First Record of Genus Curteria (Actinedida: Erythraeidae) From the Caucasus

Abstract

In the article, there is given information on description, spread, the structure of Curteria Southcott, 1961 species and Curteria episcopalis (C.L.Koch, 1837) species which are new for the Caucasus.. Curteria genus is one of the 25 species of the sub-family Erythraeinae. Unlike the erythraeus genus, Curteria does not have cone-shaped setae (canales) on pedipalps. And unlike the Eatoniana genus, Curteria is deprived of the setae made of extended setae in the 4th pairs of legs. The genus of Curtria Southcott, 1961 cinsi and the species of Curteria eposcopalis (C.L.Koch) are neü for Caucasus fauna.  3 adult individuals and 1 larva of Curteria episcopalis (C.L.Koch, 1837) species were discovered in the Azerbaijani part of the Caucasus. In 2018, 1 larva was observed in Qakh region, Azerbaijan. In this article, it is given information that Curteria episcopalis species is new for the Caucasian fauna. This species is only in sandy places and the broad-leaved forests. 

Introduction.

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to provide detailed information about the species of Curteria episcopalis firstly recorded in the Greater Caucasus natural region of Azerbaijan. Methods. The article presents the research data about the distribution of Curteria episcopalis species of Curteria genus in Azerbaijan and gives its morphological description. The materials have been collected from plants, soil under the stones, the highland-broad-leaved forests, sandy places and fruit-gardens (in 2017-2019 years, in the districts of Greater Caucasus such as Zagatala, Gakh, Shaki, Gabala, Ismayilli, Shamakhi, Gobustan, Khizi, Siyazan, Shabran, Guba, Gusar, Khachmaz and in Absheron peninsula) and brought to the laboratory for review.

Results. Our studies show that the range of the species of Curteria episcopalis is splitted up in Azerbaijan. Individuals of this species have been found at the distant points from each other (Talish Mountains - Zuvand, Absheron Peninsula and lowland-broad-leaved forests of the Greater Caucasus). Representatives of this species are found in the sands on the one hand, and in the lowland-broad-leaved forests on the other hand. But in Talish Mountains, this species was found in fruit orchards. It is a rare species. They are usually found one by one.

Conclusion. The larvae of Curteria episcopalis species were firstly collected in the Caucasus, in 2018. The collection place and time of species were noted and the drugs were prepared. The species were applied and the pictures were taken.