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.     

Processes of isolation and introgressive interplay between Platanthera bifolia (L.) Rich and P. chlorantha (Custer) Reichb. (Orchidaceae)

NILSSON, L. A., 1983. Processes of isolation and introgressive interplay between Platanthera bifolia L. Rich, and P. chlorantha (Custer; Reichb. (Orchidaceae). Platanthera bifolia and P. chlorantha are highly specialized for pollination by crepuscular and nocturnal Lepidoptera. The plants are largely sympatric, have overlapping flowering-times, and are completely interfertile. Principal differences exist in floral fragrance and column morphology. Isolation is effected by a set of integrated morphological, ethological, and seasonal mechanisms. Odour-based constancy by moths, differences in column structure, attachment of pollinaria, spurlength, nectar availability, and flowering-peaks reduce interspecific pollen transfer. The plants form a functional species pair in relation to their pollination environment and locally share the same main pollinator species.
Hybrids, which infrequently occur in areas of sympatry, emit a blend of the species-specific fragrance compounds and have intermediate column structure. They are frequently visited by-moths but suffer a serious reduction in seed production due to imperfect interaction vis-à-vis the pollen vectors. Hybrid viscidia, in an intermediate position on the column, are touched by moths' scaly and hairy palps and get insufficient attachment, evidently causing hybrids to act solely as female recipient. First backcross individuals largely join the functional range of either species which promotes rapid introgression. The two gene-pools interplay, although always at a low level. Patterns of introgressive hybridization were exemplified.     

Eleven polymorphic microsatellite loci in a coral reef fish,Pterapogon kauderni

We describe the isolation and characterization of 11 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci from a male mouthbrooding coral reef fish, the Banggai cardinalfish Pterapogon kauderni. In a sample of 37 fish from a natural population, polymorphism at these loci ranged from two to 15 alleles, with expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.107 to 0.928, enabling high‐resolution genetic studies of this coral reef fish.     

A review of the Agabus affinis group (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae), with the description of a new species from Siberia and a proposed phylogeny

Abstract. Agabus yakutiae sp.n., from Siberia, is placed in the A.affinis (Paykull) species-group, characterized by the unique structure of the male stridulatory organ formed by sternum 3 and the metafemora. The group is defined, the two Nearctic and four Palaearctic species included are reviewed, and a key is given for their identification. Phylogenetic relationships with other Agabus species groups are discussed, and a phylogeny for the species in the affinis-group is suggested.     

Editor's column: The International Union of Geological Sciences

The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), founded in 1961. has developed into one of the strongest unions of the ICSU family. A composite but efficient international working structure has been organized, based on extensive voluntary efforts which are moderately yet effectively subsidized by the Union. Current developments trend towards closer cooperation with the International Geological Congress. The IUGS now covers 74 countries, although the strength in the international working structure may be contrasted with a certain lack of promotion at the national level, particularly with regard to information. This must be remedied. Geologists concerned are also encouraged to obtain their information directly through the IUGS Geological Newsletter.     

CAMBRIAN PALAEONTOLOGY OF FENNOSCANDIAN BASEMENT FISSURES

Fossils from two ecologically and palaeogeographically interesting Cambrian outliers in the Precambrian basement of Fennoscandia are described or discussed. One of the localities is a fissure system, filled with sandstone, at Långbergsöda-Öjen in Saltvik, Province of Aland, Finland. The occurrence of the brachiopod Ceratreta tanneri (Metzger 1922) indicates a Late Cambrian age rather than Early Cambrian as assumed hitherto. The other locality, about 1.5 km W of the Fortress of Bohus, at Kungälv, Province of Bohuslän, Sweden, consists of a fissure and a trench-like crevice bounded by joints, containing a sequence of calcareous sedimentary breccia, grey limestone with coarse sand, and a late Medial Cambrian fauna. The sequence continues with black shale and bituminous dark limestone, containing large fragments of older igneous and sedimentary rocks as well as a Late Cambrian fauna.