bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The skin and hair of the southern elephant seal, (Mirounga Leonina (L.) II. pre-natal and early post-natal development and moulting
Authors: Ling JK , Thomas CDB
Published: June 2005

The embryological development of hair follicles and the emergence and growth
of the foetal pelage of the southern elephant seal, Mirounga leonina (L.), are described
in terms of 10 recognizable stages. Follicle primordia appear at a post-implantation
age of about 8 weeks and growth of the first definitive hairs takes approximately 14
weeks. Sebaceous glands develop after the sweat gland anlagen, but their ontogeny is
more rapid and they function earlier in the formation of the hair canals. The latter are
formed by epidermal cellular accretion from without and sebaceous cellular activity
within the developing pilosebaceous unit. Development of three epidermal layers is
also described and the absence of a stratum granulosum and stratum lucidum noted.
The formation of muscle, collagen, and elastic fibres, and blood vessels in the dermis
has been observed and described.
The histological development of the first adult-type hair generation has been
followed in near-term foetuses and young pups until the latter go to sea. The post-natal
moult usually commences about 1 week after birth and takes 3 weeks for its completion.
Whereas the foetal hairs are not connected to the stratum corneum lining the pilary
canal, with a result that they are shed individually, the epidermis and all subsequent
hair generations are united. This union is established after the post-natal moult at the
end of the active follicular phase by a process of epidermal and external root sheath
cellular proliferation around the bottom of the hair canal.
The functional anatomy of the digestive tract of a shrimp Metapenaeus bennettae Racek & Dall (Crustacea : Decapoda : Penaeidae)
Authors: Dall W
Published: June 2005

The anatomy of the proventriculus, digestive gland, midgut and its diverticula,
and the rectum is described. In structure and function the proventriculus is similar to
that of anumber of other Decapoda. Two distinct cell types occur in the digestive gland,
a secretory type, and a mucopolysaccharide-containing type, whose function is not
clear. The digestive gland has no intrinsic muscles, and depends on extrinsic muscles,
and possibly ingested water, for filling and emptying. The midgut extends to the
sixth abdominal somite and faecal material is contained in a peritrophic membrane.
Evidence for secretory functions of the midgut and anterior and posterior diverticula
is discussed. The rectal lining is formed into six longitudinal pads which are used to
expel long sections of peritrophic membrane containing faeces.
Methods of feeding are described. Permeability of the anterior proventriculus
to 22Na and [14C] glucose was measured; 22Na approached equilibrium in 6-7 hr,
but [14C] glucose passed through at about one-seventh this rate, indicating that direct
glucose uptake from the proventriculus would be negligible. Food, labelled with
particulate ll0Ag, was found to begin leaving the proventriculus almost as soon as it
was filled, but complete emptying took 6-12 hr. Defecation was at a peak 5-8 hr
after food ingestion, but continued up to 20 hr. The rectum appears to have the
additional function of pumping water into the gut via the anus.
The biology, origin and adaptation of the Miniopterus australis (Chiroptera) in New South Wales
Authors: Dwyer PD
Published: June 2005

The biology of Miniopterus australis was investigated in north-eastern New
South Wales (latitude c. 30�S) between 1960 and 1966. In this area the species reaches
the southern limit of its distribution and is largely confined to the subtropical coastal
belt. Mating occurs in the winter months June and July, and is followed by a period
of retarded embryonic development to mid-September. Births occur in December.
The only nursery colony of M. australis located was that of the southernmost population
of the species. It included about 4000 individuals (approximately 1800 young) in
December and was intimately associated with a much larger nursery colony of M.
schreibersii. A comparison of the winter behaviour of M. australis with that of M.
schreibersii at the same latitude revealed that pre-winter increase in weight is less
marked, that feeding behaviour persists longer, and that there are fewer, and less rigid,
periods of torpidity in the former species. In its reproductive and wintering characteristics
M. australis, at 30�S., has diverged less from the tropical, and presumably ancestral,
pattern for the genus than has M. schreibersii at the same latitude. It is argued that
M. australis has colonized New South Wales from low latitudes later than M.
schreibersii and that colonization southwards may have been dependent upon, or
promoted by, the prior existence of M. schreibersii nursery colonies.
An analysis of retrapping data for the southernmost population of M. australis
suggests that this is represented as two subpopulations (highland and lowland) between
which adult individuals seldom exchange. Spermatogenesis, and hence mating, occurs
slightly earlier in the highland subpopulation. It is suggested that earlier mating in
this subpopulation may be selectively advantageous, and that the long-term effect of
selection here could be to shift the timing of reproductive events in the entire population
back towards that observed in M. schreibersii. Earlier mating should be correlated
with a stronger manifestation of pre-winter increase in weight and of winter torpidity.
The combination of all these changes in M. australis would permit further range
expansion to the south and west, provided that suitable nursery sites are available
and can be found.
Relative growth of the major body componrnts of the southern elephant seal. Mirounga leonina (L.)
Authors: Bryden MM
Published: June 2005

Relative growth of the main body components (fat, muscle, bone, viscera, and
skin) is dealt with in detail, particularly in animals which had not attained nutritional
independence; a period of accelerated growth in these animals was followed by a complete
fast of 5-7 weeks. Seal pups more than trebled their birth weight over the 23-day
suckling period, a high percentage of this increase being attributed to deposition of
the blubber. During the postweaning fast, muscle, fat, and viscera were lost at a rate
similar to the rate of gain during the suckling period, whereas bone and skin did not
alter significantly in weight during the fasting phase.
After the pups attained nutritional independence, the main body components
grew at the same rate as body weight, except that in males at puberty muscle weight
increased relatively more quickly than the body weight, and at the expense of bone
and viscera.
Developmental patterns within the musculature were studied by dissecting the
muscles individually, and grouping them according to anatomical location into 10
muscle groups. The development of the musculature during the suckling period tended
to be reversed during the postweaning fast. During these two phases, elephant seal
pups remained on land most of the time. Developmental changes in the musculature
occurred after the seal entered the water, and were modified slightly in sexually mature
bulls. These changes are associated with the ecology of this group of animals.
Evidence is given that developmental changes within the musculature occurred
in response to functional requirements, and it is proposed that this could be brought
about by alteration of growth gradients, which are not necessarily reversible during
body weight loss.
Individually dissected bones were allotted to one of five major anatomical
groups, and the weight of the bone groups expressed as a percentage of the total bone
weight was used in assessing the results of the changes in bone weight distribution with
age. The weight of the bone groups was compared with the corresponding groups in
new-born animals.
It was found that those bones which are most important structurally (enabling
the seal to meet the demands placed on it by the force of gravity) grew most during
postnatal life, and that developmental changes in the skeleton occurred in response to
functional demands. The winter "rest" periods that immature animals spend ashore
are apparently necessary to direct the development of the growing animal to meet these
structural demands when it hauls out on land, which it must do later in life to moult
and to breed.
The Australian freshwater crayfish (Crustacea : Decapoda : Parastacidae), with descriptions of a new species
Authors: Riek EF
Published: June 2005

The nine Australian genera of freshwater crayfish are diagnosed, their main
morphological features illustrated, and a key for the separation of these genera is
presented. Modified keys are given for those genera in which new species have been
accommodated. Distribution maps of all generaand of thespecies of Engaeus (23 species),
Cherax (27 species), and Euastacus (28 species) are presented. Twenty new species are
described, making a total of 97 species.
An ecological study of Antechinus stuartii (Marsupialia) in a south-east Queensland rain forest
Authors: Wood DH
Published: June 2005

Quantitative data are presented on population size and structure, mortality, breeding, growth, movements, and activity during a 3-yr live-trapping study. The population reached a peak each autumn and declined to low numbers each spring. A few females survived to breed a second time but males suffered 100% mortality in each breeding season. Death after mating was not inevitable under laboratory conditions. Mating occurred only in the last 2 weeks of September each year in the field. Pregnancy lasted about 1 month, and lactation about 3 months. Juveniles attained sexual maturity at 11 months of age. Though A, stuavtii is usually nocturnal-crepuscular, some diurnal activity occurred; and extensive arboreal activity was recorded. Male home ranges were larger than those of females, and expanded farther during the breeding season. Mortality had a greater influence on population size than reproduction. Late sexual maturity and stereotyped reproductive pattern seem to preclude cyclical changes in population density.
Reproduction in the mountain possum, Trichosurus caninus (Ogilby), in captivity
Authors: Smith MJ , How RA
Published: June 2005

Reproduction was studied in eight female T. caninus held in captivity in
Armidale, N.S.W., for up to 5 yr. Oestrus was diagnosed from the vast increase in
epithelial cells in the vaginal smear, post-oestrus being detected by the appearance of
many leucocytes and of some elongate epithelial cells. The mean of 17 oestrous
cycles was 26.4+- 1.0 days and the mean of 10 gestation periods was 16.2+-0.2
days. The teats evert and the female first ovulates at the end of her 2nd year, but no
captive female gave birth till near the end of her 3rd year. In the anatomy of the
uteri and vaginae, T. caninus resembles T. vulpecula but the ovaries of T. caninus are
markedly distinguished by the presence of up to seven large corpora lutea. Although
the weight of the luteal tissue may contribute as much as 83.9 % of the total ovarian
weight, there is no evidence from the uteri that these large corpora lutea are functional
in hormone secretion. The luteal cells are large but vacuolated and are separated
by a well developed network of connective tissue. As the corpora lutea persist
throughout the life of the animal, it is suggested that their number be used to indicate
the maximum age of the animal.
Reproduction in the common sheath-tailed bat, Taphozous georgianus (Thomas) (Microchiroptera : Emballonuridae), in Western Australia
Authors: Kitchener DJ
Published: June 2005

The reproductive and associated organs of both male and female T. georgianus
are briefly described. In females, only the right ovary is functional and pregnancies
occur only in the right horn. They are monovular and the corpus luteum occupies
most of the ovary and is deeply embedded in its stroma. Females are monotocous and
the gestation period is probably about 4 months, young being born from October to
February. They are monestrous and there is an autumn and early winter dioestrousanoestrous
period. Spermatozoa are not stored in the reproductive tract of females and
copulation appears to coincide with the oestrous condition. In males, spermatogenesis
proceeds throughout the year and spermatozoa are present in the epididymis and vas
deferens in all months that males were collected (no records for December). Spermatozoa
are also found in the ampulla of Henle and vesicula seminalis in most months of
the year. The position of the testes varies with season: in summer they descend to the
scrota1 sacs; in autumn, winter, and spring they are more abdominal.
Flight Activity and Displacement in the Rutherglen Bug Nysius Vinitor (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae).
Authors: Kehat M , Wyndham M
Published: June 2005

Population studies for determining seasonal fluctuations of N. vinitor indicated that the appearance or disappearance of populations within a short time can be attributed mainly to its highly migratory behavior. N. vinitor always migrated when host plants dried up, and sometimes also when they were still green.

Continuous quantitative records of flight activity, made near the population source, showed that the seasonal migrations of N. vintor closely reflected its population curve. As populations increased and declined throughout the season, migrants were produced continuously, resulting in a fairly smooth succession of departing individuals which became particularly obvious when large numbers suddenly discharged which occurred when special weather conditions caused sudden excessive flights.
Innervation of vibrissa follicles in the marsupial Trichosurus vulpecula
Authors: Hollis DE , Lyne AG
Published: June 2005

The innervation of the mystacial vibrissa follicles in the adult brush-tailed possum, T. vulpecula, has been studied by light and electron microscopy. One to five large nerve trunks penetrate the lower part of the follicle capsule and divide many times as they ascend and completely envelop the con- nective tissue sheath of the follicle. As many as 500 myelinated nerves have been observed in the mid region of the largest follicles. Above the mid region, most of the nerves move closer to the centre of the follicle and finally terminate within or near the outer layer of epithelial cells. Four main types of nerve endings have been observed: (1) Sensory receptor cells, called Merkel cells, with their associated neurites are numerous within the outer layer of epithelial cells. (2) Palisade endings, which are less common than the Merkel cell-neurite complexes, surround the upper part of the glassy membrane of the follicle. In transverse section each palisade ending appears as a flattened central neurite partially enveloped on either side by Schwann cell processes. (3) Bulbous endings occur in both the connective tissue sheath and in the outer layer of follicle epithelial cells. They are larger than types (1) and (2) and their ultrastructure varies markedly. (4) Compound endings occur within the connective tissue sheath of the follicle. They are uncommon but large and are composed of a chain of bulbous units joined by nerves; the entire ending may be encapsulated. Within each unit there is a tangle of nerve fibres. The Merkel cell-neurite complexes and the palisade endings in T. vulpecula are remarkably similar to those of eutherian mammals, suggesting that such sensory structures were features of primitive mammals.
The role of physiological colour change in the thermoregulation of Austrolestes annulosus (Selys)(Odonata)
Authors: Veron JEN
Published: June 2005

Observations of the early morning behaviour of A. annulosus and Ischnura heterosticta, two species which normally undergo daily physiological colour changes, show that both orient themselves perpendicularly to the direction of incident sunlight when perching and when in flight, as long as they remain in 'dark' colour phase. Accurately controlled experiments on eight A, annulosus show that mean gain in thoracic temperature attributed to dark-phase coloration is 0.23C after exposure to a radiation source similar in intensity and spectral composition to sunlight. However, a thoracic temperature gain of up to 15C may result from orientation to the sun on cloudless, windless mornings; under these conditions an oriented insect is able to forage for food c. 2 h earlier than a similar insect perched in the shade. Field experiments on A. annulosus reveal that receptors other than eyes are used to detect the direction of incident sunlight and that only dark-phase insects are able to do so rapidly enough to remain oriented in flight. It is suggested that dark-phase chromatophores, which have an underlying network of nerve axons insulated by large air sacs, are receptors of incident radiation, and that the temperature increase of dark chromatophores exposed to sunlight is sufficiently rapid to allow the insects to remain oriented in flight.
Reproduction in female gould's wattled bat, Chalinolbus gouldii (Gray) (Vespertilionidae), in Western Australia
Authors: Kitchener DJ
Published: June 2005

Reproductive organs of female C. gouldii and changes in the ovaries, uterine horns, corpus uteri and vagina during the reproductive cycle are described. In the south-west of Western Australia, C. gouldii is monoestrous with pro-oestrus from January to March or April. Females are inseminated at the beginning of winter (a late winter insemination may also occur). Sperm is stored over winter in the core of a vaginal plug, in uterine glands, and in the uterine part of the oviducts. Ovulation and fertilization begin at the end of winter, from two to nine ova being shed from each ovary. Corpora lutea may be deeply embedded in the ovaries and ovulation apparently causes considerable break-down of capillaries at the point of rupture. Pregnancies occur in both horns and twinning is the rule. Gestation lasts about 3 months. After parturition there is a rapid involution of uterine horns and vagina, followed by a brief lactation anoestrus. The beginning of the period of births varies with latitude. In the south-west region it commences late November or early December; in the central region late (and possibly early) October or early November; in the northern region late September or early October.
Predation on Potato Moth, Phthorimaea Operculella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), by the Western Silvereye, Zosterops Gouldi (Aves: Zosteropidae).
Authors: Springett BP , Matthiessen JN
Published: June 2005

The omnivorous bird, the western silvereye, eats the larvae of potato moth, preferring the larger third and final fourth instars. An examination of the gizzard contents shows that silvereyes eat proportionally fewer third-instar larvae when the density of the moth population is low, despite the equal abundance of third and fourth-instar larvae. With increasing moth density, the third- instar larvae become increasingly attractive. It is inferred that the level of crop infestation determines whether the smaller third-instar larvae are as profitable as energy sources as the fourth-instar larvae.
Water Balance and Kidney Function in Four Species of Rattus From Ecologically Diverse Environments.
Authors: Baverstock PR
Published: June 2005

While Rattus fuscipes survived only 4 days of water deprivation at 21�C, R. norvegicus, R. villosissimus and R. lutreolus survived 13-16 days. There was considerable inter-individual variation in the response of water-deprived R. villosissimus. Analysis of osmotic pressure, urea, sodium, potassium and chloride of both plasma and urine of rats with and without drinking water revealed that: (1) the abilities of R. norvegicus and R. villosissimus to tolerate water deprivation were due in large part to their abilities to produce highly concentrated urine; (2) R. lutreolus tolerated long periods of water deprivation not by urine-concentrating ability but by partly abandoning homeostasis and tolerating elevated levels of plasma solutes; (3) water-deprived R. fuscipes excreted large volumes of concentrated urine, possibly because their relatively high metabolic rate necessitated the excretion of excess metabolites. In all of the rats, urea constituted an unusually low proportion of the total osmotic pressure. The water-balance response of water-deprived rats is at variance with both their macrogeographical distribution and microhabitat preferences.
Some seasonal changes in Antechinus flavipes (Marsupialia : Dayuridae)
Authors: Inns RW
Published: June 2005

Seasonal changes in some basic bioenergetic functions were investigated in the marsupial mouse A. flavipes by comparing normal males with females and castrated males.
The activity and body weight of intact males increased to a peak in late June, at the same time metabolic rate increased. After the period of maximum testis development from late June to the end of July the activity of males declined, as did body weight and scrota1 width. The pelage of intact males also deteriorated, while the female and castrated males remained sleek and maintained weight. The metabolic rate of intact males also declined after the breeding season, whereas that of the castrated males remained constant. Despite a decline in body weight, intact males showed an increase in energy consumption in July which remained high in August and September; faecal energy loss was lower in September than July. Energy consumption in castrated males did not increase until September, faecal energy loss did not change during the year.
The differences observed among intact males, castrated males and females suggests that the male sex hormone system influences the metabolic and hormonal changes associated with male mortality.
Influence of Farnesyl Methyl Ether on the Metamorphosis of Blattella Germanica (L.).
Authors: Roberts B
Published: June 2005

When farnesyl methyl ether was applied to a metathoracic trochanteral wound surface of specifically aged nymphs of Blattella germanica (L.), nymphal characters persisted after metamorphosis in the prothoracic shield, cerci, male subgenital sterna, the general facies of the abdomen, and certain structures of the male external genitalia. The juvenilising effects of treatment in the sixth (final) instar were more marked than in the fifth, and treatment in the fourth instar showed least effect. The morphology of all adult structures, with the exception of the prothoracic shield, was irrevocably committed at or slightly before the critical period for regeneration of the final nymphal instar. Aspects of the control of this commitment by endogenous hormones and the applied juvenoid are discussed.
Systematics of the Mygalomorph spider genus Masteria (Masteriinae : Dipluridae : Arachnida)
Authors: Raven RJ
Published: June 2005

Masteria is regarded as the senior subjective synonym of Accola and Antrochares, and is recognized as a subfamily in the Dipluridae. Further figures of Masteria hirsuta, Accola lucifuga and Antrochares macgregori are provided. Masteria toddae, sp. nov., from northern Australia is described. A phylogeny of males of Masteria species is shown to require a further character to eliminate ambiguity. Masteria is regarded as the sister-group of the Macrotheline tribe Evagrini, consisting of Evagrus, Allothele, Cethegus and Phyxioschaema. The occurrence of the paraembolic apophysis or its proposed homologue, the conductor, in mygalomorphs suggests that it has undergone parallel derivation.
Blood Parameters in Natural Populations of Trichosurus Species (Marsupialia: Phalangeridae). I. Age, Sex and Seasonal Variation in T. Caninus and T. Vulpecula. Ii. Influence of Habitat and Population Strategies of T. Caninus and T. Vulpecula.
Authors: Barnett JL , How RA , Humphreys WF
Published: June 2005

Age, sex and seasonal related changes in body weight and blood parameters were determined for T caninus and T. vulpecula, whose distribution overlapped in part of the study area. In T. caninus age-related changes occurred in body weight, mean plasma glucose and protein concentrations and haematocrit. Seasonal changes occurred in plasma glucose and protein concentrations, haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count. There were sexual dimorphisms in haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count in both species; the mean values were greater in males. T. vulpecula also exhibited a sexual dimorphism in body weight (males > females). The only seasonal change in T. vulpecula was in haemoglobin concentration.
Comparison of the species as adults showed that T. caninus had higher mean levels of body weight, haematocrit and haemoglobin concentration, while plasma lipid concentration and red blood cell counts were greater in T vulpecula. These species differences may be a reflection of the diets of the two species. In addition the measured parameters showed greater seasonal variation in T. caninus, a K-selected species, than in T. vulpecula, which is more r-selected.
Seasonal variation in plasma testosterone and the testis in captive male dingoes, Canis familiaries dingo
Authors: Catling PC
Published: June 2005

Eastern Highlands and Central Australian dingoes housed in Canberra do not have a testicular cycle. They are spermatogenically active and capable of mating with oestrous females and fathering young all year. They do exhibit a breeding season (April-June) but this is entirely governed by the female. During the breeding season testosterone levels rise; this is thought to be influenced by the presence of an oestrous female and copulation. There are indications that captive dingoes in Central Australia may have a testicular cycle. Colony dingoes showed little interest in and do not mate with an oestrous domestic female at times other than January-July. They also become almost aspermous outside the breeding season. In contrast, Central Australian dingoes housed in Canberra are spermatogenically active and capable of successful matings all year.
Body Temperature Variability in the Australian Water Rat, Hydromys chrysogaster, in Air and Water
Authors: Fanning FD , Dawson TJ
Published: June 2005

Body and skin temperatures were recorded from water rats exposed to a range of air temperatures
and also immersed in water at various temperatures. They were able to maintain stable core temperatures
(mean 36.1�C, SD 0.65, n=61) at air temperatures up to 30�C. At 35�C they were unable to
avoid hyperthermia despite their use of saliva spreading to enhance heat loss. Regional heterothermia
was observed both in air and in water, but water rats were unable to maintain deep body temperatures
at water temperatures lower than 25�C. Variations in the level of activity in cold water affected the
rate of heat loss. Examination of the vascular system revealed the presence of various networks adapted
for heat loss, but no major heat-conserving vascular retia. It is suggested that the poor thermoregulatory
performance of water rats during aquatic excursions is largely due to the lack of heat-conserving retia,
and to the poor insulative capacity of the fur when wet. The platypus, which possesses excellent fur
insulation and a highly developed heat-conserving system, is a very competent homeotherm in cold
water. The behavioural responses displayed by water rats which enable them to exploit the aquatic
environment in south-eastern Australia are discussed.
Reproduction in female Chalinolobus morio (Gray) (Vespertilionidae) in South-Western Australia
Authors: Kitchener DJ , Coster P
Published: June 2005

The reproductive cycle of C. morio is outlined from examination of reproductive organs in situ and
from histological techniques on Museum specimens collected in south-western Australia over the last
46 years. Changes in ovaries, endometria (and glands), epithelia lining tracts and Bartholin's glands
are described. C. morio is monoestrous. It copulates in autumn and stores sperm in oviducts and uterine
glands until ovulation in winter. Both ovaries are functional. Trans-uterine migration of the developing
zygote is recorded. It normally gives birth to a single young, although occasionally to twins, between
mid-September and mid-November. In the case of twins both uterine horns are gravid, otherwise only
the right horn is gravid.
Blood-Sucking Midges and Mosquitoes Feeding on Mammals at Beatrice Hill, N.T.
Authors: Muller MJ , Murray MD , Edwards JA
Published: June 2005

One aspect of an intensive study of arboviruses and insect vectors at Beatrice Hill, N.T., was to determine
the hosts of the insects by identifying the source of their blood meal. The collection methods included
buffalo bait, calf- and chicken-baited Magoon traps, truck traps, light traps and collecting from insect
resting places. Blood meals were identified by precipitin and haemagglutination-inhibition tests. Fifteen
species of biting midges, mostly Culicoides spp., and 24 species of mosquitoes were represented
in the collections, and the blood meals within 75% of some 11,000 insects were identified. The majority,
97.7%, of the blood meals were mammalian in origin, 76% being bovine and 17% marsupial. A significant
proportion of the blood-fed mosquitoes from Magoon traps had fed on hosts other than the
bait animal or collector. Double feeds were detected in 1.1% of the insects in which the source of
the blood meal was identified. It was possible to draw conclusions about the feeding habits of most
of the insect species.
Clinal Variation in the Common Brown Butterfly Heteronympha merope merope (Lepidoptera: Satyrinae)
Authors: Pearse K , Murray ND
Published: June 2005

Analyses of variation in seven wing pattern characters in H. merope merope females, from 22 sites
throughout the range of the subspecies, show that the variation generally has a substantial genetic component.
All characters exhibit significant interpopulation variation and one character (S) shows an
obvious clinal pattern in a north-south direction. Variation in the total wing phenotype was examined
by a multivariate principal component analysis. The first two principal components identified also
show a clinal pattern: a north-south cline in component 1 and an east-west cline in component 2.
Variation in component 1 is significantly associated with winter humidity and that in the second with
yearly rainfall. Because the components cannot be identified simply as size, shape or colour vectors
the possible adaptive significance of the results is not clear, although there is some indirect evidence
that the pattern of variation is due to natural selection rather than random processes.
The Effects of Temperature and Moisture on Survival of the Immature Stages of the Buffalo Fly, Haematobia Irritans Exigua De Meijere (Diptera: Muscidae).
Authors: Cook IM , Spain AV
Published: June 2005

The effects of temperature and moisture regimes on the survival of immature stages of the buffalo fly were measured. Eggs require high relative humidities to hatch. In saturated air, they failed to hatch at below ll.5�C and above 40� C, hatch rates being maximal between 20 and 35� C. In a two-way experiment, larvae survived treatments in which dung moisture content was greater than 63% of wet weight, and dung temperature below 37.5� C. Optimum larval survival was at approximately 25� C and 75-85% dung moisture content by dry weight. In saturated air, adults eclosed at from 17.5 to 35� C. At 25� C. eclosion occurred at relative humidities above 31%, but was greatly reduced at lower RHS
The Genital System of Temnocephala. I. Ultrastructural Features of the Differentiating Spermatid of Temnocephala Novaezealandiae, Including Notes on a Possible Correlation Between Cellular Autophagy and Mitochondrial Function.
Authors: Williams JB
Published: June 2005

The early spermatid of I: novaezealandiae possesses two centrioles, between which lies a transient lamellar body. The centrioles form the basal bodies of two flagella of the '9+1' type, which remain free throughout spermatogenesis. Following cell elongation and organelle migration, the advanced spermatid is composed of a proximal cytoplasmic mass, a greatly attenuated nuclear region, an elongated mid-piece, an end piece, and the subterminally inserted flagella. There is no acrosome. Rows of glycogen granules occur in the spermatid shaft. Extrusion of nuclear components probably contributes to the modelling and compaction of the nucleus. The mitochondria of the cytoplasmic mass possess indentations filled with membrane whorls; it is proposed that the membrane accumulates in cellular autophagy. Mitochondria in the spermatid shaft are also indented; perhaps autophagic vesicles occupying the invaginations are related to glycogen metabolism. Modified membranes lining the indentations may be sites for the entry of lytic products into the mitochondria. Knowledge of the sperm morphology of Temnocephala assists in the determination of the taxonomic position of the genus.
Variations in Seasonal Nutrition, Thermoregulation and Water Balance in Two New Zealand Populations of the Common Brushtail Possum, Trichosurus Vulpecula (Phalangeridae).
Authors: Williams CK , Turnbull HL
Published: June 2005

Two populations of common brushtail possum, at Wanganui in the North Island of New Zealand and Westland in the South Island, were compared in aspects of nutrition, thermoregulation and water balance at 2 thermal conditions in controlled-environment rooms. The thermal conditions and adaptation had no influence on nutrition and water balance but caused variation in bodyweight and in rates of food intake and water turnover, both relative to metabolic body size. Although the 2 populations differed greatly in body mass they had different rates of food intake relative to metabolic size, but similar individual rates. Rates of metabolized energy intake followed a similar pattern. Conversely, rates of water turnover relative to metabolic size were similar between populations but differed for individuals. The trend for differences between populations in indices of urine concentration were associated with different patterns of food and water intakes. These differences cannot be explained in terms of body mass increments. The physiological variation between populations was greatly influenced by differences in body size, which accord with Bergmann's rule. The larger size of the Westland animals is advantageous during abstinence from feeding during frequent foul weather, and the smaller size of the Wanganui animals confers advantages in water balance during annual periods of prolonged rainfall deficiency.
Breeding Cycle, Life History and Population Dynamics of the Dugong, Dugon dugon (Sirenia: Dugongidae
Authors: Marsh H , Heinsohn GE , Marsh LM
Published: June 2005

Study of the gonads of 108 dugongs from north Queensland indicates that neither females nor males are continuously in breeding condition. The gonadal activity of males in a population is not synchronized. Ovaries tend to be active in the latter half of the year. There is no evidence for females coming into oestrus soon after giving birth but conception can occur during lactation. In the Townsville-Cairns area, dugongs calve from August-September through December. Neonates are between 1.0 and 1.3 m long and weigh 20-35 kg. Dugongs of both sexes less than 2.2 m long are likely to be immature, those over 2.5 m long are probably mature, and the status of animals between 2.2 and 2.5 m long is uncertain. The pre-reproductive period seems to be very variable but is a minimum of 9-10 years for both sexes. The gestation period is about 1 year and lactation can last at least 1.5 years. The usual litter size is one. The secondary and tertiary sex ratios are 1:1. Estimates of the calving interval based on pregnancy rates, the rate of accumulation of placental scars, and calf counts from aerial surveys and photographs, range from 3 to 7 years for various populations. A simple population model has been used to calculate the relationship between calving interval and adult mortality rate for stationary populations with different pre-reproductive periods and juvenile mortality rates. Even the most optimistic schedule of reproduction and juvenile mortality demands an adult survivorship of about 90% per year for population maintenance.
Revision of Chaetophthalmus Brauer & Bergenstamm and the Australian Species of Linnaemya Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Tachinidae).
Authors: Cantrell BK
Published: June 2005

This paper represents a revision of the tribe Linnaemyini in Australia but also includes the description oftwo new species of Chaetophthalmus Brauer & Bergenstamm from Papua New Guinea, being the first species of this genus to be described from outside Australia. Apalpus Malloch is regarded as a synonym of Chaetophthalmus and a key is provided to separate Chaetophthalmus from Linnaemya Robineau- Desvoidy. Keys are also provided to species of Chaetophthalmus (21 species) and Linnaemya (five species). Three new synonymies are proposed in Chaetophthalmus: C. biseriatus Malloch = C. dorsalis (Malloch); C, nudistylum (Macquart) = C. bicolor (Macquart); and C, pallipes (Curran) = C. bicolor (Macquart). Eleven new species are described in Chaetophthalmus: alienus; collessi; flavocaudus; flavopilosus; formosioides; fullerae; innotatus; longimentum; occlusus; setosus; tonnoiri. Three new species are described in Linnaemya: metocha; sarcophagoides; setulosa; L. vulpinoides (Baranov) is recorded from Australia for the first time. Descriptions of the first-instar larva of some species of both Chaetopthalmus and Linnaemya are provided.
The Identity of the Dingo III.* The Incidence of Dingoes, Dogs and Hybrids and their Coat Colours in Remote and Settled Regions of Australia
Authors: Newsome AE , Corbett LK
Published: June 2005

Dingoes Canis familiaris dingo, dogs C.J: familiaris, and their hybrids were classified on skull morphology as the following percentages in remote, inland Australia: 97.5,O.1 and 2.4; and in settled south-eastern Australia as 55.3, 10.8 and 33.92%. Canonical analyses of 1184 skulls from the former area and 407 from the latter indicate that mixed populations can be expected wherever close human settlement exists and wild canids remain, but that hybrids are rare in remote regions. The skulls were collected variously between 1966 and 1979; 15 equations were used to allow for differential damage to skulls.
The levels of hybridization indicated by the skulls were confirmed by coat colours. The accepted colours for dingoes, (ginger, black-and-tan, and all white) were in the following percentages in inland Australia: 88.6, 3.8 and 1.9; in south-eastern Australia they were 45.9, 19.1 and 0.2%. Broken colorations, ginger with white, black or bluish patches, all black, brown or bluish, black and white, and brindle stripes, were also more numerous in the latter region (34 8%) than in the former (5.7%). Many of these variations arose in cross-breeding experiments with ginger dingoes and variously coloured domestic dogs. Historical reports recorded black dingoes but did not mention tan coloration. That may have been an oversight; if not, it may be a further indication of cross-breeding. The incidence of coat colours was not significantly different in classified dingoes, dogs and hybrids in south-eastern Australia, but ginger coats were less common in classified dogs. Those taxa and the various colorations were not more numerous near farmland than elsewhere in the forests there.
A new, basic calibrating equation incorporating the length rather than the volume of auditory bulla is presented. The equation corrects also for mis-measurement of one skull variable in some of the calibrating series of dingoes. Corrigenda are presented. They do not change the general conclusions of the earlier Parts I and II of this series, but wild dingoes raised from pups in captivity did not develop foreshortened snouts as indicated earlier. The possibility remains that some may have developed wider maxillae than wild dingoes.
An Experimental Investigation of Filter-Feeding on Zooplankton by Some Specialized Waterfowl.
Authors: Crome FHJ
Published: June 2005

A study was made of the filtering ability and anatomy of the mouthparts of 4 species of waterfowl: pink-eared duck, Australasian shoveler, freckled duck and grey teal. The first 3 are highly specialized for filter-feeding on zooplankton whereas the last is a more generalized anatid. The pink-eared duck and Australasian shoveler have the filtering lamellae on the bills variously elaborated, whereas the grey teal is similar to published descriptions of the mallard. The freckled duck has bill features more characteristic of flamingoes. On the basis of anatomy it was predicted that pink-eared ducks should be able to filter the smallest particles, followed by shovelers, freckled ducks and grey teal. In feeding experiments the proportions of plankton of various sizes removed by the species was compared. For the 3 specialists the distributions of proportion removed compared with plankton size was, in general, best fitted by a threshold model as follows: y = 1.0[x > P]; y = aebx[60 mu m < x < P], where P is a threshold size above which all plankton can be filtered, y is the proportion filtered out and x is the size class of the plankton (in mu m). Grey teal were inefficient feeders on plankton and gave results only poorly fitted by a simple linear model. The 3 specialists had significantly different threshold sizes, and the results indicated that pink-eared ducks were the most able filterers, followed by freckled ducks, then Australasian shovelers. The failure of a simple mechanistic analysis of anatomy to predict filtering ability is discussed. On the basis of the abundance of these specialized filter-feeders possibly being related to plankton abundance, counts of pink-eared ducks and Australasian shovelers were regressed against plankton counts for a semi-permanent lake in western New South Wales. No simple relationship was found, and the significance of planktivory in these species is discussed.
Reproduction in the Female Dasyurid Antechinus-Minimus-Maritimus (Marsupialia, Dasyuridae)
Authors: Wilson BA
Published: June 2005

Reproduction in female Antechinus minimus maritimus was investigated in the field and laboratory. Field data were obtained from a mark-recapture study. A laboratory colony was maintained to investigate the oestrous pattern, length of gestation and development of pouch young. Breeding occurred in winter with births in July or August. Gestation (mean � SD) was 30.6 � l.5 days for animals mated in the laboratory. Epithelial cells were present in the urine for 34.8 � 8.3 days, a lengthy period compared to A. stuartii (19.3 � 4.4 days). Ovaries from females before the breeding season contained small developing follicles. During the breeding season Graafian follicles (4-8 per ovary) or corpora lutea (4-13 per ovary) were found. Reproduction in A. m. maritimus females is similar to that described previously in other Antechinus.
Time-Energy Budgets During Reproduction and the Evolution of Single Parenting in the Superb Lyrebird
Authors: Lill A
Published: June 2005

Estimated expenditures on brood-care by unassisted female superb lyrebirds, obtained through time-energy budgeting, were compared with published values for other bird species. With the exception of nestbuilding, estimated daily expenditures were relatively low, due mainly to the small brood size and low level of parental attentiveness. It is suggested that the traits which reduce daily brood-care expenditures, particularly the small brood size and extremely slow growth rate, may have evolved as adaptations which enabled deserted females operating close to maximal capacity to cope with single-parenting. Male parental involvement could probably increase the growth rate of the young, but not brood size; moreover, egg- laying was sufficiently asynchronous to afford multiple mating opportunities to parentally emancipated males. However, the slow growth rate of the young results in relatively large overall brood-care expenditures for females. Investments by males of up to 50% of daylight hours and 45% of BMR on singing at the height of the mating season were comparable with those of partially emancipated, polygynous males of other species. They probably reflect the high level of competition to control good display areas and to advertise status and quality to widely spaced females.
Retinal Projections in the Northern Native Cat, Dasyurus-Hallucatus (Marsupialia, Dasyuridae)
Authors: Harman AM , Crewther DP , Nelson JE , Crewther SG
Published: June 2005

The retinal projections of the northern native cat, Dasyurus hallucatus, were studied by the anterograde transport of tritiated proline and by autoradiography. Seven regions in the brain were found to receive direct retinal projections: (1) the suprachiasmatic nucleus; (2) the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus; (3) the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus; (4) the lateral posterior nucleus; (5) the nuclei of the accessory optic tract; (6) the pretectal nuclei; (7) the superior colliculus. All nuclei studied received a bilateral retinal projection except the medial terminal nucleus of the accessory optic system, in which only a contralateral input was found. The contralateral eye had a greater input in all cases. As with the related species, Dasyurus viverrinus, there is extensive binocular overlap in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGNd). In the LGNd contralateral to the injected eye, the autoradiographs show four contralateral terminal bands occupying most of the nucleus. The axonal terminations in the ipsilateral LGNd are more diffuse but show a faint lamination pattern of four bands. The ventral portion of the LGNd receives only contralateral retinal input, and therefore probably represents the monocular visual field. The other principal termination of the optic nerve, the superior colliculus, has a predominantly contralateral input to both sublayers of the stratum griseum superficiale. However, the ipsilateral fibres terminate only in patches in the more inferior sublayer.
A Key to the Larvae of Some Common Australian Flower Thrips (Insecta, Thysanoptera), With a Host-Plant Survey
Authors: Kirk WDJ
Published: June 2005

The larvae of Thrips australis (Bagnall), Thrips imaginis Bagnall, Thrips simplex (Morison), Thrips tabaci Lindeman, and Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) are described and figured, and an identification key is presented. Flowers were surveyed for these species and for Megalurofhrips kellyanus (Bagnall). Comments are given on distribution, pest status, host-specificity, and origins.
Survival Rates of the Queensland Fruit-Fly, Dacus-Tryoni, in Early Spring - Field-Cage Studies With Cold-Acclimated Wild Flies and Irradiated, Warm-Acclimated or Cold-Acclimated, Laboratory Flies
Authors: Fay HAC , Meats A
Published: June 2005

During spring in 1976, 1977 and 1978, field-cage studies were undertaken 80 km SSW. of Sydney. These examined the relative survival abilities of irradiated Dacus tryoni, that had been conditioned either to warm or to cold prior to release, and of wild flies cold-conditioned to post-winter temperatures. In 1976, survival rate of warm-conditioned steriles was compared with that of wild flies. The former suffered higher mortality than the latter, and this was thought to be because of their inability to with- stand frosts. In 1977, a comparison was made between cold-conditioned irradiated flies and wild flies. There was no statistical difference in survival rate but both fly types suffered substantial mortality caused by successive extreme minima, lack of rain and, latterly, high daytime temperatures. A simultaneous comparison of both kinds of sterile fly and wild flies in 1978 showed that cold-conditioned steriles survived better than warm-conditioned ones during the initial weeks, when the cold-torpor thresholds of the two types remained distinct; survival of cold-conditioned steriles was similar to that of the wild flies.