Dynamics and structure of a Velia caprai (Heteroptera) population in a South Swedish stream

Population density was estimated monthly by means of direct counts for 16 consecutive months. Capture-recapture experiments revealed that 9–22% of the population was observed by this technique. Most nymphs appeared in June, and the presence of nymphs in September suggests a second generation. There was a strong positive correlation between summer surface drift and mean annual population density for five out of six sections studied. In July-August the sex ratio was near equal, while in September females began to dominate. The bias towards females was strong until new imagines emerged in July. From September a marked weight dimorphism was observed between the sexes. Food limitation, and skewed sex and weight ratios implied intersexual competition in this population. Brown trout possibly affected the population density in one section with less shelter. Wing dimorphism was observed in July and August. Macropterous individuals represented a low percentage (<17%) and were only observed in sections with high densities.     

Anti-predator adaptations in nesting Marsh Tits Parus palustris: the role of nest-site security

A proposal that nest predation is the most important selective pressure shaping nest-site use of Marsh Tits Parus palustris was checked in a long-term study (almost 500 nests) carried out in the Białowieża National Park (eastern Poland) in primeval conditions, where the birds breed in natural holes and their nests are at risk from a variety of predators. It was predicted that predation rates would depend on hole attributes, so that Marsh Tits should use the most secure holes. Predation was responsible for 70% of total nest losses. Predation risk depended on hole attributes. Nests in dead wood were predated significantly more often than those in live wood. Nests in old woodpecker holes were predated more frequently than nests in holes of other origin, and nests situated closer to the entrance were more at risk than ones further from it. The entrance size did not influence overall predation risk, but small entrance size was important in preventing access by larger predators. These differences can account for the very rare use of holes in dead wood or of woodpecker holes, the fact that they nest in holes with small entrances and relatively far from the entrance. It is concluded that the patterns of nest-site use found in this species are best explained as anti-predator adaptations, which have evolved and are maintained by the pressure of nest predators. This study also indicates the possible limits of, and constraints on, these adaptations.     

Ecological and physiological adaptations in insect parasitism

Ecological and physiological adaptations of the tachinid parasite Lydella grisescens R-D, to its hosts were studied experimentally. The factors affecting host finding and larviposition of the adult females were evaluated. The frass of four lepidopterous larvae, including two natural hosts, the European corn borer Ostrinia nubilalis (Hbn.) and the stalk borer Papaipema nebris (Guen.), and two non-hosts, the armyworm Pseudaletia unipuncta (Haworth) and the cat-tail borer Archanata oblonga Grt., was found to attract the Lydella females and stimulate them to larviposit. The attracting material in frass is soluble in ethanol and water, and seems to be a metabolic product of the caterpillars rather than a product of plant fermentation.Artificial parasitization by implantation of Lydella larvae in the host caterpillars was employed to determine the physiological suitability of various natural and unnatural hosts to the parasite. Along with the two natural hosts, the European corn borer and the stalk borer, an unnatural host, the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella L. was found to be a suitable host. Artificial parasitization was not successful with the armyworm, the imported cabbageworm Pieris rapae L. and the yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor L. Lydella larvae were able to penetrate the cuticle of Galleria larvae when they were present together. The biological significance and practical implication of these findings are discussed.

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Zusammenfassung Die ökologischen und physiologischen Anpassungen der parasitischen Tachinide Lydella grisescens R.-D. an ihre Wirte wurden experimentell untersucht. Die Faktoren, welche die Wirtsfindung und das Larvenabsetzen der erwachsenen Weibchen betreffen, wurden ermittelt. Der Kot von vier Schmetterlingslarven, nämlich zweier natürlicher Wirte: des Maiszünslers Ostrinia nubilalis (Hbn.) und des Stengelbohrers Papaipema nebris (Guen.), und zweier Nichtwirte; des Heerwurmes Pseudaletia unipuncta (Haworth) und des Katzenschwanz-Bohrers Archanata oblonga Grt. erwies sich als anziehend für die Lydella-Weibchen und veranlaßte sie zum Absetzen von Larven. Das anlockende Material im Kot ist in Alkohol und Wasser löslich und scheint eher ein Stoffwechselprodukt der Raupen als ein Zersetzungsprodukt der Pflanze zu sein.Künstliche Parasitierung durch Implantation von Lydella-Larven in Wirtsraupen wurde benutzt, um die physiologische Eignung der verschiedenen natürlichen und unnatürlichen Wirte für den Parasiten zu bestimmen. Neben den zwei natürlichen Wirten, dem Maiszünsler und dem Stengelbohrer, wurde ein unnatürlicher Wirt, die Große Wachsmotte, Galleria mellonella L., als geeigneter Wirt nachgewiesen. Die künstliche Parasitierung blieb dagegen beim Heerwurm, dem (eingeschleppten) Kohlweißling Pieris rapae L. und dem Mehlwurm Tenebrio molitor L. erfolglos. Lydella-Larven sind fähig, die Kutikula der Galleria-Larven zu durchdringen. Die biologische und praktische Bedeutung dieser Befunde wird diskutiert.

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Paper No. 5673 Scientific Journal Series, Minnesota Experiment Station, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101.     

Anti-predator defences of a web-building spider, Holocnemus pluchei (Araneae, Pholcidae)

Anti-predator defence behaviour of Holocnemus pluchei (Araneae, Pholcidae) was studied in the laboratory and the field. Bouncing, in which this web-building spider moves its body rapidly up and down while keeping its legs on the silk, was the most frequent response to disturbance. Less often, H. pluchei left the web when disturbed. Experiments were carried out to determine the types of stimuli that elicited bouncing and leaving the web: tactile stimulation (striking the spider with a brush) and air movement (blowing on the spider) elicited bouncing and leaving the web, but there was no evidence that chemical stimuli from potential predators were important. Tactile stimulation elicited stronger responses than air movement. There were no evident differences in how H. pluchei responded to tactile stimulation in the laboratory and the field.     

仙姑弹琴蛙蝌蚪对陌生捕食者克氏原螯虾的反捕反应

以峨眉山的仙姑弹琴蛙 (Ranadaunchina)蝌蚪作为猎物 ,该地区潜在的入侵物种克氏原螯虾 (Procambarusclarkii)为捕食者 ,于冬季设计实验观察仙姑弹琴蛙蝌蚪对陌生入侵捕食者的反捕行为反应。实验按照 3× 3× 2因子设计 ,即 :捕食者状况 3个水平 (食植物的克氏原螯虾、食蝌蚪的克氏原螯虾和无捕食者 ) ,蝌蚪年龄组 3个水平(31- 35期的 2 .5龄蝌蚪、2 6 - 30期的 1.5龄蝌蚪和 2 5期的 0 .5龄蝌蚪 ) ,以及蝌蚪短期经验 2个水平 (有经验和无经验 )。实验发现 :有短期被捕食经验的蝌蚪的活动时间极显著低于无被捕食经验的蝌蚪 ,而静止时间以及隐蔽所利用时间却极显著地高于无经验的蝌蚪 ;短期经验和捕食者状况的交互效应对蝌蚪的活动时间有显著影响 ;而蝌蚪年龄、捕食者状况及其交互效应对蝌蚪的行为反应没有显著影响。这表明 ,有短期被捕食经历的仙姑弹琴蛙蝌蚪并未通过个体学习建立起对陌生捕食者克氏原螯虾的识别能力 ,而是表现出无针对性的活动性受抑、隐蔽时间增加的行为反应。如果自然条件下的仙姑弹琴蛙蝌蚪也有类似反应 ,在克氏原螯虾入侵初期 ,仙姑弹琴蛙蝌蚪则可能会由于无法识别新的捕食者而表现出过度的反捕行为反应 ,承受更大的亚致死作用 ,而对种群生存造成不利影响     

Anti-predator defence mechanisms in sawfly larvae of Arge (Hymenoptera, Argidae)

Larvae of the sawfly Arge (Hymenoptera, Argidae) are exposed to predators such as ants. Their defence mechanisms, which have been almost unstudied, were investigated by behavioural observations coupled to a morphological approach and by testing the bioactivity of several body parts. Arge larvae raised their abdomen when contacted by Myrmica rubra workers. The ants rarely bit a larva and generally retreated immediately, sometimes without contacting it. Most of those few ants that bit a larva then showed an uncoordinated walk. Crude hemolymph from a common species, A. pagana, was a feeding deterrent towards ants. Hemolymph extracts remained active up to a concentration of 0.8 microg DW extract per microlitre solution, and were more active than integument and gut extracts. We also observed ants paralysed by extracts, especially from the gut. It is likely that this toxicity is due to a polypeptide, lophyrotomin, which is known to occur in A. pullata. Six or seven non-eversible ventro-abdominal glands occurred in all species studied (A. fuscipes, A. nigripes, A. ochropus, A. pagana, A. pullata, A. ustulata). These glands contain volatiles. We consider both types of chemicals to be important in defence, and we propose that the paralysing effect is a common feature among Arge species.     

Anti-predator strategies in oviposition site selection of Pyrrhosoma nymphula (Zygoptera: Odonata)

Summary Selection of sites for oviposition when the risk of predation by green frogs was variable studied in tandems of the damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula. In the absence of predators the number of tandems landing increased with the size of the oviposition site and with the number of pairs already present. Pairs approaching an oviposition site landed promptly and preferred locations near other ovipositing pairs. Pairs which had landed near others left the landing site and flew to another water plant after a shorter period than those landing alone. They stayed in groups for only 16.5% of the total duration of stay at the oviposition site. With predators present fewer tandems landed. There was no relationship between the landing site of solitary tandems and the locations of the perching frogs. Pairs landing in groups were disturbed by frogs after a shorter period than pairs landing alone. Damselfly aggregation did not affect the predation success of the frogs, but the predation risk to individual tandem pairs was reduced.     

The population dynamics of Cheilosia fasciata (Diptera,Syrphidae): significance of environmental factors and behavioural adaptations in a phytophagous insect

Summary A population of Cheilosia fasciata Schin. & Egg., 1853 was studied in a beech forest (Melico-Fagetum allietosum) near Göttingen (FRG). This syrphid species is closely associated with ramson (Allium ursinum L.), as the larvae mine the plant's leaves. Adult abundance was determined using emergence traps (1981–1986); egg and larval abundance was determined by examining ramson leaves: puparia were extracted from soil samples (1984 and 1986). Cheilosia fasciata is a univoltine species; the imagines emerge in late April/early May. Larval development took five (1986) to six (1984) weeks. In late June/early July the larvae enter the soil for pupariation. A linear relationship was found between the area of the mines and larval biomass (dry wt.). It was concluded that one larva had to mine 51.90 cm² of leaf area in order to gain the mean maximum dry weight (11.15 mg). Furthermore, it was shown that ovipositing females, laying just one egg per leaf, tended to select large leaves providing this minimum amount of food. It is hypothesized that females probably follow straight-lined routes on their oviposition flights, rather than ovipositing on leaves chosen at random. By applying such a strategy, females can almost completely avoid competition for food among their own offspring. Furthermore, competition among the progeny of the whole population is also reduced, particularly in years when adult abundance is very low. The significance of certain factors influencing the population dynamics of Cheilosia fasciata was evaluated by applying a rank correlation analysis. It was shown that high precipitation rates in April reduced the time available for mating and oviposition resulting in low emergence abundance in the next spring. Larval survivorship was enhanced by high precipitation rates in May and June, indicating that drought may be unfavourable to larvae and reduce food availability. Predation by a parasitoid Phygadeuon ursini Horstmann, 1986 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae), appears to be just an imperfect (Milne 1984) density-dependent control mechanism; in fact, it was shown that food limitation is the only significant mechanism of density-dependent population control.     

Freshwater components in the diet of the marine neustonic fish,Urophycis tenuis (Mitchill)

Synopsis Stomach content analysis of a neustonic marine juvenile white hake (Urophycis tenuis (Mitchill)), revealed the presence of a unusual 0.70 mm bolus, consisting of a freshwater rotifer, Keratella cochlearis, and several species of freshwater phytoplankton: Asterionella formosa, Melosira granulata, Dinobryon bavaricum and Dinobryon cylindricum. Other gut items were typical for the predator during the August period, consisting of various stages of marine calanoid copepods and cladocerans; average prey length was 0.74 mm. The possibility of bolus introduction as a secondary diet component was eliminated; evidence indicated that the particle was ingested in toto. Consideration of a number of alternative mechanisms for bolus acquisition led to the conclusion that the bolus was disseminated via the ballast tank or contaminated freshwater holding tank of a ship. Urophycis tenuis appears to feed selectively on the basis of particle size. Consequently, this type of neustonic predator may be particularly vulnerable to man-made pollution and oil spills.     

Phenological adaptations of a colonizing insect: The southwestern corn borer,Diatraea grandiosella

Summary The developmental rate, critical photoperiod, and diapause intensity were determined for three populations of the southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella, from Missouri, Mississippi and Kansas. Mississippi larvae grew at the highest rate and Missouri larvae grew at the lowest rate. The zero developmental temperatures (°C) for the Missouri population were estimated from regression lines as follows: 10.5° (eggs), 10.8° (diapausing larvae), 13.3° (non-diapausing larvae) and 11.4° (pupae). The required heat units were: 85° (eggs), 588° (diapausing larvae), 333° (non-diapausing larvae) and 149° days (pupae). However, the observed low temperature limit for larval growth under constant temperature regimes was approximately 17°C.The critical day lengths for diapause induction observed at 25°C were: 15 h 11 min (Missouri); 15 h 20 min (Mississippi); and 15 h 22 min (Kansas). The photoperiodic response of the Mississippi larvae was more or less retained at 30°C, whereas the response of the Missouri larvae was completely suppressed at this temperature. Diapause was most easily terminated in the Kansas larvae. The most intense diapause was observed in the Mississippi larvae.Model seasonal life cycles of the three geographic populations were constructed using photothermograms. Although the models showed good agreement with the field situation for the Missouri and the Kansas populations, some unknown factor(s) remains to account for an extremely long critical photoperiod in the Mississippi population.Contribution from the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station, as journal series no. 9001     

Social behavior adaptations of gibbon (Hylobates lar) in a controlled environment

A population of six adolescent—adult gibbons (three males and three females) were observed in a controlled environment in order to assess any social behavior adaptations related to forced aggregation and to a physical environment which differed from the native habitat in that there were no predators, no food scarcity and the geographic range was limited to 1.5 acres. Data on location, size and composition of naturally formed social groupings revealed that certain gibbons avoided social contact with certain others. This observation is discussed in relation toChance's (1967) concept of “attention structure.” It is viewed as representative of a dominance hierarchy serving gibbons as a social behavior adaptation when forced to aggregate.     

Postcranial adaptations for climbing in Loridae (Primates)

The Loridae are an arboreal family of small primates that are specialized for slow and quiet climbing. This paper examines the relationship between lorid locomotory behaviour and postcranial skeletal morphology. Lorid humeral and femoral diaphyseal geometric cross-sectional properties, articular surface areas, and lengths are compared to those properties in other small primates with less specialized locomotory behaviour. The comparative sample includes both closely related prosimians and more distantly related platyrrhines.
Results indicate that lorids have greater humeral and femoral diaphyseal rigidity than other quadrupedal primates of similar body size, suggesting that lorid limbs are subjected to greater forces. Lorids also have relatively larger humeral and femoral articulations, corresponding to field and laboratory observations which indicate that lorid joints are highly mobilc. In addition, lorids have long humeri relative to femoral length, and compared to humeral length in less specialized prosimians of similar body mass. Long humeral length relative to femoral length is interpreted as a climbing adaptation because similar limb proportions are also seen in many non-primate climbers. Altogether, humeral and femoral diaphyseal cross-sectional properties, articular surface areas, and lengths comprise a suite of characters which have potential for identifying climbing specialists in the fossil record.     

Distribution and feeding behaviour of field populations of the water cricket Velio, caprai (Hemiptera)

1. The distribution of individuals, prey capture success and prey choice were studied in a water cricket (Velia caprai) population in southern Ireland. Groups of different sizes were observed in the field during the summer and all potential prey animals entering the groups were counted. Surface drift samples were collected to assess the proportion of profitable prey items. 2. Two types of Velia groups were observed: mixed groups (adults and juvenile instars 4 and 5) and juvenile groups (instars 1–3), A greater proportion of the available prey was captured by the mixed groups. 3. Individuals in large groups had a lower capture rate than individuals in small groups. 4. No differences in capture rates could be found between males, females and juveniles, but differences in prey choice were apparent. Females captured more large prey than expected. 5. Water cricket distribution in the stream did not follow the ‘ideal free’ model; too few individuals were found at the most profitable sites. Food might not be the limiting factor during summer, and other factors such as intraspecific interference and predator avoidance could be more important.     

Cardiac glycosides in a scale insect (Aspidiotus), a ladybird (Coccinella) and a lacewing (Chrysopa)

The presence of cardiac glycosides in the body tissues of three species of insects from three different orders, all feeding on Nerium oleander L., is recorded.     

Anti-predator crèches and aggregations of ant-mimicking jumping spiders (Araneae: Salticidae)

Myrmarachne assimilis , an ant-like jumping spider (Araneae, Salticidae) from the Philippines and a Batesian mimic of Oecophylla smaragdina , the Asian weaver ant, aggregates on leaves in the company of its model. All stages in this species' lifecycle are sometimes found in nest complexes (nests connected to each other by silk). Although aggregating and forming nest complexes is known for a few other salticid species, the aggregations of M. assimilis have some unusual characteristics. In particular, reproductive females appear to be most frequently found with other reproductive females in nest complexes, suggesting that nest complexes have a role in parental care and are often built by females joining other females. An egg-survival experiment showed that eggs in solitary nests were more often destroyed than were eggs in nest complexes, suggesting that, for females of M. assimilis , choosing aggregations as oviposition sites may be functionally akin to life insurance for their progeny.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 94 , 475–481.     

Food adaptations of a transplanted Japanese macaque troop (Arashiyama West)

In 1972 Arashiyama West troop of Japanese macaques was transplanted to southcentral United States and kept in semi-free ranging conditions. The new environment provided an opportunity to assess aspects of the species' adaptive potential. About 1,500 feeding observations were made monthly over 6.5 months. Unlimited provisioned food was available, but monkeys utilized native plants immediately and use increased until it included 50+ % of the diet by weight. Shrubs provided 75% of foods in first month and 32% thereafter. Sorghum comprised 25% in May–July. Soil, arthropods, fungi, bulbs, and roots each comprised less 5%. Between 21 and 37 foods were utilized monthly. Monthly food uses corresponded to availability. Many food plants required unique handling by monkeys. Four general adaptive responses to potential foods are described. Evolution has clearly shaped the Japanese macaque into a highly omnivorous and behaviorally flexible animal.     

Mechanical adaptations of cleavers (Galium aparine)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cleavers (Galium aparine) is a fast-growing herbaceous annual with a semi-self-supporting, scrambling-ascending growth habit. Mature plants often use upright species for support. It is common in hedgerows and on waste ground. This study aims to characterize the mechanical behaviour of the stem and roots of cleavers and relate this to the arrangement of structural tissue, the net microfibrillar orientations in the cell walls, and plant growth habit. METHODS: The morphology and mechanics of mature cleavers was investigated using plants grown in pots and ones collected from the grounds at the University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK. Tensile tests were carried out on the stem and the basal section of the first-order lateral roots. The net orientation of cellulose microfibrils in the cell walls was investigated using polarized light microscopy. KEY RESULTS: Results show that the basal regions of the stem and first-order lateral roots were highly extensible. Breaking strains of 24 +/- 7% were recorded for the stem base and 28 +/- 6% for the roots. Anatomical observations showed that the lower stem (base + 100 mm) was circular in cross-section with a solid central core of vascular tissue, whereas further up the stem the transverse section showed a typical four-angled shape with a ring-like arrangement of vascular tissue and sclerenchyma bundles in the corners. The net orientation of wall microfibrils in the secondary xylem diverges from the longitudinal by between 8 and 9 degrees . CONCLUSIONS: The basal region of the stem of cleavers is highly extensible, but the mechanism by which the stem is able to withstand such high breaking strains is unclear; reorientation of the cellulose fibrils in the stem along the axis of loading is not thought to be responsible.     

Myrmecochorous adaptations ofCorydalis species (Papaveraceae) in southern Japan

Dispersal morphology based on the myrmecochorous adaptations for predator avoidance of sevenCorydalis species including two varieties are investigated in southern Japan. Three types of myrmecochory were distinguished: myrmecochory with autochory (diplochory), the explosive ejection of seeds followed by ant transportation; myrmecochory with vegetative reproduction, seed-transportation by ants and reproduction by tuber; and pure myrmecochory, seed-transporting by ants only. Diplochory occurs in one winter annual plant, which has explosive capsules, a smooth seed surface, a small elaiosome, long pedicels and large bracts. Myrmecochory with vegetative reproduction occurs in two perennials that reproduce by tuber, although they also produce a small number of seeds with a medium-sized elaiosome. the pedicels and bracts are medium in size. Pure myrmecochory occurs in five annuals or biennials that are characterized by a rough seed surface with a large elaiosome, comparatively high seed production, short pedicels and only small bracts. Diplochory is exhibited by only one species distributed widely throughout Japan. Myrmecochory with vegetative reproduction is exhibited by species mainly distributed in cool-temperate northern Japan, while true myrmecochory is exhibited by the majority ofCorydalis species in warm-temperate Japan.