Lower Volga region

The article provides a brief analysis on the species composition of microlepidopteran genus Neofriseria Sattler, 1960 (Gelechiidae) of the fauna of Russia and some neighboring countries. A list of six species of this genus known for the territory of Russia at present is given. One species of the genus, previously described only relating to males from Greece, is recorded for Russia (Saratov region) firstly as a new subspecies with a description and illustrations of the genital structures of both sexes.

The article presents a phytocoenotic description of 23 plant communities with Colchicum bulbocodium subsp. versicolor studied during the period of mass fl owering in 2014–2018. It was found that, across the Lower Volga region, the studied communities with C. bulbocodium subsp. versicolor are mostly confi ned to the slopes of south- and east-facing arroyos and more seldom to the southern and northern hill slopes, plains, arroyo and liman bases, and fl oodmeadows. During the period of mass fl owering, 207 vascular plants were detected in the studied communities.

The estimation size of individual plots the American mink on the res- ervoirs in Saratov region in the period from 2000 to 2014. The average plot size of males – 30.6 hectares, females – 27.8 hectares. During the cold period on most waters plot sizes are increased almost two- fold. Found that females go farther from the center of the rivers and streams than males (females – 203.8 m; males – 166.7 m). American mink is more inclined to the rivers with wide floodplain (?2 = 26.2; p = 0.01).

The result of study of distribution of rove beetles (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) in the main types of biotopes of the Lower Volga region during many years in the paper is given. Correlation between ecological features of the region, biotopical distribution and species composition of rove beetles is considered.

The article contains information about the reliable finding of black widow (Latrod ectus tredecimguttatus) on the territory of Saratov Province.

The article contains information about the reliable finding of black widow (Latrod ectus tredecimguttatus) on the territory of Saratov Province.

During four field seasons (2013–2016.) conducted a study of the structure of morphological variability and vitality. 38 populations of Tulipa gesneriana in several areas of the Lower Volga region and adjacent territories. The significant variability in the vitality structure of the populations as on the interpopulation level, and year. It is revealed that years of observation in General, most populations of the species were quite pronounced tendency for a gradual reduction of vitality. from 2013 to 2015 and significantly improve the plants in them in 2016.