bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on the Queensland Lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri (Krefft).
Authors: Grigg GC
Published: June 2005

The lung of Neoceratodus forsteri consists of a single elongated sac dorsal to the
gut and attached firmly along the dorsal mid-line in the region of the vertebral column.
It communicates with the gut through the pneumatic duct which opens ventrolaterally
via the glottis, on the right side of the pharynx.
The embryological origin of the lung as a ventral outgrowth from the gut is
reflected in the marked similarity between their tissues, and in the unusual configuration
of the duct and blood vessels.
Internally, the lung is divided into compartments formed by septa resulting from
infolding of the walls. These compartments are further subdivided to form a spongy
alveolar region. In this region of increased surface area run blood capillaries in proximity
to the respiratory medium, close enough to allow gaseous exchange with it.
Filling the lung is accomplished by a buccal force-pump, as in Amphibia, consisting
of the hyoid apparatus and the muscular walls of the buccal cavity. Exhalation of air is
effected by contraction of the smooth muscle components of the lung, assisted by its
natural elasticity provided by elastin fibres present in both connective tissue and smooth
muscle.
The structure of the lung, its spongy walls, vascular supply with capillaries close
to the air space, open pneumatic duct, regular exchange of air at the surface of the
water, and the ability of the fish to survive out of water if kept moist, all point to the
function of the lung as a respiratory organ. This is borne out by lung-gas analyses which
consistently show lower oxygen level compared with air.
The distribution of red kangaroos, Megaleia rufa (Desmarest), about sources of persistent food and water in central Australia.
Authors: Newsome AE
Published: June 2005

Data from aerial surveys primarily designed to estimate the numbers of red
kangaroos, Megaleia rufa (Desmarest), on about 4000 square miles of central Australia
have been used to define the animals' distribution about sources of persistent food and
water, both during severe drought and 6 months later after good rains had fallen.
During the drought, 67.4% of kangaroos were sheltering in woodlands within 1/3 mile of open plains and water-courses (where food persisted), and only 17.4%
were further than 1 mile away. After the rains, only 29.5% were within 1/3 mile of
these drought refuges; 51.8 % were further than 1 mile away, but only 6% were beyond
6 miles out, i.e. beyond the mulga woodlands.
Kangaroos were densest (seven-eight per square mile) during drought on land
2-4 miles out from bores and dams and within 2/3 mile of open plains because at that
distance grasses on the plains respond to the grazing of cattle by sprouting green shoots
which kangaroos prefer. Kangaroos drank at the bores and dams only during severe
drought and may, therefore, get sufficient water from their food at most times.
It is concluded that the kangaroos' distribution and changes in it are controlled
primarily by their search for green herbage and shady trees.
Studies on the Queensland lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri (Krefft). 2. Thermal acclimation.
Authors: Grigg GC
Published: June 2005

Six juvenile Neoceratodus of convenient size for respirometry (27-51 g) were
available for study. Fish of this size are very rarely taken and the opportunity was used
to examine the ability of Neoceratodus to undergo metabolic acclimation. Metabolic
rate-temperature curves were constructed for fish with cold (18�C) and warm (25�C)
thermal histories, using oxygen consumption as a measure of the rate of metabolism.
The Q10 of fish with warm history (Q10 = 2.42) was higher than that for fish with cold
history (Q10 = 1.55), and it was seen that there was partial thermal acclimation over
the range investigated.
Studies on the Queensland lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri (Krefft). 3. Aerial respiration in relation to habits.
Authors: Grigg GC
Published: June 2005

Field observations made on the Mary and Burnett rivers in Queensland show
that seasonal stagnancy and deoxygenation are unlikely to be factors accounting for
the air-breathing habit in Neoceratodus, as current theory suggests. An alternative
hypothesis that the lung is an accessory respiratory organ during active periods, was
suggested by current work which showed that Neoceratodus is more active nocturnally
and surfaces to take air more often at night.
Respirometry studies on juvenile fish confirmed this, for the oxygen consumption
of forcibly active fish prevented from surfacing while in the respirometer, was consistently
lower than that of fish allowed to surface. At 25�C, active fish allowed to surface
had an oxygen consumption of 0.07 ml g-l hr-l, derived from branchial respiration at
a rate of 67 beats/min supplemented by use of the lung. When prevented from surfacing
however the oxygen consumption fell to approximately 0.05 ml g-l hr-1, derived from
gills alone, but with a branchial pumping rate of 80 beats/min. This correlation of
oxygen consumption with branchial pumping emphasizes the limit placed on the fish
by its gills, whereas the higher oxygen consumption exhibited by active fish allowed to
surface indicates the value of the lung as an accessory respiratory organ, allowing more
vigorous reaction to a stimulus than would be possible with gills only.
Oogenesis in Dacus tryoni (Frogg.) (Diptera: Trypetidae)
Authors: Anderson DT , Lyford GC
Published: June 2005

Oogenesis in D. tryoni is typical of cyclorrhaphous Diptera. The ovariolar
germarium produces a linear succession of 16-cell cysts enclosed by follicle cells.
The cells of a cyst are interconnected by cytoplasmic canals and differentiate as 15 nurse
cells and a posterior oocyte. Previtellogenesis occupies 3 days, vitellogenesis 1 day.
The oocyte grows slowly during previtellogenesis, with little differentiation, rapidly
during vitellogenesis, when protein and fatty yolk deposition, axial differentiation, and
nuclear breakdown to first maturation metaphase, take place. The nurse cells grow
rapidly during previtellogenesis and early vitellogenesis, developing large polytene
nuclei and RNA-rich cytoplasm, and pour an RNA-rich nutrient stream into the oocyte
during early vitellogenesis. The stream also contains P.A.S.-positive material, lipid
droplets, possibly protein precursors, and nucleotides. Later, the nurse cells degenerate.
Both growth and degeneration of the nurse cells are polarized, the posterior cells leading
the more anterior cells. The follicular epithelium, cuboidal during previtellogenesis,
differentiates as columnar around the oocyte, squamous outside the nurse cells, and
anteriorly as border cells which migrate between the nurse cells to the anterior end of
the oocyte. Late in vitellogenesis, the follicular epithelium secretes the chorion and
vitelline membrane. It is not yet possible to discern in oogenesis the establishment in
the oocyte of the prepattern essential for normal epigenesis.
Form, weight, and indole content of pineal organs of red and grey kangaroos.
Authors: Quay WB , Baker PC
Published: June 2005

The pineal organ of the red kangaroo (Megaleia rufa) is shown to be distinguishable
from that of the grey kangaroo (Macropus canguru) by being symmetrically bilobate
instead of rounded distally. Pineal weights in the two species were similar. At least in
M. rufa pineal size appeared to increase with age - from 6.4-15.6 mg in animals aged
about 1 yr to 40.1 mg in a female 6+ years old. In comparison with the nocturnal
indole contents of the pineal in rats, those of kangaroos have similar levels of 5-
methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine (melatonin) and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid to the
nocturnal values recorded in the literature for rats, but a lower level of 5-hydroxytryptamine
(serotonin). Available information on vertebrate pineal weights and
indoles does not provide evidence for any obviously distinctive evolutionary or functional
status for the marsupial pineal organ as compared with that of some eutherian
mammals or of some birds and reptiles.
Studies on the ecology of Oncopera intricata Walker (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae). 1.Fecundity of the female moths.
Authors: Martyn EJ
Published: June 2005

The fecundity of field-collected moths of Oncopera intricata Walker was determined
in the period 1958-63. Individual regression lines for the effect of moth size (expressed
as wing length, x) on fecundity (Y) were calculated for all years and the regression
relationships were found to be very highly significant (P<0.001) in all cases. An
analysis of the combined data showed that the slope or position or both of these
regression lines may differ between populations and between generations of the one
population.
A regression analysis using the mean wing lengths (x) and mean fecundities (Y)
from all sets of data indicated a significantly greater fecundity in those populations
where the mean moth size was larger. This relationship was expressed as:

Y = -1069.3+78.13x

S.E. (b) = 12.10.
The variations in the mean size and fecundity of the moths are discussed in
relation to the prior abundance and distribution of the larvae in the field populations
from which the moths were obtained.
It is concluded that moths arising from dense larval populations are smaller
and less fecund than those from sparse populations.
Studies on the ecology of Oncopera intricata Walker (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae). 2. Selection of oviposition sites by the female moths.
Authors: Martyn EJ
Published: June 2005

The results are reported of studies on the effect of length and density of pasture
cover on the selection of oviposition sites by the mated female moths of Oncopera
intricata Walker. Moths were placed in a wire-mesh cage, 7 ft in diameter and 2 ft high,
in which they were given a choice of pasture cover in which to oviposit.
It was found that the length of the grass cover was important in causing settling
by the moths since when only short cover was provided, few moths laid their eggs in the
plots irrespective of the density of the cover provided. When long cover was provided in
some of the plots the preferred sites were where the cover was long and dense but a
reasonable number of moths oviposited in short sparse cover. Where long cover alone
was provided the dense plots were preferred to the sparse.
The implications of these results on the pattern of distribution and survival in
natural populations is discussed.
Polymorphism in Velacumantus australis (Gastropoda : Potamididae) and its relationship to parasitism
Authors: Ewers WH , Rose CR
Published: June 2005

Velacumantus australis is a common gastropod along the Australian coast. Samples of four populations were examined and the frequency of two banded forms was recorded. All brown-banded snails were small juveniles and these apparently die before reaching adolescence. White-banded snails occurred in all age groups and their frequency tends to be highest in juveniles and lowest in the oldest adults. White-banded snails have a much lower incidence of larval trematode infection than unbanded snails and also differ slightly in weight and in the onset of sexual maturity. It is suggested that these forms are maintained as a selectively balanced polymorphism.
Observations on the hunting and mating behaviours of two species of scorpion flies (Bittacidae : Mecoptera)
Authors: Bornemissza GF
Published: June 2005

This paper describes the hunting and mating behaviour of two species of
Harpobittacus which are endemic to Australia. The larvae of H. australis, and probably
also those of H. nigriceps, are scavengers, whereas their adults are rapacious predators.
Their prey include a wide variety of soft-bodied insects and spiders.
In the field only the male was observed to hunt and capture its prey with its
powerful raptorial hindlegs. After taking a short meal, the male curves its abdomen
to evert two intertergal vesicles between segments 6 and 7 and segments 7 and 8. These
vesicles contract and expand in a slow rhythmic motion and discharge a sex pheromone
which attracts the female. As soon as copulation is established the male passes the prey
to the female which feeds on it as a nuptial meal while mating is in progress. Both sexes
mate several times daily throughout their entire lifetimes.
The hunting and mating behaviour of the two species differ only in that the nuptial
meal remains in the possession of the male H. australis, the same prey being used for
several mating actions with different females. In H. nigriceps, the meal is in possession
of the female which discards it just prior to the termination of copulation. In this
species a fresh nuptial meal is provided by the male on each mating occasion. It is
suggested that similar mating behaviour may occur in other genera of Bittacidae,
notably in the worldwide genus Bittacus.
Management and behaviour of breeding groups of the marsupial Perameles nasuta Geoffroy in captivity
Authors: Stodart E
Published: June 2005

The marsupial Perameles nasuta Geoffroy was repeatedly bred in captivity, in large enclosures, for the first time. Methods of management are described.
The bandicoot's behaviour was observed on 104 nights with spotlight and binoculars. All the bandicoots used the whole enclosure, were solitary in habit, and were very busy feeders, spending little time in other activities. Sexual activity was restricted to a few nights close to oestrus. Close following of the female by the male led to several matings which occurred in quick succession, with intromission lasting a few seconds. Gestation lasted 12.5 days. The interval between successive periods of oestrus, when young conceived at the first oestrus were successfully reared to weaning, was 62-63 days. Young were carried in the pouch at night for 50-54 days and appeared to be weaned when the next litter was due.
Population dynamics of the Quokka, Setonix brachyurus, on the west end of Rottnest I., Western Australia I. Habitat and distribution of the quokka
Authors: Holsworth WN
Published: June 2005

Data collected over a period of 10 yr is presented on the distribution of a small
wallaby, the quokka, on the isolated West End portion of Rottnest I., Western
Australia. The density of quokkas in each locality varied with the density of grasses that
composed the major portion of their diet. Generally, the animals are non-gregarious
and each quokka has a home range of about 10 ac. The home ranges of groups of
25-150 individuals overlap to form group territories. The boundaries of the group
territories are stable and in places coincide with topographical features. Young quokkas
usually remain in their natal group territory and rarely do permanent changes in group
affiliation by animals of any age occur even after the population of adjacent territories
has been greatly reduced.
A review of the Australian species of the genus Ligyra Newman (Hyperlonia Olim) (Bombyliidae : Diptera)
Authors: Paramonov SJ
Published: June 2005

The genus Ligyra Newman, previously known by its junior synonym Hyperalornia
Rond., includes 22 species so far recognized in Australia. A total of 12 species are
described below as new. Descriptions are given of all species, together with a key for
their identification, and a neotype is established for L. bombyliformis (Macleay).
The reproductive system and embryonic diapause in the female kangaroo, Marcopodus giganteus
Authors: Clark MJ , Poole WE
Published: June 2005

The reproductive system of the female grey kangaroo consists as in other
marsupiais, of two ovaries, two uteri, two lateral vaginae, and a median vaginal canal.
The changes which occur during the oestrous cycle or pregnancy can be divided into
three phases: (1) a proliferative phase characterized by maturation and rupture of an
ovarian follicle and its subsequent transformation into a new corpus luteum, and by
cell division in the uteri; (2) a luteal phase, when the corpus luteum is fully formed
and the luteal cells attain their maximum size, and the uterine gland cells are tall
columnar, with basally situated nuclei; and (3) a post-luteal phase when the secretory
cells of the corpus luteum and uteri degenerate.
Repair begins in the uteri before the end of pregnancy and this is supplemented
by post-partum mitotic activity, but post-partum oestrus does not occur. The uterine
glands are small, and ovarian activity is inhibited during the initial period of lactation.
A small proportion of females with pouch young over 100 days old return to oestrus
and mate. Mitotic activity then ceases in the uteri, in the newly formed corpus luteum,
and the blastocyst until the pouch young is lost or approaches the end of pouch life,
when mitotic activity is resumed in the corpus luteum and blastocyst. The occurrence of
embryonic diapause has been confirmed in both wild and captive animals.
The use of sterile males to control populations of Queensland fruit fly Dracus tryoni (Frogg) (Diptera : Tephritidae) I. methods of mass rearing, transporting, irradating and releasing sterile flies
Authors: Monro J , Osborn AW
Published: June 2005

This paper describes the methods devised and used in rearing, transporting, sterilizing, and releasing Dacus tryoni for field experiments aimed at controlling natural populations of this pest with sterile males. The general principles of economical mass-rearing, including the management of breeding stocks, and quality and economy in larval rearing, and previous work on mass-rearing Dacus tryoni are discussed. Adults required exposure either to natural or artificial dusk to stimulate mating, 120 cages each stocked with 4000-5000 flies provided sufficient eggs to achieve a production rate of up to l0*6 pupae per week; eggs were collected in apple-hollows; larvae were reared in a medium whose basic components were yeast and dried powdered carrot; pupae were stored at 25�C and 70-80% R.H. until they were ready for irradiation; they were irradiated on the eighth day of pupal life using a 60Co source to produce doses between 6000 and 10,000 rads. After they had been irradiated the pupae were consigned by commercial aircraft to country airports near the points of release. The sites of release were trees; a release platform protected the pupae from rain, sun, and predators.
Reproductive isolation between two closely related species of the Queensland fruit fly Dracus tryoni (Frogg) and D. neohumeralis Hardy (Diptera : Tephritidae) I. Variation in humeral callus pattern and the occurrence of intermediate colour forms in the wild
Authors: Wolda H
Published: June 2005

A number of samples from wild populations of the Queensland fruit fly, Dacus
tryoni and D. neohumeralis, were studied. There is a considerable variation in the
colour pattern on the humeral callus. This variation is continuous so that any criterion
for distinguishing between "intermediates" and "good species" is purely arbitrary.
It was found in areas where D. neohumeralis does not occur as well as in localities
where it is very abundant. By whatever criterion one defines intermediates, there
appears to be no relation between the frequency of such forms and the presence or
absence of D. neohumeralis or with the relative proportions of the two species in the
population. However, flies with only a very small yellow area on an otherwise brown
humeral callus were found only in Cairns where D. neohumeralis is usually the most
abundant species. A similar variation in humeral callus pattern was found in other
related species, such as D. kraussi and D. halfordiae. It is concluded that the intermediate
colour forms may not be hybrids between D. tryoni and D. neohumeralis but variants
of D. tryoni and, possibly the darker forms from Cairns, of D. neohumeralis.
Studies on the Australian Muscidae (Diptera) I. Some Species of Dichaetomyia Malloch
Authors: Pont AC
Published: June 2005

The Australian species of Dichaetomyia Malloch with setulose scutellar margins
are revised. The species are redescribed and a key for their identification given, with
illustrations of diagnostic characters. In all, five species are considered; the identity
of the non-Australian D. armata (Stein) is resolved; three Australian species are
described as new, D. johannis, sp. nov., D. longiseta, sp. nov., and D. norrisi, sp. nov.;
D. signifcans (Walker) is recorded from Australia for the first time.
Abnormalities of the muscular anatomy in the shoulder region of paralysed chick embryos
Authors: Sullivan GE
Published: June 2005

Chick embryos were paralysed with decamethonium during the time when the
wing muscles were being formed by cleavage of the dorsal and ventral premuscle masses
of the wing buds. Dosing with the drug was commenced at 5 days of incubation and
was continued for periods ranging from 3 days to 1 week.
Among the anatomical muscular abnormalities found in the paralysed embryos
were various delays or failures of cleavage, a divergence of the proximal moiety of
pars scapularis of the triceps away from the humerus, and a tendency for M. coracobrachialis
posterior to be split into two portions. Although there were individual
differences in details of the anomalies, a generally consistent syndrome of muscular
aberrations prevailed throughout the experimental embryos.
The results indicate that functional activity is important for the formation of a
normal muscular anatomy. The abnormalities associated with paralysis suggest that
tensile stresses arising from skeletal growth act in conjunction with those due to
neurogenic contractions to influence the orientation of muscle fibres and their grouping
to form individual muscles.
An ultrastructural study of early development of vibrissae in normal and X-irradiated embry mice
Authors: Jacobson CM
Published: June 2005

(1) Embryo mice have been subjected to irradiation dosages which will cause subsequent failure of vibrissa follicle development. The fine structure of the regions of skin which bear vibrissae has then been examined and compared with the same structure in non-irradiated animals.
(2) At 10 days of development, prior to vibrissa initiation, the epidermis of facial skin consists of two layers of cells which are very loosely connected, rather disorganized, and have few cell inclusions.
(3) Subsequent development in non-follicular areas includes not only cell multiplication but also an increase in cell surface contact in organization of the cell layers and in the number of various inclusions.
(4) The elaboration of vibrissa rudiments is characterized by an accelerated rate and a much greater degree of these changes. There is particularly close cell contact across the basement membrane between the epidermal and dermal layers.
(5) The basement membrane is shown to consist of three layers. The median one is wide, light, and non-granular. The upper and lower layers are composed of lines of organized granules each several layers deep. These granules are in close association with the RNA-containing granules (ribosomes) of the epidermal and dermal cells.
(6) X-irradiation disrupts the membrane organization within the cells. It also alters the arrangement of the cellular granules and finally causes the disintegration of some of them. This effect is more violent and widespread in the vibrissa rudiments than in the non-follicular regions.
(7) After X-irradiation the normal linear arrangement of the basement membrane breaks down. This also proceeds further in the vibrissa than in the unspecialized areas.
(8) These results are interpreted to show that X-irradiation halts development of vibrissae because, by disrupting the normal cell contacts and granular organization, it prevents the action of an induction system which functions by the transport of vital substances by "infection" of particles through the granular layers.
Adaptations to temperature in geographic races of the Queensland fruit fly Dacus (Strumenta) tryoni
Authors: Bateman MA
Published: June 2005

Four populations of Dacus tryoni collected from widely separated regions on the
east coast of Australia (Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, and East Gippsland) were compared
in the laboratory to determine how they differed in their adaptations to temperature, and
what adaptations have enabled the species to spread into colder areas.
The main criteria used for the comparisons were the innate capacity for increase
(rm) and its components : speed of development, survival rate, and fecundity. The races
were compared at three different temperatures and in two successive years.
Differences between the races from Cairns, Brisbane, and Sydney were often
large and consistent, and in general they correlated well with differences in the climates
of the respective geographic areas. At the lowest temperature the Sydney strain had the
highest (rm), while the Cairns strain had the lowest. At the intermediate temperature
there were no significant differences between the strains. At the highest temperature
the Cairns strain had the highest (rm), while the Sydney strain had the lowest. The strain
from East Gippsland behaved in an unpredictable way in most of the experiments,
and rarely fitted into the trends set by the other three strains.
The major differences appear to have been due primarily to adaptations affecting
fecundity. There were also significant differences in the longevity of adults and the
survival rates of immature stages, but not in speeds of development. The differences
in fecundity may have been related to differences in the proportions of females fertilized
in the experimental cages.
Geographic variation in the snail Velacumantus (Gastropoda : Potamididae)
Authors: Ewers WH
Published: June 2005

A morph-frequency cline and a size cline are described for the snail Velacumantus
australis.
The frequency of a white-banded form decreases clinally with latitude South.
Living populations from Queensland and northern New South Wales have frequencies
between 7 and 18% whereas all populations from southern New South Wales and
eastern Victoria, except those from Lake Illawarra, have frequencies between 2 and 5%.
The frequency in Port Phillip Bay is less than 0.1%. The frequency in a sample from
Swan River, Western Australia, was 9.1% about the same as in samples from localities
of the same latitude on the eastern coast of Australia. The frequency in most fossil
samples was similar to that in nearby living populations.
The mean length of populations from the eastern states increases clinally with
increase in latitude South, although there are some irregular fluctuations between
adjacent populations which are probably influenced by population density.
The development of the Chondrocranium in two species of the Australian anuran genus Pseudophryne Fitzinger
Authors: Jacobson CM
Published: June 2005

A comparative study has been made of several stages in the chondrocranial
development of two species of the Australian anuran genus, Pseudophryne. The material
has been studied by microscopic examination and graphic reconstruction of serial
transverse sections.
In tadpoles of stage 20 (small limb bud) the chondrocranium is very
rudimentary, consisting of little more than an open box with a membranous
roof. In later development it becomes somewhat more solid but lacks many elements
present in most genera, especially in the nasal and orbital regions. It never has a
well-developed roof. However, the genus retains a heavy, primitive quadrate. The
various processes interconnecting the chondrocranium and the jaw complex are
unusual in position and size as a result of the problem of forming a functional
unit from the specialized chondrocranium and the primitive quadrate.
The evolutionary position of the genus is discussed in the light of these characters
compared to other known genera both primitive and specialized. It seems that
Pseudophryne, although retaining some primitive characters, is highly specialized.
A gynandromorphic grasshopper produced by double fertilization
Authors: White MJD
Published: June 2005

An individual of the large grasshopper Valanga irregularis (Walker) which
exhibited bilateral gynandromorphism, is described. The entire right side was
female, the left side being male. The colour pattern on the two sides was completely
different, the male side corresponding to the concolorous phenotype, the female side
to the contrasty one. The gonad was an undeveloped ovotestis, the testicular part
being XO (2n = 23).
There are two obvious explanations of this gynandromorph: (1) that a single
XX zygote nucleus gave rise to XX and XO nuclei through loss of an X; in this case
we would be dealing with a sex-linked pattern polymorphism, the gene for the contrasty
morph being dominant to the concolorous allele; (2) that the gynandromorph arose from
a binucleate egg, as a result of double fertilization. Data on the frequency of the morphs
in the two sexes, in natural populations, do not support the first hypothesis, and it is
concluded that the second one must be correct.
Revision of the genus Euryglossella Michener (Apoidea : Colletidae)
Authors: Exley EM
Published: June 2005

The genus Euryglossella Cockerell, 1910, is reinstated and revised. Three species
are recognized, E. minima Cockerell, E. cornuta (Cockerell), and E. perkinsi (Michener),
and the males are described for the first time.
Notes on the Indo-Australian Basicerotine ants (Hymenoptera : Formicidae)
Authors: Taylor RW
Published: June 2005

Descriptions and figures are given of Rhopalothrix orbis, sp. nov., R. diadema
Brown & Kempf, Eurhopalothrix procera (Emery), E. greensladei, sp. nov., E. isabellae
(Mann), and E. szentivanyi, sp, nov., together with distributional and systematic notes
on other species, and a key to the Indo-Australian fauna of tribe Basicerotini. R. orbis is
the first species of its genus recorded from Australia. This paper supplements the world
basicerotine monograph of Brown and Kempf [Studia ent. 3(1-4), 161-250 (1960).]
A contribution to the systematics of the genus Amitermes (Isoptera : Termitidae) in Australia
Authors: Gay FJ
Published: June 2005

Eight new species of the genus Amitermes, represented by both the soldier and alate castes, and a further 22 new species, represented by the soldier caste only, are described. In addition, further records are given of the distribution and biology of eight rare species previously described, together with descriptions of the hitherto unknown alate castes of four of these species.
Keys are given for the identification of both alates and soldiers of the Australian species of Amitermes.
The annual interrenal tissue cycle within the adrenal galnd of the Eastern Rosella, Platycercus eximius (Aves : Psittaciformes)
Authors: Hall BK
Published: June 2005

The annual cytological changes in the interrenal (cortical) tissue of the adrenal
gland of P. eximius (Shaw) have been studied. The ratio of interrenal tissue to total
endocrine tissue, here designated the fractional cortical volume, shows an annual
cycle which is highly correlated with the maturation of the gonads and the onset of
the breeding season. These results are discussed in relation to other published studies
on interrenal tissue cycles in avian species.
Coccidiosis in wild rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculua (L.) at four sites in different climatic regions in eastern Australia II.The relationship of oocyst output to climate and to some aspects of the rabbit's physiology
Authors: Stodart E
Published: June 2005

Rabbit populations were sampled regularly during 1962-64 at four sites in
different climatic regions (subalpine, mediterranean, subtropical, and semi-arid) in
eastern Australia. A total of 2981 rabbits were taken by shooting at night.
Oocysts in the faeces were identified as Eimeria stiedae, E. media, E. perforans,
E. irresidua, E. magna, E. piriformis, and E. exigua.
Infections were highest and most frequent at the subalpine site, less at the sites
with mediterranean and subtropical climates, and were not common at the semi-arid
site. Regular seasonal fluctuations occurred at the subalpine and mediterranean sites,
with troughs occurring in summer.
Multiple regression analysis of oocyst count on several anatomical and climatic
measurements showed that, except at the semi-arid site, oocyst count was significantly
related to measurements highly correlated with host age, and to evaporation (during the
preceding 8 weeks); at the semi-arid site rainfall was the only really significant factor.
Differences between species of coccidia were small compared with the differences
between sites.
Ecology of lice on sheep. VI. The influence of shearing and solar radiation on populations and transmission of Damalinia ovis
Authors: Murray MD
Published: June 2005

Many D. ovis are found more than 1/4 in. from the skin of the sheep, and 30-50%
of a louse population may be lost when the sheep is shorn. The lice near the tip of the
fleece come to the tip quickly when it is shaded and warmed, particularly when the
fleece is short, and consequently lice, mainly adults and stage III nymphs, spread rapidly
from sheep to sheep which are in close contact.
All nymphal and adult stages of D. ovis were killed when exposed to 48�C for 60
min, 50�C for 30 min, or to 55 or 60�C for 5 min. Some lice died when exposed to
45�C for 4 hr but the main effect was on oviposition, and females exposed for only 2 hr
laid fewer eggs. Most eggs were killed when exposed to 45�C for 4 hr, 47�C for 2-4 hr,
or 49�C for 4-1 hr.
The intensity of solar radiation during the summer in Australia can result in a
temperature gradient within the fleece of sheep from c. 45�C near to the skin to 65-70�C
at the tip of the fleece within 5-10 min of exposure. Many lice in the distal parts of the
fleece are killed as lethal temperatures develop, and the number of eggs laid by survivors
may be reduced. On newly shorn sheep even lice and eggs near the skin may be killed, as
the temperature near the skin can rise to 45-52�C. Reasonably heavy infestations may
be maintained on sheep kept permanently in the shade, and it appears that the cumulative
effect of repeated mortalities due to solar radiation prevents an increase in numbers of
D. ovis during the summer.
Ultrastructural aspects of cartilage and membrane bone differentiation from common germinal cells
Authors: Hall BK , Shorey CD
Published: June 2005

The ultrastructural changes associated with the differentiation of adventitious
cartilage and of bone from common germinal cells on the quadratojugal of the embryo
chick have been described. The point of divergence of the two cell lines from the
common germinal cells has been described and the possible point of action of the
morphogenetic switch from osteogenesis to chondrogenesis has been discussed.
Meristic features and muscle protein characteristics of populations of galaxiid fishes
Authors: Greenham PM
Published: June 2005

Samples from six populations of galaxiid fishes collected within and adjacent to
the Australian Capital Territory were compared in terms of meristic features and
characteristics of their water-soluble skeletal muscle protein as examined by cellulose
acetate electrophoresis and the Ouchterloney method of immunology. Statistically
significant differences were found to exist between the number of vertebrae and numbers
of fin rays in dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins. There were no appreciable differences in
muscle proteins between groups.
Reproductive condition and tentacle extirpation in Malayan Achatina fulica (Pulmonata)
Authors: Berry AJ , Chan LC
Published: June 2005

Some individuals of A. fulica in Malaya have active gonads at all times of the year.
Several criteria indicate, however, that reproductive activity is greatest in July-December
and declines to a minimum in March.
There is some evidence that this cycle is related to rainfall, and that year-by-year
differences in rainfall affect fluctuations in reproductive condition.
A. fulica with their ocular tentacles removed produced significantly more shelled
eggs than normal snails and also had more large oocytes in their gonads. When albumen
glands were full, numbers of shelled eggs were significantly greater than when albumen
glands were reduced. In snails with small albumen glands, removal of tentacles caused
oocytes in the gonad to increase more markedly than shelled eggs.
It is suggested that the general nutritional condition of the snail affects its ability
to form complete shelled eggs, but not its ability to produce oocytes in the gonad. The
latter appears to be under a hormonal control involving the tentacles, rather like that
proposed by Pelluet and Lane (1961).
Taxonomy, ecology and zoogeography of dragonflies (Odonata) from the north-west of Western Australia
Authors: Watson JAL
Published: June 2005

Thirty species of Odonata are known to occur in the north-west of Western
Australia, between the De Grey and Gascoyne Rivers. Eight of these species, from the
families Coenagrionidae, Protoneuridae, Gomphidae, Corduliidae, and Libellulidae,
belong to taxa here described as new.
All the north-western dragonflies are either of tropical affinity, or widespread
species. The species confined to permanent waters, i.e. to conditions of relatively mild
temperatures and high oxygen tensions, are commonly more distinct from closest relatives
in the Kimberley region or northern Queensland, than Kimberley and Queensland
species are from each other. Such disjunct species show limited dispersal as adults.
The ecology of a natural population of Queensland fruit fly, Dacus tryoni II. The distribution of eggs and its relation to behaviour
Authors: Pritchard G
Published: June 2005

The oviposition of Queensland fruit fly is described and the distribution of eggs
within and between fruits is analysed.
Olfactory and visual cues direct females to fruit. A brief exploratory phase
then follows after which the female applies the ventral surface of her head to areas of fruit
surface and then moves forward to probe these same areas with her ovipositor.
The female lays her eggs into the fruit either after piercing the cuticle with her
ovipositor or through existing holes such as previous oviposition holes or holes made
by codling moth larvae. As many as 70% of the eggs laid into hard, shiny fruits were
laid into existing holes, but in softer fruits with protuberances over the surface less than
20% were laid in this way. The difference is related to a backward component in the
push by the ovipositor, leading to difficulty in piercing hard, smooth unbroken skin.
Ovipositions are further grouped on single fruits owing to the favourability of
certain areas in relation to such physical factors as wind and illumination.
In the laboratory it was not possible under any circumstances to achieve a uniform
dispersion of ovipositions when a succession of single females was given the choice of a
number of oviposition sites. Contagious distributions were the rule, although randomness
of oviposition was exhibited in certain experimental designs.
In the field, under natural and experimental conditions, oviposition holes were
generally contagiously distributed between fruit.
The data offer no support to the hypothesis that oviposition by D. tryoni is
affected, in a limiting way, by previous acts of oviposition by other females. An alternative
hypothesis for egg limitation at high density, based on aggressive interactions
between females on fruit, is suggested.
Cytogenetics of the Viatica group of morabine grasshoppers II.Kangaroo Island populations
Authors: White MJD , Key KHL , Andre M , Cheney J
Published: June 2005

Three members of the viatica group of morabine grasshoppers occur on Kangaroo
Island: the 19- and 17-chromosome races of "viatica" and the XY race of "P24".
Their distributions are parapatric and fit in well with the respective mainland distributions,
assuming a former land connection. Confrontations of these taxa in all three
possible combinations occur; two of them have been located, each at one point, and
the reproductive situations studied.
The zone of overlap, or "tension zone", between P24(XY) and viatica17 was
found to be 200-300 m wide and to contain representatives of both forms (as diagnosed
by the karyotype), as well as a substantial proportion of cytologically hybrid individuals.
Good evidence was secured for a much more extended reciprocal introgression of genes
controlling the form of the male cercus and certain anatomical dimensions. The tension
zone between P24(XY) and viatica19 seems to be even narrower, but, in spite of close
contact between the two forms, no cytologically hybrid individuals were found and no
evidence of intergradation in anatomical features; it is concluded that they mate freely
with each other, but that the product of these unions is inviable.
The apparent reproductive isolation of P24(XY) and viatica19 in their zone of
overlap on Kangaroo Island gives support to the view that the accretion of genetic
differences along tension zones may lead ultimately to full speciation. However, it is
questionable whether P24(XY) and viatica19 themselves should be regarded as distinct
species, since on the mainland they form the terminal members of a geographical series
of forms, all adjacent members of which almost certainly interbreed.
The salivary gland chromosomes of Chironomus oppositus Walker (Diptera : Nematocera)
Authors: Martin J
Published: June 2005

Chromosome maps for C. oppositus, which are intended to serve as a standard
for the genus Chironomus in the Australasian region, are presented. This species
possesses the usual four salivary gland chromosomes and the seven arms, named A-G
by Keyl (1962), can be recognized. This species has the combination AE, BF, CD, G,
corresponding to the pseudothummi group of Europe. The relationship of C. oppositus
to European species of the pseudothummi group is not definite as an independent
origin of this arm combination is possible.
The species is quite polymorphic, 13 inversions having been recognized. The
limits of these inversions, with preliminary data on their distributions, are given.
Revision of the Xanthesma Michener (Apoida : Colletidae)
Authors: Exley EM
Published: June 2005

The genus Xanthesma Michener, 1965, is revised. Eleven species are recognized
including seven which are described as new: X. argosomafa, X. dasycephala, X. lasiosomata,
X. lutea, X. parva, X. trisulca, and X. vittata. Keys that enable the separation
of all species are presented.
Morphology and relationships of the Pentatomoidea (Heteroptera)
Authors: Kumar R
Published: June 2005

Evidence from the morphology of the alimentary organs, genitalia, immature
stages, and biology is described to support a subfamily status for Oncomerinae in the
Tessaratomidae. It has been shown that the Oncomerinae is a homogeneous group and
its division into subgroups is unwarranted. The developmental stages of seven species
of native Australasian oncomerines are described and a scheme of the higher classification
of the Tessaratomidae is presented.
Summer and Winter observations of the behaviour of the Euro Macropus robustus (Gould)
Authors: Russell EM
Published: June 2005

Types of habitat in which euros were seen during the day in summer in the far
west of New South Wales are described. At air temperatures between 32.5 and 42.5�C,
more animals were seen in shelters among a rocky outcrop providing almost complete
protection from solar radiation than among dense tree-shrub shelters which did not
afford the same degree of protection. At lower air temperatures, more animals were
seen in tree-shrub shelters. The most noticeable features of the behaviour of the animals
in these shelters were the relatively high proportion of time spent standing crouched and
the time spent licking forelimbs and abdomen in relation to any other grooming activity.
Time spent licking tends to increase at higher temperatures, and there is also a slight
positive correlation between time spent standing and temperature.
A scheme for the identification of the blood of Australasian marsupials
Authors: Kirsch JAW , Murray MD
Published: June 2005

A collection of sera from 81 species of Australasian marsupials and 65 antisera to them, prepared in rabbits, chickens, or various species of marsupials, was examined to devise a scheme to identify the blood of marsupials imbibed by blood-sucking insects. The precipitin test was of limited value but established that the blood was marsupial. With the haemagglutination inhibition test, however, it was possible to identify the family, subfamily, genus, and species. Thus a procedure could be devised to identify the donors' blood based principally on serological methods supplemented by data on the geographical distribution of the various marsupial species.
The biology of the Jarrah leaf miner, Perthida glyphopa common (Lepidoptera : Incurvariidae)
Authors: Wallace MMH
Published: June 2005

The jarrah leaf miner P. glyphopa causes conspicuous damage to both jarrah
(Eucalyptus marginata) and to flooded gum (E. rudis) in Western Australia. It may also
attack other Eucalyptus species but rarely reaches high densities in them.
Details of the life history and distribution are presented and processes influencing
numbers in the field are discussed. These include larval parasitism (Hymenoptera);
possible predation by birds; tree or understorey density or both; surface soil type;
and innate resistance of certain trees to attack.
A theory of outbreak initiation and subsequent decline is outlined.
The effects of sheep on the breeding success and habitat of the short-tailed shearwater, puffinus tenuirostris (Temminck)
Authors: Norman FI
Published: June 2005

Stock, including sheep, are considered deleterious to ground-nesting birds and have been held responsible for declines in numbers of P. tenuirostris breeding in Bass Strait. Investigations during 1965-68 attempted to study possible interactions existing between sheep and shearwaters on Big Green I., Furneaux Group, Tas. The island has been stocked with sheep for more than 100 years and during this period changes in vegetation and decreases in colony size have been noted. Exclusion of sheep from a portion of a colony did not increase hatching or fledging success, nor was there a decline in either the number of burrows or in burrow utilization, in the sheep-trampled areas. Indeed, sheep activity over colonies appeared to decline during the birds' breeding season and it was concluded that burrow damage was due mainly to the birds themselves, with major damage occurring in the fenced area during the breeding season. Comparison of burrow stability on Green Island with that in another colony, again suggested that birds were responsible for nest destruction but that renovation by the birds tended to nullify the importance of the damage. Though shearwater colonies were once considered to be more widespread on Green Island, experiments have indicated that the vegetation, induced by man and perpetuated by sheep, was not preventing burrow formation and expansion of colony areas. Sheep have not, therefore, been shown to be responsible for past declines and other factors will be considered later.
Salt excretion in the Australian pipit, Anthus novaeseelandiae (Aves : Motacillidae)
Authors: Rounsevell D
Published: June 2005

Salt loading and treatment with cortisol did not induce nasal secretion of
inorganic ions in pipits, and the structure of the glands did not appear to change after
three consecutive days of the treatment. Salt loading did show that pipits could
excrete urine containing sodium ions at NaCl concentrations of up to 570 m-equiv/l.
It is concluded that the nasal glands in A. novaeseelandiae are not important in the
excretion of electrolytes.
In vitro studies on the environmental biology of Goiodes colchici (Denny) (Mallophaga : Ischnocera) I. The effects of temperature and humidity on the bionomics of G. colchici
Authors: Williams RT
Published: June 2005

Pheasant body lice, G. colchici, were exposed to various conditions of
temperature and humidity, and the consequent variations in adult longevity, egg
production, fecundity, and egg resorption recorded.
Temperatures in the 30-40C range were found to be essential for normal
existence. Above this, animals died within 48 hr. Below this, irrespective of humidity,
chill-coma supervened, survival was curtailed, and no eggs were laid. At 30�C,
survival was maximal, but few eggs were laid. Due to a high level of fecundity, egg
production was maximal at 35C at a high humidity, and survival equalled that at
30C. Levels of fecundity, egg-laying, and survival dropped as the humidity fell,
and also as the temperature increased or decreased about 35C.
It is evident that survival, fecundity, egg production, and egg-laying are closely
geared to temperature and humidity.