Characterization of microsatellite loci in Brachyderes rugatus,the Canary Islands pine weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The Canary Island pine weevil Brachyderes rugatus (Wollaston) consists of four allopatric subspecies that are thought to have arisen from several historic colonization events within the archipelago. We have isolated and optimized seven microsatellite loci from Brachyderes rugatus calvus from Gran Canaria. Six of these loci are polymorphic within B. rugatus (11–22 alleles per locus; heterozygosity between 0.43 and 0.84). There is no evidence for heterozygote deficit within populations or for linkage disequilibrium between pairs of loci. These molecular markers are likely to prove useful tools for quantifying the genetic variability of bottlenecked island populations.     

A new species of the interstitial genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Neopetitia</Emphasis> (Polychaeta,Syllidae, Eusyllinae) from Tenerife,with modified acicular chaetae in males

A new species of Neopetitia San Martín, 2003 is described from intertidal and shallow subtidal soft-bottom stations on the eastern and western coast of Tenerife, Canary Islands. The new species is characterized by the presence in males of a modified acicular chaeta in chaetiger 11. A discussion of known species of the genus is presented.     

Monandrous social organization of pigtailed langurs ( Simias concolor ) in the Pagai Islands, Indonesia

Between June 1986 and October 1992, in 3 periods totaling 12 months, we studied social organization of pigtailed langurs (Simias concolor)in the Pagai Islands, Indonesia. With one possible exception, all of 20 family groups contained only 1 adult male each. Nine of them contained only 1 adult female,and 11 contained ≥2 adult females. Mean group size is 4.1 individuals. Home ranges varied from 7 to 20 ha, and population density averages 21 animals/km ² . Simias concoloris sexually dimorphic⤖n a museum sample males average 29% heavier than females, and their canine teeth are on average nearly twice the length of female canines. Combined data from several studies indicate that 60% of S. concolorgroups contain an adult pair plus young,and 40% are multifemale groupings. We sggest that any 1-male mating system that comprises a mixture of 1-female and multifemale groups in the same population should be termed monandry.     

Balearic insular isolation and large continental spread framed the phylogeography of the western Mediterranean Cheirolophus intybaceus s.l. (Asteraceae)

Recent Quaternary geological and climate events have shaped the evolutionary histories of plant species in the Mediterranean basin, one of the most important hotspots of biodiversity. Genetic analyses of the western Mediterranean Cheirolophus intybaceus s.l. (Asteraceae) based on AFLP were conducted to establish the relationships between its close species and populations, to reconstruct the phylogeography of the group and to analyse potential unidirectional versus bidirectional dispersals between the Ibero‐Provençal belt and the Balearic Islands. AFLP data revealed two main genetic groups, one constituted by the Balearic populations and Garraf (NE Iberia) and the other formed by the remaining mainland populations that were further sub‐structured into two geographically separated subgroups (SE + E Iberia and NE Iberia + SW France). Genetic diversity and spatial structure analyses suggested a mid‐Pleistocene scenario for the origin of C. intybaceus in southern Iberia, followed by dispersal to the north and a single colonisation event of the Balearic archipelago from the near Dianic NE Iberian area. This hypothesis was supported by paleogeographic data, which showed the existence of terrestrial connections between the continent and the islands during the Middle–Late Pleistocene marine regressions, whereas the more recent single back‐colonisation of the mainland from Mallorca might be explained by several hypotheses, such as long‐distance dispersal mediated by migratory marine birds or sea currents.     

Amphipod crustaceans as an important component of zoobenthos of the shallow Antarctic sublittoral

Benthic quantitative samples were taken in 1988 in the soft bottom sublittoral of Admiralty Bay (King George Island, South Shetlands) using a Tvärminne-type bottom sampler and SCUBA-diving technique at 7 successive stations situated at depths from 4 to 30 m.Dominant animal groups in terms of abundance were Amphipoda, Polychaeta and Bivalvia, whereas in terms of biomass Echinoidea were also dominant. Amphipod crustaceans clearly dominated the zoobenthos at depths from 10 to 25 m (the numerical share surpaising 60%) with maximal abundance of abt. 17 000 ind m^–2; in terms of biomass at specific depths amphipods occupied the 1st, 2nd or 3rd place with maximal biomass of abt. 100 g m^–2 where the maximal total biomass of zoobenthos reached 260 g m^–2 (10 m).Amphipoda were the most diversified group with some 35 taxa belonging to 14 families. Most species belonged to Eusiridae s.l. and Lysianassidae s.l. Dominant forms were Pontogeneiella brevicornis, Prostebbingia gracilis, Schraderia gracilis, Hippomedon kergueleni, Orchomenella cf. ultima, Cardenio paurodactylus and Paraphoxus rotundifrons.     

Description and ecological traits of a new species of Pitydiplosis (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that induces leaf galls on Pueraria (Fabaceae) in East Asia,with a possible diversification scenario of intraspecific groups

A gall midge that induces thick lenticular galls on leaflets of Pueraria species (Fabaceae) in Japan, mainland China, Taiwan and South Korea is described as Pitydiplosis puerariae sp. nov. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Tanaostigmodes puerariae (Hymenoptera: Tanaostigmatidae), described earlier from mainland China as an inducer of the lenticular gall, is regarded to be an inquiline. Pitydiplosis puerariae is distinguishable from the only known congener, the Nearctic Pitydiplosis packardi, by the male genitalia with entire aedeagus and with hypoproct that is as long as cerci and bilobed with a U‐shaped emargination. DNA sequencing data indicate the existence of three genetically different intraspecific groups: (i) “YNT‐montana group” induces galls on Pueraria montana on the Yaeyama Islands, Japan and in northern Taiwan; (ii) “CT‐montana group” on P. montana in central Taiwan; (iii) and “JCK‐lobata group” on Pueraria lobata in mainland China, South Korea and Japan north of Okinoerabu Island. A possible diversification scenario of the three groups is hypothesized based on DNA sequencing data and geohistorical information. A distribution gap of the gall midge on five islands between Tokunoshima and Ishigaki Islands, Japan was confirmed by intensive field surveys. Ecological traits and adult behavior of Pity. puerariae are also described. Its possibility as a potential biological control agent against P. lobata seems counter‐indicated.     

Intraspecific variation in host plant traits mediates taxonomic and functional composition of local insect herbivore communities

1. Host plant phenotypic traits affect the structure of the associated consumer community and mediate species interactions. Intraspecific variation in host traits is well documented, although a functional understanding of variable traits that drive herbivore community response is lacking. We address this gap by modelling the trait-environment relationship using insect traits and host plant traits in a multilevel model. 2. We compare herbivore assemblages from the canopy of the phenotypically variable tree Metrosideros polymorpha on Hawai‘i Island. Multiple distinct varieties of M. polymorpha frequently co-occur, with variation in morphological traits. Using this system, we identify host and insect traits that underlie patterns of herbivore abundance and quantify the strength of host-insect trait interactions. 3. This work examines plant-insect interactions at a community scale, across 36 herbivore species in three orders. We find that co-occurring trees of varying phenotype support distinct communities. Leaf traits, including specific leaf area, trichome presence, and leaf nutrients, explain 46% of variation in insect communities. We find that feeding guild and nymphal life history are correlated with host plant traits, and we show that model predictions are improved by including the host and insect trait interaction. 4. This study demonstrates how insect herbivores traits influence community response to morphologically variable hosts. Environmental heterogeneity indirectly affected herbivore community structure via intraspecific variation in host plants, providing an important source of variation for maintaining diversity in the broader community.     

Internal physiology of live krill revealed using new aquaria techniques and mixed optical microscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging techniques

The Guadalupe fur seal (Arctocephalus townsendi) is a specialist predator feeding on prey present in one trophic level. Data related to the diet of the Guadalupe fur seal are few. It is still unknown where most of the individuals forage or the composition of their diet. On Isla Guadalupe, the San Benito Archipelago and the Farallon Islands, fur seals primarily feed on pelagic and coastal squids. However, differences between colonies were found probably caused by differences in diversity and abundance of prey species over the continental shelf and the pelagic environment, and maybe due to the plasticity of the species in their foraging behavior. Diet composition of the Guadalupe fur seal might reflect adaptations to local and temporal environmental conditions. The aim of this work was to consider historical information, add new information, identify main prey species, and determine where in the marine regions the Guadalupe fur seals feed.     

Genetic and physiological relatedness of antagonistic Trichoderma isolates against soil borne plant pathogenic fungi

In this study, the in vitro potential of 42 Trichoderma spp. were evaluated against four isolates of soil borne phytopathogenic fungi viz., Rhizoctonia solani, Macrophomina sp., Sclerotium rolfsii and Pythium aphanidermatum in dual culture techniques and through production of volatile and non-volatile inhibitors. In vitro screening results showed that the proportion of isolates with antagonistic activities was highest for the S. rolfsii followed by R. solani, Macrophomina sp. and P. aphanidermatum, respectively. The isolates TNT1, TNP2 and TWP1 showed consistent results in volatile and non-volatile activity in vitro against any of the two pathogens tested. Based on genomic finger prints, potential isolates showed no particular correlation between the origin of the isolates and the Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) groups could not be established. However, the polymorphism shown by the isolates did not correlate to their level of antagonism. Whereas, in physiology studies using BIOLOG (microbial identification system), three groups were formed, one group consists with 14 different Trichoderma species and two groups with two isolates each comprised of only T. koningii and T. viride.     

Conservation status and ex situ cultivation efforts of endemic flora of the Juan Fernández Archipelago

Was realized field studies and ex situ propagation on the vascular flora of Juan Fernández Archipelago during 15 year period. To evaluate the conservation status of a total of 133 species and subspecies of vascular endemic plants I used a IUCN classification founding: 2 species extinct, 1 extinct in it natural habitat, 52 critically endangered, 37 endangered and 9 vulnerable. Thus, 73.8% are contained in a threat category; only 24 taxon can be considered to be of a lesser conservation concern. The largest threat of extinction is a reduction in individuals in local populations resulting in small, isolated populations. This habitat fragmentation and a reduction in endemic flora has also impacted endemic fauna. Besides, during this period was propagated in nurseries a total of 80 of these species and subspecies (60%). It seem clear the necessity to continue to actions conserve this particular ecosystem.