Russian Journal of Biological Invasions

2024, issue №4

CONTENTS

ALIEN FISH SPECIES IN THE OKA RIVER - Bykov A.D.  - The article presents an overview of alien fish species living in the Oka River of the Volga basin. A brief description of the Oka River is given as a habitat for fish species that are not typical of the native ichthyofauna. Information on the history of the appearance of these species, the peculiarities of biology, the occurrence in catches, and the fishery significance at different river sections located in the upper, middle and lower reaches of the Oka River within the borders of the Oryol, Tula, Kaluga, Moscow, Ryazan and Vladimir regions of Russia are given. The main vectors of invasions of aquatic organisms into the Oka river system for each alien species recorded as a result of ichthyological monitoring in this watercourse are shown. The forecast of the dynamics of the number of alien fish species depending on the characteristics of reproductive biology, the volume of stocking and the intensity of fishing in the Oka River is given.

THE FIRST FIND OF THE STONE MOROCO PSEUDORASBORA PARVA (CYPRINIDAE) IN THE VOLGA DELTA- Velikotskaya P.A., Podolyako S.A., Litvinov K.V.  - The first find of the stone moroco (Pseudorasbora parva), an alien fish species in the Volga delta, in the western segment of the avandelta is reported. A juvenile specimen (total body length 25.0, standard length – 20.5 mm) was caught on the 27th of April, 2024 on the southern borderline of the Damchiksky security zone.

FIRST FIND OF AMBROSIA TRIFIDA L. (ASTERACEAE) IN WESTERN SIBERIA- Glazunov V.A., Senator S.A.  - In August 2024, a dangerous invasive species Ambrosia trifida L. (Asteraceae) was revealed in Western Siberia in Tyumen (Tyumen region, Russia) for the first time. This species is included in the list of 100 the most aggressive alien species in Russia and in the list of 100 the most dangerous invasive species in Europe. Information on the locality of the species, the supposed vector of invasion, and the species composition of the community is presented.

ALIEN PLANT SPECIES IN RESERVOIRS AND WATERCOURSES OF THE CENTRAL URALS (WITHIN THE SVERDLOVSK REGION) - Grudanov N.Yu., Tretyakova A.S. - The article presents an overview of alien plant species found in reservoirs and watercourses of the Central Urals (Sverdlovsk region) for the first time. A total of 57 water bodies were examined: 42 reservoirs (21 lakes, 21 artificial reservoirs: ponds or reservoirs) and 15 watercourses (large, medium and small rivers). As a result of the research, 28 species of alien plants were discovered in the flora of higher aquatic and coastal aquatic plants. Among them, there are 8 aquatic species and 20 coastal aquatic ones. The main vector of introduction of alien aquatic and coastal aquatic plants is shown. It is noted that thermophilic species of aquatic plants grow in cooling ponds of state district power plants and nuclear power plants, under conditions of elevated water temperature. Information on the degree of naturalization of these species in the region is provided. The information can be used to monitor alien and especially invasive species in reservoirs and watercourses of the Central Urals.

THE PREVALENCE OF INVASIVE SPECIES IN TERRITORIES WITH BUILDINGS OF VARIOUS AGES AND THEIR IMPACT ON GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE MOSCOW AGGLOMERATION - Kadetov N.G., Chernyshov M.P. - The problem of biological invasions is one of the most significant, in view of environmental and economic consequences, especially acute in an urbanized landscape. The paper examines the influence of model species of invasive plants on the green infrastructure of territories with different ages of urban development within the boundaries of the Moscow agglomeration. The analysis of the distribution of model species in key territories was carried out. According to the results of the conducted studies, a clear boundary was found in the qualitative and quantitative composition of invasions on areas of pre- and post- 1990s construction. On both sides of this border, there is a tendency towards increasing the number of invasions along with the age of development, as well as the strength of their impact on the elements of green infrastructure. The extremes of the total number of registrations of model species are clearly traced – two maxima occurring on territories of the development of the 1990s and 1960s and two minima – the development of the 1980s and 2010s. The ecological and economic impact of each of the model species was calculated for each age of development. It has been shown that the areas of development after the 1990s are the most vulnerable to the effects of invasive species, and the areas of the 1980s construction are the least vulnerable. The main measures to combat the spread of invasive species in an urbanized landscape are proposed.

OXIDATIVE STRESS AND RESPONSE OF THE ANTIOXIDANT COMPLEX OF PACIFIC OYSTER TISSUES MAGALLANA GIGAS (THUNBERG, 1793) TO SHELL DAMAGE BY THE BORING SPONGE PIONE VASTIFICA (HANCOCK, 1849)  - Kladchenko E.S., Chelebieva E.S., Gostyukhina O.L., Podolskaya M.S., Lavrichenko D.S. - The present study is aimed to investigate the effects of infection with the boring sponge Pione vastifica (Hancock, 1849) on the shell of the commercially important bivalve mollusc, the Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas (Thunberg, 1793)). The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were determined in the hepatopancreas and in the mantle of oysters. The results demonstrated that the intensity of lipid peroxidation was significantly higher in affected oysters than in healthy oysters. In the mantle of diseased oysters, catalase activity increases and glutathione peroxidase activity decreases, while in the hepatopancreas there is a decrease in superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity. These results indicate a higher level of oxidative load in the mantle of affected oysters compared to the hepatopancreas.

ASIAN DATE MUSSEL – ARCUATULA SENHOUSIA (BENSON, 1842): ON-GOING INVASION IN THE AZOV-BLACK SEA BASIN - Kolyuchkina G.A., Simakova U.V., Kovaleva M.A., Zalota A.K., Zhivoglyadova L.A., Syomin V.L., Timofeev V.A., Kopiy V.G., Bondarenko L.V. -The morphology, biological traits, sex and size structure, and genetic diversity of the recent invader – the Asian date mussel, Arcuatula senhousia – in the Kerch Strait, Taman Bay, and the southern part of the Sea of Azov were described. The Sea of Azov population exhibits a high level of genetic diversity, comparable to that of other invasion regions. The surveyed population showed significant similarity to invasive populations from both Italy and the USA. Arcuatula senhousia specimens were found on soft bottoms, rocky substrates, and macrophytes as fouling. The mussels were observed attached to other mollusks and forming cocoons with byssus and filamentous algae on soft bottoms. The highest abundance in the study area on soft bottoms reached 190 ind/m², which was an order of magnitude lower compared to the abundance in native regions and other invaded areas. Dense mats of A. senhousia were not observed. Specimens of varying sizes were found in the study areas from 2019 to 2021, with shell lengths ranging from 0.5 to 28 mm. The largest specimens were of a size comparable to adults from both invasive and native regions. The gonads of specimens with shell lengths of 7-21 mm were mature and in the pre-spawning phase, indicating the formation of a self-sustaining population in the Sea of Azov. The main limiting factors for the formation of a dense and widespread population were high wave action and predation pressure. Further expansion of the species could be expected in the Caspian basin.

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THE FIRST CASE OF DAMAGE TO THE ROOTS OF HERACLEUM SOSNOWSKYI MANDEN. (APIACEAE) BY SCIARID LARVAE BRADYSIA IMPATIENS (JOHANNSEN, 1912) (DIPTERA: SCIARIDAE) - Krivosheina M. G., Krivosheina N. P., Ozerova N. A., Ozerov A. L.  - The sciarid Bradysia impatiens (Johannsen, 1912) (Diptera, Sciaridae) is known as a polyphagous pest that destroys plants in greenhouses. This species damages more than 25 plant species. The larvae were found on the stems and roots of plants: impatiens plant, Usambara violet (Saintpaulia), snapdragon, bean, Schlumbergera, carnation, chrysanthemum, pelargonium, cucumber, cyclamen, freesia, geranium, hydrangea, lettuce, lily, alfalfa, lupine, corn, melon, peas, poinsettias, potatoes, strawberries, sugar beets, eucalyptus, pine, orchids, and many others. Their activity leads to wilting, stunted growth, chlorosis, premature loss of foliage and, ultimately, to the death of plants. They also damage champignons and other mushroom crops. The pest has now spread all over the world, so it is not possible to reliably determine its native range. For the first time, a case of damage by B. impatiens larvae to the roots of Sosnowsky's hogweed Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden (Apiaceae) has been recorded. More than 100 larvae lived in a root of 8 cm thick. The development of a dangerous weed by a new pest indicates the ongoing process of interaction between the invasive species and phytophages. A map of the world distribution of the sciarid has been compiled.

TROPHIC RELATIONSHIPS OF PHYTOPHAGES WITH INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES IN THE MIDDLE RUSSIA - Kuklina A.G., Stogova A.V., Kashtanova O.A., Vinogradova Yu. K. - The aim of the study was to identify phytophages belonging to Insecta and Gastropoda that form trophic relationships with invasive plant species in the Middle Russia. The adaptation of phytophages to 15 invasive species included in TOP-100 was evaluated. We identified 42 species of phytophagous insects belonging to 20 families of 5 orders: Coleoptera (14 species), Lepidoptera (13), Diptera (5), Hemiptera (5) and Homoptera (5 species). Molluscs (Helicigona lapicida L. and Physa fontinalis L.) are adapted to 5 invasive plant species. Among insects, polyphagous ones (76%) are predominant in terms of specificity, with lesser participation of oligophagous (17%) and sporadic participation of monophagous ones (7%). In terms of feeding type, most phytophagous insects belong to the group of gnawing insects (32 species), while sucking and mining insects account for 5 species each. The long-term monitoring of 15 invasive species revealed the gradual formation of a damaging trophic complex of autochthonous phytotrophic entomofauna and mollusks that switch to invasive species from plants of close taxonomic groups. No significant correlation was found between the time of occurrence of an alien species and the number of phytophagous species adapted to it. The rate and success of adaptation of phytophages to naturalizing alien species is determined by ecological conditions, the effect of anthropogenic factors, the age of plantations and the presence of native or widely cultivated species close in taxonomy in nearby ecotopes. Thus, the “Natural enemies” hypothesis is true only at the initial stage of naturalization. Later on, polyphagous pests of closely related native or widely cultivated species are actively included in the complex “invasive species - phytoconsort”. Taking into account the fact that most of the cases involve minor, often single damage to invasive plants, further study of phytoconsorts is required to better understand the stability of trophic relationships in biocenoses.

ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA OCCURRENCE IN HERBACEOUS PLANTS IN COMMUNITIES INVADED BY ACER NEGUNDO (SAPINDACEAE, SAPINDALES) - Rafikova O.S., Dubrovin D.I., Veselkin D.V. - We tested whether one of the consequences of alien plant invasions predicted by the “degraded mutualism” or “mutualism disruption” hypothesis was revealed in relation to the invasive tree ash-leaved maple (Acer negundo L.). The aim of the work was to assess the occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhiza in the roots of Taraxacum sect. Taraxacum F.H.Wigg. (Taraxacum officinale F.H.Wigg.) and Poa angustifolia L. in communities invaded (An+) and non-invaded by A. negundo, dominated by other woody plant species (An–). The study was performed in urban habitats of Yekaterinburg. Root samples of T. sect. Taraxacum and P. angustifolia were collected from 7 An+ and 7 An– habitats. The occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhiza and root hairs were recorded microscopically. In T. sect. Taraxacum, an increased occurrence of mycorrhiza was found in communities invaded by A. negundo. In P. angustifolia, no differences of mycorrhiza formation depending on A. negundo dominance were observed. Therefore, we have not found a confirmation of the “degraded mutualism” or “mutualism disruption” hypothesis regarding A. negundo.

INVASION OF GYMNOCEPHALUS CERNUUS (LINNAEUS, 1758) BY ALIEN TREMATODES APOPHALLUS MUEHLINGI (JAGERSKIOLD, 1899) AND NICOLLA SKRJABINI (IWANITZKY, 1928) IN THE CONFLUENT OF THE KUIBYSHEV RESERVOIR - Rubanova M.V. - For the first time information about the alien trematodes Apophallus muehlingi (Jagerskiold, 1899) and Nicolla skrjabini (Iwanitzky, 1928), found in Gymnocephalus cernuus (Linnaeus, 1758) in the river Bolshoy Cheremshan (Kuibyshev reservoir) is presented. The timing of their penetration into the reservoir and the vector of invasion have been determined. In the studied section of the river, the formation of parasitic systems with the participation of alien parasites and G. cernuus is at the initial stage. Invasion of fish by trematodes associated with Lithoglyphus naticoides (Pfeiffer, 1828) indicates the introduction of this mollusk into the river B. Cheremshan. Differences in fish infection parameters from year to year were noted. A stable increase in the parasite invasion of G. cernuus by A. muehlingi metacercariae and high values of this indicator for N. skrjabini during three years confirm the rapid rate of naturalization and number growth of L. naticoides in the reservoir. The possibility of rapid formation of an extensive hotbed of apophallesis in the lower reaches of the river is noted. The significant role of climatic and hydrobiological conditions in the realization of the life cycles of alien trematodes is shown. Currently, the combined influence of economic activities and environmental factors has facilitated the creation of favorable conditions for the penetration of alien species of aquatic organisms from the Kuibyshev reservoir into the river B. Cheremshan. Further distribution of invader species in the reservoir ecosystem, inclusion in the trophic chains of river and near-water terrestrial ecosystems, and expansion of the host range of alien parasites are predicted.

WHO REPORTS AND WHAT ABOUT INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES? RESULTS OF THE FIRST NATIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED SURVEY - Senator S. A., Vinogradova Yu. K., Gorbunova E. O., Sokolova V. V., Rozenberg G. S., Vorontsov D. O., Tretyakova A. S., Kryuchkova V. A., Reteyum A.A. - In order to identify public attitudes towards invasive plant species, understanding of their role and functions in ecosystems, knowledge and use of control methods, a questionnaire survey was compiled and conducted. This survey is the first experience in identifying the attitudes towards invasive plant species in the Russian Federation. A total of 877 people participated in the survey. The results confirm the fact that highly educated and ecologically aware citizens are more familiar with the problem of bioinvasions and are more willing to answer questions voluntarily. In general, respondents are quite well oriented in the problem of invasive species and the consequences of their occurrence and pay attention to specific examples of their impact. A wider response to the survey questions was received from non-specialists – the maximum share of unanswered questions was only 33.8%, while for specialists it was 42.5%. The majority of respondents (64.0%) believe that invasive species change the landscape. Moreover, landscape change under the influence of invasive species is considered, first of all, as a negative moment. At the same time, the proportion of respondents who believe that the consequences of invasion of alien plant species can have both negative and positive effects is quite high (15,1%). The conducted public opinion survey shows that further research on invasive species should be carried out taking into account the discussion of socio-ecological concepts of invasive biology and should be aimed at the management of invasive alien species.

STATE AND DYNAMICS OF CTENOPHORES MNEMIOPSIS LEIDYI AND BEROE OVATA POPULATIONS ON THE CRIMEA SHELF OF THE BLACK SEA IN 2013-2021 - Finenko G.A., Datsyk N.A., Anninsky B.E., Nikolsky V.N. - The features of the seasonal and interannual dynamics of the development of populations of ctenophores - invaders Mnemiopsis leidyi A. Agassiz, 1875 and Beroe ovata Bruguière, 1789 on the shelf of Sevastopol Bay in 2013–2021 were studied. It has been established that gradual warming, accompanied by a change in the hydrological regime of the Black Sea, has led to a significant transformation of the phenology, structure and intensity of development of their populations in recent years. The early seasonal appearance of the warm-water ctenophore B. ovata in the pelagic zone expanded the time frame of its presence in plankton from 2–3 months in the first years of introduction (1999–2000) to 8 months in 2019–2020. At the same time, the maximum size of individuals decreased from 50 (2000–2001) to 35 mm (2019–2020). Significant decrease in the abundance of M. leidyi and weakening of its trophic pressure on the forage zooplankton in the coastal areas of the Black Sea were the consequence of the longer and active predation, as well as structural changes in the population of B. ovata expressed in the reduction of body mass. The increased warming of the upper mixed layer of the sea in the summer months resulted in a decrease in the size of M. leidyi, the intensity of its reproduction, and the proportion of reproductive individuals in the population.

GENETIC CHARACTERISTIC OF THE AFRO-ASIATIC SPECIES EUCYCLOPS (EUCYCLOPS) AGILOIDES ROSEUS (CRUSTACEA: COPEPODA) IN CONNECTION WITH ITS FIRST FINDINGS IN NORTH AMERICA: HUMAN MEDIATED DISPERSAL OR HISTORICAL ROOTS Sukhikh N., Chaban O., Alekseev V. - The mitochondrial CO1, 12SrRNA and nuclear genes nITS, 18SrRNA of the species Eucyclops (Eucyclops) agiloides roseus have been studied. It has been shown that according to mitochondrial genes, the species splits into 3 clades, differing by 10.8-12.7%. E. (E.) a. roseus, is usually widespread within Eurasia and Africa and was also found in North America (California) and Taiwan, when compared with the material from GenBank and Bold. The discovery of the species in these regions is recorded for the first time, which is especially important for North America, where a large number of alien species of aquatic invertebrates have been identified in recent years. The Eucyclops found in North America (California) and Taiwan are similar to each other and are as close as possible to the Kazakh populations. The article examines the two most likely reasons for the discovery of a species new to the fauna of America: human settlement or the habitation of historically long-existing populations related to Asian ones, as noted for a number of other invertebrate species.

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