Distribution and habitat associations of the California moray (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Gymnothorax mordax</Emphasis>) within Two Harbors,Santa Catalina Island,California

While kelp forests are some of the best-surveyed ecosystems in California, information on cryptic inhabitants and their role within the community are lacking. Kelp itself provides overall structure to the habitat; however the rocky reef to which the kelp attaches is known to provide additional structure for cryptic species. Gymnothorax mordax, the California moray, is an elusive predatory species that is considered abundant in the waters around Catalina Island. However, no life history data exists for this species. We examined habitat composition, relative abundance, size pattern distributions, and biomass of G. mordax within Two Harbors, Catalina Island. Habitats were sampled using a combination of baited trap collection and transect surveys using SCUBA. A total of 462 G. mordax were captured, primarily in shallow (< 10 m) waters. Individuals of G. mordax were associated with mostly boulder and cobble substrates. Measurements of relative abundance and density indicate that G. mordax is more prevalent than reported in previous studies. We also discovered that the 6 trapping sites from which all morays were collected, differed in size structuring and density while the relatively high biomass did not change across sites. In general, southern facing sites exhibited higher densities of morays, while northern facing sites showed more size structuring. We show how the structural complexity of the rocky reef habitat in an already diverse kelp forest ecosystem, can support a high biomass of a cryptic elongate predatory fish.     

The structure of biogenic habitat and epibiotic assemblages associated with the global invasive kelp <Emphasis Type="Italic">Undaria pinnatifida</Emphasis> in comparison to native macroalgae

Kelp forests dominate temperate and polar rocky coastlines and represent critical marine habitats because they support elevated rates of primary and secondary production and high biodiversity. A major threat to the stability of these ecosystems is the proliferation of non-native species, such as the Japanese kelp Undaria pinnatifida (‘Wakame’), which has recently colonised natural habitats in the UK. We quantified the abundance and biomass of U. pinnatifida on a natural rocky reef habitat over 10 months to make comparisons with three native canopy-forming brown algae (Laminaria ochroleuca, Saccharina latissima, and Saccorhiza polyschides). We also examined the biogenic habitat structure provided by, and epibiotic assemblages associated with, U. pinnatifida in comparison to native macroalgae. Surveys conducted within the Plymouth Sound Special Area of Conservation indicated that U. pinnatifida is now a dominant and conspicuous member of kelp-dominated communities on natural substrata. Crucially, U. pinnatifida supported a structurally dissimilar and less diverse epibiotic assemblage than the native perennial kelp species. However, U. pinnatifida-associated assemblages were similar to those associated with Saccorhiza polyschides, which has a similar life history and growth strategy. Our results suggest that a shift towards U. pinnatifida dominated reefs could result in impoverished epibiotic assemblages and lower local biodiversity, although this could be offset, to some extent, by the climate-driven proliferation of L. ochroleuca at the poleward range edge, which provides complex biogenic habitat and harbours relatively high biodiversity. Clearly, greater understanding of the long-term dynamics and competitive interactions between these habitat-forming species is needed to accurately predict future biodiversity patterns.     

Toward a conceptual framework for managing and conserving marine habitats: A case study of kelp forests in the Salish Sea

Kelp forests are in decline across much of their range due to place‐specific combinations of local and global stressors. Declines in kelp abundance can lead to cascading losses of biodiversity and productivity with far‐reaching ecological and socioeconomic consequences. The Salish Sea is a hotspot of kelp diversity where many species of kelp provide critical habitat and food for commercially, ecologically, and culturally important fish and invertebrate species. However, like other regions, kelp forests in much of the Salish Sea are in rapid decline. Data gaps and limited long‐term monitoring have hampered attempts to identify and manage for specific drivers of decline, despite the documented urgency to protect these important habitats. To address these knowledge gaps, we gathered a focus group of experts on kelp in the Salish Sea to identify perceived direct and indirect stressors facing kelp forests. We then conducted a comprehensive literature review of peer‐reviewed studies from the Salish Sea and temperate coastal ecosystems worldwide to assess the level of support for the pathways identified by the experts, and we identified knowledge gaps to prioritize future research. Our results revealed major research gaps within the Salish Sea and highlighted the potential to use expert knowledge for making informed decisions in the region. We found high support for the pathways in the global literature, with variable consensus on the relationship between stressors and responses across studies, confirming the influence of local ecological, oceanographic, and anthropogenic contexts and threshold effects on stressor–response relationships. Finally, we prioritized areas for future research in the Salish Sea. This study demonstrates the value expert opinion has to inform management decisions. These methods are readily adaptable to other ecosystem management contexts, and the results of this case study can be immediately applied to kelp management.     

Tree squirrel habitat selection and predispersal seed predation in a declining subalpine conifer

Differential responses by species to modern perturbations in forest ecosystems may have undesirable impacts on plant-animal interactions. If such disruptions cause declines in a plant species without corresponding declines in a primary seed predator, the effects on the plant could be exacerbated. We examined one such interaction between Pinus albicaulis (whitebark pine), a bird-dispersed, subalpine forest species experiencing severe population declines in the northern part of its range, and Tamiasciurus hudsonicus (red squirrel), an efficient conifer seed predator, at 20 sites in two distinct ecosystems. Hypotheses about squirrel habitat preferences were tested to determine how changes in forest conditions influence habitat use and subsequent levels of predispersal cone predation. We performed habitat selection modeling and variable ranking based on Akaike’s information criterion; compared the level and variance of habitat use between two forest types (P. albicaulis dominant and mixed conifer); and modeled the relationship between P. albicaulis relative abundance and predispersal cone predation. T. hudsonicus did not demonstrate strong habitat preference for P. albicaulis, and thus, declines in the pine were not met with proportional declines in squirrel habitat use. P. albicaulis habitat variables were the least important in squirrel habitat selection. Squirrel habitat use was lower and varied more in P. albicaulis-dominant forests, and predispersal cone predation decreased linearly with increasing P. albicaulis relative abundance. In Northern Rocky Mountain sites, where P. albicaulis mortality was higher and abundance lower, squirrel predation was greater than in Central Rocky Mountain sites. In ecosystems with reduced P. albicaulis abundance, altered interactions between the squirrel and pine may lead to a lower proportion of P. albicaulis contributing to population recruitment because of reduced seed availability. Reducing the abundance of competing conifers will create suboptimal squirrel habitat, thus lowering cone predation in P. albicaulis and ensuring more seeds are available for avian dispersal.     

Soil microarthropods and macrofauna in monsoon tropical forests of Cat Tien and Bi Dup-Nui Ba National Parks,southern Vietnam

The abundance, biomass, vertical distribution, and taxonomic composition of soil invertebrates (springtails, macrofauna, and termites) were studied in forest formations differing in edaphic and climatic conditions: lowland forests dominated by Lagerstroemia spp. or Dipterocarpus spp. in the Cat Tien National Park and in a mountain pine (Pinus kesiya) forest on the Da Lat Plateau, southern Vietnam. In the lowland forests, springtails had a relatively low density (10000–12000 ind./m²), but their diversity was high (41–43 species in each forest). The density of large soil invertebrates (without ants and termites) reached 500–700 ind./m² at a biomass of approximately 30 g/m² (with earthworms accounting for up to 230 ind./m² and 19–28 g/m²). Among termites, species of the genera Macrotermes and Odontotermes were dominant. Their total biomass in some areas exceeded 15–20 g/m². In the mountain pine forest, the total biomass of soil macrofauna was approximately 11 g/m², the abundance and diversity of springtails were low (7500 ind./m², 28 species), and wood-destroying species of the genera Schedorhinotermes sp. and Coptotermes sp. dominated among termites.     

Taxonomy and distribution of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eunotia</Emphasis> Ehrenberg in aquatic ecosystems of Vietnam

Taxonomy and geographical distribution of diatom taxa from the genus Eunotia are discussed. Fourteen Eunotia species are found in aquatic ecosystems of Central and South-Eastern Vietnam: E. indosinica, E. karveerensis, E. sulcata, E. cf. vumbae, E. novaecaledonica, E. naegelii, E. paramuscicola, E. rabenhorstii, E. tropica, E. sioliopsis, E. australominor, E. mucophila. Two species which are new for science are described Eunotia skvortzovii Glushchenko & Kulikovskiy sp. nov. and Eunotia fogedii Glushchenko & Kulikovskiy sp. nov. Eunotia sulcata Hustedt ex Glushchenko & Kulikovskiy is validated. The species are illustrated by original LM and SEM microphotographs. The main qualitative and quantitative taxonomic data are given. The distribution is found species is discussed.     

The population of earthworms (Lumbricidae) in the main types of dark coniferous forests in Pechora-Ilych Nature Reserve

The population of earthworms has been studied in the main types of old-growth dark coniferous forests of Pechora-Ilych Nature Reserve (Komi Republic) that have not been subject to anthropogeniс impact for a long time. Ten species of earthworms have been identified. The greatest diversity (7 species), abundance, and biomass of earthworms has been revealed in the tall-grass fir–spruce forests. P. diplotetratheca had the greatest abundance. E. nordenskioldi nordenskioldi and E. atlavinyteae had the greatest biomass. The lowest species diversity (3 species), abundance, and biomass of earthworms have been found in the largefern, blueberry–green moss, and sphagnum–horsetail fir–spruce forests. The role of deadwood in maintaining the species diversity of Lumbricidae in dark coniferous forests has been demonstrated. The complexes of Lumbricidae have been considered in anthropogenically disturbed territories, where the following species with a habitat range to the south of the northern and middle taiga have been identified: L. rubellus, A. rosea, A. caliginosa caliginosa, and E. fetida.     

Gap dynamics and regeneration strategies in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Juniperus-Laurus</Emphasis> forests of the Azores Islands

We asked the following questions regarding gap dynamics and regeneration strategies in Juniperus-Laurus forests: How important are gaps for the maintenance of tree diversity? What are the regeneration strategies of the tree species? Thirty canopy openings were randomly selected in the forest and in each the expanded gap area was delimited. Inside expanded gaps the distinction was made between gap and transition zone. In the 30 expanded gaps a plot, enclosing the gap and transition zone, was placed. In order to evaluate the differences in regeneration and size structure of tree species between forest and expanded gaps, 30 control plots were also delimited in the forest, near each expanded gap. In the 60 plots the number of seedlings, saplings, basal sprouts and adults of tree species were registered. Canopy height and width of adult individuals were also measured. The areas of the 30 gaps and expanded gaps were measured and the gap-maker identified. Juniperus-Laurus forests have a gap dynamic associated with small scale disturbances that cause the death, on average, of two trees, mainly of Juniperus brevifolia. Gap and expanded gap average dimensions are 8 and 25 m², respectively. Gaps are of major importance for the maintenance of tree diversity since they are fundamental for the regeneration of all species, with the exception of Ilex azorica. Three types of regeneration behaviour and five regeneration strategies were identified: (1) Juniperus brevifolia and Erica azorica are pioneer species that regenerate in gaps from seedlings recruited after gap formation. However, Juniperus brevifolia is a pioneer persistent species capable of maintaining it self in the forest due to a high longevity and biomass; (2) Laurus azorica and Frangula azorica are primary species that regenerate in gaps from seedlings or saplings recruited before gap formation but Laurus azorica is able to maintain it self in the forest through asexual regeneration thus being considered a primary persistent species; (3) Ilex azorica is a mature species that regenerates in the forest.     

Seasonal and altitude effects on the structure of arthropod communities associated with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tillandsia violacea</Emphasis> Baker (Bromeliaceae) in a temperate forest of Mexico

The canopy of forests has been considered “the last biotic frontier,” and study of its elements is very important in explaining the global functionality in ecosystems. Epiphytic plants and arthropods are essential elements in canopy habitats, and their relationships have been studied in order to understand the high diversity in tropical forests. Nevertheless, there are few studies on this development in temperate forests. The arthropod community was studied during the rainy and dry seasons at two altitudes, and a total of 240 T. violacea plants of three sizes were collected from Abies religiosa and Quercus spp. host trees. A total of 163,043 arthropods were collected and about 200 morphospecies identified. The highest abundance was obtained during the dry season, while high diversity was found during the rainy season. There was a significant effect of plant size, host trees and collecting season on abundance and diversity, and there were seasonal variations in community composition. The community hosted on A. religiosa epiphytes showed higher abundance and density than that of Quercus.     

Molecular data reveal the hybrid nature of an introduced population of banded newts (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ommatotriton</Emphasis>) in Spain

The three species of banded newt (genus Ommatotriton) are endemic to the Near East. Recently an introduced banded newt population was discovered in Catalonia, Spain. To determine the species involved and the geographical source, we genotyped 11 individuals for one mitochondrial and two nuclear genetic markers, and compared the observed haplotypes to a range-wide phylogeography of Ommatotriton. All haplotypes identified in Spain are identical to haplotypes known from the native range. The mitochondrial haplotypes derive from O. ophryticus and were originally recorded in northeast Turkey. The nuclear haplotypes reveal that all individuals are genetically admixed between O. ophryticus and O. nesterovi. While the geographical resolution for the nuclear markers is low, the source of the O. nesterovi ancestry must be Turkey, as this species is a Turkish endemic. Species distribution models suggest a large potential distribution for the two Ommatotriton species, extending over northern Iberia and southern France. The ecology of hybrids can differ substantially from that of the parent species, making the impact of the Spanish hybrid banded newt population difficult to predict.     

Shade tolerance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ailanthus altissima</Emphasis> revisited: novel insights from southern Switzerland

The tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle) is considered to be an early-successional, gap-obligate pioneer species with vigorous height growth, low shade tolerance, early fecundity and large seed production. It is a highly invasive species in many temperate and Mediterranean ecosystems outside its natural range, especially after disturbance. Due to its low shade tolerance, the potential of A. altissima to colonise undisturbed forests is thought to be low. In this study we analysed the potential of juvenile A. altissima to grow and survive in sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) forests in southern Switzerland. We used hemispherical photography to assess the light conditions of 204 individuals of A. altissima (31 % generative, 69 % vegetative) aged between 1 and 7 years (median: 3 years) in six sites. Generative (seed-borne) and vegetative (clonal ramet) offspring of A. altissima are able to grow in light conditions well below the requirements of shade-intolerant tree species such as European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). The relatively low light conditions found to be sufficient for the growth and survival of generative regeneration of A. altissima suggest a higher shade tolerance for this species than previously stated, at least for early regeneration. Consequently, the colonisation frontier of A. altissima should be intensively monitored in both forest openings but also in closed canopy forests in the vicinity of seed-bearing A. altissima.     

Cosmopolitan Distribution of the Spitting Spider <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scytodes thoracica</Emphasis> Latreille, 1802 (Aranei,Scytodidae) and Its New Findings in the Northern Parts of the Range

We have compiled data on the distribution of spitting spider Scytodes thoracica Latreille, 1802 throughout the world and discussed our original findings of the spider in the northern part of its Eurasian range. This cosmopolitan species has a Mediterranean origin; the only place where it has not been found is Antarctica. The wide distribution of this species is due to the anthropogenic factor. However, S. thoracica demonstrates synanthropic behavior outside its natural range. Based on the published data of studies in the Mediterranean region, we describe the range of this species as a synanthrope; there lies the northern border of its range. We also determine the northern border of the range in natural areas (including agricultural landscapes). The southern region of the Middle Volga is the northernmost location of S. thoracica in the natural ecosystems of Eastern Europe and the easternmost location in the natural ecosystems of northern Eurasia.     

Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus suber</Emphasis> Decline on Woody Plant Regeneration: Potential Implications for Successional Dynamics in Mediterranean Forests

In the last two decades, widespread tree decline and mortality have been documented in forests worldwide. These mortality events usually show certain level of host-specificity, translating into rapid changes in the relative abundance of the adult community. Despite these short-term changes, it is poorly understood whether the decline and mortality of certain tree species are likely to result in long-term vegetation shifts. Trajectories of forest recovery and the probability of occurrence of permanent vegetation shifts are to a large extent determined by post-mortality regeneration dynamics. Using a spatially explicit neighborhood approach, we evaluated the spatial patterns of natural regeneration of the woody plant community in mixed Mediterranean forests affected by the decline of their dominant tree species, Quercus suber. We predicted the abundance, survival, and richness of the seedling and sapling bank as a function of the distribution and health status of the tree and shrub community. Results indicated that Q. suber decline had detectable effects on seedlings and saplings of coexistent woody species from very different functional groups (trees, shrubs, and lianas). The sign and magnitude of these effects varied substantially among coexistent species, which could imply shifts in the species ranking of seedling and sapling abundance, affecting successional trajectories and potentially leading to vegetation shifts. Because most of these changes pointed towards a loss of dominance of Q. suber, management strategies are urgently needed in order to attenuate adult mortality or promote its regeneration, counteracting the negative effects of global change drivers (exotic pathogens, climate change) on these valuable forests.     

Distribution and abundance of fish in the southwest of Caspian Sea coastal waters

This study was carried out in southwestern Caspian Sea coastal area to elucidate demersal bony fishes distribution and abundance. Twenty two species were found in shore line, which belong to 6 families. In deeper waters down to 7 meters only 5 species of Gobiidae and 1 species of Syngnathidae were identified. Two species Neogobius caspius and N. pallasi were the main components of demersal fishes; however in some regions Rutilus caspicus, Rutilus kutum and Liza spp. were dominated. Most places were dominantly occupied by Atherina boyeri, which had the highest abundance among the pelagic fishes. Conversely, the Ponticola gorlap, N. melanostomus and Proterorhinus nasalis showed the lowest abundances (less than 1 ind./100 m²). Benthophilus stellatus and P. nasali had the lowest niche overlaps with other species. Both of these two species and P. gorlap are suggested to be classified as endangered or vulnerable species based on their low abundance. The distribution of Syngnathus abaster depends on algae, while algae grow up into the stony construction of the coastal line. A negative insignificant correlation was observed between pelagic and demersal fish abundances. The commercial fisheries data of 76 beach seines in our study area during 2002–2013 was compared with our results on fish abundance and species composition. More than 93% of total fish catch constituted Liza spp. and Rutilus kutum. The relationship between the abundance and distribution of the studied species, and the restocking activities performed by Iranian fisheries organization are discussed. The high abundance and distribution of small size fish in tidal zone could be related to the distribution of crustacean, which provide a good source of food for these fish species.     

Insects inhabiting the galleries of the four-eyed fir bark beetle <Emphasis Type="Italic">Polygraphus proximus</Emphasis> Blandf. (Coleoptera,Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in Siberia

A review of 28 species of insects from 17 families of 4 orders that inhabit the galleries of the four-eyed fir bark beetle Polygraphus proximus in the area of its invasion in Siberia is given with data on their distribution, trophic associations, occurrence, abundance, and locations. A characteristic of the xylophilous insect community associated with Polygraphus proximus is given. The impact of this invasive species on the composition and structure of the bark beetle consortia in the native ecosystems is shown.     

Do sulphuric acid and the brown alga <Emphasis Type="Italic">Desmarestia viridis</Emphasis> support community structure in Arctic kelp patches by altering grazing impact,distribution patterns,and behaviour of sea urchins?

Macrobenthic community structure and the distribution of the green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) were recorded inside and outside (=barrens) of kelp patches (Alaria esculenta) at Kongsfjordneset, Svalbard between August 2002 and October 2006. In manipulative field experiments, conducted at Kongsfjordneset, Svalbard in August 2002, the effect of the presence of the brown seaweed Desmarestia viridis on sea urchin distribution and kelp grazing was determined. Additionally, we studied the effect of sulphuric acid, which is produced and stored by D. viridis, on sea urchin movements in the laboratory at Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, in May 2006. Sea urchin densities were two- to threefold lower in kelp patches than on barrens. The macrobenthic community inside kelp patches hosted 39% more species and was of different species composition than on barrens. Anchored pieces of the kelp A. esculenta were less consumed when surrounded by D. viridis than non-surrounded conspecifics. Changes in pH affected the behaviour of sea urchins. Exposing sea urchins to 500 μl seawater at pH 7.5 caused them to stop, while the exposure of as little as 25 μl at pH 1 caused sea urchins to move in the opposite direction. Acid-mediated escape responses in sea urchin behaviour suggest chemical protection by D. viridis as an additional mechanism to mechanical protection in the generation of kelp refuges. These results improve our understanding of how isolated kelp beds can persist over a wide range of environmental conditions, like wave-sheltered sites, and suggest that changes in community structure may be in part attributable to altered trophic interactions.     

Combined evidence indicates that <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perna indica</Emphasis> Kuriakose and Nair 1976 is <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perna perna</Emphasis> (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Oman region introduced into southern India more than 100 years ago

The specific status of the brown mussel, Perna indica, in southern India and northern Sri Lanka has long been questioned. Its limited geographical distribution within the extensive range of the Asian green mussel, P. viridis, and its morphometric similarity to the African brown mussel, P. perna, have led several authorities to suggest that P. indica is not a distinct species but is in fact introduced P. perna. Analysis of DNA sequences for nuclear ITS and mitochondrial COI sequence data from newly collected mussels from southern India examined in the context of data from GenBank for mussels of the genus Perna reveals that P. indica is indeed P. perna from the Oman region. A literature review indicates that P. indica (now P. perna) has been established in southern India for at least 100 years. Reports of ecological interactions between the native P. viridis and the introduced P. perna reveal that P. perna grows to a larger size than P. viridis and outcompetes the native mussel. P. perna forms high density populations that have long been fished by local coastal communities and recently the fishery for P. perna has expanded to markets beyond the coastal area. Eradication of the introduced P. perna is not feasible and is not desirable given its important role as a source of protein and revenue for the local community. Because no monitoring of the range of P. perna in southern India occurs it is not possible to know if this species is increasing its area of distribution, but a qualitative assessment of ongoing range expansion is made based on limited evidence from published reports. The possibility exists for inter-specific hybridisation between P. viridis and P. perna and we recommend that testing commence to check for this. This research highlights the value of a detailed understanding of the genetic structure (four different clades) of the genus Perna, without which the status of P. indica as P. perna from Oman in southern India could not have been made.     

A review of the palm genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acrocomia</Emphasis>: Neotropical green gold

The genus Acrocomia, popularly known as macaw palm or macaúba, occurs in savanna areas and open forests of tropical America, with distribution from Central to southern South America. They are important oleaginous palm trees, due to their role in ecosystems and local economies and their potential for biofuel production and vegetable oil. Although the taxonomy of the genus is not resolved because of observed phenotypic diversity in A. aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart., there are several conflicting treatments. Some authors recognize three caulescent spp. occurring in South America: A. aculeata, A. intumescens Drude, and A. totai Mart, although a new one was described recently—Acrocomia corumbaensis. Because some Latin American governments want to expand production of macaw palm in their territory as raw material for agro-energy, several groups have been encouraged to study this genus, focusing on the production of biodiesel, seed germination, phenotypic aspects, and genetic diversity. The goal of this review is to compile key information available in the literature and herbarium data, focusing on South American populations of the genus.     

Land use influences harvestman diversity in northern Spain: a case study involving secondary grasslands and forest plantations (Arachnida: Opiliones)

Harvestmen have a general distribution pattern with more species and higher abundance in forests than in open habitats, as previously verified in mountain Cantabrian areas of northern Spain, of the Orocantabrian Province. The study of harvestmen of the low Cantabrian areas of the adjacent biogeographic Cantabro-Atlantic Province is highly appropriate to determine the influence of biogeographic position on the main diversity parameters and the effect of different land uses on harvestman assemblages. The main types of managed habitats (forest plantations and secondary grasslands), together with natural forests, non-planted young forests, shrublands and habitat boundaries were continuously sampled with seven pitfall traps during 1 year at 28 sites. The harvestman assemblages were classified using six different analyses, and indicator species were identified. The spatial patterns of harvestman diversity in low areas differed from those of mountain areas, although they have 15 species in common. Remarkably, higher average harvestman species richness was measured in low Cantabrian areas than in mountain areas. Shrublands and boundaries were the most species-rich habitats. Forested areas were the poorest in abundance, and were not the habitats richest in harvestman species, though they had higher average richness than mountain Cantabrian forests. Grasslands had a unique harvestman composition with significant extraordinary abundances, in particular of Homalenotus quadridentatus (indicator species of this habitat) and H. laranderas. Interestingly, H. laranderas, Paroligolophus agrestis and Ischyropsalis hispanica, indicator species of some open habitats in low Cantabrian areas, have recently been shown to be indicators of shady forests in mountain Cantabrian territories.     

The fauna and ecology of butterflies (Lepidoptera,Rhopalocera) of the Kanin Peninsula and Kolguev Island

A total of 29 butterfly species in the forest-tundra and 14 species in the hypoarctic tundra were recorded on the Kanin Peninsula. Six species of butterflies were identified on Kolguev Island. The data on the fauna and distribution of species in the forest-tundra of the Kanin Peninsula are generally typical of this natural zone (Chernov and Tatarinov, 2006). The faunas of the northern part of the Kanin Peninsula and the southern part of Kolguev Island comprise fewer species, including those of the Arctic complex. This phenomenon is related to the coastal position of the regions, the cool summer and strong winds. On Kolguev Island, seasonal migrants appear simultaneously with the local species or considerably later. The most abundant species in the forest-tundra of the Kanin Peninsula are Erebia disa, Oeneis norna, Clossiana freija, Pieris napi, and Vacciniina optilete. The dominant species in southern tundra localities are Erebia euryale, E. pandrose, and Boloria aquilonaris, which coincides with the result of the 1903 research (Poppius, 1906). Only the dewy ringlet Erebia pandrose was recorded regularly in the south of Kolguev Island in 2009. In spite of the impoverished fauna of Rhopalocera some butterfly species clearly prevail in abundance and inhabit a wide range of biotopes, which agrees with the concept of compensatory mechanisms (Chernov, 2005). A high abundance of E. pandrose is a specific feature of the northern part of the Kanin Peninsula and Kolguev Island, pointing to the connection of the biota of these territories with the Subarctic regions of Fennoscandia.