Кавказ

Parasitic mites and ticks (Parasitiformes: Ixodida, Mesostigmata) from the true lizards (Lacertidae, Reptilia) of the Caucasus and their vector significance

Authors: Orlova M. V., Doronin I. V., Gichikhanova U. A., Mazanaeva L. F.

15 species of ixodid ticks (Ixodida) and 2 ones of gamasid mites (Mesostigmata) were identified in the true lizards (Lacertidae) of the Caucasus harbor according to our own and literature data. Of which one species of ixodid and both species of gamasid ticks are specific to reptiles. The core of the fauna of ixodid ticks is formed by species of the genus Haemaphysalis. The largest number of ixodid tick genera and species are associated with lizards of the genus Lacerta.

Comparative characteristics of growth in juvenile lizards from the genus Darevskia (Reptilia, Squamata, Lacertidae) under artificial conditions

Authors: Erashkin V. O., Guridova D. V., Strakhova E. D., Andreeva K. I., Kidov A. A.

The paper presents a comparative analysis of the growth rates and characteristics of 10 lizard species from the genus Darevskia (D. armeniaca, D. arribasi, D. brauneri, D. caucasica, D. daghestanica, D. derjugini, D. mixta, D. pontica, D. raddei, and D. valentini) in laboratory conditions. It has been shown that lizards from different species complexes, but originating from close localities, are characterized by similar growth features.

On the history of the study of land turtles (Testudinidae, Testudo) of the Caucasus

Authors: Gichikhanova U. A., Mazanaeva L. F.

An analysis of the literature on long-term studies of the land turtle (Testudinidae, Testudo graeca) in the Caucasus was carried out. Particular attention is paid to the results obtained over the past decades. Starting from the 19th century, the main stages in the history of study have been identified. The main focus of the researchers was on the ecology, biology and taxonomy of the species. Despite a long history of study, the species in the Caucasus still remains insufficiently studied.

INTRODUCTION OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES IN THE CAUCASUS AND CRIMEA: AN OVERVIEW AND SOME ACTUAL DATA

Authors: Kukushkin O. V., Doronin I. V., Tuniyev B. S., Ananjeva N. B., Doronina M. A.

An overview of the cases of introduction (both accidental and intentional) of amphibians and reptiles in the Caucasus and Crimea is provided. The introduction cases are systemized in accordance with the goals and ways of introduction and with regards to the expected scale of the impact and its nature. No negative consequences of the introduction of amphibian and reptile species in the Crimea and Caucasus are currently observed on any of the known examples. No cases of species naturalization, which the “invasion” term can be applied to, have been revealed.

DISTRIBUTION DATA OF ROCK LIZARDS FROM THE DAREVSKIA (PRATICOLA) COMPLEX (SAURIA: LACERTIDAE)

Authors: Doronin I. V.

The paper presents analysis of the distribution of Darevskia praticola praticola, D. praticola loriensis, D. p. hyrcanica, and D. pontica in the Caucasus. GIS modeling (Maxent 3.3.3k) was used. Analysis of the obtained GIS maps of distribution has allowed us to locate territories with maximum occurrence probabilities of these taxa.

ON THE DIET SELECTIVITY OF THE STRIATED LIZARD, LACERTA STRIGATA EICHWALD, 1831 (SAURIA: LACERTIDAE)

Authors: Doronin I. V.

We describe a case of temporary transfer of a striated lizard, Lacerta strigata Eichwald, 1831 to eating winged individuals of the cornfield ant, Lasius alienus (Foerster, 1850) registered in the territory of the Staropavlovskaya village, Stavropol region.

A NEW RECORD OF THE STEPPE RIBBON RACER, PSAMMOPHIS LINEOLATUS (BRANDT, 1836) (SERPENTES: LAMPROPHIIDAE) IN THE CAUCASUS

Authors: Doronin I. V.

A third specimen of Psammophis lineolatus (Brandt, 1836) from the Caucasus (near the Anabad village, Ordubad district, Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan) is described.