Vigorous Ground Beetle
Status: Category II (VUBlb(iii)+2b(iii,iv); C2b). A narrowly distributed rare species, sporadically inhabiting areas of economic activity [11], entomophagous. One of two species of a relict oligotypic subgenus, endemic to the Fergana Mountain system [30], has scientific significance in terms of zoogeography and conservation of genetic resources.
Brief description of the adult appearance. A fairly large species of ground beetles, body length 25-36 mm. The head is thickened. The pronotum has weak indentations at the sides near the base. The elytra are slightly wider than the pronotum and are slightly raised in a roof-like manner towards the middle. The surface of the elytra is smooth, with only weak small pits. Completely black, with a weak sheen on top. Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed.
General distribution and within the country. The range of the species is entirely located within Kyrgyzstan and covers both macro slopes in the middle part of the Fergana Range, as well as its northeastern spurs - the Kokerim Range (southern foothills) [37] and the Ak-Shyirak-Western Range (including the Chaar-Tash Range) [81].
Habitats. They prefer forest edges and open clearings in the forest belt, in walnut-fruit, juniper, and shrub biocenoses, at altitudes from 1400 to 2500 m above sea level. In the lower shrub zone, they are attracted to water bodies (rivers, springs, standing water bodies) [51]. They ascend to juniper forests, where they are found in gullies with stones.
Population. Very low. During targeted searches, 3-4 adult beetles can be encountered in a day, although they are large and easily noticeable. They are not found in areas subjected to intensive grazing, partial plowing, or clearing of shrub thickets [51]. The ratio of males to females in populations is approximately equal [51].
Life cycle (lifestyles). Poorly studied. Likely one generation per year. Larvae and imagos are terrestrial non-specialized predators. Adult beetles are found in May - June; hunting individuals have been observed mainly in the evening, and during cloudy weather, also during the day [51].
Limiting factors. The reasons for the species' rarity are not fully understood. The species' range is apparently shrinking due to the cultivation of clearings in the forest and shrub belt, as well as pesticide treatment. Isolated local populations may be threatened by degeneration due to inbreeding. Beetles and larvae may be preyed upon by insectivorous vertebrates.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). Not conducted.
Existing conservation measures. Currently, it is not protected in Kyrgyzstan.
Recommended conservation measures. Preservation of habitats in their pristine form (creation of micro-reserves), minimizing anthropogenic pressures. It is necessary to clarify the boundaries of the species' distribution, the lifestyle of the larvae, and organize population monitoring.
Carabus (Pseudotribax) validus Kraatz, 1884
Vigorous Ground Beetle
Carabus (Pseudotribax) validus Kraatz, 1884
Status: Vulnerable (VU B1b(iii)+2b(iii,iv); C2b - Category II), narrowly spread rare endemic species. It is one of two representatives of oligotypic relic subgenus of scientific zoogeographical importance and importance for preservation of regional genetic fund. The area includes Fergana (middle part), Kokerim (southern slopes), Ak-Shyirak-Western and Tchaar-Tash Mountain Ranges. Adult beetles occur in May and June in a forest and shrubbery belt, often in gullies with stones and near water reservoirs, at 1,250-2,500 m above sea level. Life cycle is poorly known; imagoes are active predators, larvae are unknown. Isolated populations are under a great risk owing to anthropogenic disturbance because beetles were not registered e.g. in areas of intensive pasturage. Other possible limiting factors: treatment by pesticides and destruction by insectivores. Preservation of virgin biotopes in habitats (creation of micro-reservations), more precise definition of an area of distribution and revealing of the larval life mode are necessary for conservation of the species.