bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carotenoids of the pupae of the Large White butterfly (Pieris brassicae) and the Small White butterfly (Pieris rapae)
Authors: Rothschild Miriam , Valadon Guy , Mummery Rosemary
Published: August 2009

The light cues received by the larvae of Pieris brassicae which determine diapause can also influence the carotenoid distribution (and hence the colour) in the epidermis and cuticle of the diapausing pupae. Irrespective of background or light cues received during the “sensitive period” of the pharate pupa, these diapausing pupae are coloured green. They then contain more than double the concentration of carotenoids in their epidermis than the non‐diapausing pupae. This green colour can be somewhat modified by switching the full grown larvae to long day regimes immediately after feeding ceases.

The Large White and Small White butterfly each has a characteristic carotenoid storage pattern, which can be demonstrated by feeding the larvae on portions of the same cabbage leaves. The braconid parasite Apanteles glomeratus mirrors the carotenoids in its host.
Hip structure and locomotion in ambulatory and cursorial carnivores
Authors: Jenkins Farish A. , Camazine Scott M.
Published: August 2009

Cineradiographic analysis of the posture and movements of the femur and pelvis in representatives of three carnivore families (Procyonidae, Felidae, Canidae) reveals discrete locomotor patterns during walking. Raccoons (Procyon tolor) abduct the femur substantially, and engender large pelvic movements. Canids (Vulpes fulva, Canis familiaris) abduct the femur slightly, whereas cats (Felis domestica) employ only a sagittal excursion of the femur with the least pelvic oscillation. Casted replicas of the femora and pelves of these species, fixed in the various characteristic postures and then sectioned, demonstrate differences in articular relationships. The depth of the acetabulum, location of the fovea capitis femoris, and configuration of the articular surface on the femoral head vary by species according to the femoral posture and excursions employed in locomotion and other activities. Three patterns of locomotor adaptation are identified on the basis of these data and behavioural observations. Ambulatory carnivores (e.g. raccoons) are adapted for a wide range of femoral postures, and particularly for abduction used in climbing. In contrast, cursorial carnivores are specialized for a narrower range of hindlimb movements. The canine pattern is the most restricted; the hip structure accommodates little more than the modest degree of abduction employed in terrestrial locomotion. The feline pattern, although characterized by the most adducted limb posture during walking, nonetheless retains structural adaptations for a wider range of femoral postures than in canines which may be employed in climbing and in predatory activities. The habits of certain fossil carnivores are interpreted on the basis of these patterns. Creodonts and a Paleocene miacid (Carnivora) show distinctly ambulatory adaptations, whereas later miacids developed various cursorial characters. The early Oligocene canid Hesperocyon gregarius had a hip structure with features comparable to those in modern felids and canids.
The hairpencils of the flour moth Ephestia kuehniella
Authors: Corbet Sarah A. , Lai‐Fook Joan
Published: August 2009

The hairpencils of the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller, are tufts of modified scales between the seventh and eighth abdominal segments of the adult males. The fine structure and development of a hairpencil organule is described. A process of the trichogen cell secretes the modified scale and then withdraws, and the cell invaginates forming a microvillous lumen into which pheromone is probably secreted. This lumen communicates with the outside via rows of pores in the hollow scale. The opening of these pores when the moth emerges from the pupal cuticle may be a result of the drying out of the membrane that covered them. The socket of the hairpencil scale is secreted by a tormogen cell.

The hairpencils of male Lepidoptera differ in position from family to family, but the organules that compose them seem to share a common structure. Epidermal glands and organules are classified in a scheme that takes account of their mode of development.
Further experiments on resting site selection by the typical and melanic forms of the moth, Allophyes oxyacanthae (Caradrinidae)
Authors: Steward R. C.
Published: August 2009

The melanic and typical morphs from 13 families of the moth, Allophyes oxyacanthae (Linnaeus) were tested for evidence of resting site selection in a large box lined with oak bark of three reflectances. For 12 of the families, one or both of the parents originated from two families, 0/1 and 0/3, which had been tested in a similar manner in the previous year. In all of these 12 families typicals showed a preference for the palest background available, “light grey”. The melanic results for the same families were significantly heterogeneous but could be partitioned on the basis of parentage, into six families in which melanics preferred light grey, and six families in which melanics preferred the background on which they are most cryptic, dark grey. In the only family in which neither of the parents originated from either 0/1 or 0/3, both typical and melanics showed a preference for the background on which typicals are most cryptic, bare bark. The results of the two years' experiments indicate that it is necessary to postulate that, in addition to the pleiotropic effects of alleles at the melanic locus, another locus (or loci) is involved in the control of resting site selection.
“Instantaneous” growth rates of fish scales and their use in studies of fish populations
Authors: Ottaway Elisabeth M. , Simkiss K.
Published: August 2009

A technique has been devised for measuring the incorporation of 14C‐glycine into fish scales. This provides an indication of the rate of growth of the scale at the time of sampling. The growth of fish scales is classically considered to be related to the growth of the whole fish' hence the method devised has been used to investigate aspects of fish growth in a number of environmental situations.
Genetic changes in a population of fieldmice (Apodemus sylvaticus) during one winter
Authors: Brown A. J. Leigh
Published: August 2009

The ecological genetics of a population of fieldmice at the edge of a deciduous wood was studied over two years using starch‐gel electrophoresis and mark‐recapture techniques. Numbers fluctuated widely and the survival rates indicated a high degree of dispersal away from the grid in summer. In autumn 1974 a large influx of animals occurred when the adjacent fields were harvested. During the following winter significant changes in the phosphoglucomutase genotype frequency were observed, associated with a marked fall in numbers. Winter survival is normally good in Apodemus. These results are therefore of some interest.

Either differential mortality or differential emigration could be responsible for the genetic changes. The former explanation is preferred in this situation. Fieldmice are known to exploit both field and wood habitats where they meet, and could be subject to differences in selection pressure in the two niches.
The structure of the cochlea in some myomorph and caviomorph rodents
Authors: Pye Ade
Published: August 2009

The structure of the cochlea has been studied in 26 species of feral rodents from the Sub‐Orders Myomorpha and Caviomorpha. The specimens were all intravitally perfused to obtain good preservation of the internal ear. The following measurements were made on the cochleae: the height and width of the cochlea, the number of half‐turns, the width and thickness of the basilar membrane, the height of the cells of Claudius and the size of the spiral ligament; other special features were also noted.
Small rodents, their habitats, and the effects of flooding at Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire
Authors: Flowerdew J. R. , Hall S. J. G. , Brown J. Clevedon
Published: August 2009

The habitat preferences of small rodents were studied by live trapping methods at Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire, a relict area of East Anglian fenland. The study sites were chosen to cover areas of managed fields, dominated by sedge (Cladium mwiscus) or by litter (grasses with sedges); the adjacent fen carr “bush growth”; and an area of unmanaged sedge. Clethrionomys glareolus is the commonest rodent species, occurring at relatively high densities, and closely associated with sedge growth. It is ubiquitous in unmanaged sedge but in managed sedge and litter field areas there is a marked preference for the field/fen carr transition where sedge growth is not cut. Thick sedge seems to afford the optimum habitat for this species probably because of the three‐dimensional vegetation structure which provides dense ground cover with a natural thatch of dead leaves; this decays only slowly, even in succeeding fen carr. Sedge fields provide a less stable habitat and recolonization of a harvested field by Clethrionomys only began after eight months of sedge regrowth. Micromys minutus are caught only in sedge and litter. Apodemus sylvaticus seem to show no marked habitat preference but there are some data which suggest that high Clethrionomys densities can affect Apodemus distributions locally. Microtus agrestis prefers grassy patches within sedge fields; trap success points tending to be associated with the presence of Calamagrostis canescens. Microtus avoids fen carr and unmanaged sedge and is generally caught more often in litter fields than in sedge fields; however, this preference seems to disappear at the end of the Clethrionomys breeding season. During flooding, Clethrionomys found refuge in the dense sedge and sedge/carr transition habitats; prolonged flooding caused a decline in numbers of Clethrionomys and the elimination of Microtus, while the distribution of Apodemus was apparently unaffected.
Size variation of the fox, Vulpes vulpes in the palaearctic region today, and in Israel during the late Quaternary
Authors: Davis Simon
Published: August 2009

Fox size variation, both today over a wide geographic range and during the late quaternary in Israel, was correlated with temperature changes. Competition with the related Asiatic jackal was not considered to have any effect on fox size; the degree of dwarfing of the fox was utilized in a speculative estimate of the Pleistocene—Holocene temperature rise.
A review of the taxonomy and nomenclature of North Pacific Harbour seals
Authors: Shaughnessy Peter D. , Fay Francis H.
Published: August 2009

The previous multitude of taxa of North Pacific Harbour seals is referable to, at most, three forms: the ice‐inhabiting Larga seal,Phoca vitulina largha; the Insular seal of eastern Asia,P. v. stejnegeri; and the coastal Harbour seal of western North America,P. v. richardsi.In the breeding season,larghaoccurs on the pack ice of the Bering, Okhotsk, Japan, and Po Hai seas as adult pairs with single pup, whereasstejnegeriandrichardsiare associated with coastal and insular habitats, around the perimeter of the North Pacific Ocean from Hokkaido to Baja California (i.e. mostly well away from ice), and occur on land in dense aggregations of less than ten to more than a thousand animals. In general, where the ranges of thelarghaand thestejnegeri‐richardsiforms meet or overlap, their respective breeding seasons are about two months apart, which, together with the social and habitat differences, tends to result in reproductive isolation. Apparently, the young oflarghaare always born with a whitish lanugo, whereas those ofstejnegeriandrichardsiusually shed their lanugo (either whitish or mottled greyish)in uteroand are born with an adult‐like pelage. The adult pelage oflarghaseems always to be pale background with a spattering of small, blackish spots, whereas thatof stejnegeriandrichardsiranges from black with scattered whitish rings (dark phase) to pale with small black spots (light phase). Light phase animals usually differ fromlarghain having some whitish rings on the back. In body and skull size,stejnegeriexceeds the others, but in cranial characters,stejnegeriandrichardsiseem very similar and to differ mutually fromlarghain all respects. They also differ fromlarghain having abbreviated stylohyals, not connected to the bulla. The complex nomenclatural history of each taxon is reviewed, and the namelarghaPallas, 1811 is retained for the ice‐inhabiting form. For the insular form,stejnegeriAllen, 1902 has priority, and for the American coastal form,richardsi(Gray, 1864).Larghaoccurs as eight geographical populations that are morphologically alike, suggesting that they have been separated for a relatively short period in geologic time. Thestejnegeri‐richardsicomplex, conversely, shows a much greater degree of regional differentiation, as indicated by the frequency of occurrence of dark and light colour phases, but appears to be all of one polytypic, trans‐Pacific form, which is more similar to the North Atlantic Harbour seals than islargha.Althoughlarghahas usually been regarded as a subspecies ofP. vitulina, it seems advisable on the basis of this review to accord it specific rank.
Robert Jacob Gordon's original account of the African Black rhinoceros
Authors: Cave A. J. E. , Rookmaaker L. C.
Published: August 2009

An account is presented of the memoranda and drawings comprising the description of the African Black rhinoceros prepared at the Cape of Good Hope in 1778 by Robert Jacob Gordon (1743–95) and now incorporated in the Gordon Atlas preserved in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. Gordon's rhinoceros information was placed at the disposal of contemporaries, whereby part of it entered zoological literature and occasioned the temporary recognition of a “Gordon's rhinoceros”. His material never attained independent publication and its historical and anatomical merit has thus escaped recognition. Impressive in standards of observation and delineation it represents a pioneer investigation of African rhinoceros morphology.
Territoriality in Redlip blennies (Ophioblennius atlanticus‐Pisces: Blenniidae)
Authors: Nursall J. R.
Published: August 2009

Ophioblennius atlanticus is a shallow‐water, surge zone Caribbean species, invariably as adult found in permanent territories on a solid substrate. As such it controls space within a complex community. Planar dimensions of the territories of adults show a mean area of about 05 m2. Antagonistic reactions of different degree are shown to both transgressing and intruding conspecifics, and to a much lesser extent to other species. It is hypothesized that interstitial territories of immature specimens provide the nuclei of future territories. Non‐reproductive, extra‐territorial activity is not common, but does occur. Evidence is presented to show that dispossessed adult blennies have great difficulty in establishing new territories. Territories that have been vacated are subsequently shared by neighbouring fish. Territory provides space, food and shelter for its resident, and as an occupied, but not impermeable space, it is an agent of control of distribution of Redlip blennies and other species of fish.
The effects of the nematode parasite Skrjabingylus nasicola on British weasels (Mustela nivalis)
Authors: King Carolyn M.
Published: August 2009

Adult worms of Skrjabingylus nasicola are found in the nasal sinuses of mustelids, and when numerous may cause considerable distortion of the frontal bones. A heavy infestation is commonly assumed to be detrimental to the individual and possibly also to the population. To examine this belief, the frequency of occurrence (“incidence”) and extent of damage caused by S. nasicola were analysed with respect to the climate of seven sample areas and the age, sex and body size of 614 British weasels. Incidence ranged from 69–100% of the sample, and mean skull damage from 31 to 53 on an index scale of 0–8 points. Significant correlations were found between incidence and date of collection of young weasels, and between extent of damage and mean number of rain‐days in the area. Male weasels were more badly damaged than females, though incidence was the same in both sexes. There was no evidence that badly damaged weasels were smaller, lighter, leaner or died sooner than lightly or undamaged ones, nor that, in the wild, they were infested by eating shrews.
An arbitrary classification of the pore systems in avian eggshells
Authors: Board R. G. , Tullett S. G. , Perrott H. R.
Published: August 2009

An arbitrary classification of the pore systems in shells has been based on the observations made during a survey with a scanning electron microscope of the eggs of c. 60 avian species. The classification is intended primarily to aid comparative studies of shell function and field studies of the overall contribution of the shell to the embryo's well‐being. The location and form of the external orifice of the pore was used to define four major types of pore systems: (1) outer orifice open—the pore canal terminates at the surface of the shell; (2) outer orifice occluded—the pore canal terminates at the surface of the shell but the orifice is occluded by amorphous, waxy material; (3) outer orifice capped—the pore canal terminates at the outer edge of the true shell and its orifice is capped and, in many species, plugged by a stratum of vesicles, either organic or inorganic, which clothes the entire surface of the shell, and (4) outer orifice reticulate—the pore canal terminates at the edge of the column layer and its orifice is covered by a calcareous stratum containing a plexus of tubules. Each group was further divided on the form of the pore canals; shells having unbranched pore canals were put into one category and those in which some pores branched into another.
Concluding contribution towards a revision of, and a key to, the genus Macrophthalmus (Crustacea: Brachyura)
Authors: Barnes R. S. K.
Published: August 2009

In this ninth and final part of a revision of the ocypodid genus Macrophthalmus Latreille (Crustacea: Brachyura), eight species are considered—M. leptophthalmus (H. M. Edw.), M. boteltobagoe (Sakai), M. philippinensis SereGne, M. consobrinus Nobili, M. gastrodes Kemp, M. franchettii Maccagno, M. gallardoi SereGne and M. vietnamensis SereGne—and the status of a species previously considered valid, M. holthuisi SereGne, is reconsidered. Only M. leptophthalmus, M. boteltobagoe and M. philippinensis are considered valid. Macrophthalmus, as here revised, contains 38 living and three extinct species, whilst 33 species have been reduced to synonyms. These various species are summarily listed and a key to the living species is provided.
Histochemistry of the unicellular glands in relation to their physiological significance in the epidermis of Monopterus cuchia (Synbranchiformes, Pisces)
Authors: Mittal A. K. , Agarwal S. K.
Published: August 2009

The cytochemical nature of the secretory contents of the unicellular glands—the mucous cells and the sacciform granulated cells in the epidermis of Monopterus cuchia has been described in order to understand their physiological significance.

The mucous cells secrete mainly the acid mucopolysaccharides and mucoproteins in addition to small amounts of phospholipids. The secretory contents of the sacciform granulated cells are proteinaceous in nature and give strong reactions for elastin, tryptophan and tryosine. High amounts of cholesterol and small amounts of phospholipids and acid mucopolysaccharides are also identified in these sacciform granulated cells.

Phospholipids, mucoproteins and elastin could well increase the viscosity of mucopolysaccharides retaining the slimy secretions on the surface for relatively longer periods. The retention of mucopolysaccharides and elastin on the surface for longer periods that can bind large amounts of water has been correlated to keep the skin moist, facilitating the cutaneous respiration and preventing the fish from desiccation when it is on land. The role of elastin in protecting the fish from various chemical attacks and mechanical stresses is also discussed.

Tryptophan secreted by sacciform granulated cells may have the immunological role facilitating the antibody transfer across the epidermis.
Functional structure of the carpal and ventral vibrissae of the squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)
Authors: Hyvärinen H. , Kangasperko H. , Peura Raija
Published: August 2009

A study is made of the histology, distribution and ultrastructure of nerve‐organs in the carpal and ventral sinus hairs of the squirrel Sciurus vulgaris L. These sinus hairs were found to be typical tactile hairs. Their situation on the inner surfaces of the forelimbs, and on the ventral body wall is assumed to be useful during climbing. Five different types of nerve end‐organs were found:

1. Ring‐shaped end‐organs, especially in the ring sinus, associated with certain cells in connectivetissue and in many cases also anchored to the hair follicle.

2. Merkelcells in the basal cell layer of the outer root sheath at the level of the ring sinus.

3. Lanceolate end‐organs between the glassy membrane and the connective tissue of the ringwulst and betweenthese in the upper part of the ring sinus.

4. Encapsulated end‐organs in the cavernous sinus.

5. Free thin nerveendings.
Locomotory and other movements of the proboscis of Bonellia viridis (Echiura, Bonelliidae)
Authors: Jaccarini V. , Schembri P. J.
Published: August 2009

An account is given of the various movements of the proboscis of Bonellia viridis. When at rest, the proboscis is coiled up in front of the trunk. The proboscis lobes progress with a velocity of the order of 1 mm/sec by means of powerful cilia situated on the dorsal surface of the leading edge. The lobes passively drag and uncoil the stem of the proboscis which is further uncoiled by muscular contractions taking place along the uncoiled part of the stem. Proboscis retraction takes place by means of contraction of the numerous longitudinal muscle strands of the stem. The terminal lobes can attach to the substrate and pull the trunk by contraction of the proboscis stem. The proboscis often ties itself into a knot which it can untie.
Locomotory and other movements of the trunk of Bonellia viridis (Echiura, Bonelliidae)
Authors: Schembri P. J. , Jaccarini V.
Published: August 2009

Trunk irrigatory and locomotory movements in the echiuran Bonellia viridis consist of peristaltic waves of constriction. Irrigation is by antero‐posterior waves. Locomotion in the burrow may be produced in three different ways: (a) by antikinetic, (b) by synkinetic, and (c) by antikinetic and synkinetic waves in strict alternation. The animal can turn in the burrow and pass out of narrow holes. The animal can move by peristaltic waves also outside its burrow. The versatility of locomotory modes is related to its inhabiting ready‐made burrows.
A subordinal classification of frogs (Amphibia: Anura)
Authors: Sokol Otto M.
Published: August 2009

Two new anuran suborders, based on two states of the trigeminofacial ganglion character complex are proposed. A subsidiary character is the presence or absence of free ribs in extant taxa. These new suborders are more clades (sister groups) than sequential levels of organization. Discoglossoidei, retaining separate trigeminal and facial ganglia and free ribs, encompasses only Leiopelmatidae and Discoglossidae, although by definition it would include the common ancestor of both lineages. Ranoidei have the trigeminal and facial ganglia fused and extant taxa lack free ribs. This group includes all other frogs.

Only the superfamiliesPelobatoidea and Pipoidea are reallocated by the new arrangement. The former are now regarded as representing the ranoidean stem group. Both laival and adult morphology show that pipoids are highly derived rather than primitive frogs, and their trigeminofacial systems show that they are ranoideans rather than discoglossoideans. They presumably are ultimately derived from pelobatoids, but the known taxa are too specialized for direct derivation and there must have been an intermediate group with pipoid tadpoles but without extreme specializations for either fossorial or aquatic life.
The social and spatial organization of winter communal roosting in Rooks (Corvus fmgilegus)
Authors: Swingland Ian R.
Published: August 2009

The spatial and social organization of a winter communal roost of Rooks (Corvus frugilegus L.) was examined. The behaviour of rooks in the roost was found to reduce the rate of loss of heat energy for all or some of the population. The saving of energy experienced by young birds by roosting in sheltered positions was important because of the smaller energy reserves available. When the weather became exceptionally severe, dominant individuals, in seeking sheltered positions, forced less dominant birds from more sheltered to far less sheltered positions, thereby increasing their energy loss. The effects of this selectively‐acting social hierarchy during the night is exacerbated on the feeding grounds during the day when some rooks starve especially those low in the hierarchy. The daytime feeding situation will also increase the lower critical metabolic temperature of the young rooks by lowering the nutritional plane. Other evidence is presented to show that in winter, mortality of young rooks is higher than that of adult rooks.

It is argued that the change in the spatial organization in the roost induced by weather and determined by a selectively‐actingsocial hierarchy operates to reduce the rate of energy loss of the majority of the rooks while the remainder suffer an increasing energy deficit.
The narial excrescence and pterygoid bulla of the gharial, Gavialis gangeticus (Crocodilia)
Authors: Martin B. G. H. , Bellairs A. D’ A.
Published: August 2009

Observations on the narial excrescence of the gharial are reviewed, with special reference to the size and sex of animals in which it occurs. Its morphology in two adult specimens is described; its functional anatomy and mode of development are reconstructed and its probable functions are discussed. Some observations on the pterygoid bulla are also made.
Circadian activity rhythms in the crayfish Paranephrops zealandicus (Crustacea)
Authors: Quilter C. G. , Williams B. G.
Published: August 2009

The diel activity rhythm shown by Paranephrops is usually unimodal with most activity occurring at night. In constant darkness, locomotor activity is expressed for up to 60 days as a free‐running circadian rhythm. The period varies from 18 to 38 hours following a seasonal cycle (summer mean period 24 hours, winter mean 30 hours). No adaptive significance can be attached to either seasonal or individual variations in period and it is suggested that such variations are a consequence of the way in which the clock mechanism operates, the period being linked to the overall activity level following Aschoff's (1960) “Circadian Rule”. Activity levels will inevitably vary individually and seasonally.
Primate ecology and social organization
Authors: Clutton‐Brock T. H. , Harvey Paul H.
Published: August 2009

Estimates of body weight, group size, home range size, day range length, socionomic sex ratio and sexual dimorphism are compared between 100 primate species, allocated to seven ecological categories. As would be predicted on energetic grounds, home range size and day range length are positively related to group weight and are greater in frugivores than in folivores; population density is negatively related to body weight; and group size is positively related to body weight. The adaptive significance of Variation in body size, sexual dimorphism and socionomic sex ratio is also discussed.
Industrial melanism in the moths, Diurnea fagella (Oecophoridae) and Allophyes oxyacanthae (Caradrinidae)
Authors: Steward R. C.
Published: August 2009

Comparative studies of melanism in the two cryptic moth species, Diurnea fagella (Denis & Schiffermüller) and Allophyes oxyacanthae (L.), have been carried out in southern England and south Wales. Estimates of the relative crypsis of the melanic and typical forms of both these species have been made at a number of sites and these were compared with the melanic frequencies in samples from these sites. These comparisons showed that selective prédation could be a major factor in the variation of melanic frequencies of both of these species. A consideration of the spread of melanism in these species suggests that non‐visual selection may favour the melanics of D. fagella in urban areas and that non‐visual selection, not closely associated with urban conditions, may be responsible for the restriction of melanics in A. oxyacanthae to Britain. The results for these two species are discussed in relation to investigations of melanism in other moth species.
Prawn‐associated gobies (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Seychelles, Western Indian Ocean: systematics and ecology
Authors: Polunin Nicholas V. C. , Lubbock Roger
Published: August 2009

Fourteen species of gobies (Teleostei: Gobiidae), 12 of which were collected, were found living in association with seven “types” of alpheid prawn (Decapoda: Alpheidae) in the Seychelles, Western Indian Ocean. One new genus—Stonogobiops—and three new species—Stonogobiops dracula, Cryptocentrus aurora and C. wheeled—of prawn‐associated goby are described. Full descriptions of the new genus and species, and shorter descriptions of the remaining species, are given; the genera Iotogobius Smith and Cryptocentrops Smith are synonymized with Cryptocentrus Ehrenberg. Aspects of the ecology of the prawn‐associated gobies were studied. Species specificity between gobies and prawns varied considerably. The species present exhibited a marked degree of habitat segregation, and there were differences between species in nearest‐neighbour burrow distances. A wide range of degrees of looseness of association between goby and prawn was also observed. The evolution of the symbiosis is discussed in the light of these observations.
Natural history of the Pan‐American sand beach isopod Excirolana braziliensis (Crustacea: Malacostraca)
Authors: Dexter Deborah M.
Published: August 2009

A population of the intertidal isopod Excirolana braziliensis was followed over a 10‐month period at Naos Island, Panama. Average intertidal density was 2147/m2 with maximum abundance occurring in the highest level. Adults were present only in the highest tidal level. Juveniles were distributed throughout all tidal levels and comprised at least 70% of the population at all times. Mean size of individuals decreased from the highest level seaward. Reproductive females were present the year round. The number of young ranged from four to 17 per brood and was dependent on the length of the female. Adults were very tolerant of changes in temperature and salinity.
The development of the serpulid Pomatoleios kraussii (Annelida, Polychaeta)
Authors: Crisp Mary
Published: August 2009

The development of Pomatoleios kraussii is extremely similar to that of Pomatoceros triqueter, and is completed under laboratory conditions in 1–3 weeks at 25–27°C. Mature larvae settle and metamorphose preferentially on the shells of adult conspecifics.
The histochemistry and ultrastructure of the clitellum of the enchytraeid Lumbricittus rivalis (Oligochaeta: Annelida)
Authors: Richards K. Sylvia
Published: August 2009

The monostratified clitellar epidermis of Lumbricillus rivalis consists of supporting cells, granular secretory cells, and globular secretory cells, together with the acid mucous cells typical of normal skin in the anterior and posterior transition zones. The secretion of the granular cells is a neutral glycoprotein with low levels of bound lipid, and that of the globular cells is a sulphated acid mucopolysaccharide lacking detectable protein or lipid.

Ultrastructurally the granular cells possess 1 μm, membrane‐bound granules of variable electron density suggestive of maturation changes. The formative granules arise from Golgi vesicles and are moderately electron translucent. They contain parallel‐aligned, tubule‐like inclusions of 14 nm diameter, observed also in the mature regions of the Golgi. Granules in the mid or apical part of the cell show increased electron density, the formative pattern being wholly or partially obscured and the subunit alignment, when discernable, no longer uniform. Moiré fringe patterns are evident in some granules. The patterns and electron density are lost after pronase digestion. The globular cells contain electron translucent, membrane‐bound globules of 2–3 μm diameter with finely fibrous contents. They arise from mature Golgi vesicles and are unaffected by pronase treatment.

The results suggest that the granular cells secrete the cocoon wall and the globular cells the material that surrounds the developing embryos, and are compared with published accounts of other microdrile clitella and with those of the clitellum of lumbricid earthworms.
Odonata from the Guinea Savanna Zone in Ghana
Authors: Marshall* Adrian G. , Gambles** R. Moylan
Published: August 2009

Odonata found during two visits to Mole National Park in Northern Ghana during 1974 and 1975 are listed, with brief notes on their habits and ecology, and these are compared with similar observations, published and unpublished, from areas of similar latitude in the Ivory Coast and Nigeria.

In an appendix descriptions and figures are given of simple means of separating species that are not readily distinguishable by reference to the published literature.
Comparative studies of thermoregulatory and osmoregulatory behaviour and physiology of five species of sandgrouse (Aves: Pterocliidae) in Morocco
Authors: Thomas* David H. , Robin** A. Paul
Published: August 2009

In Morocco, Pterocles alchata and orientalis prefer steppe habitats, while coronatus, senegallus and lichtensteini prefer deserts, so that these species groups are largely allopatric under normal climatic conditions. Both habitats impose extreme thermal conditions (air temperatures up to 55°C) on these diurnally active birds which characteristically nest in the open. Sandgrouse minimize environmental and metabolic heat loads by concentrating vigorous activity into the cooler parts of the day, by remaining inactive when the sun is high, and (exceptionally among the bird species studied) by increasing thermal insulation when ambient temperatures exceed body temperatures. Water conservation is achieved by delaying evaporative heat dispersal mechanisms (gular fluttering and gaping, but not panting) until air temperatures reach 50°C, and probably also by a renal‐colonic system adapted to oliguria and salt retention. Desert and steppe study sites had permanent and comparatively fresh water supplies, but appeared to be salt deficient. Morning drinking flights in alchata and orientalis showed evidence of a “feed forward” response enabling increasing numbers of birds to drink earlier in the day in anticipation of hotter conditions later. P. coronatus, senegallus and lichtensteini breast feathers are adapted for water transport (we have no data for alchata and orientalis), and show specializations in keratin‐water interactions (not seen in Melopsittacus undulatus or C. coturnix) enabling more rapid feather water uptake.
The transient and steady state responses in oxygen consumption by tropical butterflies to temperature step transfer tests
Authors: Clarke Kenneth U.
Published: August 2009

A test is described which permits the determination of the respiratory rate of the insect to respond to, and recover from a short series of temperature changes. Both the transient and steady state respiratory responses were studied in the pupa, male and female of four species of tropical butterflies, Heliconius melpomene Linn., Papilio demoleus Wallace, Danaus chrysippus Linn., and Hypolimnas bolina Fabr., following a decrease and then an increase in environmental temperature.

Primary data consists of weight, oxygen consumption, and duration time of the transients; secondary data calculated from the above consisted of the Respiratory Change Ratio (RCR) and the % Recovery.

The RCR values were similar in pupa, male and female within a species, but showed significant differences between species, H. melpomene showing least change for a 10°C temperature change and H. bolina most. The ability to recover varied within and between species. In D. chrysippus there was no difference between pupa male and female; in H. bolina, pupa, male and female differed significantly in this. Heliconius melpomene showed very poor recuperative powers.

The most notable difference in the transients was the slow change following a drop in temperature compared with the instant increase to the steady state value following an increase in temperature. The duration of transients for body temperature were the same for both an increase and a decrease. The respiratory rate of the animal and its body temperature are clearly uncoupled during this period.

The transition of the respiratory rate associated with a decrease in temperature showed a smooth curve for the pupa but a momentary increase occurs in the adult.

A hypothesis is proposed to account for these results and their possible significance in the distribution and choice of a habitat by the butterflies discussed.
Developmental changes in several parameters of ultrasonic calling by young Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)
Authors: Broom D. M. , Elwood R. W. , Lakin J. , Willy S. J. , Pretlove A. J.
Published: August 2009

Mongolian gerbils were isolated for one minute on each of the first 14 days of life. The ultrasounds which they produced were displayed on a recorder which allowed measurement of the sound level, duration, shape and temporal patterning of the calls. These components of the pup's response changed with age in various ways. Most of the ultrasounds produced occurred in bouts of regularly spaced calls. The bout length was longest on day 4, and then decreased, but the rate of calling within bouts increased with age. The mean sound level of the calls reached a peak on day 6 and then declined, but one or more pups at each age could produce loud calls. The total rate of production of single calls changed little with age, but production of multiple calls reached a peak on days 4 and 5, and then declined. It seems that the ability of pups to call rapidly and to produce a series of loud, complex calls increases with age. As calling declined, scrabbling movements with the legs increased. Temperature regulation and motor ability are improving during this time. These changes in calling are related to changes in maternal behaviour, especially nest building, which peaked on day 6 in another study. Observations on control litters suggested that daily handling and testing increased the rate of calling on day 5.
Fast locomotion of some African ungulates
Authors: Alexander R. McN. , Langman V. A. , Jayes A. S.
Published: August 2009

Ten species of ungulate were filmed, galloping in their natural habitat. They ranged in size from Thomson's gazelle (about 20 kg) to giraffe (about 1000 kg). They were pursued to make them run as fast as possible. The films have been analysed to determine speed, stride frequency, stride and step lengths, and duty factors. The dependence of these quantities on body size is discussed.

Fast locomotion of zebra, giraffe, warthog and seven species of Bovidae has been studied. The animals were filmed from a pursuing vehicle while galloping in their natural habitat.

Stride frequency was more closely correlated with limb length (represented by hip height) than with body mass. Mean stride frequency was proportional to (hip height)‐0·51 and maximum stride frequency to (hip height) ‐0·63.

Maximum speed was between 10 and 14 m s ‐1 for all species except buffalo (7 m s ‐1). It was not significantly correlated with body mass.

Since the small species ran at least as fast as the large ones they attained higher Froude numbers. Relative stride length was approximately 1·8 (Froude number)0·39 for all species, irrespective of size. Relative step length was approximately 0·65 (Froude number)0·2, both for the fore feet and for the hind ones. The vertical forces exerted by the feet are proportional to (body weight)×(Froude number)0·2 so the forces at maximum speed are larger multiples of body weight for small species than for large ones.
The structure and function of the dermal pectoral girdle in bony fishes with particular reference to ostariophysines
Authors: Gosline William A.
Published: August 2009

The structure of the dermal pectoral girdle of teleostean fishes is analyzed in relation to its functions. In bony fishes the vertebral column, with a horizontal axis, and the pectoral girdle, with a basically vertical axis, form the only skeletal links between the head and the body. The individual bones of the dermal girdle are considered as supporting units joined by a series of articulations that permit differential movement between adjacent bones. The movements mediated by this linkage system are: lateral swinging of the head relative to the body, expansion of the distance between the central areas of the two pectoral girdles to permit passage of large food items, and fore‐and‐aft movements of the anteroventral ends of the cleithra relative to the skull. Among other factors affecting the structure of the dermal pectoral girdle are the provision for the support of the pectoral fin base and the requirement for the effective operation of a sleeve valve between the girdle and the opercular cover.

Modifications of the dermal pectoral girdle in ostariophysine fishes are discussed. A brief history of the bony fish girdle in terms of its functional components is postulated.
The life‐history of the julid millipede Cylindroiulus nitidus in a Derbyshire wood
Authors: Blower J. Gordon , Miller Peter F.
Published: August 2009

A population of C. nitidus in a deciduous wood at Milldale, Derbyshire included adult males with 36 to 54 podous segments but the highest number of segments possessed by immature males was 38. The occcurrence of males in successive stadia is contrasted with the alternation of copulatory and intercalary males in some other juliform millipedes.

Samples were taken to determine the course of post‐embryonic development and life‐history in the field. Stadial determination by counting rows of ocelli was not possible but a separation was made by analysis of dimensions. These dimensions and segmental formulae are compared with those of German examples. No intercalary or other modified post‐imaginal male stages were present.

From a comparison of the distribution of stadia in five samples it appears that males mature in three and females in four years. Males survive a further four to five, females a further three years after first achieving maturity. The significance of the special and general life‐history characters of the species are discussed.
The biology and evolution of the reproductive cycle of Miniopterus schreibersii and M. australis (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)
Authors: Richardson Elizabeth G.
Published: August 2009

The reproductive biology of Miniopterus schreibersii and M. australis was studied at latitude 28·5°S, in eastern Australia. Comparison was made with material from 23·5°S to 37°S.

Both species are monoestrous and monotocous. Ovulation is from the left ovary and implantation is in the right cornu. At latitude 28·5°S, a “silent heat” precedes behavioural oestrus and fertilization by two months in M. schreibersii and three months in M. australis. In M. schreibersii copulation and fertilization occur in late May and early June, immediately after a relatively short period of spermatogenesis and about one month after the release of sperm to the epididymides. During winter, implantation of the blastocyst stage is delayed. The male accessory glands involute but a store of epididymal sperm is retained. Implantation occurs in August and birth is in December.

M. australis conceives in mid‐August, after an extended period of spermatogenesis which ceases four to six weeks prior to copulation. An epididymal sperm store is present some 21/2 months prior to insemination. Implantation has occurred by mid‐September and parturition takes place in December.

Comparative data from other latitudes in eastern Australia show no differences in the timing of a reproductive events of M. australis between 23·5°S and 31°S. In M. schreibersii in South Australia (37°S) mating occurs in April and May. Plasticity in the timing of parturition (October to December) and other anomalies of this population are discussed.

The data suggest that evolutionary hypotheses involving extrapolation from one species to the other are questionable and that a more complex and varied adaptive response to climate may exist than has hitherto been supposed.
Variations in body weight, wing length and condition of Mallard Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos and their relationship to environmental changes
Authors: Owen Myrfyn , Cook W. A.
Published: August 2009

This paper describes the analysis of over 15,000 weights of Mallard caught for ringing at Borough Fen Decoy, Northamptonshire, during a 13 year period. Weights are corrected to give condition indices by using wing length to give an indication of body size. The weight of pectoral muscles varies with body weight but as the fat stores increase in weight the proportion of body weight made up of flight muscles decreases. Body weight corrected for size gives a better indication of the bird's condition (defined as its fitness for its present and future needs) than the relative weight of the pectoral muscles or the shape of the breast.

The relationships between food availability and weather, and condition are examined. Only occasionally can a drop in condition following hard weather be detected; the birds normally emigrate to the coast after a few days of adverse conditions. There is a relationship between the condition of Mallard in autumn and the amount of grain left on their stubble feeding grounds after harvest. The implications of variations in winter condition on survival and breeding success are briefly discussed.
Attrition of the teeth in ferrets
Authors: Berkovitz B. K. B. , Poole D. F. G.
Published: August 2009

Wear patterns of the teeth have been compared in two closely related populations of mustelids, one being of laboratory reared ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) which had been fed a dry pelleted diet, the other of wild polecats (Mustela putorius). The dentitions could be distinguished from each other according to the nature and degree of shearing activity on the carnassial teeth. Such differences appear to be a function of diet texture and this view was supported by a pilot, dietary experiment. The amount of calculus present was heavy in pellet‐fed ferrets and virtually absent in wild polecats.
The carrying of ants (Cataglyphis bicolor Fab.) by others of the same nest
Authors: Harkness R. D.
Published: August 2009

The carrying of ants from the nest by others of the same species (Cataglyphis bicolor Fab.) is described. Two types of carrying are distinguished, systematic removal of many adults and larval stages to a new nest, and carrying of individuals, alive or dead, that are dropped at distances up to 35 metres from the nest. The rate of carrying of individual ants from a nest varied from 0–15 per day in a population of foragers estimated as about 200, making 1500–2000 exits per day. Live and dead ants appeared to be treated similarly. Live ants, in the cases examined, went back to the nest. Evidence was obtained by marking ants that carriers were distinct in habits from non‐carriers, and also excavated earth from the nest.
The systematics and adaptations of some Papuan microhylid frogs which live underground
Authors: Menzies J. I. , Tyler M. J.
Published: August 2009

A taxonomic, anatomical and behavioural account is given of some burrowing microhylid frogs from New Guinea. Six species belonging to four genera are dealt with, of these four are described as new species. Two genera are removed from synonomy to accommodate four of the burrowing species. Histological and anatomical modifications to the head, which are associated with head‐first burrowing, are described. The calls of the male frogs are described in detail and attention is drawn to the similarity of calls made by all burrowing species. This is discussed in relation to the problems of sound transmission below ground.