Use of Ephemeroptera as bioindicators of the occurrence of white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes)

Currently, the distribution of the European native white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) is restricted, fragmented and mainly located in headwater streams. Many European countries have active programmes for its conservation and some also have reintroduction programmes. Here, we used the ephemeropteran communities as a bioindicator of A. pallipes presence. Results from 36 brooks showed that the ephemeropteran richness is statistically higher in sites with crayfish compared to sites without crayfish. We propose using two Leptophlebiidae species (Habrophlebia lauta and Paraleptophlebia submarginata) as bioindicators of crayfish presence.     

Biodiversity of Klebsormidium (Streptophyta) from alpine biological soil crusts (Alps,Tyrol, Austria,and Italy)

Forty Klebsormidium strains isolated from soil crusts of mountain regions (Alps, 600–3,000 m elevation) were analyzed. The molecular phylogeny (internal transcribed spacer rDNA sequences) showed that these strains belong to clades B/C, D, E, and F. Seven main (K. flaccidum, K. elegans, K. crenulatum, K. dissectum, K. nitens, K. subtile, and K. fluitans) and four transitional morphotypes (K. cf. flaccidum, K. cf. nitens, K. cf. subtile, and K. cf. fluitans) were identified. Most strains belong to clade E, which includes isolates that prefer humid conditions. One representative of the xerophytic lineage (clade F) as well as few isolates characteristic of temperate conditions (clades B/C, D) were found. Most strains of clade E were isolated from low/middle elevations (<1,800 m above sea level; a.s.l.) in the pine‐forest zone. Strains of clades B/C, D, and F occurred sporadically at higher elevations (1,548–2,843 m a.s.l.), mostly under xerophytic conditions of alpine meadows. Comparison of the alpine Klebsormidium assemblage with data from other biogeographic regions indicated similarity with soil crusts/biofilms from terrestrial habitats in mixed forest in Western Europe, North America, and Asia, as well as walls of buildings in Western European cities. The alpine assemblage differed substantially from crusts from granite outcrops and sand dunes in Eastern Europe (Ukraine), and fundamentally from soil crusts in South African drylands. Epitypification of the known species K. flaccidum, K. crenulatum, K. subtile, K. nitens, K. dissectum, K. fluitans, K. mucosum, and K. elegans is proposed to establish taxonomic names and type material as an aid for practical studies on these algae, as well as for unambiguous identification of alpine strains. New combination Klebsormidium subtile (Kützing) Mikhailyuk, Glaser, Holzinger et Karsten comb. nov. is made.     

Chloroplast DNA Transgresses Species Boundaries and Evolves at Variable Rates in the California Closed-Cone Pines (Pinus radiata, P. muricata, and P. attenuata)

We studied phylogenetic relationships among populations and species in the California closed-cone pines (Pinus radiata D. Don, P. attenuata Lemm., and P. muricata D. Don) via chloroplast DNA restriction site analysis. Data on genetic polymorphism within and among 19 populations in the three species were collected using9 to 20 restriction enzymes and 38 to 384 trees. Because only five clades and extremely low intraclade diversity were found, additional phylogenetic data were collected using a single representative per clade and two outgroup species, P. oocarpa Schiede and P. jeffreyi Loud. In total, 25 restriction enzymes were employed and approximately 2.7 kb surveyed (2.3% of genome). The five clades recognized were Monterey pine, knob-cone pine, and the southern, intermediate, and northern races of bishop pine. On the basis of bootstrapping, both Wagner and Dollo parsimony analyses strongly separated the northern and intermediate races of bishop pine from the southern race; knobcone pine from Monterey and bishop pines; and the closed-cone pines from the two outgroups. Approximate divergence times were estimated for the lineages leading to knob-cone pine and to the intermediate and northern populations of bishop pine. The position of Monterey pine relative to bishop pine within their monophyletic clade was unresolved. Surprisingly, Montery pine and the southern race of bishop pine were much more similar to one another than was the southern race of bishop pine to its conspecific intermediate and northern races. Both the Monterey and southern bishop pine lineages also evolved severalfold more slowly than did the knobcone pine and intermediate-northern bishop pine lineages. These results differ significantly from a recent allozyme study, corroborating previous observations that chloroplast genome phylogeny can depart substantially from that of nuclear genes.     

Distribution of ectomycorrhizal and pathogenic fungi in soil along a vegetational change from Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii) to black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

The nitrogen-fixing tree black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) seems to affect ectomycorrhizal (ECM) colonization and disease severity of Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii Parl.) seedlings. We examined the effect of black locust on the distribution of ECM and pathogenic fungi in soil. DNA was extracted from soil at depths of 0–5 and 5–10 cm, collected from the border between a Japanese black pine- and a black locust-dominated forest, and the distribution of these fungi was investigated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. The effect of soil nutrition and pH on fungal distribution was also examined. Tomentella sp. 1 and Tomentella sp. 2 were not detected from some subplots in the Japanese black pine-dominated forest. Ectomycorrhizas formed by Tomentella spp. were dominant in black locust-dominated subplots and very little in the Japanese black pine-dominated forest. Therefore, the distribution may be influenced by the distribution of inoculum potential, although we could not detect significant relationships between the distribution of Tomentella spp. on pine seedlings and in soils. The other ECM fungi were detected in soils in subplots where the ECM fungi was not detected on pine seedlings, and there was no significant correlation between the distribution of the ECM fungi on pine seedlings and in soils. Therefore, inoculum potential seemed to not always influence the ECM community on roots. The distribution of Lactarius quieticolor and Tomentella sp. 2 in soil at a depth of 0–5 cm positively correlated with soil phosphate (soil P) and that of Tomentella sp. 2 also positively correlated with soil nitrogen (soil N). These results suggest the possibility that the distribution of inoculum potential of the ECM fungi was affected by soil N and soil P. Although the mortality of the pine seedlings was higher in the black locust-dominated area than in the Japanese black pine-dominated area, a pathogenic fungus of pine seedlings, Cylindrocladium pacificum, was detected in soil at depths of 0–5 and 5–10 cm from both these areas. This indicates that the disease severity of pine seedlings in this study was influenced by environmental conditions rather than the distribution of inoculum potential.     

Biology and host range testing of Triarthria setipennis and Ocytata pallipes (Diptera: Tachinidae) for the control of the European earwig (Forficula auricularia)

The European earwig (Forficula auricularia) is an invasive species in the Falkland Islands, causing considerable problems for local horticulture, as well threatening indigenous ecosystems. To assess the potential of a classical biological control introduction two parasitoid fly species, Triarthria setipennis and Ocytata pallipes (Diptera: Tachinidae), were collected from sites in southern and northern England and then tested for their suitability as earwig biological controls at Egham, UK. Both species had previously been introduced into North America for earwig control however little is known of their long-term efficacy and host specificity. Host range tests including both target and non-target species were done. As there are no native Dermaptera on the Falkland Islands, tests were restricted to the field cricket Gryllus assimilis and the Dubia cockroach Blaptica dubia, as representatives of insect orders phylogenetically closely related to earwigs. A second cricket species (Gryllus bimaculatus) was included in an egg-depositing experiment for O. pallipes. Both tachinid species successfully parasitised and emerged from earwigs under laboratory conditions but no signs of parasitisation and development were observed in either the cricket or cockroach.     

核桃扁叶甲三亚种的分类地位订正 (鞘翅目：叶甲科，叶甲亚科)

通过对核桃扁叶甲3个亚种（指名亚种Gastrolina depressa depressa Baly,淡足亚种G. depressa pallipes Chen和黑胸亚种G. depressa thoracica Baly）的比较形态学研究,结合生物学和生物地理学方面的资料,对其分类地位进行了探讨。从形态上来说,三者的上唇、下唇、后翅和爪的形态区别较小,但是触角、上颚、下颚和受精囊则存在着较大的区别,而且通过超微形态的比较,淡足亚种、黑胸亚种和指名亚种均存在着较为明显的形态区别。动物地理学研究表明,指名亚种和黑胸亚种在我国北纬25°～30°之间有地域重叠,目前仅在部分地区可以通过海拔来区分。但是对于淡足亚种而言,它的分布区与其他两个亚种有着一定的地理隔离,其间并没有重叠区的存在。因此从地理分布上而言,三者也存在着不同。通过上述讨论,本文将核桃扁叶甲三亚种恢复或提升为种,即核桃扁叶甲G. depressa Baly,黑胸扁叶甲G. thoracica Baly和淡足扁叶甲Gastrolina pallipes Chen, stat. Nov.。     

SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION OF ELEUSINE CORACANA (GRAMINEAE)

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn. subsp. coracana) is cultivated in eastern and southern Africa and in southern Asia. The closest wild relative of finger millet is E. coracana subsp. africana (Kennedy-O'Byrne) Hilu & de Wet. Wild finger millet (subsp. africana) is native to Africa but was introduced as a weed to the warmer parts of Asia and America. Derivatives of hybrids between subsp. coracana and subsp. africana are companion weeds of the crop in Africa. Cultivated finger millets are divided into five races on the basis of inflorescence morphology. Race coracana is widely distributed across the range of finger millet cultivation. It is present in the archaeological record of early African agriculture that may date back 5,000 years. Racial evolution took place in Africa. Races vulgaris, elongata, plana, and compacta evolved from race coracana, and were introduced into India some 3,000 years ago. Little independent racial evolution took place in India.     

RACIAL EVOLUTION IN ELEUSINE CORACANA SSP. CORACANA (FINGER MILLET)

Eleusine coracana ssp. coracana (finger millet, eleusine) is widely distributed in Africa and India as a cereal. The crop is cultivated in diverse eco-geographical areas. Over this range of distribution, eleusine displays high variability in vegetative, floral and seed morphology. The intent of this study is to establish correlations between morphology and distribution, and to determine the intraspecific taxonomy of the crop. Three eco-geographical races were determined: (1) an African highland race which is cultivated in the East African highlands, (2) a lowland race which is grown in the lowlands of Africa and South India, and (3) an Indian race with its center of distribution in Northeast India. In addition to these basic races, an Indian highland type was identified. The African highland race is the most primitive from which the lowland race evolved. The latter race was subsequently introduced to southern India where a secondary center of diversity became established. The Indian race originated from the lowland race, while the North Indian highland type can be derived from either or both of the two basic races in India. This study indicated that natural selection played a major role in the evolution of the crop. Artificial selection, although significant, was restricted within the limits imposed on it by the ultimate adaptation of the races to their environments.     

Observations of spore morphology of some Pottiaceae Schimp. species (Bryophyta) in Turkey

The spores of Syntrichia ruralis (Hedw.) F. Weber and D. Mohr., S. princeps (De Not.) Mitt., S. subulata (Hedw.) F.Weber and D.Mohr var. subulata, S. subulata (Hedw.) F.Weber and D.Mohr var. angustata (Schimp.) J.J. Amann and S. subulata (Hedw.) F.Weber and D.Mohr var. graeffii Warnst. were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy for the first time. The apertural region consists of a leptoma in all spores. All taxa of the family are uniform in their spore morphology. The spores of the five taxa are of granuloid type. The spore wall of the Pottiaceae family includes sclerine (the distinction between exine and perine may be difficult to define) and intine. The taxonomy of the genus Syntrichia is discussed on the basis of its spore morphology.     

Niche modelling to guide conservation actions in France for the endangered crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes in relation to the invasive Pacifastacus leniusculus

1. The white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) is globally endangered due to the impacts of habitat modification and fragmentation, water pollution, climate change, and invasive species, particularly the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus). These pressures have caused the decline of A. pallipes populations in Europe, demonstrating the importance of predicting the species' potential distribution under current and future conditions. Focusing on the watercourses of mainland France, we aimed to identify suitable areas for A. pallipes to guide the conservation of current populations and future introduction actions or protection measures.
2. We applied ecological niche modelling to model the potential distribution of both A. pallipes and P. leniusculus and identified locations suitable for A. pallipes only. We also assessed the potential distribution of the species under two representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios: RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5, respectively describing low-warming and high-warming conditions.
3. We found that A. pallipes and P. leniusculus exploit equivalent niches in France. Despite this, under current conditions, about 5% of the study area simultaneously records a high suitability for A. pallipes and a low suitability for P. leniusculus and is therefore of significant conservation interest. This percentage remains relatively stable under RCP 2.6 for 2050 and 2100, but decreases to 2% under RCP 8.5 for 2100.
4. Ecological niche modelling can supply crucial guidance for conservation actions aimed at protecting endangered species at a national scale by identifying sites most suitable for protection and sites where climate change and invasive species constitute a threat.

     

Spring densities and calling activities of Rock Ptarmigan ( Lagopus muta helvetica ) in the Austrian Alps

According to the European Bird Directive (Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds), particular efforts must be made to preserve the Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta helvetica) and its habitats. Protection and management of this species require basic knowledge of the current status of each of its populations. Within the Austrian distribution range of Rock Ptarmigan, only two study sites from the inner parts of the Alps have been investigated and no data on the most eastern pre-alpine populations are available. In the present study, we conducted simultaneous counts of calling Rock Ptarmigan cocks and recorded calling activities. We calculated spring densities for alpine and pre-alpine study areas and compared them. Spring densities for different habitat types in one study area were observed and compared. Spring densities and calling activities differed between study sites, even within the most eastern border of distribution. Generally, spring densities seem to be higher in alpine habitats than in pre-alpine study sites. In one alpine study area, the highest spring densities were found for habitat patches with a heterogeneous mixture of rocky surface and dwarf pine.     

Geonemy,ecology, reproductive biology and morphology of the tardigrade <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hypsibius zetlandicus</Emphasis> (Eutardigrada: Hypsibiidae) with erection of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Borealibius</Emphasis> gen. n.

The morphology, biology and geographic distribution of Hypsibius zetlandicus (Murray 1907) are considered. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and/or light microscopy (LM) analyses have been carried out on H. zetlandicus and the type species of Hypsibius: Hypsibius dujardini (Doyère 1840), with particular emphasis on the buccal–pharyngeal apparatuses. Some unusual characteristics of this apparatus in H. zetlandicus lead us to the erection of the new genus Borealibius, to which H. zetlandicus (Borealibius zetlandicus comb. n.) is transferred. In the light of new discoveries of this species from polar, sub-polar and alpine regions, and based on the available bibliographic references, we hypothesize a boreo–alpine distribution for this species. The presence of traits that are unusual and rare (in other tardigrade species) have been observed whilst analyzing the reproductive biology and ecology of B. zetlandicus (i.e., the presence of hermaphroditism, parental care and the colonization of very different substrates).     

Archaeobotany of capers (Capparis) (Capparaceae)

The origins of capers, their use and cultivation are discussed. Capers seeds and charcoal are often recovered from archaeological sites of the Mediterranean and West Asia. These are referred to as C. Spinosa L. This is mostly a group of cultivars restricted to localities surrounding the Western Mediterranean and some places in the Eastern Mediterranean. Identification of the findings is discussed in terms of seed morphology, present distribution and ancient uses of C. aegyptia Lam., C. sicula Veill., C. cartilaginea Decne, C. orientalis Veill., C. decidua (Forssk.) Edgew. and other species. Citations of Capparis in early Rabbinic, Mesopotamian and Greco-Roman texts are presented. Received June 3, 2002 / Accepted October 8, 2002 Correspondence to: D. Rivera     

Habitat and sex specific differences in the dioecious weed Acetosella vulgaris (Polygonaceae)

Abstract Patterns of resource allocation, numbers of reproductive structures and sex ratios of flowering populations of the dioecious weed Acetosella vulgaris (Fourr.) were examined in the Kosciuszko alpine region of Australia. Specifically, the sex‐specific response of ramets was compared between a disturbed alpine habitat, in which weeds such as A. vulgaris are common (disturbed roadside/path‐edge), and a native alpine habitat in which weeds appear to have a limited capacity to germinate, grow and reproduce (undisturbed tall alpine herbfield). The disturbed habitat was generally more favourable for growth of A. vulgaris. Ramets of both sexes had greater total and vegetative biomass than ramets in native habitats. Although reproductive biomass was also greater in disturbed habitats, females had less reproductive biomass than males, which was not as predicted. Reproductive effort was not affected by habitat or gender. The disturbed habitat also favoured increased numbers of inflorescences per ramet and flowers per ramet, as expected. Whereas the gender of the ramet also influenced numbers of reproductive structures, again, this was not as predicted. Females had more flowers per ramet and more flowers per inflorescence than males. This may be because of factors associated with wind pollination. Females were taller in native habitats but there was no difference between the sexes in disturbed habitats. Sex ratios varied from all male populations to nearly all female populations among the 25 sites sampled irrespective of habitat. Factors such as time since last disturbance may have contributed to variation in the sex ratios of alpine populations of A. vulgaris in Australia.     

Interglacial refugia and range shifts of the alpine grasshopper <Emphasis Type="Italic">Stenobothrus cotticus</Emphasis> (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Gomphocerinae)

A warming climate leads to shifts in distribution ranges to higher latitudes and altitudes. Consequently, cold-adapted alpine species can be trapped in interglacial Holocene refugia on high mountain summits if they fail to expand their ranges to the north. One example is the alpine grasshopper Stenobothrus cotticus. This species was assumed to be endemic to the southwestern Alps (France, Italy). However, we have found a second refugium in the Rila Mountains in southwestern Bulgaria. Analyses of the mitochondrial gene co1 and of phenotypic characters from morphology and behaviour did not reveal differences between the two geographically separated populations of S. cotticus studied. We suppose that S. cotticus had a wider distribution during colder periods, when its range was expanded to lower altitudes. This hypothesis is supported by the current distribution of the closely related montane S. rubicundulus.     

Parasitism of the common earwigForficula auricularia [Dermaptera: Forficulidae] by tachinid flies in an apple orchard

Earwigs (Forficula auricularia L.) were collected from an untreated apple orchard every 2 weeks from June to October 1979. Percentage parasitism at the times of collection was calculated from the numbers of parasitoids that emerged. Two tachinidsRhacodineura pallipes Fallen andDigonochaeta spinipennis Meigen parasitised earwigs, starting between 21 June and 5 July and continuing through July. Parasitism byR. pallipes reached a peak of 16 % in late July; fewer earwigs were parasitised byD. spinipennis. Both tachinids had one generation per year;D. spinipennis overwintered as puparia, andR. pallipes as larvae in earwig hosts or as adults. In the orchard, puparia of both tachinid species were hyperparasitised byDibrachys cavus (Walker) (Pteromalidae) andPhygadeuon vexator (Thunberg) (Ichneumonidae).     

Life cycle characteristics of Machaeranthera gracilis (Compositae) in desert habitats

Summary Plant population dynamics and life cycle characteristics are presented for two genetically related, yet ecologically distinct, chromosomal races of Machaeranthera gracilis (Nutt.) Shinners. Seedling mortality was very high for a field population of the desert race (n=2) as only 8% of the maximum number of seedlings produced did survive to the period of peak reproduction. Lower mortality occurred in the foothills race (n=4) as 15% of the maximum number of seedlings produced did survive until the period of peak reproduction. The desert race also exhibited the capacity to assume the perennial growth habit. Perennial plants of the desert race produced 4.4 heads/plant (116 heads/m²) versus 0.2 heads/plant (4 heads/m²) for annual plants of the desert race under field conditions. Annual plants of the foothills race produced 2.7 heads/plant (75 heads/m²). The perennial habit did not occur in field populations of the foothills race. When grown in identical glasshouse conditions the desert race reached anthesis of the first four flower heads ca. 25 days prior to the foothills race. This acceleration to anthesis was accompanied by a greater potential reproductive allocation. The latter response was due in part to greater biomass allocation to reproductive structures at the expense of vegetative structures, and the uncoupling of net photosynthesis from phenological events.     

Food habits of genetically identified pine marten (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Martes martes</Emphasis>) expanding in agricultural lowlands (NW Italy)

We assessed the diet of pine marten (Martes martes) expanding in the heavily human-altered agricultural plain of the River Po, northern Italy. Between February 2008 and November 2009, surveys were carried out twice a week during seasonal sampling sessions of three to four consecutive weeks. To distinguish the faecal samples from those of sympatric carnivores, a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was applied. The availability of small mammals was assessed by the analysis of 59 barn owl (Tyto alba) pellets. A total of 109 pine marten faeces were analysed. Its diet consisted of fruit, rodents, lagomorphs and birds. Seasonal variation occurred for fruit, which prevailed in summer, and rodents, which were more preyed upon in autumn. In winter, the diet of the pine marten was almost totally based on vertebrates, and lagomorphs were the main source of protein in summer. Use of small mammals differed significantly from their availability, voles, particularly bank vole Myodes glareolus, being preferred to mice (Apodemus sp.) and rats (Rattus sp.). Medium-size mammals formed about 18% of pine marten diet, a value generally reported for high-latitude habitats. In agricultural areas, the pine marten proved to be an opportunistic predator, able to face the reduced availability of small mammals by preying upon medium-size prey and fruit.     

Distribution of native legumes (Leguminoseae) in frequently burned longleaf pine (Pinaceae)-wiregrass (Poaceae) ecosystems

Legume species distribution and abundance and selected environmental variables were quantified across a complex gradient (varying in both water-holding capacity and fertility) for frequently burned longleaf pine (Pinus palustris)–wiregrass (Aristida stricta) ecosystems. Legumes were present in all months; however, abundance peaked in June and was minimal after killing frosts in October. Legume species were prominent in the flora (43 species encountered) ubiquitous (94% of 2-m² subplots had at least one legume species), and abundant (nearly 120 000 stems/ha). Although most species were widely distributed throughout the gradient, Lespedeza angustifolia was distinctly associated with the more hydric end of the gradient, while both Petalostemon pinnatum and Galactia microphylla were located in the more xeric extreme. The percentage variation in species that could be accounted for by environmental variation was low (27%). Of the variation that could be accounted for, a number of environmental variables were important, including soil moisture, pine basal area (i.e., light), and bivalent base cations (e.g., Ca²⁺). Although gradients in resource availability among sites did not affect the distribution of species or abundance of legumes strongly, variation in resources are likely to regulate N₂-fixation rates of the various native legume species, and thereby affect ecological functions such as maintenance of N capital and productivity.     

Dwarf pine invasion in an alpine tundra of discontinuous permafrost area: effects on fine root and soil carbon dynamics

Key message

Recent invasion of Pinus pumila , a highly productive shrub-like tree species, into alpine tundra does not significantly modify the dynamics of fine root and soil carbon in the tundra.

Abstract

Climate warming may directly and indirectly affect the large carbon stock in discontinuous permafrost soil at high latitudes. In recent decades, Siberian dwarf pine [Pinus pumila (Pall.) Regel] has been invading dry heath alpine tundra in the northern Amur region of Far East Russia. Siberian dwarf pine is known to have high aboveground productivity, comparable to that of tall coniferous trees. We hypothesised that the invasion of Siberian dwarf pine into alpine tundra could increase soil carbon stocks via an increase in fine roots. Contrary to our expectations, the invasion of dwarf pine did not significantly increase the fine root biomass and productivity of the tundra, probably due to the belowground competitive exclusion between the dwarf pine and alpine tundra plants. Furthermore, the invasion of the dwarf pine did not affect soil carbon in the alpine tundra ecosystem. These results show that the recent invasion of Siberian dwarf pine into tundra did not influence the fine root dynamics or the soil carbon stock in the study site. Together, these results implied that (1) it takes a long time for pine invasion to change the belowground ecosystem properties of tundra vegetation to that of pine thickets and therefore (2) the lack of an increase in soil carbon from recent tree invasion should be taken into account when modelling future carbon dynamics in alpine tundra.