First Data on the Dytiscidae (Coleoptera) From the Coastal Tundra of Yugorsky Peninsula, Polar Russia

Abstract

In July 2018, diving beetles were collected in the most typical water bodies and other habitats in the vicinity of Amderma, Kara Sea coast, northern Yugorsky Peninsula. The fauna comprises 15 dytiscid species from 7 genera. The most diverse genera were Agabus and Hydroporus. The record of Dytiscus lapponicus was the northernmost for this species, while the reports of Hydroporus cf. fuscipennis and Agabus pallens were the northernmost for the Palaearctic parts of their distribution ranges. Original photographs illustrate peculiar specimens of Dytiscus lapponicus with dark head, pronotum and scutellum. Most of the species show vast Holarctic Arcto-Boreal or Arcto-Boreal-Montane distributions. The species composition of the Dytiscidae is quite similar to those of the northernmost mainland regions of the European Northeast (Pakhancheskaya Bay, Kara Tundra and Pamal), as well as the Vaigatch and Dolgyi islands, being less similar to those of the south tundra regions (Kanin Peninsula, Bolvanskaya Bay and Antipayuta village, Gydan Peninsula). Among the study habitats, the most diverse beetle assemblage inhabited thermokarst lakes (up to 14 species, the maximum density noted was 1150 ind./100 trap-days). On the contrary, on salt marshes, only 2–3 beetle species were recorded and the total abundance was significantly lower (1.8–3.6 ind./100 trap-days).