Annales Zoologici Fennici
Research on animals since 1964.

Annales Zoologici Fennici volume 62 (2025)

Rachana, R. R., Amarendra, B., Sujith, K. M. & Sushil, S. N. 2025: Stenchaetothrips subaequalis (Thysanoptera, Thripidae), a new species with subequal ocellar setae pairs from the Western Ghats, India. — Ann. Zool. Fennici 62: 149–153, doi.org/10.5735/086.062.0113. | EPUB

Abstract A new species, Stenchaetothrips subaequalis, with subequal ocellar setae pairs, is described from India based on specimens collected from leaves of Cynodon dactylon. This species shows sexual dimorphism in colour, with the females brown and the males bicoloured.

Ma, L.-B. & Li, P.-H. 2025: Longitudinal clines in wing morphology of Meloimorpha japonica (Haan, 1844) (Orthoptera: Phalangopsidae): Insights from morphometric and molecular analyses. — Ann. Zool. Fennici 62: 137–148, doi.org/10.5735/086.062.0112. | EPUB

Abstract Meloimorpha japonica (Haan, 1844), a widely distributed cricket species in East Asia, exhibits notable morphological variation across its range. This study integrates morphometric and molecular approaches to investigate intraspecific variation in wing morphology and its geographical correlates. We analysed morphometric data (34 specimens) and COX1 sequences (20 specimens) across seven Chinese populations. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a monophyletic clade with no population structure, despite significant longitudinal clines in forewing length (R = –0.36, p = 0.039). Despite size variation, key taxonomic characters (wing venation, leg morphology, genitalia) remained invariant, supporting the recognition of M. japonica as a single polytypic species. This study highlights the importance of longitudinal gradients in shaping morphological diversity and underscores the need for integrative approaches in understanding intraspecific variation.

Leinonen, R., Paukkunen, J., Vanhanen, H., Holopainen, J. K., Pohjoismäki, J. & Sorvari J. 2025: The suitability of artificial nests as nesting sites for cavity-nesting wasps and bees (Hymenoptera, Aculeata). — Ann. Zool. Fennici 62: 121–135, doi.org/10.5735/086.062.0111. | PDF

Abstract Populations of several cavity-nesting aculeate wasps and bees have been in decline due to a shortage of nesting sites and changes in agricultural landscapes. We tested the suitability of various natural and non-natural materials as nesting sites for aculeate wasps and bees in Finland. According to our results, natural materials such as reed and cow parsley stems and birch wood with holes, were more suitable for artificial nests than plastic straws. We developed a new type of nest containing natural stems and a wooden cube with drilled holes of various diameters. To compensate for the shortage of nesting sites, artificial nests made of natural materials can be used to provide breeding environments for several species of cavity-nesting aculeate wasps and bees native to the boreal zone. When artificial nests are used for research purposes (‘trap nests’), insects should be allowed to hibernate in the artificial nests under natural conditions instead of being frozen.

Ali, G., Bhassu, S., Govindasamy, T., Zikry, D., Batrisyia, A., Aziz, M. A. & Arshad, N. M. 2025: An optimised eDNA protocol for fish biodiversity assessment in a tropical river system using PCI extraction. — Ann. Zool. Fennici 62: 109–119, doi.org/10.5735/086.062.0110. | EPUB

Abstract Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has emerged as an innovative and promising method for monitoring aquatic biodiversity, although challenges remain regarding sample filtration and standardisation of extraction protocols. We optimised filtration and extraction techniques using cellulose nitrate (CN) membranes with a 0.45 µm pore size and a phenol–chloroform–isoamyl alcohol (PCI) extraction method. The eDNA collected was quantitatively and qualitatively assessed using a NanoDrop spectrophotometer and agarose gel electrophoresis, respectively. PCR amplification of the 12S rRNA gene was followed by high-throughput metabarcoding to assess fish biodiversity. Our survey identified a diverse aquatic community, uncovering 9 orders, 14 families, 18 genera, and 21 species of fish, with the Cichlidae and Anabantidae families being frequently detected. Dominant species included Oreochromis niloticus and Oreochromis mossambicus. The study concludes that the CN membrane with a 0.45 µm pore size, combined with PCI extraction, offers a cost-effective and reliable protocol, enhancing purity and reducing degradation. This study underscores the feasibility and effectiveness of eDNA analysis in Malaysia, offering a robust framework for future ecological research and conservation efforts in resource-limited settings.

Viidalepp J. & Kostjuk I. 2025: Revision of the genus Rhipignophos Wehrli, 1951 (Lepidoptera: Geometridae, Ennominae) with descriptions of five new species. — Ann. Zool. Fennici 62: 87–108, doi.org/10.5735/086.062.0109. | EPUB

Abstract The ennomine genus Rhipignophos Wehrli, 1951 is redescribed, and brief diagnoses for its sixteen species are provided. Primary type specimens of Middle Asian (Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan) and Afghan species of Rhipignophos are illustrated, and photographs of their male and female genitalia are provided. Five new species, Rhipignophos kopetdagicus Kostjuk, Viidalepp & László (Turkmenistan), Rhipignophos naumanni Kostjuk & Viidalepp (Afghanistan), Rhipignophos eberti Kostjuk & Viidalepp (Afghanistan), Rhipignophos shachristanica Viidalepp (Tajikistan) and Rhipignophos kentauica Kostjuk (Kazakhstan) are diagnosed and described. Two subspecies of Rhipignophos tadzhikistanica Viidalepp, 1988 are elevated to species rank: Rhipignophos lateritia Viidalepp, 1988 and Rhipignophos shugnana Viidalepp, 1988.

Zheng Y., Fang X. & Fu Y. 2025: Diamesa cylindrata (Chironomidae: Diamesinae), a new species from Hubei, China. — Ann. Zool. Fennici 62: 79–85, doi.org/10.5735/086.062.0108. | EPUB

Abstract In this study, we describe Diamesa cylindrata Fu, a new species from the Oriental region of China. A detailed morphological account of the adult male is provided, accompanied by measurements and illustrations. It resembles D. parancysta, but differs by several hypopygial characteristics.

Paappanen J. 2025: New information on the elusive Helcostizus maculatus (Woldstedt, 1874) (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae). — Ann. Zool. Fennici 62: 71–77, doi.org/10.5735/086.062.0107. | PDF

Abstract The poorly known species Helcostizus maculatus (Woldstedt, 1874) (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae), originally described from Finland, has been nearly absent from literature during the 150 years following its description. Furthermore, the whereabouts of the type specimen has been uncertain and the male has been unknown. Here, the holotype of H. maculatus is illustrated, the male is newly described, an identification key to the two western Palearctic species is provided and H. maculatus is recorded for the first time from Sweden.

Ge, X., Tang, Y., Nie, J., Liu, W. & Yan, C. 2025: Brillia litangensis (Insecta, Diptera, Chironomidae), a new species from Sichuan, China. — Ann. Zool. Fennici 62: 65–69, doi.org/10.5735/086.062.0106. | EPUB

Abstract Kieffer (1913) erected the genus Brillia, with Metriocnemus bifidus Kieffer, 1909 as the type species by original designation. To date, the genus comprises 15 valid species worldwide, including four species described from China. In this study, Brillia litangensis Liu, sp. nov., is described and illustrated as a male imago from Sichuan Province within the Oriental region of China. The new species inhabits high-altitude areas and shows strong cold tolerance. A key to the adult males of Brillia known from China is presented.

Gicaraya, V. A. G., Española, C. P., Quijano, E. S., Soriano, K., Torio, E.S. & Naguit, D. R. D. 2025: Cavity characteristics explain the differences in realized nest niches among tree cavity-nesting birds in a lowland tropical forest in Luzon Island, Philippines. — Ann. Zool. Fennici 62: 51–64, doi.org/10.5735/086.062.0105. | EPUB

Abstract Tree cavity-nesting birds depend on suitable nest sites for successful reproduction. For effective conservation, it is hence crucial to understand species-specific breeding needs and species interdependencies. In the Philippines, cavity-nesting birds and their underlying nest web interactions are poorly known. We determined tree and cavity characteristics utilized by sympatric tree cavity-nesters in the lowland tropical forest of Subic Watershed Forest Reserve, Luzon, Philippines. Cavity nests of 10 bird species were found in live and dead trees belonging mostly to Parkia timoriana and Shorea contorta. Using stratified bootstrapped multinomial logistic regression modeling, we found support that cavity depth, volume and entrance area best explained the differences in realized nest niches among cavity-nesting birds. Dependence on woodpecker cavities was also high (63%) among secondary cavity nesters, underscoring the importance of woodpeckers within our study site. We recommend conserving both live and dead trees, with or without cavities, to support the nesting opportunities of all cavity-nesting species.

Kojola, I., Hallikainen, V., Nivala, V., Heikkinen, S., Huhta, E., Ruha, L. & Pusenius, J. 2025: Does abundant wild prey decrease the risk of wolf damages in sheep farms in Finland? — Ann. Zool. Fennici 62: 43–50, doi.org/10.5735/086.062.0104. | PDF

Abstract Wild ungulates are the main prey of wolves in Finland. In theory, abundant wild ungulate populations could reduce the need for wolves (Canis lupus) to prey on livestock, as well as attract predators to the area. We tested the prey scarcity hypothesis by examining whether the number of sheep depredation cases in Finnish wolf territories was related to the population densities of moose (Alces alces), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), or to the combined density of these ungulates. The absolute number of sheep depredation cases increased with the number of sheep farms, but was independent of the size of the wolf territories. Our statistical models suggested that the number of wolf attacks on sheep was negatively correlated with moose density, and also to some degree with roe deer density. White-tailed deer density and ungulate biomass did not explain numbers of wolf predatory attacks. The observed patterns could be explained by differences in the use of space by wild ungulates in relation to human settlements and sheep farms associated with those settlements; as in Finland, moose is the only ungulate that has been found to avoid human settlements.

Sousa, A. F. D., Dantas, G. P. S., Hamada N. & do Nascimento, J. M. C. 2025: Stenochironomus (Petalopholeus) inpa and S. (P.) emilianoi (Diptera, Chironomidae), two new leaf-mining species from Brazil. — Ann. Zool. Fennici 62: 21–41, doi.org/10.5735/086.062.0103. | EPUB

Abstract Two new species, Stenochironomus (Petalopholeus) inpa and S. (P.) emilianoi (Diptera, Chironomidae), from Brazil are described and illustrated based on adult, pupal, and larval stages. These species can be distinguished from their congeners primarily by characteristics of the male hypopygium. The larvae were collected from lotic environments. Both species were found in the Amazon region, with the former also recorded from the Cerrado biome.

Mahendiran, G., Poornima, G., Chaithra, T. N. & Manu, B. 2025: Imera setauropsis and Orsophagus indicus (Curculionidae, Curculioninae, Acalyptini), two new species from Tamil Nadu, India. — Ann. Zool. Fennici 62: 13–19, doi.org/10.5735/086.062.0102. | EPUB

Abstract Two new species, Imera setauropsis from the Jawadhu Hills and Orsophagous indicus from the Vellimalai, Nuchikutti and Kalrayan hills of the Tamil Nadu, India, are described and illustrated. These genera are reported for the first time from India.

Komonen, A., Sorvari, J. & Torniainen, J. 2025: Population dynamics of the social wasps, Vespula vulgaris and Dolichovespula media (Vespidae), in Finland. — Ann. Zool. Fennici 62: 1–11, doi.org/10.5735/086.062.0101. | PDF

Abstract Global change affects species in many ways. To understand spatio-temporal changes in population dynamics, monitoring data are needed. Social wasps (Vespidae) are ubiquitous in many environments. Using beer traps, we studied annual and seasonal population dynamics of workers of two social wasp species, Vespula vulgaris and Dolichovespula media, in south-central Finland over six years. The abundance of both species fluctuated annually. That of Vespula vulgaris displayed some cyclicity, unlike that of D. media; fluctuations were not fully synchronous among locations. Also, seasonal fluctuations were spatially and temporally variable. Vespula vulgaris was active later in the season, had longer flight period, and more abundance peaks than D. media, which generally had one short abundance peak. Our study suggests great spatio-temporal variation and species-specificity in the population dynamics of social wasps, which should be considered in designing monitoring protocols.