Kirghizobia Longicorn Beetle
Status: I category (ENA4bc; B1a+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv)). A narrowly distributed endemic species, whose habitats are being intensively reduced due to habitat destruction. The genus Kirgisobia Danilevsky is monotypic [11, 78] and has significant scientific importance in aspects of zoogeography and genetic conservation.
Brief description of the adult stage appearance. A beetle with a body length of 17-20 mm, externally resembling the common Corymbia cardinalis K.& J.Daniel, 1899, but larger. The head behind the eyes has angular temples, narrower than the pronotum. The antennae are weakly serrate, not reaching the apex of the elytra. In the middle of the sides of the weakly bell-shaped pronotum, there are blunt teeth, and the surface of the pronotum is sparsely punctured. The elytra are noticeably wider than the pronotum, convex in the middle, and slightly tapering towards the apex. The head, pronotum, underside of the body, and legs are black, weakly shiny, almost matte. The elytra are usually brownish-red, less often the same color as the pronotum or bicolored, with darkened tips. Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed; males have longer antennae and are slightly slimmer.
General and country distribution. The range of the genus and species is entirely located within Kyrgyzstan and includes the gorges of large and medium rivers (striped type range) in the northeastern spurs of the Alai Range and in the area of the Fergana-Alai junction (Tar River basin) [78, 51, 45].
Habitats. Large masses of floodplain forests along the banks of large and medium rivers in the middle mountain belt, at altitudes from 1500 to 2300 m above sea level [51, 45], necessarily with the presence of old and overmature deciduous trees (Betula spp., Salix spp., Fraxinus sogdiana Bunge, Crataegus spp., Sorbus tianschanica Rupr.). Previously, K. bohnei was also noted in the lower parts of gorges in tugai forests, but has not been found in mixed stands dominated by juniper (Juniperus spp.) and poplar (Populus spp.).
Population. Extremely rare. In special searches over 20 years since the description of the species, it is known from less than a dozen specimens, primarily due to the fact that in places where it was previously found, habitats are being intensively destroyed.
Life cycle (life modes). Insufficiently studied. The duration of larval development is unknown. All findings of K. bohnei are associated with birches growing along riverbanks; however, it is not excluded that larvae may also feed on other tree species (for example, willows) growing alongside birches. Beetles fly in June - July, depending on the altitude of the location. They fly during the day and at dusk, both males and females [51, 45]. Unlike many species of longhorn beetles (including C. cardinalis), adult beetles have not been observed feeding on flowering herbaceous vegetation.
Limiting factors. Reduction of the area of continuous stands of deciduous floodplain and tugai forests, cutting down old and overmature trees and deadwood (primarily birches and willows), as well as pesticide treatment and fires. The intensity of habitat destruction is approaching catastrophic levels; several habitats, such as the tugai in the Kurshab River gorge, have already ceased to exist altogether. Pollution and shallowing of rivers due to water extraction and climate change may also lead to the degradation of riparian forests. Natural enemies and diseases are unstudied.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). Not conducted.
Existing conservation measures. Currently, it is not protected in Kyrgyzstan.
Recommended conservation measures. In places where populations have been found, organize micro-reserves of at least 20 hectares, where cutting of floodplain trees and destruction of deadwood should be urgently and completely prohibited. It is necessary to investigate the ecology of larvae and the composition of food species; clarify the boundaries of the range, study competitive relationships with other xylophagous species, and conduct monitoring of riparian forest habitats, including water regime.
Kirghizobia Longicorn Beetle
Kirghizobia Longicorn Beetle
Kirgisobia bohnei Danilevsky, 1992
Status: Endangered (EN A4bc; B1a+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv) - Category I), locally distributed endemic representative of the monotypic genus, which is globally endangered by sharp decreasing of area of occupancy and habitats. This taxon is not found in any other countries and has scientific zoogeographical importance and for preservation of world genetic fund. Beetles flying in June and July in low- and mid-montane bottomland deciduous forests, at 1,500-2,300 m above sea level. Larvae are unknown and live in timber probably of old birches or willows (Betula, Salix). Very small populations are found in north-eastern spurs of Alai Mountains and in basin of Tar River. Natural enemies are unstudied. Limiting factors: agricultural development and tree-cutting in bottomland forests, possibly fire and treatment by pesticides. Urgent creation of micro-reservations, prohibition of cutting of old and dry birch and willow trees, also all-round monitoring and study of the larval life mode and competitors, are necessary for conservation of the species.
