Kuznetzov’s Longicorn Wasp
Status: Category III (LR-nt). A naturally rare Central Asian species from a small (4-5 species) relict genus. In Central Asia, the genus and family are among the most ancient groups of hymenopterans, known since the second half of the Cretaceous period (about 100 million years ago), having evolved as oligotrophic pollinators, precursors to bees. The second recorded representative of the genus Masaris in Kyrgyzstan (40 years ago) is Masaris carli Schulthess, 1922, which is now apparently extinct due to the degradation of its isolated habitat [50].
Brief description of the adult stage appearance. A medium-sized wasp with a body length of 10.5-12.0 mm; wingspan 20.0-22.5 mm. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced. The female's thorax is 1.28 times longer than its width; the antennae are club-shaped, 12-segmented, and equal in length to the height of the head; the propodeum has noticeable teeth on the upper rear corners. Individuals of both sexes have a wasp-like body coloration, black with a yellow pattern, and the sheath of the proboscis is flattened on the sides and extends back behind the front coxae. The wings are yellowish, with the forewings having a long discoidal cell and two radiomedial cells; the smoky shading at the apex is more developed in females. In males, the yellow pattern is more pronounced, the thorax is 1.55 times longer than its width, the propodeum lacks teeth, and the antennae are equal in length to the forewing, with a long club that is almost undivided.
General and country distribution. Sporadic, insufficiently studied. Known from the gorge of the Kafirnigan River (Tajikistan) [19], the Karzhantau [19] and Talas [12, 19] ridges, as well as the Alai [50] and Terskey Alatoo [12] (described from four females from the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, M. tianshanicus Panfilov, 1968 [56, 12] is very likely a synonym).
Habitat. Desertified and steppe refuges in the tree-shrub belt of mountains or higher [50], also in the subalpine meadow belt; at absolute altitudes from 1800 (Pre-Issyk-Kul) to 3100 m above sea level. Wasps prefer areas with a dry microclimate, with exposed slopes or clay cliffs.
Population. Very low across the entire range. Masaris live in small colonies, but are usually found as solitary individuals. Only twice in habitats on the curtains of forage plants were 10-15 individuals, mostly males, recorded over 4-5 hours [36, 50]. In other years, wasps were not found at all in the same locations.
Life style (life cycles). Imago are found from the second decade of June to the third decade of August; they nest (dig burrows) in the soil, preferring light loess-like soil; they feed larvae with a paste made from nectar and pollen, which they carry in their crop. There is one generation per year. They have been observed on flowers of Sympegma regelii Bunge (Chenopodiaceae) and Dracocephalum integrifolium Bunge, D. stamineum Kar. et Kir. [50] and Thymus L. [56] from Lamiaceae. Before entering the nest, the female usually perches nearby for a short time and may allow the observer to get very close [50]. Males are cautious, quickly taking off vertically and flying away when startled, and are most active around noon [34].
Limiting factors. The number of populations is potentially affected by overgrazing, plowing, melioration, and the use of insecticides; however, most habitats in Kyrgyzstan are currently not threatened by direct anthropogenic destruction. The population is limited by the pressure of natural enemies (especially nest inquilines) and mortality from bacterial diseases and mycoses at all developmental stages (due to the harsh climate of the highlands). The isolation of local populations of the species creates a threat of degeneration due to inbreeding.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). Not conducted.
Existing conservation measures. Currently, the species is not protected anywhere.
Recommended conservation measures. It is advisable to create two micro-reserves in different areas of the range where colonies have been found (for example, on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul and in the Alai Range) with minimal regulated grazing and limited haymaking, to identify biological features, the circle of competitors, and inquilines.
Masaris longicornis
Kuznetzov’s Longicorn Wasp
Masaris longicornis (N. Kuznetzov, 1923)
Status: “Lower Risk - near threatened” (LR-nt - Category III), belongs to the rarest representatives of a relict family. The genus comprises 4-5 species, which are rare and, except for one, sporadically distributed Central Asian endemics. This group has scientific importance in terms of zoogeography, evolution, and the preservation of genetic diversity (another congener is currently extinct in Kyrgyzstan). Colonies sporadically occur in the mid-montane zone in places on exposed slopes, at altitudes of 1,800-3,100 m above sea level, with flowering plants (mainly species of Lamiaceae); wasps build nests in loess soil. The negative impact on the population of these wasps is caused by general impoverishment of vegetation, plowing, melioration, pesticide treatments, and possibly some natural enemies, especially nest inquilines. Currently, it is unprotected, but narrow habitats are almost undisturbed. The creation of two micro-reserves (e.g., on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake and in the Alai Mountain Range), prohibition of grazing, regulation of haymaking, monitoring, and studying the colonial biology, forage reserves, natural enemies, and competitors of this species are advisable.
