Taxonomic revision of European Apium L. s.l.: Helosciadium W.D.J.Koch restored

European representatives of Apium sensu lato (Apiaceae), and Apium prostratum and Naufraga balearica, were studied with morphological, fruit anatomical, and palynological methods. Morphometric data were compared with phylogenetic results from previous molecular studies. This confirms that most of the European Apium species belong to a separate group corresponding to the previously named genus Helosciadium. All these species had previously been formally named as Helosciadium species, except for the new combination Helosciadium bermejoi, which is formally described here. Molecular studies place Apium prostratum and Naufraga balearica close to Apium graveolens, the type species of Apium. Our morphometric results show similarities of Naufraga with H. bermejoi, but fruit anatomy distinguishes it both from Helosciadium and from A. graveolens/prostratum. The placement of Cyclospermum leptophyllum in a separate genus is confirmed. Diagnostic keys to the genera and Helosciadium species, and an annotated checklist are given.     

The Diversity of Karyotypes and Genomes within Section Syllinum of the Genus Linum (Linaceae) Revealed by Molecular Cytogenetic Markers and RAPD Analysis

The wide variation in chromosome number found in species of the genus Linum (2n = 16, 18, 20, 26, 28, 30, 32, 36, 42, 72, 84) indicates that chromosomal mutations have played an important role in the speciation of this taxon. To contribute to a better understanding of the genetic diversity and species relationships in this genus, comparative studies of karyotypes and genomes of species within section Syllinum Griseb. (2n = 26, 28) were carried out. Elongated with 9-aminoacridine chromosomes of 10 species of section Syllinum were investigated by C- and DAPI/С-banding, CMA and Ag-NOR-staining, FISH with probes of rDNA and of telomere repeats. RAPD analysis was also performed. All the chromosome pairs in karyotypes of the studied species were identified. Chromosome DAPI/C-banding patterns of 28-chromosomal species were highly similar. Two of the species differed from the others in chromosomal location of rDNA sites. B chromosomes were revealed in all the 28-chromosomal species. Chromosomes of Linum nodiflorum L. (2n = 26) and the 28-chromosomal species were similar in DAPI/C-banding pattern and localization of several rDNA sites, but they differed in chromosomal size and number. The karyotype of L. nodiflorum was characterized by an intercalary site of telomere repeat, one additional 26S rDNA site and also by the absence of B chromosomes. Structural similarities between different chromosome pairs in karyotypes of the studied species were found indicating their tetraploid origin. RAPD analysis did not distinguish the species except L. nodiflorum. The species of section Syllinum probably originated from a common tetraploid ancestor. The 28-chromosomal species were closely related, but L. nodiflorum diverged significantly from the rest of the species probably due to chromosomal rearrangements occurring during evolution.     

Patch occupancy in the endangered butterfly Lycaena helle in a fragmented landscape: effects of habitat quality, patch size and isolation

While there is agreement that both habitat quality and habitat network characteristics (such as patch size and isolation) contribute to the occupancy of patches by any given species, the relative importance of these factors is under debate. This issue is of fundamental ecological importance, and moreover of special concern for conservation biologists aiming at preserving endangered species. Against this background we investigated patch occupancy in the violet copper Lycaena helle, one of the rarest butterfly species in Central Europe, in the Westerwald area (Rhineland-Palatinate, Western Germany). Occupied (n = 102) differed from vacant (n = 128) patches in altitude, size, connectivity, availability of wind shelter, in the abundance of the larval host-plant, in the abundance of a grass species indicating favorable habitat conditions and in the abundance of nitrophilous plants. Overall, patch occupancy was primarily determined by patch size, connectivity and the abundance of the larval host plant, while all other parameters of habitat quality were of subordinate importance. Therefore, our findings suggest that even for extremely sedentary species such as L. helle habitat networks are decisive and—next to the preservation of habitat quality—need to be an integral part of any conservation management for this species.     

Estimating occupancy dynamics in an anuran assemblage from Louisiana,USA

Effective monitoring programs are designed to track changes in the distribution, occurrence, and abundance of species. We developed an extension of Royle and Kéry's (2007) single species model to estimate simultaneously temporal changes in probabilities of detection, occupancy, colonization, extinction, and species turnover using data on calling anuran amphibians, collected from 2002 to 2006 in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley of Louisiana, USA. During our 5-year study, estimates of occurrence probabilities declined for all 12 species detected. These declines occurred primarily in conjunction with variation in estimates of local extinction probabilities (cajun chorus frog [Pseudacris fouquettei], spring peeper [P. crucifer], northern cricket frog [Acris crepitans], Cope's gray treefrog [Hyla chrysoscelis], green treefrog [H. cinerea], squirrel treefrog [H. squirella], southern leopard frog [Lithobates sphenocephalus], bronze frog [L. clamitans], American bullfrog [L. catesbeianus], and Fowler's toad [Anaxyrus fowleri]). For 2 species (eastern narrow-mouthed toad [Gastrophryne carolinensis] and Gulf Coast toad [Incilius nebulifer]), declines in occupancy appeared to be a consequence of both increased local extinction and decreased colonization events. The eastern narrow-mouthed toad experienced a 2.5-fold increase in estimates of occupancy in 2004, possibly because of the high amount of rainfall received during that year, along with a decrease in extinction and increase in colonization of new sites between 2003 and 2004. Our model can be incorporated into monitoring programs to estimate simultaneously the occupancy dynamics for multiple species that show similar responses to ecological conditions. It will likely be an important asset for those monitoring programs that employ the same methods to sample assemblages of ecologically similar species, including those that are rare. By combining information from multiple species to decrease the variance on estimates of individual species, our results are advantageous compared to single-species models. This feature enables managers and researchers to use an entire community, rather than just one species, as an ecological indicator in monitoring programs. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.     

Micro-spatial distribution of two sibling periwinkle species across the intertidal indicates hybrdization

Populations of periwinkles Littorina saxatilis (Olivi 1792) and L. arcana Hannaford Ellis, 1978 are well suited for microevolutionary studies, being at the same time closely related and intraspecifically diverse. The divergence between these two sibling species, sympatric over large parts of their distribution areas, is small, the only morphological difference being the pallial gland complex structure in females. Molecular identification is possible with the use of a RAPD nuclear marker (cloned A2.8 DNA fragment) typical for L. arcana. However, in some individuals from sympatric populations molecular and morphological criteria suggest conflicting species affiliation, which may be explained either by hybridization or by shared ancestral polymorphism. We tested the hybridization hypotheses examining the micro-spatial distribution of these two species across the intertidal zone in two distant sites at the Barents Sea. We found that (a) the frequency of putative hybrids in sympatric populations was proportional to the frequency of L. arcana; (b) L. saxatilis bearing A2.8 DNA fragment were almost absent in the lower part of the intertidal zone, where L. arcana was absent too; (c) there was a close positive correlation between the distribution of potential parent molluscs and putative hybrids. Moreover, logistic regression models showed a good agreement between the distribution of putative hybrid frequencies and that of parental species frequencies. All our observations taken together support the hypothesis of hybridization between L. saxatilis and L. arcana. Elucidating the mechanisms that support the species status of these sympatric populations is necessary.     

Monitoring Golden-Cheeked Warblers on Private Lands in Texas

ABSTRACT A majority of North American breeding habitat for neotropical migrants exists on private lands, requiring monitoring strategies focused on habitat in these private holdings. We outline study designs and protocols using repeated Presence-Absence surveys across a gradient of patch sizes to develop a range-wide monitoring program for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) in Texas, USA. We surveyed 200–400 point-count locations across approximately 30 private properties annually from 2005 to 2008. We used data from our surveyed patches (n = 147) and the Ψ (occupancy), p (detection), and γ = 1 - ɛ parameterization to estimate patch dynamics and associated detection probabilities for golden-cheeked warblers. Patch size had a strong association with patch occupancy, and all patches >160 ha were predicted to be occupied. We found no evidence that large golden-cheeked warbler populations located on public lands in the vicinity of our study area influenced occupancy dynamics. We conducted simulations across a range of detection probabilities to evaluate potential sample sizes for both standard- and removal-based occupancy modeling. Simulations using parameter estimates from our analysis indicated that removal-based sampling is superior to standard sampling. Based on our results, surveying golden-cheeked warbler presence in oak-juniper (Quercus-Juniperus) patches under a removal modeling framework should be considered as one alternative for range-wide monitoring programs because patch-level monitoring would be necessary to estimate proportion of range occupied. Large contiguous patches are rare across the species’ range; hence, conservation and management of the mosaic of smaller patches within a landscape context would be required for maintaining species viability. Thus, we recommend the identification of areas where smaller, contiguous patches represent a significant portion of the available habitat within the local landscape and targeting these areas for habitat maintenance and improvement.     

Molecular confirmation of natural hybridization between Lumnitzera racemosa and Lumnitzera littorea

The hypothesis of natural hybridization between Lumnitzera racemosa and Lumnitzera littorea, two mangrove species distributed in the Indo-West Pacific region, was proposed in 1970s based on morphological traits; however, no molecular evidence has been reported to support it. In this study, we sequenced two low-copy nuclear genes and one chloroplast intergenic spacer (trnS-trnG) in the two Lumnitzera species and their putative hybrid to test this hypothesis. Our results revealed that there were 9 and 27 nucleotide substitutions at the two nuclear loci, respectively, between one haplotype of L. racemosa and L. littorea, and that the putative hybrid showed additivity in chromatograms at these sites. Sequencing the chloroplast intergenic region trnS-trnG showed that the two Lumnitzera species differed by seven fixed nucleotide substitutions and four fixed insertions/deletions in this region, while the putative hybrid had identical sequences to L. racemosa. Molecular data clearly demonstrated that there indeed existed natural hybridization between L. racemosa and L. littorea and that L. racemosa was the maternal parent in this hybridization event. The uncommon direction of hybridization and F₁ nature of hybrids in this case, and in mangroves in general, is discussed.     

First description of the male of Cryptothele verrucosa L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae), the type species of the genus

The male of Cryptothele verrucosa L. Koch, 1872, the type species of Cryptothele L. Koch, 1872, known from Fiji and Samoa, is described for the first time. It is compared with the male of C. alluaudi Simon, 1893, the single properly described species of the genus.     

Free-ranging livestock influence species richness,occupancy, and daily behaviour of wild mammalian species in Baluran National Park,Indonesia

In some developing countries, human activities in protected areas threaten wildlife populations and their habitats. This study was conducted to understand the influences of free-range livestock on the wild mammalian population in Baluran National Park, Indonesia. There were 3852 and 1156 cows and goats, respectively, and livestock occupied an area of approximately 55.96 km². The species richness and probability of occupancy in areas with and without livestock were assessed, and the spatial co-occurrence and overlap of daily activity patterns among mammalian species and livestock were measured. A total of 39 camera traps were installed from August 2015 to January 2016, collecting 23,021 independent photographs. In areas with livestock, the number of mammal species (eight) was lower than in areas without livestock (11 species). The most affected species were the large herbivores Bubalus bubalis and Bos javanicus, and a large carnivore Panthera pardus, all of which were absent in areas with livestock. Regardless of the feeding guild, the probability of occupancy of almost all species declined in areas with livestock, except the medium herbivores Paradoxurus hermaphroditus and Hystrix javanica that showed a higher probability of occupancy. The species whose probability of occupancy declined were the carnivores Cuon alpinus and Prionailurus bengalensis; the herbivores Rusa timorensis, Tracypithecus auratus and Muntiacus muntjak; and the omnivore Sus scrofa. In the presence of livestock, R. timorensis and S. scrofa changed their activities from diurnal to nocturnal. Livestock affected most wild mammals in several ways, including by reducing the species richness, lessening the probability of occupancy and changing the daily activity patterns of many animals. This research recommends a significant reduction in the size of the range area for domestic livestock.     

Floristic and ecological monitoring on a store-and-release cover in arid and semi-arid environment of Kettara mine,Morocco

The Kettara abandoned mine, Morocco, is a highly acid drainage-generating site with negative impacts. In order to impede the water–oxygen migration within tailings of Kettara mine, a store-and-release (SR) cover made with phosphate mine wastes (PMW) layers was implemented on the tailings of Kettara mine in five experimental cells.The characterization of vegetation is an important aspect of the monitoring strategy for the SR cover. In this optic, the objective of this study was to follow the local flora dynamic on the SR cover. Furthermore, this research highlighted the potential of this flora for the development of other appropriate phytomanagement plans of mining wastes.The monitoring surveys were carried out over five years (March 2015–April 2019). Six permanent transects were placed on five-constructed cells. The method of Line Intercept Transect was used to evaluate the vegetation cover and to determinate the floristic composition and relative frequency of the species. Plant diversity was quantified by Shannon diversity (H′) and Pielou evenness (J') indices.Four functional groups of plants were identified; therophytes and chamaephytes were the most abundant. Among 19 recorded families on SR cover, the most widely represented were Compositae (26.83%), Leguminosae and Poaceae with 9.76%, Apiaceae and Brassicaceae with 7.32% of the total taxa for each one of them. Of the 39 identified vascular species on SR cover, the most abundant were Anacyclus valentinus L., Calendula arvensis M.Bieb., Emex spinosa (L.) Campd., Hirschfeldia incana (L.) Lagr.-Foss., Spergularia rubra (L.) J.Presl & C.Presl, Stipa capensisthunb, and Herniaria cinerea L.Significant differences in Shannon diversity index (H′) were observed between the sampling areas (p > 0.05), it ranged from 0.739 to 3.857 bits/ind. on SR cover. The Pielou evenness index was not significantly different through transects; it varied from 0.578 to 0.978. These values indicated an equitable distribution of individuals within species on the investigated transects. The study revealed 29 vascular plant species that represent a great potential to be promoted for the phytomanagement of mine wastes in the context of arid and semi-arid environments.     

Secondary contact between Lycaeides idas and L. melissa in the Rocky Mountains: extensive admixture and a patchy hybrid zone

Studies of hybridization have increased our understanding of the nature of species boundaries, the process of speciation, and the effects of hybridization on the evolution of populations and species. In the present study we use genetic and morphological data to determine the outcome and consequences of secondary contact and hybridization between the butterfly species Lycaeides idas and L. melissa in the Rocky Mountains. Admixture proportions estimated from structure and geographical cline analysis indicate L. idas and L. melissa have hybridized extensively in the Rocky Mountains and that reproductive isolation was insufficient to prevent introgression for much of the genome. Geographical patterns of admixture suggest that hybridization between L. idas and L. melissa has led to the formation of a hybrid zone. The hybrid zone is relatively wide, given estimates of dispersal for Lycaeides butterflies, and does not show strong evidence of cline concordance among characters. We believe the structure of the Lycaeides hybrid zone might be best explained by the patchy distribution of Lycaeides, local extinction and colonization of habitat patches, environmental variation and weak overall selection against hybrids. We found no evidence that hybridization in the Rocky Mountains has resulted in the formation of independent hybrid species, in contrast to the outcome of hybridization between L. idas and L. melissa in the Sierra Nevada. Finally, our results suggest that differences in male morphology between L. idas and L. melissa might contribute to isolation, or perhaps even that selection has favoured the spread of L. melissa male genitalia alleles.     

When and where to move: Dynamic occupancy models explain the range dynamics of a food nomadic bird under climate and land cover change

Globally, long‐term research is critical to monitor the responses of tropical species to climate and land cover change at the range scale. Citizen science surveys can reveal the long‐term persistence of poorly known nomadic tropical birds occupying fragmented forest patches. We applied dynamic occupancy models to 13 years (2002–2014) of citizen science‐driven presence/absence data on Cape parrot (Poicephalus robustus), a food nomadic bird endemic to South Africa. We modeled its underlying range dynamics as a function of resource distribution, and change in climate and land cover through the estimation of colonization and extinction patterns. The range occupancy of Cape parrot changed little over time (ψ = 0.75–0.83) because extinction was balanced by recolonization. Yet, there was considerable regional variability in occupancy and detection probability increased over the years. Colonizations increased with warmer temperature and area of orchards, thus explaining their range shifts southeastwards in recent years. Although colonizations were higher in the presence of nests and yellowwood trees (Afrocarpus and Podocarpus spp.), the extinctions in small forest patches (≤227 ha) and during low precipitation (≤41 mm) are attributed to resource constraints and unsuitable climatic conditions. Loss of indigenous forest cover and artificial lake/water bodies increased extinction probabilities of Cape parrot. The land use matrix (fruit farms, gardens, and cultivations) surrounding forest patches provides alternative food sources, thereby facilitating spatiotemporal colonization and extinction in the human‐modified matrix. Our models show that Cape parrots are vulnerable to extreme climatic conditions such as drought which is predicted to increase under climate change. Therefore, management of optimum sized high‐quality forest patches is essential for long‐term survival of Cape parrot populations. Our novel application of dynamic occupancy models to long‐term citizen science monitoring data unfolds the complex relationships between the environmental dynamics and range fluctuations of this food nomadic species.     

Molecular evidence for hybrid origin of Aster chusanensis,an endemic species of Ulleungdo,Korea

Ulleungdo is a small volcanic island and harbors many endemic plant species. Aster chusanensis Lim et al., a recently discovered endemic species on the island was proposed to be derived from hybridization between A. pseudoglehnii Lim et al. and A. oharai Nakai. To test hybrid origin of A. chusanensis, we sequenced the nrITS and three non-coding regions of a plastid genome (trnL-F, rbcL-accD, and psbA-trnH) from eight accessions of A. chusanensis and 37 accessions of its putative parents. Extensive investigation of the genome of A. chusanensis using 160 nrITS PCR amplicon sequences confirmed co-occurrence of nrITS sequences of the parental species within all accessions sampled. The retention of intact parental nrITS types in the genomes of A. chusanensis suggests that hybrid speciation has occurred recently on the island. The plastid DNA sequence data indicate that all of the hybrid individuals inherit the plastid from A. pseudoglehnii, except for one, which has the plastid of A. oharai, implying bidirectional but highly biased hybridization events during the evolution of A. chusanensis. Results of this study suggest that hybridization is an important process in the diversification of indigenous plants on Ulleungdo.     

Host-plant patch qualities and presence of a likely competitor species affect the distribution and abundance of a rare British moth, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cucullia lychnitis</Emphasis>

Understanding the environmental factors that affect the distribution and abundance of rare and threatened species can help identify priority sites for conservation action such as habitat management. The moth Cucullia lychnitis is identified in UK legislation as a priority species for conservation. Its conspicuous larvae feed on a patchily distributed host plant Verbascum nigrum, but are entirely absent from some host plant patches within the species’ range. Environmental variability among patches was investigated to understand factors affecting (i) patch occupancy by C. lychnitis and (ii) abundance of C. lychnitis, where present. Occupancy of individual V. nigrum plants within occupied patches was also investigated. The likelihood of patch occupancy increased with patch size, and decreased with patch isolation. Abundance of C. lychnitis was negatively correlated with patch isolation and with abundance of the weevil Cionus nigritarsis, which exploits the same host plant and may be a competitor. Within occupied patches, larvae of C. lychnitis were significantly more likely to be found on taller plants with more flower spikes; such plants are typical of established rather than newly-created patches. These results may help to guide efforts to conserve C. lychnitis, highlighting the importance of habitat connectivity and indicating potential management actions to promote features positively associated with larval incidence and abundance.     

Is the Setal Patch on the Chelae of Hemigrapsus takanoi and Hemigrapsus sinensis (Crustacea,Brachyura, Varunidae) Advantageous in Fighting and Mating?

Many animals have unique morphological characters that function in social behavior. Sexual selection can affect the expression of such traits in males and females, leading to sexual dimorphism. We investigated the social function of setal patches on the chelae of two species of varunid crabs, one in which males, but not females, have setal patches (Hemigrapsus takanoi), and one in which both sexes have setal patches (Hemigrapsus sinensis). We experimentally removed setal patches and compared fighting and mating behavior of individuals with and without setal patches. In H. sinensis, males with setal patches removed were inferior fighters compared to intact males. In male H. takanoi and female H. sinensis, setal removal did not influence the outcome of fights. In mating, males lacking setal patches had a similar ability to copulate with females as intact males in both species. However, male H. takanoi with their setae removed tended to take more time to initiate copulation than did intact males. When females were given the opportunity to choose intact males or males without setal patches, females of H. takanoi did not discriminate between the two. Female H. sinensis, however, copulated with intact males more frequently compared to males lacking setal patches. Male H. sinensis showed no preferences for the presence of setal patches or the body size of females. Thus, our results indicate that setal patches have a social function in male H. takanoi and male H. sinensis, but not in female H. sinensis, suggesting that the setal patches of male crabs are a sexually selected trait in both species. However, the social function of male setal patches was more prominent in the species in which both sexes possess setal patches than in the species in which only males bear setal patches.     

What determines the distribution of a flightless bush-cricket (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Metrioptera brachyptera</Emphasis>) in a fragmented landscape?

Based on metapopulation theory, isolation, patch size and habitat quality within patches have recently been identified as the most critical parameters determining the persistence of species. In the special case of flightless and sedentary Orthoptera species, taking into account the low dispersal ability, species survival probably depends more on habitat quality than on isolation. The aim of this study was to document how landscape (patch size, isolation and climate) and microhabitat (vegetation structure, microclimate and land use) factors influence patch occupancy and population densities, respectively, of a flightless bush-cricket (Metrioptera brachyptera) in fragmented calcareous grasslands. In summer 2005 patch occupancy of M. brachyptera was assessed in 68 calcareous grassland patches of the Diemel Valley (central Germany). Among these, 26 patches with 80 plots were selected to characterise M. brachyptera habitats in detail. On each plot, bush-cricket density was sampled in an area of 20 m² using a 0.5 m² box quadrat. At the landscape level (patches) in 46 (68%) of 68 studied calcareous grassland patches M. brachyptera was present. Patch occupancy increased with annual precipitation and patch size but was independent of altitude, annual temperature and isolation. At the microhabitat level (plots), population density of M. brachyptera decreased with land-use intensity and increased with vegetation height. In addition, a high litter accumulation was adverse for M. brachyptera. Given the low explanatory power of isolation for patch occupancy, conservation of flightless and sedentary insects, such as M. brachyptera, should primarily focus on improving habitat quality. For M. brachyptera and other stenotopic calcareous grassland species we therefore recommend traditional rough grazing with sheep, which creates a heterogenous habitat structure and avoids the accumulation of too much litter.     

Determinants of smooth-coated otter occupancy in a rapidly urbanizing coastal landscape in Southeast Asia

Urbanization often has negative impacts on wildlife, nevertheless many species can persist in heavily modified habitats. Understanding factors that promote species persistence in urbanizing landscapes is therefore important for maintaining biodiversity in changing landscapes and may inform more biodiversity-friendly development. We investigated effects of landscape-scale variables on habitat occupancy of Smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) in the Inner Gulf of Thailand. In this internationally important wetland complex, 86% of natural habitats have been altered and are now highly urbanized. We conducted track and sign surveys in 60, 25 km² grid cells encompassing 1,474 km². Within each cell, we quantified the landscape cover types including urban areas, natural habitat (predominately thin ribbons of mangrove along waterways), agriculture, aquaculture, and potential prey availability using a GIS and field surveys. We used occupancy models to identify habitat variables that affected probability of detection and occupancy. Estimated otter occupancy, based on the top model, was 0.33 ± 0.07 (95% CI 0.18–0.48) and detection probability was 0.50 ± 0.05 (95% CI 0.41–0.60). Otter occupancy was positively associated with the proportion of natural habitat and the cover of traditional aquaculture ponds, but negatively associated with agriculture and urban cover. The remaining natural patches appear to act as critical refuges for otter, allowing them to persist in an otherwise heavily transformed landscape. Because aquaculture ponds are likely important prey sources for otters, it may lead to conflict with aquaculture farmers. Further studies of feeding and movement patterns in cooperation with aquaculture farmers would be beneficial for developing detailed management plans for the species in this human dominated landscape.     

Development of a multiplex PCR assay to discriminate native Hymenoscyphus albidus and introduced Hymenoscyphus fraxineus in Britain and assess their distribution

Two Hymenoscyphus species are associated with ash (Fraxinus) in Europe; the recently arrived ash dieback pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus and apparently native Hymenoscyphus albidus. However, in parts of Europe invasive H. fraxineus appears to be replacing H. albidus which may, therefore, face extinction. We designed primers based on calmodulin sequences for use in singleplex and multiplex PCR assays to detect and discriminate between these two morphologically very similar species. The multiplex assay was tested against 50 isolates and 26 apothecial field samples of H. albidus/H. fraxineus from Europe and Asia, plus isolates of Hymenoscyphus fructigenus, Hymenoscyphus koreanus and Hymenoscyphus occultus. Use of the assay confirmed both H. albidus and H. fraxineus were present across southern Britain between 2014 and 2015, with H. albidus detected at eight geographically distinct sites. The sensitivity, specificity and potential applications of the multiplex assay are discussed.     

Prey preference of Orius minutus and its functional response in comparison that of O. laevigatus,on Tetranychus urticae

Orius species (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) are generalist predators of small insects, including thrips, mites, aphids, and scales. Here, we evaluated the prey preference of Orius minutus (L.) on five prey species by comparing it with Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) as a standard prey. Among five prey species tested, Frankliniella intonsa (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and Hyalopterus pruni (Geoffroy) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were preyed on more than T. urticae by O. minutus in a four hour choice test. In a four hour no-choice test, F. intonsa was the most frequently consumed prey, followed by H. pruni, T. urticae, Amphitetranychus viennensis (Zacher) (Acari: Tetranychidae), Eriococcus sp. (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), and Stephanitis pyrioides Scott (Hemiptera: Tingidae). The functional response of O. minutus in response to various densities of adult T. urticae on kidney bean leaf was compared with that of the commercialized species Orius laevigatus (Fieber). Different numbers of adult T. urticae (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 120) were offered to females of both predators for 24 h in a controlled environment of 25.0 ± 0.5 °C, 71.2 ± 5.0% RH, and a 16: 8 h (L: D) photoperiod. Both O. minutus and O. laevigatus exhibited a Type III response according to a logistic regression model. Despite the similar attack rate or handling time found between the two species, predation rate was higher on O. minutus than on O. laevigatus. These results indicate that O. minutus could also play an important role in the biological control of T. urticae as well as F. intonsa and H. pruni.     

Chloroplast evidence for the multiple origins of the hybrid Potamogeton × fluitans

Previous studies of Potamogeton × fluitans Roth. have supported the putative origin of this taxon as a result of hybridization between Potamogeton lucens L. and Potamogeton natans L. In the British Isles P. × fluitans is restricted to only a few sites, while both its parents are relatively common. Previous studies have shown that most of these hybrid populations are monomorphic, with the exception of the Moors River, in Hampshire and Dorset, where multiple genotypes have been identified. This is despite the fact that here the hybrid grows in the absence of one its parents, P. lucens. In this study, species-specific differences in the TrnL (UAA) chloroplast region, a maternally inherited marker, were used to identify the original seed-bearing parent of the hybrids within this river system. It was shown that both species have been maternal parents in the creation of this hybrid population.