MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION ON THE LARVA OF CTENOPH-THALMUS QU ADRATUS (SIPHONAPTERA:HYSTRICHOPSYLLIDAE)*

Abstract The paper deals with the morphology of the larva of Ctenophthalmus quadratus. It can be distinguished from Ctenophthalmus arvalis by the anterior part of the egg burster being longer, 1.6 to 1. 8 times as long as the posterior part, number of mandibular teeth and number of the setae of anal comb.     

A review of the tribe Phanerotomini (Hymenoptera,Braconidae, Cheloninae) in Turkey,with a new host record for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phanerotoma</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bracotritoma</Emphasis>) <Emphasis Type="Italic">permixtellae</Emphasis>

In this study, the Phanerotomini of Turkey collected between July 1959 and July 2004, are listed. A total of thirteen Phanerotomini species were determined, and six of these are reported for the first time from Turkey. Phanerotoma (Bracotritoma) permixtellae Fischer, 1968 was reared from a new natural host Recurvaria pistaciicola (Danilevskii, 1955) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). With this present study an illustrated identification key for the Phanerotomini of Turkey is given. The distribution of the Phanerotomini species is discussed according to the phytogeographical provinces of Turkey.     

Phytogeographical distribution of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vipio</Emphasis> Latreille, 1804 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Braconinae) in Turkey,with a key to the species in Turkey and adjacent regions

The distribution of Vipio Latreille, 1804 species (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Braconinae) within eight phytogeographical provinces in Turkey is presented on the basis of field studies during 1980–2004. A total of twelve species were found, and the majority of species were associated with the Subeuxin, Euxin, Xeroeuxin and Mediterranean provinces. Vipio humerator (Costa, 1885), V. longicauda (Boheman, 1853) and V. tentator (Rossi, 1790) were the most common species in Turkey, and V. mlokossewiczi Kokoujev, 1898 is a new record for the Turkish fauna. An identification key is provided for 18 species of Vipio from Turkey and adjacent regions with relevant figures of the wings and metasoma.     

A New Species of Laccobius Erichson, 1837 (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Hydrophilinae) from Turkey

A new species, Laccobius (Dimorpholaccobius) hopaensis sp. n. is described and Laccobius (Dimorpholaccobius) hoberlandti Gentili, 1982 is recorded from Turkey for the first time. In addition, a list of Laccobius Erichson, 1837 species known from Turkey is presented.     

Water mites of the genus Sperchon Kramer (Acari: Hydrachnidia: Sperchontidae) from Turkey,with description of a new species from Taurus Mountains (southern Turkey)

A new water mite species Sperchon (Hispidosperchon) serapae n. sp. is described. The material was collected from a slow-flowing stream during field study on the water mite fauna of the Lakes region in southwestern Turkey. An updated list of hitherto known species of Sperchon Kramer from Turkey, including nomenclatural changes and numerous new locality records to the species, is also given.     

Composition and seasonal changes of mesostigmatic mites (Acari) and fleas fauna (Siphonaptera) in the nests of Mus spicilegus (Mammalia: Rodentia)

Together 22,119 individuals and 47 species of mesostigmatic mites, and 485 individuals of fleas belonging to 6 species were obtained from 16 winter nests of mound-building mouse, Mus spicilegus. The most abundant mite species were Laelaps algericus (38.2%), Androlaelaps fahrenholzi (20.9%), Proctolaelaps pygmaeus (16.9%) and Alliphis halleri (8.3%). Ctenophthalmus assimilis (87%) was the highly predominant flea, present in all the positive nests. On the basis of trophic and topic relations, mites were assorted into four ecological groups; parasites had the highest abundance (67% of all individuals). The density peak values of individual ecological mite groups differed the during season. The population peak of the predominant mite species L. algericus was in December, predominance of females was registered throughout the study period. The maximum abundance of fleas was reported in January and May.     

A review of Turkish saproxylic beetles from the European Red List

The conservation of beetles that depend on dying or dead wood (i.e. saproxylic), has received a great deal of attention in many parts of the world in recent years. Human activities such as urbanization and logging, and their results, e.g. global warming, destroy natural ecosystems and threaten unusual species such as Lucanus cervus (L. 1758), Rosalia alpina (L. 1758), Limoniscus violaceus (Müller 1821) and Osmoderma eremita (Scopoli 1763). Attempts have been made to conserve the habitats upon which these species depend. Although represented by a large number of species, saproxylic beetles in Turkey have not received much attention. Although some Turkish studies have acknowledged their value, comprehensive investigations of these species are very limited. The aim of this study is to make a list, from the literature, of the species that are endangered in Europe and found in Turkey, to highlight the importance of these species. The research includes 151 saproxylic beetle species belonging to the families Bostrichidae, Cerambycidae, Elateridae, Eucnemidae, Scarabaeidae, Euchiridae, Lucanidae and Mycetophagidae. The list of Turkish saproxylic beetles was prepared using the European Red List of Saproxylic Beetles. Information is provided about the IUCN Red List category in Europe, the locations of the species in Turkey, and their global geographic range. We gathered all data about these species from the international literature. Furthermore, we also include in the list certain species whose locations are not specified, but which inhabit Turkey. We obtained their records from some catalogs in Turkey. In addition to the list, we prepared three distribution maps for Turkey. The maps show distribution in Turkey of some species in the Endangered, Vulnerable and Near Threatened categories in the European Red List. It is expected that this study will lead to comprehensive studies on saproxylic beetles from Turkey.     

On the genus SuniusStephens, 1829 of Turkey. VI. A new micropterous species and distribution of the genus (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae)

A new species of the genus Sunius Stephens, 1829 is described from Konya province in Anatolia and illustrated: Sunius yamani sp. n. Additional records of six species of Sunius from Turkey are reported. A total of 39 species are now known from Turkey, 35 of them are endemic. Distribution maps are given for all Turkish members of the genus Sunius.     

A review of Turkish Diglyphus Walker (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), with description of a new species

Two species Diglyphus begini Ashmead and D. sabulosus Erdös are new records for Turkey; one new species is described Diglyphus sensilis sp. nov., three species have new host record Liriomyza sativae and Chromatomyia horticola; 10 species of Diglyphus from Turkey are keyed.     

A survey of Turkish Glyptomorpha (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Braconinae) fauna with redescription of G. baetica from a new host

Glyptomorpha baetica, G. discolor, G. gracilis, G. kasparyani, and G. pectoralis are recorded from Turkey. Glyptomorhpa baetica is new to the Turkish fauna. It was reared from a new host Sesamia nonagrioides (Noctuidae, Lepidoptera) and was redescribed. Its diagnostic characters are illustrated. An identification key is provided for nine species of Glyptomorpha of Turkey and adjacent regions. Distribution of each species is added.     

A new Centaurea L. (Asteraceae) species from Turkey

A new Centaurea L. (Asteraceae) species from Turkey is described and illustrated. Centaurea mersinensis Uysal and Hamzao?lu exists on calcareous slopes in Pinus brutia forests of Ayd?nc?k (Mersin) in southern Anatolia. It belongs to C. sect. Phalolepis (Cass.) DC., and taxonomically its closest relative is C. lycaonica. Diagnostic morphological characters from very similar taxa are provided, and a key is provided that includes related species of sect. Phalolepis from Turkey. The geographical distribution of the new species and relatives of the same section are mapped. The chromosome number of C. mersinensis, 2n = 18, counted in root tips, is also reported and illustrated.     

A synopsis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bracon</Emphasis> species of Turkey with description of a new species (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Braconinae)

Our studies on Bracon F. fauna of Turkey started in 1979 and 107 species have been determined so far belonging to the subgenera Habrobracon Ashmead, Asiabracon Tobias, Rostrobracon Tobias, Bracon Fahringer, Cyanopterobracon Tobias, Glabrobracon Fahringer and Lucobracon Fahringer. Thirteen new Bracon species were published from Turkey. With this present study Bracon (Lucobracon) achterbergi Beyarslan sp. n. is described and its diagnostic characters are illustrated. The distribution of Bracon species are discussed according to the Euxin, Subeuxin, Mediterranean, Xeroeuxin, Iran Steppe, Anatolia Steppe, Central Anatolia Steppe and Mesopotamian Steppe phytogeographical provinces of Turkey.     

Centaurea sakariyaensis (Asteraceae), a new species from Turkey

In this paper, a new Centaurea L. (Asteraceae) species from Turkey is described and illustrated. Centaurea sakariyaensis Uysal & Dural grows on rocky crevices in Sakarya province in north-western Anatolia. It belongs to C. sect. Centaurea L. and taxonomically its closest relative is C. wiedemanniana. Diagnostic morphological characters from a very similar taxon are provided, and a key from flora of Turkey is modified that includes related species of sect. Centaurea. The geographical distribution of the new species and species of other related taxa of the same section are mapped. The chromosome number of C. sakariyaensis, 2n = 18, counted in root tips, is also reported and illustrated.     

Two new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zercon</Emphasis> (Acari: Zerconidae) from Turkey

Two new species of zerconid mites, Zercon uludagicus sp. n. and Z. huseyini sp. n., from Turkey are described and illustrated. The similarities and differences between the species are discussed. The lists of the taxonomic diagnostic key to adults of Zercon species known from Turkey are also given.     

Analysis of ectoparasites (chigger mites,gamasid mites,fleas and sucking lice) of the Yunnan red‐backed vole (Eothenomys miletus) sampled throughout its range in southwest China

The Yunnan red‐backed vole Eothenomys miletus (Rodentia: Cricetidae) is an endemic rodent species and reservoir host of zoonoses in southwest China. Based on a large host sample (2463 voles collected from 39 localities between 2001 and 2013), a general analysis of four categories of ectoparasite (fleas, sucking lice, chigger mites and gamasid mites) on E. miletus across its entire range of distribution was made. This analysis identified a total of 71 895 ectoparasites belonging to 320 species (30 species of flea, 9 of sucking louse, 106 of gamasid mite and 175 of chigger mite) with a high prevalence (87%), mean abundance (29.19) and mean intensity (33.69). Of the 18 vector species of zoonoses found on E. miletus, the flea Ctenophthalmus quadratus (Siphonaptera: Hystrichopsyllidae) and chigger mite Leptotrombidium scutellare (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) were the dominant species; these are the main vectors of zoonoses in China. All of the dominant parasite species showed an aggregated distribution pattern. Male voles harboured more species of parasite than females. Chigger mites represented the most abundant species group on voles and their prevalence was positively correlated with mean abundance (r = 0.73; P < 0.05). As a single rodent species, E. miletus has a high potential to harbour abundant ectoparasites with high species diversity and high rates of infestation. The sex of the vole affects ectoparasite infestation.     

Revision of the species of the Tychus rufus group (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae)

The species belonging to Tychus rufus group are revised. Eleven species are recognized, described and illustrated and a key to their identification is provided. Nine taxa are new to science: Tychus carpathius n. sp. from Karpathos island (Greece); T. torticornis n. sp. from Lesbos Island (Greece); T. pisidicus n. sp. and T. inermis n. sp. from southwestern Turkey; T. antiocheus n. sp. and T. effeminatus n. sp. from southeastern Turkey; T. artvinensis n. sp. from northeastern Turkey, and T. sidonicus n. sp. and T. libanus n. sp. from Lebanon.     

Nonea dumanii sp. nov. (Boraginaceae) from the Taurus mountains (south Turkey)

The new species Nonea dumanii, endemic to the mountains of the western Taurus in south Turkey (C4 Antalya), is described an illustrated based on original collections by the authors. Karyological observations and analysis of ITS1 DNA sequences showed that the species is probably hexaploid with 2n = 6x = 60 and has phylogenetic affinity to the diploid N. monticola from the Paphlagonian mountains as well as to the tetraploid N. anchusoides from northwest Iran and southeast Turkey. From these allopatric species it is morphologically distinct in characters of the indumentum, flower and fruit. Polyploidy is supported as a major driving force for speciation in Nonea, especially in the group of Anatolian mountain species with primary base number x = 10.     

Threat of non-native crayfish introductions into Turkey: global lessons

Introductions of crayfish species from their home range to new environments have been carried out in many parts of the world. The most important introduced crayfish species are Procambarus clarkii, Pacifastacus leniusculus, Cherax destructor, C. quadricarinatus, Orconectes limosus, O. rusticus and Astacus leptodactylus. The environmental impact of crayfish introductions can be positive, negative or neutral. However, native crayfish populations in Europe have been negatively affected by introductions of non-indigenous crayfish species from America. Negative effects of non-native crayfish introductions included displacement of native crayfish species, transfer of disease (crayfish plague), consumption of fish eggs, reduction of fish stocks, consumption of large amounts of macrophytes, indirect and direct effects on other invertebrates and upsetting production in rice fields. As a result of non-native crayfish introductions, the natural harvest and crayfish industry in Europe have been severely affected. Large quantities of Turkish A. leptodactylus were harvested (approximately 7,000 tonnes annually) and exported to Europe before the crayfish plague was observed in these populations. The total harvest of A. leptodactylus in Turkey reduced dramatically to 320 in 1991 after the plague. Therefore, although Turkey currently has no known non-native crayfish species, there is a threat of non-native crayfish introduction in order to increase crayfish productions and subsequent harvest. The North American spiny-cheek crayfish, O. limosus, has been spreading quickly down the River Danube and could soon reach neighboring countries including Turkey. The North American signal crayfish, P. leniusculus is known from Greece and could be a threat to native stocks if it is introduced into Turkey for aquaculture. Additional threats may come from the release of other North American species, which are widely available through the aquarium trade. We conclude that the spread of non-native crayfish introductions throughout Turkey will increase local problems, because introductions of non-native crayfish in many parts of the world have been known to have caused important reductions in population density and numbers of native crayfish species. Furthermore, freshwater ecosystems may be altered by such introductions and the economic viability of native crayfish species fisheries could be severely reduced in Turkey.