bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Report of a Field Study on Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Vectors of Dog Heartworm, Dirofilaria Immitis Leidy (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) Near Sydney, N.s.w., And the Implications for Veterinary and Public Health Concern.
Authors: Russell RC
Published: June 2005

Transmission of dog heartworm has been increasing in many parts ofAustralia, but very little is known about the local mosquito vectors. For the first time in this country a range of natural vectors has been identified from a systematic field investigation in an area of known transmission. The study area centred on a dog pound which was surrounded by urban, semi-rural, and natural bushland conditions, supporting a diverse and abundant mosquito fauna. Mosquitoes were trapped for 3 months, over a summer, and scored for developing filariae. Of the eleven species collected seven were naturally infected, and four infective. Vector potential indices suggested that Culex annulirostris and Aedes notoscriprus were primary vectors, Anopheles annulipes and Cx. quinquefasciatus secondary vectors, and Ae. alboannulatus, Ae. rubrithorax, and Cx. australicus only minor vectors. The importance of the results in relation to control of the disease is discussed, although local factors will determine the relative significance of these or other vectors in different areas of Australia.
The Affinities of the Australian Gomphidae (Odonata)
Authors: Watson JAL , O'Farrell AF
Published: June 2005

Two subfamilies of Gomphidae occur in Australia, the Ictinogomphinae and Gomphinae. All Australian ictinogomphines belong in the genus Ictinogomphus Cowley, with other species in Africa and Asia; the gomphines include two groups of smaller gomphids, the Hemigomphus group (Hemigomphus Selys and two undescribed genera) and the Austrogomphus group (Antipodogomphus Fraser, Austroepigomphus Fraser and Austrogomphus Selys). Structures in the male terminalia indicate that the Hemigomphus group is allied to the South and Central American genera Diaphlebia Selys, Neogomphus Selys, Perigomphus Belle and Zonophora Selys, and that the Austrogomphus group is allied to the Agriogomphus complex of genera, also from southern and central America, and, perhaps, to Lestinogomphus Martin from Africa.
The Morphology of the Gastrointestinal Tract and Food Transit Time in the Fruit Bats Pteropus Alecto and P. Poliocephalus (Megachiroptera).
Authors: Tedman RA , Hall LS
Published: June 2005

The gastrointestinal tract of the fruit bats Pteropus alecto and P. poliocephalus was investigated by dissection and by light and electron microscopy. Food transit time was recorded for cultivated fruits and roentgenograms were obtained from bats given barium-labelled food. Minimum food transit time varied from 12 to 34 min for cultivated fruits but this was extended to 44 min by the addition of Ba. There was little variation between the gastrointestinal tracts of the two species. The stomach has an elongated terminal part, and expanded cardiac and fundic regions which display a relatively thick gastric mucosa and abundant parietal cells. A caecum and appendix are absent. Well developed villi of the small intestine feature absorptive cells with relatively large microvilli (less than or equal to 5.7 mu m tall). The intestinal mucosa displays more goblet cells in P. poliocephalus than in P. alecto. The large intestine is short and features prominent longitudinal folds; the mucosa undergoes a gradual transition, with number and size of villi decreasing in the distal part of the intestine. Although a distinct rectum cannot be distinguished, the colonic mucosa is restricted to a short segment, slightly shorter in P. poliocephalus than in P. alecto. The study highlights several anatomical features of the gastrointestinal tract, which probably allow fruit bats to process large quantities of food rapidly. The advantage of this to a flying mammal is a reduction in bulk carried in the digestive tract, enabling it to reduce the energy expenditure associated with foraging flights.
Radiographic Studies on the Structure and Function of the Gastrointestinal Tract of Two Species of Potoroine Marsupials.
Authors: Hume ID , Carlisle CH
Published: June 2005

The structure and function of the gastrointestinal tracts of 2 potoroine marsupials, Aepyprymnus rufescens, the rufous rat-kangaroo, and Potorous tridactylus, the long-nosed potoroo, were examined by the use of radiographic and fluoroscopic techniques. In both species barium sulphate given by mouth entered the sacciform forestomach within 20 min of dosing, but in the same time the hindstomach and duodenum were clearly outlined. Contrast medium reached the hindgut within 1 to 2 h, but was retained there for at least 24 h. A proportion of radio-opaque particles given by mouth also bypassed the sacciform forestomach, but those that entered the gastric region were retained there for up to 93 h. The stomach constituted 50% of total gut capacity, and the hindgut (caecum and colon) 35%. The sacciform forestomach was the largest gastric region. It is concluded that, on the basis of anatomy and digesta movements, the forestomach may be less important, and the hindgut more important, in fermentative digestion in the Potoroinae than in the Macropodidae.
Foraging Behaviour of the Australian Ghost Bat, Macroderma gigas (Microchiroptera: Megadermatidae)
Authors: Tidemann CR , Priddel DM , Nelson JE , Pettigrew JD
Published: June 2005

The foraging behaviour of Macroderma gigas was investigated in the field by radio-tracking of tagged individuals and by direct observation of feeding bats in May 1983. Foraging areas were centred, on average, 1.9 km from the day roost. The mean size of foraging areas was 61 ha and tagged bats generally returned to the same areas each night. Hunting behaviour of bats within foraging areas consisted of observation at vantage points, with brief sallies to capture prey, mostly insects on the ground, although hawking of flying insects was also observed. Vantage points were changed about every 15 min during foraging periods. The mean distance between them was 360 m. Foraging areas were not exclusive, there was overlap between the ranges of several tagged individuals, and in one case an area was used by 20 bats.
Four Species of Polylabroides (Monogenea: Polyophisthocotylea: Microcotylidae) on Australian Bream, Acanthopagrus Spp.
Authors: Byrnes T
Published: June 2005

Two previously described species, Polylabroides australis (Murray, 1931) and P. multispinosus Roubal, 1981, and two new species, P. quadruspinosus and P, longispinosus, were recovered from four species of bream, Acanthopagrus butcheri (Munro), A. australis (Gunther), A. berda (Forskal), and A. latus (Houttuyn). The new species are described and a key to all known species of the genus is given. Zoogeographical distribution and host specificity of all four species are described.
Gonadotrophin and Steroid Binding to Adrenal Cortex Tissue of Female Brushtail Possum, Trichosurus vulpecula
Authors: Risbridger GP , Weiss M
Published: June 2005

The adrenal cortex of the female common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, contains an additional zone, the special zone, which responds to FSH and oestradiol by a change in the pattern of steroidogenesis. A preliminary report, presented herein, shows that both the cortex proper and the special zone have the ability to bind FSH; in addition, the cortex proper binds oestradiol, suggesting that receptors for these hormones may be present in these zones. Neither the cortex proper nor the special zone bound LH/hCG or progesterone.
Anti-Predator Ploys of Heliothis Punctiger (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Caterpillars Against the Predator Oechalia Schellenbergii (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).
Authors: Awan MS
Published: June 2005

The escape responses of Heliothis punctiger Wallengren caterpillars to the attacks of juveniles and adults of Oechalia schellenbergii Guerin-Meneville were studied in the laboratory. Caterpillars avoided capture by head waving, dropping off the plant, ceasing movement, biting, rolling over, oral spitting and tail wagging. These responses occurred either individually or in unison. Smaller caterpillars tended to drop off the plant; larger ones defended themselves by aggressive retaliation, the value of which as a defence ploy increased with the size of the caterpillar relative to its predator. Larger caterpillars (fourth instars) were immune to predation by juveniles of O. schellenbergii and fifth instars to all stages of the predator.
Revision of the Australian Species of Carcelia Robineau-Desvoidy, With Notes on the Remaining Genera of Australian Carceliini (Diptera: Tachinidae).
Authors: Cantrell BK
Published: June 2005

The Australian species of Carcelia Robineau-Desvoidy are revised and the genus redescribed. C. noctuae (Curran) is confirmed as a synonym of C. illota (Curran). The subgenera Carceliella Baranov, Catacarcelia Townsend and Euryclea Robineau-Desvoidy also C.s.s. malayana Baranov are recorded from Australia for the first time. Twelve new species are described but 15 other species are left unnamed until further material is available. The new species are: actaeosa; burnsi; candens; capyrosa; flavitibia; hackeri; kindaitchin; paluma; pesitra;prominens; talwurrapin; and vicinalis. Keys to the genera of Australian Carceliini and to subgenera (five) and species (32) of Carcelia are provided; the key to species of Catacarcelia includes both Australian and Oriental species. The first-instar larva of C. hardyi (Curran) is briefly described. Knowledge of the remaining genera of Australian Carceliini is insufficient for their detailed treatment but pertinent comments on each are given. Thecocarcelia Townsend and Argyrothelaira froggattii Townsend are recorded for the first time from Australia. A diagnosis of the tribe is also given.
Foliage of Eucalyptus-Punctata and the Maintenance Nitrogen Requirements of Koalas, Phascolarctos-Cinereus
Authors: Cork SJ
Published: June 2005

Nitrogen metabolism and balance were investigated in captive koalas fed mature foliage of a staple food tree, Eucalyptus punctata, in six feeding trials at various times of year. Winter foliage contained less nitrogen than summer foliage but koalas compensated by eating more in winter. Thus, nitrogen balance did not differ significantly between seasons. Urinary nitrogen excretion similarly showed no seasonal trend but losses of non-dietary (i.e. endogenous and microbial) faecal nitrogen were greater in winter than in summer, presumably because of the higher food intake. Estimates of the requirements of dietary and truly digestible nitrogen for maintenance of nitrogen equilibrium (283 mg . kg-0.75 . d-� and 271 mg . kg-0.75 . d-� respectively) were comparable with several estimates for other marsupials. Although urinary nitrogen.excretion by koalas was low compared with that by other marsupials, consistent with the koala's standard metabolic rate, losses of non-dietary faecal nitrogen were relatively high. It was concluded that relatively high losses of endogenous andlor microbial nitrogen in faeces are a consequence of feeding on Eucalyptus foliage and that the koala's low standard metabolic rate is an important adaptation permitting it to utilize this diet by partly compensating for faecal nitrogen losses.
Energetics of the Little Penguin, Eudyptula Minor: Temperature Regulation, the Calorigenic Effect of Food, and Moulting.
Authors: Baudinette RV , Gill P , O'driscoll M
Published: June 2005

Rates of oxygen consumption and means of augmenting the resultant heat production were studied in the little penguin, Eudyptula minor. Metabolic rates were lower than those predicted for a 1-kg bird, but shivering and an energy response to feeding were both present. The latter effect was independent of ambient temperatures between 2 deg and 22 deg C. The birds have limited ability to dissipate heat by evaporative water loss. About 40% of the total heat production was the maximum amount lost by this route. Cooling of expired respiratory gas provided an effective saving of heat and water. Moulting resulted in a 1.5-fold increase in metabolic rate but rates of evaporative water loss were reduced. The increase in heat production is correlated with increased thermal conductance across the body surface, as new feathers are synthesized, but body temperature is the same as in non-moulting penguins. The results suggest that increased heat loss when the birds are in water might be replaced by calorigenesis associated with the response to feeding, and by shivering, as well as by activity.
Reproduction in Captive Female Brushtail Possums, Trichosurus-Vulpecula
Authors: Curlewis JD , Stone GM
Published: June 2005

Basic reproductive data were collected from a group of wild-caught brushtail possums during three breeding seasons. The mean (�SE) oestrous cycle length, gestation length and interval from removal of pouch young (RPY) to oestrus were 26.3 � 1.46 (n = 39), 17.1 � 0.14 (n = 21) and 9.0 � 0.46 (n = 41) days respectively, agreeing closely with previously published reports. Sperm were first observed in the vaginal smear on days 0 and 1 of the cycle in mated animals, but 27% of matings did not result in the production of a neonate. There was no effect of age of pouch young on the interval between RPY and oestrus but the incidence of mating was greater when pouch young were removed at an early age. In 25 animals examined during an oestrous cycle corpora lutea or Graafian follicles were unequally distributed between left and right ovaries. During the course of the study, four animals were identified in which oestrus was not followed by a luteal phase.
The Structures of the Gastrointestinal Tracts of Honeyeaters and Other Small Birds in Relation to Their Diets
Authors: Richardson KC , Wooller RD
Published: June 2005

Honeyeaters, with a diet of nectar and small, soft-bodied insects, had smaller, less muscular gizzards and shorter intestines than insect-eating birds of comparable body size from the same area of Western Australia. Stomach width was correlated with body weight in insectivores but not in the more nectarivorous honeyeaters. Intestine length increased with increase in body weight in both insectivores and nectarivores.
Functional-Morphology of the Cranial Vasculature and the Nasal Passage in the Tasmanian Devil, Sarcophilus-Harrisii (Marsupialia, Dasyuridae) - a Marsupial Carotid Rete
Authors: Shah SKH , Nicol SC , Swain R
Published: June 2005

An anatomical examination of the cranial vascular system of the Tasmanian devil, Sarcophilus harrisii (Boitard), using angiography, polyester resin casts, and dissections, demonstrated the presence of two bilateral retia analogous to the carotid retia of panting eutherians. Such structures have not previously been demonstrated in any marsupial. The pattern of the Circle of Willis differed from that reported for any eutherian. A possible role of the retia in cooling the cranial blood supply during thermal panting would be aided by the complex turbinate bone structure, which provides a large surface area for the nasal mucosa. The mucosa was observed to be highly vascularized, and a lateral nasal gland was found on the nasal septum.
Gastric Brooding - a New Form in a Recently Discovered Australian Frog of the Genus Rheobatrachus
Authors: Leong ASY , Tyler MJ , Shearman DJC
Published: June 2005

The phenomenon of gastric brooding and oral birth displayed by the Australian frog Rheobatrachus silus has not previously been observed in the Animal Kingdom. This report describes another example of gastric brooding in a recently discovered, closely related species, Rheobatrachus vitellinus. The stomach of a female R. vitellinus that had given birth to 22 froglets revealed morphologic changes which were quite different to those described in R. silus. Unlike the atrophy of the mucosa and acid-secreting oxyntic cells in the latter species, there was no evidence of major structural changes in the brooding stomach of R. vitellinus. Furthermore, no differences were observed in the light microscopic appearances of the stomach in the brooding female and that from a non-brooding female and male R. vitellinus. A striking finding not observed in the non-brooding stomachs of R. vitellinus nor in R. silus was the presence of widespread and numerous apoptotic bodies in the gastric epithelium. The apoptotic bodies were recognized as phagocytosed fragments of eosinophilic cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclear material. Ultrastructurally, well preserved organelles were observed in the phagocytosed fragments. This diffuse deletion of cells and the striking absence of major structural changes in the brooding stomach may indicate a dichotomy in the evolution of this bizarre and unique reproductive habit.
Stratigramy - Biological Classifications Through Spontaneous Self-Assembly
Authors: Inglis WG
Published: June 2005

Biological taxonomy is a phenetic process of spontaneous self-assembly because of the intrinsic structural and developmental correlation of organic nature. It is, therefore, independent of any evolutionary- phylogenetic input, and involves six stages. The first three, constituting stratigramy, are procedural and essential, the last three are theoretical and optional, thus: (1) conceptually identical morphological structures, homologues, or equivalent blocks of non-morphological data, are identified in different organisms, and (2) divided into distinct states, here called homolostrata, which supply characters used (3) to progressively group organisms by matching identical individuals and then taxa of increasing character spread to spontaneously reveal the previously concealed phenetic hierarchical array as a stratigram, from which diagnostic characters, branching points, and taxa in relative hierarchies can be read directly. Because the sequences across a stratigram are fortuitous they can: (4) be re-ordered in extrinsically determined, chronological sequences, chronograms, at each hierarchical level, from which (5) a cladogram can be derived by re-ordering taxa from the highest level downwards, so illustrating the minimum number of historical events implied by the pattern of contemporary organisms, following which (6) a phylogenetic tree, with an essential explanatory statement, can be derived. The first three steps in this process are inevitable in all multi-character biological taxonomy, in spite of evolutionary theorizing, because organic nature is intrinsically hierarchical and its components are inherently correlated.
The Morphological Identification of Domesticated Zebra Finches, Poephila-Guttata (Passeriformes, Estrilidae), in Australia
Authors: Carr RA , Zann RA
Published: June 2005

The zebra finch, Poephila guttata, is a native Australian grassfinch which is used extensively in laboratories of many countries, including Australia. We have compared the morphology of groups of zebra finches from various origins: (1) wild-caught from a population at Bunbartha in northern Victoria; (2) their first-generation offspring which were bred in captivity; (3) fawn colour morphs; (4) white colour morphs; (5) a private collection which included a variety of colour morphs. Birds in groups 3,4 and 5 were considered to be the distant offspring of wild-caught zebra finches. The length of the wing, the head and the tarsus, the width and the depth of the bill, and the weight were measured. All characters, except the width of the bill, differed significantly among the groups. Analyses of variance indicated that head length, tarsus length and bill depth differed significantly between group 1 and groups 3, 4 and 5, but were not significantly different between groups 1 and 2 nor among groups 3,4 and 5. The wild-caught birds and their immediate offspring were larger than those of the colour-morph groups. Discriminant analysis showed that wing length, tarsus length and bill depth were important in classifying individuals into groups. Differences between groups were attributed to the effects of domestication upon birds in aviaries.
Ultrastructure of the Pharynx and Some Parenchyma Cells of Zeuxapta-Seriolae and Paramicrocotyloides-Reticularis (Monogenea, Polyopisthocotylea, Microcotylidae)
Authors: Rohde K
Published: June 2005

The ultrastructure of the pharynx of Zeuxapta seriolae and Paramicrocotyloides reticularis (Monogenea : Microcotylidae) is described. The pharynx of both species is surrounded by a thick sheath resembling a basal lamina. It contains layers of longitudinal, circular and radial muscles, glandular cells, smaller cells interpreted as connective tissue cells, axons, and loose connective tissue. The cell bodies of the glandular cells are subdivided by deep invaginations of cell membranes; the cytoplasm is rich in granular endoplasmic reticulum and golgi complexes. The pharyngeal lumen is branched and lined with a layer of cytoplasm which contains numerous surface lamellae, branched 'supportive' lamellae, and vesicles. A body consisting of stacks of tubules, and associated with axons, is interpreted as a proprioceptor. Bacteria were found in the cytoplasm of some parts of the pharynx of Z. seriolae, particularly near the lumen.
In Z. seriolae, three types of parenchyma cells near the pharynx were examined. All have deep invaginations of the cell membrane which, at least in some cells, are anchored near the nucleus by means of desmosomes, and which contain processes of adjacent cells.
Morphological Variation in Australian and Island Populations of Goulds Wattled Bat, Chalinolobus-Gouldii (Gray) (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae)
Authors: Tidemann CR
Published: June 2005

Univariate and bivariate analyses were used to demonstrate that C. gouldii increases in size from north to south and, to a lesser extent, from west to east. There is little difference between the sexes in most dimensions. Although significant differences exist between animals from localities widely separated geographically, multivariate analyses suggest that C. gouldii once occurred over most of mainland Australia, Tasmania, Norfolk I. and New Caledonia. The species appears to have become extinct or very rare in recent times on Norfolk I.; the possibility of re-introduction is discussed.
Predation on 2-Spotted Mite, Tetranychus-Urticae Koch (Acarina, Tetranychidae) by Haplothrips-Victoriensis Bagnall (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripidae) and Stethorus-Nigripes Kapur (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) on Seed Lucerne Crops in South-Australia
Authors: Bailey P , Caon G
Published: June 2005

Three predators were commonly associated with twospotted mites Tetranychus urticae: the tubular black thrips Haplothrips victoriensis, the black mite-eating ladybird Stethorus nigripes, and a predatory mite Phytoseiulus persirnilis Athias-Henriot (Acarina : Phytoseiidae). Of these, H. victoriensis was the most abundant, especially at low mite densities; S. nlgripes was present when mite numbers were high; P. persirnilis appeared only in cooler months, when mite activity had waned. A beating method for simultaneously sampling towspotted mites and their predators was developed as a quick method of estimating populations on closely planted lucerne. In laboratory feeding studies, larvae of H. victoriensis completed development on either mite eggs or lucerne pollen or both. Development was quickest on lucerne pollen. The mean consumption rate of thrips fed only mite eggs was 40 eggs per day for the 3-day first stadium and 108 per day for the 10.3-day second stadium. Where the ratio of thrips to mobile mites in the field was less than about 1:10, as occurred when chemicals were sprayed, the mite population had the potential to increase rapidly. A damage assessment study indicated that lucerne plants could tolerate moderate mite feeding (up to an average of 45 mites per leaf in the middle part of the plant). It is concluded that predators can exert effective control of mites under most field conditions.
Evolutionary Patterns in Some Putative Australian Species in the Ant Genus Rhytidoponera
Authors: Crozier RH , Pamilo P , Taylor RW , Crozier YC
Published: June 2005

Genic and morphological variation were compared for 17 putative Rhytidoponera species and a species of the related genus Heteroponera, by use of an allozyme data set and one based on morphometric, surface sculpture, and pilosity characters. Each data set was considered in three versions: the raw data, principal factor scores normalized to the appropriate eigen vectors, and these scores range-coded. The agreement between these data sets, and similar sets derived from published vertebrate studies, was gauged by means of correlation coefficients between distance matrices based on them, calculated by a jack-knife procedure. In all cases, the raw allozyme data sets gave the highest correlation with the morphological sets, but none of the treatments of the morphological data was clearly superior in this regard to the others. For the ant data, congruence between the two types of data was also examined by comparing the branching orders of dendrograms (Wagner and REML), by a new test employing distributions based on the differences between randomly generated branching orders and a reference dendrogram. According to this test, the morphological dendrogram based on range-coded principal-factor scores was significantly more similar to that derived from the raw allozyme data than were those based on the other two treatments of the data. Differences in chromosome number do not correlate well with genic and morphological ones, which indicates that the speed of karyotype change in this genus has been highly variable. Some OTUS showed duplicate-locus expression for IDH, and clustering in the allozyme- based dendrograms occurred on the basis of IDH duplicate-locus expression pattern. The two 'victoriae' populations studied cluster closely with the metallica group on the morphology-based dendrograms, in agreement with conventional views that 'victoriae' is very close to 'metallica', but diverge markedly when allozymes are considered, which indicates that the morphological resemblance is probably due to convergence. The large genetic distance between these 'victoriae' populations indicates the likely presence of sibling species. R. 'tasrnaniensis' populations, in contrast, cluster strongly with 'metallica' in both morphology- and allozyme-based dendrograms. The marked divergence of scabra from other large species in the allozyme- based dendrograms indicates that its large body size has been derived independently.
Phylogenetic-Relationships in the Genus Limnodynastes (Anura, Myobatrachidae) - a Molecular Perspective
Authors: Roberts JD , Maxson LR
Published: June 2005

Phylogenetic relationships among 10 of the 12 currently recognised species of Limnodynastes were investigated by the quantitative immunological technique of micro-complement fixation (MC'F). Analyses of albumin differentiation in Limnodynastes suggest that L. ornatus and L. spenceri are representatives of an independent lineage that emerged in the early Tertiary. We identify four additional lineages appearing in the early Oligocene (L. terraereginae, L. dumerili, L. dorsalis and probably L. interioris; L. tasmaniensis, L. fletcheri and L. peroni; L. salminr; and L. convexiusculus). Our data do not support the recognition of Platyplectron (Heyer & Liem, 1976) as a separate genus. Members of Platyplectron are more closely related to various groupings within Limnodynastes than they are to other burrowing genera (Heleioporus, Notaden and Neobatrachus).
Analyses of geographically widespread populations of L. ornatus, L. tasmaniensis, L. peroni and of the subspecies of L. dumerili indicate degrees of genetic differentiation which are correlated with distance.
Immunological Evidence on Relationships of Some Australian Terrestrial Frogs (Anura, Hylidae, Pelodryadinae)
Authors: Hutchinson MN , Maxson LR
Published: June 2005

Phylogenetic relationships of ground-dwelling hylid frogs have been studied by micro-complement fixation comparisons of serum albumin. These analyses show that this group of frogs is not monophyletic. Two distantly related species-complexes are identified: a lesueuri complex, containing the lesueuri and booroolongensis species-groups of Tyler and Davies; and a freycineti complex, consisting of the freycineti, coplandi, latopalmata and nigrofrenata species-groups. Among the frogs studied, the nearest relative of the lesueuri complex is L. serrata, whereas the closest relatives of the freycineti complex include the L. meiriana and L. ewingi species-groups. Within each complex the species are very closely related to one another, suggesting that both lineages recently have undergone adaptive radiations. These relationships correlate well with some of the morphological characters used by Tyler and Davies to establish species- groups within Litoria. Our results are at variance with the conclusions of Tyler and Davies who used features of biology and body proportions to establish possible evolutionary lineages within Litoria.
Australian Larvae of the Genus Trombella (Acarina, Trombidioidea)
Authors: Southcott RV
Published: June 2005

The Australian larvae of the genus Trombella Berlese, 1887 (Acarina : Trombidioidea : Trombellidae) are revised. All six known species are Australian, five new, the larva having been correlated with adult and deutonymphal forms by the earlier rearing to deutonymphs of larvae of Trombella alpha Southcott, 1985 obtained from the field cricket Teleogryllus commodus (Walker) in New South Wales. The five new species of larvae are: T. cucumifera, sp. nov.; T. fusiformis, sp. nov.; T, rugosa, sp. nov.; T. sternutor, sp. nov.; and T. calabyi sp. nov.; they have all been obtained by a systematic survey of the ectoparasitic mites of Australian grasshoppers. T. cucumifera occurs in the northern part of Western Australia, in the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales; T. fusiformls in the northern part of Western Australia, and the northern parts of the Northern Territory and Queensland; T. rugosa and T. sternutor in the south-western part of Western Australia; T. calabyi is recorded from a single specimen in north- western Western Australia.
Correlation studies are made on the metric characters of T. cucumifera, T. fusiformis and T. rugosa. In each species there was a significant excess of positive correlations between many of the metric variates used, within and between the groups of variates for scutal, idiosomal setal and leg variates. There appeared to be a tendency for a greater excess of these correlations within character groups than between characters of different groups.
Host Relations and Distribution of Australian Species of Trombella (Acarina, Trombellidae) Parasitizing Grasshoppers
Authors: Key KHL , Southcott RV
Published: June 2005

The geographical distribution and host relations of the five species of Trombella parasitising adult 'short- horned' grasshoppers in Australia are described on the basis of data derived from a screening of tens of thousands of grasshoppers in the Australian National Insection Collection and covering 133 localities and 335 individual hosts in 79 species. Most of the data refer to T. cucumifera Southcott, which occupies a large region across northern Australia, where it is sympatric with T. fusiformis Southcott, and extending south into New South Wales. T. rugosa Southcott and T. sternutor Southcott are sympatric in the south- west of Western Australia. T. calabyi Southcott is represented by a single specimen from the arid east-Pilbara area of Western Australia. Host species are listed for each species of mite. Eumastacidae and Tetrigidae appear not to be attacked, but within the other two Australian families (Pyrgomorphidae and Acrididae) representatives of all of the five Australian subfamilies serve as hosts. For T. cucumifera, attack rates of 20-67% of the captured samples of some species of those families were recorded at some localities. There is a suggestion that the most abundant of the geophilous grasshoppers present at any locality may be favoured and that the species of Trombella do not differ in their utilisation of the grasshopper species accessible to them. There is no evidence of sex bias in host selection. The most common number of mites found on a single host individual is one in the three mite species with adequate data; it ranges up to 11, but numbers above five are rare. All species are attached almost exclusively to the membrane between prosternum and mesosternum of the host, or the membranous insertion of coxa 111.
Gastrointestinal Nematodes in the Lizard Genus Pogona Storr (Agamidae) in Western-Australia
Authors: Jones HI
Published: June 2005

Twelve species of nematode were recovered from the gastrointestinal tract of 115 lizards in the genus Pogona (Agamidae) in Western Australia. Seven species belonged to the Physalopteridae, and three new species are described: Abbreviata pilbarensis, sp. nov., occurs only in the Pilbara region and possesses relatively small dorsal and ventral pseudolabial teeth, inconstant and irregular small denticles on the medial pseudolabial surface, left spicule more than twice the length of the right, vulva with short wide posteriorly directed tubular extension, and thick-shelled eggs; Abbreviata anomala, sp. nov., occurs throughout the State, and possesses small pseudolabia, small dorsal and ventral pseudolabial teeth, an even row of 40-60 small denticles lining the medial pseudolabial surface, left spicule 3-4 times the length of the right, five pairs of pedunculate pericloacal papillae, and females with truncated rounded tail and vulva 3-5% of body length from anterior end; Kreisiella lesueurii, sp. nov., was identified from the south-west, and possesses a row of fine even denticles extending the width of the medial pseudolabial margin, no apical, dorsal or ventral pseudolabial teeth, a restricted area of tubercles on the male ventral tail surface, a short and thick right spicule, four pairs of pedunculate pericloacal papillae, caudal alae not meeting anteriorly and not extending to the tip of the tail, and females with truncated rounded tail and anteriorly placed vulva. The male of Maxvachonia brygooi is described: it possesses lateral alae and differs from M. chabaudi only in the larger size of the gubernaculum and spicules. Other species recorded were Strongyluris paronai, Physalopteroides filicauda, Skrjabinoptera goldmanae, Abbreviata antarctica, Pseudorictularia disparilis, one species of Oxyuroidea, and two species of Trichostrongyloidea.
Concurrent infection with M. brygooi and S. goldmanae was positively correlated, and prevalence and intensity of both species increased with host size, in Pogona minor mitchelli. Prevalence and intensity of infection, and species diversity, were highest in the northern, subtropical parts of the State, and lowest in the drier central and southern inland. Cysts containing physalopteran larvae were present in the stomach wall of many hosts; prevalence and intensity of cysts was highest in the northern area.
Development, Longevity and Fecundity of the False Wireworms Pterohelaeus-Darlingensis and Pterohelaeus-Alternatus (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) .4. Models for Larval and Pupal Development Under Fluctuating Temperatures
Authors: Allsopp PG
Published: June 2005

The usefulness of models derived from constant-temperature rearing in predicting development of larvae and pupae of Pterohelaeus darlingensis Carter and P, alternatus Pascoe under fluctuating temperature was determined. In general, these models underestimated development. The magnitude of the difference was proportional to the length of the development period and, by inference, negatively related to the temperatures experienced. New models were developed with data from individuals reared under fluctuating temperatures. The linear model gave better predictions of development under ambient conditions than did the curvilinear Stinner model for pupae of P. darlingensis, but both models gave similar predictions for larvae of both species. Development of P. alternatus pupae was still underestimated by both models. Substantial discrepancies between observed and expected development of individuals reared under a regimen incorporating a long period at low temperatures indicate that such a regimen is deleterious. Given the considerable variability in development rates between individuals, a stochastic model may predict development more accurately.
A Revision of the Australian Osmylidae, Spilosmylinae (Insecta, Neuroptera)
Authors: New TR
Published: June 2005

The sole described species of Australian Spilosmylinae is redescribed, and genitalia of both sexes figured. A new species, S. arishensis, is raised for a single female from Queensland. Affinities of both species are discussed.
Ultrasonic Measurement of Blubber Thickness of the Southern Elephant Seal, Mirounga-Leonina (Linn)
Authors: Gales NJ , Burton HR
Published: June 2005

Ultrasound measurements of subcutaneous fat at 18 body sites on each of 23 southern elephant seals
Mirounga leonina (Linn.), together with circumference and length measurements, were used to estimate
the total subcutaneous blubber weight on each animal. Twelve cows (including animals that were pregnant
and others at early, mid-, late and post-lactation), 10 males and one male pup were anaesthetised for
these measurements, made at Heard I. (53�01'S.,73�23'E.) on various dates in October and November
1985. Comparison of the estimates of blubber weight from cows at various stages of lactation allowed
a mean blubber loss of 62.8 kg per cow per lactation to be calculated. It is suggested that measuring
variations in the subcutaneous fat reserves of cows coming ashore to pup at Heard I. may be one
relevant approach in any future research that attempts to explain the 60% drop in pup production at
that island between 1949 and 1985. The use of ultrasound to estimate the subcutaneous fat reserves of
seals was shown to be a safe, non-invasive and logistically practical technique.
The Larval Salivary-Gland Polytene Chromosomes of Anopheles (Cellia) Annulipes Sl Walker (Diptera, Culicidae)
Authors: Booth DR , Green CA , Bryan JH
Published: June 2005

A photomap of the larval salivary gland chromosomes of An. annulipes from colony material arbitrarily chosen as standard for this taxon is presented. Also illustrated are seven types of X chromosomes which have been revealed in this multi-species taxon.
Aspects of the Aquatic Feeding Ecology of the Riparian Skink Sphenomorphus-Quoyii
Authors: Daniels CB
Published: June 2005

The riparian skink Sphenomorphus quoyii can catch aquatic prey. Aquatic animals represent 26.4%
of prey items, and occur in 18% of stomachs. This frequency is much higher than previously recorded
for S. quoyii but is similar to that of other small riparian lizards. In laboratory experiments, S. quoyii
captured aquatic prey items as they rose to the surface of water-filled containers. The skinks did not
forage under water. Damselfly larvae, water beetles and tadpoles, that often swam slowly and near the
surface, were easily captured. Snails that remained on the bottom, and mosquito-fish that were too
fast, were not often eaten. There was no apparent size selection for either small or large tadpoles.
Dispersal of Irradiated Queensland Fruit-Flies, Dacus-Tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera, Tephritidae), in Southeastern Australia
Authors: Macfarlane JR , East RW , Drew RAI , Betlinski GA
Published: June 2005

Mark-release-recapture studies with laboratory-reared irradiated Dacus tryoni (Froggatt) were undertaken in summer in south-eastern Australia. These showed that flies can disperse up to 94 km, almost four times the furthest distance recorded previously for this species. Most recaptures beyond 6 km were east of the point of release. Several distant traps each caught more than one fly, indicating that the flies moved together over long distances. This suggests that mating could occur and that new infestations could result from the long-distance migration of adults.
Reduction in Fruit-Fly (Tephritidae, Dacinae) Populations in Their Endemic Rain-Forest Habitat by Frugivorous Vertebrates
Authors: Drew RAI
Published: June 2005

The reduction in larval populations of Dacus cacuminatus (Hering) and D. halfordiae (Tryon) by frugivorous vertebrates feeding on their major host fruits was studied in an endemic rainforest habitat in south-east Queensland. Throughout the spring and summer season, 66% of Solanum mauritianum Scop. fruit (D. cacuminatus host) was eaten by Macropygia phasianella (Temminck), the brown pigeon; this increased to 77% during the fruit fly's breeding season (November-January). The peak feeding time of the birds, the breeding season of the flies, and the peak fruiting season of the plants all coincided. Parasitism of D. cacuminatus by Hymenoptera, Biosteres kraussi (Fullaway) and B. oophilus (Fullaway), never exceeded 16-17%. Rodents consumed larvae in 78% of fallen fruit of Planchonella australis (R. Br.) Pierre (D. halfordiae host). It is proposed that frugivorous predators are the major natural enemies of larvae of tropical Tephritidae in their endemic habitat.
Growth From Birth to 20 Days in the Elephant Seal, Mirounga-Leonina, at Macquarie-Island
Authors: Little GJ , Bryden MM , Barnes A
Published: June 2005

Recent investigations by members of Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions to Macquarie I. have revealed a decrease in the elephant seal population there of approximately 50% over the last 36 years. Lower birth weights and/or slower growth during the lactation period might explain this decrease. To test this hypothesis, growth of pups was studied from birth to 20 days during the 1984 and 1985 breeding seasons; these results were compared as far as possible with similar results for the 1956 and 1965 seasons. Average birth weight has not changed significantly over the last 20 years; it is suggested that if food supply were a major factor in the reduction of the elephant seal population, then birth weights in 1985 would have been lower than those in 1956. At birth, male pups were 7% (3 kg) heavier than female pups in 1985. Results from previous years suggest that this is probably normal in this seal. The weight of pups near weaning (20 or 21 days old) is shown to be significantly less in 1984 and 1985 than 1965, but this may be explained by differences in methodology. It is concluded that, on the evidence available, the pattern of pup growth on Macquarie I. has not altered significantly with time, but more work is needed to reach a clear conclusion.
Insect Inhabitants of Fruits of Leptospermum, Eucalyptus and Casuarina in Southeastern Australia
Authors: Andersen AN , New TR
Published: June 2005

Insects dissected and reared from the fruits of four species of Leptospermum (myrsinoides, juniperinum, laevigatum and lanigerum), three species of Eucalyptus (baxteri, obliqua and willisil] and four species of Casuarina (pusilla, stricta, littoralis and paludosa), collected from 18 sites over four seasons at Wilsons Promontory in south-eastern Australia, are enumerated and discussed. Fruits of all species supported abundant and diverse assemblages of seed-eating insects and associated parasites. The distribution of phytophagous insects was related to host-plant phylogeny and, in particular, to fruit morphology. When fruit morphology was relatively constant within a host-plant genus (Eucalyptus and Casuarina), that genus supported a characteristic suite of seed-eating insects; when it varied markedly between species (Leptospermum), so did the composition of seed-eating insects. Insect species often occurred widely within a host genus, but were never recorded from different host genera. An extensive radiation of seed-eating Anobiidae (Dryophilodes spp.) in myrtaceous capsules parallels that of weevils known in fruits of Acacia.
The major seed-eating insects recorded in each host taxon were: (a) in Eucalyptus spp. (all fruits woody and persistent capsules), Dryophilodes sp. B (Coleoptera : Anobiidae) and chalcidoid wasps, mostly Megastigmus sp. (Torymidae) and Eurytoma sp. (Eurytomidae); (b) in Casuarina spp. (all fruits woody and persistent 'cones'), chalcidoid wasps, mostly Bootanelleus sp. (Torymidae), and unidentified cosmopterigid moths; (c) in Leptospermum juniperinum and L. lanigerum (woody and persistent capsules), Dryophilodes spp. C and D, and unidentified cosmopterigid moths; (d) in L. laevigatum (semi-fleshy and semi-persistent capsules), Dryophilodes sp. E and an unidentified cecidomyiid fly; (e) in L. myrsinoides (fleshy and ephemeral capsules), an unidentified weevil and unidentified carposinid moth.
Experimental Embryonation and Survival of Eggs of Capillaria-Hepatica (Nematoda) Under Mouse Burrow Conditions in Cereal-Growing Soils
Authors: Spratt DM , Singleton GR
Published: June 2005

The apparent absence of the nematode Capillaria hepatica in mice from regions of south-eastern Australia where plagues occur may be due to constraints on embryonation and survival of eggs in the mouse burrow, where C. hepatica is thought to be transmitted. Excavation of mouse burrows in the mallee wheatlands indicated that nest chambers generally were at depths of 200-400 mm. At these depths minimum and maximum weekly soil temperatures during the main period of mouse breeding ranged from 15 to 36.5�C and soil moisture contents were 14.5-32.8%. Embryonation and survival of C. hepatica eggs were assessed in the laboratory in three types of soil over these ranges of soil temperature and soil moisture content, emulating conditions of the mouse burrow. Two of the soil types, Walpeup sandy loan and Deniliquin riverine clay, are representative of the light and heavy soils, respectively, where mouse plagues occur in south-eastern Australia. The third type of soil was a potting mixture previously used experimentally and known to support a high rate of transmission of C. hepatica. Eggs were able to embryonate, and embryonated eggs to survive for 30 days, in each type of soil across the ranges of temperature and moisture content. The results further support the potential of C. hepatica to be used tactically in suppressing mouse numbers in the cereal-growing regions of south-eastern Australia.
A Taxonomic Revision of Papuan Rana (Amphibia, Ranidae)
Authors: Menzies JI
Published: June 2005

A program of stepwise discriminant analysis was used to distinguish seven groups of Papuan Rana believed, on ecological and behavioural characters, to constitute distinct species. Following the use of this method, four of these groups were associated with specific names in the literature, whereas three others could not be associated positively with any literature names and so are described as new species. Small samples from the eastern Indonesian islands and the east Melanesian islands made possible a comment on the identity of Rana occurring there. A synopsis of all species of Rana occurring in the area extending from the Indonesian islands of Timor and Seram to the Solomon Is is presented, and means of identifying species on the New Guinea mainland (by multivariate analysis or by dichotomous keys) are provided. A note on the chromosomes of some species is included.
Water-Vapor Conductance and Shell Characteristics of Superb Lyrebird Eggs
Authors: Lill A
Published: June 2005

Superb lyrebirds exhibit a suite of breeding characteristics (a long incubation period, low incubation constancy, use of an enclosed nest, and winter nesting) which might cause an unusual pattern of gas exchange in the egg during incubation. This possibility was investigated by determining the egg's natural rate of water loss during incubation and its water vapour conductance, and by measuring shell parameters which influence these properties. The estimated fractional weight loss of the 61,5-g egg during incubation was 16%. This was similar to that in other species, as was the calculated water vapour pressure difference across the shell (27 Torr=3.6 kPa). The mean rate of water loss (194 mg day-') and the mean water vapour conductance (7.08 mg day-' Torr-' =53.23 mg day-' kPa-') of the egg were, however, relatively low. True shell thickness averaged 218 �m and pore density was 50-56 pores per square centimetre. Pores were unbranched and relatively evenly distributed. The fairly standard fractional weight loss over the 50-day incubation period resulted from the egg's low water vapour conductance which, in turn, stemmed mainly from a comparatively low pore density. It was concluded that the protracted incubation period, resulting from the low incubation constancy at low ambient temperatures, was probably the principal influence on the evolution of the small pore area and low water vapour conductance of the lyrebird egg.