Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae 41(2), pp. 71–92, 1995

Title: Geographical patterns of biological diversity in the Palaearctic Region and the Carpathian Basin

Author: Z. Varga

Author's address: Department of Zoology and Evolution, Kossuth Lajos University, H–4010 Debrecen, Hungary

Abstract: Species diversity varies spatially. It can be characterised not only by some latitudinal and longitudinal gradients but also by numerous core areas, i.e. by restricted territories with cumulated presence of stenochorous ("endemic") species. Patterns of diversity can be explained by the spatio-temporal dynamics of the processes which i. generate diversity by speciation, ii. reduce diversity by extinction. A major part of the core areas served as conservation centres of forested biomes in their regressive phases during the younger Pleistocene. The periodical expansion of the "non-forest" biomes during the glaciations (e.g. periglacial tundra and loess steppe) has isolated the forest refugia. On the other hand, the extension of the grassland and desert biomes was restricted by the recurrent inter- and post-glacial spread of wooded biomes.
The Carpathian Basin with a mosaic pattern of forested and open landscapes displayed very intricate dynamics of faunal types during the Quaternary period. Its geographically transitional position resulted in a conspicuous mixture of faunal elements of diverse origin and geographical history. The compartment structure of the vegetation complexes, typical for the Pannonian forest-steppe, has promoted the survival of some strictly localised, relict-like faunal elements. Especially the hilly areas of transitional climatic conditions, surrounding the Pannonian lowland are populated by numerous, biogeographically significant species and communities.

Key words: area dynamics, speciation, core areas, glacial refuges, oreal fauna, faunal types, Carpathian Basin

Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae 41(2), pp. 93–101, 1995

Title: The species of the genus Szombatya Platia, 1986 (Coleoptera, Elateridae: Melanotinae)

Authors: G. Platia and R. Schimmel

Authors' addresses: Via Molino Vecchio, 21, 47030 Gatteo (Forlí), Italy
Wiesenstr. 6, D-66957 Vinningen, Germany

Abstract: The genus Szombatya Platia, 1986 originally established for Psellis formosana Szombathy, 1910 from Taiwan is proved to be widespread from India to Indonesia and Malaysia. The genus includes seven species, five of which (Sz. deretzi, fleutiauxi, hodgarti, malaccensis and merkli) are described as new. Melanotus minutus Schwarz, 1902 is transferred to Szombatya. A key to species is given.

Key words: new species, Szombatya, Elateridae, Coleoptera, Indo-Malaya

Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae 41(2), pp. 103–114, 1995

Title: New diospiline taxa from the Neotropical Region (Hymenoptera, Braconidae: Helconinae)

Author: J. Papp

Author's address: Department of Zoology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, H–1431 Budapest, PO Box 137, Hungary

Abstract: Description of Topaldios gen. n. with two new species: T. apertus sp. n. and T. porrectus sp. n., both originating from Argentina. Two new species of the genus Diospilus Haliday are described: D. fulvus sp. n. and D. podobe sp. n., both come from Costa Rica. The new taxa are differentiated from their nearest allies. A checklist of the diospiline species of the American Continent is compiled. With 42 original figures.

Key words: Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Helconinae, Diospilini, Diospilus, Topaldios, taxonomy, Costa Rica, Argentina

Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae 41(2), pp. 115–118, 1995

Title: A new species from the genus Perigrapha Lederer, 1857 (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)

Authors: M. Hreblay and V. S. Kononenko

Authors' addresses: H–2030 Érd, Somfa u. 15., Hungary
Institute of Biology and Pedology, Far East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia, RF–690022

Abstract: Description of Perigrapha (Perigrapha) pamiricola sp. n. from Tadjikistan. With 10 figures.

Key words: Noctuidae, Perigrapha, taxonomy, new species, Pamir Mts

Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae 41(2), pp. 119–129, 1995

Title: On the Xylopolia species of the Manchurian Region (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)

Authors: V. S. Kononenko and L. Ronkay

Authors' addresses: Institute of Biology and Pedology, Far East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia, RF–690022
Department of Zoology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Baross u. 13, H–1088 Budapest, Hungary

Abstract: Description of a new Xylopolia species, X. bellula sp. n. (Korea) and its subspecies, X. bellula primoryensis ssp. n., in comparison with X. bella, X. bella amamiensis and X. bella koreana ssp. n. are given. With 24 figures and a colour plate.

Key words: Noctuidae, Xylopolia, taxonomy, Manchurian Region

Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae 41(2), pp. 131–136, 1995

Title: A new genus of oribatid mite from Ascension Island (Acari: Oribatida)

Author: M. Luxton

Author's address: Department of Zoology, National Museum of Wales, Cardiff CF1 3NP, U.K.

Abstract: Cordylobates is established as a new genus of oribatid mite, with fragilis as the sole species, from lava fields on Ascension Island in the Atlantic Ocean.

Key words: mite, Ascension Island, Oribatida, Ceratozetoidea, terrestrial

Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae 41(2), pp. 137–145, 1995

Title: New oribatids (Acari: Oribatida) from Thailand

Author: S. Mahunka

Author's address: Department of Zoology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, H–1088 Budapest, Baross u. 13, Hungary

Abstract: Four oribatid species are described as new to science from Thailand. Two of them belong to the family Lohmanniidae, while the other two to the Galumnidae. With 14 original figures.

Key words: Acari, Oribatida, taxonomy, new species, Thailand

Title: BOOK REVIEW: Dorylaimida. Free-living, Predaceous and Plant-parasitic Nematodes by M. Shamim Jairajpuri and Wasim Ahmad, Oxford and IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 1992.

Author: P. Nagy

Author's address: Department of Zoology and Ecology, Gödöllõ University of Agricultural Sciences, Gödöllõ, Hungary