Asiatic Polochrum Wasp
Status: Category II (VUB2ab(iii); C2b; D2). A rare vulnerable endemic species of Central Asia, a relic in the modern fauna of the family with a decreasing distribution; the group has scientific significance in aspects of zoogeography and conservation of genetic resources. The second known species of the genus (P. repandum Spinola, 1805) is distributed in Southern Europe and the Caucasus and is already protected in several countries [74]. The largest representative of the family, it has regulatory-biocenotic and aesthetic significance.
Brief description of the adult appearance. A medium-sized wasp with a body length of 16-21 mm, females are somewhat larger than males. Individuals of both sexes are externally similar. The head is massive, slightly narrower than the thorax, 1.6 times wider than its length. Antennae with darkened tips, 3.1-3.3 times longer than the width of the head, in males - with a small terminal (13th) segment. Eyes with a notch along the front edge. The pronotum has almost straight anterior-lateral angles, three times wider than its length, smoothly notched at the back, reaching the tegulae at the sides; the thorax is one and a half times longer than its width, the abdomen is 2.1 times longer. The body is slightly shiny on top, the head and thorax have large coarse punctation, the rear sides of the thorax and propodeum are matte, the abdomen is finely and densely punctate. The coloration is generally typical for wasps; the overall body tone is black, with yellow patterns on the body and legs, starting from the knees. Antennae, middle and hind tibiae on top, and tegulae are reddish. Wings are brownish-yellow, forewings have three radiomedial cells, with a reddish pterostigma and almost black veins.
General distribution and within the country. Very sporadic, insufficiently studied. P. pamirepandum is described from the Kandar Gorge in the Hissar Range and from the Western Pamir (Tajikistan), where it has been found in 2-3 locations [32, 82, 50]; known for Kyrgyzstan [12: as "P. repandum Spin."] from the gorge of the Khodja-Ata River in the Chatkal Range [43], as well as from neighboring Uzbekistan (Karzhantau Range [43], where it has not been registered for more than 60 years [50]).
Habitats. In Kyrgyzstan [50] - floodplain deciduous forest with clearings, at an absolute height of about 1100 m above sea level.
Population. An extremely rare wasp, only single encounters have been recorded, despite its noticeable coloration and large size.
Life style (life cycles). Polochrum wasps are solitary inquilines in the nests of carpenter bees Xylocopa Latr. (family Anthophoridae), and most likely the host of P. pamirepandum is X. valga Gerst., which often nests, unlike other Central Asian species of carpenter bees, in the trunks of dead trees and logs. It overwinters in a cocoon in the host's nest or nearby; the cocoon is dense, irregularly spherical, dark brown with a cherry tint, smooth, dull shiny [50]. According to collection data, the flight of imagos occurs from early June to early August. In mid-June, males and females visited the flowers of yugan (Prangos pabularia Lindl. from the family Apiaceae) in forest clearings [50].
Limiting factors. Sanitary logging, pesticide use; possibly, intensive haymaking (in the areas where the species is found in Kyrgyzstan), and degeneration due to inbreeding. The relict origin of the species suggests stenobiont characteristics and sensitivity to climate changes. Natural enemies, competitors, diseases, and ecological features of parasitism are not studied.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). Not conducted.
Existing conservation measures. P. pamirepandum is currently not specifically protected anywhere. Its habitats are partially under formal protection in the lowest altitudinal zone of the Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve [43].
Recommended conservation measures. In the lower buffer zone of the Sary-Chelek Reserve, it is urgent to prohibit the cutting of old trunks of large trees, and to increase areas free from hay harvesting and intensive grazing in riverside clearings and forest edges.
Polochrum pamirepandum
Asiatic Polochrum Sapygid Wasp
Polochrum pamirepandum Kurzenko, 1986
Status: Vulnerable (VU B2ab (iii); C2b; D2 - Category II), one of two representatives of the rarest relic genus, which has scientific importance in zoogeographical aspect and for preservation of the unique genetic fund. Distribution is sporadic, number is very small. The species is known by single specimens from Hissar Mountain Range, Western Pamir, and Western Tien Shan (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan). Only one registered Kyrgyzstan population occurs in Chatkal Mountain Range in territory of human economic activity, in riverside forest at 1,100 m above sea level. Wasps are solitary inquilines of Carpenter Bees, imagoes were registered on hay-plant flowers in season from beginning of June to beginning of August. Degeneration of habitats of wasps and their hosts arises from wood cutting, pesticide usage and excessive haying. At present time it is out of any protection, but habitats are under formal conservation in the lower altitudinal zone of Sary-Chelek Reservation of Biosphere. It is urgently necessary to prohibit the firewood-cutting of large dry trees, which are nest-substratum for hosts; experimental study of ecology and re-introduction possibilities should be carried out.
