Direct and indirect impact of two common rotifer species (Keratella spp.) on two abundant ciliate species (Urotricha furcata, Balanion planctonicum)

1. We investigated the potential competition and feeding impact of the common rotifer species, Keratella cochlearis and K. quadrata , on the abundant prostomatid ciliates, Urotricha furcata and Balanion planctonicum, in laboratory batch culture experiments. All four species have similar feeding preferences, co-occur in many freshwater environments, and are thus potential competitors for the same algal food.
2. Two small Cryptomonas species served as food for the ciliates and the rotifers in the experiments. Growth rates of each ciliate species were measured when they grew alone and when they were paired with one of the rotifer species.
3. Both rotifer species reduced the growth rate of U. furcata , probably primarily by direct feeding on the ciliates. Growth rate of B. planctonicum was unaffected by K. cochlearis , but was drastically reduced by grazing and/or mechanical interference of K. quadrata .
4. These results suggest niche partitioning of the sympatric ciliates with respect to their rotifer competitors/predators.     

Zooplankton Community Structure and Inter‐Annual Dynamics in Two Sand‐Pit Lakes with Different Dredging Impact

Zooplankton seasonal and inter‐annual dynamics were investigated in two neighbouring sand‐pit lakes with similar morphological features but different exploitation regime. We hypothesized that the dredging activities affected the zooplankton communities and the hydrochemical conditions of the studied lakes. Significant differences in zooplankton abundance were found. The analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) revealed that plankton communities were different between lakes and that the microcrustaceans largely contributed to the average dissimilarity. In particular, the lower densities of cladocerans and the presence of large‐size species in the lake still under dredging during this study appeared to be related to the resuspension of sand in the water column. We report how the zooplankton communities evolved toward an higher taxonomical and functional diversity after conclusion of the dredging activities. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Zooplankton Dynamics in the Hyper‐Eutrophic Nakdong River System (Korea) Regulated by an Estuary Dam and Side Channels

Zooplankton in the main channel of the Nakdong River and in three tributaries was sampled from June 1994 to September 1995. Planktonic rotifers (Brachionus spp., Keratella spp., and Polyarthra spp.), cyclopoid nauplii and small cladocerans (Bosmina longirostris) were numerically dominant. There was considerable longitudinal variation of zooplankton biomass in the main channel as well as spatial heterogeneity among the major tributaries. In the middle region of the main channel, between river kilometer (RK) 170 and 150 above the estuary dam, total zooplankton abundance sharply increased from less than 100 ind. L^—1 to more than 1,000 ind. L^—1. In a downstream direction toward the estuary dam, phytoplankton biomass increased while total zooplankton biomass decreased. However, as shown by the increasing transport of zooplankton biomass, zooplankton was diluted in the reach of the estuary dam. Advective effects from major tributaries appear to be the contributory factor for the higher zooplankton biomass in the middle region. Overall, rather the external factors (flushing, retention) than internal factors (e.g., phytoplankton) appear to be responsible for changes in zooplankton abundance toward the river mouth.     

The Spatial Segregation of Zooplankton Communities with Reference to Land Use and Macrophytes in Shallow Lake Wielkowiejskie (Poland)

The spatial distribution of zooplankton in relation to two types of land‐use (forested and pastoral‐arable) of a lake's surroundings and to various habitats (helophytes, elodeids, nymphaeids and open water) was examined along 16 parallel transects on a macrophyte‐dominated lake (area – 13.3 ha; mean depth – 1.4 m). The type of habitat was the main determinant of zooplankton community structure. Dissected‐leaved elodeids harboured the richest and most abundant community with typically littoral (e.g., Colurella uncinata) and pelagic species (e.g., Keratella cochlearis). Two species (Polyarthra major and P. vulgaris) selectively chose the open water and one (Lecane quadridentata) the Typha stand. No spatial differentiation in zooplankton abundance was recorded between the two types of the catchment area. One possible explanation may be the shallowness and small area of this lake which may support full mixing and no difference in physical‐chemical gradients. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Winter and spring macroinvertebrate drift in an outpocketing of the lower Mississippi River,Louisiana (USA)

145 rotifer species were previously known from Sudan, mostly from the Nile valley and the NE of the country. In the present paper planktonic, periphytic and benthic samples from the Western provinces of Darfur and Kordofan are examined. They contained 77 species, in one or different forms, of which 67% were cosmopolitan, 15% thermophilic, 14% tropicopolitan, and 4% temperate-boreal. No new taxa were found, but 23 species and one subspecies are new to Sudan, while one is new to Africa.     

Contrasting sexual selection on males and females in a role-reversed swarming dance fly, Rhamphomyia longicauda Loew (Diptera: Empididae)

Although there are several hypotheses for sex-specific ornamentation, few studies have measured selection in both sexes. We compare sexual selection in male and female dance flies, Rhamphomyia longicauda (Diptera: Empididae). Swarming females display size-enhancing abdominal sacs, enlarged wings and decorated tibiae, and compete for nuptial gifts provided by males. Males preferentially approach large females, but the nature of selection and whether it is sex-specific are unknown. We found contrasting sexual selection for mating success on structures shared by males and females. In females, long wings and short tibiae were favoured, whereas males with short wings and long tibiae had a mating advantage. There was no assortative mating. Females occupying potentially advantageous swarm positions were large and, in contrast to selection for mating success, tended to have larger tibiae than those of rivals. We discuss our findings in the context of both the mating biology of dance flies, and the evolution of sexual dimorphism in general.     

Distribution Patterns,Species Assemblages and Habitat Selection of the Stoneflies (Plecoptera) from Two Mediterranean River Basins in Southern Spain

The stonefly distribution and its relationship with habitat changes, based on stream physico chemical features, were investigated in two Mediterranean river basins (Guadaira and Guadalete, S Spain). Plecopteran nymph distribution varied along an elevation gradient. Both stonefly species richness and species diversity increased with altitude. Stoneflies were able to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions but were absent from low altitude sites, temporary streams with high salinity values and high water temperature. A total of 13 stonefly species were found in the study area, from which Tyrrhenoleuctra minuta (Klapálek ) and Protonemura sp. were dominant. The most widespread species were Nemoura lacustris and Capnioneura mitis. Three distinct species assemblages were observed according to their distribution patterns, but with similar environmental preferences. Capnioneura petitpierreae and T. minuta showed preferences to low altitude sites, whereas C. mitis and N. lacustris were found throughout all sites. T. minuta and N. lacustris inhabited permanent and temporary sites, while the same species and C. mitis also were found in semipermanent streams. Temporally, most stoneflies were caught during winter (85.9%), especially at the low altitude sites.     

Mate feeding, offspring investment, and sexual differences in katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)

Food stress in the katydid Requena veriicalis (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)decreases the relative availability of males able to supplynutritious spermatophores to females and increases the valueof the male courtship meal (i.e., relative male parental investment).These changes cause female sexual competition in katydid populations.Here we examine the effect of food stress on male and femaleinvestment in single offspring and test the prediction thatmale-derived nutrients in eggs increase relative to nutrientsfrom the female's reserves. We varied the diet of female R.veriicalis and determined the fate of nutrients from male andfemale sources using I4C and 3H radiolabeled amino acids. Low-dietfemales retained more nutrients from male and female sourcesin somatic tissues and invested less in reproduction both becausethey produced fewer eggs and because they invested less peroffspring (egg) than females maintained on a high-quality diet.Moreover, opposite to our prediction, relative male investmentin individual eggs decreased in foodstressed females; femalesretained more nutrients in somatic tissues from the male sourcethan the female source. Food-stressed females may retain nutrientreserves, particularly those from the male, as an adaptive trategyfor immediate survival needs and future reproduction. Such afemale strategy is unlikely to compromise male reproductivesuccess; first-male sperm precedence means that males matingwith virgin females are likely to father most eggs laid, evenin future reproductive bouts. The decrease in male investmentin eggs of low-diet females does not conflict with the contentionthat relative parental investment controls male intrasexualcompetition because, in mate-feeding species, male investmentinfluencing this competition includes more than investment incurrent offspring; females should compete for males if courtshipgifts aid survival and later reproduction.     

Patterning Zooplankton Communities in Accordance with Annual Climatic Conditions in a Regulated River System (Nakdong River,South Korea)

In this study, we investigated what environmental factors mainly influence the pattern of zooplankton communities in the regulated Nakdong River. Fifteen years of data (N = 629, 1994 to 2008) were used to analyze the patterns by means of self‐organizing map (SOM), that is capable of extracting information through competitive and adaptive properties. A total of 34 variables (18 groups of zooplankton and 16 physicochemical parameters) were patterned onto the SOM, and then each variable was compared in accordance with three different annual rainfall patterns (i.e., dry, moderate, and wet). Finally, seven clusters were categorized according to Euclidian distance between the clusters on the SOM. Clear seasonal features for the variables were interpreted in five major categories, and two more subcategories were partitioned by a specific feature of zooplankton abundance and appearance. In the result, the patterns of zooplankton assemblage were mainly distinguished by water temperature, Secchi transparency, and river flow rate. In particular, the SOM result depicted a clear pattern of zooplankton assemblage clusters partitioned by annual precipitation, which accentuated the prolonged effect of dam regulation on plankton assemblage in a regulated river system. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The food of Pomatoschistus minutus (Pisces, Gobiidae) in Belgian coastal waters, and a comparison with the food of its potential competitor P. lozanoi

Data are presented on the food and gonadosomatic index of Pomatoschistus minutus obtained from the bycatch of a commercial shrimp trawler. P. minutus has a diverse diet including zooplankton and hyperbenthos but mainly epibenthic and benthic animals. During the spawning season males consumed high numbers of Pomatoschistus eggs, presumably after aggressive take–overs of territories. The food of P. minutus is compared to the food of P. lozanoi of the same size classes obtained from the same hauls. In the absence of data on predator and prey abundance the discussion on possible interference competition between the two species remains largely speculative.     

Zooplankton biomass in the Oosterschelde (SW Netherlands) before,during and after the construction of a storm-surge barrier

The hydrodynamic consequences of large coastal engineering (barrier-construction) works in the Oosterschelde were: prolonged residence times of the water, increased sinking of particulate material, and higher water transparencies. This strongly influenced the phytoplankton (Bakker et al., 1990; 1994) and phytoplankton biomass increased in the shallow Eastern compartment of the Oosterschelde (Bakker & Vink, 1994) while phytoplankton concentration of the seston rose.Zooplankton biomass, especially of copepods (Temora) and meroplankton (barnacle larvae) increased during the post-barrier period in the eastern compartment. It is hypothesized that this is caused by the improved feeding conditions and the increased retention times in this area.The barrier years 1985 and 1986 were characterized by low current velocities. In the Eastern compartment, this may have favoured the development of the rotifer Synchaeta (Bakker, 1994) and of the important copepod predator Pleurobrachia (Ctenophora).In the Western compartment, zooplankton developments in the post-barrier years were rather similar to those in the pre-barrier period. This led to the disappearance of the previously existing biomass gradients West-East (maxima in West). At present a trend in the opposite direction (maxima in East) is observed.     

The Chydorid Crustacean Alona diaphana (King), Limnetic in Lakes Awasa and Zwai,Ethiopia, with a Discussion of Littoral and Limnetic Zooplankton

Alona diaphana, a common littoral tropicopolitan cladoceran, occurs in the limnetic of two Ethiopian lakes in considerable numbers and over long periods of time. Our results are presented and the composition of limnetic and littoral zooplankton, in terms of previous records of such incursions, are discussed. The high persistent densities of A. diaphana are due to the extensive littoral areas in the lakes, where it originates, the high intrinsic rates of increase of this species, the low diversity of zooplankton, reducing competition and the low level of predation.     

Social behavior, foraging strategies, and fecal glucocorticoids in female blue monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis): potential fitness benefits of high rank in a forest guenon

Socioecological theory predicts that aggressive feeding competition is associated with linear dominance hierarchies and reproductive advantages for high-ranking females. Female blue monkeys contest fruits and have a linear dominance hierarchy, yet previous research has shown no evidence that high-ranking females benefit from greater feeding success or fertility. Here, we assess whether individuals differ in fecal glucocorticoid (fGC) excretion and examine proximate determinants of such differences to infer potential fitness correlates of rank, using data collected from two study groups in the Kakamega Forest, Kenya. We found that higher ranking females had preferential access to fruits in both groups, although the behavioral mechanisms leading to this effect varied between groups. Despite a consistent rank difference in feeding on fruits, an overall rank effect on fGCs emerged in only one group; females of this group spent comparatively more time feeding on fruits, fruits accounted for a greater proportion of the diet, and females engaged in more frequent food-related agonism. In addition, more females in this group were lactating during a period of low fruit availability, when rank effects on fGCs were particularly strong. Regardless of fruit availability, among lactating females of both groups higher rank was associated with lower fGC levels, indicating lower energetic stress in higher ranking females when energy demands were particularly high. Individual rates of agonism, a potential psychological stressor, were unrelated to fGCs at all times. After we accounted for rates of agonism and feeding on fruits, females of one group who groomed others more had lower fGCs, suggesting that variable social coping behavior can contribute to fGC variation in some groups. This study provides the first empirical evidence that high-ranking female blue monkeys may obtain fitness benefits from their social status, by gaining priority of access to fruits during critical times in the reproductive cycle.     

Seasonality of group size,feeding, and breeding in wild red‐shanked douc langurs (Lao PDR)

In Asian colobines, small one‐male groups (OMG) seem to predominate alongside all‐male groups (AMG), while larger multimale groups (MMG) are rare, but are reported for Hanuman langurs and red‐shanked douc langurs. Recently, however, it has been speculated that the genus Pygathrix could have multilevel societies based on (1) a theoretical extension of the multilevel societies found in Rhinopithecus to all odd‐nosed colobines and (2) first data for black‐shanked douc langurs. This assumes bands composed of small OMG with a skewed adult sex ratio. Band size may vary with seasonal food availability resulting in smaller bands when feeding competition is increased. To investigate the social organization of red‐shanked douc langurs and potential seasonal influences, we observed 2 unhabituated groups at Hin Namno National Protected Area, Lao PDR from March 2007 to August 2008 for 803 hr. We recorded births and performed group counts and scan sampling of feeding behavior. Most births (79% of N = 15) occurred from June–September, indicating a 4‐month peak conception season from November to February. Group size averaged 24.5 individuals (range 17–45) with 2.45 adult males (range 1–4). Although the smaller group remained at a stable size (about 18 individuals), the larger group reduced from about 45 to 25 individuals during the 7‐months long lean season, when less than 50% of the feeding time was spent on fruits. This suggests feeding competition as a potential cause of seasonal variation in group size. With 1.9 females per male the skew in adult sex ratio was much lower compared with Rhinopithecus, indicating MMG rather than multilevel societies. However, data on the spacing and interaction patterns between recognized individuals need to be collected and analyzed before the social organization can be determined. Detailed ecological data are furthermore required to investigate the basis for the seasonal changes in group size found. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1134–1144, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Comparative carbon-specific ingestion rates of phytoplankton by Acartia tonsa,Centropages velificatus and Eucalanus pileatus grazing on natural phytoplankton assemblages in the plume of the Mississippi River (northern Gulf of Mexico continental shelf)

During four cruises in continental shelf waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico in the winters of 1981–83, we performed quantitative studies on the grazing of the copepods Acartia tonsa, Centropages velificatus, and Eucalanus pileatus, on phytoplankton using natural particulate assemblages as food. Stations were in, or adjacent to the plume of the Mississippi River, thereby providing wide spectra of phytoplankton and suspended riverine particulate concentrations. Phytoplankton cell volume was converted to carbon, and this, coupled with carbon content measurements of these three copepod species, allowed comparisons of daily ingestion effort even though the copepods were of different sizes. Data were expressed in the same units (% of copepod body carbon ingested copepod ^–1 d^–1) for each species. Over similar ranges of phytoplankton carbon concentrations (0.21–92.06 gCl^–1), Acartia tonsa had higher carbon-specific ingestion rates (x = 22.31%, range = 0.08–152.37%) than C. velificatus (x = 2.8%, range = 0.00–31.09 %) or E. pileatus (x = 1.27%, range = 0.10–2.80%). Carbon-specific ingestion rates increased with increasing phytoplankton carbon concentration for A. tonsa (R² = 0.81) and there was no evidence of saturated feeding on the carbon concentrations offered. A similar, but weaker trend was evident for E. pileatus (R² = 0.71), but not C. velificatus (R² = 0.49). Over a wide range of suspended particulate concentrations (10.6–95.2 mg l^–1), there was no systematic effect of particulates on carbon-specific ingestion rate for any of the three copepod species. However, A. tonsa appeared more adept at grazing in highly turbid water than C. velificatus or E. pileatus.     

The feeding strategies of Liza ramada (Risso, 1826) in fresh and brackish water in the River Tagus, Portugal

The stomach contents of samples of the mugilid Liza ramada (Risso, 1826), captured at Alcochete (brackish water zone of the Tagus Estuary) differed from those from Vala Nova (freshwater zone of the same estuary).
In the freshwater zone of the estuary the mullet ingested preferentially planktonic micro-algae, while in the brackish water they ate benthic micro-algae.
The stomach contents from Vala Nova showed a higher diversity of food items, compared with those from Alcochete. At Alcochete the Naviculales (numerical frequency, 82%) was the most representative order, while at Vala Nova it was the Coscinodiscales (61%) and the Chlorococcales (16%).
In fresh water, the stomach contents contained about 25–4% organic matter, while at Alcochete only 8.7% was found.
In the brackish water zone the ingestion rhythm was related to the tidal cycle, attaining a maximum during the high tide and a minimum at low tide.
At Vala Nova the mullet ate regularly throughout the day. showing a slight increase at dawn and dusk. Apparently, the fish remained inactive by night, at both locations.     

Endemism of subterranean Diacyclops in Korea and Japan,with descriptions of seven new species of the languidoides-group and redescriptions of D. brevifurcus Ishida, 2006 and D. suoensis Ito, 1954 (Crustacea,Copepoda, Cyclopoida)

Copepods have been poorly studied in subterranean habitats in Korea. Previous records have indicated mostly the presence of species already described from Japan, with very few endemic elements. This commonality has usually been explained by repeated dispersal across the land bridges that connected the two countries several times during the Pleistocene glacial cycles. However, the Korean Peninsula is known for pockets of Cambrian and Ordovician carbonate rocks, with more than 1,000 caves already having been explored. The relative isolation of these carbonate pockets makes for an enormous speciation potential, and the development of a high level of short-range endemism of subterranean copepods should be expected. Representatives of the genus Diacyclops Kiefer, 1927 are here investigated from a range of subterranean habitats in South Korea, with comparative material sampled from central Honshu in Japan. Morphological analyses of microcharacters, many of which are used in cyclopoid taxonomy for the first time herein, reveal high diversity in both countries. No subterranean species is found in common, although the existence of four sibling species pairs in Korea and Japan may be indicative of relatively recent speciation. We describe seven new stygobiotic species, including three from Korea (Diacyclops hanguksp. n., Diacyclops leeaesp. n., and Diacyclops parasuoensissp. n.) and four from Japan (Diacyclops hisutasp. n., Diacyclops ishidaisp. n., Diacyclops parahanguksp. n., and Diacyclops pseudosuoensissp. n.). Diacyclops hanguk, Diacyclops parasuoensis, Diacyclops ishidai, and Diacyclops parahanguk are described from newly collected material, while the other three new species are proposed for specimens previously identified as other, widely distributed species. Diacyclops brevifurcus Ishida, 2006 is redescribed from the holotype female, and Diacyclops suoensis Ito, 1954 is redescribed from material newly collected near the ancient Lake Biwa in Japan. This research provides evidence for the importance of subterranean habitats as reservoirs of biodiversity, and also demonstrates the inadequacy of current morphological methods of identifying closely related species of copepods. The disproportionately high diversity discovered around Lake Biwa provides further evidence in support of the hypothesis about the role of ancient lakes as biodiversity pumps for subterranean habitats. A key to the East Asian species of the languidoides-group is provided.     

Two new freshwater fish species of the genus Telestes (Actinopterygii, Cyprinidae) from karst poljes in Eastern Herzegovina and Dubrovnik littoral (Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia)

Two new species, Telestes dabar and Telestes miloradi, are described on the basis of morphological comparisons of isolated geographical populations of fishes identified earlier as Telestes metohiensis. A lectotype is designated for Telestes metohiensis, whose range is shown to include waters of Gatačko, Cerničko, and Nevesinjsko poljes in Eastern Herzegovina. Telestes dabar from Dabarsko Polje (Eastern Herzegovina) and Telestes miloradi from Konavosko Polje (south Croatia) share with Telestes metohiensis the following combination of characters that distinguish them from the rest of the genus Telestes: pharyngeal teeth in one row, usually 5–4; preoperculo-mandibular canal not communicating with the infraorbital canal; mouth subterminal, the tip of the mouth cleft on or below the level of the ventral margin of the eye; postcleithrum minute or absent; ventral portion of the trunk with a dark stripe on a pale background; and dorsal portion of trunk uniformly dark and bordered ventrally by a dark midlateral stripe. Telestes dabar and Telestes miloradi are distinguishable from Telestes metohiensis in usually having 8½ branched dorsal-fin rays (vs. usually 7½), 9 or 10 gill rakers (vs. 7–10, usually 8), and the dark stripe on the ventral portion of the trunk below the main pigmented area of the back narrow and usually not reaching posteriorly to the caudal peduncle (vs. dark stripe wide and extending posteriorly to the caudal peduncle). Telestes dabar is distinguished from Telestes miloradi by having scales on most of the body situated close to one another and overlapping in a region behind the pectoral girdle and usually on the caudal peduncle (vs. overlapping scales on most of the body); the lateral line usually incomplete and interrupted, with 24–69, usually 54–65, total scales (vs. lateral line usually complete, with 55–67 total scales); scales above and below the lateral line slightly smaller than lateral-line scales (vs. of about equal size); head width 43–52% HL (vs. 48–58% HL); and lower jaw length 10–12% SL or 36–41% HL (vs. 8–10% SL or 33–38% HL). Telestes miloradi, a very local endemic species,is known only by historical samples. Telestes dabar is an abundant fish in Dabarsko Polje, but its range is critically restricted during the dry season by a few permanent sources. Nothing is known about its occurrence in underground karst waters.     

Contrasting genetic patterns and population histories in three threatened redfin species (Cyprinidae) from the Olifants River system, western South Africa

Differentiation occurred in different areas of the same river system in Pseudobarbus phlegethon and two sister species of the serrated redfin lineage ( Barbus calidus and Barbus erubescens ) of the Western Cape region of South Africa. In an analysis of 27 allozyme loci a deep divergence was found within P. phlegethon between the Olifants and Doring catchments (seven fixed allelic differences; 0·338 <  D  < 0·366; F _ST = 0·925). In contrast, speciation in the serrated redfin lineage occurred within the Doring catchment between B. calidus and B. erubescens (one fixed allelic difference; 0·008 <  D  < 0·052; F _ST = 0·760). Different niche preferences, behaviour and morphology probably played an important role in the formation of these contrasting patterns of genetic structure and suggest that B. calidus may have been better able to disperse between the Olifants and Doring catchments (no fixed allelic differences; 0 <  D  < 0·040; F _ST = 0·281) than P. phlegethon .     

Riparian Butterfly (Papilionoidea and Hesperioidea) Assemblages Associated with Tamarix-Dominated, Native Vegetation–Dominated, and Tamarix Removal Sites along the Arkansas River, Colorado, U.S.A.

We studied butterfly assemblages at eight riparian sites over five years. Sites included Tamarix spp.–dominated riparian areas; sites where mechanical means or biological control agents (Diorhabda elongata deserticola) were used to limit Tamarix; sites that were mixtures of native woody vegetation (e.g., Populus and Salix) and Tamarix; and native vegetation sites. We identified a gradient in butterfly community composition that changed from treated Tamarix sites, through mixed vegetation, to native vegetation sites. Tamarix sites had lower butterfly metric (riparian butterfly index [RBI]) values than did native vegetation sites. The RBI is based on a combination of richness measures and the presence of specific species and groups of butterflies. There was no significant change in the RBI over sampling periods at any sites, including both Tamarix eradication sites. The RBI at sites where Tamarix control took place did not approach restoration goals based on values at unimpacted sites. Positive effects on riparian butterfly assemblages were not linked to any Tamarix control efforts, nor did we detect a decline from initial butterfly metrics at Tamarix sites. Direct ordination provided information on environmental variables, such as amount of nectar and herbaceous plant richness, which may be important in riparian restoration efforts.