Of the Eastern Rhodopes (Bulgaria)

Opiliones 167

Beron P., Popov A. (eds). Biodiversity of Bulgaria. 2. Biodiversity of Eastern Rhodopes (Bulgaria and Greece). Pensoft & Nat. Mus. Natur. Hist., Sofia

Harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) of the Eastern Rhodopes (Bulgaria)

Plamen MITOV

Mitov P. 2004. Harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) of the Eastern Rhodopes (Bulgaria). – In: Beron P., Popov A. (eds). Biodiversity of Bulgaria. 2. Biodiversity of Eastern Rhodopes (Bulgar- ia and Greece). Pensoft & Nat. Mus. Natur. Hist., Sofia, 167-179.

Abstract. The work summarizes the data on the harvestmen-fauna of the Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, a relatively poorly known territory of Bulgaria. The faunistic list includes 24 species altogether (from 18 genera and 5 families), or roughly 45% of the opilionid species recorded so far from Bulgaria. Eleven species are new to the fauna of the Eastern Rhodopes and new chorological data are added for six species and subspecies. A comparison between the faunas of the Eastern and the Western Rhodopes is presented, and a zoogeographical characterization of the opilionid fauna of the latter region is furnished. Some comments on endemism, expected number of species, and the conservation status of the studied animal group in the investigated area are provided.

Key words: Opiliones, harvestmen, faunistic, zoogeographical notes, Rhodopes, Bulgaria

Introduction

The Rhodopes Mountains (GULUBOV et al., 1956; GEORGIEV, 1985, 1991), as a part of the Rila-Rhodopes massif, stretch throughout the southern parts of the Balkan Pen- insula and possess a relatively high average altitude (785 m). Based on morphohydrographic traits, the Rhodopes massif is usually subdivided into two main parts - western part (area: 8061 sq. km) and eastern part (area: 4172 sq. km). In contrast to the Western Rhodopes, the eastern part is more hilly and has a relatively lower average altitude (330 m). The Eastern Rhodopes are predominantly influenced by the Mediterranean climate, but due to their specific geographical configuration (i. e. the mountain chains are widely open northwards), the cooler continental airflow is also felt, especially in the winter. Despite that, the winter is relatively mild; the snow cover is not so long lasting, the mean monthly temperatures do not drop below 0°C, and the average annual rainfall is relatively high (600-1000 mm). The summer is dry, the maximum average temperatures reach 31°C (in the area of Kardjali) (GEORGIEV, 1985; GRUEV, 1988). As a result, a significant climatic differentiation may be observed in the area of the Eastern Rhodopes - the transitional continental and the transitional Mediterranean climate, combining with some elements of the temperate continental and mountain climate (above 1000 m), are manifested in the region (GEORGIEV, 1985, 1991). 168 P. MITOV In the past the Rhodopes massif existed for a long time as a compact land massif (development of the current relief began at the beginning of the Neogen), and so it is geologically the oldest land in Bulgaria. All this, together with the fact that the mountain was ice-free during the glaciations periods, has permitted many relict species to persist on its territory (GULUBOV еt al., 1956). Additionally, many expansive Mediterranean taxa have reached the mountain (GRUEV, 1988). So the Eastern Rhodopes, as a part of the territory of the South Bulgarian biogeographical region - a zone that has acted as an impor- tant refuge, supporting the survival of several thermophilous floral and faunal elements during the Pleistocene (see GRUEV, 1988), represent an area of significant interest for both faunists and zoogeographers.

Review of previous investigations

The opilionid fauna of the Eastern Rhodopes is much less known compared to the fauna of the Western Rhodopes (Table 1). Until now they have not been a subject of special research. Only 13 species (belonging to 11 genera and 3 families) have been reported from the area so far (ŠILHAVÝ, 1965; STARĘGA, 1976; BERON, 1994; BERON & MITOV, 1996; KARAMAN, 2002; MITOV, 1986b, 2002, 2003). Hence the present work aims at summarizing both the published and unpublished data on the opilionid fauna of the Eastern Rhodopes (respectively of the Rhodopes as a whole), zoogeographically analyzing the resulting data, and estimating the conservation status of this animal group. It is clear that the work on revealing the species composition and the distribution of the representatives of the order Opiliones - an ancient and perfectly suitable for zoogeographical investigations animal group (see EMELYANOV, 1974; GUÉORGUIEV, 1992) - will contribute significantly towards a better and more extensive characterization of this relatively poorly investigated region in Bulgaria.

Material and methods

The present work is based on material collected during the fieldtrips of many Bul- garian zoologists who visited the territory of the Eastern Rhodopes during the period 1982-2003. The material is deposited in the arachnological collection of the author and in the National Museum of Natural History, Sofia (NMNHS). The classification and nomenclature follow MARTENS (1978) and STARĘGA (1981) with one exception – the correct spelling “Zachaeus” (after CRAWFORD, 1992) is used instead of “Zacheus”. To facilitate a future comparison of the phenological data on the Opiliones from the Eastern Rhodopes with those from other regions, for every species data is given about the body length and the number of eggs in the egg reservoir (uterus internus). For comparative purposes the following new records for the Western Rhodopes are also included here: – Opilio dinaricus Šilhavý, 1938: Western Rhodopes: in the region of Peshtera, Dobra Voda Hut, 705-884 m, B. Petrov leg. – 1 ‡ (L: 5.7 mm); in the region of Trigrad, locality Trigradsko Zhdrelo, 1200 m, 16.8.1991, B. Petrov leg. – 1 †. Opiliones 169 T a b l e 1 The opilionid fauna of Rhodopes Mts. (Bulgaria)

Species and subspecies Endemism In Westеrn In Eastern Rhodopes 1 Rhodopes 2 Siro sp. BG, ?BE ••• Paranemastoma radewi (Roewer, 1926) BE •• Paranemastoma aurigerum ryla (Roewer, 1951) BE • ? Paranemastoma aurigerum aurigerum (Roewer, 1951) BE • ? Mediostoma stussineri (Simon, 1885) BE ? • Pyza bosnica (Roewer, 1919) BE • ? Histricostoma drenskii Kratochvíl, 1958 BG, ?BE •• Carinostoma ornatum (Hadži, 1940) BE ••• Dicranolasma scabrum (Herbst, 1799) ••• Dicranolasma thracium Staręga, 1976 BE ? •• Trogulus tricarinatus (Linnaeus, 1758) ••• Trogulus nepaeformis (Scopoli, 1763) ••• Platybessobius singularis Roewer, 1940 BE ? • Phalangium opilio Linnaeus, 1758 ••• Opilio parietinus (De Geer, 1778) ••• Opilio saxatilis C.L. Koch, 1839 •• Opilio ruzickai Šilhavý, 1938 •• Opilio dinaricus Šilhavý, 1938 •• ? Graecophalangium atticum Roewer, 1923 BE • ? Rafalskia olympica bulgarica (Staręga, 1963) BE •• Rafalskia cretica (Roewer, 1923) BSE ? • Rilaena balcanica Šilhavý, 1965 BE ••• Rilaena cf. serbica Karaman, 1992 BE •• ? Eudasylobus beschkovi Staręga, 1976 BG, ?BE •• Lophopilio palpinalis (Herbst, 1799) • ? Zachaeus crista (Brullé, 1832) •• Zachaeus cf. anatolicus (Kulczyński, 1903) BSE ? •• Egaenus convexus (C.L. Koch, 1835) •• Lacinius horridus (Panzer, 1794) •• Lacinius dentiger (C.L. Koch, 1848) ••• Odiellus lendli (Sørensen, 1894) •• Mitopus morio (Fabricius, 1779) • ? Leiobunum rumelicum Šilhavý, 1965 BE • ? Total: 18 endemics 28 24 BG = Bulgarian endemic, BE = Balkan endemic, BSE = Balkan subendemic, •• = newly recorded 1After ROEWER (1956), KRATOCHVÍL (1958), GUÉORGUIEV & BERON (1962), ŠILHAVÝ (1965), BERON & GUÉORGUIEV (1967), STARĘGA (1963, 1976), MARTENS (1978), BERON (1994), BERON & MITOV (1996), KARAMAN (2002), MITOV (1986a, 1986b, 1988, 1995, 2002, 2003). 2After ŠILHAVÝ (1965), STARĘGA (1976), BERON (1994), BERON & MITOV (1996), KARAMAN (2002), MITOV (1986b, 2002, 2003).

– Rilaena cf. serbica Karaman, 1992: Western Rhodopes: in the region of Velingrad, locality Ostrets, 1000 m, Quercus leaf litter, 15.6.1965, P. Beron leg., (NMNHS: inv. No. 172). – 1 ‡ (L: 7.5 mm). Abbreviations used: inv. No. = museum inventory number; juv. = juvenes; L = body length; NMNHS = National Museum of Natural History, Sofia; subad. = subadultus. 170 P. MITOV Results

Among the 182 specimens of Opiliones that were examined (32 ††, 43 ‡‡, 107 juv.), 11 new species for the fauna of the Eastern Rhodopes (marked with an asterisk in the text) were discovered (see Table 1). The following, already recorded by ŠILHAVÝ (1965), STARĘGA (1976), KARAMAN (2002), and MITOV (1986b, 2003) species and subspecies were con- firmed: Histricostoma drenskii, Paranemastoma radewi, Lacinius horridus, Opilio saxatilis, Rafal- skia olympica bulgarica, Zachaeus crista, and Egaenus convexus; for the four latter species new chorological data are provided. As a result, the opilionid fauna of the Eastern Rhodopes includes so far 24 species (included in 18 genera and 5 families) (see Table 1), or roughly 45% of the species currently known from Bulgaria (MITOV, 2003). The actual species list of the Rhodopes as a whole includes 33 species and subspecies (22 genera and 5 families) (ROEWER, 1956; KRA- TOCHVÍL, 1958; GUÉORGUIEV & BERON, 1962; ŠILHAVÝ, 1965; BERON & GUÉORGUIEV, 1967; STARĘGA, 1963, 1976; MARTENS, 1978; BERON, 1994; BERON & MITOV, 1996; KARAMAN, 2002; MITOV, 1986a, 1986b, 1988, 1995, 2002, 2003)1. Nineteen species are common for the eastern part of the Rhodopes (24 spp.) and the western part (28 spp.) of the mountain (Table 1).

List of species

SIRONIDAE * Siro sp. Material: District Djebel: Kremen, near the Zlatnata Yama cave, 250 m, 23.10.2003, B. Petrov & P. Beron leg. – 1 † (L: 1.6 mm), 1 ‡ (L: 1.65 mm); Distr. Krumovgrad: Devesilitsa, 400 m, 4.6.1982, P. Beron leg., (NMNHS: inv. No. 1). – 2 †† (L: 1.54-1.64 mm), 2 ‡‡ (L: 1.61-1.72 mm).

NEMASTOMATIDAE Paranemastoma radewi (Roewer, 1926) Paranemastoma (Paranemastoma) radevi [sic!]: MITOV, 1986b: 298 (Madan). Material: near Madan, 780 m, near the road, under stones, 18.4.1986, P. Mitov leg. – 1 †.

Mediostoma stussineri (Simon, 1885) Mediostoma stussineri: MITOV, 2002: 1640 (“Distr. Ivailovgrad, Village Siv Kladenets”)

1 MARTENS (1978, p. 139), reffering to data from materials collected by W. Staręga (“alle W. S. leg.”) mentions that Carinostoma elegans (Sørensen, 1894) was also found in the Rhodopes (“Rhodopen”), but in this case most probably a confusion with the localities of C. ornatum has occurred (see STARĘGA, 1976). Moreover, MARTENS (1978) states that C. elegans reaches in Bulgaria southwards “Stara Zagora (Zmejovo und Starozagorski bani)”, but does not mention any locality from Rhodopes, which are located even more southwards than the already mentioned ones. This is the reason for the exclusion of this species from the species list of Rhodopes, but its presence in Eastern Rhodopes is quite possible (see “Expected species”). Opiliones 171 Histricostoma drenskii Kratochvil, 1958 Histricostoma drenskii: STARĘGA, 1976: 320 (“Südostrhodopen: Popsko bei Krumovgrad”); MITOV 1986b: 297 (Madan). Material: near Madan, 780 m, near the road, under stones: 25.10.1985, P. Mitov leg.– 2 ††, 1 ‡; 18.4.1986, P. Mitov leg. – 1 †, 3 ‡‡.

* Carinostoma ornatum (Hadži, 1940) Material: Distr. Djebel: Kremen, near the Zlatnata Yama cave, 250 m, 23.10.2003, B. Petrov & P. Beron leg. – 1 ‡ (L: 2.0 mm) (with eggs).

DICRANOLASMATIDAE * Dicranolasma scabrum (Herbst, 1799) Material: Distr. Kardjali: Beli Plast, near the natural phenomenon “Kamennite Gabi”, 450 m, 20.5.1998, B. Petrov leg. – 1 ‡ (L: 4.8 mm); Distr. Krumovgrad: Popsko, 700 m, 4.6.1982, P. Beron leg., (NMNHS: inv. No. 127). – 2 ††, 1 ‡; Beli Dol, around Mechkina Dupka Cave, 200 m, Quercetum, under stones and logs, 23.4.1996, B. Bârov leg. – 1 ‡ (L: 5.3 mm) (with eggs).

* Dicranolasma thracium Staręga, 1976 Material: Distr. Krumovgrad: Egrek, Rupata Cave, 500 m, under stones in guano, 6.11.1999, B. Petrov, S. Beshkov & D. Vassilev leg. – 1 † (L: 5.0 mm); in the region of Svilengrad, Mezek, 180 m, 29.3.1986, P. Beron leg., (NMNHS: inv. No. 355). – 1 ‡ (L: 5.3 mm).

TROGULIDAE * Trogulus tricarinatus (Linnaeus, 1758) Material: Madan, 780 m, 7.6.1982, P. Beron leg., (NMNHS: inv. No. 150). – 2 juv. (L: 4.2 mm); Distr. Krumovgrad: Popsko, 700 m, 4.6.1982, P. Beron leg., (NMNHS: inv. No. 127). – 1 ‡.

* Trogulus nepaeformis (Scopoli, 1763) Material: near Madan, 780 m, near the road, under stones, 18.4.1986, P. Mitov leg. – 2 †† (L: 7.9 mm); Distr. Zlatograd: Shumnatitsa, Naredenite kamani Cave, 500 m, 20.4.1995, B. Petrov leg. – 1 † (L: 8.1 mm); Distr. Momchilgrad: in the region of Gurgulitsa, Kroyatsi Hut, 200-300 m, under stones, 24.3.1990, N. Kodjabashev leg. – 1 ‡ (L: 9.0 mm) (with eggs).

Platybessobius singularis Roewer, 1940 Platybessobius singularis: MITOV, 2003: 275 (“District Krumovgrad: Madzharovo; between Beli Dol and Boturche”).

PHALANGIIDAE * Phalangium opilio Linnaeus, 1758 Material: Distr. Djebel: Kremen, 250 m, 23.10.2003, P. Beron, B. Petrov & S. Beshkov leg. (NMNHS). – 1 † (L: 4.0 mm); Distr. Momchilgrad: Kran, 700 m, 8 m disused gallery on the road, under stones, 9.08.2004, B. Petrov leg. – 1 ‡ (L: 6.9 mm)(without eggs). 172 P. MITOV * Opilio parietinus (De Geer, 1778) Material: Distr. Haskovo, in the region of Ardino, Dyadovtsi, loc. Dyadovskiya Kemer, 700 m, Carpinus-Pinus forest, under stones, 27.7.1999, B. Petrov & V. Beshkov leg. – 1 † (L: 6.2 mm); Distr. Momchilgrad: Kran, 700 m, 8 m disused gallery on the road, under stones, 9.08.2004, B. Petrov leg. – 1 ‡ (L: 6.9 mm)(without eggs).

Opilio saxatilis C.L. Koch, 1839 Opilio saxatilis: ŠILHAVÝ, 1965: 380 (“Östl. Rodopi”, “Kardžali, Ost. Rodopi”); STARĘGA, 1976: 402 (“Bezirk Haskovo: Garvanovo, Harmanli, Haskovski mineralni bani”, “Bezirk Kyrdžali: Dobrovolec, Ivajlovgrad, Kostino, Krumovgrad, Kukurjak, Kyrdžali, Momčilgrad, Podkova”); MITOV, 2003: 274 (“Distr. Kurdzhali: Studen Klad- enets Village”). Material: Distr. Zlatograd: Fotinovo, locality Varli Dol, 300 m, 6.6.1982, P. Beron leg. – 1 juv. (L: 4.2 mm); Distr. Kardjali: near Studen Kladenets Dam, Gnyazdovo, 300 m, 19.Х.1990, S. Beshkov leg. – 1 ‡ (L: 3.7 mm) (with eggs); Distr. Djebel: Tarnovtsi, 600 m, 22.10.2003, P. Beron, B. Petrov & S. Beshkov leg. (NMNHS). – 1 ‡ (L: 5.7 mm) (with eggs); Distr. Ivaylovgrad: Madjarovo, 200 m, 30.10.1997, S. Beshkov leg. –1 † (L: 3.3 mm), 4 ‡‡ (L: 5.1-5.5 mm) (with eggs); in the region of Madjarovo, Momina Skala Hut, 160 m, 22.10.1998, S. Beshkov leg. – 2 †† (L: 3.0 mm); Kodja-Kaya Hill near Belopoly- ane, 320 m, under bark and Quercus leaf litter, 11.6.1999, B. Petrov & B. Bârov leg. – 2 †† (L: 3.9 mm); Odrintsi, 100 m, 24.ХI.1990, S. Beshkov leg. – 2 ††.

Opilio ruzickai Šilhavý, 1938 Opilio ruzickai: STARĘGA, 1976: 406 (“Bezirk Kyrdžali: Berghütte “Beli brezi”, Kostino”). Material: Distr. Momchilgrad: Kran, 700 m, 8 m disused gallery on the road, under stones, 9.08.2004, B. Petrov leg. – 1 † (L: 5.2 mm), 1 ‡ (L: 8.3 mm)(without eggs); Distr. Krumovgrad: Ribino, 400 m, under stones, Carpinus-forest, 11-12.10.1995, P. Stoev leg. – 1 † (L: 5.1 mm); Distr. Ivaylovgrad: Madjarovo, 200 m, 30.10.1997, S. Beshkov leg. – 2 †† (L: 5.6-5.7 mm); in the region of Madjarovo, Momina Skala Hut, 160 m, 22.10.1998, S. Beshkov leg. – 1 † (L: 3.0 mm);

Rafalskia olympica bulgarica Staręga, 1963 Rafalskia olympica bulgarica: KARAMAN, 2002: 67 (“Gugutka”) Material: Distr. Krumovgrad: Strazhets-Gugutka, 200-300 m, 23.4.1995, B. Petrov & B. Bârov leg. – 1 ‡ (L: 7.9 mm); Distr. Madjarovo, Gorata Ridge, loc. Gluhite Kamani, above Dabovets, 550 m, Quercus leaf litter, 10.4.2002, B. Petrov & T. Ivanova leg. – 1 ‡ (young) (L: 4.5 mm) (without eggs). Note: After KARAMAN (2002) the “Balkan population of Rafalskia olympica (Kulc- zyński, 1903) are distinguished as separate subspecies Rafalskia olympica bulgarica Staręga, 1963 nov. stat.”

Rafalskia cretica (Roewer, 1923) Rafalskia cretica: MITOV, 2003: 277 (“in the vicinity of Studen Kladenets Village and Arda River; in the range of Kroyatsi Hut”). Opiliones 173 * Rilaena balcanica Šilhavý, 1965 Material: Distr. Haskovo, in the region of Ardino, Dyadovtsi, loc. Dyadovskiya Kemer, 700 m, Carpinus-Pinus forest, under stones, 27.7.1999, B. Petrov & V. Beshkov leg. – 1 juv. (L: 2.0 mm).

Eudasylobus beschkovi Staręga, 1976 Eudasylobus beschkovi: STARĘGA, 1976: 388 (“Bezirk Kyrdžali: Popsko, an der Quelle “Stanka češma”, etwa 15 km ENE von Krumovgrad”).

Zachaeus crista (Brullé, 1832) Zacheus crista: STARĘGA, 1976: 375 (“Bezirk Kyrdžali: Ivajlovgrad, Kukurjak, Kyrdžali, Mamulka, Podkova, Popsko); BERON & MITOV, 1996: 20 (“Razklonenata Peshtera (Kr 7) near Oreshari”, “Peshterata pri Kodja Kad (Kr 8) near Byalopolyane”). Zachaeus crista: MITOV, 2003: 274 (“Distr. Kurdzhali: in the vicinity of Studen Kladenets Village, District Krumovgrad, between Beli Dol and Boturche”). Material: Distr. Momchilgrad: in the region of Djebel (“6 km de Djebel”), 300 m, 9.6.1982, P. Beron leg., (NMNHS: inv. No. 135). – 1 ‡ (L: 8.1 mm); Distr. Kardjali: in the region of Ardino, Dyadovtsi, loc. Dyadovskiya Kemer, 700 m, Carpinus-Pinus forest, under stones, 27.7.1999, B. Petrov & V. Beshkov leg. – 1 ‡ (L: 10.6 mm) (with eggs); Beli Plast, 500 m, 29.4.2003, A. Gyonova leg. – 1 juv. (L: 2.6 mm); Beli Brezi Hut, 950 m, 26.5.1975. – 1 juv. (L: 5.0 mm); near the wall of Kardjali Dam, 300 m, 6-8.7.2001, I. Traykov leg. – 1 ‡ (L: 9.3 mm, vermined with Gregarinia) (with eggs); railway station “Sredna Arda”, 200 m: 30.3.1991, S. Beshkov leg. – 2 juv. (L: 1.7-2.1 mm); 31.3.1992, S. Beshkov leg. – 1 juv. (L: 2.0 mm); in the range of Studen Kladenets Dam, 200 m, sandy and stony meadow, 22.3.1990, N. Kodjabashev leg. – 9 juv. (L: 2.3-2.6 mm); in the range of Studen Kladenets Dam, 200 m, near Arda River, 23.3.1990, N. Kodjabashev leg. – 5 juv. (L: 2.3 mm); in the range of Studen Kladenets Dam, Nanovitsa, 300 m, 22.2.1990, S. Beshkov leg. – 7 juv. (L: 0.84 mm); in the region of Gurgulitsa, Kroyatsi Hut, 200-300 m, under stones, 24.3.1990, N. Kodjabashev leg. – 9 juv. (L: 2.1-2.5 mm); Distr. Krumovgrad: Dolna Kula, 300 m, rocky areas, under stones, 16.4.1998, B. Petrov & B. Bârov leg. – 2 juv. (L: 3.7-4.0 mm); Golyama Chinka, 400 m, 21.4.1995, B. Petrov leg. – 8 juv. (L: 1.9-2.0 mm); Avren–Strazhets, 500 m, 22.4.1995, B. Petrov & B. Bârov leg. – 3 juv. (L: 1.7-2.0 mm); Strazhets–Gugutka, 200-300 m, 23.4.1995, B. Petrov & B. Bârov leg. – 6 juv. (L: 2.5-4.1 mm); Distr. Ivaylovgrad: in the region of Madjarovo, 200 m, 7.7.1992, S. Beshkov leg. – 1 † (L: 10 mm); in the region of Madjarovo: Momina Skala Hut, 160 m, 21.6.1996, S. Beshkov leg. – 2 ‡‡ (L: 9.5-12.2 mm) (with eggs); loc. Momina Skala, 500 m, forest, 21.6.2003, B. Nikolov leg. – 1 ‡ (L: 9.8 mm) (with eggs); Madjarovo, PZC “Eastern Rhodopes”, 200 m, 21.-22.4.2000, M. Mitov leg. – 12 juv. (L: 3.8-6.5 mm); Madjarovo, 200 m, 04.-21.5.2003, Malaise trap, O. Todorov leg. – 1 juv. (L: 7.0 mm); Belopolyane, 100 m, 3.6.1982, P. Beron leg. – 1 juv. (L: 5.2 mm); Kodja-Kaya Hill near Belopolyane, 320 m, under bark and Quercus leaf litter, 11.6.1999, B. Petrov & B. Bârov leg. – 1 ‡ (L: 11.3 mm); Meden Buk, 150-200 m: 26.4.1990, N. Kodjabashev leg. – 2 juv. (L: 4.0-7.2 mm); 03.5.2003, D. Dimitrov leg. – 1 juv. (L: 2.2 mm); Dolno Lukovo, 100 m, xerothermic Quercus-forest, shrubs, under stones, 24.4.1996, P. Stoev & B. Petrov leg. – 1 juv. (L: 4.2 mm). 174 P. MITOV

* Zachaeus cf. anatolicus (Kulczyński, 1903) Material: Distr. Kardjali: in the range of Studen Kladenets Dam, 200 m, near Arda River, 23.3.1990, N. Kodjabashev leg. – 1 juv. (L: 3.3 mm); Distr. Krumovgrad: Surnak, 300-400 m, 28.5.1990, Ch. Deltshev leg. – 1 juv. (L: 6.0 mm); Golyamo Kamenyane, 400- 500 m, 28.5.1990, Ch. Deltshev leg. – 2 juv. (L: 5.0-6.7 mm).

Egaenus convexus (C.L. Koch, 1835) Egaenus convexus: STARĘGA, 1976: 410 (“Bezirk Haskovo: Kolarovo”, “Bezirk Kyrdžali: Ivajlovgrad, Popsko”); MITOV, 2003: 274 (“District Krumovgrad, between Beli Dol and Boturche”). Material: Distr. Harmanli: between Varbovo and Dolni Glavenak, 550 m, Querce- tum, 9.12.2000, B. Petrov, S. Beshkov & M. Langurov leg. – 3 juv. (L: 3.3 mm); Distr. Kardjali: in the range of Studen Kladenets Dam, Nanovitsa, 300 m, 22.2.1990, S. Beshkov leg. – 6 juv. (L: 2.6-4.4 mm); in the region of Gurgulitsa, Kroyatsi Hut, 200-300 m, on wall, 24.3.1990, N. Kodjabashev leg. – 1 juv. (L: 4.4 mm); Distr. Krumovgrad: Golyamo Kamen- yane, 400-500 m, 28.5.1990, Ch. Deltshev leg. – 1 ‡ (L: 9.3 mm) (with eggs); Strazhets– Gugutka, 200-300 m, 23.4.1995, B. Petrov & B. Bârov leg. – 1 juv. (L: 8.1 mm); Distr. Ivaylovgrad: Byal Gradets, Deymin Dere River, 200 m, 24.4.2003, Ch. Deltshev leg. – 1 ‡ (subad.) (L: 7.5 mm), 1 juv. (L: 8.2 mm); Malki Voden, 100-200 m, 4.5.2003, A. Gyonova leg. – 1 juv. (L: 6.8 mm); Ivaylovgrad Dam, Arda Hut, 150-200 m, N. Kodjabashev leg.: 22.4.1990, 1 ‡ (L: 9.2 mm), 1 juv. (L: 7.2 mm); 26.4.1990, 1 † (L: 8.5 mm), 3 ‡‡ (L: 7.7 mm) (without eggs); above Valche Pole, Sheynovets Summit, TV-FM station, 704 m, under stones, 12.4.1998, B. Petrov & B. Bârov leg. – 1 juv. (L: 7.7 mm); Kodja-Kaya Hill near Belopolyane, 320 m, under bark and Quercus leaf litter, 11.6.1999, B. Petrov & B. Bârov leg. – 1 ‡ (L: 12.5 mm); above Odrintsi, Kodja-Kaya Hill, 320 m, leaf litter, 23.4.1996, B. Petrov & P. Stoev leg. – 1 juv. (L: 7.3 mm); Meden Buk, 150-200 m, 26.4.1990, N. Kodja- bashev leg. – 2 †† (L: 8.2 mm), 1 ‡ (L: 8.8 mm), 1 juv. (L: 6.7 mm); Dolno Lukovo, 100 m, on wall, 25.5.1990, S. Beshkov leg. – 1 ‡(L: 10.8 mm) (with eggs).

Lacinius horridus (Panzer, 1794) Lacinius horridus: STARĘGA, 1976: 362 (“Ivajlovgrad, Kukurjak, Mamulka”). Material: in the region of Kardjali, Kamenartsi–Kardjali, coniferous forest near the road, under stones, 230 m, 31.5.1986, P. Mitov leg. – 2 juv. (L: 2.5 mm); Distr. Ivaylovgrad: Madjarovo, 200 m: 30.10.1997, S. Beshkov leg. – 1 † (L: 4.1 mm); 12.10.-03.11.2003, Mal- aise trap, O. Todorov leg. – 1 † (5.9 mm), 1 ‡ (L: 7.5 mm) (with eggs); Belopolyane, 100 m, 3.6.1982, P. Beron leg. – 1 juv. (L: 4.1 mm); Kodja-Kaya Hill near Belopolyane, 320 m, under bark and Quercus leaf litter, 11.6.1999, B. Petrov & B. Bârov leg. – 1 juv. (L: 4.7 mm);

* Lacinius dentiger (C.L. Koch, 1848) Material: Distr. Ivaylovgrad: in the region of Madjarovo, Momina Skala Hut, 160 m, S. Beshkov leg.: 7.7.1992 – 1 juv.; 22.IХ.1994 – 2 ‡‡ (L: 4.3-6.0 mm); Madjarovo, PZC “Eastern Rhodopes”, 200 m, 21.-22.4.2000, M. Mitov leg. – 2 juv. (L: 1.6-2.2 mm); Mad- jarovo, 200 m, 12.10.-03.11.2003, Malaise trap, O. Todorov leg. – 1 ‡ (L: 7.5 mm) (with eggs); Distr. Madjarovo, Gorata Ridge, loc. Gluhite Kamani, above Dabovets, 550 m, Quer- cus leaf litter, 10.4.2002, B. Petrov & T. Ivanova leg. – 1 juv. (L: 2.1 mm); (Kodja-Kaya Hill Opiliones 175 near Belopolyane, 320 m, under bark and Quercus leaf litter, 11.6.1999, B. Petrov & B. Bârov leg. – 2 juv. (L: 4.5 mm).

Odiellus lendli (Sørensen, 1894) Odiellus bieniaszi: STARĘGA, 1976: 359 (“Harmanli”, “Kyrdžali”) (see MARTENS (1978) for synonymy)

Conclusion notes

Due to the orographic and climatic peculiarities of the Eastern Rhodopes, in its opilionid fauna there is a marked presence of thermophilous/mesophilous, mesohygrophilous, and mesoombrophylous species. Some xerophilous, ombrophilous, hygrophilous, and psychro- philous, as well as some frigostable species of mountainous origin are rather underrepresent- ed. Part of these species are eurytopic and more or less ecologically tolerant.

Zoogeographical characterization

On the basis of the distribution of the Opiliones in Bulgaria, STARĘGA (1976) separates the Eastern Rhodopes as a distinct zoogeographical region, whereas according to GUÉORGUIEV (1992) this area should be included into the so-called Thracian region. GRUEV (1988) represents the opinion (however, without explicit consideration of any data on Opiliones in Bulgaria) that the Eastern Rhodopes pertain to the South Bulgarian biogeographical region as a distinct subregion. As for the current state of knowledge, the Eastern Rhodopes (based on the harvestmen fauna) are indeed a distinct zoogeographical entity (e. g. only here the species Mediostoma stussineri and Platybessobius singularis occur). The further affinities and relationships of this region with the surrounding areas still re- main to be investigated. Based on data about the total horizontal and vertical distribution of the harvestmen and the ecological types and phenology, it becomes clear that the opilionid fauna of the Eastern Rhodopes is formed predominantly of species that have spread postglacially from the great Mediterranean refuge, showing various degree of expansiveness (i. e. species that may be characterized as ponto-mediterranean faunistic elements (sensu DE LATTIN, 1949, 1967). Only Phalangium opilio, Opilio parietinus and Mitopus morio may be characterized as holomed- iterranean faunistic element (expansive type), Caspian faunistic element (expansive type) and Siberian faunistic element (expansive type), respectively (sensu DE LATTIN, 1949, 1967).

Endemism

Twelve of the species and subspecies that occur in the Eastern Rhodopes are endemic: Siro sp., Histricostoma drenskii, and Eudasylobus beschkovi are Bulgarian (eventually Balkan) endemics; Paranemastoma radewi, Mediostoma stussineri, Carinostoma ornatum, Dicranolasma thracium, Platybessobius singularis, Rafalskia olympica bulgarica and Rilaena balcanica are Bal- kan endemics; the following two species are Balkan subendemics: Rafalskia cretica (occurs 176 P. MITOV also in Asia Minor), and Zachaeus cf. anatolicus [occurs also in Asia Minor, Cis-Caucasus, Crimea, West Siberia (Tobolsk); according to STARĘGA (1976) and CHEVRIZOV (1979) the latter locality is doubtful]. The still undescribed representative of the primitive, very small, and extremely localized in its occurrence genus Siro Latreille, 1796 is currently considered as an Eastern Rhodopes relict. From the above it may be easily perceived that currently the endemism in the opilionid fauna of the Eastern Rhodopes is relatively high – one half of the species that occur in the region are endemics. In the Western Rhodopes about 46% of the harvestmen species are endemics, while in the whole Rhodopes massif about 55% of the species occur only there. For example it may be noted that another area in Bulgaria with a significant Medi- terranean influence (but a much smaller area) - the Kresna Gorge - has a percentage of endemic harvestmen species of about 38% (MITOV, 2001).

Expected species

STARĘGA (1976) mentions only 8 species from the Eastern Rhodopes. Additionally, without any comments, he has put into his table (in the column “E. Rhodopi” (STARĘGA, 1976, p. 418)) another 7 species and subspecies: Paranemastoma aurigerum aurigerum, Carinos- toma ornatum, Dicranolasma scabrum, Phalangium opilio, Rafalskia olympica bulgarica (sub Rafal- skia olympica), Lacinius dentiger and Leiobunum rumelicum. It may be suggested that the author has expected these additional species to occur in this mountain. In the present work four of these species are actually recorded from the Eastern Rhodopes (Carinostoma ornatum, Dicrano- lasma scabrum, Phalangium opilio, and Lacinius dentiger) as new for the region. Besides the remaining species and subspecies expected by STARĘGA (1976) to be found in the area of the Eastern Rhodopes, another 5 thermophilous harvestmen species may be expected to occur in the investigated region. These are: Mitostoma gracile (Redikorzev, 1936) and Carinostoma elegans (Sørensen, 1894), occurring in moist, shady, but relatively warm habitats; Opilio dinaricus Šilhavý, 1938 - species which prefer fresh to moist, shady (deciduous) forest habitats in the lower mountain zone; Metaplatybunus grandissimus (C.L. Koch, 1839) and Leiobunum albigenum Sørensen, 19112, preferring warm, open, shrubby habitats.

Conservation status

In a similar context (protection of the biodiversity of the Eastern Rhodopes, in the framework of the Bulgarian-Swiss Programme for biodiversity protection) only BERON (1997) provided information about Opiliones from this area (E of Varbitsa River), giving data already known from the literature (STARĘGA, 1976). Until now no harvestmen species have been protected by law, but in this respect endemic and rare species of the Bulgarian fauna such as Mediostoma stussineri, Dicranolasma thracium, Platybessobius singularis, Rafalskia cretica are of significant interest. These species occur only in a very limited number of localities which mark the northern distribution range of these opilionid species.

2 According to STARĘGA(1973) Leiobunum albigenum Sørensen, 1911 should be synonymized with Leiobunum seriatum Simon, 1878. Opiliones 177 The newly discovered and still undescribed species of the genus Siro should also be placed in this group, since the representatives of this ancient and still poorly known genus are known from very few localities throughout Bulgaria. The populations of these animals are highly isolated, with a very low density and it seems that they have evolved to utilize rarely occurring complexes of specific (micro-)habitat conditions. These biological traits contribute to the relatively high vulnerability of the afore- mentioned harvestmen species, making any conservation effort directed towards both the species and their habitats, highly reasonable. The endemic species Paranemastoma radewi, Mediostoma stussineri, Histricostoma drenskii, always inhabit very humid environments and they are much less viable in comparison to the rest, properties which will eventually lead to a considerable decrease in their population densities, or even extinction, in case of a drastic environmental disturbance caused by a high reduction of humidity, for example. The uncontrolled deforestation, fir- ing, changes in the landscape terrain and the riverbeds, the contamination with heavy metals are some of the most influential factors in this respect. The remaining species in the area are common and they are not endangered.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank my colleagues Dr. P. Beron, Dr. S. Beshkov, Dr. V. Beshkov, MSc B. Bârov, Dr. Ch. Deltshev, Dr. D. Dimitrov, MSc K. Djambazov, Dr. A. Gyonova, Dr. T. Ivanova, MSc N. Kodjabashev, MSc M. Mitov, MSc B. Nikolov, MSc B. Petrov, MSc O. Todorov, MSc I. Traykov, MSc D. Vassilev for the kindly provided opilionid material.

References

BERON P. 1994. Résultats des recherches biospéléologiques en Bulgarie de 1971 à 1994 et liste des animaux cavernicoles bulgares. - Tranteeva, Sofia, 1: 137 pp. BERON P. 1997. Information for some invertebrate groups from Eastern Rhodopes Mt. (east from Vurbitsa River). - In: Conservation of the biological diversity of Eastern Rhodopes Mt., Bulgarian-Switzerland programme for conservation of the biological diversity, 2: 193-197. (In Bulgarian). BERON P., GUÉORGUIEV V. 1967. Essai sur la faune cavernicole de Bulgarie. II. Résultats des recherches biospéléologiques de 1961 à 1965. - Bull. Inst. zool. mus., 24: 151-212. BERON P., MITOV P. 1996. Cave Opilionida in Bulgaria. - Hist. nat. bulg, 6: 17-23. CHEVRIZOV B. P. 1979. A brief key of the harvest-spiders (Opiliones) in the European territory of the USSR. - Trudy Zool. inst., Leningrad, 85: 4-28. (In Russian). CRAWFORD R. L. 1992. Catalogue of the genera and type species of the harvestman superfamily Phalangio- idea (Arachnida). - Burke Mus. Contrib. Anthropol. Natur. Hist., 8: 1-60. DE LATTIN G. 1949. Beiträge zur Zoogeographie des Mittelmeergebietes. - Verh. Dtsch. Zool. Ges., Kiel (1948), Leipzig, Supl., 13: 143-151. DE LATTIN G. 1967. Grundriss der Zoogeographie. Jena. 602 pp. EMELYANOV A. F. 1974. Proposals on classification and nomenclature of areals (Predlozheniya po klas- ifikatsii i nomenclature arealov). - Entomol. Obozr., 53 (3): 497-522. (In Russian). GEORGIEV M. 1985. Physical Geography of Bulgaria. Nauka i izkustvo, Sofia, 408 pp. (In Bulgarian). GEORGIEV M. 1991. Physical Geography of Bulgaria. University Press “St. Kl. Ochridski”, Sofia, 406 pp. (In Bulgarian). GRUEV B. 1988. General Biogeography. Nauka i izkustvo, Sofia, 396 pp. (In Bulgarian). 178 P. MITOV

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Author’s address: Plamen Mitov Department of Zoology and Anthropology Faculty of Biology, University of Sofia 8, Dragan Tsankov Blvd. 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria E-mail: [email protected] Opiliones 179 Сенокосците (Arachnida: Opiliones) на Източните Родопи (България)

Пламен МИТОВ

(Р е з ю м е)

Източните Родопи като част от територията на Южнобългарския биогеографски район – важна рефугия, способствала за оцеляването на топлолюбива флора и фауна през плейстоцена, представляват изключителен интерес за фаунистите и зоогеографите. Установяването на видовия състав и разпространението на Opiliones - древна и подходяща за зоогеографски изследвания група, ще допринесе за по-пълното характеризиране на този сравнително слабо проучен у нас район. В резултат на настоящото проучване се установи, че опилионидната фауна на Източните Родопи е представена от 24 вида (от 18 рода и 5 семейства) или приблизително 45 % от общия видов състав на публикуваните за България Opiliones. Единадесет от тях са нови за изследвания район: Siro sp., Carinostoma ornatum, Dicranolasma scabrum, Dicranolasma thracium, Trogulus tricarinatus, Trogulus nepaeformis, Phalangium opilio, Opilio parietinus, Rafalskia olympica, Rilaena balcanica, Zachaeus cf. anatolicus, Lacinius dentiger. За Източните Родопи могат да се очакват още 7 вида и подвида опилиони, предпочитащи по-високите температури. Като цяло фауната на Родопите включва 33 вида и подвида (от 22 рода и 5 семейства); 19 вида са общи за фауните на Източните (с по 24 вида) и Западните Родопи (с по 28 вида). Опилионидната фауна на Източните Родопи се характеризира с това, че 50% от видовете са ендемити: три са български (евентуални балкански) (Siro sp., Histricostoma drenskii и Eudasylobus beschkovi), седем са балкански (Paranemastoma radewi, Mediostoma stussineri, Carinostoma ornatum, Dicranolasma thracium, Platybessobius singularis, Rafalskia olympica bulgarica и Rilaena balcanica), а два са субендемити на Балканския п- в (Rafalskia cretica и Zachaeus cf. anatolicus). Сред тях неописаният още представител на примитивните, древни и слабо подвижни Siro се явява реликт за Източните Родопи. Опилионидната фауна на Източните Родопи е формирана главно от видове, разпространили се постглациално от рамките на големия Медитерански рефугий. Те имат различна степен на експанзивност и могат да бъдат отнесени към групата на понтомедитеранския фаунистичен елемент (по DE LATTIN 1949, 1967). Изключение прави Phalangium opilio, който може да бъде отнесен към холомедитеранския, Opilio parietinus към каспийския и Mitopus morio към сибирския фаунистичен елемент от експанзивен тип (по DE LATTIN, 1949, 1967). Сред опилионите на Източните Родопи за сега няма защитени със закон видове. Но сред тях интерес в това отношение представляват ендемичните и редките за българската фауна видове като Siro sp., Mediostoma stussineri, Dicranolasma thracium, Platybessobius singularis, Rafalskia cretica. Тези видове се срещат само в малък брой находища; популациите им са изолирани, малобройни, с малка численост и всичко това прави посочените опилиони изключително уязвими. Това налага да се обърне специално внимание на защитата и опазването както на самите опилиони, така и на техните хабитати. Ендемичните видове Paranemastoma radewi, Mediostoma stussineri, Histricostoma drenskii, задължително живеят при висока влажност, характеризират се със слаба вагилност и всяка драстична промяна в средата, водеща до рязкото намаляване на влажността, ще причини редуцирането на популациите им и тяхното изчезване. Безразборната сеч, обезлесяването, опожаряванията, промяната на терена и коритата на реките, замърсяването с тежки метали, са едни от най-вероятните фактори за това. Останалите видове в района са обикновени и незастрашени.