Smittia solominae sp. nov. (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae), living on ice of high mountain glaciers of the Elbrus Region (North Caucasus).

Illustrated morphological description with a study of DNA barcoding and biology of adult male, pupa and larva of Smittia solominae sp. nov., living on the ice surface of glaciers at an altitude of about 3000 m above sea level in the Elbrus region of the North Caucasus is given. DNA barcoding provided support that the new species unique within genus Smittia. The average interspecific distances between S. solominae sp. nov. and other Smittia from BOLD above 12% that correspond to species level.

A collaborative backbone resource for comparative studies of subterranean evolution: The World Asellidae database.

Transition to novel environments, such as groundwater colonization by surface organisms, provides an excellent research ground to study phenotypic evolution. However, interspecific comparative studies on evolution to groundwater life are few because of the challenge in assembling large ecological and molecular resources for species-rich taxa comprised of surface and subterranean species. Here, we make available to the scientific community an operational set of working tools and resources for the Asellidae, a family of freshwater isopods containing hundreds of surface and subterranean species. First, we release the World Asellidae database (WAD) and its web application, a sustainable and FAIR solution to producing and sharing data and biological material. WAD provides access to thousands of species occurrences, specimens, DNA extracts and DNA sequences with rich metadata ensuring full scientific traceability. Second, we perform a large-scale dated phylogenetic reconstruction of Asellidae to support phylogenetic comparative analyses. Of 424 terminal branches, we identify 34 pairs of surface and subterranean species representing independent replicates of the transition from surface water to groundwater. Third, we exemplify the usefulness of WAD for documenting phenotypic shifts associated with colonization of subterranean habitats. We provide the first phylogenetically controlled evidence that body size of males decreases relative to that of females upon groundwater colonization, suggesting competition for rare receptive females selects for smaller, more agile males in groundwater. By making these tools and resources widely accessible, we open up new opportunities for exploring how phenotypic traits evolve in response to changes in selective pressures and trade-offs during groundwater colonization.

Fauna and taxonomy of Diamesinae (Diptera, Chironomidae) from the Caucasus, with a morphological description and DNA barcoding of new taxa and a discussion of diagnostic problems for Diamesa Meigen and Pseudodiamesa Goetghebuer.

As a result of the revision of adult males as well as available literature data, 26 species of the subfamily Diamesinae are registered for the Caucasus, belonging to 5 genera. Four species are recorded for the first time for this region, one species, D. elbrusica sp. nov., and one subspecies, D. sakartvella gidanica subsp. nov., are new to science and are described. Six species are classified as endemics of the Caucasus. Distribution of other species of Caucasian Diamesinae is discussed. DNA barcodes of 102 specimens and 20 species of four genera, Boreoheptagyia Brundin, Diamesa Meigen, Pseudodiamesa Goetghebuer and Syndiamesa Kieffer were obtained in this study. Of these, 12 species were deposed in the GenBank and BOLD systems for the first time. We have established that D. cinerella group includes D. kasymovi and probably D. lavillei whereas D. zernyi group includes D. vaillanti and D. valentinae. Highly supported phylogeny and results of species delimitation suggest the description of D. elbrusica sp. nov. and D. sakartvella gidanica subsp. nov. Ps. aff. branickii and Ps. aff. nivosa are new species based on DNA barcoding. The results of species delimitation show that genus Pseudodiamesa includes 10 (ASAP, GMYC), 14 (mPTP) or 21 (BOLD) distinct molecular taxonomic units (mOTUs) among which only Ps. stackelbergi have an undoubted species status that requires a large revision using both morphological and molecular approaches.

Redescription of a few Filchneria Klapálek, 1908 (Plecoptera, Perlodidae) species on the type and fresh material.

Five Filchneria Klapálek, 1908 (Plecoptera, Perlodidae) species known since the last century (F. balcarica Balinsky, F. mesasiatica Zhiltzova, F. irani (Aubert), F. kuenluensis (Sámal), and F. olgae (McLachlan)) were redescribed on types stored in museums in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Russia and newly acquired material. The redescription were in accordance with the requirements of modern taxonomy, illustrated with color photographs of the habitus, head, pronotal patterns, eversible male paraproct lobes, male paraproctal sclerite, aedeagus (as possible), details of chaetotaxy, female subgenital plate, and egg using digital cameras and SEM. The diagnostic features of each species are revealed. The main differences were established in the male paraproctal sclerite shape, in the posterior margin of tergum 10, the female subgenital plate, and the egg structures. After reexamining the syntype series of Filchneria olgae, a lectotype is designated for this species. Filchneria kuenluensis is proposed to transfer to Perlodinella Klapálek, 1912 with the valid name Perlodinella kuenluensis (Sámal, 1935) comb. nov. Filchneria shobhaae is considered as a junior synonym of Zhiltzovaia amabilis (Jewett, 1958) syn. nov.

The remarkable Ponto-Caspian amphipod diversity of the lower Durso River (SW Caucasus) with the description of Litorogammarus dursi gen. et sp. nov.

The first insight into the unexpectedly diverse amphipod assemblage of the Durso River (Novorossiysk area) in the SW mountainous pre-Caucasian area is presented. The presence of six species is revealed, including three new records for the area and one species new to science. The phylogenetic relationships of all studied species and their relatives were examined based on the divergence of the COI mtDNA gene marker (barcoding). The conducted research clearly showed that the coastal part of the Black Sea and the adjacent pre-Caucasian river/land areas harbors a significant undescribed diversity, and that the transitional sea/river brackish biotopes are important reservoirs of the endemicity. A new genus, Litorogammarus gen. nov. is proposed for native pebble-dwelling species, namely Echinogammarus karadagiensis Grintsov, 2009, Echinogammarus mazestiensis Marin & Palatov, 2021 and the newly discovered Litorogammarus dursi sp. nov., from the lower (estuarine) part of the Durso River and adjacent coastal areas. These three species form a strongly supported molecular clade and share a number of characters such as smooth body without carinae and setae, antenna II armed with dense curled setae, lacking calceoli, pereopods III-VII with sparse, short setation, epimeral plates armed with spines only, telson lobes longer than broad, gradually tapering, bearing only spines. Pectenogammarus oliviiformis (Greze, 1985) comb. nov. is also discovered in the area and is re-described herein. Although this is probably one of the most abundant and common coastal pebble-dwelling species along the northeastern coasts of the Black Sea, it was previously poorly described and thus overlooked by researchers.

The Tribe Hyrtanellini Allen, 1980 (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae) of Western and Central Asia with Description of a New Species.

A new species, Serratella leonidi Martynov & Palatov, sp. nov., is described from Tajikistan based on immature stage. Based on larval material from Iran including the topotypes, Serratella elissa Jacobus, Zhou & McCafferty, 2009 is complementary described, and its generic placement is clarified. The delimitation of three genera that are members of the tribe Hyrtanellini Allen, 1980, namely Serratella Edmunds, 1959, Torleya Lestage, 1917 and Quatica Jacobus & McCafferty, 2008 is briefly discussed. The phylogenetic reconstruction of Hyrtanellini based on the COI gene showed the relations of representatives of these genera on the one hand, and distinct delimitation of Serratella leonidi sp. nov. and S. elissa on the other. A list of species from Western and Central Asia attributed to Hyrtanellini, their currently known distribution and a key for the determination of the larvae are proposed.

Diversity, taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of the Niphargus borutzkyi ingroup (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Niphargidae) in Western Georgia, SW Caucasus.

Two new Caucasian species of the genus Niphargus Schidte, 1849 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Niphargidae), N. rachalechkhumensis sp. nov. and N. tvishiensis sp. nov., are described from the stygobiotic habitats of the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti karst systems in Western Georgia. Both newly described species belong to the southwestern Caucasian Niphargus borutzkyi ingroup related to the European carphaticus species complex and can be clearly separated from the congeners by morphological features, mostly in uropod III and epimeral plates, and genetically. Identification key for all known species to the Niphargus borutzkyi ingroup is provided, as well as their phylogenetic relationships, the estimated time of the origin and the current distribution of the ingroup in the Colchis lowland of the southwestern Caucasus are also discussed.

Cryptic taxonomic diversity and high-latitude melanism in the glossiphoniid leech assemblage from the Eurasian Arctic.

The family Glossiphoniidae is a diverse and widespread clade of freshwater leeches, playing a significant role in functioning of aquatic ecosystems. The taxonomy and biogeography of leeches from temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions attracted much attention of zoologists, while their taxonomic richness and distribution in the Arctic are poorly understood. Here, we present an overview of the Eurasian Arctic Glossiphoniidae based on the most comprehensive occurrence and DNA sequence datasets sampled to date. This fauna contains 14 species, belonging to five genera and three subfamilies. One genus and five species are new to science and described here. The world's northernmost occurrences of glossiphoniids are situated on the Taymyr Peninsula at 72° N, although further records at higher latitudes are expected. Most Arctic leeches are characterized by broad ranges crossing several climatic zones (e.g., Glossiphonia balcanica and G. nebulosa), although the distribution of two new species may be confined to the high-latitude areas. The Taymyr Peninsula with the nearby Putorana Plateau represents the most species-rich area (totally 9 species), while the European Arctic, Iceland, Kolyma Highland, and Chukotka Peninsula house depleted faunas (2-4 species per subregion). Finally, we show that the high-latitude melanism is a common phenomenon in glossiphoniid leeches.

Taxonomy of Diamesa steinboecki group (Diptera: Chironomidae: Diamesinae), with description and DNA barcoding of new species. I. Subgroups steinboecki and longipes.

The results of a revision of the Diamesa steinboecki group, namely soubgroups steinboecki and longipes (Diptera, Chironomidae, Diamesinae) are presented. Illustrated descriptions of the adult male of D. dragani sp. nov. from Sayan Mountains, D. kownackii sp. nov. from Wrangel Island, D. maisaraensis sp. nov. from Pamir, D. marinskiyi sp. nov. from Tian-Shan, D. zagrosica sp. nov. from Iran, D. moubayedi sp. nov. from Lebanon are provided with redescriptions of D. steinboecki Goetghebuer from Pamir, French and Swiss Alps, D. sakartvella Kownacki et Kownacka from Caucasus and D. praecipua Sther et Willassen from Himalayas. Taxonomic remarks with data on the ecology and biogeography of the investigated species are given. In addition to taxonomic information, 658-bp fragments of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene from the eight species are presented and the results of DNA barcoding are discussed. Previous investigations focused to integrative taxonomy and molecular analysis of the Diamesa species collected in various mountain regions such as Alps, Tien Shan and Pamir. In the present work, we focused on the principle of considering morphological groups, giving more emphasis respect to the division in geographical areas.

Redescription of the Caucasian endemic Diamesa caucasica Kownacki et Kownacka (Diptera: Chironomidae: Diamesinae).

Diamesa caucasica Kownacki et Kownacka was described from the watercourses of the Terek River basin flowing down from the high mountain glaciers of the Caucasus (alt. 20002700 m a.s.l.), namely from the Chkheri River (Ortsveri Glacier), the Suatisi River (Savitisi Glacier) and the Mnaisidon River (Mna Glacier) in Georgia (Kownacki Kownacka 1973). So far, no other finds of this species have been recorded in the Caucasus and other mountainous regions of Europe. Apparently, D. caucasica is endemic to the Caucasus and its distribution probably does not go beyond the glacial streams of the Terek River basin. This assumption is confirmed by the finds of adult males of this species made by Dmitry Palatov in 20182022 in the rivers at an altitude 14021980 m a.s.l., originating in the Mostocete, Tanantsete, Skazsky and Tseysky glaciers of North Ossetia and which also belong to the Terek River basin.

Chironomids are commensals of the larvae and pupae of Blephariceridae and Simuliidae from the North Caucasus (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae).

Illustrated morphological descriptions of chironomid larvae from subfamily Orthocladiinae Cardiocladius sp. 1, which as commensals live between ventral suckers of Blephariceridae larvae, as well as larvae and pupae of Eukiefferiella claripennis group inhabited of Simuliidae pupal cocoons, are given. DNA barcodes of these chironomid species and sequences of their hosts, three species of Liponeura Loew (Blephariceridae) and one species of Simulium aff. variegatum (Simuliidae), are provided.

A DNA barcode reference library for endemic Ponto-Caspian amphipods.

The Ponto-Caspian region is an endemicity hotspot that harbours several crustacean radiations, among which amphipods are the most diverse. These poorly known species are severely threatened in their native range, while at the same time they are invading European inland waters with significant ecological consequences. A proper taxonomic knowledge of this fauna is paramount for its conservation within the native region and monitoring outside of it. Here, we assemble a DNA barcode reference library for nearly 60% of all known Ponto-Caspian amphipod species. We use several methods to define molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs), based on two mitochondrial markers (COI and 16S), and assess their congruence with current species-level taxonomy based on morphology. Depending on the method, we find that 54-69% of species had congruent morpho-molecular boundaries. The cases of incongruence resulted from lumping distinct morphospecies into a single MOTU (7-27%), splitting a morphospecies into several MOTUs (4-28%), or both (4-11%). MOTUs defined by distance-based methods without a priori divergence thresholds showed the highest congruence with morphological taxonomy. These results indicate that DNA barcoding is valuable for clarifying the diversity of Ponto-Caspian amphipods, but reveals that extensive work is needed to resolve taxonomic uncertainties. Our study advances the DNA barcode reference library for the European aquatic biota, paving the way towards improved taxonomic knowledge needed to enhance monitoring and conservation efforts.

Two new species of the genus Victoriopisa Karaman amp; Barnard, 1979 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Eriopisidae) from mangrove communities of Vietnam with a review of previous records.

Two new mud-dwelling amphipod species of the genus Victoriopisa Karaman Barnard, 1979 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Eriopisidae) are described from the mangrove habitats of the Cn Gi Mangrove Biosphere Reserve and the estuary of the Be River, Vietnam. Both species are characterized by an anteroventral margin of the head being entire, the presence of eyes, the absence of deep excavation on propodus (palm) and well-marked excavation on dactylus of gnathopod 2, relatively long and slender distal segment of uropod 3. The combination of these features clearly separate the newly discovered species from Victoriopisa ovata (Dang Le, 2005) described from Hi Phng, North Vietnam, and other congeneric species. Victoriopisa nhatrangensis sp. nov. from the mouth of the B River (Nha Trang) can be clearly separated from Victoriopisa cangio sp. nov. from the Cn Gi Mangrove Biosphere Reserve by the absence of a tuft of setae on the distodorsal margin of article 2 of antenna 1, not anteriorly expanded distoventral margin of propodus (palm) of gnathopod 2, different shape and armature epimeral plates and telson, proportion and armature of uropods 23. The article also discusses the previous records of the genus Victoriopisa from the coastal waters of Vietnam, and as the result Victoriopisa chilkensis (Chilton, 1921) and Eriopisa elongata (Bruzelius, 1859) are excluded from the fauna of Vietnam.

Contribution to the knowledge of Teloganodidae (Ephemeroptera, Ephemerelloidea) of India.

Two new species of Dudgeodes Sartori, 2008 and a new species of Teloganodes Eaton, 1882 are described from India; they are Dudgeodesselvakumari Martynov & Palatov, sp. nov. from Himalayan region (Uttarakhand), Dudgeodesmolinerii Sivaruban, Martynov, Srinivasan, Barathy & Isack, sp. nov., and Teloganodesbarathyae Sivaruban, Martynov, Srinivasan & Isack, sp. nov. from the Tamil Nadu part of the Western Ghats. Thus, for now, the Teloganodidae fauna of India includes 11 species. Dudgeodesselvakumari sp. nov. appears to be significantly extend northward the known distribution of Dudgeodes. Partial COI sequences were used as an initial clustering method to show the relationships of D.selvakumari sp. nov. with other sequenced operational taxonomic units (OTU) of the genus.

Taxonomy of Diamesa steinboecki group (Diptera: Chironomidae: Diamesinae), with description and DNA barcoding of known species. II. Subgroups davisi, leona and loeffleri.

Illustrated redescription of the adult males Diamesa alpina Tokunaga from the Russian Far East and North America, D. amplexivirilia Hansen from Arctic and the Russian Far East, D. saetheri Willassen from Chukotka Region and Kolyma River basin, D. lupus Willassen from Alaska, D. serratosioi Willassen from Norway and Russian Far East, D. leoniella Hansen from Alaska, D. leona Roback from Eurasia, D. japonica Tokunaga from Japan and Russian Far East, D. khumbugelida Saether et Willassen and D. loeffleri Reiss from Himalayas are provided. Morphological data and DNA sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) were used to delimit of seven species from subgroups davisi (D. alpina, D. amplexivirilia, D. serratosioi), leona (D. japonica, D. leona) and loeffleri (D. khumbugelida, D. loeffleri). Taxonomic remarks with data on geographical distribution of the investigated species are given.

Contribution to the knowledge of the genus Takobia Novikova & Kluge, 1987 (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae) in Central Asia.

Based on the original type material, the nymphal stage of the mayfly Takobiamaxillare is redescribed; in parallel, a lectotype is designated. Takobiamaxillare is the type species of the genus Takobia, and an accurate and complete knowledge of its morphology is crucial to the delimitation of this problematic genus and clarification of its phylogenetic affinities. Ambiguous characters, previously reported for this species in the literature are clarified. Furthermore, two new species in the same genus are described, namely Takobiasinusopalpata sp. nov. and Takobiashughnonica sp. nov. based on the morphology of nymphs from Central Asia, supplemented with COI sequences. Implications for the systematics of Takobia and related taxa are discussed and the need for an extensive phylogenetic study of this group is stressed.

The hidden diversity of the genus Lyurella Derzhavin, 1939 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Crangonyctidae): four new species from the subterranean habitats of the northwestern Caucasus, Russia.

Four new species of the Palaearctic crangonyctid amphipod genus Lyurella Derzhavin, 1939 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Crangonyctidae), L. mikhailovi sp. n., L. fanagorica sp. n., L. fontinalis sp. n. and L. asheensis sp. n., are described based on an integrative approach from the subterranean habitats of the southwestern foothills of the Greater Caucasian Ridge (the north-eastern Black Sea coast). Despite the relative proximity of the habitats, the interspecific genetic divergence (by COI mtDNA gene marker) between the newly outlined Caucasian species of the genus varied from 11 to 21%, demonstrating a long-term isolation and lack of gene flow for at least 37Mya, starting from the Pliocene. The lowest genetic divergence between L. shepsiensis Sidorov, 2015 and L. asheensis sp. n., estimated as 4%, is also considered species-specific due to the presence of distinct morphological differences. We discuss the phylogeny, morphology, and distribution and provide a key for all known species of Lyurella. DNA barcoding data for all species, including the type species of the genus, Lyurella hyrcana Derzhavin, 1939, are presented for the first time.

Overview of Indian and Nepali representatives of the Cincticostella nigra (Uéno, 1928) complex (Ephemeroptera, Ephemerellidae), with discussion about Cincticostella Allen, 1971 species complexes.

The concept of the Cincticostella nigra (Uéno, 1928) (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae) complex is clarified and Indian and Nepali representatives of the complex are reviewed. Four new species are described viz. Cincticostella changfai Martynov & Palatov, sp. nov., Cincticostella funki Martynov, Selvakumar, Palatov & Vasanth, sp. nov., Cincticostella shinichii Martynov & Palatov, sp. nov. and Cincticostella wangi Selvakumar, Martynov & Subramanian, sp. nov. The larva of C. corpulenta (Braasch, 1981) is re-described, based on the holotype and paratypes. Cincticostella gosei (Allen, 1975) is recorded from India for the first time. Morphological differences of the species complexes of Cincticostella Allen, 1971 are analysed. A new species complex, Cincticostella gosei complex, is proposed. Summaries of distribution data and habitat preferences, as well as new larval diagnoses, are presented for all species of the Cincticostella nigra complex.