Biologia Serbica

Biokovoamaurops, a new troglobitic genus of Amauropini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) from Biokovo Mt., Dalmatia

Dragan Pavićević† — 2025-12-09

A new troglobitic genus, Biokovoamaurops, and the species B. nyx from the tribe Amauropini, are described and illustrated based on a female specimen collected in the Gradska špilja cave above Župa, on Mount Biokovo, Dalmatia. The new genus was found in the middle Dinaric region, opposite two closely related troglobitic genera Seracamaurops and Troglamaurops, which are distributed in the southern Dinaric region.

Developmental and post-embryonic growth patterns in Longidorus piceicola Lišková, Robbins & Brown, 1997 and L. intermedius Kozlowska & Seinhorst, 1979 (Nematoda: Dorylaimida)

László Barsi — 2025-12-11

Based solely on molecular markers, D-D3 28R rDNA and ITS1, Longidorus intermedius and L. piceicola share a high level of similarity. However, despite this molecular similarity, L. piceicola and L. intermedius significantly differ in morphometrics and ontogeny. Two key concepts in the development and growth of longidorid nematodes are developmental and growth patterns. Developmental patterns categorize longidorid nematodes according to whether they undergo four or three juvenile developmental stages (JDS) during post-embryonic development. Growth patterns refer to specific morphometric levels, which are more or less similar between species within a genus with the same developmental pattern. There are some differences between different populations of the same species, probably due to intraspecific variability and the environmental conditions in which they live. Longidorus piceicola undergoes four JDS, while L. intermedius undergoes three JDS. In the typical life cycle of longidorid nematodes, there are four or three molts, which occur between the four or three JDS, with the last molt preceding the fully sexually mature adult stage. The similarities and differences between these two developmental patterns are not well known. Growth patterns refer to changes in specific morphometric dimensions during the post-embryonic growth of a nematode, such as: body length, odontostyle and replacement odontostyle size, and body volume. Using these characteristics, a study was conducted to assess whether there are similarities or differences between selected populations of Longidorus piceicola (4 JDS) and L. intermedius (3 JDS). This paper presents results on the developmental and post-embryonic growth patterns of the species Longidorus piceicola and L. intermedius.

On the status of some species of the genus Trichoniscus Brandt, 1833 (Isopoda: Oniscidea: Trichoniscidae) in the fauna of Serbia

Ivo Karaman — 2025-12-27

Synonymy has been established for the three taxa, Trichonsicus serboorientalis Pljakić, 1977 T. bononiensis timocensis Pljakić, 1977 and T. bononiensis sotirovi Pljakić, 1977, with previously described troglobiotic species T. bureschi Verhoeff, 1926 and T. bononiensis Vandel, 1965. Known localities for T. bureschi and T. bononiensis in Serbia are listed and an approximate distribution map of both species is presented. Trichonsicus bureschi is treated as a younger troglobiont, and not as a troglophile. The closely related group of Trichonsicus species, „inferus“ group, is expanded and its distribution is presented on the map.

A review of the role of high mobility group box 1 in nasal inflammation: Insights from allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis

Marko Dević — 2025-12-20

Allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis are highly prevalent chronic inflammatory disorders of the nasal mucosa that impair sleep, work productivity and negatively impact quality of life; and represent a considerable medical, social, and economic burden to patients and their families. Both conditions are driven by complex immune mechanisms, including epithelial barrier dysfunction, dysregulated innate and adaptive immune responses, and persistent inflammatory signaling. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein was identified as a key nuclear protein that, when released extracellularly under conditions of cellular stress or injury, acts as a potent danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) or alarmin that amplifies inflammation through interactions with certain receptors. Relevant publications were identified through a targeted search of PubMed and Google Scholar, using the terms HMGB1, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and nasal inflammation. This review analyzed available evidence regarding the role of HMGB1 in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis, emphasizing its association with disease severity, eosinophilic inflammation, and disruption of epithelial homeostasis. The identified studies found increased expression of HMGB1 in the serum, nasal tissues, and airway secretions of affected individuals, as well as enhanced activation of HMGB1-associated receptor pathways. Furthermore, this review summarizes emerging therapeutic approaches targeting HMGB1, including the use of glycyrrhetinic acid, ethyl pyruvate, and resveratrol, which showed favorable anti-inflammatory effects in experimental models and early clinical settings, without significant adverse reactions. These findings suggest that inhibition of HMGB1 may represent a promising therapeutic option for patients with chronic inflammatory diseases of the upper airways. However, continued experimental and clinical research is necessary to validate these results and advance novel treatment strategies that could reduce the burden associated with these disabling conditions.

Strategic pathways for integration of the parasitoid Necremnus tutae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) for the sustainable management of the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Western Balkans: evidence, gaps and regional perspectives

Aleksandar Ivezić — 2025-12-31

The tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta Meyrick, 1917 (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) remains one of the most destructive pests of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants worldwide, with severe economic impact across Europe and the Mediterranean. Its high reproductive capacity, rapid adaptability, and insecticide resistance have highlighted the need for sustainable control alternatives. The Mediterranean parasitoid Necremnus tutae Ribes & Bernardo, 2015 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) has emerged as a key biological control agent, combining parasitism and host-feeding to significantly reduce T. absoluta larval populations. This paper synthesizes current knowledge (2010–2024) on the biology, ecology, and control efficacy of N. tutae, and evaluates its integration potential within existing integrated pest management (IPM) frameworks. Eight strategic actions were identified and condensed into a five-step framework that links research, field implementation, and policy adaptation. This approach emphasizes monitoring, rearing capacity, habitat enhancement, multispecies IPM integration, and regional policy cooperation. Alignment of these steps with the Western Balkans Green Agenda, EU environmental acquis, and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2, 12, 13, 15, and 17) positions N. tutae as a cornerstone of the region’s transition toward ecologically resilient, pesticide-reduced tomato production systems.

Preface

Laslo Barsi — 2025-12-31