Mangius Heroicus Metro Stray Dog Distinguishing Features:Mange, limp, folded ears, abused cower, overcrowded flea settlements, ability to anticipate kicks from far mangier metro workers, often curled up and sleeping with nose tucked under hind leg during daylight hours. Never alone.

Vox Omninonpopuli Westernized Politician Distinguishing features: Tailored suits that actually fit; Euro-spectacles; ties knotted correctly; hair that is washed daily; squeaky way of speaking English; laptop with PowerPoint. Habitat: Ren-TV; Ekho Moskvy; trendy restaurants; Davos; Spaso House. Danger if Provoked:

Cashilokius Nongayicus Male Purse Holder Distinguishing features: Authentic Gucci gear from Cherkizovsky Rynok, former sportsmen, purse. Habitat: Exchange booths, near expensive cars that may or may not belong to them, notary publics. Danger if Provoked: High. Nobody can be completely

Pigmenteria Ubiquita Middle-Aged Intellegentsia Distinguishing features: Over 45, thick formless figure (if large mammaries don't count), big hair set in a high bun, heavy face paint, still dressed in slightly shabby late-Perestroika chic, abundance of ornate fake jewelry. Habitat: Concert

Arbusius Azerbaijanius Street Produce Seller Distinguishing features: More precious metals in his mouth than in a Norilsk mineshaft. Balding, pouch-bellied, shirt unbuttoned to reveal chest-wig. Habitat: Side streets throughout Moscow. Danger if Provoked: Low to moderate. Arbusus Azerbaijanus does not