Climate change will lead to range shifts and genetic diversity losses of dung beetles in the Gobi Desert and Mongolian Steppe.

Desertification is known to be a major threat to biodiversity, yet our understanding of the consequent decline in biodiversity remains insufficient. Here, we predicted climate change-induced range shifts and genetic diversity losses in three model dung beetles: Colobopterus erraticus, Cheironitis eumenes, and Gymnopleurus mopsus, distributed across the Gobi Desert and Mongolian Steppe, areas known for desertification. Phylogeographic analyses of mitochondrial COI sequences and species distribution modeling, based on extensive field investigations spanning 14 years, were performed. Species confined to a single biome were predicted to contract and shift their distribution in response to climate change, whereas widespread species was predicted to expand even if affected by range shifts. We indicated that all species are expected to experience significant haplotype losses, yet the presence of high singleton frequencies and low genetic divergence across geographic configurations and lineages mitigate loss of genetic diversity. Notably, Cheironitis eumenes, a desert species with low genetic diversity, appears to be the most vulnerable to climate change due to the extensive degradation in the Gobi Desert. This is the first study to predict the response of insects to desertification in the Gobi Desert. Our findings highlight that dung beetles in the Gobi Desert and Mongolian Steppe might experience high rates of occupancy turnover and genetic loss, which could reshuffle the species composition.

New findings of poronotic oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) from Korea.

This work deals with 13 species of oribatid mites from different regions of Korea. Two new species, Humerobates aokii sp. nov. and Humerobates ulleungdoensis sp. nov. are proposed, and 11 known species, Punctoribates ezoensis (Fujikawa, 1982), Tectoribates proximus (Berlese, 1910), Protoribates tohokuensis Fujikawa, 2003, Protoribates capucinus Berlese, 1908, Peloribates pilosus Hammer, 1952, Scheloribates fimbriatus Thor, 1930, Neoribates aurantiacus (Oudemans, 1914), Zygoribatula glabra (Michael, 1890), Pergalumna myrmophila (Berlese, 1914), Trichogalumna boninensis Hagino, Bayartogtokh & Shimano, 2017, and Trichogalumna ohkuboi Hagino, Bayartogtokh & Shimano, 2017 are newly reported for the fauna of Korea. Supplementary descriptions and illustrations of each species along with their distributional data are provided.

An interesting sexually dimorphic species, Chamobates callipygis Pavlichenko, 1991 (Acari, Oribatida, Chamobatidae), with remarks on sexual dimorphism in Ceratozetoidea.

Based on materials from the leaf litter of a mixed forest in Crimea, a new diagnosis for the sexually dimorphic species, Chamobates callipygis Pavlichenko, 1991, is presented to accommodate its previously unreported females. This is the only species in Chamobatidae showing a distinct sexual dimorphism, which is expressed by the posterior porose region on the notogaster, such that males only have a large protuberance on the posterior part of notogaster bearing a pair of fused porose areas A3, and a densely striated region behind them. The specific function of this structure is not yet known, but the sexual dimorphism is presumably involved in pheromonal communication facilitating sperm transfer. Also, the males of this species have a few transverse striations in the dorsomedial part of notogaster (at level of porose areas A1 and A2). Further, we discuss all cases of sexual dimorphism in the superfamily Ceratozetoidea, and the possible function of this dimorphism.

Ontogenetic instars of Elliptochthonius profundus Norton, 1975 (Acari, Oribatida, Elliptochthoniidae), with remarks on juveniles of the superfamily Parhypochthonioidea.

The morphology of juvenile instars of the mite Elliptochthonius profundus Norton, 1975 (Oribatida, Elliptochthoniidae) is studied. Comparative characteristics of juveniles of the representative genera in the superfamily Parhypochthonioidea is given based on our own data and available literature sources, and the major characteristics of larvae and nymphs are presented. It can be summarized that the juveniles of parhypochthonioides have the following character states: body trichoid, i.e., the postpedal scissure of gastronotum is clearly developed; body colour whitish or pale yellowish, lacking the strong cuticular sclerotization, where the flesh cuticle is sparsely foveolate or weakly microtuberculate; the juveniles of the different genera are generally similar, but differ from one another in the shape of bothridial seta, number of gastronotic setae, setations of gnathosomal, anogenital and epimeral regions and legs, development of the genital and aggenital plates and peranal segment.

Ontogenetic instars of Lepidacarus maafushiensis sp. nov. from the Maldives, with remarks on morphological ontogeny of Lohmanniidae (Acari, Oribatida).

Although the juvenile instars of oribatid mite family Lohmanniidae are well known compared to the other families of the infraorder Enarthronota, information on morphological ontogeny most known species is still lacking. Herein, a new species of the genus Lepidacarus is proposed from soil-litter of the Maafushi Island, Maldives, based on all ontogenetic instars. A comparative analysis of ontogenetic instars of species belonging various genera of Lohmanniidae is given, and the major characteristics of juvenile instars of 21 species are presented. From this analysis, it can be generalized that the juvenile morphologies of lohmanniid genera are quite similar and uniform, there is no significant features separating different genera of Lohmanniidae, and the juveniles of various genera differ from one another in the same characteristics as the adults.

Ontogenetic instars of Melanozetes paramollicomus sp. nov., with remarks on morphological ontogeny of Sphaerozetinae (Acari: Oribatida: Ceratozetidae).

Although the juvenile instars of oribatid mite subfamily Sphaerozetinae is well known compared to the other subfamilies of Ceratozetidae (Ceratozetinae and Trichoribatinae), information on morphological ontogeny of some species is still incomplete. Herein, Melanozetes paramollicomus sp. nov. is proposed from Ethiopia, based on adult and juvenile instars. Additionally, comparative analysis of ontogenetic instars of species belonging various genera of Sphaerozetinae with known juveniles, is given, and the major characteristics of juvenile instars of 20 species are presented.

Ontogenetic instars of Hermannia longisetosa Subas amp; Shtanchaeva, 2013, with remarks on juveniles of Hermanniidae (Acari: Oribatida).

Information on the morphological ontogeny of the majority species of the family Hermanniidae is still lacking. In this work, the ontogenetic instars of the Mediterranean species, Hermannia longisetosa Subas Shtanchaeva, 2013 are studied, based on material from northwestern Spain. Comparative characteristics of juveniles of species belonging to different genera of Hermanniidae are given based on our own data and available literature sources, and the major characteristics of larvae and nymphs are presented. An updated family and generic diagnoses based on juveniles of Hermanniidae are proposed. At the moment, the juveniles of two genera, Hermannia and Phyllhermannia are known, which differ from one another in the pattern of cuticle plications of the gastronotum; number of solenidia on leg tarsi I and II; number of setae on palp femur; setal formula of leg IV in protonymph; and the arrangement of gastronotic setae of c- and d-series.

Contribution to the knowledge of Galumnidae (Acari: Oribatida) in the Oriental region.

We found two species of galumnid mites from Babeldaob Island of the Palau Republic, which is an island located in the western Pacific Ocean. In the present work, we describe Trichogalumna ekaterinae sp. nov., which is clearly different from other known species of Trichogalumna in the specific structure of sensillus, reduced number of notogastral porose areas, and smaller body size. A supplementary description of another species, Galumna flabellifera, which is recorded for the first time in Palau, is given. Furthermore, we discuss aspects of the distribution, diversity and habitat ecology of species belonging to these genera in the Oriental region.

Ontogenetic morphology of Tutorozetes incisirostris Ermilov, 2016, with remarks on juveniles of Punctoribatidae (Acari: Oribatida).

The morphological ontogeny of most species of Punctoribatidae is still insufficient or unknown. Comparative characteristics of juveniles of Tutorozetes incisirostris are given for the first time in Tutorozetes based on material from southern Chile (Patagonia); and the major characteristics of juvenile instars of 15 punctoribatid species are presented, based on literature sources. The larva and nymphs of this species are generally similar to those of the other representatives of Punctoribatidae. Basic characteristics of juveniles are the body unpigmented, light yellowish or flesh-coloured with porose cuticle; gastronotic and anogenital regions folded; humeral organ absent; prodorsum stockier in larva than in nymphs and adult; gastronotic shield poorly sclerotized; prodorsal, gastronotic and ventral setae setiform, except clavate bothridial seta; larva with 12 pairs, nymphs with 15 pairs of gastronotic setae. We discuss the generic status of Tutorozetes and its possible synonymy with Minunthozetes.

Ontogeny of morphological traits in Oribatella palustris Hammer, 1962, with remarks on juveniles of Oribatellidae (Acari: Oribatida).

In this work, the larva and tritonymph of Oribatella palustris, an Antarctic and Subantarctic species of the Neotropical region are investigated along with supplementary re-description of adults. Comparative characteristics of juveniles of Oribatellidae, especially larvae and tritonymphs, are given based on this study and available literature sources; keys for identification of larvae and tritonymphs of Oribatella are also presented. Previous record of Oribatella palustris from a tropical island of Mexico is questioned.

Some aspects on tick species in Mongolia and their potential role in the transmission of equine piroplasms, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi L.

Ticks are cosmopolitan vectors of numerous diseases, and detection of various pathogens in ticks can help to assess their distribution. In the current study, 528 adult ticks were collected from grazing animals or the ground in ten different Mongolian provinces. Dermacentor nuttalli constituted 76.1% of them and was found in all ecozones except the eastern desert. Dermacentor marginatus (8.3%), Dermacentor silvarum (1.1%) and Ixodes persulcatus (3.0%) were found in the northern forest areas and Hyalomma asiaticum (11.4%) only in the southern (semi-)desert. Of these, 359 ticks were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR was carried out to detect various pathogens. Anaplasma spp. was found in D. marginatus and D. nuttalli (2.5% positive each), including flagged specimen and identified as Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Borrelia spp. were found in 2.5% of the ticks (mostly in I. persulcatus) and identified as Borrelia garinii. Babesia spp. (40%) identified as Babesia caballi were detected in all five tick species including flagged Dermacentor spp. and I. persulcatus, and 3.5% of the ticks (all species except D. silvarum) were positive for Theileria spp. identified as Theileria equi. The piroplasms were found in all provinces. Tick-borne encephalitis virus was not detected. The results highlight the high risk of equine piroplasmosis in Mongolia, which is a concern for both the nomadic population who rely on horses for transport and for conservation of Przewalski's horses in Mongolia. In addition, zoonotic agents such as the avian B. garinii and A. phagocytophilum were also detected, outlining a high risk for exposed humans.

Historical domestication-driven population expansion of the dung beetle Gymnopleurus mopsus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) from its last refuge in Mongolia.

Populations of Gymnopleurus mopsus (family Scarabaeidae), a dung beetle that displays dung-rolling behavior (i.e., a telecoprid), have recently experienced sharp declines, and many populations are now at high risk of local extinction. However, Mongolia, which constitutes a major portion of the species' distribution, still sustains a relatively large population. Here, we used mitochondrial COI sequences to investigate the within-population genetic diversity and both the genetic and phylogeographic structures of 24 G. mopsus populations across the species' main distribution in Mongolia. Several lines of evidence indicated that the phylogeographic structure of G. mopsus had been influenced by a recent and sudden demographic expansion. Interestingly, the expansion of Mongolia's G. mopsus population corresponded to the advent of livestock domestication in the region, and the species' genetic structure coincided with road networks, which presumably serve as migration routes for livestock that might mediate the beetle's dispersal. In addition, we also found that G. mopsus possesses high levels of haplotype diversity, which is generally indicative of large effective population sizes (Ne). Overall, the present study contributes to the current understanding of G. mopsus' demographic history and dispersal patterns and also provides valuable information for the species' conservation and management.

Ontogeny of morphological traits in Teleioliodes ghanensis Wallwork, 1963, with remarks on juveniles of Neoliodidae (Acari: Oribatida).

The juvenile instars of oribatid mites of the family Neoliodidae are poorly known, and little information is available on the morphology of ontogenetic stages. Herein, comparative characteristics of juvenile instars of the Neoliodidae species are given based on our own data and available literature sources. The analysis of literature dealing with juveniles of Neoliodidae generated ambiguous results, as certain descriptions are incomplete partly and unclear. The major characteristics of juvenile instars of 10 neoliodid species are presented, and the morphological ontogeny of Teleioliodes ghanensis Wallwork, 1963 is investigated based on material from Oumé region of Côte d'Ivoire, Western Africa. From these studies, it can be generalized that the juvenile morphologies of neoliodid genera have certain differences, but species within a same genus are demonstrated to have no obvious morphological difference.

An interesting sexually dimorphic species, Neoribates isabelaensis sp. nov. (Acari, Oribatida, Parakalummidae) with remarks on sexual dimorphism in Oripodoidea.

A new species Neoribates isabelaensis sp. nov. showing an interesting sexual dimorphism is described from bamboo litter on Luzon Island in the Philippines. This species is unique among other species of Neoribates in the structure of the posterior part of notogaster in males, which has a large round concavity bearing a pair of large sacculi S3. The specific function of this structure is not yet known, but the found sexual dimorphism is presumably involved in pheromonal communication allowing rapid sperm transfer. This is the fourth Neoribates species displaying sexually dimorphic characters. Additionally, Neoribates isabelaensis sp. nov. differs from the morphologically most similar species, Neoribates barbatus Hammer, 1968, by its smaller body size, pointed rostrum, long and setiform bothridial setae and the localization of notogastral setae h1 and h2, which insert close to each other. Further, we discussed all cases of sexual dimorphism in the family Parakalummidae as well as other related groups of Oripodoidea, and the possible function of these modifications.

Lichenophilous species of Epidamaeus and Spatiodamaeus from high mountains of Mongolia, with remarks on their ontogeny (Acari: Oribatida).

Herein, the description of the adults and immature instars of a newly discovered species, Epidamaeus munkhbayari sp. nov. along with detailed illustrations and data on habitat ecology are provided. Adults of this new species can be easily distinguished form other known species of Epidamaeus by the combination of following characters: two pairs of well-developed prodorsal ridges, the presence of ventral tubercles E2a, Va and Vp, the short, thin interlamellar setae, and the strongly developed tectum of podocephalic fossa. Further, the redescription of adults and morphology of deutonymph of a little known species, Spatiodamaeus cf. fageti Bulanova-Zachvatkina, 1957, which is recorded for the first time in Asia, are given. The diagnosis of the latter species is modified and enriched with the characters of deutonymph. Following the descriptions and comparisons, we discuss aspects of the distribution and ecology of both studied species. Comparative characteristics of juveniles of different species belonging to Epidamaeus and Spatiodamaeus are performed, and the extended discussion on the immature morphology of Damaeidae is provided. Based on the comparative analyses, it can be generalized that the juvenile morphologies of not only Epidamaeus and Spatiodamaeus, but also those of other genera of the family are very similar, and hence, they differ from one another only by a few features, such as the body size, length of setiform organs, such as sensilli, interlamellar as well as gastronotic setae, structure and location of gastronotic cornicles. Epidamaeus munkhbayari sp. nov. is currently known only from the type locality; S. fageti is a Palaearctic species, known from Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Both species appear to be sylvicolous, and primarily inhabitants of lichens growing on tree trunks as well as bare rocks. A list of oribatid mites, inhabiting the lichens growing on tree trunks and bare rocks in a high mountain cool temperate forest together with the two species central to this study, is given.

Rediscovery of Achipteria setulosa, with remarks on Japanese species of Achipteriidae and the proposal of species-groups (Acari, Oribatida).

The first detailed description of adults of Achipteria setulosa Golosova, 1981 with illustrations are provided, based on materials from central Japan. This species is placed in the subgenus Achipteria (Izuachipteria) Balogh & Mahunka, 1979. In addition, the species grouping of the known species in the genus Achipteria is briefly discussed, and three species-groups are proposed based on the structure of the lamellar complex. Furthermore, data on distribution, diversity and habitat ecology of all known species of Achipteriidae in Japan are presented, and a key is provided for the identification of recorded species in this country. The majority of achipteriid species found in Japan are known to be widely distributed in the vast areas of the northern hemisphere; only two species have restricted distributions in Japan. Most species of Achipteriidae in Japan are inhabitants of the litter of various forests, such as natural broad-leaved forests in high mountainous areas, soils of grasslands, wetlands and mosses growing on rocks.

A contribution to mayfly studies of Western Mongolia (Insecta, Ephemeroptera).

Streams in the Mongolian Altai Mountains are mostly fed from glaciers and are extreme conditions for mayflies because of high elevation, low temperatures and low annual precipitation. Previous information about mayflies of Western Mongolia is scarce, but with this study a total of 38 species belonging to 26 genera and subgenera and 8 families of mayflies has been recorded in the Mongolian Altai region. Study material was entirely imagos and collected from 78 sites during expeditions led by the Mongolian Aquatic Insect Survey in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Raptobaetopus tenellus, Caenis luctuosa and Caenis rivulorum are recorded as new to the fauna of Mongolia, and there are new distribution records for Ameletus montanus, Baetis (Acentrella) lapponica, Baetis sibiricus, Baetis (Labiobaetis) attrebatinus, Centroptilum luteolum, Procloeon pennulatum, Ephemerella aurivillii, Serratella setigera, Ephemera sachalinensis, Ecdyonurus (Afronurus) abracadabrus, Cinygmula kurenzovi, Ecdyonurus (Afghanurus) vicinus and Epeorus (Belovius) pellucidus from the Mongolian Altai region. Baetis vernus and Ephemerella aurivillii are the most frequently encountered species in this region.

Systematic placement of some taxa in the family Galumnidae (Acari, Oribatida).

Based on the recent ascertaining studies of type specimens, the new systematic placement for one subgenus and three species of oribatid mites of the family Galumnidae (Acari, Oribatida) are proposed, resulting in the following taxonomic proposals: Pergalumna (Bigalumna) Mahunka & Mahunka-Papp, 2009 stat. nov., P. (B.) rimosa (Mahunka & Mahunka-Papp, 2009) comb. nov., Allogalumna quadrimaculata (Mahunka, 1988) comb. nov. and A. brevisetosa (Bayartogtokh & Weigmann, 2005) comb. nov. The initial taxonomic position of the species, Galumna scripta Balogh & Mahunka, 1966, is supported. Some details on important morphological characters of these species are provided.

New and little known species of oribatid mites of the family Haplozetidae (Acari, Oribatida) from Ecuador.

We described two new species, Haplozetes paraminimicoma sp. n. and Protoribates ecuadoriensis sp. n. from Ecuador. Additionally, a detailed supplementary description of Trachyoribates (Rostrozetes) glaber (Beck, 1965) is given on the basis of Ecuadorian specimens, which was known previously only from Peru. An annotated checklist of all identified taxa of Haplozetidae from Ecuador is presented.

The soil mite genus Conchogneta (Acari, Oribatida, Autognetidae), with new findings from Mongolia.

This work deals with taxonomy, geographical distribution as well as known ecology of oribatid mites of the genus Conchogneta Grandjean, 1963 in the world. The majority of species belonging to this genus is known to be widely distributed in Europe, but only three of them are found in other areas of the northern hemisphere. Most species of Conchogneta are inhabitants of litter of various types of forestas, terricolous and epiphytic bryophytes, epiphytic lichens, and soil of steppe, river valleys, moor, oligotrophic bogs, floodland assemblages etc. A new species, Conchogneta glabrisensillatasp. n. is described, and another species, Conchogneta traegardhi (Forsslund, 1947) is redescribed from the northern and western parts of Mongolia, respectively. Conchogneta is recorded for the first time for the fauna of Mongolia. The species status of Conchogneta dalecarlica (Forsslund, 1947) is discussed. Species descriptions are accompanied with detailed illustrations. Furthermore, a key is provided for the identification of adults of the known species of Conchogneta in the world.