Mitochondrial genome fragments were examined in all species of the genus Capra (Bovidae, Artiodactyla). Phylogenetic analysis was carried out using 59 cytochrome b gene sequences (392 bp), and 22 sequences of the mtDNA variable fragment (402 bp). In the control region, two unique deletions were revealed. One of the deletions was found only in Capra cylindricornis (17 bp), while another one grouped C. caucasica with C. aegagrus (1 bp). The group of Caucasian wild goats splits into two clades, and furthermore, the sequences of C. caucasica demonstrate remarkable similarity to the sequences of C. aegagrus, while C. cylindricornis seems to have evolved independently for a long period of time. It was demonstrated that C. pyrenaica and C. ibex were extremely close to one another. Capra sibirica formed an outer group relative to the other species, and according to our data, was the most ancient species of the genus. On the contrary, genetic distance separating C. falconeri (the most independent species of the genus related to its morphology) from the other species is small.

Analysis the of cytochrome b gene (1140 b.p.) polymorphism and polymorphism of 79 specimens of the control region (934 b.p.) of mtDNA of the Siberian roe deer Capreolus pygargus from 23 regions of Rus

Cryptic species lacking distinct morphological features are widespread among soil fauna, including such functionally significant groups as springtails, mites and enchytraeids. Their presence, diversity and biomass may impact ecosystem services provided by belowground ecosystems. However, traditionally, the potential effects of cryptic diversity in explaining the functional significance of different mesofauna species have been overlooked due to the widespread practice of morphology‐based species identification. This review synthesizes the current state of knowledge on soil fauna cryptic species identification, emphasizing specific molecular techniques as the most reliable and precise method currently available for detecting and unravelling cryptic diversity. We analysed 326 scientific contributions available via Scopus or Web of Science, compiling information on genetic markers used to study cryptic diversity, including targeted gene regions, PCR primers and methods for estimating genetic distances. For comprehensive genetic analysis, combinations of mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) genes, together with nuclear markers such as 28S ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA) or Histone H3 (H3), are most commonly used. Our analysis revealed taxon‐specific thresholds: while COI divergences greater than 3% typically indicate cryptic species in collembolans, higher thresholds appear justified for mites (up to 17%) and enchytraeids (up to 5%) when supported by conserved nuclear markers (28S/H3), ecological or geographic coherence and the absence of intermediate forms. Advances in molecular research have also facilitated the analysis of cryptic diversity within morphospecies an—approach widely applied in soil ecology, especially when species‐level identification is hindered by limited taxonomic literature or expertise. However, our findings also demonstrated that it is a long way before methodological development in molecular approaches would ensure reliable cryptic species identifications in soil mesofauna. Even more should be done in linking the revealed cryptic diversity with its functional implications and possible differences in responding to environmental change. Besides these current limitations, we are positive that deeper integration of cryptic diversity knowledge into soil ecological research will significantly increase the reliability and precision of soil functions and services assessment.

Enchytraeids, or potworms, are tiny oligochaetes that are distributed worldwide in many terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. Despite their key role in the functioning of ecosystems, the diversity and abundance of Enchytraeidae are rarely studied due to the laborious process of species identification. The present study addresses this gap and sheds some light on the distribution and abundance of enchytraeids in the lands of the Northern Palearctic. The provided dataset constitutes the latest and comprehensive field sampling of enchytraeid assemblages across the Asiatic part of the Northern Palearctic, encompassing an original set of soil samples systematically collected throughout the region from 2019 to 2022.The dataset includes occurrences from 131 georeferenced sites, encompassing 39 species and 7,074 records. This represents the first dataset providing species-specific information about the distribution and abundance of terrestrial enchytraeids across an extensive geographic area covering the Asian sector of the Northern Palaearctic. The compiled dataset is the key for exploring and understanding local and regional enchytraeid diversity. It may also serve as a valuable resource for monitoring and conserving the entire soil biodiversity.

The first list of terrestrial enchytraeids of the north-western Caucasus includes 24 species belonging to seven genera. A new enchytraeid species of the genus Fridericia, Fridericia gongalskyi sp. nov., is described. It clearly differs from other species of the genus by the presence of only three pairs of preclitellar nephridia, the postclitellar position of the chylus cells and two elongated spermathecal diverticula. The phylogenetic relations of the new species within the genus are discussed.

Enchytraeids, commonly known as potworms, are small oligochaetes found worldwide in various terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. Despite their crucial role in ecosystem functioning, the diversity and abundance of Enchytraeidae are seldom studied due to the labour-intensive process of species identification. This study aims to address this gap and expand knowledge on the distribution and abundance of enchytraeids within the Northern Palaearctic Region. The provided dataset represents the latest and most comprehensive field sampling of enchytraeid communities within the European part of Russia within the Northern Palaearctic. It consists exclusively of an original set of soil samples systematically collected across the region from 2019 to 2023, without any previously published data included. The dataset includes occurrences from 204 georeferenced sites, encompassing 73 species from 17 genera, totalling 61,254 records, with 1,419 records having the "present'’ occurrence status. This comprehensive, species-specific dataset (Darwin Core Archive – DwC-A) provides insights into the distribution and abundance of terrestrial enchytraeids across a wide geographic area, covering the eastern sector of the East European Plain and the North Caucasus Region within the Northern Palaearctic. Compiled from field sampling campaigns, this dataset is essential for exploring and understanding local and regional enchytraeid diversity over time and space. It also serves as a valuable resource for monitoring and conserving soil biodiversity in the studied region.