic monitoring. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers anthropogenic mortality biodiversity impact bird mortality human–wildlife conflict infrastructure effects South Caucasus utility poles wildlife conservation Avian mortality associated with medium-voltage distribution lines in selected regions of Armenia: results of a pilot survey Research Article

10.3897/caucasiana.5.e189214 2026-07-08 caucasiana

Caucasus Leibniz Biodiversity Research Center, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Tarkhnishvili, David https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1479-9880 Caucasus Leibniz Biodiversity Research Center, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Iankoshvili, Giorgi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0429-1488 Caucasus Leibniz Biodiversity Research Center, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia Institute of Zoology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Seropian, Armen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3777-9954 Institute of Zoology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Kachlishvili, Nino https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5632-8959 Caucasus Leibniz Biodiversity Research Center, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Todua, Mariami https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1870-3030 2026-07-08 2026-07-08 2026 Caucasiana 2667-9809 5 59 138 2026 funder Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation 10.13039/501100004801 10.3897/caucasiana.5.e189214 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/189214/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/189214/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/189214/download/xml/ Despite the publication of numerous papers, spanning the period from the 19th century to recent times, that have been devoted to the faunistics and taxonomy of the herpetological fauna of the Caucasus Biodiversity Hotspot, the actual species diversity of the region still remains unclear. Some formally described taxa lack comprehensive validation based on integrative phylogenetic and biogeographic evidence, whereas other nominal species have been questioned or synonymized in subsequent studies. In this paper, we present an annotated checklist of 12 amphibian and 56 reptile species recorded from Georgia, accompanied by taxonomic remarks based on current molecular, morphological, and biogeographic knowledge. Most taxa are represented by DNA barcodes (COI) generated within the Caucasus Barcoding of Life (CaBOL) project and deposited in institutional collections and international databases. We explicitly distinguish between biologically confirmed species, effectively isolated from their closest relatives, and candidate species whose status requires further validation; particularly in cases where contact zones and potential clinal variation remain insufficiently studied. The checklist is supplemented with specimen photographs and generalised distribution maps. Overall, we aim to contribute to a more transparent and critically evaluated taxonomic framework for the herpetofauna of Georgia and the broader Caucasus region. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Amphibia Reptilia species list taxonomy An Annotated Checklist of the Amphibians and Reptiles of Georgia with DNA Barcoding Data and Taxonomic Remarks Checklist

10.3897/caucasiana.5.e204607 2026-09-16 caucasiana

Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Türkiye author KORKMAZ, Ahmet Gökay https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8774-9156 Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Türkiye author Candan, Kamil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6934-3971 Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Türkiye author Hastürk, Ecem Büşra https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2564-8733 Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Türkiye author Gül, Serkan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0372-7462 Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye author Şahin, Mehmet https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0834-5081 Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Türkiye author Yıldırım, Elif https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6794-2527 Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Türkiye author Kumlutaş, Yusuf https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1154-6757 2026-09-16 2026-09-16 2026 Caucasiana 2667-9809 5 139 146 2026 10.3897/caucasiana.5.e204607 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/204607/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/204607/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/204607/download/xml/ Melanism is among the most ecologically significant chromatic anomalies reported in squamates, and yet its evolutionary drivers remain a topic of debate. Two principal hypotheses have been proposed: thermal melanism, which holds that darker individuals heat more rapidly in cool climates, and Gloger's rule, which predicts greater melanin deposition in warm, humid environments. Melanistic individuals of Eirenis modestus are a rarely documented phenomenon given the species' characteristically pale dorsal coloration; to date, every previously published record of this dark morph had come from island populations. Here we report the first mainland record of melanism in E. modestus, based on a single specimen collected on 9 May 2024 near Çağman–Demre, Antalya Province, southwestern Türkiye. The individual exhibited entirely black dorsal coloration from head to tail, with greyish-white ventral scales darkening progressively towards the tail. Pholidotic characters were consistent with those previously documented for the species. The Çağman–Demre locality, like all previously reported sites, is characterised by relatively high humidity and a Mediterranean coastal climate, a pattern more consistent with Gloger's rule than with thermal melanism. Further sampling across the Anatolian mainland and adjacent islands is needed to assess the frequency and geographic distribution of this morph. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers Colubridae color polymorphism Gloger's rule thermal melanism A melanistic Eirenis modestus (Martin, 1838) from the Anatolian mainland: first record outside island populations Short Communication

10.3897/caucasiana.5.e207119 2026-09-18 caucasiana

Niko Ketskhoveli Institute of Botany, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Tedoradze, Giorgi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8884-9177 Niko Ketskhoveli Institute of Botany, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Bakhia, Arsena https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3809-1124 Niko Ketskhoveli Institute of Botany, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Jugeli, Tamar Niko Ketskhoveli Institute of Botany, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Khuskivadze, Dimitri Niko Ketskhoveli Institute of Botany, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Meghvinetukhutsesi, Nutsa Niko Ketskhoveli Institute of Botany, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Mikeladze, Giorgi https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4972-0562 Institute of Botany, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria author Rasran, Leonid https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0956-9354 Niko Ketskhoveli Institute of Botany, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Sikharulidze, Shalva Institute of Ecology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia author Kikvidze, Zaal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5007-4484 2026-09-18 2026-09-18 2026 Caucasiana 2667-9809 5 147 166 2026 10.3897/caucasiana.5.e207119 https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/207119/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/207119/download/pdf/ https://caucasiana.pensoft.net/article/207119/download/xml/ Ski piste construction and maintenance are recognised as significant drivers of vegetation change in mountain ecosystems. The Caucasus has a rapidly developing ski tourism and at the same time is an important hotspot of global biodiversity; the impact of this form of land use on vegetation has not yet been studied in the area. We examined plant community structure, species composition and cover, functional-group biomass, and temporal dynamics along an elevation gradient (1,884–2,685 m a.s.l.) spanning montane to alpine zones at the Didveli ski piste within the Bakuriani ski resort (Lesser Caucasus, Georgia). We compared 36 ski piste plots (18 standard-track and 18 eroded) with 25 adjacent undisturbed control plots using ordination (PCA and CCA), cluster analysis, Indicator Species Analysis, and linear mixed-effects models. We analysed the occurrence of 103 species with a frequency ≥ 5 in these plots. PCA clearly separated control plots from disturbed plots along the axis associated with soil depth, species richness, and aboveground biomass. CCA confirmed that species distributions closely followed this human-impact gradient. Cluster analysis identified floristically distinct groups that broadly corresponded to control, track, and eroded conditions. Indicator Species Analysis revealed that undisturbed plots supported typical alpine meadow species (Gentiana septemfida, Bromus variegatus, Veratrum lobelianum), while eroded plots were associated with disturbance-tolerant taxa (Draba hispida, Arctium lappa) and track plots with the compaction-tolerant grass Calamagrostis pseudophragmites. Mean aboveground biomass on control plots (2,526 kg ha–1) was 2.1–3.0 times higher than on track (1,175 kg ha–1) and eroded plots (833 kg ha–1). Graminoids and forbs declined sharply under disturbance, whereas legume biomass was resilient across all land-use types, likely owing to nitrogen-fixation capacity. Temporal monitoring (2020–2023) showed stable or increasing biomass on control plots but limited and short-lived recovery on piste plots. These findings demonstrate that ski piste development substantially reduces biodiversity and productivity in the Caucasus Mountain grasslands and underlines the need for targeted restoration and sustainable management strategies. text/html en_US Pensoft Publishers biomass disturbance mountain vegetation plant community phytosociology Vegetation of Ski Pistes in the Lesser Caucasus (Bakuriani, Georgia): Species Composition, Functional Traits, and Temporal Dynamics Research Article