Showing papers in "Australian Journal of Zoology in 1981"
TL;DR: The ultimate size of adults of S. noctilio was determined by conditions that favoured fungal growth, and the fungus transported nitrogen through the wood to the feeding larvae, and this reduction resulted from the progressive decline of fungal food substrate and overall moisture content.
Abstract: Development and survival of the immature stages of Sirex noctilio F. are dependent on active growth of the symbiotic fungus Amylostereum areolatum. In laboratory and field studies in Tasmania, suppression of fungal growth by excess moisture or temperature prolonged embryogenesis so that eclosion might be delayed until 300 days after oviposition in the base of some attacked trees (Pinus radiata), as compared with 15-30 days in warmer and drier tops of the same trees. Enhanced respiratory activity of the fungus might trigger egg development, for eggs exposed to carbon dioxide matured more rapidly than those exposed to air. Pure oxygen and nitrogen were not toxic to the eggs, and surface treatment with dilute ethanol delayed development. The development of the egg of Sirex is described for the first time. The larvae fed on fungus-infested wood; the conversion ratio of larval weight change to weight of wood displaced per instar decreased with successive instars. This reduction resulted from the progressive decline of fungal food substrate and overall moisture content. The ultimate size of adults of S. noctilio was determined by conditions that favoured fungal growth, and the fungus transported nitrogen through the wood to the feeding larvae.
70 citations
TL;DR: Flexible population parameters of T. vulpecula described from other areas show considerable variation; this flexibility in population strategy explains the species' success in occupying a diversity of habitats and rapidly colonizing new areas.
Abstract: In adjacent areas in north-eastern New South Wales, T. vulpecula occurs in the open forest and woodland and T. caninus occurs in the closed and tall open forest; both species are found in the pine plantation. T. vulpecula has a single breeding season in autumn when all females 1 y old and older reproduce. The young become independent around 175 days old and disperse at up to 2 y old. Mortality is low (15%) among dependent young but considerably higher among independent dispersing individuals. T. caninus also has a single autumn breeding season. The young become independent around 240 days old but disperse after 18-26 months, females moving before males. Mortality is high (56%) among dependent young but less so among subadults. An adult sex ratio of parity is the result of a higher survival among subadult males than females offsetting the reverse in adults. Some 2-y-old and all 3-y-old females reproduce but a few older females fail to breed in certain years. There is evidence that the high mortality of dependent young and failure of older females to breed is associated with offspring of previous years remaining in the population. Adult males and females appear to form a pair-bond. Population parameters of T. vulpecula described from other areas show considerable variation; this flexibility in population strategy explains the species' success in occupying a diversity of habitats and rapidly colonizing new areas.
50 citations
TL;DR: Preferred browse, as compared to rejected browse, had significantly higher concentrations of crude protein, remaining proximate fraction, phosphorus and potassium, and significantly lower concentrations of ether extract, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent Fibre, permanganate lignin, gross energy, calcium, iron and selenium.
Abstract: Browse representing 1.5 m of terminal growth from 11 species of Eucalyptus shoots or mature tree limbs was divided into portions which were either consumed or rejected by captive koalas. The following nutrient concentrations (dry basis) were found in preferred browse: crude protein, 5.9-17.8%; ether extract, 5.5-19.2%; neutral detergent fibre, 16.8-37.5%; ash, 3.2-5.6%; remaining proximate fraction [(dry matter) - (crude protein + ether extract + neutral detergent fibre + ash)], 31.7-64.8%; calcium, 0.28-1.95%; phosphorus, 0.08-0.42%; sodium, 0.03-1.29%; potassium, 0.30-2.06%; magnesium, 0.12-0.44%; iron, 67-274 ppm; copper, 2.1-15.8 ppm; zinc, 17-54 ppm; and selenium, 0.03-0.42 ppm. Preferred browse, as compared to rejected browse, had significantly higher concentrations of crude protein, remaining proximate fraction, phosphorus and potassium, and significantly lower concentrations of ether extract, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, permanganate lignin, gross energy, calcium, iron and selenium.
49 citations
TL;DR: Digestion and digesta passage rate were studied in brushtail possums fed on semipurified diets of 2 different fibre values and there was no significant differentiation in passage rate of fluid and particulate digesta.
Abstract: Digestion and digesta passage rate were studied in brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) fed on semipurified diets of 2 different fibre values Increasing fibre in the diet from 17 to 41% neutral detergent fibre (NDF) depressed digestibility of DM (P<001), energy (P<0001) and NDF (P<005) Within the high-fibre diets, but not the low-fibre diets, there were negative correlations between apparent digestibility of DM and DM intake (P<0005) and between NDF digestibility and DM intake (P<0001) Caecectomy had no effect on intake or digestion of DM or fibre The average mean retention time in intact animals was 64 h for fluid and 71 h for particulate digesta Caecectomy increased the mean retention time of fluid to 120 h (P<0025) and of particles to 125 h (P<001) This increase in retention time was used to explain the lack of any significant effect of caecectomy on fibre digestibility There was no significant differentiation in passage rate of fluid and particulate digesta Results are discussed in relation to the role of the caecum in digestion in the brushtail possum
43 citations
TL;DR: The genus Pseudomys is nevertheless a genetically diverse group consisting of at least four groups, none of which correspond to the earlier genera Gyomys and Thetomys; the 'Old Endemics', the water rats, and the Uromys- Melomys groups are genetically more similar to each other than any is to Rattus.
Abstract: A total of 168 specimens of 38 species of Australian native murid rodents and three species of nonnative rodents were screened electrophoretically at 20 loci. Genetic and phylogenetic relationships among species were assessed by means of Average Linkage Cluster and Wagner Analysis respectively. The major conclusions of the analysis are: the genera Melomys, Leggadina, Zyzomys, Notomys and Rattus ire each monophyletic, at least for the species we had; the genus Pseudomys is largely monophyletic; although it may be paraphyletic with respect to Mastacomys and Leporillus; the genus Pseudomys is nevertheless a genetically diverse group consisting of at least four groups, none of which correspond to the earlier genera Gyomys and Thetomys; the 'Old Endemics', the water rats, and the Uromys- Melomys groups are genetically more similar to each other than any is to Rattus. Within Rattus, the following groupings emerge: R. sordidus, R. colletti and R. villosissimus: R. t. tunneyi and R. t. culmorum; R. l. leucopus and R. l. cooktownensis; R. fuscipes coracius, R. f: assimilis and R. f. greyii.
35 citations
TL;DR: Trailing activity is restricted to the hours of daylight and is further limited by the temperature of the air surrounding the ant (T*a) and by the net radiant heat load.
Abstract: Trailing activity is restricted to the hours of daylight and is further limited by the temperature of the air surrounding the ant (T*a) and by the net radiant heat load. Activity in winter begins well after sunrise and continues until late afternoon averaging c. 7.4 h per day. Midsummer activity occupies two distinct periods, one commencing at dawn and the other in late afternoon; the two together total about 6.8 h per day. The upper and lower values of T*a, between which ants are active are 43.5°C and 14°C. Radiant heat input is dissipated from the ants by convective heat loss.
32 citations
TL;DR: Effects of age and sex on blood parameters in T. vulpecula were evaluated in pouch and back young, yearlings and mature animals whose ages were estimated and moderate stress associated with the methods of trapping, handling and sampling used was indicated.
Abstract: Effects of age and sex on blood parameters in T. vulpecula were evaluated in pouch and back young, yearlings and mature animals whose ages were estimated. There were age-related changes in haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, erythrocyte and reticulocyte counts, as well as serum total protein. Sexual dimorphisms were demonstrated in haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit and erythrocyte counts; values for males w.ere greater than those for females in yearling and mature age groups. Among lactating yearling females, those with young >3 months old had reduced body weight, haemoglobin. erythrocyte and serum total protein values. Altered neutrophil : lymphocyte ratios in differential leucocyte counts as well as elevated plasma corticosteroid and glucose values obtained from T. vulpecula in good condition indicated moderate stress associated with the methods of trapping, handling and sampling used. Variable leucocytosis; with relative or absolute neutrophilia; lymphopaenia and eosinopaenia were found in T. vulpecula in poor condition. Haemoconcentration with elevated plasma electrolytes and urea levels were consistent with their dehydrated state. Free corticosteroid levels in plasma from males were higher than those obtained from females.
30 citations
TL;DR: An intensive study of arboviruses and insect vectors at Beatrice Hill, N.T., was to determine the hosts of the insects by identifying the source of their blood meal, and it was possible to draw conclusions about the feeding habits of most of the insect species.
Abstract: One aspect of an intensive study of arboviruses and insect vectors at Beatrice Hill, N.T., was to determine the hosts of the insects by identifying the source of their blood meal. The collection methods included buffalo bait, calf- and chicken-baited Magoon traps, truck traps, light traps and collecting from insect resting places. Blood meals were identified by precipitin and haemagglutination-inhibition tests. Fifteen species of biting midges, mostly Culicoides spp., and 24 species of mosquitoes were represented in the collections, and the blood meals within 75% of some 11,000 insects were identified. The majority, 97.7%, of the blood meals were mammalian in origin, 76% being bovine and 17% marsupial. A significant proportion of the blood-fed mosquitoes from Magoon traps had fed on hosts other than the bait animal or collector. Double feeds were detected in 1.1% of the insects in which the source of the blood meal was identified. It was possible to draw conclusions about the feeding habits of most of the insect species.
30 citations
TL;DR: In a study of ticks parasitizing reptiles in the western half of Australia, eight species, including two undescribed ticks, were identified, data confirm that three species, Amblyomma albolimbatum, Amb.
Abstract: In a study of ticks parasitizing reptiles in the western half of Australia, eight species, including two undescribed ticks, were identified. The data confirm that three species, Amblyomma albolimbatum, Amb. limbatum and Aponomma hydrosauri, have distributions which abut with very little overlap (i.e. they are parapatric). Ap, fimbriatum is sympatric with Amb. albolimbatum and Ap. hydrosauri. The other ticks identified, Aponomma sp. nov., Amblyomma sp. nov., Amb. calabyi and Ornithodoros gurneyi, were not found in sufficient numbers to allow detailed descriptions of their distributions. Data are also presented on the hosts of the ticks and on the occurrence of ticks on islands off the Western Australian coast.
27 citations
TL;DR: The significance of the absence of the maxillary serrula in all of the Australian Diplurinae except Ixamatus Simon, 1887 and Stanwellia Rainbow & Pulleine, 1918 is discussed.
Abstract: All of the Australian diplurine genera are reviewed and diagnosed. A new genus, Xamiatus, its typespecies, Xamiatus rubrifrons, sp. nov., and three other new species, X. bulburin, X. kia, and X. magnificus, are described. Aname pallida Koch, 1873, Chenistonia maculata Hogg, 1901 and Dolichosternum attenuacum Rainbow & Pulleine, 1918, all type-species of their respective genera, are redescribed or discussed. Aname is considered the senior subjective synonym of Chenistonia. Dekana Hogg, 1902, Sungenia Rainbow & Pulleine, 1918 and Dolichosternum. The Anamini Raven, 1980 are synonymized with the Dolichosternini Rainbow & Pulleine, 1918 and are redefined to include only Aname and Teyl Main, 1975. The remaining Australian Diplurinae are left in the Diplurini until more is known of related genera. Relationships within the Australian Diplurinae and with other diplurid and ctenizid groups are discussed. The significance of the absence of the maxillary serrula in all of the Australian Diplurinae except Ixamatus Simon, 1887 and Stanwellia Rainbow & Pulleine, 1918 is discussed. The tarsal organ of Kiama Main & Mascord, 1971 is intermediate between the elevated organ of Ixamatus and the low organ of Aname, Teyl and Stanwellia. Troglodiplura Main, 1969 is an essentially fossil genus and is therefore only keyed and diagnosed.
26 citations
TL;DR: The Australian Nymphidae (s.l.) are revised, and keys and illustrations provided to aid separation of all genera and species.
Abstract: The Australian Nymphidae (s.l.) are revised, and keys and illustrations provided to aid separation of all genera and species. Of 20 species recognized (in seven genera), four (Nymphes. three; Myiodactylus, one) are described as new. Myiodactylus nebulosus McLachlan. described from New Guinea, is tentatively recorded from Australia for the first time, and two species of Osmylops raised by Navas are subjectively synonymized: schraderi with sejunctus (Walker) and hulstaerti with armatus (McLachlan).
TL;DR: New Holland honeyeaters obtain negligible nutriment from pollen, but this could provide only a small proportion of the birds' protein requirements and a negligible amount of energy.
Abstract: New Holland honeyeaters obtain negligible nutriment from pollen. Three lines of evidence show that the contents of pollen grains are not extracted during passage through the birds. Firstly, the proportion of empty pollen grains in faecal samples did not differ from that in samples of pollen dusted off the facial feathers of wild birds. Secondly, the proportion of empty pollen grains in samples taken at successive points along the alimentary canal from oesophagus to cloaca did not change in the 10 birds examined. Finally the condition of pollen fed to caged birds did not change with passage through the birds. Quantities of pollen ingested by honeyeaters are small, around 300,000 pollen grains or 15 mg of pollen per day. Even if fully digested this uould provide only a small proportion of the birds' protein requirements and a negligible amount of energy. Pollen is probably collected accidentally while the birds collect nectar from flowers.
TL;DR: Dry matter intakes in adult Trichosurus vulpecula were low compared with those of the rabbit, suggesting that, as with nitrogen, the maintenance energy requirement of the brushtail is below that of most eutherians.
Abstract: Nitrogen metabolism was studied in adult Trichosurus vulpecula maintained on semipurified diets of different nitrogen and fibre contents. The maintenance nitrogen requirement was estimated to be 203 mg per kg W*0.75 per day on a dietary basis, and a mean of 189 mg per kg W*0.75 per day on a truly digestible basis. Both are low compared with estimates from most eutherians, and are similar to estimates from macropods adapted to arid zones. Metabolic faecal nitrogen (mg per 100 g dry matter intake) was directly related to dietary fibre level, viz. 336 on 41% neutral detergent fibre (NDF) diets, 184 on 17% NDF diets, and 78 on 9.5% NDF diets. Dry matter intakes were low compared with those of the rabbit, suggesting that, as with nitrogen, the maintenance energy requirement of the brushtail is below that of most eutherians.
TL;DR: The longevity of adults exposed to ethanol vapour over solutions of ethanol in water is increased in Drosophila species that are normally collected by attraction to fermented-fruit baits, and the frequency and level of ethanol resource utilization in species not attracted to fermentation is an open question.
Abstract: The longevity of adults exposed to ethanol vapour over solutions of ethanol in water is increased in Drosophila species that are normally collected by attraction to fermented-fruit baits. These include species of subgenera Drosophila, Dorsilopha, Sophophora and Scaptodrosophila. The increase occurs up to a threshold where ethanol becomes a metabolic cost rather than a benefit. Except for a temperatezone population of D. melanogaster with a threshold of about 12%, the remainder cluster between 1.6 and 5.1%. These latter include several species utilizing resources additional to fruits, in particular various vegetables and flowers. Also included is the specialist species D. buzzatii which exploits the cactus Opuntia as a resource. In contrast, D. (Scaptodrosophila) inornata, a species collected by sweeping in southern temperate rain forests, has a threshold of <1% ethanol, while in D. (Scaptodrosophila) hibisci, which utilizes endemic Hibiscus flowers as a resource, longevity is not increased. The frequency and level of ethanol resource utilization in species not attracted to fermented-fruit baits is an open question. However, it is likely that all species attracted to fermented-fruit baits are able to utilize gaseous ethanol.
TL;DR: There is an association between biochemical and behavioural phenotypes relating to resources commonly available in nature and acetic acid acts as an attractant to larvae of all species at concentrations down to 1/1000 of the concentrations of ethanol attracting flies, which suggests that acetic Acid may be a resource recognition compound, as well as a food resource.
Abstract: On the basis of life-span, the threshold ranking at which ethanol and acetic acid ceased to be resources and became stresses for 3 sympatric, cosmopolitan Drosophila species was: D. melanogaster Mg. > D. simulans Sturt. > D. immigrans Sturt. The threshold ranking between larval attraction and avoidance followed the same sequence. An Adh-null mutant of D. melanogaster utilised ethanol to an extremely low threshold, while acetic acid was utilised to a threshold close to that of the D. melanogaster population; this predictable result was paralleled by larval attraction to acetic acid but not ethanol. It can therefore be concluded that there is an association between biochemical and behavioural phenotypes relating to resources commonly available in nature. Acetic acid acts as an attractant to larvae of all species at concentrations down to 1/1000 of the concentrations of ethanol attracting flies, which suggests that acetic acid may be a resource recognition compound, as well as a food resource.
TL;DR: Estimated DE requirements for adult maintenance ranged from 312 to 439 kJ/W0.75, lower than commonly accepted interspecific values for eutherians but consistent with evidence that the koala has a relatively low basal metabolic rate.
Abstract: Three adult male koalas were individually fed on a diet of Eucalyptus melliodora, E. robusta and E. sideroxylon plus trace mineral salt and water to appetite. Fresh browse was offered daily for 14 days before and 7 days during quantitative collection of faeces. Samples of browse representing plant parts consumed were collected, and acid lignin ratio techniques were used to estimate nutrient digestibility. Apparent digestibility of DM was 54-70%, gross energy 47-64%, crude protein 32-50%, ether extract 37-50%, neutral detergent fibre 23-57% and acid detergent fibre 9-55%. Total faecal acid lignin excretion was used to estimate digestible energy (DE) intake. Since bodyweights (W) were maintained during the study, daily DE requirements for adult maintenance were estimated to range from 257 to 411 kJ/W0.75. If an 87% recovery in the faeces of dietary acid lignin was assumed, estimated DE requirements for adult maintenance ranged from 312 to 439 kJ/W0.75. These values are lower than commonly accepted interspecific values for eutherians but are consistent with evidence that the koala has a relatively low basal metabolic rate.
TL;DR: It is shown that D, opiliae is effectively univoltine and although it was able to infest various cultivated fruits in the laboratory, no evidence of such infestations by natural populations of D. opilie was recorded during this study and the species seem to present no threat to Australia's fruit-growing industries.
Abstract: A newly discovered species of tephritid, Dacus (Bactrocera) opiliae Drew & Hardy, is almost indistinguishable morphologically from the Oriental fruit fly, Dacus dorsalis. and was originally believed to represent an invading population of that species. Breeding by D. opiliae is virtually restricted to the fruit of the native vine Opilia amentacea throughout coastal areas of the Northern Territory and the Kimberleys region of Western Australia. The phenology of the host and aspects of its utilization by D. opiliae are described. Fruit suitable for oviposition is available only for a short period each year from late November to early January. It is shown that D, opiliae is effectively univoltine. Although it was able to infest various cultivated fruits in the laboratory, no evidence of such infestations by natural populations of D. opiliae was recorded during this study and the species seem to present no threat to Australia's fruit-growing industries. Information on host relations of D. jarvisi (Tryon), D. aquilonis (May) and D. tenuifascia (May) is also presented.
TL;DR: Prenatal development of Macropus rufogriseus was described in eight stages ranging from a quiescent blastocyst to a near-term foetus, with a single birth at 26 days after RPY (delayed gestation length).
Abstract: Prenatal development of Macropus rufogriseus was described in eight stages ranging from a quiescent blastocyst to a near-term foetus. Embryos and corpora lutea were induced to resume development after diapause by the removal of suckling pouch young (RPY). The diameter of unilaminar blastocysts ranged from approximately 260 pm at 0 days after RPY to 290 pm after 6 days. At 9 days after RPY (330 pm diameter) the zona pellucida and mucoid coat were apparently absent and endoderm had proliferated (early bilaminar). At 15 days, mesoderm had formed in the trilaminar blastocyst (4.8 mm diameter). By 18 days after RPY the shell membrane had ruptured and was 3.0 pm in thickness (7.0 pm at 0 days after RPY). At this time the pre-foetal embryo had acquired forelimb ridges, mesonephric kidneys, optic stalks and 25 paired somites; persistent features included an amniopore, posterior neuropore and an intact stomodeal membrane; the lung buds and allantois were rudimentary; cervical, lumbosacral and cranial flexures were present. By 20 days after RPY, digital anlagen were noted in the forelimb paddles of the pre-foetal embryo (32 paired somites); the gonadal ridges; glomeruli and optic cups had formed. At 25 days after RPY, the near-term foetus had forelimbs with claws on the separate digits, hindlimb paddles, pontine flexure and cardiac valves; the metanephric kidneys, pigmented and nervous retinas and villous intestine were present. A single birth was recorded at 26 days after RPY (delayed gestation length).
TL;DR: The specialized tongue of the echidna functions in both capturing and grinding food as well as in opening and closing its mouth by rotating the mandibles about their own long axes.
Abstract: The specialized tongue of the echidna functions in both capturing and grinding food. These processes can occur simultaneously because the echidna opens and closes its mouth by rotating the mandibles about their own long axes. This action translates the curvature of the attached rami into a downward movement commencing from a point just posterior to the corner of the mouth. Orthal hinge movements of the mandible are prevented by short ligaments which attach the horizontal ramus to the maxilla, and the position of the jaws is unchanged.
TL;DR: Results indicate that the 2 cryptic species called A. farauti No. 1 and No. 2 are both present in Australia and evidence is presented that a third biological species is present in sympatry with them in Australia.
Abstract: Chromosomal and cross-mating studies were used to study populations of Anopheles farauti Lav. in Australia. The results indicate that the 2 cryptic species called A. farauti No. 1 and No. 2 [see RAE/B 60, 1868; 61, 1456, etc.] are both present in Australia. In addition, evidence is presented that a third biological species is present in sympatry with them in Australia. Difficulties in identification, and the relevance of these findings, are discussed.
TL;DR: All stages of P. darlingensis and P, alternatus were reared on wheat sprouts under constant temperatures ranging from 11.1 to 37.5°C; survival of both sexes was similar at each temperature but longevity generally increased with decreasing temperatures.
Abstract: All stages of P. darlingensis and P, alternatus were reared on wheat sprouts under constant temperatures ranging from 11.1 to 37.5°C. Eggs and larvae of both species developed between 15.8 and 33.1°C. Threshold temperatures for P. darlingensis and P. alternatus eggs were 13.8°C and 13.2°C respectively; 77.6 and 81.5 day-degrees above the threshold, respectively, were required for development. Larvae required 676.6 day-degrees above a threshold of 14.6°C, and 636.3 day-degrees above a threshold of 16.8°C, for development. Pupae developed between 11.1 and 37.5°C. P. darlingensis requiring 138.9 day-degrees above l3.6"C and P. alternatus 146.2 day-degrees above 13.4°C. Weekly fecundity and survival of adults were monitored; the optimal temperature for ovarian development was approximately 24.4°C. Survival of both sexes was similar at each temperature but longevity generally increased with decreasing temperatures. Parameters describing the biotic potential of both species were calculated; the capacities for increase were optimal at 28.6°C. The applicability of linear and curvilinear models for simulating development rates is discussed.
TL;DR: The reproductive cycle of C. morio is monoestrous, it copulates in autumn and stores sperm in oviducts and uterine glands until ovulation in winter, and both ovaries are functional.
Abstract: The reproductive cycle of C. morio is outlined from examination of reproductive organs in situ and from histological techniques on Museum specimens collected in south-western Australia over the last 46 years. Changes in ovaries, endometria (and glands), epithelia lining tracts and Bartholin's glands are described. C. morio is monoestrous. It copulates in autumn and stores sperm in oviducts and uterine glands until ovulation in winter. Both ovaries are functional. Trans-uterine migration of the developing zygote is recorded. It normally gives birth to a single young, although occasionally to twins, between mid-September and mid-November. In the case of twins both uterine horns are gravid, otherwise only the right horn is gravid.
TL;DR: The chill-coma temperatures, oxygen consumption at several constant temperatures, and fresh weights of adults of Cryptolestes ferrugineus, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Rhyzopertha dominica and Tribolium castaneum were determined before and after acclimation in the laboratory in Australia.
Abstract: The chill-coma temperatures, oxygen consumption at several constant temperatures, and fresh weights of adults of Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Steph.), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) and Tribolium castaneum (Hbst.) were determined before and after acclimation for 14 days at 15 deg C in the laboratory in Australia. Acclimation lowered the mean chill-coma temperatures of all species, but most in O. surinamensis. The oxygen consumption of insects that were free to move and of insects restrained during respirometry was reduced by acclimation. The curves relating respiration rate and temperature were shifted downwards by cold acclimation, but its effect on their slopes (i.e. on temperature sensitivity) varied between and within species. Similarly, the relative proportions of the change in the consumption rates of free insects acclimated at 15 deg C that were attributable to locomotor activity or to resting metabolism varied considerably. The weights of C. ferrugineus and R. dominica were increased by cold acclimation, but those of the other 2 species were not.
TL;DR: The amounts of marker in the digesta suggested that the stomach was the major site of delay in the passage of the particle marker, accounting for about two-thirds of the total retention time, and was also themajor site of separation of the solute and particle markers.
Abstract: The average mean retention times of a solute marker (51chromium complex of EDTA) were 15.7 and 11.3 h, and of a particle marker (tris (1,10-phenanthroline) ruthenium (II) chloride labelled with 103Ru) 29.3 and 19.1 h, in tammar wallabies given, respectively, one meal of lucerne hay pellets daily or a similar ration fed continuously. Much more of the solute marker was excreted in the urine of those given one meal daily. The marker concentration curves showed irregularities that could be interpreted as due to 2 main processes. One was passage of small amounts of digesta through the gut much more rapidly than the bulk. The second was temporary sequestration and subsequent release of small amounts of digesta, at times in or before the major mixing compartment, presumably the stomach, at times in a tubular compartment after all substantial mixing compartments, with subsequent release. Attempts at kinetic analysis of the marker concentration curves were unsuccessful. Some were killed after 3 days' continuous feeding on labelled food. The amounts of marker in the digesta suggested that the stomach was the major site of delay in the passage of the particle marker, accounting for about two-thirds of the total retention time, and was also the major site of separation of the solute and particle markers. There was no evidence for any other major mixing compartment.
TL;DR: Over the whole period, there were no significant differences between sexes or between years in either species, except that dormant females contained significantly more fat than males, and that during breeding males of S. lividigaster contained significantlyMore fat than females.
Abstract: Over 36 and 24 months, respectively, both the aphidophagous Scymnodes lividigaster (Muls.) and the mycophagous Leptothea galbula (Muls.) accumulated fat before periods of dormancy, but contained little fat after dormancy and during breeding. Over the whole period, there were no significant differences between sexes or between years in either species, except that dormant females contained significantly more fat than males, and that during breeding males of S. lividigaster contained significantly more fat than females. Subjective assessment of fat reserves gave the same results as did quantitative analysis. Live and dry weights of females were higher during breeding and dormancy than after dormancy; live weights of females were higher than those of males. Water content was lower during dormancy than during breeding. In L. galbula, seasonal changes were similar in a dry and a well watered habitat; any differences appeared related to a higher survival rate in females compared with males, especially in the poorer habitat. In S. lividigaster, seasonal changes in fat content were negatively related to changes in abundance of an essential prey species.
TL;DR: Vanua Tu earthworms show little evidence of niche separation or local speciation and it is concluded that most, if not all, the species have been introduced to the archipelago by pre-European and European man.
Abstract: Twenty-one species of earthworms, one including two subspecies, are recorded from Vanua Tu (New Hebrides) They comprise 18 species of the 'Pheretima' group of genera, including Amynthas (five spp), Metapheretima (eight spp), Polypheretima (one sp), Pheretima (two spp) and Pithemera (two spp, one with two subspecies), and three common pantropical species, Dichogaster bolaui, Ocnerodrilus occidentalis and Pontoscolex corethrurus Seven new species are described The systematics of the earthworms of Vanua Tu are reviewed, and species in the 'Pheretima' group are classified according to the revisions of Sims and Easton (1972) and Easton (1979) A key is provided for identification of all species Vanua Tu earthworms show little evidence of niche separation or local speciation and it is concluded that most, if not all, the species have been introduced to the archipelago by pre-European and European man Relationships between Vanua Tu earthworms and those of other Pacific islands are discussed, and it is shown that a large proportion of the species belong to a widely distributed 'Pacific basin' group The affinities of this group are with south-east Asian and Indo-Malayan forms, and they are considered to be a group analogous to the small group of European lumbricid species that have been spread by man through much of the temperate regions of the earth
TL;DR: In a cotton field in south-eastern Queensland, the spider species Cheiracanthium mordax and A. veruculata were most abundant in the top one-third of plants, and Oxyopes mundulus L. Koch was evenly distributed over plants.
Abstract: In a cotton field in south-eastern Queensland, the spider species Cheiracanthium mordax L. Koch (diversum L. Koch), Archaearanea veruculata (Urquhart) and Lycosa sp. were equally distributed in the outer, middle and inner portions. However, A. veruculata was more abundant in the western side of the field late in the season, apparently in response to a more favourable habitat. In sampling, the variance was greater than the mean and overdispersion was apparent. C. mordax and A. veruculata were most abundant in the top one-third of plants, and Oxyopes mundulus L. Koch was evenly distributed over plants. The consistency with which these spiders were recorded in levels of vertical strata was enhanced by the formation of the crop canopy, and the eventual vertical distribution of C. mordax was apparently influenced by rainfall. Among crop spacings, most spiders of 4 species preferred the highest density (12 plants/m). The ecological consequences of the distribution characteristics are discussed in relation to current sequential decision plans for the management of cotton pests and beneficial species in the region.
TL;DR: For all 13 species described, the position of the ovicell complexes in the budding pattern is shown diagrammatically and frontal walls and associated structures of some species not described in a previous study are included.
Abstract: Catenicellid ovicell complexes are of two types, 'terminal' and 'subterminal'. The former, found at the end of a branch, generally consists of a female zoid with ovicell, together with vestigial ovicell zoid and apical chamber. Subterminal ovicell complexes bud distally from part of the complex and are generally composed of female zoid with ovicell, lateral zoid, and ovicell zoid with apical chamber. For all 13 species described, the position of the ovicell complexes in the budding pattern is shown diagrammatically. Frontal walls and associated structures of some species not described in a previous study are included.
TL;DR: The number of non-endemic genera in the Australian Hydroptilidae is raised to five with the recognition of Oxyethira Eaton, in which four new species are described, and the referral of species to Gnathotrichia Ulmer and Stenoxyeth Kira Eaton.
Abstract: The number of non-endemic genera in the Australian Hydroptilidae is raised to five with the recognition of Oxyethira Eaton, in which four new species are described, and the referral of species to Gnathotrichia Ulmer and Stenoxyethira Eaton. The discovery of Gnathotrichia and Stenoxyethira is significant as evidence of Oriental affinities within the Australian Hydroptilidae; their taxonomic status is examined. A key to males of Australian Oxyethira is provided.
TL;DR: The water and sodium turnovers of a coastal and an inland population of P. albocinereus were studied seasonally and the utilization of arthropods for food during the summer months is seen as contributing to the maintenance of water balance during a period when the vegetation is low in water.
Abstract: The water and sodium turnovers of a coastal and an inland population of P albocinereus were studied seasonally Although the inland habitat receives considerably less rain and sodium than the coastal habitat, water turnover rates were significantly lower only in May and sodium turnover lower only in August Water influx rates were lowest at both locations during the summer months, positively correlated with the water content of the vegetation and positively correlated with the amount of rain received in the 30 days before each sampling period Water efflux rates were negatively correlated with urine osmolality Sodium influx rates were highest during the summer months and were correlated with the sodium content of the vegetation but not with the sodium deposited in the study areas Sodium efflux rates were positively correlated with the urine sodium concentration During the dry months, water and sodium influxes are linked; this is not apparent during the wetter months The utilization of arthropods for food during the summer months is seen as contributing to the maintenance of water balance during a period when the vegetation is low in water Both populations breed in late spring, with young animals growing during the summer months, and water and sodium influx rates exceed efflux rates during this period