<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Mechanisms of sex determination in plants are popular research topic. Research studies are initiated to describe sex determination mechanisms and develop molecular methods for sex differentiation in plant species where sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed or absent at the early stages of development. This study presents different mechanisms of sex determination in plants, identifies unexplored areas and discusses problems which limit our knowledge of the subject.</abstract>

Mechanisms of Sex Determination in Plants

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The article covers the results of a survey of the vascular flora of the peat-bogs and forest swamps of the Kotlina depression in southern Poland. Unexpected concentrations of calcicolous plants are shown to exist and the factors governing their presence are discussed. The discovery of previously unexpected glacial relicts is also examined in the context of the area’s importance in phytogeographical studies of Eastern Europe. A number of observed, but unexplained, discrepancies in the distribution of a small number of relic species have been identified and are given as possible worthwhile lines of further research.</abstract>

A survey of flora and the governing factors in the Kotlina Orawska-Nowotarska Depression, Southern Poland

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Fungus gnats (Diptera: Sciaroidea) of the Gemer region (Central Slovakia): Part 2 - Mycetophilidae</title>A total of 317 species of Mycetophilidae are recorded from the Gemer region in central Slovakia. The material was obtained mainly in the years 2008-2011 by means of Malaise traps and by individual collecting by the authors. A new species of <italic>Mycetophila</italic> Meigen, <italic>M. gemerensis</italic> sp. n., is described and additional 47 species are recorded as new to Slovakia. A new synonym is proposed: <italic>Mycetophila quadra</italic> Lundström, 1909 = <italic>M. chamberlini</italic> (Laffoon, 1957) syn. n.</abstract>

University of Ostrava, Chittussiho 10, CZ-710 00 Ostrava & Silesian Museum, Tyršova 1, CZ-746 01 Opava, Czech Republic

Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Riia st 181, 51014 Tartu, Estonia

Fungus gnats (Diptera: Sciaroidea) of the Gemer region (Central Slovakia): Part 2 - Mycetophilidae

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Aeshna caerulea (Azure Hawker) is present as a post-glacial relict in central European mountains. This species is listed as critically endangered in the Czech Republic (very restricted distribution occurring in two isolated populations) and the European population trend of this species is decreasing. The main objective of the study was to estimate the population size of A. caerulea in the Úpa bog National Nature Reserve (Czech Republic) using capture-mark-recapture data. Population estimates of adults using the Schnabel method was 425 (the 95% confidence limits: 248.1 / 992.3), and using the Schumacher-Eschmeyer method was 416 (the 95% confidence limits: 326.8 / 570.4). Imago activity became apparent at the beginning of July. This study has suggested that the possible future threats for the A. caerulea in the Czech Republic are drying up, air nitrogen depositions, eutrophication, pollution of water by external sources, and terrestrification, mainly as a result of global warming.</abstract>

Population size estimation of Aeshna caerulea (Odonata: Aeshnidae) in the Czech part of Úpské rašeliniště bog (Giant Mountains)

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Several species of the genus Cryptomonas EHRENB. are characterized by the sigmoid (S-shaped) form of their cells under natural conditions. Such species were sampled and studied by the author for decades from the plankton of freshwater lakes, dam reservoirs, fishponds, and peat pools, from among littoral vegetation, as well as in small water bodies overgrown with vegetation. After application of optical microscopes on live or chemically treated specimens, they were measured and depicted. Four species known from literature are demonstrated to be easily determinable, namely Cryptomonas curvata, C. reflexa, C. marssonii, C. gracilis. Two new varieties are described. Cryptomonas borealis is shown as a transient species between straight and sigmoid cells. A special attention is given to the occurrence of pyrenoids and Maupas corpuscles within the cells. The new forma of C. cylindrica is pictured and described, with the antapex of the cells deformed differently from sigmoid species.</abstract>

Light microscopical observations of the sigmoid species of the genus Cryptomonas Ehrenberg (Cryptophyceae) and their eventual pyrenoids

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>During the years 2004-2008 the distribution of the Common Adder and the Slow Worm were studied in Silesia through questionnaire directed to forest inspectorates (n=871); 83.8% of them responded. These data were tested through field work in several randomly selected inspectorates. Both species were found to be widespread in the region, with a few strongholds identified in Sudety Mts. and larger forest complexes. The Common Adder was recorded in 68.5% of forest districts which responded, while the Slow Worm – in 73.6% of those districts. Changes in distribution and population trends could not be derived, since no reliable data were available from previous years.</abstract>

Distribution of the Common Adder <italic>Vipera berus</italic> and the Slow Worm <italic>Anguis fragils</italic> in Silesia, SW Poland

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Heaps, dumps of mining waste, metallurgical slags, and other materials are a very characteristic type of post-industrial sites in the Ostrava Basin. Many studies in the past few decades have focused on plants, fungi, spiders, and beetles inhabiting this unique habitat, revealing many rare species. Yet, comprehensive research on butterflies, an emblematic group of insects, has been surprisingly lacking. This study aimed to assess the diversity and distribution of butterflies on these heaps employing a consistent methodology and data collection approach conducted by the same team throughout the entire season. The purpose of our research was to assess whether heaps in the Ostrava Basin could serve as refuges and alternative habitats for certain rare butterfly species. Through our comprehensive study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of these heaps to support biodiversity and conserve endangered lepidopteran species within the region. Ten heaps were selected based on their accessibility, biological significance, and habitat predispositions. Butterfly surveys were conducted from May to September 2023 using nets. During the research, a total of 59 species of butterflies were recorded, of which 37 were diurnal butterflies, the main group under study. Four of these species were listed on the Red List of the Czech Republic or were subject to legal protection. In addition to diurnal butterflies, heaps provide an alternative habitat for many other notable invertebrate and vertebrate species. Emphasizing the importance of heaps as vital habitats for biodiversity, particularly for protected and endangered species, the research demonstrates that heaps in Ostrava Basin can serve as refuges and alternative habitats for various species of organisms that would otherwise be threatened, including some butterfly species.
</abstract>

Communities of butterflies on ten spoil heaps in Ostrava Basin

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<bold>Aims</bold>: To complete the syntaxonomic conspectus of the vegetation of Tajikistan, hot semi-deserts and ruderal vegetation, mainly of the lowlands and montane belt, were surveyed with some remarks on their environmental predictors. <bold>Location</bold>: Tajikistan.
<bold>Methods</bold>: A total of 143 relevés were sampled in 2022 using the seven degree cover-abundance scale of Braun-Blanquet. All these samples were classified by unsupervised k-means analysis with cut-offs of 0%, 5%, 25% and Hellinger transformation. Diagnostic species were identified using the <italic>phi</italic> coefficient as a measure of fidelity. Non-metric multidimentional scaling analysis was used to show the relationship between groups in the dataset with passively plotted environmental variables, to identify the influence of key environmental factors.
<bold>Results</bold>: Four new associations - <italic>Artemisio annuae-Dittrichietum graveolens</italic>, <italic>Eminio albertii-Haloxyletum persici</italic>, <italic>Leptalaeo filifolii-Calligonetum grisei</italic> and <italic>Clematidi songaricae-Ephedretum intermediae</italic> were coined. In addition, two vegetation types already known from Eastern Europe were found: <italic>Sagino procumbentis-Bryetum argentei</italic> and <italic>Amarantho blitoidis</italic>-<italic>Tribuletum terrestris</italic>. Three plant communities were additionally identified: <italic>Alhagi kirghizorum-Chrozophora tinctoria</italic>, <italic>Halimocnemis hispida-Microcephala lamellata</italic> and <italic>Salsola montana</italic>-<italic>Halogeton glomeratus</italic>. A new alliance (<italic>Carici physodes-Haloxylion persici</italic>) was proposed for the hot semi-desert shrublands of the Irano-Turanian region, and for the vegetation of large rocky outcrops, screes and badlands in the subhumid zone of Pamir-Alai, the alliance of <italic>Ephedro intermediae-Spiraeion baldschuanicae</italic> was proposed. The main factors responsible for the species composition of the studied vegetation are altitude, mean annual temperature and annual precipitation.
<bold>Conclusions</bold>: The dryland and ruderal vegetation of Tajikistan as in the whole arid Middle Asia is species rich and diverse, and deserves further detailed studies. Our research provides a first insight into this anthropogenic and natural vegetation of lowland, warm and often deserted areas, which are undergoing strong changes due to climate warming, grazing and urbanisation.
</abstract>

Vegetation of hot semi-deserts, badlands and related ruderal vegetation in western Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Breeding bird community in the city centre of Brzeg was quantified by means of the simplified version of the territory mapping method. The centre consists two habitats: densely built-up area (c. 40 ha) and wooded belt (c. 26 ha) around the built-up area. In 2022, 46 breeding bird species were recorded in the city centre; 25 species in the built-up area and 36 in the wooded area. The group of dominants in Brzeg city centre was composed of <italic>Apus apus</italic>, <italic>Columba livia</italic>, <italic>Sturnus vulgaris</italic>, <italic>Streptopelia decaocto</italic>, and <italic>Passer domesticus</italic>. They comprised together 59.1% of all breeding pairs of all species recorded. The group of subdominant was composed of five species <italic>Columba palumbus</italic>, <italic>Turdus merula</italic>, <italic>Cyanistes caeruleus</italic>, <italic>Sylvia atricapilla</italic>, <italic>Phylloscopus collybita</italic> (together 15.9% of all breeding pairs). In wooded area the following species were dominants: <italic>Stunus vularis, Columba palumbus, Turdus merula, Cyanistes caeurlea</italic> and <italic>Sylvia atricapilla</italic> (together 44.9%); while in built-up area: <italic>Apus apus, Columba palumbus, Streptopelia decaocto</italic> and <italic>Passer domesticus</italic>. Two species: <italic>Apus apus</italic> and <italic>Columba livia</italic> comprised 2/3 of all breeding pairs in the built-up area. Insectivores and granivores were the most numerous feeding guilds in the built-up area (58.3% and 39.3% respectively), whereas in the wooded area, the insectivores were much more numerous (75.0%) than the granivores (20.1%). In built up areas, most birds nested on buildings (79.8%), much less on trees or shrubs (15.6%), in tree holes (4.0%) and in herbaceous vegetation (0.2%). In the wooded area, most birds nested on trees/shrubs (52.8%) and in tree holes (37.3%).
</abstract>

Structures of breeding bird communities in wooded and densely built-up areas in a city centre in SW Poland

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
We present a summarization of an overview of hippoboscid flies parasitizing bird hosts in Slovakia. Six new host associations are presented in this paper: <italic>Lipoptena fortisetosa</italic> Maa, 1965 collected on <italic>Certhia familiaris</italic> Linnaeus, 1758 and <italic>Sylvia atricapilla</italic> (Linnaeus, 1758), <italic>Ornithomya biloba</italic> Dufour, 1827 collected on <italic>S. atricapilla</italic>, <italic>Ornithomya chloropus</italic> (Bergroth, 1901) collected on <italic>Anthus trivialis</italic> (Linnaeus, 1758), and <italic>Ornithomya fringillina</italic> Curtis, 1836 collected on <italic>Phylloscopus collybita</italic> (Vieillot, 1817) and <italic>A. trivialis</italic> are recorded for the first time from Slovakia.
</abstract>

New host-parasite association of hippoboscid flies with birds from Slovakia

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The present study records the first observation of a female <italic>Delta dimidiatipenne</italic> constructing its nest in Oran (NW-Algeria). The nest construction and developments thereafter were monitored every three days from July to September 2022 (70 days). Ultimately four female wasps were successfully emerged. This first record will be useful for future studies on the distribution, behaviour, ecology and conservation in this semi-arid region.
</abstract>

On the observation of nesting of <italic>Delta dimidiatipenne</italic> (de saussure, 1852) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) from North-West Algeria

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Additional records of Clusiidae (2 species), Acartophthalmidae (1), Opomyzidae (4), Anthomyzidae (5), Aulacigastridae (3), Stenomicridae (1), Periscelididae (4), Asteiidae (2) and Odiniidae (3) obtained in 2023 during the bioinventory field work in the Gemer in Central Slovakia are presented. Notes on distribution, biology, faunistics in Slovakia and/or nature conservation importance are given for the most interesting records. Two species are new additions to the fauna of Slovakia, viz. <italic>Podocera delicata</italic> (Collin, 1944), Stenomicridae (new easternmost record) and <italic>Periscelis</italic> (<italic>Myodris</italic>) <italic>piricercus</italic> Carles-Tolrá &amp; Verdugo Páez, 2009, Periscelididae (new northernmost record). First records of <italic>Geomyza subnigra</italic> Drake, 1992 (Opomyzidae) and <italic>Typhamyza bifasciata</italic> (Wood, 1911) (Anthomyzidae) from the Cerová vrchovina PLA are given. Apart from the above faunal additions, the following rare or otherwise significant species have again been recorded from the Cerová vrchovina PLA: <italic>Aulacigaster falcata</italic> Papp, 1998 (Aulacigastridae), <italic>Periscelis</italic> (<italic>M.</italic>) <italic>haennii</italic> Pollini Paltrinieri &amp; Roháček, 2022, <italic>P.</italic> (<italic>P.</italic>) <italic>winnertzii</italic> Egger, 1862 (Periscelididae), <italic>Neoalticomerus fabricius</italic> Withers &amp; Papp, 2012, <italic>N. formosus</italic> (Loew, 1844) and <italic>Odinia trinotata</italic> Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Odiniidae).
</abstract>

Additions to the fauna of Opomyzoidea in the Gemer area (Central Slovakia)

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The traditionally conceived genera Orthotrichum Hedw. and Ulota F.Weber are here reclassified into six genera, Orthotrichum, Dorcadion Lindb., Nyholmiella Holmen &amp; E.Warncke, Pulvigera Plášek, Sawicki &amp; Ochyra, Plenogemma Plášek, Sawicki &amp; Ochyra, and Ulota, based on morphological differences and partially on molecular evidence. The genus Pulvigera includes P. lyellii (Hook. &amp; Taylor) Plášek, Sawicki &amp; Ochyra (Orthotrichum lyellii Hook. &amp; Taylor) which was selected as its generitype. The genus Plenogemma includes P. phyllantha (Brid.) Plášek, Sawicki &amp; Ochyra (Ulota phyllantha Brid.) which was selected as its generitype.</abstract>

Dept. of Biology and Ecology, University of Ostrava, Chittussiho 10, CZ-710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic

Department of Botany and Nature Protection, University Warmia and Mazury, Plac Łódzki 1, 10-728 Olsztyn, Poland and Dept. of Biology and Ecology, University of Ostrava, Chittussiho 10, CZ-710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic

Laboratory of Bryology, Institute of Botany, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lubicz 46, 31-512 Kraków, Poland

Department of Botany and Nature Protection, University Warmia and Mazury, Plac Łódzki 1, 10-728 Olsztyn, Poland

New taxonomical arrangement of the traditionally conceived genera Orthotrichum and Ulota (Orthotrichaceae, Bryophyta)

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>New records of 110 species of the acalyptrate Diptera family Agromyzidae are given from Portugal, including Madeira, Porto Santo and the Azores. A quarantine plant pest, <italic>Nemorimyza maculosa</italic> (Malloch, 1913), was detected in the Old World for the first time. Details on <italic>Phytobia</italic> xylem- miners and a parthenogenetic <italic>Phytomyza</italic> species are recorded together with new distribution data. For certain species morphological and taxonomic notes and discussions on known or new host plants are added. A complete checklist of Agromyzidae of Portugal is presented.</abstract>

New records of Agromyzidae (Diptera) from Portugal, with an updated checklist

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>First records of fourteen species of moth flies are from Slovakia mentioned: Apsycha pusilla (Tonnoir, 1922), Clytocerus (Boreoclytocerus) splendidus Ježek &amp; Hájek, 2007, C. (B.) tetracorniculatus Wagner, 1977, Jungiella (Jungiella) hygrophila Ježek, 1987, J. (J.) valachica (Vaillant, 1963), J. (Psychocha) laminata (Szabó, 1960), Parajungiella prikryli Ježek, 1999, Pericoma (Pericoma) exquisita Eaton, 1893, P. (P.) ljubiniensis Krek, 1969, P. (P.) vestita Vaillant &amp; Withers, 1993, Psychoda alticola Vaillant, 1973, P. uniformata Haseman, 1907, Pneumia compta (Eaton, 1893) and P. kabelaki Omelková &amp; Ježek, 2012. Records on the basis of larvae of Berdeniella manicata (Tonnoir, 1920), Pericoma (Pericoma) pseudoexquisita Tonnoir, 1940 and Pneumia stammeri (Jung, 1956) in the past are first time confirmed as adults from Slovakia. Some detailed important morphological characters males of two selected species Pericoma (Pericoma) exquisita and P. (P.) pseudoexquisita are figured. All credible and available data of non-biting moth flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Slovakia were summarized (396 localities) and many new collecting sites (visited by different collectors from 1977 to 2013) added (188 localities). A suitable grid mapping for Central Europe was used. A preliminary conservation status of 51 rare species is discussed. The speciesrichness of the psychodid fauna in Slovakia is increased by this paper to 117 species.</abstract>

Department of Ecology, Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences, University of Prešov, 17. novembra 1, SK – 081 16 Prešov, Slovakia

Department of Entomology, National Museum, Cirkusová 1740, CZ - 193 00 Praha 9 - Horní Počernice, Czech Republic

Prodromus of moth flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Slovakia

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The investigation of Psychodidae is still far from finished in the NW part of the Carpathians of the Czech Republic, only 21 species have been published in scattered papers in the past. Altogether 36 genera of moth flies and 84 species including 20 threatened or rare taxa are recorded in this study from 8 localities: 5 mountainous and 3 submountainous sites. Katamormia niesiolowskii (Wagner, 1985) and Threticus negrobovi Vaillant, 1972 are new for the fauna of the Czech Republic, Katamormia strobli Ježek, 1986 and Philosepedon (Philothreticus) soljani Krek, 1971 are new for Moravia (incl. Silesia); three species are new for the Carpathians Mts generally, and 9 for the Carpathians Mts. of the Czech Republic. The total number of moth flies in CZ is increased to 175 species. The communities of moth flies of the preserved areas and localities studied here (in contrast to Kněhyňka 2.) are among the richest sites in the Czech Republic.</abstract>

Department of Entomology, National Museum, Cirkusová 1740, CZ -193 00 Praha 9 – Horní Počernice, Czech Republic

T. G. Masaryk Water Research Institute, p.r.i., Department of Water Quality Protection, Mojmírovo nám. 16, CZ - 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic

Moth flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts and the Podbeskydská pahorkatina Upland, Czech Republic

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>In the Baltic area, the long-lived dioicous wetland moss <italic>Drepanocladus turgescens</italic> (T.Jensen) Broth. produces sporophytes rarely and at irregular intervals. Based on surveys of sporophyte occurrences at 13 sites in two regions in northern Gotland (Sweden) during three to five years, we ask: (1) Is sporophyte formation associated with precipitation and a precipitation index that considers the dry periods during July-August of the preceding year, when gametangia are formed and fertilization occurs? (2) Does the estimated spore output suffice for the species’ long-term persistence of the (Northern) European population species? In one of the study regions, where <italic>D. turgescens</italic> occurs in depressions, sporophyte formation was associated with the two precipitation parameters. In the other study region, with relatively higher precipitation and exposed occurrences on a slightly sloping bedrock with very little accumulated soil, no such association existed. We suggest that this lack of weather effects results from that the exposed rock habitat requires longer continuously wet periods than the depression habitat to allow for gametangia initiation and development, and fertilisation. Average spore production for six spore capsules, from three Gotland localities was 181,000. Based on the sporophyte counts during the survey years, we estimated the total reproductive output as 411.5 million spores in 2013, and 42.5 million in 2015, in the two respective study regions. Taken together with data on haplotype patterns and considering observations on recent colonisations, we argue that such a relatively low and episodic regional spore production is sufficient to maintain global populations of long-lived species, even if these occur in specialized and geographically restricted habitats.</abstract>

Episodic but ample sporophyte production in the moss <italic>Drepanocladus turgescens</italic> (Bryophyta: Amblystegiaceae) in SE Sweden

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Additional new records of the species from the family Agromyzidae from the Palaearctic Region are presented. New data on the distribution of 104 species are given as follows: Afghanistan (3 species), Algeria (10), Austria (5), Bulgaria (2), Croatia (22), Czech Republic (8 species: Bohemia 5, Moravia 4), Egypt (3), France (2), Germany (1), Iran (1), Italy (3), Kazakhstan (25), Liechtenstein (10), Montenegro (2), Romania (1), Serbia (2), Slovakia (11), Slovenia (3), Spain (5), Turkey (13), Uzbekistan (1). One synonym is proposed: <italic>Ophiomyia crispa</italic> Guglya, 2013 (= <italic>O. hungarica</italic> Černý in Papp &amp; Černý, 2015, syn. nov.).</abstract>

Additional new records of Agromyzidae (Diptera) from the Palaearctic Region

Open Access License

Instructions for Authors