Sexual differences in survival rates of adult pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) in South Sweden

Summary A pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) population in southernmost Sweden was studied for eight consecutive breeding seasons by means of bat boxes. Survival rates were calculated using Cormack's stochastic technique. The mean survival rate of adult females exceeded that of territorial males. Annual variations in survival rates were most evident in males, low rates being observed in years following wet autumns. Energy constraints imposed on territorial males by the mating system, a resource defence polygyny, were assumed to account for the differences obtained in survival rates between the sexes.     

Multiplex panels of polymorphic microsatellite loci for two cryptic bat species of the genus Pipistrellus,developed by cross‐species amplification within the family Vespertilionidae

The paper presents multiplex panels of polymorphic microsatellites for two closely related cryptic species Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Pipistrellus pygmaeus. We tested the cross‐species amplification of 34 microsatellite loci, originally developed for five vespertilionid bat species. Ten and nine polymorphic loci in P. pipistrellus (mean number of alleles per locus = 10.5) and P. pygmaeus (8.1), respectively, in three multiplex polymerase chain reactions per species were amplified. All loci can be analysed in a single fragment analysis and can be used as markers to the study of evolution and the ecology of structured populations of socially living bats.     

Molecular architecture of Pipistrellus pipistrellus/Pipistrellus pygmaeus complex (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae): further cryptic species and Mediterranean origin of the divergence

Previous genetic analyses have demonstrated that two phonic types of one of the most common European bats, the Common pipistrelle, belong to distinct species, although they are almost identical morphologically (45 kHz Pipistrellus pipistrellus and 55 kHz Pipistrellus pygmaeus). To reconstruct the history of the species complex and explain the codistribution of both forms in Europe and the Mediterranean, we performed phylogenetic analysis based on a 402-bp portion of the cytochrome b gene. Particular attention was paid to the eastern and southern parts of the range where no data were available. We found further distinctive allopatric haplotypes from Libya and Morocco. The difference of about 6-7% described in the Libyan population suggests the occurrence of a new species in the southern Mediterranean. The species status of Moroccan population is also discussed. The phylogeographic patterns obtained and analysis of fossil records support the hypothesis of expansion of both species into Europe from the Mediterranean region during the Holocene. The allopatric speciation model fits our data best. The paleobiographic scenario envisaged is corroborated also by molecular clock estimations and correlations with Late Neogene environmental changes in the Mediterranean region which ended with the Messinian salinity crisis.     

Molecular characterization of the first satellite DNA with CENP-B and CDEIII motifs in the bat Pipistrellus kuhli

The centromere is an essential structure in the chromosomes of all eukariotes and is central to the mechanism that ensures proper segregation during mitosis and meiosis. The comparison of DNA sequence motifs, organization and kinetocore components from yeast to man is beginning to indicate that, although centromeres are highly variable DNA elements, a conserved pattern of sequence arrangement and function is emerging. We have identified and characterized the first satellite DNA (P.k.SAT) from microbat species Pipistrellus kuhli. The presence of mammalian CENP-B box and yeast CDEIII box could indicate the participation of P.k.SAT in centromere organization.     

普通伏翼不同组织3种同工酶的比较

采用聚丙烯酰胺不连续凝胶垂直板活性电泳,分析了普通伏翼的心、肝、肾、胸肌、肺、胃、小肠、舌8种组织的酯酶(EST)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、苹果酸脱氢酶(MDH)3种同工酶。结果表明:普通伏翼8种组织的3种同工酶存在差异,其分布具有明显的组织特异性,与器官或组织所执行的功能有关。     

Highly variable microsatellite loci for studies of introduced populations of the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes javanicus)

During their introduction, non‐native species typically undergo founder events that reduce genetic variation. To allow a high‐resolution genetic investigation of introduced populations of the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes javanicus), we developed primers for nine variable microsatellite loci. Their applicability was assessed in 10 mongooses from the large Fijian population, which originated from a single pair from Calcutta, India. The number of alleles ranged from two to five per locus, possibly as a result of preservation of initial variability and in situ mutations during the rapid population expansion after introduction.     

Development of wing morphology in the Indian pygmy batPipistrellus mimus

The growth and development of the wing parameters of the Indian pygmy batPipistrellus mimus was studied under natural conditions. Newborn young were marked with nontoxic coloured paint and were later marked with split rings. The wingspan and wing area showed linear growth until the age of five weeks, after which the rate of growth decreased. The observations on flight showed that at the age of 19 days the young were able to flutter their wings, at the age of 22 days they flew for a short distance and at the age of 29 days they exhibited sustained flight. The development of wing loading and aspect ratio are also presented. The decrease in wing loading as the bat grows is discussed as an advantage to sustain flight. The aspect ratio showed a high degree of scatter at early stages of life which decreased at the later period of growth. In general the development of wing morphology ofP. mimus is similar to that of other vespertilionid bats.