bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of food and water on development, longevity, and fecundity in the Rutherglen bug, Nysius vinitor (Hemiptera : Lygaeidae)
Authors: Kehat M , Wyndham M
Published: June 2005

N. vinitor subsists primarily upon the seeds of various plants. A wide range of
seeds was found to be suitable for nymphal development, but some seeds were more
suitable than others. Seeds suited for nymphal growth were not necessarily adequate
for egg production. Some seeds promoted higher fecundity than others when used
as food for adults. Nutritional requirements for fecundity appeared to be more
specific than for development. Egg production was dependent mainly on the food
consumed by the adult and was little affected by nymphal diet which, however,
influenced potential egg production if obviously inadequate for nymphal development.
Survival of females with access to water was uninfluenced by availability of
food, but food was essential for egg production. Starvation decreased potential
reproduction of females. Lack of water, even for a short period, stopped egg
production and increased mortality.
Communicative aspects of reproductive behaviour in Australian grasshoppers (Oedipodinae and Gomphocerinae)
Authors: Otte D
Published: June 2005

Communicative behaviour of nine species of Australian grasshoppers (seven
Oedipodinae and two Gomphocerinae) is described and compared to North
American and European species.
Most signal types are represented in all three continents. Most similarities
between the three groups are probably due to the retention of characteristics present
in common ancestors. Other similarities evidently are convergent (i.e. arose independently
in each continent); these include: (1) loss of femoro-tegminal stridulation
in several species; (2) changes in the function of signals from one communicative
context to another; (3) the ritualization of kicking movements (i.e. the evolution of
signals from non-communicative kicking movements) ; (4) the evolution of specialized
flight sounds in the Gomphocerinae.
Female attracting flight displays are performed by relatively few Australian
Oedipodinae.
Characteristics of an individual that are closely associated with behaviour or
physiological states of that individual and that are relevant to the activities or wellbeing
of other individuals have a greater probability of becoming signals (becoming
ritualized) than movements that occur in many situations (i.e. that are unpredictable).
Pre-mating isolation between the Australian field crickets Teleogryllus commodus and T. oceanicus (Orthoptera : Gryllidae)
Authors: Hill KG , Loftus-Hills JJ , Gartside DF
Published: June 2005

Teleogryllus commodus and T. oceanicus coexist without evidence of hybridization
in an extensive zone of sympatry. Reproductive isolation is achieved by means of
highly selective phonotactic responses by females to the distinctive calling songs of
the males. In sympatry there is no evidence of reinforcement, either of the differences
between the calling songs or in phonotactic behaviour of females.
Studies in Australian amphibia III. The limnodynastes dorslis complex (Anura : Leptodactylidae)
Authors: Martin AA
Published: June 2005

The L. dorsalis complex is distributed extensively through coastal Australia, the
Dividing Range, and parts of the western slopes and plains. Six subspecies have been
described in the complex. Four of these are raised to species status and two additional
subspecies are described. The complex thus comprises eight taxa in all: L. dorsalis,
L. dumerili dumerili, L. d. insularis, L. d. grayi, L. d. variegatus, L, d. fryi, L. interioris,
and L. terraereginae.
The taxa were compared using two main criteria: adult male morphology and
mating-call structure. Topotypic or near-topotypic samples of each form were obtained
to ensure that comparisons were valid.
L. dorsalis is restricted to Western Australia and is disjunctly allopatric to all the
other forms in the complex. The eastern taxa have mainly parapatric distributions with
several areas of contact between them. Where the range of L. d. dumerili comes into
contact with those of L. d. insularis and L. d. variegatus, broad hybrid zones (up to
240 km wide) are formed. L. d. dumerili and L. d, grayi also appear to hybridize extensively.
Where the range of L. d. dumerili contacts that of L. interioris a narrower
hybrid zone (25-32km wide) is formed. Both L. d, dumerili and L. interioris have
achieved sympatry with L, termereginae without any evidence of hybridization.
The types of contact interactions can be related to the levels of divergence,
particularly in mating-call structure, between the forms. Thus the calls of L, d. dumerili,
L. d. insularis, L. d, grayi, and L. d. variegatus are all very similar. The call of L. interioris
is quantitatively different to that of L. d. dumerili, with a lower dominant frequency,
Histochemistry of mantle and pearl sac secretory cells in Pinctada maxima (Lamellibranchia)
Authors: Dix TG
Published: June 2005

Carbohydrate and protein histochemical tests differentiated two major groups of
mantle and pearl sac secretory cells in P. maxima.
The first group contained basophilic mucous cells. One type secreted a neutral
mucosubstance, another sulphated acid rnucosubstances. Four types of the latter were
distinguished, mainly on differences in azurophilia, alcianophilia, and aldehyde fuchsin
reactivity.
Two types of acidophilic cells formed the second group. The first contained
histochemically demonstrable carbohydrate and protein, the second protein only. Both
types reacted in most of the protein tests and differences concerned only the degree of
reaction.
With the exception of one of the acidophilic cell types, cells were of localized
distribution. The greatest variety of cells occurred in the marginal mantle.
Nothing definite is established on the functions of the secretions but these appear
to be manifold; they may also include participation in shell formation.
The phylogeny of the parastacidae (Crustacea : Astacoidea), and description of a new genus of Australian freshwater crayfishes
Authors: Riek EF
Published: June 2005

The development of the cephalothoracic grooves, orientation of the chelae in life (correlated with burrowing), and modifications of the sexual characters of the males are the main attributes utilized in deducing the probable phylogeny of the Parastacidae. Geocharax, in which the cephalothoracic grooves are separated and clearly defined, the chelae are orientated in oblique planes, and the male genitalia are simple, is considered to be the most plesiomorphic genus: the species, which are only moderate burrowers, occur in the Bass Strait Basin of south-eastern Australia. The Parastacidae are considered to have originated in this one area of Australia, and to have dispersed from there to the other present day extra Australian regions of the southern hemisphere, each of the four extra Australian genera being the apomorphic sister-group of a genus occurring in this Australian subregion. The new genus Gvamastacus, with two included new species, is characterized by the extraordinarily large genital papillae of the male, and the eniarged pleura of the second abdominal segment of the female. The cephalothoracic grooves and lines are clearly defined and almost as well developed as in Geocharax.
A non-winter epizootic of myxomatosis in subalpine south-eastern Australia
Authors: Dunsmore JD , Price WJ
Published: June 2005

A myxomatosis epizootic, that occurred in February-April 1972 in a rabbit population in which a winter epizootic was observed in 1969, is described. Rabbit fleas had been introduced into the rabbit population in the intervening period. In the 1972 outbreak the case mortality was only 33% compared with 86% in 1969. The difference is thought to be related to the colder conditions during the 1969 epizootic. The morbidity rate could not be accurately measured in 1972 but was a minimum of 65%. It is believed that in the 1972 epizootic the virus was transmitted by rabbit fleas. It appears that any change in the epidemiological pattern of myxomatosis towards summer epizootics in areas in which they have previously occurred in winter will drastically reduce the rabbit mortality currently caused by myxomatosis. The introduction of rabbit fleas may increase the likelihood of epizootics in summer and autumn.
Distributional relations of two species of Psednura (Orthoptera : Pyrgomorphidae) in the Evans Head area of New South Wales
Authors: Key KHL , Balderson J
Published: June 2005

The distribution of Psednura pedestris and the northern race of P. musgvavei
was studied in relation to habitat in the heathy vegetation of the sandy coastal plain
near Evans Head, N.S.W. The density of both species was in general very low, corresponding
to an average of only one specimen captured per man-hr; in a few patches
it rose to several times that figure. The distribution of the two species was in the
main mutually exclusive in a mosaic pattern reflecting the mosaic distribution of the
respective preferred habitats, pedestvis occurring on the margins of swamps and musgravei
on somewhat better drained sites. However, at three locations mixed populations were
found in the ecotone between the two habitats. At one of these, which was studied in
detail, the zone of overlap was never wider than 12 m, and the highest density of each
species occurred within a 2-m strip on either side of a median line related to a prominent
habitat feature. The situation is compared and contrasted with that in parapatric
species and races of morabine grasshoppers.
The Liroria ewingi complex (Anura : Hylida) in south-eastern Australia II. Genetic incompatibility and delimitation of a narrow hybrid zone between L. ewingi and L. paraewingi
Authors: Watson GF
Published: June 2005

Most hybrid embryos resulting from artificial crosses between females of
Litoria ewingi and males of L. paraewingi are characterized by specific developmental
abnormalities-acephaly and anophthalmia. This criterion was used to map the
area of interaction between these morphologically similar species in south central
Victoria by crossing males from different localities to females of L. ewingi. Three
categories of males were recognized on the basis of the proportion of anophthalmic
embryos in their offspring: L. ewingi, L. paraewingi, and putative hybrids or backcross
progeny. Frequencies of developmental abnormalities in field-collected egg
masses were also determined and related to the laboratory crosses.
The results of these analyses revealed that the species form a narrow zone
of interaction, with males of both species being present throughout the zone, as well
as presumed hybrids and backcross progeny. The zone of overlap has been plotted
from near Narbethong in the south-east to north of Seymour in the north-west
(c. 100 km). Its width varies from less than 5 km in the south-east, where it appears
to be correlated with a forest-grassland ecotone, to about 11 km near its northwestern
limit, where a sharp vegetational gradient is absent.
The presumed antiquity of the contact, and the narrowness of the zone,
suggest a stable situation. It is postulated that any selection towards reinforcement
of premating isolating mechanisms within the zone, and consequent reduction of
hybridization, is counteracted by a continual input of naive individuals from
adjacent allopatry.
The Litoria ewingi complex (Anura : Hylidae) in south-eastern Australia III. Blood protein variation across a narrow hybrid zone betweeen L. ewingi and L. Paraewingi
Authors: Gartside DF
Published: June 2005

An electrophoretic study of transferrin distribution across a narrow hybrid
zone between L. ewingi and L. paraewingi revealed seven molecular forms of transferrin.
The transferrin frequencies and distribution may be an incidental product of
the high level of genetic incompatibility between the taxa, or the result of direct
selection for different transferrin types, or both. Haemoglobin variation was found
only in L. ewingi samples. In most cases haemoglobins of L. ewingi and L. paraewingi
were electrophoretically identical. The position and width of the hybrid zone, based
on the biochemical data, generally agree with dimensions based on other criteria,
although one transferrin cline is wider than those for other characteristics.
Chromosomal diversity in the Australian Phasmatodea
Authors: Craddock E
Published: June 2005

A cytological survey of the Australian Phasmatodea, involving 24 species
from the five major subfamilies present in Australia, has confirmed earlier indications
of the karyotypic diversity of this Order of insects. Male diploid chromosome
numbers range from 26 to 45, and XO and XY sex-chromosome mechanisms occur.
Whilst being within the overall range of cytological variation already established for
the Order, with respect to level of variability, the diversity shown by Australian
species exceeds that of previous observations. Numerical variation is present within
some species, as well as within subfamilies and genera. The five Australian species
which show a geographic pattern of chromosomal differentiation are the first such
examples known amongst phasmatids. Didymuria violescens, the most variable, has
at least 10 chromosome races, a range in chromosome number from 26 to 39 (2n),
and three forms of the sex-chromosome system. Ctenomovpha chronus has at least
three chromosome races.
It is suggested that the cytological and biological characteristics of this group
of insects, including features of their population structure and dynamics, predispose
phasmatids to high levels of variability for otherwise conservative chromosome
characters. Newly arisen structural rearrangements have been fixed repeatedly in
the evolutionary history of the Order. Many of these have resulted in a change in
chromosome number; some few have been responsible for XY types of sex mechanism,
by incorporation of autosomal material into the primitive XO system. In view of
the amount of karyotypic variation present, cytological characters are effectively
useless as indicators of broad phylogenetic relationships within the Phasmatodea.
Only chromosome size shows some possible correlation with established interrelationships
at the subfamily level. The incidence of intraspecific chromosomal
differentiation, together with the usual concurrence of chromosomal differences
with intrageneric species differences, further suggests that karyotypic differentiation
at a racial level may be involved as a normal stage in the speciation pattern of
many phasmatids.
Karyotypic studies of some Australian Scincidae (Reptilia)
Authors: King M
Published: June 2005

The mitotic chromosomes of nine species from five genera of the saurian family
Scincidae are presented. Chromosome numbers and karyotypic morphology support
the taxonomic subdivision of these lizards into the subfamilies Lygosominae (2n=30)
and Scincinae (2n=32). A model for the chromosomal evolution of these species is
postulated. Variability in chromosomal morphology is minimal though certain
intergeneric and species differences were detected. Heteromorphic sex chromosomes
were not observed.
The distribution of three species of reptile ticks, Aponomma hydrosauri (Denny), Amblyomma albolimbatum Neumann, and Amb. limbatum Neumann II. Water balance of nymphs and adults in relation to distribution
Authors: Bull M , Smyth M
Published: June 2005

Three species of reptile ticks have abutting allopatric distributions in South
Australia. Aponomma hydvosauri has a greater rate of water loss at normal temperatures
than two Amblyomma species. Amb. albolimbatum and Amb. limbatum lose water at the
same rate but the former is more resistant to desiccation because it is larger. The two
Amblyomma species also have a higher critical temperature above which waterproofing
properties of the cuticle break down, but there is no difference in the equilibrium
humidities of the three species.
There is a general correlation between physiological resistance to desiccation in
a species and the aridity of the range of that species. But this correlation does not
completely explain the distribution pattern.
Wandering Time of the Crawlers of California Red Scale, Aonidiella Aurantii (Mask.) (Homoptera: Diaspididae), on Citrus.
Authors: Willard JR
Published: June 2005

The wandering time of the crawlers of California red scale was studied in the
laboratory using leaf discs, and by a sampling experiment in the field on lemon trees.
A comparison of wandering times on fourteen varieties and species of Citrus
showed that crawlers wandered longer on leaves than on fruit of the same species.
Wandering times on different Citrus species ranged from 115.4 min on navel orange to
158.2 min on citrange. Wandering time was shown to be affected by the colour of
the leaf, with the shortest time on dark green leaf discs and the longest on yellow ones.
Crawlers at high densities wandered longer than those at low densities, and there was a
linear relationship between density of active crawlers and wandering time. Presence
of established scales on the leaf discs increased the wandering time. These features
probably increased the movement of crawlers to uninfested parts of individual trees.
An experiment combining both temperature and light showed that light had
no significant effect on wandering time over the range 100-500 lm/ft2; but increasing
temperature, over the range 15-30C, decreased wandering time, in a linear relationship.
Additional tests suggested that this relationship did not hold at either 10 or 40C.
Wandering time was not affected by wind velocity over the range 0-4 m/sec;
it was shorter on dusty than on clean leaves, and did not differ significantly between
males and females.
Estimates of wandering time in the field were in the range 174-206 min with
a mean of 186 min. By comparison, the range in the laboratory experiments was
98-243 min.
The distribution of times of emergence and settling ensures that most wandering
occurs in the late morning when wind velocities are most favourable for dispersal.
The diet of red foxes, Vulpes vulpes L., in Victoria
Authors: Coman BJ
Published: June 2005

Stomach contents were examined for 1229 foxes collected in Victoria during
1968-70. Of these, 967 stomachs contained measurable quantities of food.
The fox appears to have a very wide dietary range but is predominantly carnivorous.
The main food items encountered were rabbits, sheep carrion, and mice.
Lesser amounts of native mammals, birds, cold-blooded vertebrates, invertebrates,
and plant material were encountered. For many foods, particularly insects, the intake
was markedly seasonal. Regional differences in diet were also apparent. Much of the
variation in intake of particular foods over time and between regions was explicable in
terms of changing availabilities of these foods.
A stress response in someAntechinus stuartii (Macleay)
Authors: Barnett JL
Published: June 2005

The adrenocortical activity of individual A, stuartii from a natural population was assessed by measuring the concentration of corticosteroids, glucose, sodium, and potassium in the plasma, and of glycogen in the liver; also by weighing the adrenal glands and measuring the cross-sectional areas of the zones in them. Changes in these parameters, detected by a comparison of samples of individuals drawn from the population at different times during the life history, demonstrate a stress response among males when survival is lowest. All males died after mating; immediately before this there was an increase in the concentration of corticosteroids in the plasma and of glycogen in the liver, in the weight of the adrenal glands, and in the cross-sectional area of the zona fasciculata; lipid disappeared from this zone. There was a simultaneous decrease in body weight and in the sodium concentration in plasma. Individual males were hypoglycaemic. There was no conspicuous mortality among laboratory-held males or among females in natural populations at this time, and these animals did not exhibit this syndrome. Although these data provide evidence for a stress response among male A. stuartii in a natural population immediately before they all die, there is no evidence that this syndrome is a causal factor in this mortality.
The Ecology of a Natural Population of the Queensland Fruit Fly, Dacus Tryoni. Iv. The Immigration and Emigration of Adults.
Authors: Fletcher BS
Published: June 2005

Mark-recapture techniques were used to study the immigration and emigration
of adults of the Queensland fruit fly in an isolated orchard at Wilton, N.S.W.
During the 1968 season, several thousand mature flies migrated into the
orchard during late February and early March; the females in this influx were
responsible for laying the majority of eggs which contributed to the next generation.
After the fruit disappeared these immigrants left the orchard, but immature flies
continued to enter the orchard in smaller numbers until late in the season. In the
early part of the season approximately 75% of adults that emerged in the orchard
left during their first week. Later in the season, when lack of rain made conditions
less favourable, nearly all the flies left the orchard in the first week after emergence.
During the 1969 season, when no fruit was present because of a spring drought,
fewer mature flies migrated into the orchard in late February and March, even though
traps located over a wide area around the orchard indicated that at least as many
flies were present in the general area as in 1968. Studies on emigration rates at the
orchard were carried out using flies bred from infested fruit collected in neighbouring
towns. As in the comparable part of the 1968 season, approximately 75% of the flies
left the orchard in the first week after emergence.
It is postulated that dispersive movements in D. tryoni can be divided into
three main categories: a post-teneral dispersive stage, host seeking, and responses
to adversity.
Ultrastructural study of the mature gametes of two species of Bankia (Mollusca : Teredinidae)
Authors: Popham JD , Dickson MR , Goddard CK
Published: June 2005

This work describes the ultrastructure of sperm from two species of shipworm. The most significant differences were found in the structure and arrangement of the acrosomes. The acrosomal vesicle contains two types of material, one appearing as fibrils, the other as an electron-dense granule. It is concluded that sperm ultrastructure can be used as a basis for teredinid identification. The results are discussed with particular reference to their bearing on bivalve classification.
The effects of size-selective predation and environmental variation on the distribution and abundance of a Chironomid, Paraborniella tonnoiri Freeman
Authors: Jones RE
Published: June 2005

Larvae of the Australian chironomid P. tonnoiri live in temporary rainpools and aestivate in the dry
mud during the summer drought. Over most of their range, they are restricted to large, deep, vegetated
pools.
A number of factors influence population numbers, but the most critical in determining the
species' distribution is the presence of another chironomid, Allotrissocladius sp. Fourth-instar
Allotrissocladius larvae kill P. tonnoiri when the latter are in first and possibly second instar. The
deep, vegetated pools have ample food available when P. tonnoiri breeds, so young larvae grow rapidly
through their early instars and soon cease to be vulnerable. In shallower, non-vegetated pools,
with much less food, the larvae grow more slowly, are vulnerable for longer, and are consequently
eliminated.
P. tonnoiri is also absent from areas where low temperatures during early life may slow its growth,
and it seems likely that the same mechanism is responsible.
The study thus suggests that it may seldom be enough to know about the gross structure and
physical characteristics of an ecosystem in order to predict whether or not a species will persist in
it-it is also necessary to know some of the details of when and how it interacts with others.
Australocypris, a new ostracod genus from Australia
Authors: De Deckker P
Published: June 2005

A new cypridid ostracod genus, Australocypris, belonging to a proposed new tribe Mytilocypridini
(subfamily Cypridinae), with two new species, Australocypris robusta and Australocypris hypersalina,
and one Australocypris sp., are described.
The genus Sigmoilina Schlumberger
Authors: Ponder RW
Published: June 2005

The genus Sigmoilina Schlumberger, 1887, is interpreted to include dentate porcelaneous taxa with an initial sigmoiline chamber arrangement. Spirosigmoilina Parr, 1942, and Quinqueloculina (Pseudo- schlumbergerina) Cherif, 1973, are considered synonymous with Sigmoilina. A new species, Sigmoilina townsvillensis, is described from the continental shelf of north Queensland.
Tear carion concentration in some Australian waterfowl (Anatidae)
Authors: Hughes MR , Lavery HJ
Published: June 2005

Sodium and potassium concentrations were analysed in the plasma and tears of three species of Anatidae. While sodium was concentrated only slightly in tears, potassium tear: plasma ratios ranged from 4 : 1 to 15 : 1, indicating that tears serve as an excretory route for potassium in these species.
Some Effects of Synthetic Juvenile Insect Hormones and Hormone Analogues on Tribolium Castaneum (Herbst).
Authors: Williams P , Amos TG
Published: June 2005

The effects were studied of incorporating three synthetic insect juvenile hormones and five analogues
in flour diets for T. castaneum. The synthetic hormones used were: methyl 10,ll-epoxy-7-ethyl-3,ll-dimethyltrideca-
2,6-dienoate (compounds I and II; these had the same structure but consisted of
different isomer ratios), and methyl cis-l0,11-epoxy-3,7,11-trimethyltrideca-trans-2,trans-6-dienoate
(III). The analogues used were: 6',7'-epoxy-3',7'-dimethyloct-trans-2'-enyl 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl
ether (IV); 3'-methyl-7'-ethylnona-2',6'-dienyl 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl ether (V); ethyl
3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,4-dienoate (VI); isopropyl 11-methoxy-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,4-dienoate
(VII); 6',7'-epoxy-3',7'-dimethyloct-trans-2'-enyl 4-ethylphenyl ether (VIII). Compounds
II-VII were incorporated in flour media at concentrations of 5 and 20 p.p.m. and I and VIII at
5 p.p.m. only.
The number of eggs laid in various treated media did not differ significantly from that in the
control. Egg to adult development was inhibited by VII and VIII at 5 p.p.m. and by II, IV and VI
at 20 p.p.m. Development was completed in other treatments but with a high level of adult morphological
deformity except with V and VI at 5 p.p.m. The compounds tended to increase the developmental
period from egg to adult.
Numerical Changes and Environmental Utilization in Natural Populations of Drosophila.
Authors: Mckenzie JA , Parsons PA
Published: June 2005

Monthly collections of three Drosophila species were made over a 39-month period. D, melanogaster was found to be the most common species during summer, D. sirnulans during autumn and D. irnrnigrans during winter. Numerical fluctuations were most marked in the first two species and were related to macroenvironmental temperature. The D. irnmigrans population remained relatively constant throughout the year and the number of the species collected was independent of macroenvironmental variation. For all three species the dimensions of the niche were related to macroenvironmental temperature. This result is discussed in relation to the interaction between numbers in the population, the niche breadth of the species and the environment.
The Effect of Extreme Temperatures on California Red Scale, Aonidiella Aurantii (Mask.) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), and Its Natural Enemies.
Authors: Abdelrahman I
Published: June 2005

I
Growth, Development and Innate Capacity for Increase in Aphytis Chrysomphali Mercet and A. Melinus Debach, Parasites of California Red Scale, Aonidiella Aurantii (Mask.), In Relation to Temperature.
Authors: Abdelrahman I
Published: June 2005

A, melinus produced more female progeny and more than twice as many total progeny as A.
chrysomphali; it also destroyed almost twice as many hosts through oviposition and mutiliation.
A. chrysomphali had a longer post-oviposition period than A. melinus, especially at 30�C. The
proportion of single progeny in a host was higher for A, chrysomphali than for A. melinus at all
temperatures, and was related to temperature positively in A. chrysomphali and inversely in A. melinus.
Large old female A. melinus produced only males at the end of their lives; they did not mate
at that stage when offered males, not because they were aged but because they mate only once in
their lives. As temperature decreased, female A. melznus ceased producing females earlier, probably
because temperature affected either longevity of sperms or the mechanism controlling their release.
Differential mortality, temperature, and age of mothers all influenced sex ratio. Pupal mortality was
inversely related to temperature within the observed range 20-30�C; in female pupae of A. chrysomphali
it was lower than that in either female or male pupae of A. melinus; it was higher in male than
female pupae in A. melinus.
A. melinus lived longer than A. chrysomphali at all temperatures. Duration of development was
longer for A. chrysomphali than for A. melinus at 30�C, but shorter at 20 and 25�C. The threshold
of development was 8.5C for A. chrysomphali and 11C for A. melinus. A. chrysomphali had a higher
rm at 20 and 25�C than A. melinus, but much lower at 30�C. The highest rate of increase was at
> 30�C for A. melinus, and at about 25�C for A. chrysomphali. The rm of the parasites was 3.1-5.0
times that of red scale, depending on parasite species and temperature.
A. chrysomphali is smaller than A. melinus, and from the positive relationship between adaptation
to cold and speed of development, and the negative relationship between speed of development and
size, a negative relationship between size and adaptation to cold within Aphytis spp. may be postulated.
A. chrysomphali is more adapted to cold and less to heat than A. melinus. This explains the
seasonal and annual fluctuation in their relative abundance in southern Australia. The species
would complement each other in controlling red scale; from the data presented here it is possible that
Aphytis spp. in Australia may have evolved into more efficient control agents of red scale than
elsewhere. Knowledge on the searching ability of Aphytis at different host densities is wanting.
Changes in the Hydroxproline concentration of the skin of Antechinus stuartii with age and hormonal treatment
Authors: Barnett JL
Published: June 2005

Hydroxyproline concentration, as a measure of collagen, was determined in the skin of freshly captured male A. stuartii. The mean concentration increased between 30 and 38 weeks of age, decreased between 38 and 41 weeks, and increased again between 46 and 49 weeks. These changes do not support the hypothesis that males age rapidly before their mortality at approximately 51 weeks old. Peak concentration of skin hydroxyproline coincided with periods when the plasma corticosteroid concentrations were increased in males in the natural population. Exogenous cortisol increased the concentration of skin hydroxyproline in laboratory-held males. Therefore, the increase in hydroxyproline concentration in field males appears to result from high titres of plasma corticosteroids.
Thermal relations of the malle fragon Amphibolurus fordi (Lacertilia : Agamidae)
Authors: Cogger HG
Published: June 2005

A field study of the thermal relationships of the small agamid lizard A. fordi has been carried out in two areas of mallee in central western New South Wales, where this lizard occurs only in close association with the grass Triodia scariosa. The body temperatures characteristic of various phases in this lizard's die1 cycle have been determined. The behavioural techniques employed to regulate temperature are described; they are similar to those used by a wide range of diurnal heliothermic lizards in other regions. The total effect of these thermoregulatory responses is to maintain an internal thermal environ- ment approaching homoiothermy while the lizard is active. For A. fordi the eccritic body temperature determined from animals in the field is 36.9+-0.16C. Lowering of activity thermal levels occurs in winter, and can be induced at any time by even mild starvation.
Oviposition Behaviour of the Woodwasp, Sirex Noctilio F.
Authors: Madden JL
Published: June 2005

The basic biology of the female woodwasp and factors affecting oviposition behaviour are described. The rate of egg deposition 1s related to the physiological condition of the host tree; it is demonstrated that the wasp's ability to assess its host tree is directly related to the osmotic quality of the phloem sap.
On the Relative Abundance of Some Australian Psyllidae That Coexist on Eucalyptus Blakelyi.
Authors: Clark LR , Dallwitz MJ
Published: June 2005

A 7-year study of fluctuations in the numbers of four psyllids, Glycaspis spp. (G. brimblecombei and G. prepta combined), Spondyliaspis sp. and Creiis costatus, on mature E. blakelyi in the woodlands of the Australian Capital Territory suggests that: (I) The favourableness of the leaves of the host plant as a source of food was the principal environ- mental influence affecting the abundance of each kind of psyllid; (2) Favourableness was determined by the depIetion and aging of leaves involved in the host plant's 2-year cycle of reproduction and foliage replacement (notably, as affected by the extent of fruit production), and, to differing degrees for the different kinds of psyllid, by the extent of damage caused by leaf-eating beetles, previous and prevailing soil moisture conditions (as estimated by a model using rainfall and evaporation as input), and possibly air temperatures in autumn and winter ; (3) The resulting variation in the favourableness of leaves was responsible for similarities in the fluctuations of abundance recorded for the psyllids; and (4) Those characteristics of the psyllids which defined their food requirements and ability to obtain food were responsible for differences in their abundance, mainly in the amplitude of fluctuations.
A multivariate study of variation in two species of rock crab of the genus Leptograpsus
Authors: Campbell NA , Mahon RJ
Published: June 2005

A multivariate approach has been used to study morphological variation in the blue and orange-form species of rock crab of the genus Leptograpsus. Objective criteria for the identification of the two species are established, based on the following characters: width of the frontal region of the carapace; width of the posterior region of the carapace (rear width); length of the carapace along the midline; maximum width of the carapace; and the depth of the body. The first canonical variate, which differentiates between the two species, represents a contrast between the carapace width relative to the width of the front lip and the depth of the body; the blue-form species has a greater relative carapace width than has the orange form. The second canonical variate, which presents a contrast between the rear width and the carapace length, identifies males and females within each species; males have a greater relative carapace length than have females. All individuals, including 20 not used in the study, were correctly identified for colour form. The clear separation of the blue and orange forms achieved by canonical analysis supports the previously determined specific status of the two forms.
The Introduction of Bdellodes Lapidaria (Acari: Bdellidae) From Australia Into South Africa for the Biological Control of Sminthurus Viridis (Collembola).
Authors: Wallace MMH , Walters MC
Published: June 2005

The lucerne flea, S, viridis, was introduced into South Africa with subterranean clover seed imported from Western Australia in 1939. By 1959 the infestation had spread over 50,000 ha and methods of control were examined. The predatory mite B. lapidaria was known to be an effective biological control agent against S. viridis in Australian pastures. From 1963 to 1966 over 75,000 mites were collected in Western Australia and sent by air for immediate release in selected sites in South Africa (Cape Province). The mites were shown to be established in 1965 and multiplied rapidly, enabling redistribution to additional sites. The influence of this predator on S. viridis numbers is now being monitored. Preliminary data indicate that B. lapidaria is capable of influencing flea densities under South African conditions. A definite relationship between the predator and sminthurid Collembola such as S. viridis slnd Bourletiella arvalis is indicated, although B. lapidaria appears to be able to utilize other foods during periods of sminthurid scarcity.
The Mode of Infection of the Insect Pathogenic Fungus Culicinomyces in Larvae of the Mosquito Culex Fatigans.
Authors: Sweeney AW
Published: June 2005

The initiation and morphological development of infection by Culicinomyces in C. fatigans larvae was followed by means of observations of dissections and stained histological sections of infected specimens. The infection sites are the foregut and hindgut regions of the digestive tract, unlike those of most other insect-parasitizing fungi, which invade through the exterior integument. The penetration of the gut wall and growth in the haemocoel is described, as well as sporulation of the fungus after death of the larvae.
The first stage in infection is the firm adherence of the fungal spore to the gut cuticle. This occurs before the spore germinates, and there is evidence to suggest that it may be excited by a thigmotropic stimulus. The penetration of the gut wall does not involve the formation of an appressorium, though this does not preclude mechanical penetration. The penetration of the exterior cuticle, which occurs after death of the insect and initiates conidiophore formation, involves a typical appressorium and mechanical force.
Diversity and Organization of the Ground Foraging Ant Faunas of Forest, Grassland and Tree Crops in Papua New Guinea.
Authors: Room PM
Published: June 2005

Thirty samples of ants were taken in each of seven habitats: primary forest, rubber plantation, coffee plantation, oilpalm plantation, kunai grassland, eucalypt savannah and urban grassland. Sixty samples were taken in cocoa plantations. A total of 156 species was taken, and the frequency of occurrence of each in each habitat is given. Eight stenoecious species are suggested as habitat indicators. Habitats fell into a series according to the similarity of their ant faunas: forest, rubber and coffee, cocoa and oilpalm, kunai and savannah, urban. This series represents an artificial, discontinuous succession from a complex stable ecosystem to a simple unstable one. Availability of species suitably preadapted to occupy habitats did not appear to limit species richness. Habitat heterogeneity and stability as affected by human interference did seem to account for inter-habitat variability in species richness. Species diversity was compared between habitats using four indices: Fisher et al.; Margalef; Shannon; Brillouin. Correlation of diversity index with habitat heterogeneity plus stability was good for the first two, moderate for Shannon, and poor for Brillouin. Greatest diversity was found in rubber, the penultimate in the series of habitats according to heterogeneity plus stability ('maturity'). Equitability exceeded the presumed maximum in rubber, and was close to the maximum in all habitats. The mosaic dispersion pattern found among ants elsewhere also appeared to be present in each habitat. The mean maximum number of territories possible to be overlapping is about 4.6; the number in a particular case probably being a function of the specialization of the dominant ant present. Ecological isolating mechanisms among ants are probably similar to those among birds; size and structure of mouthparts in ant communities warrant further study.
Audible signals during intolerant behaviour of Rattus fuscipes
Authors: Barnett SA , Stewart AP
Published: June 2005

The social behaviour of the Australian bush rat, Rattus fuscipes, was observed in the laboratory. All rats had been trapped as adults. In each encounter a male or female intruder was put in a cage containing an established male or female resident; the movements of the animals, and the sounds they made, were recorded for 10 min. The behaviour patterns of the two sexes were similar. The principal sounds were: (1) a whistle, or pure monosyllabic note (fundamental about 2.5 kHz); (2) a scream, or fluctuating multisyllabic sound; (3) intermediates between these two; (4) a cough (rare); (5) tooth-chattering (not voiced).
Whistles, screams and intermediate sounds accompanied attacks and associated behaviour: during approach or threat only the animals approached or threatened made these sounds; when the animals were in contact, both did.
Survival of the Non-Parasitic Stages of the Cattle Tick, Boophilus Microplus, Under Simulated Field Conditions in Papua New Guinea.
Authors: Owen IL
Published: June 2005

Over a period of 20 months the survival time of the non-parasitic stages of the cattle tick was investigated under simulated field conditions at three locations near Port Moresby. The work was begun in a year with favourable conditions for larval survival and continued into a less favourable year. Egg-laying and hatching occurred throughout the period of investigation and showed little fluctuation, but larval survival varied with the location and the season. The mean survival time in open tussock, shaded tussock and sheltered tube respectively was, 14.1, 13.5 and 15.6 weeks at Kila Kila, 13.3, 15.1 and 18.0 weeks at Tiaba and 14.8, 17.5 and 24.7 weeks at Bisianumu. Under the conditions prevailing in the Port Moresby area, maximum temperature is the most important factor controlling the survival of larvae. The bulk of a larval population lives for over two-thirds of a total exposure time; once larvae begin to die the majority are dead within a few weeks, but a small number remain alive for some time longer.
The Islets of Langerhans of the Pancreas of Macropodid Marsupials: a Comparison With Eutherian Species.
Authors: White AW , Harrop CJF
Published: June 2005

The islets of Langerhans were studied in the pancreas of the red kangaroo, grey kangaroo and euro, and compared with those of the brush-tailed possum and of various eutherian species. The mean (� SE) percentages of insulin-producing (B) cells in the islets of the species studied were: red kangaroo, 8.1kO.58; grey kangaroo, l5.9 � 0.74; euro, 9.9 � 0.82; possum, 52.7 � 0.84; sheep, 12.5 � 1.16; cattle, 74.6 � 0.58; rabbit 76.9 � 0.83; rat, 66.9 � 0.43. The low proportions of B cells in the islets of the kangaroos and sheep were accompanied by high proportions of glucagon-producing cells and agranular cells.
The size of the islets, estimated from the number of cells per islet, was smallest in the sheep and largest in cattle (23.5 � 1.27 and 66.3 � 4.75 cells per islet respectively). However, the total number of islet cells per unit area of pancreas was significantly different only between euros (432 � 28.8) and cattle (848 � 100.7).
Significant, negative correlations were found between pancreas weight as a percentage of live body weight and live body weight in the three species of kangaroo. The data for all species subscribed to the hypothesis that, in mammals, as body size increase the relative mass of the pancreas decreases.
Seasonal thyroid activity in the tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii (Desmarest)
Authors: Kaethner MM , Good BF
Published: June 2005

Thyroxine secretion rate, the total and free thyroxine concentrations in plasma, and water turn- over rates were measured in six adult tammar wallabies throughout the year.
There was a seasonal pattern of thyroid activity. The mean thyroxine secretion rate was low during the first summer, increased in autumn (April), and remained high through the winter months until October. In December it returned to the low summer level, approximately half that of winter. Water turnover was elevated during the hot summer months, indicating increased physiological demand of water for cooling. Mean plasma total thyroxine concentration followed a seasonal pattern similar to that of thyroxine secretion rate, high in winter, low in summer. Plasma free thyroxine gradually rose from a low initial summer concentration to reach a peak in October, then returned to the low summer level.
These findings are consistent with a higher secretion of basal pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone in winter than in summer.
Short-Term Change in a Population of the Meat Ant Iridomyrmex Purpureus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).
Authors: Greenslade PJM
Published: June 2005

A population of the mound-building meat ant, Iridomyrmex purpureus s. s., was studied from 1971 to 1974 near the cool, wet end of its South Australian range. Seasonal variation in the numbers of nest mounds, and in number of nest entrance holes used by the population, indicate that it is under climatic stress in winter and summer. It is also subject to human interference and many mounds have been damaged; the fate of such colonies suggests that the mounds affect nest temperatures and are important in reducing winter stress. Comparison of parts of the population from areas differing in aspect and drainage shows that colony size and structure are controlled by rates of growth and survival of nests, depending largely on summer and winter stress respectively. The latter appears to be the critical factor in this population.
The Life System of Cardiaspina Albitextura (Psyllidae), 1950-74.
Authors: Clark LR , Dallwitz MJ
Published: June 2005

In 1958-63 and 1964-71 the life systems of four kinds of test-forming psyllid that coexist on Eucalyptus blakelyi were investigated intensively in a comparative study of insect abundance. This paper deals mainly with C. albitextura, which was kept under observation from 1950 to 1974. (The others were two species of Glycaspis, Spondyliaspis sp, and Creiis costatus.)
The results indicate that the differences in maximal abundance reached by the four kinds of psyllid are mainly the outcome of differences in their ability tg utilize the leaves of the host plant as a source of food, C. albitextura being much more effective than the other species. For the latter, it appears that the principal environmental determinant of abundance was the number of feeding places where nymphs could survive long enough to complete development. That number varied according to foliage and weather.
C. albitextura also differed from the other species by having its population densities held for long periods far below the levels at which the food supply would be limiting, by restrictions imposed upon reproduction by adverse weather and foliage conditions (the latter being due partly to poor synchronization between the emergence of adults in spring and the occurrence of foliage attractive for oviposition), and by high mortalities due to natural enemies.
The life system of C. albitextura lacks an element that can stabilize abundance at low population densities, but adverse environmental influences usually limit the rate of increase greatly when abundance is low. The magnitude of the average rate of increase to high levels of population density, and the length of time for which high average densities are maintained, depend upon the frequency with which favourable conditions of weather, foliage and predation combine to promote both survival and reproduction.