bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The genitalia and associated glands of five British species belonging to the family Neobisiidae (Pseudoscorpiones: Arachnida)
Authors: Legg Gerald
Published: August 2009

The male and female genitalia and associated glands of five British species (Neobisium carpenteri, N. maritimum, N. muscorum, Roncus lubricus and Microcreagris cambridgei) representing three genera and belonging to the family Neobisiidae, are described. Both the taxonomic and functional significance of the genitalia are considered.
Vocalizations of Australian hopping mice (Rodentia:Notomys)
Authors: Watts C. H. S.
Published: August 2009

The sounds produced in the laboratory by four species of Australian hopping mice (Notomys alexis, N. cervinus, N. mitchelliiandN. fuscus) were investigated using a tape recorder and Kay Sound Spectrograph.

All four species had the same basic repertoire of eight more or less discrete vocalizations.

No vocalizations were associated with threat, or fighting. Calls given in the nest by suckling young are well developed and the intensity of such calls appears to mirror the general motivational state of the caller. It is suggested that these calls may act to maintain maternal behaviour in the mother.

The four species of hopping mouse studied,N. alexis, N. cervinus, N. fuscusandN. mitchellii, were found to have a basic repertoire of eight more or less discrete vocalizations: three in the young—the calls produced in the nest, ultrasonic pipping given when removed from the nest and a high intensity (pain) squeal—and five in the adult—a low intensity pip given during mutual grooming, a high intensity (pain) squeal, a medium intensity squeak given when “annoyed”, twittering given during aggressive chases and ultrasonic pipping given during non‐aggressive encounters. The calls of the different species varied in structure and in pitch. No vocalizations were associated with threat or fighting. Calls given in the nest by suckling young are well developed and the intensity of such calls appears to mirror the general motivational state of the caller. It is suggested that these calls may act to maintain maternal behaviour in the mother.
Mating call pattern of Green toads in Isreal and its ecological corelate
Authors: Nevo Eviatar , Schneider Hans
Published: August 2009

The mating calls of Bufo viridis populations from Israel were studied and compared with that of a Central‐European population in order to evaluate their nature, variation and evolutionary origin. In Israeli Bufo viridis, call duration, pulse duration and interpulse interval are negatively correlated with temperature, whereas fundamental frequency is negatively correlated with body size. The Israeli and Central‐European Bufo viridis are almost identical in call duration, pulse number, pulse duration and pulse rate. They differ slightly but significantly in interpulse interval and more obviously, in their fundamental frequency. The latter is correlated with body size. Since Israeli Bufo viridis are much larger than the Central‐European ones, their fundamental frequency is distinctly lower.

Bufo viridis illustrates a case in which variation in the fundamental frequency of the mating call is probably largely an incidental product of adaptive differentiation of body size to the humidity index.
Seasonal changes in the reproductive pattern of feral Herpestes auropunctatus (Carnivora: Viverridae), in the Fijian Islands
Authors: Groman Martyn L.
Published: August 2009

The annual reproductive cycle of the mongoose Herpestes auropunctatus has been described for animals introduced to the Fijian island of Viti Levu. Testis weight followed a seasonal cycle with a low from February to July and a peak from September to December; despite this, spermatogenesis continued throughout the year. The cycle of numbers of spermatozoa stored in the epididymis followed that of testis weight. Leydig cell nuclei showed no seasonal pattern, but weights and histology of the accessory organs of reproduction indicated a seasonal cycle of androgen production, similar in pattern to that of testis weight.

Pregnant females were found from August to February. Oestrus was post‐lactational and most females had two litters per year. Pregnancy lasted for 46–49 days and lactation for three to five weeks. Mean fecundity was 1.8 embryos per pregnant female. Comparison of the breeding seasons in Fiji (18d̀S) and in Hawaii (21d̀N) indicates that daylength is the major proximate factor determining the onset of breeding.
The larval development of Upogebia darwini (Crustacea, Thalassinidea) reared in the laboratory, with a redescription of the adult
Authors: Ngoc‐HO Nguyen
Published: August 2009

Adult material of Upogebia darwini (Miers) obtained from Phuket (Thailand) is described and compared with the type specimens and other material deposited in the collections of the British Museum (Natural History).

Three larval and one postlarval stages of Upogebia darwini are also described from material reared in the laboratory; comparison is made with other Upogebia larvae.

Variations in the adult as well as in the larval morphology are discussed.
The annual diet of the Fallow deer (Dama dama) in the New Forest, Hampshire, as determined by rumen content analysis
Authors: Jackson John
Published: August 2009

The diet of Fallow deer (Dama dama L.) in the New Forest, Hampshire, was determined for the period November 1970 to March 1973 by analysing the rumen contents of 325 dead animals. Three main phases to the annual diet were recognized. From about March until September, grasses formed the principal food with herbs and broadleaf browse also of some importance. Acorns and mast were the characteristic food from September until about Christmas. Major winter foods included bramble, bilberry, grasses, Calluna, holly, ivy and browse from felled conifers. Fallow deer fed selectively; plants abundant in the New Forest which were seldom consumed included Erica tetralix, E. cinerea, Myricagale, Rhododendron ponticum, Ulex europea, Agrostis setacea, Deschampsia caespitosa, Motinia caerulea, most Juncaceae, Cyperaceae and Pteridium aquilinum.
The significance of plant growth‐forms as “shelter” for terrestrial animals
Authors: Bossenbroek Ph. , Kessler A. , Liem A. S. N. , Vlijm L.
Published: August 2009

Different plant growth‐forms such as tussocks and rosettes, were selected as micro ecosystems in an area in which these structures were spatially isolated from each other. These growth forms are important during winter since they serve to regulate temperatures, which is important to invertebrate animals. This was shown with intensive temperature recordings in winter, correlated with numbers of animals. Plant growth‐forms are more important in young bare areas where there are fewer plants to provide shelter, than in older areas, where a denser vegetation cover affords more possibilities for shelter. Such differences can be expected to influence the abundance as well as the occurrence of animals during the development of a community.
Reproduction in the cirratulid polychaetes Dodecaceria concharum and D. pulchra
Authors: Gibson Peter H.
Published: August 2009

D.concharum known for its parthenogenetic reproduction, was found to spawn throughout the year with a slight increase in the spring. From rearing individuals in the laboratory the species appear to grow slowly, and to take at least two years to reach a size at which spawning occurs. D. pulchra is also parthenogenetic but has a peak spawning in the late autumn. Unlike D. concharum, it reproduces asexually in the winter by fragmenting into anterior and posterior halves which regenerate their missing regions. A small proportion of worms also produce fragments of a few segments from the central region of the body. All worms appear to fragment at some point in their lives prior to gametogenesis.
Surpellic films, lung surfactant, and their cellular origin in newt, caecilian, and frog
Authors: Pattle R. E. , Schock C. , Creasey J. M. , Hughes G. M.
Published: August 2009

The lung lining and its surfactant have been studied in one species from each of the amphibian sub‐classes Anura, Urodela, and Apoda. The surfactant was studied by observation of bubbles derived from the lungs, the morphology by electron microscopy. Other details of the apodan are also given.

The surfactant layers of Rana temporaria and Ichthyophis (species unknown) resemble one another, being somewhat less stable than that of mammals. That of Triturus vulgaris is even less stable, and shows qualitative differences from the other two. Nevertheless, it can reduce the surface tension to 2 mN/m.

The epithelial cells of amphibian lungs cannot be divided into two clearly defined types, as can those of mammals. Microvilli are present on the alveolar surface of all these cells. In the lungs of Rana and Ichthyophis the lining cells contain numerous lamellated osmiophilic bodies (which are intracellular depots of surfactant); in the former their appearance is mainly cross‐barred, in the latter mainly concentric. Similar bodies exist in the lung epithelial cells of Triturus but are relatively rare.
A longitudinal study of tooth succession in piranhas (Pisces: Characidae), with an analysis of the tooth replacement cycle
Authors: Berkovitz B. K. B. , Shellis R. P.
Published: August 2009

Within each jaw quadrant of piranhas (Serrasalmus), the teeth develop and are replaced almost synchronously, replacement being effected in a very short time relative to the functional life of the teeth. The order of replacement of the four quadrants is more variable and several patterns were observed in living specimens, although most commonly the teeth on one side of the dentition are replaced together, with a delay before the teeth on the other side are replaced. Some data on rates and number of replacements are presented, together with a description of movement, shedding and fixation of the teeth. The full dentition and the patterns of tooth succession appear to be established at the first appearance of teeth in the larva. Thereafter, replacement may be controlled by a local mechanism related to the tooth development process.
Observations upon rhinoceros cervical lymphatics
Authors: Cave A. J. E.
Published: August 2009

As an initial contribution to rhinoceros lymphangiology observations are presented upon the disposition of the lymphatic vessels and nodes associated with the larynx, thyroid gland and parathyroid glands of an adult male Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis). A detailed account is given of the topography and connexions of the anterior and intermediate groups of cervical lymph nodes and of the lymph drainage of certain cervical organs. The presence is reported, upon inter‐nodal afferent pathways, of specialised and hitherto undescribed formations of a lympho‐haemal nature and the functional significance of these is suggested.
Winter acclimatization and survival of wild House mice
Authors: Jakobson M. E.
Published: August 2009

If an animal is physiologically adapted to its environment, it is more likely to survive than if it is not. The relation between physiology and survival in the wild has been studied in an island population of the House mouse (Mus musculus L.) during two winters. Multiple regression analyses showed that significant information on survival was obtained from several measures of cold acclimatization (e.g. metabolism within thermoneutrality, metabolism under cold stress, and haematocrit), though little came from a measure of non‐shivering thermogenesis (noradrenaline sensitivity). The predictive value of the multiple regression calculated in any one year was low when applied to another, though similarities in the physiology of survival were present. The survival of a mouse will result from the interaction of many facets of its biology with its environment: in nature it is rare for either of these to remain constant from year to year.
Age determination of the African lion (Panthera leo)
Authors: Smuts G. L. , Anderson J. L. , Austin J. C.
Published: August 2009

A system is described for estimating the age of the African lion by studying the eruption sequence of deciduous and permanent teeth of both jaws and the wear of permanent teeth. This system is supplemented by observing criteria such as height of the cemento‐enamel line of permanent canines above the alveolar margin, the closure of the apical foramen of the pulp chamber and the discolouration of permanent teeth. Where skulls are available curves and equations describing closure rate with age of the pulp chambers of maxillary and mandibular canines measured at their maximum mesio‐distal width, are provided. These measurements can be taken by either sectioning the canines transversely at a certain point or by X‐raying the teeth. Sex‐specific von Bertalanffy growth curves and equations describing skull growth with age for four skull measurements are also provided while the use of cranial sutures for age determination in the lion is evaluated. Canine root sections were removed, decalcified, sectioned and stained for incremental cementum line counts. The results of this method were in close agreement with the ages of known‐age lions and those aged by the previously mentioned methods (r=0.973; P<0–001). A series of photographs and a description is provided whereby lions observed in the field can be classified into age classes. Sexual dimorphism in the permanent canines is described and appropriate measurements given whereby a single permanent canine can be used to decide on the sex of an animal. The use of oxytetracycline and lead acetate for the in vivo“labelling” of teeth in wild lions is examined.
Observations on trap response in confined populations of Wood mice, Apodemus sylvaticus
Authors: Gurnell J.
Published: August 2009

Three laboratory studies of trap response in confined Wood mouse populations at various densities and using various densities of traps are described. Individual variation in trap response and whether captures were made at random are examined, and factors which affect trap response in confined populations of mice are discussed.
The sexual behaviour and genital mechanics of three species of Mynoglenes (Araneae: Linyphiidae)
Authors: Blest A. D. , Pomeroy G.
Published: August 2009

The sexual behaviour and genital mechanics of three species of Mynoglenes Simon 1905 are described, and compared with those of other species of Linyphiidae. A brief courtship is followed by sperm‐web building and palpal induction by the male, the latter processes resembling those of Erigoninae. No intromissions are performed prior to induction. Courtship comprises elements common to both Erigoninae and Linyphiinae. The male palpal organ is simple, with a small curved paracymbium, an undivided suprategulum continuous with the tegulum, a large funnel‐shaped conductor derived from the duct membrane, a radical component continuous with a filiform embolus, and lacks a lamella, terminal apophysis or other accessory processes of the embolic division: it is erigonine in character. The vulva comprises a well‐developed scape of linyphiine type, and large atria which lead to spiral bursae terminating in small receptacula. Locking of the genitalia is achieved by the suprategulum catching in a socket on the ventral surface of the scape while the conductor lodges in the corresponding atrium so that suprategulum and conductor grip the vulva like callipers. Locking is sustained, and during its course the embolus is thrust through the channel formed by the conductor deep into the vulva and withdrawn many times. The mechanics of this unusual form of intromission are discussed, and shown to require three separate stages of haematodochal expansion; the first precedes locking, which is achieved by a backwards stab of the partially‐expanded palp. The subocular secretory sulci present in both sexes play no role in sexual behaviour and are not used to engage the chelicerae of either partner, despite aggressive interactions in the early stages of courtship. The comparative aspects of these observations are discussed, with particular reference to the mixture of erigonine and linyphiine characters shown by Mynoglenes. It is argued that Mynoglenes and its allies, including the central African genera Afroneta and Trachyneta, constitute a relict group which preserves some ancestral linyphiid characters, and that subocular sulci may have been re‐located in the course of evolution to provide the post‐ocular sulci of male Erigoninae. In some genera, the latter are known to be gripped bv the females' chelicerae during copulation.
Enamel in the oral teeth of Latimeria chalumnae (Pisces: Actinistia): a scanning electron microscope study
Authors: Smith Moya M.
Published: August 2009

An investigation with the scanning electron microscope into the microstructure of the surface layer covering the oral teeth of Latimeria chalumnae has shown this tissue to be enamel of the type found in amphibians, reptiles and mammals. It is not comparable with enameloid, cuticular enamel or terminal membrane enamel as described in scanning electron microscope accounts of the teeth of actinopterygians. Equidistant lamellations parallel to the enamel‐dentine junction are a distinctive feature, interpreted in this study as phasic appositional growth, a characteristic of the ectodermal type of enamel. These conclusions together with those from histological and microradiographic studies confirm that enamel is present in coelacanths.

The microstructure of enamel in the teeth of Latimeria an extant actinistian compares well with that of fossil crossopterygian teeth described from polarized light studies and indicates that enamel, homologous with the ectodermal type of enamel is found in both actinistians and rhipidistians.
White tiger genetics–further evidence
Authors: Thornton I. W. B.
Published: August 2009

The results of matings involving white tigers, including those during the last decade, are shown to be in accordance with the hypothesis of a single recessive autosomal gene being responsible for the characteristics “white”.
Some adaptations between Danaus plexippus and its food plant, with notes on Danaus chrysippus and Euploea core (Insecta: Lepidoptera)
Authors: Dixon C. A. , Erickson J. M. , Kellett D. N. , Rothschild Miriam
Published: August 2009

Behaviour of the egg‐laying Monarch in captivity suggests that the concentration and quality of cardiac glycosides in the food plant are not important oviposition cues. The presence of eggs (as previously noted by Urquhart, 1960) and larvae feeding on the food plant, act as mild deterrents.

The butterfly's emetic potency (see Table XIII(a)) can sometimes surpass that of the leaves of the host plant itself. Unidentified factors, providing the internal plant environment, are more important as cardiac glycoside storage stimulants than either the quantity or quality of the cardenolides present. In the laboratory D. plexippus oviposited preferentially on a plant with relatively low cardiac glycoside content, but which produced the most powerfully protected (emetic) adult.

Metabolic changes during the pharate pupal stage, but also, in the case of Euploea core, in the larval fifth instar, rather than larval sequestration, may account for the major increase or decrease in butterfly toxicity compared with that of the food plant.

Temperature does not affect the storage of cardenolides except indirectly by altering metabolic rate. There is no evidence to support the concept that current “physiological cost” of cardenolide storage is high. Like the toad, this butterfly can be assumed to have evolved an enzvmatic system well adjusted to the presence of cardenolides in its bodv tissues.
Catecholaminergic structures in the nervous system of three nematode species, with observations on related enzymes
Authors: Wright Denis J. , Awan Farooq A.
Published: August 2009

The formaldehyde fluorescence technique has been used to demonstrate amine‐specific fluorescence in the nervous system of three nematode species, Prionchulus punclatus Cobb, Panagrellus redivivus Goodey, and Aphelenchus avenae Bastian. Examination of some of the physical and chemical properties of this fluorescence has shown it to be due principally to the primary catecholamine dopamine. Dopamine and dopa decarboxylase were also detected biochemically in A. avenae. Dopamine has now been proposed as a putative neurotransmitter in a number of nematode species and the role of this and other biogenic amines in nematodes is discussed. Of the two principal enzymes involved in the metabolism of monoamines, catechol‐O‐methyltransferase was detected in both A. avenae and P. redivivus but monoamine oxidase could not be detected in these or other nematode species.
A histological study of the early stages of pregnancy in the bent‐winged bat (Miniopterus schreibersii) in north‐eastern New South Wales, Australia (30° 27'S)
Authors: Wallace* G. I.
Published: August 2009

A histological study of Miniopterus schreibersii was carried out in north‐eastern New South Wales from April to September 1975. Reproductive tracts were examined from a total of 43 females collected during autumn and winter from three bat colonies in the New England region, Australia.

Copulation, ovulation and fertilization appeared synchronized over a one to two week period amongst all females observed. The conceptus developed to a blastocyst stage prior to commencement of hibernation and remained unattached during at least part of the hibernation period. Unlike populations from the south of France, implantation occurred before hibernation was completed, prior to resumption of regular activity and was not accompanied by an increase in corpus luteum development. The disparity in corpus luteum morphology and activity, suggests that mechanisms of control of delayed implantation in Australian M. schreibersii may differ from those proposed for populations from the south of France.
Isoenzymes and migration in the African armyworm Spodoptera exempta (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)
Authors: den Boer M. H.
Published: August 2009

Techniques for the separation of proteins have proved to be powerful tools in the study of genetic variation. Polymorphisms on protein levels can be used to study the structure of populations. In general, differences in allele frequencies can be found among populations in different parts of the distribution area of a species. If, however, enough gene flow occurs by migration, the whole system can be regarded as one panmictic unit and similar frequencies can be expected in the whole area.

African armyworms are caterpillars of the noctuid moth Spodoptera exempta. They live on all sorts of graminaceous plants on which vast outbreaks can occur. Their economic importance can be considerable since they eat the main human food crops as well as pasture grasses. The occurrence of migration in S. exempta is known but its importance is a main controversial point. Outbreaks move during the year. These outbreaks could be caused by migrating animals or by increasing local populations when conditions are favourable.

The aim of this study has been to determine the relative importance of migration. Allele frequencies have been determined of six alleloenzymes that proved to be genetically polymorphic, an EST, 0‐HBDH, ODH, a‐GPDH, ME and LDH. Seventeen armyworm samples have been collected at a maximal distance of 2000 km in Kenya, Tanzania and Rhodesia on different food plants during 1975 and 1976.

No heterogeneity among these samples could be detected in the allele frequencies. A comparison with data from relevant literature on insects showed that the lack of heterogeneity cannot be described to inadequacy of the data. The occurrence of extensive migration is concluded to cause the similarity in allele frequencies.
The anal scent sacs of the otter (Lutra Intra)
Authors: Gorman Martyn L. , Jenkins David , Harper Rosemary J.
Published: August 2009

This paper describes the structure of the otter anal scent sacs. The deposited secretion contains apocrine gland protein and polymucosaccharide and sebaceous gland lipid. Chemical analyses by gas‐liquid chromatography and acrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed individual differences in the composition of secretion. The individual differences in protein bands as revealed by electrophoresis were stable with time and may be useful in following the movements of wild otters in the field.

A captive pair of otters produced deposits of secretion with a periodicity similar to that of the female oestrous cycle, with both sexes producing deposits around oestrus.
The ecology of the catfish Clarias gariepinus and Clarias ngamensis in the Shire Valley, Malawi
Authors: Willoughby N. G. , Tweddle D.
Published: August 2009

The ecology of two commercially important catfish species, Clarias gariepinus and C. ngamensis, was examined in the Elephant Marsh, southern Malawi. Abundance, distribution, and movements within the marsh system were studied. Growth rates were determined from rings on the vertebrae, with corroborative evidence from length frequency analyses and tagging studies. Breeding seasons, length and age at maturity, and fecundity were determined for both species. Stomach contents were examined and the food preferences of the two species were compared.
Variation in the Madeiran lizard Lacerta dugesii
Authors: Cook L. M.
Published: August 2009

Samples of Lacerta dugesii were collected on the Madeiran islands, measured and scored for number of scales in seven scale rows. Body length is related to age. Scale number varies between the island groups but does not appear to decrease in variance with age. Relative leg length declines in variability with age and varies significantly from one sample to another on Madeira.
The twenty‐four hour activity cycle of captive coypus (Myocastor coypus)
Authors: Gosling L. M.
Published: August 2009

The twenty‐four hour activity cycle of captive coypus was investigated by direct visual observation, automatic recording and by measuring the amount of faeces eliminated at hourly intervals. Coypus were active from just before sunset and the “Zeitgeber” or cue for activity onset may be declining light. The activity period usually ended before sunrise and the interval between the end of the period and dawn was inversely related to temperature. The animals fed and defaecated throughout the active period and 80–86 % of the faecal pellets were produced in water. Refection started shortly after the end of the feeding period, when the animals had returned to the nest, and continued until an hour or two after midday.

A model is suggested which involves two passages of food through the gut and a cycle length of 24 hours from ingestion to defaecation. The feeding and defaecation periods were equal in duration, but the refection period was 40% shorter. Hypothetically this may be due to a caecum by‐pass mechanism during the second passage of food through the gut so that the defaecation period, like the feeding period, is controlled by the rate at which food passes through the pyloric sphincter. In contrast the period of refection may be controlled by the rate at which food remains are voided from the caecum. Coypus spent the pre‐dawn and daylight hours on nests and in contact with familiar conspecifics. These behaviours may have the function of temperature maintenance in the coldest part of the night and of avoiding diurnal predators.
Studies on the host parasite relationship between the parasitic prosobranch Thyca crystallina and the asteroid starfish Linckia laevigata
Authors: Elder Hugh Y.
Published: August 2009

A study of the Blue starfish Linckia laevigata in the Banda Islands, Moluccas, Indonesia, revealed 62% infestation by the molluscan prosobranch parasite Thyca crystallina. Infestation rate varies directly with the degree of water movement. A marked difference in settlement pattern according to parasite size is observed. The smallest limpets tend to settle on the upper surface of the distal parts of the arms and are randomly oriented. The largest parasites are found on the oral arm surface on the right hand side of the ambulacral groove and facing the starfish mouth. All of the attached parasites were female. Most of the large females had a dwarf male, one tenth the length, attached, under the mantle, at the anterior end. Amongst the small limpets, less than half had made a proboscis hole in the host integument and none had made an attachment disc lesion; of the large parasites 90% had the proboscis embedded in the host and 80% left an attachment disc lesion on the host. Small parasites can move very slowly over the host surface. Larger limpets are probably permanently attached. A detached parasite of any size is probably unable to reattach. There is evidence of an extended parasite breeding period and repetitive settlement on the hosts, which could cause the observed overdispersion without invoking a mature female parasite pheromone.
The feeding strategies of a facultative cleanerfish, Thalassoma bifasciatum (Pisces: Labridae)
Authors: Itzkowitz Murray
Published: August 2009

The adult Bluehead wrasse (Thalassoma bifasciatum) is a facultative cleanerfish that can change its colouration into any one of three: patterns. These patterns correspond to several modes of feeding behaviour which, in turn, can be correlated with the movements of host fishes. The barred pattern occurred on individuals that are far ranging and also on those that formed unstable cleaning groups. These groups tended to form at locations having sharp drops in depth of several metres. Here these groups serviced large groups of host fishes. The striped pattern occurred on solitary individuals with a limited home range. They occurred in very shallow areas and serviced small groups of host fishes. The bright yellow pattern developed when a large food source was discovered and may be related to the attraction of conspecifics.
The intestinal blood circulation in the River lamprey, Lampetra fluviatilis
Authors: Percy Lord Richard , Potter I. C.
Published: August 2009

Serial sections, injections with india ink and latex, and observations on fresh material, have been used to determine the pattern of blood circulation within the intestine of larval and adult lampreys. Attention has also been paid to resolving the variable terms previously applied to many of the blood vessels, and to the possible functional significance of the differences found between the two life cycle stages. In the larva, the main arterial supply to the intestine consists of a typhlosolar artery, while the venous return is comprised of a posterior and a left and right anterior intestinal vein that usually unite before entering the liver. Although a typhlosolar artery is also present in the adult, the main venous return of the ammocoete is replaced at metamorphosis by a newly formed typhlosolar vein. Moreover, in the ammocoete a considerable amount of blood is discharged into the haemopoietic sponge‐work of the typhlosole and the arterial supply to the intestine is poorly developed. By contrast, the typhlosolar sponge‐work is lost in the adult and a more efficient arterial supply is developed within the lamina propria of the various intestinal regions. Furthermore, vascular couples are developed in the adult which facilitate the flow of blood in opposite directions in the intestinal wall. Since, during both life cycle stages, the arterial blood passes into tissue spaces, there is no true capillary network in the intestine and no evidence was found for the presence of a lymphatic system. It is suggested that the changes which take place in the intestinal blood supply and the internal structure of the gut during metamorphosis result in improvements both to the vascular system and to the assimilation efficiency.
The structure and function of the radial mantle glands of Lyonsia hyattna (Bivalvia: Anomalodesmata)*
Authors: Prezant RobertS.
Published: August 2009

Lyonsia hyalina Conrad possesses “radial mantle glands” of a complex structure located deep within the periostracal groove. They occur along the mantle edge in alignment with slightly raised striations of the periostracum, are deeply staining and are composed of three cell types. Secretory and supportive cells, which are flask‐shaped, alternate throughout the gland, while a third cell type is ovoid and borders the gland. A sulfated mucopolysaccharide is secreted over the periostracum by the glands and functions in adhesion of sand grains to the shell.
The estuarine phase in the spawning run of the River lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis
Authors: Abou‐Seedo F. S. , Potter I. C.
Published: August 2009

The biology of the very early stages in the upstream migration of the River lamprey has been studied using samples taken from the cooling water intake screens of the Oldbury Power Station in the Severn Estuary. Examination of the numbers of lampreys caught at different times indicate that an increase in freshwater discharge is the predominant environmental factor responsible for initiating the movement from the sea into the estuary, although temperature may also be a contributory factor. The migrants could be separated on the basis of size into typical and praecox forms whose mean lengths during peak abundance were approximately 300 and 240 mm respectively, the corresponding weights being about 53 and 22 g respectively. The typical forms were occasionally found in the estuary as early as July and as late as April, with peak abundance generally being reached in November, whereas the praecox forms were present mainly between January and March. The ratio of typical to praecox forms over the four years of sampling was estimated as 3.3 : 1. In both size categories, the gonadosomic and hepatosomic ratio was greater in females than males. Evidence was also found in the typical forms for a correlation between high numbers and an increased proportion of males. Measurement of a number of different characters, including lengths, weights and condition factors, as well as gonadosomic, hepatosomic and gut ratios, suggest that, although the typical forms enter the estuary over a long period of time, the onset of the changes leading to sexual maturity are more synchronous. A small number of the later typical migrants, however, exhibited different characteristics to those of the majority of the animals comprising this size category. Measurements made on typical animals from Oldbury in November indicate that they can regulate their plasma ions in salinities as high as 70% of full strength sea water.
Thermal ecology of the tree agama (Agama atricollis) in Zaire with a review of heat tolerance in reptiles
Authors: Curry‐Lindahl Kai
Published: August 2009

Territorial behaviour and thermal ecology in relation to heat resistance in the tree agama (or black‐necked agama), Agama atricollis, were studied during two expeditions 1951–2 and 1958–9 in eastern Zaire (the former Belgian Congo) in an area just south of the equator. The maximum temperature tolerance of A. atricollis lies within the range of 43–43·9°C, but the maximum voluntary tolerance is somewhat lower, 42·5°C. Territorial males, retreating from their guard posts after having exposed themselves to direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day for 10–16 minutes, reach body temperatures of 42·2–42·5°C before they retreat into the shade. In shady places it takes the males from 14 to 21 minutes to cool down to 38·1–39·9°C, at which body temperatures they return to the lookout within the territory. The territoriality in A. atricollis and several other species of the same genus, as well as other diurnal lizards with similar behaviour, may have contributed, through selection, to the evolution of their extraordinary resistance to substratum heat and direct sunlight. In an attempt to review and compare maximum voluntary body temperatures (MVT), critical thermal maxima (CTM) and lethal body temperatures (LT) in reptiles with pronounced heat resistance, data have been compiled for 96 species representing 11 families and six continents. The family Agamidae appears to be the most adapted to high body temperatures with 13 species (of 18 species tested) having body temperatures above 43°C in comparison with six species in Iguanidae (of 33 species tested), four in Gekkonidae (of nine species tested) and so forth. Agamids, iguanids, teeids and geckos, in hot environments of five continents, have evolved along the same lines behaviourally and physiologically as responses to territoriality in combination with high temperatures. This feature may be of adaptive significance.

This paper also reports on body temperatures, obtained in Africa from free‐living individuals of seven other species of the genera Agama and Mabuya, namely A. atra, A. colonorum, A. hispida, A. planiceps, Mabuya quinquetaeniata, M. maculilabris and M. striata.
Reproduction in Red pandas, Ailurus fulgens (Carnivora: Ailuropodidae)
Authors: Roberts Miles S. , Kessler David S.
Published: August 2009

Several aspects were studied of the reproductive biology of the Red panda, Ailurus fulgens, in captivity at the National Zoological Park (NZP), Washington, D.C. over a six‐year period. This species exhibits marked mating and birth seasons and produces litters averaging 1·7 with a sex ratio of 17·2 males to one female. Sexual maturity is reached in the second breeding season after birth or when animals are approximately 18 months of age. Growth, development and mortality of young are discussed. This study noted a wide range in observed gestation periods, averaging 131 days, which may be due to one or a combination of factors. Breeding behaviour is briefly noted and compared to that in other, related species. Predictions about reproductive and other life strategies of Red pandas in nature are drawn by fitting captive data into accepted ecological models.
The effect of drying on the strength of mollusc shells
Authors: Currey J. D.
Published: August 2009

The strengths of whole mollusc shells, and prepared specimens, that had undergone various treatments including drying, but which were always tested wet, were compared with the strength of fresh shells. Usually there was no important effect but strong heating, in the region of 90°C, did have a noticeable effect on some shell types, reducing the strength by about 30%.
Prey and feeding phenology of the desert sand scorpion Pamroctonus mesaensis (Scorpionidae: Vaejovidae)
Authors: Polis Gary A.
Published: August 2009

The diet and feeding of the vaejovid scorpion Pamroctonus mesaensis Stahnke was investigated during a five‐year study. Foraging and feeding behaviour are described. This scorpion is a “sit and wait” predator that eats a wide variety of cursorial, fossorial and aerial prey. Ninety‐five prey species were recorded. Three year classes of scorpions exist. Each class captures a different proportion of major prey species and a significantly different average size of prey.

The proportion of each major taxon of prey in the diet is as follows: tenebrionid beetles (42%), Orthoptera (17%), other scorpions (16%) and Hymenoptera (12%). When analysed in relation to biomass, larger prey species assume more importance while smaller species are relatively less important. Although P. mesaensis ranks as the fourth most numerous prey species, they represent the most important diet item in terms of ingested biomass.

When observed, 3·75% of all scorpions were feeding. This percentage varied seasonally from a high in spring (7.0%) to a low in November and December (0.5 %). The proportions of major prey taxa in the diet also varied seasonally. Prey species were classified into three phenological categories: pulsed, seasonal and annual. Examples of each are given.
The micro‐structure of the maxillary and labial papillae ofForficula auricularia(Dermaptera)
Authors: Popham Edward J.
Published: August 2009

The microstructure of the maxillary and labial papillae of the Common earwig are described and the functions discussed.
The ecology of Wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) on arable farmland
Authors: Green Rhys
Published: August 2009

The ecology of Wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) was studied by live trapping and by examining the stomach contents of killed animals on an arable farm in West Suffolk. The study area included several fields but only a short length of hedgerow and was distant from other hedges and woods. Wood mice were trapped in the open fields throughout the year and their burrows were also found there. Population densities were comparable with those reported from deciduous woodland and seasonal population changes, ranging behaviour and timing of the breeding season were also broadly similar. The survival rate of juvenile mice varied greatly within and between breeding seasons tending to improve when young of the year replaced overwintered animals in the adult breeding population. Wood mice showed no marked preference for fields with different crops in winter when the main foods were grain, waste sugar beet roots, weed seeds and soil invertebrates. In spring and early summer they preferred winter wheat fields where seeding weeds provided most of their food.
Kinematics of swimming of penguins at the Detroit Zoo
Authors: Clark Brian D. , Bemis Willy
Published: August 2009

Kinematic parameters were examined in a study of the swimming abilities of seven species of penguins housed at the Detroit Zoo. Penguins produce thrust over both halves of the wing stroke cycle, as observed in fishes using the caudal or pectoral fins for locomotion, but not in other birds in level forward flight. Unpowered gliding phases between wing strokes were observed in all species at swimming speeds less than 1.25 m/sec, while Emperor, King and Adelie penguins interpose gliding phases over a broad range of speeds. Videotape records reveal that length‐specific speed is correlated with increases in wingbeat frequency and, for most of the species examined, stride length. These findings are in contrast to those reported for other, flying birds, which maintain a relatively constant wingbeat frequency but vary stride length with forward speed, and for most fishes, which vary speed with tailbeat frequency but maintain a constant stride length. The results are somewhat comparable to those reported for Cymatogaster, a fish which uses the pectoral fins for locomotion. Drag coefficients of three gliding Emperor penguins were 2.1, 3.0 and 3.0 × 10‐−3 at Reynolds numbers of 1.25, 1.62 and 1.76 × 106, respectively.
Some interspecific and intraspecific variations in the fine structural surface details of Tsetse fly eggs
Authors: Hillen N. D. , Southern D. I.
Published: August 2009

Intra‐uterine eggs from several different species of tsetse flies were examined in a scanning electron microscope. Interspecific and intraspecific differences in surface fine structure were observed at the anti‐micropylar poles of the eggs. These differences are described and illustrated.
Age determination of Reindeer introduced into South Georgia
Authors: Leader‐Williams Nigel
Published: August 2009

The ages of South Georgia Reindeer collected from the introduced herds, and of carcasses from natural deaths were determined using patterns of tooth replacement and eruption, and annulations in the cementum of incisor teeth. Replacement and eruption patterns are typical of the species. The difficulties encountered with the patterns of cementum deposition on the incisors, and consequently with the assignment of age to animals with established permanent dentition, are described in detail. The overall result is the underageing of a proportion of the specimens, and the problems demonstrated are ascribed to the influence of the alien environment and oceanic climate in which the animals live.
Haemoglobin polymorphism in the Bank vole, Clethrionomys glareolus, in Britain
Authors: Hall S. J. G.
Published: August 2009

Three hundred and twenty‐two Clethrionomys glareolus from 17 localities in England, Wales and southern Scotland were typed for haemoglobin and two phenotypes were discovered. They have been designated HbS and HbF. The latter is more electronegative at physiological pH. The nature of the molecular difference between the phenotypes was examined and it was concluded that HbF polymerises more readily than does HbS. Haematological investigations showed that although the red cells of animals with HbF contain more potassium, thereby ensuring electrostatic neutrality, there has not been concomitant dilution of the cell contents. It is suggested that the osmotic stress imposed by this high concentration of particles might be reduced by in vivo polymerisation of haemoglobin. HbS was found to predominate in the north of Britain and HbF in the south. As none of the populations sampled contained animals of both types, it is not yet known whether there is a north‐south cline in haemoglobin type, or a sharp disjunction.
Age‐related fertility and productivity in Red foxes, Vulpes vulpes, in suburban London
Authors: Harris Stephen
Published: August 2009

In some areas of the Red fox's range, such as northern Sweden, the number of yearling vixens which breed each year is dependent on food availability, and in years of poor food supply a high incidence of barren yearling vixens may occur. But most previous studies on Red fox reproduction record an overall low incidence of barren vixens, and it has therefore been assumed that most vixens breed in their first year. The present study shows that in suburban London, an area of high fox population density in which food availability is not limited, 52% of yearling vixens fail to breed. Possible reasons for this are discussed. It is also shown that senescence reduces the reproductive capability of vixens in their fifth and sixth breeding seasons.
Statistical analysis of variation in characters in Tetrastemma laminariae (Nemertini), with a redescription of the species
Authors: Sundberg Per
Published: August 2009

Variation in taxonomic characters from Tetrastemma laminariae (Hoplonemertini, Nemertini) was analysed by, and expressed in, different types of statistics (coefficient of variation, range, coefficient of residual variation and variance of logarithms). Variance based on log‐transformed values makes it possible to test differences in variation between populations. The variation was high in most characters, probably owing to artifacts, especially contraction on fixation. Because of this the species have to be diagnosed by many characters, properly stated not only by their mean values but also by their variation. The number of accessory stylets in a starved population was tested and found significantly (P=005) higher than in a freshly sampled population. There was no difference between these two populations in the length of the main stylet.