ящерицы

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.

Age structure, growth and reproduction of Anguis colchica (Reptilia, Anguidae) in the east of the Lesser Caucasus

Authors: Ivanov A. A., Nikonova V. R., Balashova A. O., Erashkin V. O., Kidov A. A.

The results of our study of age and growth of the Eastern slowworm (Anguis colchica) in two localities in the east of the Lesser Caucasus are presented. 33 individuals (18 males and 15 females) from the vicinity of Stepanavan town (Lori Marz, Armenia) were studied. A sample from the vicinity of Zanavi village (Borjomi municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti region, Georgia) contained 19 specimens (6 males and 13 females). The body length of captured animals was measured and the tip of the tail was clipped.

Redistribution of habitats between the Sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) and the Common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) in the southern taiga subzone. Reaction to temperature rise or result of processes not related to climate change?

Authors: Tsellarius A. Y.

Main observations were made in a sample plot (by 10 km²) during 1999–2023. In 1999 about 40% of the sample plot was arable lands. In 2000–2003 the ploughing had been stopped. In sandy patches, former arables began to be replaced by heathlands with xerophytic grass and sparse sprouts of pine. In 1999–2005 Z. vivipara inhabited the outer edges of floodplain forest with high density; L. agilis distribution was restricted to small patch (about 25 ha) of drained peatland located 4 km away from floodplain forest. Since 2006 L.

FEMALE’S SOCIAL ATTRACTIVENESS AS THE BASIS OF ARISING HER LONG-TERM SEXUAL CONNECTION WITH A MALE IN THE ROCK LIZARD DAREVSKIA BRAUNERI (REPTILIA, SAURIA)

Authors: Tsellarius A. Y., Tsellarius E. Y., Galoyan E. A.

When a female goes over to the settled way of life, the territory of a male with a high frequency of affiliative behavior (A-behavior) with respect to this female always becomes the formation centre of the female’s permanent home range. As the frequency of the male’s A-behavior becomes stably high (or low) in the first days of existence of a dyad and does not depend on the female’s behavior, it can be concluded that the choice of the male, rather than that of the female, underlies any long-term male - female connection, and it is just social choice rather than sexual one.