bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Segmental musculature and parapodial movement of Nereis diversicolor and Nephthys hombergi (Annelida: Polychaeta)
Authors: Mettam C.
Published: August 2009

The segmental musculature of Nereis diversicolor O. F. Müller is described. The musculature of Nereis irrorata (Malmgren), Nereis fucata (Savigny) and Neanthes virens (Sars) is essentially similar but comparison with Perinereis cultrifera (Grube) shows that, at least as far as the oblique muscles are concerned, the segmental musculature of all members of the Nereidae is not identical. A comparison is made with the musculature of Nephthys hombergi (Audouin & Milne Edwards). Swimming in Nereis and Nephthys is achieved by waves of lateral undulation passing from tail to head with associated parapodial deflection. The promotor and remotor muscles of the parapodium are the ventral parapodial obliques inserting at the parapodial base on anterior and posterior faces. This point of insertion is the hinge line of the parapodium. The dorsal parapodial muscles of Nephthys are more complex than in Nereis, apparently associated with the divergent parapodial rami of the former.

In slow creeping, intrinsic muscles of the parapodium of Nereis raise it from the substratum and direct it forward, drawing in the neuropodium. Acicular muscles are responsible for its backward extension. The extended notopodium is a firm base for further protraction of the neuropodium. These muscles in Nephthys are modified for burrowing; the parapodia help to stabilize the body during proboscis eversion. Acicular muscles extend the parapodial rami dorsolaterally and ventrolaterally to grip the sides of the burrow. Intrinsic muscles withdraw the notopodial and neuropodial tips.

The septum of N. diversicolor is not reduced in the typical body segment and its muscle fibres penetrate the dorsal longitudinal muscle to insert into the circular muscle layer. The pseudoseptum of Nephthys is probably homologous with that of Glycera and Phyllodoce and correlated with possession of a long, eversible proboscis.

The complexity of oblique muscles in Nereis throws doubt on their alleged polyneuronal innervation. Muscular division of labour in slow and fast parapodial movements is proposed as an alternative to innervation by fast and slow fibres.
The nature and function of the mammalian epipharynx
Authors: Cave A. J. E.
Published: August 2009

The accepted nomenclature of the mammalian pharynx is uncritically based upon purely descriptive accounts of the specialized arrangement of parts in Homo rather than upon basic morphological principles. It violates morphological considerations by its inclusion within the digestive tract of a wholly independent and purely respiratory chamber, the so‐called nasopharynx. The evidence afforded by subprimate and primate mammals is reviewed to demonstrate the morphological falsity of the current nomenclature and to indicate the desirability of replacing the meaningless term nasopharynx by the morphologically and descriptively accurate term epipharynx.
New records of rodents, bats and insectivores from the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Atallah Sana I. , Harrison David L.
Published: August 2009

Recent collections from diverse parts of the Arabian Peninsula include a number of new geographical records of Arabian rodents, bats and insectivores of systematic interest and providing new distributional knowledge. The material is listed systematically and discussed.
Studies on the Lumbriculidae (Oligochaeta) in Britain
Authors: Cook D. G.
Published: August 2009

Seven species of Lumbriculidae, a family of fresh water Oligochaeta, found in Britain are described and a key is erected for their identification. Two species of Trichodrilus, separated by Beddard are redescribed, resulting in a new synonymy. Trichodrilus Hrabêi sp. n. from Denbighshire is denned. Dorydrilus michaeheni is recorded for the first time from Great Britain.
On the ecology and cirral behaviour of a new barnacle from the Red Sea and Indian Ocean
Authors: Southward A. J.
Published: August 2009

Tetrachthamalus oblitteratus is a small chthamalid found high up in the intertidal zone in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea and at Mauritius, Seychelles and Aldabra Island, Indian Ocean. The general behaviour and rate of cirral activity are described and shown not to differ greatly from those of other chthamalids. The species appears well‐adapted to the life in the tropics, and the present restricted distribution is presumed to be the result of competition with larger chthamalids of Indo‐Pacific distribution. The absence of the larger chthamalids from places where Tetrachthamalus is found may be due to geographical isolation reinforced by the effects of a small tidal range and other extreme environmental conditions.

Tetrachthamalus oblitteratus is found high up in the intertidal zone in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea and at Mauritius, the Seychelles and Aldabra Island, Indian Ocean. It is small compared even with other chthamalid barnacles. For this reason, and its apparently restricted distribution and our general lack of knowledge of island faunas, it has escaped notice until recently.

The general behaviour and rate of cirral activity are described. The species does not differ significantly from other chthamalids, and seems as well adapted to life at high temperatures as the tropical forms previously investigated.

The present restricted distribution of Tetrachthamalus is possibly due to competition with the larger chthamalids found in the Indian Ocean. The absence of these larger chthamalids from places where Tetrachthamalus is found may be due to geographical isolation, probably reinforced by the effects of small tidal range and other extreme environmental conditions in Continental situations.
Geotaxis in Poecilocems hieroglyphicus (Acrididae: Pyrogomorphinae)
Authors: Abushama Faysal Tageldin
Published: August 2009

The tendencies of Poecilocems hieroglyphicus (Klug) to crawl up slopes was studied in a cage placed at different inclinations. The interaction of negative geotaxis with photopositive responses and positive reaction towards the odour of food was also investigated. The suggestion is made that the gravity receptors are situated internally and are stimulated by changes in internal pressure distribution. Hair‐plates at the leg‐joints were found to play an essential part in adjusting and correcting the position of the legs during crawling.

Adults and mature nymphs of Poecilocerus hieroglyphicus (Klug) show pronounced negative geotaxis and crawl up slopes at higher angles of inclination.

Under normal conditions negative geotaxis dominates photopositive responses and the positive olfactory reaction to food. The latter response is only restored after a period of starvation exceeding 26 hours.

The sense organs mediating orientation towards gravitational forces may be internal being stimulated by differential pressures in the haemocoel.

I wish to thank Professor J. L. Cloudsley‐Thompson for reading and correcting the manuscript.
New species of the genus Typhlodromus from Sudan (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Elbadry Esam A.
Published: August 2009

Three new species of mites of the genus Typhlodromus Scheuten are described from the Sudan. The species of this genus from Sudan are keyed and some observations are made on the ecology and economic importance of the forms inhabiting fruit trees and cotton plants.

The genus Typhlodromus in Sudan includes five species. Of these, three new species are described and illustrated in this work. Individuals of T. sudanicus Elbadry and T. medanicus Elbadry have been found to play an important role in feeding on phytophagous mites and white fly nymphs infesting cotton crop.

Typhlodromus niloticus sp. n. and T. balanites sp. n. from fruit trees feed on tetranychid and eriophyid mites. T. sennarensis sp. n. has been collected from wild plants.

A key is provided for the identification of members of the genus Typhlodromus in Sudan.
A study of the desiccation of egg capsules of eight gastropod species
Authors: Bayne Christopher J.
Published: August 2009

The spawn of five Stylommatophora, one basommatophoran, one prosobranch and one opisthobranch were each desiccated at 25 °C and at various constant relative humidities, and in almost still air. The experimental apparatus incorporated glass “fishpole” balances and a time‐lapse cine‐camera. Differences in desiccation rates were found to be due to differences in size of the experimental objects, the larger egg‐masses losing water at a relatively slower rate than the smaller.

At equilibrium with the atmosphere the marine spawn retained more water than those from other habitats. Different water‐retaining capacities probably reflect interesting biophysical characteristics of the mucus of different species.
The biomass of game animals in Nairobi National Park, 1960–66
Authors: Foster J. B. , Coe M. J.
Published: August 2009

The large animals of Nairobi National Park have been censused intermittently once a month from mid‐1960 until the end of 1966. Of the 23 species discussed, the density per kilometre has been determined accurately for the following: Grant's gazelle, Thomson's gazelle, water‐buck, impala, wildebeest, hartebeest, eland, buffalo, warthog, giraffe, zebra and ostrich. From these figures the biomass has been calculated for each species each year. After a peak biomass of 12,775 kg/sq. km during the drought of 1960–61 the population declined to and remained fairly level at about 5690 kg/sq. km from 1962 to 1966. This figure includes about 1050 kg/sq. km of cattle and sheep. The large predators account for only about 1.4 % of the total biomass of wild animals while removing about 15.5% from this group annually.
The social development of baboons in their first three months
Authors: Rowell T. E. , Din NasarA. , Omar Ali
Published: August 2009

The development of the mother‐infant relationship is expressed in terms of the change in typical relative positions of the pair and in the pattern of contacting and leaving they showed.

Rainy periods increased the time the infant spent asleep with its mother, the effect being more than that produced by the infant's age on sleeping time in the first three months of life.

Rate of development of mother‐infant relationships was compared with that of Rhesus monkeys in similar conditions, and found to be very closely comparable.

Interactions by infants with other baboons were found to be quantitatively and qualitatively different for each available demographic class (though some classes were only represented by a single individual). Results illustrated different rates of social maturing in the sexes, differential behaviour of the adult male towards the sexes of infants, and the existence of a special relationship between siblings.

Interactions of neoparturient mothers with other adults are characterized by high overall frequency, with a high frequency of avoiding of friendly approaches by the mother. Both these have returned to normal frequency levels in the third month.

Restriction of infants by mothers was seen only in the caged group. Its immediate effects on the behaviour of the infant and its association with other maternal social behaviour are described.
Food habits of British stoats (Mustela ermined) and weasels (Mustela nivalis)
Authors: Day M. G.
Published: August 2009

Information on the food habits of stoats and weasels was obtained chiefly from gut analyses of carcasses sent from various parts of Britain. Lagomorphs, small rodents and birds form the bulk of the food taken by these predators. The three food classes appear to be equally important to stoats, whereas weasels obtain nearly half of their food from small rodents. Microtus was the most important small rodent in the diet of both stoats and weasels. Game birds were taken more by stoats than weasels; the chief bird prey of the latter was passerines.
Embryology and foetal growth of the Grey seal, Halichoerus grypus
Authors: Hewer H. R. , Backhouse K. M.
Published: August 2009

Descriptions of eight blastocysts, two embryos and 41 foetuses are given. Methods of estimating the age of these are discussed, and a modification of Huggett & Widdas's (1951) formulae used. The phenomenon of “delayed implantation” is discussed and a more realistic nomenclature is proposed. Both the method of comparison for blastocysts and embryos and the statistical treatment of the foetuses indicate that the recommencement of development occurs over a period of two months with a mean date at the end of the second week in February for the Orkney and Shetland group. There is a suspense of development for about 100 days. The specific foetal growth rate is shown to be similar to that of other mammals (apart from Cetacea and Primates). The significance of the 100 days suspense in interpreting the abnormal spring pupping in the Pembrokeshire group of Grey seals is discussed.
The genera of the family Lumbriculidae and the genus Dorydrilus (Annelida, Oligochaeta)
Authors: Cook David G.
Published: August 2009

Stephenson (1930) recognized 15 genera, and Hrabě (1936 to 1963) has distinguished 17 genera of Lumbriculidae, a family of freshwater Oligochaeta. On the basis of the form and arrangements of the parts of the genital system, a scheme is suggested in which 12 genera of Lumbriculidae are recognized. These genera are defined and a key erected for their identification. Reasons for removing Dorydrilus Piguet, 1913 from the Lumbriculidae are presented and the family Dorydrilidae fam. n. is defined to accommodate the genus.
The origin and early development of the clavicle in the quail (Coturnix c. japonica)
Authors: Lansdown A. B. G.
Published: August 2009

Development of the clavicle in the Japanese quail is described in detail and evidence presented for its development in cartilage. Chondroblast cells and the chondroitin sulphate of the cartilage matrix are identified using a toluidine blue‐silver impregnation technique. It was found that the cartilage phase is transitory and is rapidly obliterated by the ossification stage. An initial invasion of the cartilage by osteoblasts is followed by deposition of granules of calcified material scattered randomly in the cartilage in the region of the ramus. In the hypocleideum, however, the calcification is initially perichondral, as seen in the initial ossification of the coracoid, but later resembles that of the clavicular ramus, in being random. The pattern of chondrogenesis and'osteogenesis seen in the clavicle suggests an acceleration of the normal process of endochondral ossification with an abbreviation of the cartilage phase. This study reveals that the development of the clavicle in this bird is not dissimilar (as is generally accepted) to that of other skeletal elements of the primary pectoral girdle.
Elaboration of enzymes in the digestive gland of Viviparus bengalensis (Mollusca: Gastropoda) during the first hours of digestion
Authors: Biswas A. K. , Ghose K. C.
Published: August 2009

digestive gland in Viviparus bengalensis does not show prominent rhythmicity in enzyme secretion during the post‐feeding period. Amylolytic, lipolytic and proteolytic enzymes are secreted at a slightly enhanced rate between the first and second hour after feeding, which is followed by gradual decline to become more or less constant. The secretion of different enzymes is synchronous. The absence of secretory rhythms during post‐feeding period appears to be correlated with food‐habits and feeding behaviour.
Allopatric speciation in the nematode parasites of frogs in southern Western Australia
Authors: Inglis W. Grant
Published: August 2009

The nematodes parasitic in frogs in southern Western Australia are closely related to those found in South Australian hosts, with two cosmocercoid species common to both regions and at least two of the three Western Australian species of Parathelandros forming pairs with species in South Australia.

The host distribution of the Western Australian species of Parathelandros suggests a host specificity, at generic level, with one species restricted to the genus Hyla, one largely restricted to the genus Helioporus and one, more widespread, in the genera Neobatrachus, Helioporus and Limnodynastes.

Studies of the hosts have demonstrated that the four species of Helioporus in which P. carinae is known to occur do not represent a local radiation but are the result of at least three host invasions from the eastern side of the Nullarbor Plain. Because of this it is argued that the speciation of the parasites was independent of that of the hosts, was allopatric and probably involved intra‐host competition.

The importance of using the divisions of their environment recognized by the parasites, rather than those recognized by their hosts, in studies of host: parasite relationships is stressed. As a consequence it is argued that although the theoretical basis of using parasites as indicators of host relationships is weakened their practical value remains unimpaired. Attention is drawn to the danger of circularity in the use of parasites in establishing host relationships.
Badidae, a new fish family–behavioural, osteological, and developmental evidence
Authors: Barlow George W. , Liem Karel F. , Wickler Wolfgang
Published: August 2009

The behaviour of Badis badis is similar, in general, both to that of “nandid” fishes and that of anabantoid fishes; trenchant differences also exist. It is impossible at this time, on behavioural evidence alone, to assess the relative importance of the behavioural findings. However, the remarkable and consistent agreement in the performance of the spawning embrace suggests a close relationship of Badis to anabantoid fishes rather than to the “nandids”.

The osteological studies confirm this hypothesis. Badis apparently split off from the ancestral anabantoids before they acquired the air‐breathing adaptation. The osteological differences between Badis and the anabantoids stem chiefly from the modifications accompanying aerial respiration.

The egg of Badis badisis enclosed in an unusually tough sheath that is extremely adhesive. The egg itself lacks any special device for attaching. The larva has an adhesive organ at the tip of the yolk sac. The egg and the larva of Badis badis are thus unique among teleosts insofar as is known.

From these three lines of information we erect a new percoid family, Badidae, based on Badis Bleeker. This family appears to have descended from the proto‐anabantoid stock.
Double‐mouth deformity in a trout (Salmo trutta) and its cause
Authors: Swan M. A.
Published: August 2009

Gudger (1930) ends an article on this deformity by stating that double‐mouth deformity in fishes is always due to injury so far as our present knowledge goes. The feature common to all cases is displacement of the lower end of the hyoid arch downwards and backwards through a gap in the mouth floor. This occurs because the protractor muscles of the arch have been put out of action, usually by severe accidental injury. The retractor muscles, thus left unopposed, pull the lower end of the arch into the deformed position. It is difficult to imagine how accidental wound could produce the condition seen in the Shetland trout. Here is only a cleft like a clean cut in the midline of the mouth floor ending at the displaced arch. There is neither irregular scarring nor obvious tissue loss, the head retaining its bilateral symmetry. In it the protractors of the arch must also have been destroyed, but probably by some other kind of damage than wound from without. With this possibility in mind I wrote to the managers of several trout‐farms, enclosing a sketch of the deformity. Each was asked if he had come across anything like it when grading his stock. One letter in the affirmative suggested that air trapped in the floor of the mouth might be the cause. Later the writer sent me two young trout, radiographs of which confirmed this statement and led me to think that obstruction of the pneumatic duct might account for the trapped air. The consequences of extirpation of the swimbladder in physostomes explains how the trapped air is permanently at increased pressure, and supports this hypothesis.
The tarsus of rhynchocephalian reptiles
Authors: Hughes B.
Published: August 2009

A new reconstruction of the tarsus of Stenaulorhynchus stockleyi differs from that previously offered by von Huene (1938) and Schaeffer (1941), and leads to a revaluation of the tarsi of other rhynchosaurs and rhynchocephalians. The tarsi of the rhynchosaurs Stenaulorhynchus, Scaphonyx, Cephalonia, Rhynchosaurus, Hyperodapedon, Howesia and Mesosuchus appear to comprise a proximal row of three bones (tibiale, intermedium, and fibulare) and a distal row of three bones associated with metatarsals–4. The metatarsals increase in length but decrease in thickness from the first to fourth, and the fifth is “hooked”. The first metatarsal of Stenaulorhynchus, Scaphonyx, and Rhynchosaurus is unusually short. Among the remaining rhynchocephalians, the tarsi of claraziids and pleurosaurids are simplified in accord with aquatic habits involving the use of the limbs as paddles, and those of sphenodontids and Sapheosaurus are alike in the following respects. An astragalus (intermedium+tibiale+ centrale) and calcaneum (fibulare), or a single conjoined bone, occupy the proximal row of the tarsus and the distal row comprises four (first to fourth), three (second to fourth), or but two (third and fourth) bones; the fourth is the largest. The metatarsals increase in length from first to fourth but do not decrease in thickness. In both rhynchosaurian and spheno‐dontid types tarsal movement is largely mesotarsal, a condition derived from their eosuchian ancestors and not independently developed as Schaeffer (1941) has thought. The specialization of the sphenodontid tarsus parallels that seen in lizards which have the same eosuchian ancestry.
The ecology of the Australian gecko Heteronotia binoei in northern New South Wales
Authors: Bustard H. Robert
Published: August 2009

A two year study was carried out on Heteronotia binoei (Gray) in the Pilliga Scrub by means of visits of six days' duration in each month of the year. Animals were individually marked by toe‐clipping and a mark‐recapture programme was carried out throughout the study.

In the Pilliga Scrub Heteronotia lives below bark or boards on the ground or below the bark at the base of dead trees or stumps.

The mark‐recapture programme provided extensive data on the population, its movements, growth, tail loss and regeneration. Samples were collected for analysis of intestinal contents. The above data together with observations of behaviour provided a well corroborated picture of the biology of this small gekkonid lizard.
Body‐temperatures and torpor in Sminthopsis crassicaudata and S. larapinta (Marsupialia–Dasyuridae)
Authors: Godfrey Gillian K.
Published: August 2009

Body‐temperatures in two species of insectivorous marsupial mice (family Dasyuridae) were measured using a rectal thermistor. In Sminthopsis crassicaudata at 21°C, body‐temperatures ranged from–5–31 ‐1°C (432 measurements on 12 mice). A diurnal temperature cycle with a mean amplitude of 0.79°C was revealed, with temperatures at a maximum at 02.00 hours and a minimum at 10.00 hours. Mean body‐temperatures of sibs showed significant differences; in one litter a difference of 2.7°C was demonstrated. In S. larapinta, the diurnal temperature cycle was greater with a mean amplitude of 4.24°C. Body‐temperatures ranged from 38.8–22.9°C.

Changes in surface‐temperature (Ts) in unrestrained animals during entry into and arousal from torpor, were measured using thermocouples fitted inside the nest‐box and a recording potentiometer. S. larapinta had a daily torpor with or without food at room temperature, while in S. crassicaudata torpor could only be induced by lack of food. The lowest Ts reached were 18° and 17°C respectively. It is suggested that the torpor‐mechanism may have evolved in these species to meet temporary or seasonal shortages of food.
The structure of the cleaning brush on the pedipalps of some African Amblypygi (Arachnida)
Authors: LAWRENCE R. F.
Published: August 2009

The external structure of the cleaning organ or brush situated on the tarsus of the pedipalp in the Amblypygi has been examined in the following six species from tropical and southern Africa: Damon variegatus (Perty) Damon medius (Herbst), Titanodamon johnstoni Pocock, Phrynichus scullyi Purcell, Phrynichus bacillifer (Gerst.) and Hemiphrynus machadoi Fage.

In all except one of these species the organ consists of two approximately parallel rows of modified setae; in Hemiphrynus machadoi there is only one. When both rows are present the constituent setae of each are quite different in appearance and structure.

It is probable that the variations in number, size and shape of the setae in these forms furnish specific characters; further indirect support for this is afforded by the marked difference in the structure of the organ in Hemiphrynus as compared with the other five species; taxonomically Hemiphrynus belongs to the subfamily Tarantulinae while all the others are accommodated in the Phrynicinae or Damoninae.

A brush‐like cleaning organ of some kind is found on the pedipalp‐tarsus of both old and new world Amblypygi and most probably in all members of the order.
The distribution of the Greater horse‐shoe bat, Rhinolophus ferrum‐equinum, during hibernation, in relation to environmental factors
Authors: Ransome R. D.
Published: August 2009

Hibernation is a vital factor in the ability of bats to survive in temperate countries where insect availability is drastically reduced in winter. The value of hibernation in survival lies in the reduction of the bat's metabolic rate to very low levels, thus reducing their food requirements.

The selection of a site which fulfils the physiological requirements of hibernation must be important in the survival of the Greater horse‐shoe bat. The present study shows that temperature is particularly important in the selection of a precise position for hibernation. The temperature required, however, varies throughout the winter.

In England this bat finds suitable conditions in caves, mines, tunnels, cellars, and house attics. All are dark where the bats are found and offer protection from predators. These considerations are not sufficient to explain the distribution of this bat in hibernation.

The present study shows that a large proportion of the population feeds outside the hibernaculum at times during the hibernation period. The evidence suggests that starvation is a cause of death. Hence it is not only the conditions inside the hibernacula which are important in the winter survival of a bat population. The environmental conditions outside may be just as vital.

The Greater horse‐shoe bat is vulnerable since the bulk of its population depends upon relatively few sites. Its reproductive rate is very low and active conservation is needed in England, since populations are small. If conservation is to be successful however, both the physical conditions within hibernacula, and the environmental conditions outside will have to be satisfactory.
Growth and form in fossil rhipidistian fishes (Crossopterygii)
Authors: Thomson Keith Stewart , Hahn Kathleen V.
Published: August 2009

A study is presented of the patterns of growth in Devonian fossil Rhipidistia, particularly Eusthenopteron foordi Whiteaves. Significant changes in basic anatomical characteristics including certain cranial proportions and the relative position of insertion and shape of the fins may be correlated with differences in standard length. These differences result from various types of differential growth. Growth markings on the scales indicate that the“juvenile”condition may last through two seasons of growth. The differences in body configuration are interpreted as being fully adaptive and related to important differences in locomotor patterns and ecology. The results of the study suggest that the rhipidistian fish formerly known as“Thursius ? clappi”Romer is a juvenile and a re‐interpretation of this form is given.
The phenology of spiders on heathland in Dorset. Families Lycosidae, Pisauridae, Agelenidae, Mimetidae, Theridiidae, Tetragnathidae, Argiopidae
Authors: Merrett P.
Published: August 2009

The spatial and temporal distribution of spiders was studied by continuous pitfall trapping over a period of three years (1962‐65) in three National Nature Reserves in Dorset. A detailed description of the habitat, and its relation to the spatial distribution of the species will be provided in a later paper. As differences in the habitat have little or no effect on the temporal distribution, this alone will be described in this paper, as in the previous paper of this series (Merrett, 1967). The temporal distribution of members of the family Linyphiidae will be described in the third and final paper of this series.
Non‐metrical skull variation in two Scottish colonies of the Grey seal
Authors: Berry R. J.
Published: August 2009

Twenty non‐metrical variants are described in the skulls of Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). Ten of these have been classified in samples of 47 skulls from Orkney and 18 from the Hebrides. The frequencies of one variant were “significantly” different (P≏1%) in the two samples. This result means that there is some genetical distinctiveness between the two samples and suggests a way of characterizing and hence comparing seal groups.
The annual cycle of the Yellow‐vented bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier in a humid equatorial environment
Authors: Ward Peter
Published: August 2009

This two‐year study of the breeding and moulting cycles of a small bird, Pycnonotus goiavier, was made on Singapore Island, which is near the equator and has a very uniform climate. There are well‐marked breeding and moulting seasons in the population, and it is suggested that these protein‐demanding processes are timed to occur within the period of increased insect abundance in the first half of the year. Seasonal changes in the weight of the flight muscles indicate a cycle in the protein level of the body. This cycle might serve as an internal regulator of the reproductive cycle.
Reproduction in the female Indian gerbil (Tatera indica)*
Authors: Bland K. P.
Published: August 2009

The Indian gerbil, Tatera indica (Hardwicke) has been successfully maintained under laboratory conditions for 18 months, during which time over 250 vaginal cycles were recorded and 30 litters were born. Under laboratory conditions this animal had four‐to‐five‐day oestrous cycles and sterile mating induced a ten‐day pseudopregnancy. Anoestrus was not infrequent and was characterized by the absence of corpora lutea and large follicles from the ovaries and the atrophy of the uterus.

The mean length of pregnancy was 22.3 days (range 18–30 days) and the litter size varied from two to seven young (mean 4.76 young). Mating at the post‐partum oestrus resulted in delayed implantation if a litter of three or more young was being suckled. Under these circumstances pregnancy lasted 36 days (range 34–40 days).

Implantation was interstitial and mesometrial. The chorioallantoic placenta was discoidal, labyrinthine and haemochorial probably becoming haemoendothelial just before term.

Daily injection of ovine prolactin inhibited the occurrence of oestrus and caused enlargement of the corpora lutea in three of five animals. It is suggested that prolactin might be the luteotrophic hormone in this species.
The use of tooth eruption and wear, body weight and antler characteristics in the age estimation of male wild and park Fallow deer (Dama dama)
Authors: Chaplin Raymond E. , White Robert W. G.
Published: August 2009

The eruption and wear of the cheek teeth of male Fallow deer from a park and wild population has been studied for age determination purposes. It was found possible to age accurately up to 48 months animals whose date of death was known, whether they were from a wild or park population. It was found that up to at least this age individual and environmental differences affecting animals born in successive years did not mask those resulting fromthe restricted seasonal breeding of this species.

Antler development and body weight were studied in relation to the ages obtained and were found to be of limited value for age estimation.
The mammalian fauna of some jebels in the northern Sudan
Authors: Happold D. C. D.
Published: August 2009

Mammals were collected and observed on seven jebels in the Sudan. A brief description of the position and geology, size, amount of soil, vegetation and rainfall is given for each jebel since these features are important in determining the variety and abundance of the mammalian fauna.

There are few mammalian species, if any, on the desert jebels. Acomys cahirinus is the commonest mammal on these jebels, and it may be very abundant if the jebel is large enough. Small desert jebels appear to have no mammals.

The jebels covered with trees and grass in the woodland savanna region have many species, although their densities are not as high as on the desert jebels. Larger size, dense vegetation cover, and many habitats may be responsible for this greater diversity (e.g. there are 34 recorded species, except bats, on Jebel Marra).

In the desert, the “jebel” and the “desert” faunas are distinct, whereas in the woodland savanna there is an overlap between the mammals of the jebel and those of the savanna. The desert jebels are now “islands”, so each population is isolated from the next. This situation is probably due to the past climatic and vegetational history of the region. In the woodland savanna, jebel populations are continuous with those of the savanna.

All the populations of Acomys in the study area appear to belong to one subspecies, Acomys cahirinus cineraceus. The specimens from the north were the palest, and those from the south were the darkest. Probably all Acomys in this region belong to the same species which forms a cline showing great variation dependent on climate and topography.
Maternal care, growth rate, and development in the noctule (Nyctalus noctula), pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), and serotine (Eptesicus serotinus) bats
Authors: Kleiman Devra G.
Published: August 2009

Insectivorous bats have rarely been considered suitable as breeding laboratory animals despite their unique reproductive physiology. The purpose of this study was to compare maternal care and growth of young in several species of British vespertilionids in order to find one or more species that would adapt well to conditions of captivity. During the spring of 1966 and of 1967, 17 noctule (Nyctalus noctula Schreber), eight serotine (Eptesicus serotinus, Schreber), 33 pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Schreber), and four long‐eared (Plecotus auritus, Linnaeus) bats were brought into the laboratory after insemination or when pregnant, and most gave birth. One noctule mated in the laboratory in the autumn of 1966 and gave birth to twins in June 1967, thus providing the first known breeding record of any British vespertilionid in captivity. Noctules (13) housed in near natural conditions with limited food gave birth four weeks after others (four) fed ad lib. and housed in a room which buffered the changes in external temperature, and two long‐eared bats gave birth in late May (the normal birth season is June to July). These early births may have resulted from premature ovulations and/or a shortened gestation. Fourteen of 17 live‐born noctules, all live‐bom serotines (four), 12 of 14 live‐born pipistrelles, and none of the long‐eared bats were reared to weaning age. As part of maternal care all females allogroomed and retrieved their young until the second week post‐partum, and recognition of offspring seemed to be effected primarily by sound and individual odour. Neonates of three species were about 20% of the mother's weight at birth and doubled their weight by the end of the second week. Forearm growth ceased at approximately five weeks of age. Weaning, which was assisted, was completed by the end of the second month and adult weight was reached soon thereafter. The development of the three species, i.e. the opening of the eyes, hair growth, and the replacement of the deciduous teeth, differed, and the pipistrelles and serotines developed more rapidly than the noctules.
Hairs and vibrissae in the Rhinocerotidae
Authors: Cave A. J. E.
Published: August 2009

Evidence is reviewed and observations are submitted concerning the occurrence and distribution of body hair in rhinoceroses. Absence of externally visible hair is shown to be not necessarily indicative of absence of hair follicles and to be part of a morphological cooling mechanism necessitated by the dynamics of the large body. Eyelashes are shown to be present on the lower eyelid of three species at least. The post‐natal absence of all groups of facial vibrissae is confirmed for all rhinoceros forms, but a genal vibrissa is recorded for a Diceros foetus. Observations are submitted upon the hitherto undescribed histology of Diceros skin.
The home range, roosting places, and the day ranges of the Bonnet macaque (Macaco radiate)
Authors: Rahaman H. , Parthasarathy M. D.
Published: August 2009

The daily movements of two troupes of Bonnet monkeys were thoroughly studied for over a year and it was observed that there is a clearly demarcated area within which the troupes move. The whole area though not well defended against trespassers is held exclusively by a particular troupe. Within the home range are the areas of preference or core areas where the troupes spend most of their time and these areas are kept free of strangers. The inhabitants announce their occupation of the area and intruders are given timely warning by methods which prevent encroachment.

There are a few selected quarters where Bonnets sleep at night and these are generally located close to the feeding grounds.

Movement, feeding, social grooming and social play including sexual activity are the four major activities in which the Bonnets indulge.

In general there is no marked difference between the Bonnet macaque and other macaques in their daily movement and activity.

It can be argued that these various facets of behaviour have a selective significance.
The phenology of linyphiid spiders on heathland in Dorset
Authors: Merrett P.
Published: August 2009

The spatial and temporal distribution of spiders was studied by continuous pitfall trapping over a period of three years (1962–65) in three National Nature Reserves in Dorset, and in this paper additional data are presented which were obtained from one site up until 1967. A detailed description of the habitat, and its relation to the spatial distribution of the species, will be provided in a later paper. As differences in the habitat have little or no effect on the temporal distribution, this alone will be described in this paper, as in the two previous papers of this series (Merrett, 1967, 1968).
Some observations on non‐volant locomotion in vespertilionid bats
Authors: Lawrence M. J.
Published: August 2009

This paper represents a brief investigation of the terrestrial locomotion of vespertilionid bats, the types of gait of which they are capable and the trails produced by their movement.
Population biology of tropical African butterflies. Sex ratio and genetic variation in Acraea encedon
Authors: Owen D. F. , Chanter D. O.
Published: August 2009

In Uganda the butterfly, Acraea encedon (L.), occurs in well‐defined populations that are largely genetically and ecologically isolated from each other. During the course of a large‐scale capture‐recapture programme about 18,000 different individuals were marked and released, and from these and many recaptures aspects of the population structure were investigated. Some populations are composed of almost all females while in other populations the sex ratio is normal. In the predominantly female populations many females remain unmated and produce infertile eggs, laying them on plants that are not foodplants and on each other. In such populations there is intense aggregating behaviour. Males live longer than females and each male may mate with several different females. There is evidence for the existence of a self‐regulating mechanism in the predominantly female populations in which population size and male frequency are reciprocally dependent. Acraea encedon exists in a large variety of sympatric colour forms, the frequency of which varies from population to population. Some colour forms survive better than others. The hindwing of Acraea encedon has 20 black spots each of which can be absent in any particular butterfly. The relative frequency of missing spots varies from population to population. The ecological genetics of Acraea encedon is discussed in relation to theories of mimicry and polymorphism.
Studies of disease in the Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Northern Ireland
Authors: Ross J. G. , Fairley J.S.
Published: August 2009

Some 720 foxes were examined for signs of disease and parasites, incidental to an intensive ecological study. The epifauna, skin infections, intestinal helminths and lesions of internal organs are described and rates of infection given. Important diseases included sarcoptic mange, which is a major debilitating factor and probably a fatal infection. Leptospirosis was common, antibodies were recorded in the blood, and chronic interstitial nephritis was a frequent condition of the kidneys. The nematodes Uncinaria stenocephala and Toxocara spp. were often present as parasites of the alimentary canal and may be a mortality factor in cubs. The cestodes and ectoparasites alone would appear to be of little importance and largely reflect the diet of the fox.
Congenital jugal bipartism in mysticetes
Authors: Fraser F. C. , Cave A. J. E.
Published: August 2009

The mysticete jugal (nialar) bone is loosely articulated and hence generally lost fromthe skull during maceration. Inspection of complete mysticete crania reveals a relativelyhigh incidence of congenital jugal bipartism. In such instances the jugal comprises an anterior major, and a posterior minor, element. This latter, developed from an independent ossifi‐cation centre, is commonly lost during maceration, but its former presence is indicated bya characteristic pre‐squamosal hiatus in the zygomatic arch. Thecondition is without functional significance.
Seasonal variation in local distribution, age classes and population density of the gerbil Tatera brantsi on the South African highveld
Authors: Moor P. P. de
Published: August 2009

A grid containing 280 equally spaced trapping stations was laid out to investigate the population dynamics of the rodent Tatera brantsi (A. Smith) and its possible relationship to arthropod‐borne viruses on the South African highveld. Estimates of the density and age distribution of the population indicated that breeding was minimal during the dry season (July to November) and reached a peak at the end of the rains in April and May. The range of activity was found to be significantly greater for males than for females. The nature of the dispersion of the animals in the grid area changed from highly aggregated at low population densities to random at high densities. The aggregation appeared to be correlated with the distribution of the sedge Cyperus esculentus, but it seemed likely that this correlation was spurious, and was due to an underlying disturbance of soil ecology caused by ploughing, which favoured clumping of both the rodents and the sedge in the same areas. There was no evidence that Tatera brantsi was involved in arbovirus transmission cycles.
Chelal growth in pseudoscorpions
Authors: Gabbutt Peter D.
Published: August 2009

There is a linear relationship between the successive positions of named trichobothria on the pedipalpal chelae during the course of post‐embryonic development of five British pseudoscorpions belonging to the family Neobisiidae. Growth constants calculated from the trichobothrial data are higher than those calculated for the chelal axis. This discrepancy is resolved in terms of a model, based on growing and non‐growing regions, which is a good approximation to the data. The extent of these regions is calculated for all stages and differences between the species are noted. The assumptions implicit in the model, its realism and its predictive value are discussed.
Internal fertilization in Eudrilid earthworms with the description of a new Pareudriline genus and species (Oligochaeta) from Ghana
Authors: Sims R. W.
Published: August 2009

The female systems of Eudrilid earthworms in which internal fertilization seems probable are reviewed and the advantage conferred on the earthworms with these specializations is discussed. A new genus and species of Pareudrilinae is described from Ghana. The genus is characterized mainly by the presence of two unpaired, mid‐dorsal oesophageal glands, one in segment vii and the other in segment viii. In addition, the posterior region of the oesophagus is dilated and specialized in segments xiii–xv. A hitherto undescribed system of afferent and efferent ducts is reported joining the receptaculum seminis with the spermathecal atrium and with the oviduct and its function is examined.
Influence of photoperiod and temperature on testicular recrudescence and body growth in the lizards, Lacerta sicula and Lacerta muralis
Authors: Licht P. , Hoyer H. E. , Oordt P. G. W. J. van
Published: August 2009

Annual testicular cycles in the lizards Lacerta sicula and L. muralis appear to be regulated by the interaction between seasonal changes in body temperature and an endogenous rhythmicity in thermal responsiveness. Photoperiodism does not appear to be an important factor; i.e. testicular activity does not appear to be regulated by daylength.

Following testicular regression in July, the lizards are refractory to sexual stimulation by high temperatures (i.e. normal preferred levels) for about five months. High temperatures accelerate gonadal regression and prevent recrudescence during late summer. Reduced temperatures stimulate testicular enlargement and spermatid formation during the autumn; this recrudescence can be blocked by treatment with testosterone. Very low temperatures suppress gonadal activity during mid‐winter.

Maintenance of lizards at constant high temperatures (33°C) starting in July suppresses testicular recrudescence until December. Also, testicular collapse occurs in lizards transferred to high temperatures after recrudescence has started. The gonads are stimulated by exogenous gonadotropins at 33°C during the fall indicating that high temperatures reduce circulating levels of gonadotropins.

The refractoriness to high temperatures is “spontaneously” terminated during midwinter (December) under a wide range of photo‐thermal conditions. Low temperatures may accelerate the termination of refractoriness. Thereafter, high temperatures stimulate, and are required for the final development of the testes and accessory sexual structures. Thus, the increase in body temperature following hibernation times the onset of breeding in the spring.

Temperature also has a marked influence on appetite and growth, independent of photo‐period. Weight gains are greater at 33° than at 20°C. At 33° there is a tendency for abdominal fat bodies to enlarge but with little hepatic growth; whereas, the reverse occurs at 20°C.
The anatomy and histology of the maxillary palp of Schistocerca gregaria (Orthoptera, Acrididae)
Authors: Blaney W. M. , Chapman R. F.
Published: August 2009

The general anatomy and histology of the maxillary palp are described with particular attention to the number, distribution and structure of the various sensilla.