Problems of ecological interpretation of Quaternary insect faunas from the central part of Northern Eurasia

Methods and approaches for paleoecological interpretations of Quaternary insect faunas are considered. Data from modern entomological research in central Northern Eurasia have been used as the main source of information. The principles determining interactions between insects and their environment are found to have important value. Indicator species include stenothermic species as well as species that are morphologically and physiologically adapted to certain environmental conditions. In addition to species composition, another important factor in paleoenvironmental reconstruction is the modern-day structure of insect associations above the species level (from subgenus to family) that typify each modern biological community, as well as certain ratios of taxa within ecological and trophic groups. The following types of faunas are distinguished: arctic, subarctic, boreal, nemoral, sub-boreal azonal and “mixed” (non-analogue). Each complex is referred to one of these types, forming the basis of paleoenvironmental reconstructions. For “mixed” faunas, the MCR method is used. These results are compared to the paleobotanical and megafaunal mammal data. The final paleoenvironmental reconstructions are based on data synthesis.