Abstract The study is based on 175 slide-mounted specimens collected during several entomological surveys between 2009 and 2022 in hilly regions of western Slovakia (Považský Inovec Mts., Strážovské vrchy Mts., and Súľovské skaly rocks in Súľovské vrchy Mts.). Altogether, several thousand specimens of moth flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) were collected. Eight species are recorded from Slovakia for the first time: Mormia revisenda (Eaton, 1893), Psychomormia incerta (Eaton, 1893), Jungiella (Psychocha) hassiaca Wagner, 1993, Seoda vaillanti (Withers, 1989), Berdeniella zwicki Wagner, 1983, Pericoma (Pericoma) calcifera Vaillant & Withers, 1993, P. (P.) pannonica Szabó, 1960, and Pneumia vaillanti (Wagner, 1981). All newly recorded species are considered very rare and are classified as nationally scarce (NS). In addition, several other rare and conservation-relevant species were recorded, including Yomormia furva (Tonnoir, 1940), Jungiella (Psychocha) acuminata (Szabó, 1960), J. (P.) laminata (Szabó, 1960), Paramormia (Phyllotelmatoscopus) acuta (Krek, 1971), Philosepedon (Philothreticus) soljani Krek, 1971, Clytocerus (Boreoclytocerus) splendidus Ježek & Hájek, 2007, Pericoma (Pericoma) tonnoiri Vaillant, 1978, P. (P.) vestita Vaillant & Withers, 1993, and Pneumia rivularis (Berdén, 1954). The occurrence of these species highlights the importance of the studied region for the conservation of moth fly biodiversity and underlines the need for the protection of their habitats.
This study analyses the long-term transformation of the landscape in the Jeseník Region (Czech Republic) resulting from the extraction of mineral resources, particularly Silesian granite and Silesian marble. These raw materials, historically quarried within the Žulová Massif and adjacent areas, played a key role in the region’s economic and cultural development from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Using multitemporal aerial photographs from 1953, 1964, 1976 and 1995, combined with a 2022 orthophoto, the research reconstructs changes in quarry areas, land use and landscape structure. Historical aerial imagery was digitized, georeferenced and vectorized, enabling precise GIS-based analyses of spatial and temporal dynamics. Results show that while the total area occupied by quarries remained similar in 1953 and 1995 (approx. 31 ha), the internal structure of mining activities changed significantly: some quarries ceased operation, others expanded, and several new sites appeared. Long-abandoned quarries became predominantly reforested, with forests covering more than three quarters of former extraction areas by 2022. Only 1.39 ha of the original 1953 quarry surfaces remain active today. The study demonstrates that aerial photographs are a valuable tool for assessing landscape evolution in mining regions, enabling both qualitative interpretation and quantitative evaluation of land-cover change.
In this study, Diptera specimens photographed during nature observations in Bartın and Sakarya of Türkiye provinces were initially identified as Chrysopilus asiliformis (Preyssler, 1791) based on their photographs. Subsequently, to confirm the identification microscopically, representative female and male specimens were collected and examined under a stereomicroscope. This finding represents the first record of C. asiliformis in the Turkish fauna.
Abstract Based on published findings (Ratajová 2012, Hrozová 2024), unpublished data from museum specimens (2006–2018), and field surveys (2006–2024), a total of 13 bat species were recorded in the urban area of Opava in North Moravia. Common species included Nyctalus noctula , Eptesicus serotinus , and Vespertilio murinus. N. noctula was the eudominant species (D = 36.81), followed by E. serotinus (D = 16.48) and V. murinus (D = 10.99). Pipistrellus nathusii was dominant (D = 8.76), followed by P. pygmaeus (D = 7.14) and Myotis daubentonii (D = 6.04). Barbastella barbastellus was subdominant (D = 4.40), followed by P. pipistrellus (D = 2.75) and Plecotus auritus/austriacus (D = 2.75). The occurrence of M. myotis was recedent (D = 1.65), and the occurrences of M. mystacinus (D = 0.55), E. nilssonii (D = 0.55), N. leisleri (D = 0.55), and P. austriacus (D = 0.55) were subrecedent. In summer, eudominant species were N. noctula (D = 25.60), followed by E. serotinus (D = 23.20), P. nathusii (D = 12.00), and P. pygmaeus (D = 10.40). Dominant species included M. daubentonii (D = 8.80) and B. barbastellus (D = 5.60), while P. auritus/austriacus (D = 4.00), V. murinus (D = 3.20), P. pipistrellus (D = 3.20), and M. myotis (D = 2.40) were recedent. M. mystacinus (D = 0.80) and N. leisleri (D = 0.80) were subrecedent. In winter, N. noctula remained eudominant (D = 61.40), followed by V. murinus (D = 28.10). E. serotinus (D = 1.75), P. pipistrellus (D = 1.75), P. nathusii (D = 1.75), and B. barbastellus (D = 1.75) were recedent. Species composition inside and outside buildings differed significantly. In summer, eudominant species inside buildings were M. daubentonii , V. murinus , and P. pipistrellus (all D = 33.33). Outside buildings, N. noctula was eudominant (D = 34.48), followed by P. nathusii (D = 16.65), P. pygmaeus (D = 14.45), and M. daubentonii (D = 11.11). Dominant species were B. barbastellus (D = 6.67) and P. auritus/austriacus (D = 5.56); subdominant species included M. myotis (D = 3.33), P. pipistrellus (D = 3.33), and V. murinus (D = 2.22), while M. mystacinus (D = 1.11) and N. leisleri (D = 1.11) were recedent. In winter, eudominant species inside buildings were V. murinus (D = 70.59), followed by N. noctula (D = 17.65), with E. nilssonii (D = 5.88) and P. austriacus (D = 5.88) as dominant species. Outside, N. noctula was eudominant (D = 88.57), with V. murinus (D = 5.71) and P. nathusii (D = 2.86) as dominant species. Two winter roosts of N. noctula were recorded in the suburb of Opava, in the Municipal Gardens, both in cavities of alder trunks and found during felling. Over a 19-year period, 182 specimens were recorded in 105 occurrences within the urban area of Opava.
Abstract The nineteenth volume of the series Interesting botanical records from the region of northern Moravia and Silesia reports some interesting findings of bryophytes and vascular plants from the region, namely Buxbaumia aphylla, Carex bohemica, Carex hordeistichos, Carex strigosa, Cerinthe major subsp. purpurascens, Chenopodium murale, Epipactis albensis, Equisetum variegatum, Filago germanica, Gagea villosa, Lilium bulbiferum var. bulbiferum, Myosurus minimus, Satureja montana, Stellaria neglecta and Typha laxmannii .
Abstract We present a summary of woodpecker (Piciformes, Picidae) specimens deposited in the collection of the Šariš Museum in Bardejov (SMB), Slovakia. This work builds on previous studies highlighting the importance of the SMB collections, both regionally and globally. In total, data on 303 individuals belonging to 10 species from 58 localities were evaluated. The specimens were collected between 1952 and 1977. The significance of this work also lies in the cataloguing process, which provides valuable data on regional museum collections – data that can be important not only at a local level but also in the context of global biodiversity research. In addition, the SMB exhibition includes 8 specimens from 5 exotic Piciformes species – Dryocopus lineatus (Linnaeus, 1766), Melanerpes flavifrons (Vieillot, 1818), M. superciliaris (Temminck, 1827), Sphyrapicus varius (Linnaeus, 1766), and Xiphidiopicus percussus (Temminck, 1826) – originating from Argentina and Cuba.
Abstract The biodiversity of non-biting moth flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Slovakia is presented. A total of 69 species are recorded, of which 10 are new for the country: Panimerus goetghebueri (Tonnoir, 1919), Feuerborniella obscura (Tonnoir, 1919), Philosepedon ( Philosepedon ) dumosum Omelková & Ježek, 2012, P. ( P. ) nickerli Ježek, 1997, P. ( P. ) perdecorum Omelková & Ježek, 2012, P. ( Philothreticus ) soljani Krek, 1971, Logima surcoufi (Tonnoir, 1922) comb. n. (originally described as Psychoda ), Berdeniella caprai Salamanna & Sarà, 1979, B. lucasii (Satchell, 1955) – also newly recorded for Europe; and Tonnoiriella obtusa (Tonnoir, 1919). Four species are classified as critically endangered: Promormia silesiensis Ježek, 1983, Parajungiella ellisi (Withers, 1987), Philosepedon ( Trichosepedon ) balkanicum Krek, 1971, and Saraiella rotunda (Krek, 1970). Five species are considered endangered: Promormia eatoni (Tonnoir, 1940), Panimerus goetghebueri (Tonnoir, 1919), Pericoma ( Pericoma ) exquisita Eaton, 1893, Pneumia stammeri (Jung, 1956), and Ulomyia vaseki Ježek, 2002. Three species are classified as vulnerable: Parajungiella prikryli Ježek, 1999, Philosepedon ( Philosepedon ) nickerli Ježek, 1997, and Threticus silvaticus Ježek, 1985. In addition, 13 species are currently considered nationally scarce (NS), with no assessed conservation status: Philosepedon ( Philosepedon ) dumosum Omelková & Ježek, 2012, P. ( P. ) perdecorum Omelková & Ježek, 2012, P. ( Philothreticus ) soljani Krek, 1971, Threticus negrobovi Vaillant, 1972, Apsycha pusilla (Tonnoir, 1922), Logima surcoufi (Tonnoir, 1922), Berdeniella caprai Salamanna & Sarà, 1979, B. lucasii (Satchell, 1955), Berdeniella vimmeri Ježek, 1995, Clytocerus ( Boreoclytocerus ) longicorniculatus Krek, 1987, C. ( B. ) splendidus Ježek & Hájek, 2007, Pericoma ( Pericoma ) tatrica Szabó, 1960, and Tonnoiriella obtusa (Tonnoir, 1919). Establishing a robust faunal and taxonomic foundation is essential for understanding and protecting biodiversity. This knowledge can directly support the conservation of numerous species (25 in this study) and guide the management of their habitats, which are often threatened by the development of large-scale mountain tourism infrastructure. This study also provides a preliminary proposal for the inclusion of Slovak non-biting moth flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) on the national list of threatened species.
Abstract Alpine areas represent island-like habitats. In Czechia, such habitats are very limited in extent but host unique relict and endangered fauna and flora. Among the species exclusively associated with alpine (subalpine) habitats is Glacies alpinata (Scopoli, 1763) (Geometridae, Lepidoptera). Until now, this species has only been documented at the highest elevations of the Krkonoše and Jeseníky Mountains in Czechia. Its occurrence in the forest‐free summit area of the Czech part of the Králický Sněžník Mt., however, has not previously been explicitly confirmed. In 2025, we recorded the presence of G. alpinata in the summit area of the Králický Sněžník Mt. This represents the first documented confirmation of a relict, isolated population of the species on the Czech side of the border. The population, potentially threatened by climate change, may benefit from ongoing management measures such as mowing and restoration of alpine treeless habitats at the summit of the Králický Sněžník Mt.
Abstract This study applies MaxEnt modeling to predict the future distribution of the invasive plant Heracleum mantegazzianum in Central Europe (mainly the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, and Poland) for two time periods, 2011–2040 and 2041–2070. A baseline model was also developed for the historical period 1980–2010 to serve as a reference for comparison with future projections. High-resolution CHELSA bioclimatic variables were combined with occurrence records from the Species Occurrence Database (NDOP) of the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic (AOPK ČR) and from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), an international open access database of biodiversity records, to create species distribution models. The models achieved fair to good predictive performance and revealed clear spatial shifts between the historical baseline (1980–2010) and future projections for 2011–2040 and 2041–2070. Areas with high habitat suitability are expected to expand into regions that were only moderately suitable in the past, with southern and western Germany showing the most pronounced increases. Differences between low emission (SSP126) and high emission (SSP585) climate scenarios were limited, suggesting that the species occupies a relatively stable climatic niche. Environmental novelty analyses identified regions of increasing uncertainty due to emerging climatic conditions, highlighting the need for cautious interpretation of projections for 2041–2070. These results highlight priority areas for monitoring and management and demonstrate how climate change may drive the future spread of this invasive species.
Abstract Here we present and discuss the record of the endangered species Isturgia roraria (Fabricius, 1776) in the Czech Silesia, originating from the Zlatohorská vrchovina (Zlatohorská Highlands) in the cadastral area of the village Dívčí Hrad (Bruntál District). The record confirms the presence of the species in Czech Silesia after more than 100 years and corresponds to its distribution in adjacent Poland. Together with the occurrence of I. roraria in the Bílé Karpaty Mts., this constitutes the only other known area of distribution in Czechia. In Silesia, the population of I. roraria is strictly associated with one of its host plants, Cytisus scoparius (L.), and with semi-ruderal habitats such as forest clearings, forest edges, clear-cuts and abandoned pastures. Current knowledge of the Lepidoptera fauna in the Zlatohorská vrchovina Highlands is very limited; therefore, detailed entomological surveys will likely reveal additional localities of the species (especially in the area defined by the settlements of Janov, Jindřichov, Krnov, Město Albrechtice and Slezské Rudoltice). The conservation status of the isolated Silesian population is unclear; however, considering its trophic and habitat associations, the Silesian population appears to be less threatened than the one in the Bílé Karpaty Mts.
Sapintus horii Saitȏ, new species, is described from Hokkaido, Japan. This new species appears to be closely related to Sapintus litorosus (Lewis, 1895), differing from the latter in several respects, but notably by the elongate, cylindrical antennomeres 7-9 in males.
Species of Ulidiidae (Diptera) have been studied in the Hrabanovská černava reserve, a well-preserved calcareous lowland rich fen situated in the Polabská nížina (Elbe river basin) near Lysá nad Labem, in Central Bohemia (Czech Republic). A total of 9 species have been recorded, including two representing the first records from the Czech Republic: Herina oscillans (Meigen, 1826) and Euxesta notata (Wiedemann, 1830), the latter being a recent invader from North America. Herina scutellaris Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 has been confirmed in the Czech Republic and recorded from the northernmost known locality. The latter species, and particularly H. oscillans , are considered the most significant elements of this fen type. Due to their unique occurrence and association with a highly endangered biotope, it is proposed to consider them as endangered (EN) species in the Czech Republic. A second record of Homalocephala biumbrata (Wahlberg, 1839) from Bohemia is presented. The species richness of Ulidiidae in the fen under study and habitat association of all recorded species are discussed.
Records of 15 interesting species belonging to four families of Diptera Calyptratae, viz., Anthomyiidae (4 species), Muscidae (3 species), Sarcophagidae (3 species) and Tachinidae (5 species) from glacial sand deposits in the Czech Silesia (NE Czech Republic) and S Poland are presented and their association with sandy habitats discussed. A total of 14 species are recorded from the Czech Silesia for the first time, 10 are new additions to the fauna of Moravia of which 6 are also new for the whole of the Czech Republic. Two species (both Tachinidae) represent first records from Poland and Egle anderssoni Michelsen, 2009 from the Závada sand-pit is the first from Central Europe. The affinity of the recorded species to sandy habitats is discussed. One of the here reported species is classified as psammobiont ( Delia coarctoides Michelsen, 2007, Anthomyiidae) and 6 species are considered psammophilous or probably psammophilous, viz., Coenosia strigipes Stein, 1916 (Muscidae), Metopia argentata Macquart, 1850, M. staegerii Rondani, 1859, M. tshernovae Rohdendorf, 1955 (all Sarcophagidae), Labigastera pauciseta (Rondani, 1861) and Thecocarcelia acutangulata (Macquart, 1850) (both Tachinidae).
Neria cibaria (Linnaeus, 1761) is a micropezid fly species distributed in the western part of the Palaearctic Region in areas where the habitat is suitable, such as moist woodlands, streams and rivers. The species was recorded, for the first time in Türkiye, from two different provinces, Bartın and Sakarya, located on the Black Sea coast of Türkiye. Originally this fly was photographed without collection and identified from the photographs taken. Afterwards, five specimens were collected in the same areas and identified under a stereo microscope using relevant literature. These records represent a new southeasternmost distribution limit of N. cibaria in the Palaearctic Region.
Ariotus spinitibialis M. Saitȏ, new species is described from Honshu, Central Japan. This new species is closely related to Ariotus takedai M. Saitȏ & Young, 2015, differing from the latter in several respects, but notably by the presence of a pair of tibiale spines in male.
Results of the study of family Conopidae (Diptera) in the Gemer area (Slovakia) are presented. A total of 35 species are treated based mostly on newly collected material and partly also older museum material (altogether 295 specimens, mainly from the Muránska planina National Park and the Cerová vrchovina Protected Landscape Area) supplemented with previously published records. Each species is listed with comments about its general distribution, biology and faunistic and/or nature-conservancy importance. The Gemer regional fauna of Conopidae is distinguished for relatively high species diversity and for the occurrence of several rare or stenotopic species. Five species, Leopoldius brevirostris (Germar, 1827), L. signatus (Wiedemann, 1824), Merziella longirostris (Lyneborg, 1962), Sicus nigritarsis Zimina, 1975, and Thecophora bimaculata (Preyssler, 1791), are new additions to the fauna of Slovakia. In addition, four more species belong to rare and little-known taxa, with only a few previous records from the country. The known fauna of the Gemer area is enriched by 14 species; 14 species are recorded from the Muránska planina NP and 24 from the Cerová vrchovina PLA for the first time. The peculiarities of the fauna of Conopidae in the Gemer territory are discussed regarding the species most important from the faunistic, ecological and nature-conservancy points of view. The updated checklist of Conopidae of Slovakia is compiled and presented.
Abstract Data on the occurrence of non-biting moth flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) from the area of Králický Sněžník Mts and neighbouring environs is presented. A total of 56 species are recorded. Seven species are critically endangered: Philosepedon (Trichosepedon) balkanicum Krek, 1971; Clytocerus (Boreoclytocerus) rivosus (Tonnoir, 1919); Saraiella parva (Vaillant, 1963); S. rotunda (Krek, 1970); Szaboiella hibernica (Tonnoir, 1940); Tonnoiriella nigricauda (Tonnoir, 1919) and Ulomyia plumata (Tonnoir, 1919). Four species are endangered: Threticus incurvus Krek, 1972; Pneumia stammeri (Jung, 1956); P. vittata (Tonnoir, 1919) and Ulomyia vaseki Ježek, 2002. Two species are vulnerable: Threticus arvernicus Vaillant, 1972 and T. silvaticus Ježek, 1985. Moreover, one species which has unfortunately so far not assessed useful conservation status (NS, nationally scarce, used newly in the past): Berdeniella vimmeri Ježek, 1995 is also recorded. A basic prerequisite for the understanding and protection of biodiversity is the building of a high-quality faunal and taxonomic base. This knowledge can be applied to the protection of endangered species (14 in this account), as well as in the management of their habitats, often destroyed by developers of large mountain touristic bases.
Abstract Leaf herbivory in Miconia albicans (Melastomataceae): an evaluation of leaf position and age – Abstract: Herbivory represents a critical interaction between insects and plants, involving physical defenses like trichomes that enhance plant resistance to herbivorous attacks, while galls—plant tumors— can drain nutrients from healthy tissues. This study aimed to assess foliar herbivory rates and analyze gall incidence in Miconia albicans in a cerrado stricto sensu area near Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. From December 2013 to March 2014, herbivory rates were documented biweekly using a digital camera, with subsequent analysis performed using ImageJ software. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to determine significant differences in herbivory rates between young and old leaves, while a GLMM test with beta error distribution followed by a Wald chi-square test examined variations in herbivory rates between high and low leaves. Fifteen plants were selected, marking one young and one old leaf, alongside one high and one low leaf. The incidence of galls was assessed across 50 randomly chosen plants, and the average number of galls per leaf was quantified in another 20 plants. The difference between galled and non-galled branches was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. Findings indicated no significant difference in herbivory rates between young and old leaves; however, higher leaves exhibited reduced herbivory rates compared to those in the lower strata, suggesting that leaf position significantly influences herbivory. Galls averaged 19 ± 9 per leaf, predominantly on older leaves. The shaded microclimates of lower strata likely contribute to increased herbivorous insect abundance, underscoring the impact of leaf position on herbivory rates.
Abstract Using the hunting bags data, spatial and temporal changes in population densities of the European Rabbit during the years 1981–2020 in SW Poland (29 358 km2, including 8411 km2 forests) have been analyzed. During the years 1999-2003, a rapid increase in the numbers of the rabbit took place, reaching a maximum of c. 900 individuals in 2003-2004. However, in the two consecutive years (2005-2006), the numbers rapidly decreased to c. 600, and then levelled off at around 600-700 individuals until 2020. In 1981-1990, rabbits occurred mostly in Sudety foothills. Larger concentrations were recorded in SE Legnica hunting region (HR), SW Wrocław HR, SW Opole HR. The main reason for the decline over the last three decades is the rabbit haemorrhagic disease.
