中国翼手类新记录——小蹄蝠

2006年9月7日在广西宁明县明江镇峙东村防空洞捕捉到21只蝙蝠（其中做成2号泡制标本）,体型小,前臂长32.4—36.0 mm,体重3.7—4.5 g。马蹄叶相对较简单,前叶前端无缺刻,无附小叶,中叶几乎均等横向排列4个圆形突起腺体,后叶被3个纵隔几近均等地分为4个室;鼻尖隔膜略微膨胀形成肾形肉垂。耳相对较大,往前折略微超出吻端。经鉴定为中国新记录——小蹄蝠（Hipposideros cineraceus）。标本保存在广东省昆虫研究所。     

Dietary Benefits of Twilight Foraging by the Insectivorous Bat Hipposideros speoris1

Although bats are nocturnal, many species emerge from roosts to forage during twilight, despite a presumed high risk of predation at this time. Here, we describe twilight foraging by a maternity colony of Schneider's leafnosed bat (Hipposideros speoris) in the dry zone of Sri Lanka and determine the dietary benefits of such behavior. Bats usually began foraging during dusk, sometimes before sunset, and also foraged during twilight in the morning. Mean use of available twilight by four radio‐tagged bats was 75 percent. Twilight foraging made up, on average, 47 percent of the total foraging time of these bats (range = 25–96%), although twilight consisted of only 12 percent of the available time between sunset and sunrise the next morning. Eight species of potential predators (7 birds and 1 mammal) were observed within a 1 km radius of the colony, of which 5 species are predicted to regularly capture bats. Bats took a wide diversity of prey (11 insect orders, including at least 27 families, and spiders) that ranged in wing length from 2.0 to 54.0 mm. Major orders in the diet were Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Diptera. Prey of secondary importance included Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, and Neuroptera. Bats captured large numbers of insects that were only available or had marked peaks in abundance during twilight. These groups included small, swarming insects (especially flies) that have peaks in flight activity at dusk and dawn, large diurnal species (especially dragonflies) that have crepuscular activity, and winged termites that emerge in swarms at dusk. Access to these insects was a clear benefit of twilight foraging.     

大蹄蝠全基因组微卫星分布特征分析

脊椎动物基因组含有丰富的微卫星信息。本研究对翼手目动物中的大蹄蝠全基因组及其基因的微卫星分布特征进行分析,并对含有微卫星编码序列的基因进行注释分析。结果表明,大蹄蝠全基因组大小为2.24 Gb,共含有497 883个微卫星,其中,数量和比例最多的是单碱基和二碱基重复类型,分别有173 953个(34.94%)和222 591个(44.71%),相对丰度分别为77.78 loci/Mb和99.52 loci/Mb。微卫星数量从单碱基重复到六碱基重复单元最多的类型分别为(A)n、(AC)n、(TAT)n、(TTTA)n、(AACAA)n和(TATCTA)n,比例分别为95.14%、55.25%、38.41%、22.17%、48.68%和20.30%。不同基因区和基因间区的数量及丰度不同,其中基因间区的微卫星数量及其丰度最大,分别为322 666个和2 541.57 loci/Mb,编码区的微卫星数量及其丰度最小,分别为1 461个和461.98 loci/Mb。基因间区和全基因组的微卫星的分布特征相似。编码区最多的微卫星类型为三碱基重复单元,外显子最多的微卫星类型为单碱基、二碱基和三碱基重...     

Sperm morphology in the Malagasy rodents (Muroidea: Nesomyinae)

The morphology of the spermatozoon of representative species of the subfamily Nesomyinae (Muroidea: Nesomyidae), a monophyletic group of rodents endemic to Madagascar, was examined by light and electron microscopy to determine the sperm head shape and tail length across the species. Marked interspecific differences were found to occur in both the form of the sperm head and length of the tail. The species that possess a sperm head with an apical hook, which largely contains acrosomal material, generally displayed longer sperm tails, and a species with a spatulate sperm head had the shortest tail. The association between sperm head shape and tail length mirrors that previously found in Eurasian and Australasian murine rodents. Thus, the repeated association between sperm head shape and tail length across these groups of muroid rodents clearly indicates a functional relationship between these two features. A comparison of sperm morphology of the nesomyines to that of related muroid rodents on the mainland of Africa suggests that the possession of an apical hook is the ancestral condition. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

The karyotype of Brachyteles arachnoides (E. Geoffroy, 1806) (Primates: Platyrrhini)

The karyotype of one female Brachyteles arachinoides (E. Geoffroy, 1806) was studied. The specimen exhibited 62 chromosomes, which could be arranged in three clearly distinguishable groups: the first one including 5 pairs of subtelocentric chromosomes, the second one including 8 pairs of metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes and the third one including 18 pairs of acrocentric chromosomes. The X chromosome pair could not be identified.This study was supported by grants from CNPq (SIP 04/011), Brazil.     

Habitat,diet, and activity patterns of free-ranging woolly spider monkeys (Brachyteles arachnoides E. Geoffroy 1806)

Results of a 10-month study of the ecology and behavior of free- ranging woolly spider monkeys (Brachyteles arachnoides)in Brazil show that these animals are strongly folivorous. Leaf-eating accounted for more than 50% of the total feeding time in all samples but one and accounted for more than 80% of the total feeding time in three samples. Mature foliage was routinely eaten. Woolly spider monkeys consistently spend more than 50% of each day quietly resting and sleeping. Animals travel little except when actively feeding and show low levels of social interaction. Such an activity profile suggests that woolly spider monkeys may often be living near the limits of their energetic resources. The social organization of the species is unusual for a folivorous primate in that small groups of females and associated immature animals confine their activities to discrete home-range areas, whereas males are itinerant, traveling over the home ranges of various female groups. Animals sharing a common home-range area show no permanent daily pattern of association other than that of mother-dependent offspring. Foraging alone or with few conspecifics should maximize each individual’s returns from foraging by minimizing the day range that must be traveled each day to locate foods while simultaneously lowering interference competition for higher-quality dietary resources.     

Cytogenetic study of the Endemic Malagasy lemur: Hapalemur,I. Geoffroy, 1851

The genus Hapalemur Gray, 1870 is comprised of two species: H. simus Gray, 1870 and H. griseus Link, 1795. Hapalemur griseus contains, according to Osman Hill (1953), two species: H. g. griseus (Link, 1795) and H. g. olivaceus (I. Geoffroy, 1851). Recent ecological investigation by Petter & Peyrieras (1970) has helped the discovery of a third subspecies of H. griseus in the region of Lake Alaotra. Whilst making the cytogenetic study of the genus Hapalemur, we have completed the chromosomal evolution's schema, originated by Chu & Swomley (1961).     

Hawk-moth scale analysis and pollination specialization in the epilithic Malagasy endemic Aerangis ellisii (Reichenb. fil.) Schltr. (Orchidaceae)

The pollination biology of the epilithic endemic Aerangis ellisii (Reichenb. fil.) Schltr. (Orchidaceae) was studied on an inselberg in the Antananarivo region, central Madagascar. The flowers exhibit long nectariferous spurs indicative of hawk-moth pollination, the mechanism evidently involving pollinia transfer via the frons and palpi of the vectors. Analysis of hawk-moth scales on naturally pollinated stigmas showed that the principal pollinators were Agrius conuolvuli (Linnaeus) and Panogena lingens (Butler). Proboscis morphology of long-tongued Malagasy Sphingidae in relation to nectar position and spur morphology in A. ellisii also indicated that A. conuolvuli and P. lingens were best suited to interact with the plant's floral adaptation. Aerangis ellisii seems to display a relatively moderate specialization versus the Malagasy hawk-moth guild since its nectar is accessible even to those long-proboscis hawk-moth species which are not able to act as pollinators.     

Rudnicula goffi n. sp. (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) from the diadem leaf-nosed bat Hipposideros diadema (Geoffroy) (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae) on Bali,Indonesia

Systematic Parasitology - A new species of chigger mite, Rudnicula goffi n. sp., is described from the diadem leaf-nosed bat Hipposideros diadema (Geoffroy) (Hipposideridae) caught in the Goa...     

Characterization of seven microsatellite marker loci in a genus of Malagasy lemurs (Propithecus)

The sifakas (genus Propithecus) are large, diurnal, lemurs endemic to the island of Madagascar. Throughout the island, lemur species are particularly vulnerable to extinction due to relatively small geographical ranges (Martin 2000). Thus, understanding the taxonomy of these highly endangered primates is essential for taking appropriate conservation action. For this study we collected tissue samples from 68 wild sifakas representing various Propithecus species. Genomic DNA was isolated and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was carried out. We describe seven microsatellites found to be polymorphic and useful for analysis of the population genetics of sifakas.     

Revision of the Malagasy genus Trichoteleia Kieffer (Hymenoptera, Platygastroidea, Platygastridae)

The species of the genus Trichoteleia Kieffer (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) are revised: 42 species are recognized, of which two were previously named and are redescribed: Trichoteleia afo Talamas, sp. n., Trichoteleia albidipes Kieffer, Trichoteleia bicolor Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia bidentata Talamas sp. n.; Trichoteleia carinata Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia cincta Talamas & Masner, sp. n.; Trichoteleia delilah Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia eburata Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia echinata Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia fisheri Talamas & Masner, sp. n.; Trichoteleia funesta Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia halterata Talamas & Masner, sp. n.; Trichoteleia hemlyae Talamas & Masner, sp. n.; Trichoteleia irwini Talamas & Masner, sp. n.; Trichoteleia janus Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia jiro Talamas, sp. n.; T. ketrona Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia levii Talamas & Johnson, sp. n.; Trichoteleia longiventris Talamas & Masner, sp. n.; Trichoteleia minima Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia nify Talamas & Masner, sp. n.; Trichoteleia oculea Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia orona Talamas & Masner, sp. n.; Trichoteleia parvipennis Talamas & Masner, sp. n.; Trichoteleia pauliani (Risbec); Trichoteleia picturata Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia prima Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia prolixa Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia quazii Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia ravaka Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia rugifrons Talamas & Masner, sp. n.; Trichoteleia solocis Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia sphaerica Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia subtilis Talamas & Masner, sp. n.; Trichoteleia tahotra Talamas & Masner, sp. n.; Trichoteleia takariva Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia tezitra Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia tigris Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia tonsa Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia warreni Talamas & Masner, sp. n.; Trichoteleia xantrox Talamas, sp. n.; Trichoteleia zuparkoi Talamas & Masner, sp. n. A neotype is designated for Trichoteleia albidipes and a lectotype is designated for Trichoteleia pauliani.     

The food and feeding habits of blackspot snapper, Lutjanus fulviflamma (Pisces: Lutjanidae) in shallow waters of Mafia Island, Tanzania

Natural diet and feeding habits of blackspot snapper, Lutjanus fulviflamma (Forsskål 1775) were investigated in Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP) and intensively fished areas (IFA) between May 1999 and April 2001. An index of relative importance (IRI) was used to assess the food preference for L. fulviflamma. Feeding habits were studied with respect to sex and size of the predator, seasons and feeding periodicity. Of 4642 L. fulviflamma specimens sampled, 46% had empty stomachs. Brachyurans were the main prey of L. fulviflamma accounting for 48% IRI. Benthic invertebrates dominated by other crustaceans, gastropods, bivalves, cephalopods and polychaetes and demersal teleosts made up the remainder of the diet. Female and male L. fulviflamma were not effectively segregated by trophic dimension in the study areas. Specimens in the 90–120 mm total length (TL) fed exclusively on crustaceans, with shrimps accounting for 40% IRI. Lutjanus fulviflamma in the 270–300 mm TL preferred fish prey accounting for 50% IRI. The diet of fish species showed clear spatial differences, which were dependent on size distributions. Lutjanus fulviflamma fed mostly but not exclusively at night peaking at dusk and dawn. The results clearly demonstrate that L. fulviflamma is an opportunistic forager, which exhibits both diel and ontogenetic feeding habits.     

Diet and seed dispersal potential of the white-lined bat,Platyrrhinus lineatus (E. Geoffroy, 1810), at a site in northeastern Brazil

This study provides insights into the dispersal potential of Platyrrhinus lineatus and its role in habitat regeneration. The study site was an urbanized area in northeastern Brazil. Fecal samples were collected at the roost of a colony during 13 months. Seven species were present in the samples, three of which were exotic. Cecropia glaziovii, Solanum stipulaceum and Coccothrinax barbadensis predominated in the diet of the colony. The large numbers of seeds of pioneer species, and the exotic species present in the diet of the colony emphasize the role of P. lineatus in the regeneration of habitats, and its ecological flexibility.     

Conservation biology of Malagasy strepsirhines: a phylogenetic approach

The phylogenetic diversity of extant lemurs represents one of the most important but least studied aspects of the conservation biology of primates. The phylogenetic diversity of a species is inversely proportional to the relative number and closeness of its phylogenetic relatives. Phylogenetic diversity can then be used to determine conservation priorities for specific biogeographic regions. Although Malagasy strepsirhines represent the highest phylogenetic diversity among primates at the global level, there are few phylogenetic data on species-specific and regional conservation plans for lemurs in Madagascar. Therefore, in this paper the following questions are addressed for extant lemurs: 1) how does the measure of taxonomic uniqueness used by Mittermeier et al. (1992 Lemurs of Madagascar; Gland, Switzerland: IUCN) equate with an index of phylogenetic diversity, 2) what are the regional conservation priorities based on analyses of phylogenetic diversity in extant lemurs, and 3) what conservation recommendations can be made based on analyses of phylogenetic diversity in lemurs? Taxonomic endemicity standardized weight (TESW) indices of phylogenetic diversity were used to determine the evolutionary component of biodiversity and to prioritize regions for conserving lemur taxa. TESW refers to the standardization of phylogenetic diversity indices for widespread taxa and endemicity of species. The phylogenetic data came from recent genetic studies of Malagasy strepsirhines at the species level. Lemur species were assigned as being either present or absent in six biogeographic regions. TESW indices were combined with data on lemur complementarity and protected areas to assign conservation priorities at the regional level. Although there were no overall differences between taxonomic ranks and phylogenetic rankings, there were significant differences for the top-ranked taxa. The phylogenetic component of lemur diversity is greatest for Daubentonia madagascariensis, Allocebus trichotis, Lepilemur septentrionalis, Indri indri, and Mirza coquereli. Regional conservation priorities are highest for lemurs that range into northeast humid forests and western dry forests. Expansion of existing protected areas in these regions may provide the most rapid method for preserving lemurs. In the long term, new protected areas must be created because there are lemur species that: 1) are not found in existing protected areas, 2) exist only in one or two protected areas, and 3) are still being discovered outside the current network of protected areas. Data on the population dynamics and feeding ecology of phylogenetically important species are needed to ensure that protected areas adequately conserve lemur populations in Madagascar.     

Roosting and Foraging Behavior of Two Neotropical Gleaning Bats,Tonatia silvicola and Trachops cirrhosus (Phyllostomidae)1

We studied roosting and foraging behavior of two Neotropical gleaning bats, ?Orbigny's round-eared bat, Tonatia silvicola, and the fringe-lipped bat, Trachops cirrhosus (Phyllostomidae). Techniques included radio-tracking in a tropical lowland forest in Panama and analysis of data from long-term studies in Panama and Venezuela. Day roosts of T. silvicola were in arboreal termite nests. T. cirrhosus roosted in a hollow tree. T. silvicola emerged late (ca 60 min after sunset), and foraged close to the roosts (maximum distance 200–500 m). T. cirrhosus emerged early (ca 30 min after local sunset), and foraged farther from its roost (>1.5 km). Both bats used small foraging areas (3–12 ha) in tall, open forest. They foraged in continuous flight (maximum 27–36 min) or in short sally flights (<1 minute) from perches (“hang-and-wait” strategy). The small foraging areas of these bats and their sedentary foraging mode most likely make them vulnerable to habitat fragmentation.