Latest Articles from ZooKeys Latest 15 Articles from ZooKeys https://zookeys.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 18:13:30 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://zookeys.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from ZooKeys https://zookeys.pensoft.net/ New records for the Western Balkans cranefly fauna (Diptera, Tipuloidea) with the description of a new Baeoura Alexander (Diptera, Limoniidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/98997/ ZooKeys 1157: 1-42

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1157.98997

Authors: Levente-Péter Kolcsár, Micha Camiel d’Oliveira, Wolfram Graf, Clovis Quindroit, Kozo Watanabe, Marija Ivković

Abstract: The cranefly (Tipuloidea) fauna of the Western Balkans is still poorly known. In this study, occurrence data of 77 species is reported, of which two species are newly recorded for Albania, eight species for Bosnia and Herzegovina, twelve for Croatia, and seven for Slovenia, respectively. A new species, Baeoura neretvaensis Kolcsár & d’Oliveira, sp. nov. is described from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Slovenia. Images of the habitus, wing, and male and female terminalia of the new species are provided. Furthermore, images of male terminalia and wings of thirteen additional species are presented.

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Research Article Fri, 31 Mar 2023 18:46:38 +0300
New genetic data reveals a new species of Zospeum in Bosnia (Gastropoda, Ellobioidea, Carychiinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/66417/ ZooKeys 1071: 175-193

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1071.66417

Authors: Thomas Inäbnit, Adrienne Jochum, Raijko Slapnik, Eike Neubert

Abstract: Recent integrative investigations of the terrestrial ellobiid genus, Zospeum, have revealed significant findings concerning its Alpine-Dinaric evolution and taxonomy. Due to the expected discrepancy between the useful, but limited, 1970s’ classification system based on shell data and the results of recent genetic analyses in the latest investigation, a revision of the entire radiation was undertaken, and a new classification system was devised by the present authors in an earlier paper. Concurrent to this work, molecular sequences from two Austrian caves were published independently of our revision by another research group. By incorporating these genetic data within our phylogenetic framework here, we show that the Austrian individuals are genetically most similar to Zospeum amoenum and consequently, classify them within that species. We additionally reveal two new genetic lineages from the largely under-sampled southern extension of Zospeum’s known distributional range. The first lineage, deriving from the region of Dubrovnik, Croatia, is a potential candidate for genetically clarifying Zospeum troglobalcanicum. The second lineage derives from the municipality of Tomislavgrad, Bosnia-Herzegovina and is herein, described a new species: Zospeum simplex Inäbnit, Jochum & Neubert, sp. nov.

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Research Article Thu, 18 Nov 2021 08:51:25 +0200
Mayfly response to different stress types in small and mid-sized lowland rivers https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/54805/ ZooKeys 980: 57-77

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.980.54805

Authors: Marina Vilenica, Mladen Kerovec, Ivana Pozojević, Zlatko Mihaljević

Abstract: Freshwater ecosystems are endangered worldwide by various human pressures, resulting in dramatic habitat and species loss. Many aquatic invertebrates respond to disturbances in their habitat, and mayflies are among the most sensitive ones. Therefore, we investigated mayfly response to anthropogenic disturbances at 46 study sites encompassing slightly to heavily modified small and mid-sized lowland streams and rivers. Mayfly nymphs were sampled between April and September 2016 using a benthos hand net. A total of 21 species was recorded, with Cloeon dipterum (Linnaeus, 1761) being the most frequently recorded one. Nevertheless, the taxa richness was rather low per site, i.e., between zero and nine. Assemblage structure had a high share of lower reaches and lentic (potamic and littoral) elements, and detritivores (gatherers/collectors and active filter feeders). This indicates that hydromorphological alterations lead to assemblage “potamisation” in small and mid-sized rivers. More mayfly species were related to higher oxygen concentration and lower water temperature, abundance of aquatic vegetation and total organic carbon. Additionally, the assemblage diversity and abundance were negatively associated with increasing intensive agriculture area at the catchment scale. This study confirms mayfly bio-indicative properties, i.e., their sensitivity to alterations of their habitat and pollution, but also provides new data related to mayfly response to the impacted environment. Those data can be used for management and protection activities of lowland rivers and their biota according to the requirements of the European Water Framework Directive.

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Research Article Wed, 28 Oct 2020 09:41:42 +0200
Island mysteries in the spotlight: Barbitistes kaltenbachi and Rhacocleis buchichii, the only bush-cricket species endemic to Croatia (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/51599/ ZooKeys 936: 25-60

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.936.51599

Authors: Rob Felix, Klaus-Gerhard Heller, Baudewijn Odé, Fran Rebrina, Josip Skejo

Abstract: Hvar Saw Bush-cricket Barbitistes kaltenbachi Harz, 1965 (Phaneropterinae: Barbitistini) and Lesina Bush-cricket Rhacocleis buchichii Brunner von Wattenwyl in Herman 1874 (Tettigoniinae: Platycleidini) are flightless orthopterans restricted to a narrow area in the Mediterranean part of Croatia, both originally described from Hvar Island. In this study, all available information on these two interesting species is presented: data on morphology, bioacoustics, distribution, habitat, and a key to identification of the species belonging to genera Barbitistes and Rhacocleis in Croatia. The songs of both B. kaltenbachi and R. buchichii are described here for the first time, with the former one being the second known example of a synchronising and presumably duetting species. Both species were reassessed according to the IUCN Red List criteria, where B. kaltenbachi should be considered an endangered species, while R. buchichii is suggested to be downgraded to a less threatened category. Biogeography and evolution of the species are briefly discussed.

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Research Article Thu, 28 May 2020 22:50:27 +0300
Cranial variability and differentiation among golden jackals (Canis aureus) in Europe, Asia Minor and Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/39449/ ZooKeys 917: 141-164

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.917.39449

Authors: Stoyan Stoyanov

Abstract: Golden jackal (Canis aureus) expansion in the last decades has triggered research interest in Europe. However, jackal phylogeny and taxonomy are still controversial. Morphometric studies in Europe found differences between Dalmatian and the other European jackals. Recent genetic studies revealed that African and Eurasian golden jackals are distinct species. Moreover, large Canis aureus lupaster may be a cryptic subspecies of the African golden jackal. Although genetic studies suggest changes in Canis aureus taxonomy, morphological and morphometric studies are still needed. The present study proposes the first comprehensive analysis on a wide scale of golden jackal skull morphometry. Extensive morphometric data of jackal skulls from Europe (including a very large Bulgarian sample), Asia Minor, and North Africa were analysed, by applying recently developed statistical tools, to address the following questions: (i) is there geographic variation in skull size and shape among populations from Europe, Anatolia and the Caucasus?, (ii) is the jackal population from the Dalmatian coast different?, and (iii) is there a clear distinction between the Eurasian golden jackal (Canis aureus) and the African wolf (Canis lupaster sensu lato), and among populations of African wolves as well? Principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis were applied on the standardized and log-transformed ratios of the original measurements to clearly separate specimens by shape and size. The results suggest that jackals from Europe, Anatolia and the Caucasus belong to one subspecies: Canis aureus moreotica (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1835), despite the differences in shape of Dalmatian specimens. The present study confirmed morphometrically that all jackals included so far in the taxon Canis aureus sensu lato may represent three taxa and supports the hypothesis that at least two different taxa (species?) of Canis occur in North Africa, indicating the need for further genetic, morphological, behavioural and ecological research to resolve the taxonomic uncertainty. The results are consistent with recent genetic and morphological studies and give further insights on golden jackal taxonomy. Understanding the species phylogeny and taxonomy is crucial for the conservation and management of the expanding golden jackal population in Europe.

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Research Article Mon, 9 Mar 2020 05:21:37 +0200
Checklist of the Sarcophagidae (Diptera) of Croatia, with new records from Croatia and other Mediterranean countries https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/30795/ ZooKeys 831: 95-155

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.831.30795

Authors: Stjepan Krčmar, Daniel Whitmore, Thomas Pape, Eliana Buenaventura

Abstract: An updated checklist of Croatian flesh flies is presented based on the literature, on material collected from 2004 to 2017, and on specimens in museum collections. The checklist comprises 22 genera and 148 species (two left unnamed), 105 of which are represented by new Croatian records. Twenty-five species are recorded from Croatia with certainty for the first time: Amobia pelopei (Rondani, 1859), Apodacra seriemaculata Macquart, 1854, Craticulina tabaniformis (Fabricius, 1805), Macronychia striginervis (Zetterstedt, 1838), Metopia campestris (Fallén, 1810), Miltogramma brevipila Villeneuve, 1911, Miltogramma iberica Villeneuve, 1912, Miltogramma oestracea (Fallén, 1820), Miltogramma punctata Meigen, 1824, Oebalia cylindrica (Fallén, 1810), Phylloteles pictipennis Loew, 1844, Senotainia conica (Fallén, 1810), Taxigramma hilarella (Zetterstedt, 1844), Taxigramma stictica (Meigen, 1830), Agria monachae (Kramer, 1908), Nyctia lugubris (Macquart, 1843), Blaesoxipha (Blaesoxipha) aurulenta Rohdendorf, 1937, Blaesoxipha (Blaesoxipha) batilligera Séguy, 1941, Blaesoxipha (Blaesoxipha) plumicornis (Zetterstedt, 1859), Sarcophaga (Helicophagella) okaliana (Lehrer, 1975), Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) amita Rondani, 1860, Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) ancilla Rondani, 1865, Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) pseudobenaci (Baranov, 1942), Sarcophaga (Myorhina) lunigera Böttcher, 1914 and Sarcophaga (Stackelbergeola) mehadiensis Böttcher, 1912. Taxigramma hilarella, Nyctia lugubris, Agria monachae, Blaesoxipha (Blaesoxipha) aurulenta and Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) amita are recorded from Southeast Europe with certainty for the first time. The species Sarcophaga (Sarcophaga) hennigi Lehrer, 1978 is omitted from the list, as previous records from Croatia are shown to be based on an erroneous synonymy with Sarcophaga novaki Baranov, 1941 (= Sarcophaga (Sarcophaga) croatica Baranov, 1941). Blaesoxipha (Blaesoxipha) rufipes (Macquart, 1839) could not be confirmed from Croatia and is not included in the checklist. Three new synonymies are proposed: Golania Lehrer, 2000 = Thyrsocnema Enderlein, 1928, syn. nov., Parasarcophaga (Liosarcophaga) kovatschevitchi Strukan, 1970 = Sarcophaga (Liosarcophaga) marshalli Parker, 1923, syn. nov., and Sarcophaga subvicina ssp. novaki Baranov, 1941 = Sarcophaga (Sarcophaga) croatica Baranov, 1941, syn. nov. As part of an effort to update the European distributions of all Croatian species, the following new national and regional records are also provided: Miltogramma brevipila, Miltogramma taeniata Meigen, 1824 and Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) pandellei (Rohdendorf, 1937) new to Greece; Sarcophaga (Liosarcophaga) harpax Pandellé, 1896 and Sarcophaga (Sarcophaga) croatica new to Italy (respectively mainland and mainland and Sicily); Miltogramma iberica new to Bulgaria and Sardinia; Pterella convergens (Pandellé, 1895) new to mainland Italy and Sicily; Nyctia lugubris new to mainland Italy and Sardinia; Blaesoxipha (Blaesoxipha) litoralis (Villeneuve, 1911) new to Sardinia and thus confirmed for Italy; Apodacra seriemaculata, Macronychia striginervis, Protomiltogramma fasciata (Meigen, 1824) and Blaesoxipha (Blaesoxipha) ungulata (Pandellé, 1896) new to Sardinia and Sicily; Macronychia dolini Verves & Khrokalo, 2006, Macronychia polyodon (Meigen, 1824), Metopia argyrocephala (Meigen, 1824), Senotainia albifrons (Rondani, 1859), Taxigramma multipunctata (Rondani, 1859), Taxigramma stictica, Blaesoxipha (Blaesoxipha) unicolor (Villeneuve, 1912) and Sarcophaga (Helicophagella) agnata Rondani, 1860 new to Sardinia; Metopodia pilicornis (Pandellé, 1895), Miltogramma oestracea, Miltogramma rutilans Meigen, 1824, Nyctia halterata (Panzer, 1798), Blaesoxipha (Blaesoxipha) lapidosa Pape, 1994 and Blaesoxipha (Blaesoxipha) plumicornis new to Sicily.

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Research Article Mon, 18 Mar 2019 17:13:27 +0200
Two new species of the millipede genus Metonomastus Attems, 1937 from the Balkan Peninsula (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/28386/ ZooKeys 786: 43-57

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.786.28386

Authors: Dragan Antić, Boyan Vagalinski, Pavel Stoev, Sergei Golovatch

Abstract: In addition to the eleven previously known species of the Mediterranean genus Metonomastus, two more species are described: M. petrovi sp. n., from the Rhodopi Mts. and Bunardzhik Hill in Bulgaria, and M. radjai sp. n., from the island of Mljet in Croatia. The relationships between the congeners and their distributions are briefly discussed. All 13 species of the genus are keyed.

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Research Article Tue, 25 Sep 2018 11:06:12 +0300
Spatial distribution and seasonal changes of mayflies (Insecta, Ephemeroptera) in a Western Balkan peat bog https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/10359/ ZooKeys 637: 135-149

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.637.10359

Authors: Marina Vilenica, Andreja Brigić, Mladen Kerovec, Sanja Gottstein, Ivančica Ternjej

Abstract: Peat bogs are unique wetland ecosystems of high conservation value all over the world, yet data on the macroinvertebrates (including mayfly assemblages) in these habitats are still scarce. Over the course of one growing season, mayfly assemblages were sampled each month, along with other macroinvertebrates, in the largest and oldest Croatian peat bog and an adjacent stream. In total, ten mayfly species were recorded: two species in low abundance in the peat bog, and nine species in significantly higher abundance in the stream. Low species richness and abundance in the peat bog were most likely related to the harsh environmental conditions and mayfly habitat preferences. In comparison, due to the more favourable habitat conditions, higher species richness and abundance were observed in the nearby stream. Three of the recorded species, Caenis luctuosa from the peat bog, and Eurylophella karelica and Leptophlebia marginata from the stream are new records for the Croatian mayfly fauna. Typical Central European life cycle patterns were confirmed for several species (e.g. Baetis vernus, Nigrobaetis niger, Electrogena ujhelyii), while for several others (e.g. Habrophlebia fusca, Paraleptophlebia submarginata) some discrepancies were observed. Therefore, these results provide new and valuable information on the ecology of mayflies in peat bog habitats.

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Research Article Fri, 2 Dec 2016 18:25:21 +0200
New records of Limoniidae and Pediciidae (Diptera) from Croatia https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5679/ ZooKeys 513: 23-37

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.513.10066

Authors: Levente-Péter Kolcsár, Marija Ivković, Ivančica Ternjej

Abstract: New records are provided for Limoniidae and Pediciidae from Croatia, with new distribution records for species in 12 different genera. Four genera and 18 species are newly recorded for Croatia. Until now, including this data, 87 Limoniidae and eight Pediciidae have been recorded from Croatia. In this paper we confirm presence of Ormosia (Oreophila) bergrothi (Strobl, 1895) and we give the first records of Dicranota (Paradicranota) pavida (Haliday, 1833) and Molophilus (Molophilus) repentinus Starý, 1971 from Balkan Peninsula.

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Research Article Wed, 15 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0300
At the end of the rope: Geophilus hadesi sp. n. – the world’s deepest cave-dwelling centipede (Chilopoda, Geophilomorpha, Geophilidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5527/ ZooKeys 510: 95-114

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.510.9614

Authors: Pavel Stoev, Nesrine Akkari, Ana Komericki, Gregory Edgecombe, Lucio Bonato

Abstract: A new geophilomorph centipede, Geophilus hadesi sp. n., is described from caves in the Velebit Mountain, central Croatia. Together with Geophilus persephones Foddai & Minelli, 1999, described from Pierre Saint-Martin cave in France, they are the only two remarkably troglomorphic geophilomorphs hitherto known. The new species apparently belongs to a group of Geophilus species inhabiting mainly Western and Southern Europe, with a uniquely modified pretarsus in the second maxillae. G. hadesi sp. n. shows unusual traits, some of which commonly found in troglobitic arthropods, including exceptionally elongated antennae, trunk segments and leg claws. The species is described upon specimens found in two caves at a depth below -250 m. Another two specimens apparently belonging to the same species have been recorded in another deep vertical cave at -980 m and -1100 m. The latter represents the world’s deepest record of Chilopoda as a whole.

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Research Article Tue, 30 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Chaetopteryx bucari sp. n., a new species from the Chaetopteryx rugulosa group from Croatia (Insecta, Trichoptera, Limnephilidae) with molecular, taxonomic and ecological notes on the group https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3482/ ZooKeys 320: 1-28

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.320.4565

Authors: Mladen Kučinić, Ildiko Szivak, Steffen Pauls, Miklos Balint, Antun Delić, Ivan Vučković

Abstract: We describe a new autumnal caddisfly species Chaetopteryx bucari sp. n. from 8 localities in the Banovina region of Croatia. We also present molecular, taxonomic and ecological notes (emergence, sex ratio and seasonal dynamics) on the new species and discuss the distribution of Chaetopteryx species in general and the C. rugulosa group in particular. Based on Bayesian phylogenetic analysis C. rugulosa schmidi was separated from the clade containing the other subspecies of C. rugulosa. Thus the subspecies C. r. schmidi is here raised to species level, C. schmidi, as it was described originally. We further present distribution data on rare species in the genus Chaetopteryx in Croatia.

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Research Article Wed, 31 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0300
Subgeneric division of the genus Orcula Held 1837 with remarks on Romanian orculid data (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Orculidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3124/ ZooKeys 301: 25-49

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.301.5304

Authors: Barna Pall-Gergely, Tamás Deli, Atanas Irikov, Josef Harl

Abstract: The genital anatomy of Orcula jetschini (Romania), O. zilchi (Bulgaria) and O. wagneri (Albania) is described. Based on anatomical features (morphology of the penial caecum), shell characters (sculpture and shape) and unpublished molecular data, the genus Orcula is subdivided into three subgenera. O. zilchi was classified within the monotypic subgenus Orcula (Hausdorfia) subgen. n.; O. jetschini, O. wagneri and O. schmidtii were classified to Orcula (Illyriobanatica) subgen. n. (type species: Pupa Schmidtii), whereas the other Orcula species remain in the nominotypical subgenus. Orcula (Hausdorfia) is known from South-Eastern Bulgaria and North-Western Turkey, Orcula (Illyriobanatica) inhabits Western Romania, North-Western Greece, Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro. The nine species of Orcula (Orcula) are known mainly from the Alps and the Western Carpathians (from Eastern France to Eastern Hungary and Slovakia).The occurrence of only one Orcula species, namely O. jetschini is verified from Romania. Available information suggests that data on the Romanian occurrence of Orcula dolium and O. gularis were based on wrongly identified specimens. Sphyradium dobrogicum (=Orcula dobrogica) is considered as a synonym of S. doliolum.

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Research Article Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +0300
Hard ticks (Acari, Ixodidae) of Croatia https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3247/ ZooKeys 234: 19-57

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.234.3658

Authors: Stjepan Krcmar

Abstract: The present paper is based on original and literature data. In Croatia the first studies on the occurrence of ixodid species were made about 80 years ago. The number of tick species recorded in Croatia considerably increased during the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s of the past century. A total of 21 species of hard tick belonging to 5 genera have been recorded in Croatia. Ixodes is the best represented genus, with seven species recorded. Haemaphysalis is represented by six species, followed by Rhipicephalus with four species. Dermacentor and Hyalomma are represented by two species each. The ticks were collected on 47 different host species. Eleven tick species were collected on Bos taurus and Ovis aries, followed by Capra hircus and Equus caballus with 8 species and Canis lupus familiaris with 6 species. On the remaining 42 host species one, two or three tick species were collected. The most widespread tick is Ixodes ricinus which was found on 25 different host species.

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Checklist Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0200
A new relictual and highly troglomorphic species of Tomoceridae (Collembola) from a deep Croatian cave https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2464/ ZooKeys 69: 1-16

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.69.739

Authors: Marko Lukić, Céline Houssin, Louis Deharveng

Abstract: Tritomurus veles sp. n. (Tomoceridae) is described from a Croatian cave. It is characterized by troglomorphic features (absence of eyes, reduced pigmentation, slender claw, pointed tibiotarsal tenent hairs) that only compare, among Tomoceridae, to the microendemic species T. falcifer from the Pyrénées. Tritomurus veles also shares with T. falcifer the absence of macrochaetae on head, a presumably non-adaptive character that within Tomoceridae is unique to these two species. Both species have no known epigean relatives in their respective distribution areas and can be considered as relictual.

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Research Article Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0200
Identity of Squalius (Actinopterygii, Cyprinidae) from Istra Peninsula in Croatia (Adriatic Sea basin) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2264/ ZooKeys 53: 45-58

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.53.472

Authors: Primoz Zupančič, Milorad Mrakovčić, Zoran Marčić, Alexander Naseka, Nina Bogutskaya

Abstract: A chub of previously ambiguous identity from the Boljunscica and Pazincica rivers (south-eastern Istra Peninsula) was studied and compared with geographically close Squalius squalus, Squalius zrmanja, and Squalius janae recently described from the Dragonja River drainage in the Adriatic Sea basin in Slovenia. It was shown that the chub from the south-eastern Istra Peninsula differs from all know species of Squalius but one: Squalius janae. Three samples examined from Boljunscica and Pazincica rivers and Squalius janae from its type locality, Dragonja River, show the following characters typical for the latter species: a long head (the head length 27–32% SL); a pointed conical snout with a clearly projecting upper jaw; a long straight mouth cleft, the lower jaw length (39–45% HL) exceeding the caudal peduncle depth; a large eye; commonly 9½ branched anal-fin rays; commonly 44 total vertebrae (24+20 or 25+19); bright silvery colouration, scales easily lost; iris, pectoral, pelvic and anal fin pigmentation with yellow shades. The data on the distribution of Squalius chubs in the northern Adriatic basin support the assumption that the range of Squalius janae is determined by the geology of the Trieste Flysch Basin and the Pazin Flysch Basin forming the base of the Istra Peninsula. The distribution pattern of this species does not support a simple model of fish dispersal and a complete connectivity within the whole Palaeo-Po historical drainage. Indeed, it indicates a disrupted surface palaeohydrography that was heavily fragmented by karstification in the whole Dinaric area.

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Research Article Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0300