Influence of weather conditions on activity of tropical snakes

Abstract There are many anecdotal reports of massive day‐to‐day variation in activity levels of tropical reptiles and amphibians, and intuition suggests that weather conditions may be responsible for much of that variation. Our analysis of a large data set on the activity levels of tropical snakes and frogs confirms the existence of this short‐term variation in activity levels, reveals strong synchrony between sympatric taxa in this respect, but also shows that standard weather variables (temperature, humidity, precipitation, moonlight, atmospheric pressure) are surprisingly poor at predicting the numbers of individuals and species encountered during standardized surveys. We recorded the numbers of snakes and prey taxa (frogs) encountered on 349 nights over the course of one year on a 1.3‐km transect in the Adelaide River floodplain, in the wet–dry tropics of Australia. Frogs, water pythons (Liasis fuscus), slatey‐grey snakes (Stegonotus cucullatus) and keelbacks (Tropidonophis mairii) all showed strongly seasonal patterns of activity. After adjusting for seasonal differences, encounter rates were related to climatic conditions but different taxa responded to different weather variables. Water python activity was related to amount of moonlight, keelback activity was related to temperature, and frog activity was related to relative humidity, rainfall, temperature and moonlight. However, weather variables explained relatively little of the variation in activity levels. Strong synchrony was evident among encounter rates with various taxa (independent of season and weather conditions), suggesting that activity levels may be determined by other unmeasured factors.     

The effect of meteorological factors on the daily variation of airborne fungal spores in Granada (southern Spain)

A study was made of the link between climatic factors and the daily content of certain fungal spores in the atmosphere of the city of Granada in 1994. Sampling was carried out with a Burkard 7-day-recording spore trap. The spores analysed corresponded to the taxa Alternaria, Ustilago and Cladosporium, with two morphologically different spore types in the latter genus, cladosporioides and herbarum. These spores were selected both for their allergenic capacity and for the high level of their presence in the atmosphere, particularly during the spring and autumn. The spores of Cladosporium were the most abundant (93.82% of the total spores identified). The Spearman correlation coefficients between the spore concentrations studied and the meteorological parameters show different indices depending on the taxon being analysed. Alternaria and Cladosporium are significantly correlated with temperature and hours of sunlight, while Ustilago shows positive correlation indices with relative humidity and negative indices with wind speed. Received: 16 April 1998 / Revised: 27 September 1999 / Accepted: 27 October 1999     

Study of airborne fungal spores in Madrid, Spain

The concentration of fungal spores in the atmosphere of Madrid was recorded and analyzed for the year 2003. Airborne spores were sampled continuously with a Hirst-type spore trap located on the roof of a building of the School of Pharmacy, at about 8 m above ground level. Correlation between the mean daily spore concentrations and meteorological variables were explored by means of Spearman’s correlation analyses. Seventy spore types were identified, of which the most numerous were Cladosporium, Aspergillaceae (conidia), Coprinus, Agaricales (basidiospores), Ustilago (teliospores) and Pleospora (ascospores). These six types of spores represented more than 70% of the total. Cladosporium represented 41% of the total fungal spores, while Ustilago spores, the concentrations of which in May and June exceeded 47% of the monthly total spore count, constituted the second most important group. Spores reached their highest concentrations in the spring months, and in the autumn, mainly in October. A␣positive significant correlation was found between airborne spore counts and temperature and relative humidity. The results provide a picture of the spectrum of airborne fungal spores present in the atmosphere of Madrid and of the `peak' periods of their presence. Future studies will provide more detailed information on the seasonal dynamics of the spores most frequently found in the air as well as on the extent to which atmospheric conditions influence their release, dispersion and sedimentation processes.     

Effects of vegetation and weather on trap catches of Glossina fuscipes fuscipes near Lake Victoria, Kenya

Glossina fuscipes fuscipes Newstead was sampled in isolated thickets and forest patches near Lake Victoria, Kenya using unbaited biconical traps, between March 1992 and June 1993. Traps set at 1 m from the forest edge caught 3.3 times as many males and 5 times as many females as those set inside or 10 m away. The corresponding figures at 1 m from the edge of thicket were about 1.43 and 1.64 times, respectively. Hourly catches of males and females were positively correlated with temperature, light intensity and host (monitor lizard) prevalence, and negatively correlated with relative humidity. Light intensity and temperature were the most important variables affecting the catches of each sex. The results are discussed in relation to control and monitoring of G. f. fuscipes using traps.     

夏季城市河流宽度对绿地温湿效益的影响

城市河流是城市生态系统中重要的组成部分,对城市生态环境的改善发挥着重要作用.利用小尺度定量测定的技术方法,分析了北京市三环至五环附近7条不同宽度城市河流对其旁侧绿地温湿效益的影响.结果表明： 城市河流宽度是影响绿地温湿效应的重要因素.当河流宽度为8 m时,绿地具有一定的增湿效应,但降温效果不明显;当河流宽度为14～33 m时,绿地降温、增湿效果明显;当河流宽度超过40 m时,绿地降温、增湿效果显著且趋于稳定.7条河流旁侧绿地与各自对照间的温、湿度差异均达到显著水平,且显著发挥温湿效益的河流宽度为44 m.河流旁侧绿地夏季温度（x）、湿度（y）关系的回归方程为y=173.191-3.247x,相对湿度每升高1.0%,温度降低约0.3 ℃.     

杭州城北体育公园夏季小气候温湿效应研究

以杭州城北体育公园为研究对象,采用实地测量法对夏季小气候进行研究,对比与分析公园内外小气候的温湿效应,为今后体育公园的规划与后期管理提供参考意见。结果表明：在夏季高温炎热的天气里,公园内的温度明显低于公园外的温度,且相对湿度高于公园外的相对湿度,公园内外一天中最大温差为6.2°C,平均温差1.5°C;最大相对湿度相差17.8%,平均相对湿度相差5.1%。各个测试点对比后发现,相对距离与空气温度的差异性显著,体育公园的小气候对公园外部降温作用辐射范围大约为0.9km。公园内的温湿度变化相对于公园外更稳定,且空气温度与相对距离成正相关并达到极显著水平,因此杭州城北体育公园对周边的城市环境具有明显的降温增湿作用。     

不同形状城市湿地对周边环境温湿度的影响

2015年春、夏、秋季选择大庆市区5种不同形状特征的城市湿地及周边环境作为研究对象,利用小尺度定量测定的方法,分析城市湿地形状特征对周边环境温、湿效益的影响.结果表明: 不同形状特征的城市湿地均具有增湿降温效应.其中,夏季的增湿降温效应最强,春季其次,秋节最差.形状特征对湿地的降温增湿能力具有显著影响,不规则形状湿地>规则形状湿地(近圆形湿地、近矩形湿地)>长条形状湿地;增湿降温日变化受环境温度影响较大,即早晚弱、中午强,春、秋季增湿降温幅度最大的时段为12:00—14:00,夏季增湿降温幅度最大的时段为14:00—16:00.     

温、湿度对南美斑潜蝇和美洲斑潜蝇羽化的影响

在实验条件下 ,研究了温湿度对南美斑潜蝇Liriomgzahuidobrensis和美洲斑潜蝇Liriomgzasativae羽化的影响。结果表明 ,温度对 2种斑潜蝇日羽化节律有显著的影响。随温度的升高 ,成虫的日羽化时段相应缩短 ,日羽化高峰期相应提前。且 2种斑潜蝇的羽化均集中在 1 2 :0 0之前。 2种斑潜蝇羽化所需要的最适温度 :南美斑潜蝇为 2 0℃ ,美洲斑潜蝇为 2 5℃ ;羽化所需要的最适相对湿度 :南美斑潜蝇为90 % ,美洲斑潜蝇为 1 0 0 %。     

城市带状绿地宽度与温湿效益的关系

带状绿地是城市绿地系统中的重要组成部分,其对城市绿地的建设和城市生态环境的改善起到其他绿地不可替代的作用。选择北京市西四环旁侧6块不同宽度带状绿地作为研究对象,利用小尺度定量测定的技术方法,分析城市带状绿地宽度与温湿效益的关系,为城市带状绿地建设提供科学依据。每天8:00-18:00,每2h分别对6块不同宽度带状绿地和对照处的温度、相对湿度进行同步测定,连续测定7d。结果显示:(1) 当城市绿地宽度为6m时,绿地内部具有一定的增湿效应,但降温效果不明显;当绿地宽度为16-27m时,绿地内部的降温增湿效果较明显;当绿地宽度为34m时,绿地内部的降温增湿效果明显;当绿地宽度超过40m时,绿地内部的降温增湿效果极其明显且趋于稳定。经SPSS方差分析,6块绿地与对照间的温、湿度差异均达到显著水平,通过Duncan’S两两比较(P=0.05),认为城市园林绿地可以明显发挥温湿效益的关键宽度为34m左右(绿化覆盖率约80％),此时绿地已经表现出较佳的温湿效益;可以显著发挥温湿效益的关键宽度为42m左右(绿化覆盖率约80％)。(2)绿地对旁侧人行道的增湿降温效应存在一定影响,但由于其受周边环境影响较大,规律不明显。 (3)根据3d内6块绿地平均温湿度值进行相关性分析,作出夏季带状绿地温、湿度关系的回归方程Y(相对湿度)=184.721-4.038x(温度),温度每升高1.0℃ ,相对湿度降低约4.0％。     

城市河道绿带宽度对空气温湿度的影响

以北京市北五环清河旁侧8段不同宽度的绿带为研究对象, 分别对样地和对照样地的气温和相对湿度进行同步测定, 每2 h测定一次, 每个季节连续测定7天。结果显示: 绿带在春、夏、秋季具有增湿降温效应, 并且此效应随着绿带宽度的增加而不断增强, 夏季的增湿降温效应最强, 春、秋季节的增湿降温效应差别不大; 绿带在冬季具有保温增湿效应, 随着绿带宽度的增加, 保温效应不断增强, 增湿效应不断减弱。四季中, 绿带温湿度变化受环境温度的影响较大, 在一天中的14:00-16:00时段, 春、夏、秋季增湿降温效应最强; 在此时段冬季的保温效应最弱, 增湿效应最强。     

The effect of temperature, relative humidity and rainfall on airborne ragweed pollen concentrations

Major weather parameters have long been known to alter airborne pollen and spore concentrations. The following study was conducted to study the effect of three of these parameters on airborne ragweed pollen concentrations.During the ragweed (RW) season for the years 1997 and 1998, 10 minute pollen collections were taken at least every 4 hours using an Allergenco MK-3 spore trap. Slides were fixed, and counted microscopically at 400X. During this same period, weather parameters were monitored by an Automated Weather Systems recording station located within a few meters of the collector.The ragweed season for this region begins in mid August and ends by mid October. Temperature patterns for the period demonstrated usual daily fluctuations with highs 13 to 35 °C and lows 8 to 24 °C. Relative humidity readings for the period varied between 25 and 100%. Highest RW values were seen after seasonal cooling in September. Daily rainfall for the period varied between 0 and 100 mm. Airborne RW always declined sharply after strong rainfall events (> 10 mm/day). Peak airborne RW concentrations were often associated with the passing of frontal boundaries and the change in wind direction and velocity that accompanies that passing.Factors influencing airborne RW concentrations are multiple and complex, but atmospheric forces have great influence. The passing of major weather fronts and the associated temperature drops, wind disturbances and rainfall are the major factors.     

温湿度对中华通草蛉越冬成虫存活的影响

室内研究了不同温湿度对中华通草蛉 (Chrysoperla sinica)越冬成虫存活的影响。试验采用因子二次正交旋转组合设计的要求安排 ,研究了越冬成虫在不同的温度组合条件下储存不同时间后的存活率 ,并得到了在不同时间后 ,成虫存活率与温湿度间的二次回归模型。结果表明 ,在试验条件下 ,越冬成虫存活的最佳条件组合是温度为 5℃和相对湿度为 75 % ,此条件下储存90 d的越冬成虫存活率达 85 %以上 ;温度对成虫存活率的影响最大 ,湿度次之 ,温湿度的交互作用最不重要。利用温湿度与存活率之间的回归方程 ,分析并得出了适宜于越冬中华通草蛉成虫存活的条件为温度 5～ 9℃ ,相对湿度 70 %～ 85 % ,温度和湿度过高或过低均不利于成虫的存活     

Comparative laboratory studies on three fungal pathogens of the elm bark beetle Scolytus scolytus: Effect of temperature and humidity on infection by Beauveria bassiana,Metarhizium anisopliae, and Paecilomyces farinosus

Larvae of the elm bark beetle, Scolytus scolytus, were inoculated with conidia of the entomogenous fungi Beauveria bassiana (two strains), Metarhizium anisopliae (two strains), and Paecilomyces farinosus (two strains) and incubated over a range of temperatures (2°, 6°, 10°, 15°, and 20°C). One strain each of B. bassiana and P. farinosus caused infection even at 2°C, whereas the two strains of M. anisopliae caused no infection below 10°C. Infection of adult beetles by B. bassiana (one strain) and M. anisopliae (one strain) was tested at 15°, 20°, and 25°C (B. bassiana) and at 15° and 20°C (M. anisopliae). Fungal infection occurred at all three temperatures, but at 25°C beetles tended to succumb to bacterial infection. The effect of relative humidity on infection of larvae by B. bassiana (one strain), M. anisopliae (one strain), and P. farinosus (one strain) was tested at 51, 74, 86, 90, 95, 97.5, and 100% relative humidity. B. bassiana and M. anisopliae caused some infection at all humidities: with P. farinosus there was no infection at the two lowest humidities. Mortality due to infection by these fungi was most rapid at the highest humidities.     

培养基及培养条件对冬虫夏草菌固体发酵产分生孢子的影响

为获得冬虫夏草菌固体发酵产分生孢子的最优工艺,以野生分离的冬虫夏草菌为材料,对其固体发酵产分生孢子的培养基及培养条件进行了研究。试验结果表明：泥炭土为最佳基础培养基,该培养基中冬虫夏草菌气生菌丝生长一般,但产分生孢子最多,可达4.2×10³个/g;泥炭土培养基中添加0.1‰ IAA（吲哚乙酸）、0.1‰ IBA（吲哚丁酸）和0.1‰ NAA（萘乙酸）能促进冬虫夏草菌气生菌丝的生长和分生孢子的产生,其分生孢子达8.1×10³个/g;该基础培养基中,冬虫夏草菌于18℃培养30d后,在10℃、相对湿度45%、蓝光照射进行诱导,分生孢子可达1.0×10⁴个/g。本研究建立了一种大量获取冬虫夏草菌分生孢子的方法,为冬虫夏草繁育奠定了基础。     

温度、湿度、光照对桔小实蝇飞行能力的影响

本文明确温度、相对湿度和光照强度等3个环境因子变化对桔小实蝇Bactrocera dorsalis(Hendel)雌、雄成虫飞行能力的影响。在不同温度、相对湿度和光照强度下,通过室内静风吊飞测试桔小实蝇雌、雄成虫的飞行距离、时间及速度。结果表明,适宜桔小实蝇飞行的温度范围是20℃-32℃,雌虫比雄虫更耐高温;最适宜飞行的空气相对湿度在60%-75%;桔小实蝇雌、雄成虫在有光照的条件下飞行,在500-2000 lux光照强度下飞行能力最强。分析表明,环境温度、空气相对湿度以及光照强度对桔小实蝇的飞行影响明显。低温或太高温对桔小实蝇飞行不利;较湿润的空气环境对桔小实蝇飞行有利,干燥或湿度过大均不利于桔小实蝇的飞行活动;光刺激是导致桔小实蝇飞行活动的基本条件,光照强度过弱或过强均不利于桔小实蝇飞行。     

A survey of outdoor and indoor airborne fungal spora in the Redemption City, Ogun State, south-western Nigeria

The concentration and biodiversity of airborne fungi of the Redemption City, an immense campground for Christian faithful and the temporary site of the Redeemer’s University in south-western Nigeria, was studied between February and May 2011 using the culture plate method. The study was undertaken to assess the concentrations of fungal spores and their health implication in this ever-busy environment. Fifteen different sites classified as closed or open were selected. During the experiment, a total of 228 colonies were counted, and 29 fungal species belonging to 26 genera were isolated which include the following: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Bipolaris spp., Chrysosporium spp., Cladosporium spp., Coniothyrium corda, Curvularia spp., Diplodia spp., Fusarium spp., Gliocladium spp., Monilia spp., Mucor spp., Mucor plumbeus, Penicillium spp., Phycomyces spp., Phytophthora spp., Pilobolus spp., Pyrenochaeta spp., Rhizopus stolonifer, Torula spp., Trichoderma spp. and Trichophyton spp. The most frequently occurring fungi were A. niger, C. corda and M. plumbeus, while the least recorded were Torula and Trichophyton species. Majority of the fungi isolated are known allergens; they could also be opportunistic causing various diseases in man. There is therefore a dire need for good sanitation practices within the studied areas of the camp.     

The effect of local cropping activities and weather on the airborne concentration of allergenic Alternaria spores in rural Australia

Atopy to the fungus Alternaria is strongly associated with respiratory disease. The prevalences of asthma and of allergy to Alternaria are high amongst children living in rural towns of south-eastern Australia. In such towns, airborne allergenic spores have been proposed to arise from nearby crops, but this has not been tested and crops are unlikely to be the only sources of Alternaria . We sought to identify sources and factors that influence concentrations of spores of Alternaria detected in rural towns. Over two years, we sampled spores in two towns (Wagga Wagga and Moree, New South Wales, Australia), in nearby wheat and cotton crops during harvesting and control periods, in a cotton gin and a grain shed. Alternaria was present in both towns throughout the study, and above the crops, at the gin and grain shed. Daily and annual concentrations were amongst the highest recorded worldwide and peaks persisted for six months in Wagga Wagga and ten months in Moree. Crop maturation affected the spore load in the air more than the actual days of harvest. Regression analysis showed that the overall spore concentrations above towns correlated with those above crops. Variables of rainfall and maximum temperature correlated with concentrations in both towns, and additionally wind direction in Wagga Wagga. In conclusion, crops and produce handling released spores into the air that reached nearby rural towns, with peaks in spore concentrations following warm temperatures and recent rainfall.     

城市湖泊湿地温湿效应——以武汉市为例

选择武汉城市三环内主城区14块湖泊湿地为研究对象,采用小尺度定量测定的方法,研究城市湖泊湿地与温湿效应间的关系。结果表明:(1)城市湿地温度值与面积指数、距离指数呈显著负相关,与景观形状指数呈显著正相关(P0.05);湿度值与面积指数、距离指数、环境类型指数呈显著正相关,与景观形状指数呈显著负相关(P0.05)。其中面积指数的贡献值最大。(2)14块湖泊湿地的降温增湿效应排序为湖泊11—14湖泊6—10湖泊1—5。当湖泊湿地面积为9.2—12.2 hm2时,其降温增湿效应明显;当湖泊湿地面积为308.4hm2左右时,降温效应显著且趋于稳定,湖泊湿地面积为67.6hm2左右时,增湿效应显著且趋于稳定(P0.05)。当湖泊湿地面积达到临界值之后,多斑块离散型(Dispersive)湖泊湿地布局对整个城市环境的降温增湿效应更为显著。