Bulletin of the Iraq Natural History Museum

The current study aimed to identify the morphological, histological, and histochemical
composition of the proventriculus and the gizzard of the slender-billed gull Chroicocephalus
genei (Breme, 1839) (Aves, Charadriiformes, Laridae) using a light microscope.
Morphological analysis revealed that the stomach of the bird is divided into proventriculus
and gizzard. The proventriculus is situated to the left of the body's midline and is completely
encompassed by the liver's left lobe, and appears pear-shaped or elongated oval and has
smooth walls. The gizzard has a pear-shaped muscular organ and is located to the left of the
midline in the lower quarter of the abdominal cavity. The results of histological examination
show that there are four major layers that make up the proventriculus and gizzard walls
consist of: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa, as well as the presence of the koilin
layer covering the tunica mucosa of the gizzard. The lining epithelium of the wall of the
proventriculus is covered with simple columnar epithelial tissue, but the lamina properia has
simple tubular glands and is made mostly of loose connective tissue, and the submucosa is
composed of loose connective tissue and deep gastric glands. The muscularis which consist of
three layers of smooth muscle fiberes, while loose connective tissue makes up the tunica
serosa. In the gizzard, the lining epithelium is lined by simple columnar epithelium; the
lamina properia consists of simple tubular glands. The gizzard's submucosa is lined with
dense connective tissue, the muscularis is made up of smooth muscle fiberes, and the tunica
serosa is coated with loose connective tissue. According to the histochemical analysis, the
proventriculus and gizzard contain a significant amount of mucopolysaccharides which
exhibited a positive reaction to Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) stains.

Leeches are a group of segmented worms that play important roles in aquatic environment
based on diversity, and abundance feeding habits. A total of 144 specimens of the leech were
collected from two sites in Babylon Province on the Euphrates River including S1 in Al-
Musayyib city site and S2 in Shatt Al-Hillah site, during the period from March 2023 to May
2024. Specimens were examined morphologically and by molecular analysis of genomic
DNA, using to amplification of the conserved 18S rRNA encoding gene and universal primers
ITS1 and ITS4, some environmental variables were measured, including water and air
temperature (°C), pH, Electrical conductivity EC (μs ̸ cm), Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) and
Turbidity, in addition to sediment texture analysis. The result showed that the collected
specimens belonged to four species, including Barbronia cf. gwalagwalensis Westergen &
Siddall, 2004, Barbronia borealis Bolotov, Eliseeva & Kondakov, 2023, Barbronia weberi
Blanchard, 1897, and Barbronia arcana Richardson, 1970; all these species belong to the
family Salilfidae and order Hirudinida. The significnce of this discovery is the addition of
four new record species to Iraqi fauna.

A rhabditid Mesorhabditis franseni Fuchs, 1933 (Family, Mesorhabditidae) and
pratylenchid nematode Pratylenchus goodeyi Sher and Allen, 1953 (Family, Pratylenchidae).
They were illustrated by molecular aspects. All specimens of both genera were cultured and
reproduced for DNA extraction. M. franseni (IRQ.ZAh2 PP528819.1 isolate) was
characterized. P. goodeyi (IRQ.ZAh5 PP535537 isolate) was also characterized. Selected
specimens of these two species were molecularly characterized using the partial ITS-rRNA
gene sequences. The ITS-rRNA sequence of IRQ.ZAh2 PP528819.1 isolate had a range of
(98.62%-100%) sequence homology with ITS-rRNA sequence of M. franseni available in
NCBI database. While, the ITS-rRNA sequence of IRQ.ZAh5 PP535537 isolate had (100%)
sequence homology with ITS-rRNA sequence of P. goodeyi available in NCBI database. M.
franseni (IRQ.ZAh2 PP528819.1 isolate) and P. goodeyi (IRQ.ZAh5 PP535537 isolate) are
Iraq's first documented instance of these species.

The humid and warm conditions in greenhouses provide an excellent environment for
pests’ living conditions, and therefore, they provide ideal medium for alien introductions.
Molluscs are among the most significant pests that infest plastic covered greenhouses. To
identify and report their mollusc species, 23 greenhouses in Iraq were surveyed between
March 2023 and April 2024. Of these, 11 were found to be infested with snails. A total of 158
specimens were collected and morphologically identified to seven species: Monacha
obstructa (L. Pfeiffer, 1842), Eobania vermiculata (O.F. Müller, 1774), Xeropicta krynickii
(Krynicki, 1833), Rumina decollata (Linnaeus, 1758), Polygyra cereolus (Megerle Von
Mühlfeld, 1818), Cochlicella barbara (Linnaeus, 1758), and Veronicella cubensis (L.
Pfeiffer, 1840), the latter being a slug species that is reported for the first time in Iraq in this
study. With the limited knowledge about the molluscs pests in Iraq, the data presented here
will provide valuable baseline information for various agricultural purposes.

The taxonomic features of the Casuarinaceae family were carefully examined to determine
which characters were most trustworthy for taxonomic delimitation. Morphological
characteristics that represented habit, leaf teeth, article, phyllichnia, male spike, female cone,
samara, and seed were used in our evaluation. Fieldwork revealed that seven taxa were
present, among which four species belonged to the genus Casuarina L., 1759. On the other
hand, herbarium studies identified the previous record of three species belonging to the genus
Allocasuarina L.A.S. Johnson, 1982, nevertheless could not be found in the field. Casuarina
cunninghamiana Miq., 1848 and Casuarina equisetifolia L., 1759 were represented in Egypt
by the subspecies cunninghamiana and the subspecies incana (Benth.) L.A.S. Johnson, 1982
respectively. For each taxon, a thorough description of the family, genus, and species was
given, along with images and synonyms. Moreover, a constructed identification key to the
taxa of Casuarinaceae is included. This investigation demonstrated the significance of
morphological characteristics for taxonomic assessment among the Casuarinaceae taxa
surveyed in Egypt. The numerical analysis supported the separation of the two genera,
Allocasuarina and Casuarina.

The primary aim of this investigation is to update the taxonomy of the genus Paeonia
L.,1753 (Paeoniaceae) in Iraq based on morphological characteristics, anatomical features,
ecological notes, and geographic distribution using, geographic information systems (GIS).
The results showed that the genus in Iraq contains only one subspecies, P. mascula subsp.
mascula (L.) Mill.,1768 a perennial herbs less than 80 cm tall with ascending, cylindrical,
glabrous stems, showy flowers, and underground carrot-shaped tuber roots. Anatomical
analysis reveals anomocytic stomata with an elliptical or rectangular apparatus, a
hypostomatic leaf, a stomatal index of 26.2%, and a stomatal density of 51 per mm2. A crosssection
of the leaf blade and midrib shows a bifacial leaf, and the internal leaf blade has a
single, sizable, crescent-shaped vascular bundle. The cross-sections of the stem are circular,
with many regular vascular bundles, and lack unicellular trichomes. Anticlinal wall patterns
are strong and wavy, and the leaf epidermal cell shapes are irregular. Paeonies in Iraq inhabit
only high-elevation highlands, thriving in rocky, limestone humus soils on the northern slopes
of mountains within open oak forests. Geographic distribution and GIS analysis show the
paeony plants grow are found only in two mountainous districts (Amadiya and Rowandouz).
For the first time, this investigation in has Iraq documented six more places within the first
district and two locations in the latter district. This investigation may lead to a taxonomic key
for the wild paeony plants and provide a new perspective on Iraqi peony flora.

The checklist of Iraqi Crabronid wasps has been updated due to this work. A total of 67
species are listed belonging to 29 genera, across 10 tribes within five subfamilies. The species
distribution is also provided, and an identification key was developed to differentiate the high
taxa.

The aim of the current investigation is to study the embryogenesis of the pseudobranchia
(PB) in the Eastern mosquito fish Gambusia holbrooki, Girard, 1859 (Cyprinodontiformes,
Poeciliidae). Histological sections from 2-4 mm long embryos revealed the presumable PB as
a cell mass surrounded by a row of squamous cells in the operculum, as well as the formation
of cartilage and blood vessels, and the beginning of the formation of its lamellae. In 5-7.75
mm long embryos, a prominent rise appeared in the mass of cells and PB lamellae, along with
an increase in melanin deposition around the blood vessels. Moreover, a row of squamous
cells encircled the rise from the front and back. At this stage, the parallel arrangement of the
cartilage-attached lamellae correlated with increased melanin concentration around the blood
vessels. In newborns, the differentiated cells increased similar to that appearing in the adult’s
stages.

The study aimed to survey mushroom species from fields among herbs, palm trunks, and
trees in central Iraq and to identify them on the basis of morphological and molecular
characteristics. As a molecular identification result with polymerase chain reaction six
species were recorded (with eight isolates): Agaricus bitorquis (Quéllt) Saccardo. 1887
(SHA14); Candolleomyces candolleanus (Fr.) D. Wächter & Melzer, 2020 (SHA15);
Cyclocybe cylindracea (D.C.) Vizzini & Angelini, 2014 (SHA13); Leucoagaricus hesperius
Vellinga, 2010 (SHA16); Volvariella sp. (SHA17), and Volvopluteus gloiocephalus (D. C.)
Vizzini, Contu & Justo, 2011 (SHA10, SHA101 and SHA12), belonging to four families of
Basidiomycetes: Agaricaceae, Pluteaceae, Psathyrellaceae, and Strophariaceae within the
order Agaricales. The nuclear sequences of these species have been deposited in GenBank
under the accession numbers: PP576693, PP578967, PP576221, PP576960, PP580694,
PP575891, PP580693, and PP576069, respectively. These species were recorded for the first
time in these areas in the middle of Iraq.

Birds are exposed to infection by various ectoparasites, including chewing lice (Order:
Phthiraptera), which affect nearly all avian species. The present study aimed to diagnose the
species of lice parasitizing poultry using morphological traits, and molecular analysis (PCR).
Additionally, the study included the construction of a phylogenetic tree of the among the
species sequenced on the basis of genetic sequencing by using 18S rRNA. The survey was
conducted during the period from November 2023 to October 2024. A total of 300 chickens
and pigeons were examined from different locations in Basrah Province. In the study, four
species were recorded, and registered in GenBank with the following accession numbers:
PQ636457 to Columbicola columbae (Linnaeus,1758), PQ636458 to Campanulotes
bidentatus (Scopoli,1763), PQ636459 to Menacanthus stramineus (Nitzsch,1818), and
PQ636460 to Menopon gallinae (Linnaeus,1758).

A survey and identification were made of edible mushrooms from Salah Al Din Province,
central of Iraq, were conducted. The species were identified according to macroscopic
characteristics, such as the size, shape, color, and surface texture of the cap; the color of the
gills and their attachment to the stipe, if any, the number of pores per millimeter; and the color,
size , and surface texture of the stipe. Other features noted included the presence or absence
of the annulus and volva; Microscopic characteristics were also examined, including the size
of the basidium and the number of its spores; the color, size, and shape of the spores; the size,
shape, and type of cystidia, and whether cystidia were present or absent. Nine
basidiomycetous macrofungal species belonging to seven families were identified as
Agaricaceae, Bolbitiaceae Coprinaceae, Hymenochaetaceae, Lyophyllaceae, Psathyrellaceae,
Polyporaceae, and they were within three orders Agaricales, Polyporales, Hymenochatales,
including: Coprinellus disseminatus (Pers.) J.E.Lange, 1938; Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P.
Karst, 1881; Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd, 1921; Leucocoprinus birnbaumii (Corda) Singer,
1962; Hypsizygus tessulatus (Bull.)Singer, 1947 ; Coprinellus micaceus (Bull.) Vilgalys,
Hopple & Jacq.Johnson, 2001; Coprinopsis atramentaria (Bull.) Redhead, Vilgalys &
Moncalvo, 2001; Phellinus igniarius (L.) Quél, 1886; and Panaeolina castaneifolia (Murrill)
Bon, 1979.

We examined morphological variations in Carabus granulatus L., 1758 (Coleoptera,
Carabidae) populations across different habitats in the Kaluga Region. Discriminant analysis
revealed subtle but significant morphological differences between populations, with pronotum
length being the key discriminating trait. Morphological variability was primarily driven by
historical microevolutionary processes rather than direct phenotypic adaptation to specific
habitats. Local ecological factors, such as microclimate and resource availability, had a
greater influence on morphometric traits than the general habitat type. Populations in the
eastern part of the Kaluga Region exhibited smaller body sizes due to intensive forest use.
Fragmented forests displayed notable differences in morphometric traits, likely resulting from
founder effects. Beetles from various localities showed distinct patterns: populations in the
Oka River valley populations were smaller, while park habitats exhibited increased
variability. Populations in Kaluga occupied an intermediate position between wild and
disturbed forests. The study emphasizes the importance of considering both phylogenetic and
ecological factors in understanding morphological differences in ground beetles, highlighting
the complex interplay between historical, environmental, and anthropogenic factors shaping
population-level morphological variation in C. granulatus.

This study examines the Al-Ashaali drainage basin, a watershed in the southern Iraqi desert,
which constitutes a hydro-geomorphological system within the lower valleys region according
to Iraq's geomorphological classification. The study uses a digital elevation model to classify
the landforms of the watershed. Landform maps from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission
(SRTM) were combined with topographic maps to understand the formation of landforms.
Geospatial simulation models were developed to create a simplified geomorphological base
map. The data was analyzed utilizing ArcGIS software, which included color mapping tools,
topographic maps, as well as geological and hydrological maps. The study aims to enhance
the interpretation and geomorphological analysis of the watershed's landform characteristics.
The Dutch Geosciences Institute (ITC) geomorphological classification system was used to
categorize the landforms. The results indicated that the valleys in the study area are significant
terrain due to their desiccation during the Quaternary period and their current location in arid
regions. They exhibit fluvial erosion and are associated with Al-Ashaali watershed and Abu
Hadair watershed in its western and southwestern areas. Rijlat Al-Tuwaitha is characterised
by "captivity elbow" and "wind gaps", due to the accelerated flow of one river. The erosion
plain is affected by erosion factors, including river sedimentation, floodplains, river islands,
and braided streams. Alluvial fans develop in regions with steep slopes and lowlands, while
floodplains are created by sediments carried by valleys and streams from steep highlands.
Braided streams undergo multiple cycles of deposition and erosion, and most flora in the
region consists of pioneer species.

The snappers (Lutjanid fish) are an important food source for the Iraqi people. Three
species of lutjanid fishes- the Blackspot snapper Lutjanus ehrenbergii (Peters, 1869), Dory
snapper L. fulviflamma (Forsskål, 1775) and L. indicus Allen, White & Erdmann, 2013 were
caught from Iraqi marine waters in the Arabian Gulf during 2024. The Blackspot snapper L.
ehrenbergii and the Dory snapper L. fulviflamma were found to be infested with both
Euryhaliotrema adelpha Kritsky & Justine in Kritsky, 2012 (reported here as a new host) and
E. spirotubiforum (Zhang, 2001) Wu, Zhu, Xie & Li, 2006. L. indicus was infested only with
E. spirotubiforum which is reported here for the first time from this host species and this
geographical area (the Arabian Gulf). Illustrations of whole- mount specimens are given for
E. adelpha for the first time. This investigation represents the first report of monogenoids
from lutjanid fishes in Iraq.