General patterns of macrozoobenthos distribution in two rivers basins of the Khabarovsky Krai (Far East of Russia)

This article analyses the distribution patterns of macrozoobenthos in watercourses of the basins of the River Bajal and River Anyuy (Khabarovsky Krai, Russia) on the territories of the Bajal Sanctuary and Anyuy National Park. The distance-based linear models (DistLM) method was used to estimate the proportion of distribution of macroinvertebrates explained by the factors considered in the study (river basin, current velocity, substrate, channel width, temperature, pH). All of these factors contributed significantly, together explaining about one-third of the variability of macroinvertebrate distribution. The main explanatory factors were river basin and substrate (9.3% and 10.5%, respectively), as well as the current velocity (5.7%). Based on the cluster analysis, eight statistically significant groups of samples on the basis of similarity of taxonomic composition were identified. A set of indicator taxa was determined for each group and their indicator values were found. Using the Kruskal-Wallis analysis, the environmental factors significantly differing between the obtained groups and subgroups were singled out. There are well-defined patterns in the confinement of taxonomic complexes to certain habitats. Local environmental factors are the strong filter influencing the formation of taxonomic communities. The factor of belonging to the river basin also plays a significant role in the formation of invertebrate communities, which should be considered in the planning of monitoring studies on a large spatial scale. However, the distinguished groups and subgroups are characterised by a low level of internal similarity. Only about a quarter of the total species number belongs to indicator taxa, and samples do not form discrete clusters with obvious hiatus on the ordination diagram. The longitudinal distribution of macroinvertebrates for each river can be characterised as a punctuated gradient

Assemblages of Meiobenthic and Planktonic Microcrustaceans (Cladocera and Copepoda) from Small Water Bodies of Mountain Subarctic (Putorana Plateau, Middle Siberia)

The Putorana Plateau (Krasnoyarsk Territory, Russia) is one of the largest mountainous regions of subarctic Eurasia. Studies of aquatic ecosystems of this are far from complete. In particular, microcrustaceans (Cladocera и Copepoda) of the Putorana Plateau are poorly investigated, although they are one of the main components of meiobenthic and zooplanktonic communities and a target for monitoring of the anthropogenic influence and climate change. An open question is a biogeographical status of the crustacean fauna of the plateau. Additionally, it is unknown which environmental factors significantly affect benthic and planktonic crustacean assemblages? Based on the samples collected in tundra and forest tundra ponds in the western and central parts of the plateau, analysis of the composition of crustacean fauna and factors regulating the assemblage structure was performed. In total, 36 Cladocera and 24 Copepoda species were found. Of these, 23 taxa are new for the region, and four are new to science. Species richness of Copepoda is higher in the central part and on the western slopes of the plateau than in foothills, while number of the Cladocera species in contrast decreases in mountainous areas. Variations in meiobenthic assemblages are due to the research area, type of water supply and less affected by altitude above sea level. For planktonic assemblages the size of the water body and, to a lesser degree, by macrophytes species composition was significant. Almost 12.8% of microcrustacean species of the Putorana Plateau can be attributed to glacial relics. Crustacean fauna of the Putorana Plateau has a high species richness and distinguishes significantly from the fauna of both western and eastern regions of the Arctic. The specifics of faunal composition of the region are connected to the climatic features of Middle Siberia and the retaining of the Pleistocene fauna in some glacial refugia

A new species of <i>Breviconia</i> Conroy-Dalton & Huys, 2000 (Copepoda: Harpacticoida: Ancorabolidae Sars) from the Bering Sea, northern Pacific Ocean (Russia)

The finding of Breviconia andrei sp. nov. in the Russian Bering Sea enabled the clear-cut phylogenetic characterization of the former monotypic genus Breviconia Conroy-Dalton &amp; Huys, 2000 as a monophylum. Comparison of the new species with B. australis (George, 1998) and other members of the subfamily Ancorabolinae Sars, 1909 yielded four autapomorphies that unambiguously support the monophyletic state of Breviconia: (1) an elongated and approximately 90°-curved mandibular gnathobase, (2) reduction of the maxillar endopod, (3) maxillar endites carrying 2 instead of 3 setae, and (4) loss of the minute seta on the maxillipedal claw. For B. andrei sp. nov., two autapomorphies could be detected, namely, (1) the development of dorsal tubercles on the P5-bearing body somite and (2) the remarkable elongation of the first endopodal segment of the first swimming leg that is twice as long as the whole exopod. Of particular interest is the presence of a 3-segmented endopod in the third swimming leg of the male of B. andrei sp. nov. It disproves the current assumption that the Ancorabolinae are characterized by (among others) the derived presence of an only 2-segmented endopod in the male’s third swimming leg.</p

Crustaceans in the Meiobenthos and Plankton of the Thermokarst Lakes and Polygonal Ponds in the Lena River Delta (Northern Yakutia, Russia): Species Composition and Factors Regulating Assemblage Structures

Information about invertebrates in the low-flow water bodies of northeastern Siberia is far from complete. In particular, little is known about crustaceans—one of the main components of meiobenthic and zooplanktonic communities. An open question is which environmental factors significantly affect the crustaceans in different taxonomic and ecological groups? Based on the data collected on the zooplankton and meiobenthos in the tundra ponds in the southern part of the Lena River Delta, analysis of the crustacean taxocene structure was performed. In total, 59 crustacean species and taxa were found. Five of these are new for the region. The species richness was higher in the large thermokarst lakes than in the small water bodies, and the abundance was higher in small polygonal ponds than in the other water bodies. Variations in the Cladocera assemblages were mainly affected by the annual differences in the water temperature; non-harpacticoid copepods were generally determined by hydrochemical factors; and for Harpacticoida, the macrophyte composition was significant. Three types of the crustacean assemblages characteristic of different stages of tundra lake development were distinguished. The hypothesis that the formation of crustacean taxocenes in the Lena River Delta is mainly determined by two types of ecological filters, temperature and local features of the water body, was confirmed

Figure 3 in Fauna of microcrustaceans (Cladocera: Copepoda) of shallow freshwater ecosystems of Wrangel Island (Russian Far East)

Figure 3. Simplified map of the compared regions.Published as part of Novichkova, Anna A. & Chertoprud, Elena S., 2015, Fauna of microcrustaceans (Cladocera: Copepoda) of shallow freshwater ecosystems of Wrangel Island (Russian Far East), pp. 2955-2968 in Journal of Natural History 49 (45) on page 2961, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2015.1056269, http://zenodo.org/record/400237

Figure 4 in Fauna of microcrustaceans (Cladocera: Copepoda) of shallow freshwater ecosystems of Wrangel Island (Russian Far East)

Figure 4. Dendrogram for hierarchical clustering (group average) of faunas of different arctic regions.Published as part of Novichkova, Anna A. & Chertoprud, Elena S., 2015, Fauna of microcrustaceans (Cladocera: Copepoda) of shallow freshwater ecosystems of Wrangel Island (Russian Far East), pp. 2955-2968 in Journal of Natural History 49 (45) on page 2962, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2015.1056269, http://zenodo.org/record/400237

FREMONEC: Effect of climate change and related stressors on fresh and brackish water ecosystems in Svalbard. A Norwegian and Russian joint scientific project

Dimante-Deimantovica, I., Chertoprud, M., Chertoprud, E., Christoffersen, K.S., Novichkova, A. & Walseng, B. 2015. FREMONEC: Effect of climate change and related stressors on fresh and brackish water ecosystems in Svalbard. A Norwegian and Russian joint scientific project. - NINA Report 1218. 40 pp. This report summarizes the results of the Russian-Norwegian collaboration project FREMONEC which was established as part of POLRES (Polar Research sub-program NORRUSS) with the aim to stimulate bilateral cooperation on polar research. Researchers from The Norwegian Insti-tute for Nature Research and M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University have studied the effects of climate change and related stressors on fresh and brackish water habitats, by using inverte-brates as biological quality elements. Both partners were involved in preparing the study design, as well as participating in meetings, fieldwork (2014 and 2015) and analyzing/reporting of col-lected material. Altogether, 75 localities in Isfjorden and Kongsfjorden areas, including both lotic and lentic waters, were sampled. pH varied between 6.2 and 9.5 and conductivity from < 0,01 to ˃ 10000 μS/cm. In general, biodiversity was low, especially when we compare Svalbard with other areas in the high and low Arctic. Still this survey revealed 6 microcrustacean taxa new to Svalbard: Polyphemus pediculus, Diaptomidae sp., Diacyclops abyssicola, Epactophanes rich-ardi, Nitokra spinipes and Geeopsis incisipes. Most likely, some of these newcomers are directly or indirectly linked to the recent climate warming (obtained results were compared with old liter-ature data). For macrozoobenthos it seemed that the origin of habitat, temperature, substrate type and water velocity were of importance. The number of crustaceans increased with the age of the localities (distance to the retreating glacier). For instance, the youngest habitats close to the glacier had the lowest number of copepod species and no cladocerans. The fauna in ‘urban’ ponds near human settlements did not differ from non-urban habitats. In the urban ponds, birds seem to be a more important factor than anthropogenic activities, contributing to diversity. As part of this project, one bachelor and one PhD student completed their theses. The network building between Norwegian and Russian research groups, which has included thematic areas relevant for both countries, has been a positive experience for both partners. Further, new knowledge on Svalbard’s biodiversity might give a contribution to future Arctic Freshwater Biodi-versity Monitoring activities and to the implementation of integrated and sustainable Arctic fresh-water ecosystems management. Because of FREMONEC, new collaboration projects and dis-semination activities have also been initiated (projects NORUSVA and BRANTA-DULCIS)

A new species of Breviconia Conroy-Dalton & Huys, 2000 (Copepoda: Harpacticoida: Ancorabolidae Sars) from the Bering Sea, northern Pacific Ocean (Russia)

The finding of Breviconia andrei sp. nov. in the Russian Bering Sea enabled the clear-cut phylogenetic characterization of the former monotypic genus Breviconia Conroy-Dalton & Huys, 2000 as a monophylum. Comparison of the new species with B. australis (George, 1998) and other members of the subfamily Ancorabolinae Sars, 1909 yielded four autapomorphies that unambiguously support the monophyletic state of Breviconia: (1) an elongated and approximately 90°-curved mandibular gnathobase, (2) reduction of the maxillar endopod, (3) maxillar endites carrying 2 instead of 3 setae, and (4) loss of the minute seta on the maxillipedal claw. For B. andrei sp. nov., two autapomorphies could be detected, namely, (1) the development of dorsal tubercles on the P5-bearing body somite and (2) the remarkable elongation of the first endopodal segment of the first swimming leg that is twice as long as the whole exopod. Of particular interest is the presence of a 3-segmented endopod in the third swimming leg of the male of B. andrei sp. nov. It disproves the current assumption that the Ancorabolinae are characterized by (among others) the derived presence of an only 2-segmented endopod in the male’s third swimming leg

Breviconia andrei Garlitska & George & Chertoprud 2022, sp. nov.

Breviconia andrei sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: AC9FBB8B-43E3-4D51-AB2E-BBDF2539D413 Figs 2–9 Etymology This species is named in honour of Professor Andrey Azovsky of Lomonosov Moscow State University, a Russian theoretical ecologist, our colleague, friend, and the husband of the first author. Type material Holotype RUSSIAN FEDERATION • &female;, dissected on 4 slides; the Bering Sea, Khatyr Depression; 61°10'50.5" N, 174°51'3.2" E; depth 402 m; deep mud; 29 Jun 2018; V. Mordukhovich leg.; IORAS-Har229–232. Allotype RUSSIAN FEDERATION • &male;, dissected on 4 slides; same collection data as for holotype; IORAS- Har233–236. Paratypes RUSSIAN FEDERATION • 1 &female;, dissected on 4 slides; same collection data as for holotype; MIMB 42333–42336 • 1 &male;, dissected on 4 slides; same collection data as for holotype; MIMB 42337–42340 • 2 &female;&female;, whole body specimens on 1 slide; same collection data as for holotype; IORAS-Har237 • 2 &male;&male;, whole body specimens on 1 slide; same collection data as for holotype; IORAS-Har238. Other material RUSSIAN FEDERATION • 30 &female;&female; and 90 &male;&male;, alcohol preserved; same collection data as for holotype; IORAS INV0000794 • 14 &female;&female; and 35 &male;&male;, alcohol preserved; same collection data as for holotype; MIMB 42341. Description of the adult female BODY (Fig. 2A–B). The total body length was 832 μm (mean 828 μm, n = 10) for the type specimen illustrated in Fig. 2A, measured from anterior tip of rostrum to posterior margin of the CR. Body slightly dorsoventrally depressed, tapering posteriorly, without clear demarcation between the prosome and urosome. Integument moderately sclerotized. Rostrum (Fig. 3A) small and prominent, having tube pore, laterally with 2 sensilla, inserting from the cuticular projection. Cphth wider than long, laterally with 5 pairs of moderate cuticular processes, each bearing sensillum terminally. Posterior margin with 4 small knob-like sensilla-bearing cuticular processes. Cphth dorsally and dorsolaterally with 4 pairs of sensilla. All body somites except penultimate somite and telson somite with pair of backwards produced lateral wing-like and spinulose processes and dorsolaterally produced paired, sensilla-bearing tubercles. P2– P5-bearing somites additionally with laterodorsal processes and with dorsal, sensilla-bearing tubercles. Sensillar shape characteristic for the Ancorabolinae, arising from cup-shaped tip of respective process and inserting like ball-and-socket joint (Fig. 2E), as described by George (2020: 479). Anal operculum dorsally with small spinules laterally flanked by pair of sensilla arising from small knob-like bases. CR (Fig. 2B–D). Approximately 3 times as long as broad, tapering distally, with 1 tube pore laterally (Fig. 2D; arrow) and the following setae: I and II laterally at half-length of ramus, II longer than I. III, IV, V, and VI terminally, VI very small, V being longest. VII arising dorsally, tri-articulated. GDS (Fig. 2F). The last thoracic and first abdominal somite fused to form genital double somite, original separation indicated by row of small spinules and dorsal cuticular processes, and by position of lateral cuticular processes. Gonopore located ventrally in the middle of the somite. P6 small, forming genital operculum, with 3 setae. A1 (Fig. 3A–C). 3-segmented segments lacking coverage with tiny spinules. First segment medially on outer side with 2 rows of spinules and 1 bipinnate seta, located half-length on outer margin, with 9 bare setae inserting on distal half. Second segment almost as long as first segment, bearing 6 bare setae and 1 aesthetasc, which is fused with 1 bare seta. Third segment shortest, with 7 bare setae, 1 small aesthetasc, and 3 additional setae. Setal formula: 1-[10], 2-[6+(1+ae)], 3-[7+(3+ae)]. A2 (Fig. 3D). With allobasis, exopod absent. Allobasis almost as long as enp, on outer margin with 2 bipinnate setae; additionally, 4 spinules situated proximally and 4 spinules distally. Endopod with 3 bare setae and row of long spinules on outer margin. Inner margin with 5 rows of short spinules. Apically with 1 short spine, 1 long seta and 3 geniculate setae, the longest basally fused with 1 small bare seta. MD (Fig. 4C). Coxa unarmed, cutting edge elongate and bent at nearly 90°, with 5 teeth. Basis, endopod and exopod fused to 1-segmented mandibular palp carrying 5 setae and 5 spinules apically. MXL (Fig. 4A). Arthrite of praecoxa terminally with 4 bare setae, one of which very strong, and 1 strong bipinnate seta. Subapically on surface with 1 bare and 1 bipinnate seta. Coxa with 1 bare and 1 strong bipinnate seta. Basis, enp and exp fused to 1-segmented palp with 2 rows of spinules. Proximal part of basal endite with 3 bare setae, one of which short and strong. Distal part of basal endite with 2 bare setae. Endopod represented by 1 bipinnate seta, exopod by 2 bare setae. MX (Fig. 4B). Syncoxa with row of strong spinules and 2 endites, each with 1 bipinnate and 1 smaller, bare seta. Basis fused with syncoxa, bearing 3 bare setae, one of which fused to basis and transformed into long claw-like element, to which a fourth seta is fused. Endopod reduced, represented by 2 bare setae. MXP (Fig. 4D). Prehensile, syncoxa unarmed. Basis with row of long spinules. Endopod transformed into large claw, which is longer than basis, without accompanying minute seta. P1 (Fig. 5A). With transversely elongated basis bearing 1 inner and 1 outer pinnate seta. Exopod 2-segmented, exp-1 with row of long spinules on outer border and 1 outer spine. Exp-2 with patches of spinules on both borders and 2 outer bipinnate spines, terminally with 2 long bipinnate geniculate setae and 1 very long plumose geniculate seta. Endopod 2-segmented, first segment being twice as long as exopod, with row of long spinules on distal half of inner border. Enp-2 terminally with 2 long geniculate setae, 1 short bare seta subterminally on inner side, and 2 rows of long spinules on outer and inner margins. P2–P4 (Figs 5B, 6A–B). With transversely elongated bases, 3-segmented exopods and 2-segmented endopods. Exp-1 and exp-2 with 2 rows of long spinules on inner and outer margins, exp-3 with 1 row of spinules on outer border. Exp-2 of P2–P4 with very long inner plumose seta; exp-3 of P2–P4 without inner seta, with 2 outer and 2 terminal setae. Enp-1 of P2–P4 small and unarmed. Enp-2 of P2 with row of long spinules on outer margin and 2 patches of spinules on inner margin. Additionally, with 1 long plumose inner seta on proximal half and 2 very long terminal plumose setae. Enp-2 of P3–P4 with rows of spinules on outer margins; with 1 inner seta on proximal half, 1 subterminal outer seta and 2 terminal setae; all setae biplumose. The setal formula is given in Table 1. P5 (Fig. 3E). Baseoendopod elongate, with 2 inner and 2 apical setae. Outer basal seta arising from long setophore that reaches &frac23; of length of exopod, with 5 long spinules at base. Exopod 6 times as long as wide, with 2 outer spines, 2 terminal biplumose setae, and 1 densely bipinnated inner seta. Description of the adult male BODY (Fig. 7A–B). Total body length 505 μm (mean 498 μm, n = 10) for the specimen illustrated in Fig. 7A, measured from anterior tip of rostrum to posterior margin of CR. Body with pattern of processes and sensilla same as for female, except: Cphth terminally with pair of moderate cuticular processes, each bearing sensillum; first 4 thoracic somites with cuticular processes; P6-bearing somite and first abdominal somite (equivalent to the female GDS) with dorsolateral processes being stronger developed than in female; thoracic and abdominal somites except penultimate without rows of spinules on posterior margins. A1 (Fig. 8A–D). Seven-segmented and subchirocer geniculation between segments 4 and 5; aesthetascs on segments 4 and 7; segment 4 swollen. Segment 1 anteriorly with 2 rows of spinules and with 1 dorsal seta. Segment 2 small, with 6 elements. Segment 3 represented by U-shaped sclerite. Segments around geniculation without modified elements. Setal formula: 1-[9], 2-[6], 3-[2], 4-[10+(2+ae)], 5-[1], 6-[1], 7-[7+(1+ae)]. A2, mouthparts, P1 and P2 as in female. P3 (Fig. 9A). Exp as in female, enp modified, 3-segmented; enp-2 with row of spinules on outer margin and distal anterior surface produced into smooth recurved apophysis; enp-3 with 2 apical setae. P4 (Fig. 9B). Exp as in female; enp 2-segmented, sexually dimorphic: broader than in female; enp-2 with row of spinules on outer margin, 2 terminal setae and 1 pinnate subterminal outer seta; inner seta lost. P5 (Fig. 8E). Exp and benp separate. Outer basal seta arising from long setophore. Endopodal lobe reduced, bearing 2 setae of different lengths, inner seta strong and pinnate. Exp smaller than in female, nearly 3 times longer than broad, with 2 outer and 2 apical setae, and with 1 pinnate inner seta. P6 (Fig. 7C). Asymmetrical, with only 1 functional member, represented by membranous flap, and its counterpart fused to somite.Published as part of Garlitska, Lesya, George, Kai Horst & Chertoprud, Elena S., 2022, A new species of Breviconia Conroy-Dalton & Huys, 2000 (Copepoda: Harpacticoida: Ancorabolidae Sars) from the Bering Sea, northern Pacific Ocean (Russia), pp. 103-122 in European Journal of Taxonomy 813 on pages 107-118, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.813.1737, http://zenodo.org/record/646807

Breviconia Conroy-Dalton & Huys 2000

Genus Breviconia Conroy-Dalton & Huys, 2000 Generic diagnosis (amended from Conroy-Dalton & Huys 2000) Ancorabolinae. Body slightly depressed dorsoventrally, tapering posteriorly, with no clear demarcation between prosome and urosome. Cphth slightly broader than long, with moderately developed sensillar groups I–V and with small conical processes. Rostrum small, fused to cphth, basally constricted, with rounded or bifid tips bearing 1 tube pore and 2 sensilla. All body somites except the penultimate somite and the telson with a pair of backwards produced lateral wing-like and spinulose processes and laterodorsally with paired tubercles or small conical processes. P2 and/or P3–P4 and/or P5-bearing somites additionally with dorsolateral and dorsal tubercles or processes. All tubercles/processes bearing a sensillum at their tips. The female’s last thoracic and first abdominal somite fused, forming GDS. Anal operculum dorsally with small spinules laterally flanked by a pair of sensilla arising from small knob-like tubercles. A1 of female 3-, of male 7-segmented, subchirocer. Antennular segments smooth or densely covered with minute spinules. Aes on segments 2 and 3 (female) and 4 and 7 (male), respectively. A2 with allobasis, lacking exopods but carrying 2 abexopodal bipinnate setae. Endopod with 2 rows of spinules on the outer margin, and with spinulose frill subapically; apically with 1 short spine and 4 setae, 3 of which geniculate; additionally, with 1 small seta fused to the outermost apical seta. Md slender, with unarmed coxa, gnathobase elongated and curved by nearly 90°; md palp 1-segmented, with 1 (basal), 1 (exopodal) and 3 apical (endopodal) setae. Mxl with 1–2 setae on coxal endite; basis with 3 and 2 setae on proximal and distal endite, respectively; exo- and endopod completely reduced and represented by 2 and 1 setae, respectively. Mx with 2 syncoxal endites, each equipped with 2 apical setae; basis with 4 elements, the largest of which produced a strong claw-like spine; endopod represented by 2 setae. Mxp prehensile, slender; syncoxa unarmed or bearing few spinules subapically, without setae; basis longer than syncoxa, with a longitudinal row of long spinules; endopod drawn out into a long, slender lacking the usual accompanying minute seta. Swimming legs with slender, bow-like intercoxal sclerites and transversely elongated bases. P1 with 2-segmented exo- and endopod; basis carrying 1 inner and 1 outer bipinnate seta; exopod smaller than endopod, exp-1 with 1 outer spine, exp-2 with 2 outer spines and 3 geniculated setae. P2–P4 with 3-segmented exo- and endopods; basis with 1 outer bipinnate seta; exps-1 and -3 without inner setae, exps-3 with 2 outer spines/setae and 2 apical setae. In the female, endopods 2-segmented, with the first segment small and unarmed; enp-2 with 1 inner and 2 apical setae, in P3 and P4 additionally with 1 outer seta. Male P2 endopod like in the female; the P3 endopod is 3-segmented, with the first and third segment being small; enp-1 unarmed, enp-3 with 2 apical setae; enp-2 elongated, with strong curved apophysis on its inner apical edge. Male P4 enp-2 lacking inner seta. P5 of female with endopod fused to basis, forming a baseoendopod, whose endopodal lobe is elongated and bears 2 inner and 2 apical setae. Exopod distinct, approximately twice as long as the endopodal lobe, with 2 outer spines, 2 apical setae, and 1 densely bipinnated inner seta. Female genital field with ventrally located gonopores in the middle of the somite. P6 small, forming genital operculum, with 2–3 setae. Caudal rami elongated, approximately 3–7 times as long as the broadest width and equipped with 7 setae. Type species Breviconia australis (George, 1998); additional species: B. echinata (Brady, 1918) (species inquirenda), B. andrei sp. nov. (present contribution).Published as part of Garlitska, Lesya, George, Kai Horst & Chertoprud, Elena S., 2022, A new species of Breviconia Conroy-Dalton & Huys, 2000 (Copepoda: Harpacticoida: Ancorabolidae Sars) from the Bering Sea, northern Pacific Ocean (Russia), pp. 103-122 in European Journal of Taxonomy 813 on pages 106-107, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.813.1737, http://zenodo.org/record/646807