Succinctly assessing the topological importance of species in flower–pollinator networks

The topological importance of species within networks is an important way of bringing a species-level consideration to the study of whole ecological networks. There are many different indices of topological importance, including centrality indices, but it is likely that a small number are sufficient to explain variation in topological importance. We used 14 indices to describe topological importance of plants and pollinators in 12 quantitative mutualistic (plant–pollinator) networks. The 14 indices varied in their consideration of interaction strength (weighted versus unweighted indices) and indirect interactions (from the local measure of degree to meso-scale indices). We use principal components approximation to assess how well every combination of 1–14 indices approximated to the results of principal components analysis (PCA). We found that one or two indices were sufficient to explain up to 90% of the variation in topological importance in both plants and pollinators. The choice of index was crucial because there was considerable variation between the best and the worst approximating subsets of indices. The best single indices were unweighted degree and unweighted topological importance (Jordán's TI index) with two steps (a measurement of apparent competition). The best pairs of indices consisted of a measure of a TI index and one of closeness centrality (weighted or unweighted) or d′ (a standardised species-level measure of partner diversity). Although we have found indices that efficiently explain variation in topological importance, we recommend further research to discover the real-world relevance of different aspects of topological importance to species in ecological networks.     

Knowledge and Use Value of Plant Species in a Rarámuri Community: A Gender Perspective for Conservation

We used a quantitative ethnobotanical approach to analyze factors influencing the use value of plant species among men and women of the Rarámuri people in Cuiteco, Chihuahua, Mexico. We constructed a use value index (UV) combining the use frequency (U) and the quality perception (Q) of useful plant species by local people. We identified all plant species used by the Rarámuri and classified them into 14 general use categories. We interviewed 34 households in the village to compare men and women’s knowledge on the five main general use categories (and on their respective subcategories and specific uses), to document how they practice gathering activities and to calculate scores of plants UV. A total of 226 useful plant species were identified, but only 12% of them had high UV scores for the 42 specific uses defined. When the overall knowledge of plant species was examined, no significant differences were detected between men and women, but significant differences were identified in general use categories such as medicinal plants, plants for construction and domestic goods, but not in plants used as food and firewood. We identified a division of labor in gathering activities associated with gender, with women mainly gathering medicinal and edible plants and being involved in preparing medicines and food, whereas men were primarily gathering and using plants for manufacturing domestic goods, firewood, and building materials. Plant species UV associated to gender were significantly different between men and women at the level of specific uses in the general category of domestic goods and building. Frequency of use is highly associated with plant species quality perception.     

Genetic variation of trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] and its wild relatives

Variation in the trypsin inhibitors (TIs) and the chymotrypsin inhibitors (CIs) among 69 pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] strains from a wide geographical distribution and among 17 accessions representing seven wild Cajanus species was studied by electrophoretic banding pattern comparisons and by spectrophotometric activity assays. The TI and CI electrophoretic migration patterns among the pigeonpea strains were highly uniform but varied in the inhibitor band intensities. The migration patterns of the inhibitors in the wild Cajanus species were highly species specific. The mean TI activity of pigeonpea strains (2279 units) was significantly higher than that of the wild Cajanus species (1407 units). However, the mean CI activity in the pigeonpea strains (62 units) was much lower than that in the wild species (162 units). Kenya 2 and ICP 9151 were the lowest and the highest, respectively, in both the TI and CI activities among all the pigeonpea strains used in this study. A highly-significant positive correlation was observed between the TI and CI activities. The Bowman-Birk type inhibitors with both TI and CI activities were identified in all the pigeonpea strains and also in the accessions of all the wild species except C. volubilis (Blanco) Blanco. The C. volubilis accession ICPW 169 was found to be null for both CI bands and CI activity. Environment, strain, and environment x strain interaction showed highly-significant effects on both the TI and CI activities. Growing the pigeonpea strains at a different environment from their area of adaptation increased TI and CI activities and also altered the maturity period.     

STOCHASTIC LOSS OF STYLE MORPHS FROM POPULATIONS OF TRISTYLOUS LYTHRUM SALICARIA AND DECODON VERTICILLATUS (LYTHRACEAE)

Despite the theoretical importance of stochastic processes in evolution there have been few empirical studies of the interaction between genetic drift and selection on the maintenance of polymorphisms in plant populations. We used computer models to investigate the interaction between drift and frequency-dependent selection in affecting style morph frequencies in populations of tristylous species. Drift produces a distinct pattern of morph frequency variation involving: 1) the loss of the S morph and, to a lesser extent, the M morph; 2) no consistent bias in frequencies within populations; 3) a restricted pattern of variation involving a deficiency of one morph and equal excesses of the other two. Morph frequencies were surveyed in 137 populations of Lythrum salicaria from both its native range in Europe (N = 35) and recent adventive range in Ontario (N = 102), and 133 populations of Decodon verticillatus from four regions in eastern North America with different glacial histories to assess these theoretical predictions. There was a negative relationship between morph loss and population size in both species; the relationship was weaker in D. verticillatus than in L. salicaria. Morph loss was more frequent in the adventive than native range of L. salicaria, and in populations of D. verticillatus from glaciated northern regions compared with the unglaciated southern portion of its range. Simulations incorporating variation in life history, regeneration strategy and mating patterns revealed that the degree of morph loss was strongly influenced by year to year survival, clonal propagation, self-fertilization and departures from disassortative mating. Comparing the pattern of morph frequency variation between species supported these predictions. Morph loss was lower in self-incompatible L. salicaria (0% in Europe; 23% in Ontario), which reproduces through seed compared to self-compatible, clonal D. verticillatus (52%). A stochastic model provides the most parsimonious explanation for observed patterns of morph frequency variation in both species.     

Life history and population dynamics of an endangered seahorse (Hippocampus capensis) within an artificial habitat

Species-specific life-history information is critical for successful conservation, particularly in establishing an accurate baseline status. Obtaining such information is challenging for most species, but in particular for rare and threatened marine species. To facilitate future conservation of the endangered Knysna seahorse (Hippocampus capensis) this study aimed to determine important life-history information for this species. Visible implant fluorescent elastomer (VIFE) tags were used to mark 78 seahorses within a residential marina estate in the Knysna estuary, South Africa, in February 2018. Using a mark-resight approach, the size and movement patterns of the population and growth rate of seahorses were determined over a 14-month period. The closed population estimate for H. capensis, within Thesen Islands Marina, was estimated to be 134 (118–152 95% C.I. ) in February 2018 compared to only 72 (48–108 95% C.I. ) in February 2019. The species showed rapid initial growth with males and females having similar rates of growth based on the specialised von Bertalanffy growth function model. The importance of Reno mattresses as a habitat for H. capensis was confirmed based on the high abundance and site fidelity of the population, which emphasises the conservation potential of heavily modified environments for threatened seahorse species. The use of VIFE tags was deemed effective in studying this endangered seahorse and allowed the collection of important information for this species which can be used in future Red List assessments and conservation actions.     

Rivers shape population genetic structure in Mauritia flexuosa (Arecaceae)

The Mauritia flexuosa L.f. palm is known as the “tree of life” given its importance as fundamental food and construction resources for humans. The species is broadly distributed in wet habitats of Amazonia and dry habitats of the Amazon and Orinoco river basins and in the Cerrado savanna. We collected 179 individuals from eight different localities throughout these habitats and used microsatellites to characterize their population structure and patterns of gene flow. Overall, we found high genetic variation, except in one savanna locality. Gene flow between populations is largely congruent with river basins and the direction of water flow within and among them, suggesting their importance for seed dispersal. Further, rivers have had a higher frequency of human settlements than forested sites, contributing to population diversity and structure through increased human use and consumption of M. flexuosa along rivers. Gene flow patterns revealed that migrants are sourced primarily from within the same river basin, such as those from Madeira and Tapajós basins. Our work suggests that rivers and their inhabitants are a critical element of the landscape in Amazonia and have impacted the dispersal and subsequent distribution of tropical palm species, as shown by the patterns of genetic variation in M. flexuosa.     

Morphological,molecular and biological evidence reveal two cryptic species in Mecinus janthinus Germar (Coleoptera,Curculionidae), a successful biological control agent of Dalmatian toadflax,Linaria dalmatica (Lamiales,Plantaginaceae)

A combined morphological, molecular and biological study shows that the weevil species presently named Mecinus janthinus is actually composed of two different cryptic species: M. janthinus Germar, 1821 and M. janthiniformis To?evski & Caldara sp.n. These species are morphologically distinguishable from each other by a few very subtle morphological characters. On the contrary, they are more readily distinguishable by both molecular and biological characters. A molecular assessment based on the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit II gene revealed fixed differences between the two species with p‐distances between samples of both species ranging from 1.3 to 2.4%. In addition to this, the larvae of the two species are found to develop on different species within the genus Linaria (Plantaginaceae): M. janthinus is associated with yellow toadflax (L. vulgaris) and M. janthiniformis with broomleaf toadflax (L. genistifolia) and Dalmatian toadflax (L. dalmatica). Molecular and host use records further suggest the occurrence of a third species associated with L. vulgaris within M. janthinus, sampled from north Switzerland, central Hungary and east Serbia. The significance of these new findings is of particular importance because species of the M. janthinus group are used, or are potential candidates, for the biological control of invasive toadflaxes in North America.     

Thermoregulation and activity patterns of two syntopic cicadas,Tibicen chiricahua and T. duryi (Homoptera: Cicadidae), in central New Mexico

Summary Tibicen chiricahua and T. duryi are cicada species that are active as adults early each summer in central New Mexico, and are often syntopic in pinyon-juniper woodlands. Both species regulate thoracic temperature (T_th) within fairly narrow limits by utilizing behavioral mechanisms and evaporative cooling. However, syntopic populations of these two species were found to regulate at different T_th despite having synchronous annual and daily activity periods; overall mean T_th of T. chiricahua was 3.1°C higher than it was for T. duryi. Interspecific differences in evaporative cooling abilities and rates of passive heat exchange could not account for this difference in T_th. Part of the difference in T_th resulted from the fact that individuals of the two species were active in thermally distinct microhabitats. Within each species, mean T_th varied among behavior categories, and differences in how the two species allocated their time between activities also contributed to the interspecific difference in T_th. Though T. duryi is restricted to pinyon-juniper habitats such as the one in this study, T. chiricahua is also found in warmer habitats. The difference in T_th in the syntopic populations probably reflects interspecific differences in thermal preferences and thermal optima that are adaptive over their respective habitat ranges. The degree of dependence of T_th on ambient temperature (T_am) varied between activities within both species, with the least dependence exhibited during singing. Singing involves intense activity of tymbal muscles, which apparently can only function effectively over a relatively narrow range of temperature.     

Analysis of hybridization between tetraploid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lotus corniculatus</Emphasis> and diploid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lotus stepposus</Emphasis> (Fabaceae-Loteae): morphological and molecular aspects

We analyzed variability of morphological characters and genetic polymorphism of inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers in nine natural populations of three Lotus species from Eastern Europe, aiming to provide insights into the nature of the species L. ucrainicus. Nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) was used as an additional molecular marker for a small subset of accessions. Analysis of variance, and principal coordinate and principal component analyses were applied for morphological data study. Cluster analysis [unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA)], principal coordinate analysis, and analysis of population genetic structure were used for ISSR pattern study. Morphological and genetic (ISSR, nrITS) evidence suggested hybrid origin of L. × ucrainicus as a result of hybridization between tetraploid species L. corniculatus and diploid species L. stepposus. We conclude that L. × ucrainicus may represent a case of hybrid speciation in statu nascendi, occurring before our very eyes.     

Interactions between range‐expanding tropical fishes and the northern Gulf of Mexico red snapper Lutjanus campechanus

Experimental investigation of the intensity of potential competitive interactions among increasingly abundant tropically‐associated grey Lutjanus griseus and lane snapper Lutjanus synagris and resident northern Gulf of Mexico (nGOM) red snapper Lutjanus campechanus was undertaken in large outdoor mesocosms. In pair‐wise interaction trials, compared with L. synagris, L. campechanus demonstrated significantly increased roving behaviour and predatory activity. While no significant difference in these activities was observed between L. campechanus and L. griseus, when all three snappers (Lutjanidae) were grouped together L. campechanus swimming activity significantly decreased in the presence of both tropically‐associated species. Overall, L. campechanus were more active and aggressive predators and appear to be competitively resistant to L. griseus and L. synagris. As lower latitude species have continued to become increasingly prevalent in nGOM habitats and regional warming continues to affect resident reef‐associated fishes, these findings contribute to the assessment of the effects of warming‐related species shifts upon nGOM fishes and document current partial resilience of L. campechanus to climate‐related expansions of tropical confamilials.     

Ecosystem engineering in a high and cold desert: Effect of a subterranean rodent on lizard abundance and behaviour

Subterranean rodents are often considered as ecosystem engineers because they physically modify the surrounding environment due to their burrowing and foraging activities. Understanding the modifications that ecosystem engineering species exert on the environment are of crucial importance in ecology studies, since they may affect the structure and population dynamics of several species, including lizards. Thus, the objective of the present study is to test the effect that Ctenomys mendocinus exert in the abundance of Liolaemus ruibali and its escape behaviour, in a high-elevation desert. Lizard abundance was estimated using observation transects and escape behaviour was studied with an experiment where the observer was considered by lizards as a potential predator and distance before the lizard flees was measured. All the variables were compared between areas disturbed by C. mendocinus and undisturbed ones. We found that L. ruibali was favoured by C. mendocinus activity. By creating burrow systems that serve as refuges for lizards, this rodent species increases the abundance of L. ruibali and reduces its flight distance, thereby improving its escape performance. We may suggest that C. mendocinus, through the construction of burrow systems, would be acting as an ecosystem engineer in Puna desert, affecting L. ruibali ecology.     

Electrophoretic protein patterns of three species ofPhytophthora associated with black pod disease of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)

When electrophoretic profiles of native proteins from vegetative mycelia ofPhytophthora palmivora, Phytophthora capsici and Phytophthora citrophthora causing black pod disease of cocoa in India were compared on a single Polyacrylamide gel, the isolates of same species were readily distinguished both qualitatively by visual similarity in banding patterns and quantitatively by calculating similarity coefficients. Similarity coefficients were generally much higher between isolates within a species than between isolates of different species. The dendrograms obtained after unweighted pair grouping with arithmetic averaging cluster analysis, revealed that all the isolates ofPhytophthora capsici were highly homogenous and formed a single cluster. The isolates ofPhytophthora citrophthora were resolved into two electrophoretic types which were clustered into two distinct sub groups.Phytophthora palmivora formed a separate group. Thus, the results reveal that polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis can be used successfully in distinguishing species and sub groups within a species ofPhytophthora encountered on cocoa. CPCRl contribution No. 914.     

ATTRIBUTES OF CHLOROCOCCUM SPECIES: A NUMERICAL ANALYSIS2

From previously published data, 73 characteristics of 17 species of Chlorococcum were compiled. Comparisons of character states of each character were made, and simple matching coefficients were calculated for each species by following the procedure of Sokal & Michener. From a data matrix of the matching coefficients, a phenogram was constructed according to the unweighted pair group method of Sokal & Sneath. Arithmetic averages were used in transferring data from one matrix to another. The frequency of each character state was calculated, and the character states of the highest frequency (the modes) were used to describe a “typical” Chlorococcum species. Comparisons were made between the “typical” Chlorococcum species and each of the 17 species studied. Simple matching coefficients were also calculated from these comparisons. All of the species had a relatively high affinity for the data of the calculated “typical”. Suggestions are made about the use of a “typical” taxonomic unit, and questions are raised about the taxonomic relationship among species of the genus Tetracystis and the genus Chlorococcum.     

Postprandial changes in pH and enzyme activity from the stomach and intestines of Tilapia rendalli (Boulenger, 1897), Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852) and Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

The ability to utilise dietary components differs among fish species. Digestive enzymes may be used to determine the efficiency of the digestive process. In this study, the activities of the digestive enzymes in Tilapia rendalli, Oreochromis mossambicus and Clarias gariepinus were explored. Protease, amylase, lipase and cellulase activities were measured in different parts of the digestive tract of the three fish species. The pH dynamics along the digestive tract were monitored. In all fish species, the presence of food led to a reduction in stomach pH, whereby pH values of 1.54, 1.58 and 2.01 were recorded 12 h after feeding in O. mossambicus, T. rendalli and C. gariepinus, respectively. Protease and amylase activities were significantly higher (P < 0.05, anova ) in the tilapias than in C. gariepinus. The tilapias may be pre‐adapted to produce more protease and amylase to digest plant material, which is more difficult to digest than animal matter. In all species amylase activity was significantly higher in the proximal intestine than in the other parts of the digestive tract (P < 0.05, anova ). The highest protease activity was recorded in the distal intestines. This is because of the alkaline pH recorded in the proximal and distal intestines, which favours amylase and protease activity, respectively. Lipase activities were significantly higher (P > 0.05) in C. gariepinus than in both tilapias. Marginal cellulase activities were recorded in all species. It is inferred here that phylogeny and not diet may be the main factor influencing enzyme activities, as all fish were fed a similar diet.     

Infra-specific diversity of Colletotrichum truncatum associated with chilli anthracnose in India based on microsatellite marker analysis

Colletotrichum truncatum is a fungal species associated with anthracnose disease in many economically important crops within the plant families Fabaceae and Solanaceae. Understanding the degree of genetic diversity within C. truncatum population will provide insights into the ability of this species to evolve in response to environmental conditions, and thus be helpful in designing effective control strategies for this pathogen. In this study, microsatellite markers from 27 loci were used to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure among 99 isolates of C. truncatum from India. All the loci (100%) were polymorphic and a total of 140 different alleles were amplified. Six distinct groups were obtained based on unweighted pair group method with arithmetical average cluster analysis. The isolates belonging to Group V showed the highest level of genetic diversity and a broad host range. Analysis of molecular variance analysis showed that the variation occurs mostly within groups. Microsatellite markers-based genetic diversity estimation revealed high diversity among C. truncatum isolates from India.     

ON SEXUAL AGGLUTINATION AND MATING-TYPE SUBSTANCES IN ISOGAMOUS DIOECIOUS CHLAMYDOMONADS. III. THE SENSITIVITY OF SEX CELL CONTACT TO VARIOUS ENZYMES

The components responsible for sex cell contact in dioecious Chlamydomonas species have been characterized by their sensitivity to enzymes. The mating-type substances, which are glycoprotein complexes according to the analysis of the corresponding isoagglutinins, were incubated with proteases, glycosidases, and with sulfatase. An enzyme may or may not affect both gamete types of a species or it may discriminate between the sexes, eliminating one mating-type activity only. In no case was an incapacitation of a given gamete type based upon the detachment of the proper contact component as an isoagglutinin or as a functionally univalent structure with a specific receptor-blocking power against the complementary type. Inactivating enzymes seem to interfere with the surface configuration essential for gamete contact or to eliminate actual contact sites. The compilation of data for six taxa reveals a complex sensitivity pattern of the gametes’ agglutinability. Two types of interactions appear to occur. In C. reinhardti and C. chlamydogama the contact mechanism seems to depend on an interaction between two proteinaceous structures. In C. eugametos and C. moewusii definite proof was obtained for a contact based upon a carbohydrate-protein interaction. In the (+) sexes of C. eugametos and C. moewusii syngen II, α-glycosidically bound terminal mannose residues are essential for the contact. Neither β-galactosidase, neuraminidase, or sulfatase incapacitate the mating-type substances in situ.     

Feeding ecology of a vertebrate assemblage inhabiting a stream of NW Spain (Riobo; Ulla basin)

The food resource use of a stream in NW Spain by fish (Salmo trutta L. and Anguilla anguilla L.), birds (Cinclus cinclus L. and Motacilla cinerea L.) and mammals (Galemys pyrenaicus G. and Neomys anomalus C.) was studied. Data on seasonal diets and stream benthos prey were used to determine prey selection patterns.Caddisfly larvae are the main resource for Cinclus and Galemys, but these predators also consumed other benthic prey. Salmo fed on a wide range of benthic invertebrates, emergent pupae and terrestrial prey, whereas Anguilla consumed primarily benthic invertebrates, especially Lumbricids. Neomys fed mainly on terrestrial prey (Gasteropods and Lumbricids), but also consumed aquatic prey. Motacilla captured aquatic insects both in larval and aerial stages, as well as terrestrial prey.Both prey availability and selection led to seasonal differences in the use of food resources. All species showed a marked prey selection of aquatic taxa. Prey size plays an important role in this selection, most species consuming the largest of available prey sizes. In spite of the fact that all species feed upon freshwater invertebrates, substantial resource partitioning was observed in all seasons. This partitioning may be attributable to morpholological and physiological differences. Nevertheless, Anguilla and Galemys, two quite different animals, did feed on the same prey much of the time.     

Inducibility of crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) in Clusia species; physiological/biochemical characterisation and intercellular localization of carboxylation and decarboxylation processes in three species which exhibit different degrees of CAM

The biochemical basis for photosynthetic plasticity in tropical trees of the genus Clusia was investigated in three species that were from contrasting habitats and showed marked differences in their capacity for crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). Physiological, anatomical and biochemical measurements were used to relate changes in the activities/amounts of key enzymes of C₃ and C₄ carboxylation to physiological performance under severe drought stress. On the basis of gas-exchange measurements and day/night patterns of organic acid turnover, the species were categorised as weak CAM-inducible (C.aripoensis Britt.), C₃-CAM intermediate (C. minor L.) and constitutive CAM (C.␣rosea Jacq. 9.). The categories reflect genotypic differences in physiological response to drought stress in terms of net carbon gain; in C. aripoensis net carbon gain was reduced by over 80% in drought-stressed plants whilst carbon gain was relatively unaffected after 10 d without water in C. rosea. In turn, genotypic differences in the capacity for CAM appeared to be directly related to the capacities/amounts of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) which increased in response to drought in both young and mature leaves. Whilst measured activities of PEPCase and PEPCK in well-watered plants of the C₃-CAM intermediate C. minor were 5–10 times in excess of that required to support the magnitude of organic acid turnover induced by drought, close correlations were observed between malate accumulation/PEPCase capacity and citrate decarboxylation/PEPCK capacity in all the species. Drought stress did not affect the amount of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) protein in any of the species but Rubisco activity was reduced by 35% in the weak CAM-inducible C. aripoensis. Similar amounts of glycine decarboxylase (GDC) protein were present in all three species regardless of the magnitude of CAM expression. Thus, the constitutive CAM species C. rosea did not appear to show reduced activity of this key enzyme of the photorespiratory pathway, which, in turn, may be related to the low internal conductance to CO₂ in this succulent species. Immuno-histochemical techniques showed that PEPCase, PEPCK and Rubisco were present in cells of the palisade and spongy parenchyma in leaves of species performing CAM. However, in leaves from well-watered plants of C. aripoensis which only performed C₃ photosynthesis, PEPCK was localized around latex-producing ducts. Differences in leaf anatomy between the species suggest that the association between mesophyll succulence and the capacity for CAM in these hemi-epiphytic stranglers has been selected for in arid environments. Received: 4 July 1997 / Accepted: 27 November 1997     

Intraguild Predation among the Hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus de Geer (Diptera: Syrphidae) and Other Aphidophagous Predators

Aphidophagous predators compete for the same prey species. During their foraging activity they frequently encounter heterospecific aphid predators. These situations can lead to intraguild predation and may disrupt biological control efforts against aphids where more than one predator species is present. We investigated the behavior of larvae of the hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus de Geer and its interaction with three other aphid predators: the ladybird Coccinella septempunctata L., the lacewing Chrysoperla carnea Stephens, and the gall midge Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani). Interspecific interactions between predators were examined in arenas of different sizes and in the presence of extraguild prey. The outcome of interactions between E. balteatus larvae and the other predators depended predominantly on the relative body size of the competitors. Relatively large individuals acted as intraguild predators, while relatively smaller individuals became intraguild prey. Eggs and first- as well as second-instar larvae of E. balteatus were highly susceptible to predation by all other predators, whereas pupae of E. balteatus were preyed upon only by the larvae of C. carnea. Interactions between A. aphidimyza and E. balteatus were asymmetric and always favored the latter. Eggs and first- as well as second-instar larvae of E. balteatus sustained intraguild predation irrespective of the size of the arena or the presence of extraguild prey. However, the frequency of predation on third-instar larvae of E. balteatus was significantly reduced. This study indicated that the same species can be both intraguild predator and intraguild prey. It is suggested that combinations of predators must be carefully chosen for success in biological control of aphids.     

不同原生境的6种棕榈科植物叶片水力性状的对比研究

为揭示生长在湿润生境和季节性干旱生境棕榈科植物的水分生理生态适应的差异,在中国科学院华南植物园中选取3种原分布于湿润生境(SOMH)植物:澳洲轴榈(Licualaramsayi)、槟榔(Arecacatechu)和所罗门皱籽棕(Ptychosperma salomonense),以及3种原分布于季节性干旱生境(SODH)植物:大丝葵(Washingtonia robusta)、澳洲蒲葵(Livistona australis)和大蒲葵(L. saribus),对叶片和叶柄的结构与功能性状进行测定。结果表明,与SODH物种相比,3种SOMH植物的水力加权导管直径(Dh)、理论导水率(Kth)、膨压丧失点(TLP)、脆弱性指数(VI)和比叶面积(SLA)较高,而其叶脉密度(VD)较低。TLP、VI均与Kth呈显著正相关,说明水力效率和水力安全之间存在权衡关系。可见,SOMH棕榈的叶片水力效率高于SODH棕榈,但叶片水力安全低于SODH,这揭示了生长于不同生境棕榈科植物在水分生理生态策略上的差异。