Assessing ecological and molecular divergence between the closely related species Hydrolagus pallidus and H. affinis (Chimaeridae)

This study investigated taxonomic validity of the pale ghost shark Hydrolagus pallidus Hardy & Stehmann, 1990, which was described as a species distinct from the smalleyed rabbitfish H. affinis (de Brito Capello 1868). While few morphological characters distinguish the two taxa, a striking difference in sex ratio and fixed differences (1·1–1·6% divergence) in the cytochrome oxidase subunit I barcoding gene support the recognition of both species.     

An invasive fish species within its native range: community effects and population dynamics of Gambusia affinis in the central United States

1. Management of invasive species benefits from detailed information on the biology of the invaders, both from where they have already invaded, and from within their areas of origin. Western mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, is a widely invasive and destructive freshwater fish. However, within its native range, G. affinis co‐exists with many other fish species in a wide variety of habitats without obvious harm. 2. In this study, we used data on fish communities within the native range of G. affinis at 154 sites across a broad spatial scale to examine the effects of G. affinis on species richness and diversity of residual (species other than G. affinis) fish assemblages. We further used data based on annual samples at eight fixed river sites over 18 summers to examine temporal population dynamics of G. affinis and to test factors associated with population fluctuations. 3. Higher residual species richness occurred in the presence of G. affinis, but residual diversity did not differ. We found an inverse relationship between relative abundance of G. affinis and residual species richness (although effect size was extremely small), but no effect on residual diversity. 4. Gambusia affinis populations fluctuated markedly across summers at all eight fixed sites, but population sizes at a site over time were not autocorrelated. However, population fluctuations were highly correlated among sites across all years, suggesting that regional factors influenced population size. Regional abundance of G. affinis did not correlate with drought, rainfall or winter temperature, but varied with spring temperature. We suggest earlier onset of reproduction in warmer springs resulted in larger summer populations. 5. Overall, within its native range, G. affinis does not appear to impact negatively on the assemblages in which it occurs, possibly due to fluctuations in its density. These findings suggest that introduced Gambusia populations, and those of other invasive species, warrant careful monitoring over long periods of time where they have invaded. Long‐term monitoring of new populations can establish if they are prone to ‘boom and bust’ dynamics, in which case the invader may be less a threat than sometimes assumed. Population information from long‐term studies, either in their native ranges or at invaded sites, can thus help to form the basis of prudent, cost‐effective management strategies for invasive organisms.     

Out-migration of Tagged Fishes from Marine Reef National Parks to Fisheries in Coastal Kenya

We evaluated movements of 25 species of coral reef fishes from Malindi and Watamu Marine National Parks (created 1968) in coastal Kenya from February 2001 to March 2002. Only three species, the commercially important whitespotted rabbitfish, Siganus sutor, the sky emperor (SEM), Lethrinus mahsena and the trumpet emperor, L. miniatus, exhibited consistent movements from the parks. At Malindi Park, more fishes were recaptured by fishermen off a fringing reef than off a patch reef. The rabbitfish had a higher monthly spillover rate from the fringing reef than from the patch reef. In contrast, the SEM had low monthly spillover rates from both reefs. The rabbitfish moved greater distances off the fringing reef than off the patch reef. At Watamu Park, the SEM, L. miniatus and the gold-spotted sweetlips, Gaterin flavomaculatus, had equal monthly spillover rates. In contrast, the rabbitfish had a lower monthly rate. The emperors showed no difference in net distance moved from the park boundary, however, L. miniatus traveled significantly longer distances than did the SEM. Distances between release and capture sites were either random (SEM), increasing (L. miniatus), or decreasing (rabbitfish) with respect to time at liberty.     

The response of three chydorid species to temperature, pH and food

The responses of three chydorid species, Chydorus sphaericus(O.F. Müller), Alona affinis (Leydig) and Alonopsis elongata (Sars) to temperature, pH and food type were examined. Egg development time of all species decreased with increasing temperature, although the degree of change was different for each species. C. sphaericus had the fastest development time at all temperatures, and A. elongata the slowest. pH also affected the egg development time of each species differently. A. elongata failed to reproduce at low and medium pH, the egg development time of C. sphaericus was fastest at high pH while that of A. affinis was fastest at low pH. Food type was found to have significant effects on the population growth of individual species. C. sphaericus populations grew equally well in all three food types provided, and grew more than the other two species when fed on an algae culture, and filtered pond water. A. affinisand A. elongata populations grew best when fed on a detritus food source. The responses of each species to the different variables tested are discussed in relation to field observations of their distribution and abundance.     

Effects of large Saduria entomon (Isopoda) on spatial distribution of their small S. entomon and Monoporeia affinis (Amphipoda) prey

We performed laboratory experiments to investigate the effects of predator avoidance and numerical effects of predation on spatial distribution of small Saduria entomon (Isopoda) and Monoporeia affinis (Amphipoda), with large S. entomon as predators. The horizontal distribution and mortality of the prey species, separately and together, were studied in aquaria with a spatial horizontal refuge. We also estimated effects of refuge on mortality of small S. entomon and M. affinis by experiments without the refuge net. In addition, we investigated whether predation risk from large S. entomon influenced the swimming activity of M. affinis, to clarify the mechanisms behind the spatial distribution. Both small S. entomon and M. affinis avoided large S. entomon. The avoidance behaviour of M. fffinis contributed about 10 times more to the high proportion in the refuge than numerical effects of predation. Due to the low mortality of small S. entomon the avoidance behaviour of this species was even more important for the spatial distribution. The combined effect of avoidance behaviour and predation in both species was aggregation, producting a positive correlation between the species in density. M. affinis showed two types of avoidance behaviour. In the activity experiments they reduced activity by 36% and buried themselves in the sediment. In the refuge experiments we also observed avoidance behaviour with the emigration rate from the predator compartment being twice the immigration rate. The refuge did not lower predation mortality in M. affinis, probably due to the small scale of the experimental units in relation to the mobility of the species. Predation mortality in small S. entomon was higher in absence of a refuge and especially high in absence of M. affinis.     

Seasonal Abundance and Reproduction of the Fourwing Flyingfish, Hirundichthys affinis, off Barbados

The seasonal abundance and reproductive cycle of the flyingfish Hirundichthys affinis was studied near Barbados. H. affinis shows large seasonal variation in abundance. They are common between December and June and scarce from July to November. The population size structure of H. affinis was determined by fishing with four different mesh sizes throughout one year. There appear to be two cohorts of H. affinis present in May and June, one of immature fish with a mean size of 19.8cm FL, and one of mature fish with a mean size of 21.7cm FL. From September to April there is only a single cohort of maturing fish with a mean size that increases from 20.4cm FL in September to 22.0cm FL in April. H. affinis spawns throughout the fishing-season (December–June) and shows a peak in spawning activity from March to June. Immature fish are present in Barbados waters from July to November but in very low abundance. Surface water temperature, wind speed and swell height are the only environmental factors with which catch rate of H. affinis showed significant correlation. Catch rate appears to be negatively correlated with temperature, whereas for wind speed and swell height there are optima. Three hypotheses for the seasonal variation in abundance of H. affinis were examined. The hypothesis that this species remains dispersed near Barbados during the off-season was rejected. The other hypotheses were refined. Both post-spawning mortality, resulting in an interval of low abundance between cohorts (non-overlapping generations), and migration of fish away from Barbados at the end of the fishing season, remain possible explanations for the observed seasonal variation in abundance of this species.     

Host switching by an ambrosia beetle fungal mutualist: Mycangial colonization of indigenous beetles by the invasive laurel wilt fungal pathogen

Ambrosia beetles require their fungal symbiotic partner as their cultivated (farmed) food source in tree galleries. While most fungal-beetle partners do not kill the host trees they inhabit, since their introduction (invasion) into the United states around ~2002, the invasive beetle Xyleborus glabratus has vectored its mutualist partner (but plant pathogenic) fungus, Harringtonia lauricola, resulting in the deaths of over 300 million trees. Concerningly, indigenous beetles have been caught bearing H. lauricola. Here, we show colonization of the mycangia of the indigenous X. affinis ambrosia beetle by H. lauricola. Mycangial colonization occurred within 1 h of feeding, with similar levels seen for H. lauricola as found for the native X. affinis-R. arxii fungal partner. Fungal mycangial occupancy was stable over time and after removal of the fungal source, but showed rapid turnover when additional fungal cells were available. Microscopic visualization revealed two pre-oral mycangial pouches of ~100–200 × 25–50 μm/each, with narrow entry channels of 25–50 × 3–10 μm. Fungi within the mycangia underwent a dimorphic transition from filamentous/blastospore growth to yeast-like budding with alterations to membrane structures. These data identify the characteristics of ambrosia beetle mycangial colonization, implicating turnover as a mechanism for host switching of H. lauricola to other ambrosia beetle species.     

HYBRID ZONE DYNAMICS ARE INFLUENCED BY GENOTYPE-SPECIFIC VARIATION IN LIFE-HISTORY TRAITS: EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE FROM HYBRIDIZING GAMBUSIA SPECIES

Results from two experiments are presented that contrast differences in life-history traits and population dynamics between two species of live bearing fishes (Gambusia affinis and G. holbrooki) that hybridize across portions of the southeastern United States. Progeny from parental holbrooki and holbrooki-affinis F₁ crosses exhibited larger lengths at birth, at 15 days, and matured earlier, and at larger size than did progeny from parental affinis and affinis-holbrooki F₁ crosses. Comparisons of experimental populations of affinis, holbrooki, and mixed (affinis + holbrooki) species composition followed over two years revealed that affinis populations consistently exhibited smaller population size, lower carrying capacity, lower recruitment, and larger over-winter mortality than did holbrooki or mixed populations. Evidence for density-dependent reductions in fecundity and concomitant increases in juvenile mortality rates were observed in all populations, but were most pronounced for affinis populations. Genotype-specific differences in life-history traits appear to confer differential advantage to offspring of parental holbrooki origin and F, progeny of holbrooki maternal parentage given the resource availability and the age structure and densities experienced during these experiments. Results have direct implications regarding the rate and direction of evolution within hybrid zones formed by these two species.     

Notes onDiphucephala affinis (Coleoptera:Scarabaeidae) associated with flowers ofHibbertia andAcacia in Western Australia

Notes are provided on the association of the beetleDiphucephala affinis (Scarabaeidae) with yellow flowers ofHibbertia hypericoides, H. huegelii (Dilleniaceae),Acacia pulchella, andA. stenoptera (Mimosaceae). Observations were undertaken during September 9–19, 1979 at S. Perth, Western Australia. They indicated thatD. affinis is not a pollinator ofHibbertia as suggested in the literature, but may play a small role in the pollination of someAcacia species.     

Using species distribution models to locate animal aggregations: a case study with Hippodamia undecimnotata (Schneider) overwintering aggregation sites

1. The protection of animals' aggregation sites is increasingly seen as a key conservation strategy. However, to efficiently protect aggregation sites, they need to be accurately located. Species distribution models (SDMs) are an important tool in biological conservation to predict spatial distribution of species and they are used here to predict the distribution of the aggregation sites of a ladybird (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) species. 2. Hippodamia undecimnotata forms spectacular overwintering aggregations at the same locations every year across southern and eastern Europe. In this study, an SDM was developed and its performance tested for H. undecimnotata aggregations in southwest France. Moreover, the study looked at how environmental variables correlate with ladybirds' abundance in the aggregation sites. 3. The occurrence of aggregations was best described by one model including isolated prominent object, pesticide risk, altitude and vegetation coverage. Furthermore, ladybird abundance at the aggregation sites is positively correlated with altitude. The SDM occurrence model performance was found to be high (area under the curve = 0.92 and true skill statistic = 0.78). 4. It is suggested that H. undecimnotata may be an umbrella species, because some aggregation sites were also used by other ladybird species. Therefore, the protection of the aggregation sites of this species may benefit several other species. 5. This study provides nature conservation stakeholders with a tool to locate overwintering aggregations, a first step towards the protection of these sites.     

Ecological character displacement in competing common green lacewings in Europe: a route to speciation?

Competitive interactions among the three common green lacewing species of the Chrysoperla complex in Europe are presented. Four morphological characters were registered as semi‐quantitative traits to assess variation between populations. Data were obtained from 325 adults originating from 14 locations. A statistical approach was performed in conjunction with observations of ecological traits and a survey of genetic relationships assessed by mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b analysis. The results indicate character displacement in Chrysoperla affinis when living in sympatry with Chrysoperla carnea. The morphological traits of Ch. affinis sympatric with Ch. carnea differ from those of allopatric Ch. affinis, although the genetic distance between those strains was weak. This was associated with a large difference in microhabitats and premating behaviour. Variation in courtship songs manifests a process of speciation within related populations. Thus, that ecological switching can also promote character displacement is supported. This suggests that character displacement acts through phenotypic variability and mediates negative interactions among species. These findings suggest that the highest rate of speciation occurs in groups of species in which competition is the strongest. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 102 , 292–300.     

New species of the genus Scaphocalanus (Calanoida: Scolecithricidae) from the Iskenderun Bay – northeastern Levantine Basin

A new calanoid copepod species Scaphocalanus emine n. sp. is described for the first time from the Iskenderun Bay, northeastern Levantine Basin. S. emine is similar to S. affinis (Sars, 1905) having both identical orientation of the posterolateral corners of the cephalothorax and a median crest on the forehead. The new species is also similar in some features to S. affinis in the structure of Re1P1- lacking the outer marginal spine and by the presence of the rounded apex on the distal internal margin. It differs from S. affinis as the median crest on the forehead is smaller and due to the presence of a rudimentary endopod furnished with an apical spine on the P5. Originality in construction of the P1 and P5 distinguish the new species from other Scaphocalanus species.     

Actiniaria and Ceriantharia of the Azores (Cnidaria Anthozoa)

The common shallow water species of sea anemones (Actiniaria) and tube anemones (Ceriantharia) of the Azores are listed. Eight species of sea anemones are mentioned, the species Cereus pedunculatus and Sagartia affinis being new records for the archipelago. Both species of Ceriantharia, namely Arachnanthus nocturnus and Pachycerianthus solitarius, are recorded from the Azores for the first time. Arachnanthus nocturnus is also recorded from the Cape Verde Islands and from Madeira for the first time. Communicated by H.-D. Franke     

Gambusia quadruncus (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae): a new species of mosquitofish from east‐central México

Gambusia quadruncus n. sp., the llanos mosquitofish, is described from east‐central México. The region inhabited by the species represents a hotspot of diversity of Gambusia, and G. quadruncus sometimes coexists with at least three congeners. The species differs from its closest relative, Gambusia affinis, in several characteristics with plausible effects on reproductive isolation, e.g. body size, body and fin morphology, male genital morphology (distal tip of gonopodium) and female anal spot morphology (colouration near the urogenital sinus). Moreover, combined analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequence data (c. 2158 total base pairs) indicates reciprocal monophyly of G. quadruncus and its sister species G. affinis, with levels of genetic divergence suggesting the two species diverged from one another over a million years ago. The origin of G. quadruncus may reflect a vicariant event associated with Pliocene orogenesis in the Tamaulipas Arch and a frontal section of the Sierra Madre Oriental (Lleran Mesas). Gambusia quadruncus inhabits a variety of freshwater habitats across several river drainages, with its range spanning at least 350 km from north to south, covering over 25 000 km². A key to aid identification of the species is provided.     

Multiple density dependence in two sub-populations of the amphipod Monoporeia affinis: a potential for alternative equilibria

Possible mechanisms for differences in population densities and dynamics were investigated in the amphipod Monoporeia affinis at two deep sites in the northern Bothnian Sea. The two sites were sampled yearly for 10 years. Average sizes, growth and mortality of the different age-classes were estimated from the cohort structure of the two populations. Laboratory experiments also investigated the ability of the common predatory isopod Saduria entomon to cause densitydependent (DD) mortality of the prey M. affinis. At site A, 43 m depth, the average density of M. affinis was twice as high as at site B, 81 m depth. The fluctuations in density were asynchronous between the two sites. Recruitment and subadult sizes of Monoporeia affinis were density dependent at both sites. The main functional difference between the two populations seemed to be the DD mortality of the 1 + cohort that occurred only at the low-density site B. A corresponding DD mortality was found in the predation experiments at densities of 1 + m. affinis corresponding to those found at site B. The potential importance of the predator was also indicated by a significant negative correlation between the biomass of S. entomon and the rate of change in M. affinis density in the field. The similarities in the abiotic factors between the two sites suggested that differences in carrying capacity should be small. The results could be explained by the predation regulation hypothesis for the low-density population at site B, while at site A M. affinis seemed to be regulated by intra-specific competition and limited by predation. It is suggested that in this simple predator-prey system there is potential for the existence of alternative equilibria.     

Multi-annual changes in the parasite communities of rabbitfish Siganus rivulatus (Siganidae) in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea

The parasite communities of the rabbitfish, Siganus rivulatus, were used to track multi-annual changes in the northern Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, in an environment subjected to ongoing anthropogenic impact. Parasitological data from these fish were collected from 1998 to 2000, with spring and fall samplings at three locations: at a coral reef (OBS), at a sandy beach area (NB) and at a mariculture cage farm (FF). These data were compared with data from 1995–1997 as well as data collected during 1981–1985 at the coral reef sampling site. The data analyses indicate that the ratio between heteroxenous and monoxenous parasite species declined significantly at all sites between 1995–1997 and 1998–2000. During the same period, the species richness of monoxenous parasites increased significantly at all sites. The species richness of heteroxenous parasites decreased significantly at the coral reef site, but remained steady at the other two sites. This coincided with a significant increase in the prevalence of monogeneans at the OBS and FF sites and a significant decrease in the prevalence of digeneans at the FF and NB sites. The decline in the abundance of the latter, specifically of Opisthogonoporoides sp. and Gyliauchen sp., was even more significant when compared with the 1981–1985 data. The prevalence of other gut helminths, namely the digenean Hexangium sigani and the nematodes Cucullanus sigani and Procamallanus elatensis, however, showed a significant increase over the same period. Analysis of the species richness and diversity indices of the parasite communities did not reveal conspicuous differences. These, however, did become apparent when heteroxenous and monoxenous members of particular taxa were analyzed separately. Therefore, when using parasite assemblages to detect ecological changes, it is essential to analyze not only at the community level, but also to consider separate components of particular parasitic groups. Communicated by H. von Westernhagen, A. Diamant     

Role of plant phenology in mediating interactions between two biological control agents for spotted knapweed

The role of spotted knapweed phenology on the attack rate of two seed-head insects Urophora affinis and Larinus minutus was assessed in a series of field studies at four study sites in south-eastern British Columbia, Canada. Slow or later developing knapweed plants had more seed heads that contained only single or multiple U. affinis whereas early or faster developing plants had more seed heads containing L. minutus alone or in combination with U. affinis. L. minutus did not distinguish between seed heads with or without U. affinis larvae when laying eggs. However, seed heads with multiple U. affinis present, produced fewer L. minutus adults than expected. The probability of single or multiple U. affinis galls being present increased with seed-head diameter but was not affected by seed-head height. Attack by L. minutus increased with seed-head diameters >5 mm and was lower at plant heights above 50 cm. These results demonstrate two mechanisms that enable U. affinis to successfully coexist with L. minutus: differences between the species in their response to the developmental phenology of knapweed heads, and increased survivorship of U. affinis in heads with multiple U. affinis galls through niche interference competition. These mechanisms provide a possible explanation for the persistence of U. affinis populations on spotted knapweed, in spite of high levels of within seed-head mortality that have been observed with increasing L. minutus populations.     

Effect of alphacypermethrin and bifenthrin on the survival of five acarine predators of Halotydeus destructor (Acari: Penthaleidae)

The synthetic pyrethroids, alphacypermethrin and bifenthrin, were evaluated in the laboratory and field for their impact on the survival of five acarine predators of the pasture pest, Halotydeus destructor (Tucker). In laboratory bioassays, alphacypermethrin at the proposed field rate (5 g a.i. ha^-1) for H. destructor and the scarab beetle pest, Aphodius tasmaniae Hope caused medium-high mortality to Walzia australica Womersley (Anystidae), Bdellodes affinis Atyeo (Bdellidae), Balaustium murorum (Hermann) (Erythraeidae) and Parasitus fimetorum (Berlese) (Parasitidae) but was not toxic to Cyta latirostris (Hermann) (Bdellidae). In the field, populations of W. australica and B. affinis treated with this rate were significantly reduced but recovered after 8 weeks. Bifenthrin at 5 g a.i. ha^-1 killed 96–100% of W. australica, B. affinis, B. murorum and P. fimetorum in laboratory bioassays and significantly reduced field populations of W. australica and B. affinis for 17 weeks. In bioassays both products at 2.5 g a.i. ha^-1 permitted 10–30% survival of B. affinis and B. murorum and alphacypermethrin permitted 59% survival of W. australica. A 2.5 g a.i. ha^-1 rate of alphacypermethrin is recommended for control of H. destructor in pasture when A. tasmaniae is not present, thus minimizing the impact of chemical control on the survival of some predatory mite species.     

Phenology of Dryopteris affinis ssp. affinis and Polystichum aculeatum: modeling relationships to the climatic variables in a Mediterranean area

The phenology of leaves and stages from immature sori to spore release were studied in natural populations of two perennial herbaceous ferns, Dryopteris affinis ssp. affinis and Polystichum aculeatum, for 2 years in Italy. The Generalized Additive Model for Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) was used to predict a particular phenological event from the climatic variables. Both fern species are evergreen with leaf lifespan of 13–14 months in D. affinis ssp. affinis and 15–24 months in P. aculeatum. Their leaf production is seasonal with most flushed in spring. In D. affinis ssp. affinis the decaying of old leaves is sudden whereas in P. aculeatum it is gradual, and in both types the decaying is accelerated just as the new leaves emerge. Temperature is the best predictor for the development of sori and spore release. The end of spore release and leaf emergence are positively affected by temperature and negatively affected by rainfall and snow cover for P. aculeatum. An almost similar response to climatic factors of emergent and senescent leaves and their phenology supportsthe hypothesis that old leaves serve as nutrient storage organs for new leaf growth. Comparison the phenological patterns between the 2 years indicated that the time lapses between each phenological event were the same within seasons for D. affinis ssp. affinis but show some differences for P. aculeatum. We also hypothesize that endogenous factors may play an important role in the phenology of P. aculeatum.     

A mechanistic model for understanding invasions: using the environment as a predictor of population success

Aim We set out to develop a temperature‐ and salinity‐dependent mechanistic population model for copepods that can be used to understand the role of environmental parameters in population growth or decline. Models are an important tool for understanding the dynamics of invasive species; our model can be used to determine an organism’s niche and explore the potential for invasion of a new habitat. Location Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, Canada. Methods We developed a birth rate model to determine the environmental niche for an estuarine copepod. We conducted laboratory experiments to estimate demographic parameters over a range of temperatures and salinities for Eurytemora affinis collected from the Nanaimo Estuary, British Columbia (BC). The parameterized model was then used to explore what environmental conditions resulted in population growth vs. decline. We then re‐parameterized our model using previously published data for E. affinis collected in the Seine Estuary, France (SE), and compared the dynamics of the two populations. Results We established regions in temperature–salinity space where E. affinis populations from BC would likely grow vs. decline. In general, the population from BC exhibited positive and higher intrinsic growth rates at higher temperatures and salinities. The population from SE exhibited positive and higher growth rates with increasing temperature and decreasing salinity. These different relationships with environmental parameters resulted in predictions of complex interactions among temperature, salinity and growth rates if the two subspecies inhabited the same estuary. Main conclusions We developed a new mechanistic model that describes population dynamics in terms of temperature and salinity. This model may prove especially useful in predicting the potential for invasion by copepods transported to Pacific north‐west estuaries via ballast water, or in any system where an ecosystem is subject to invasion by a species that shares demographic characteristics with an established (sub)species.