bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies of the accessory glands of male marsupials
Authors: Rodger JC , Hughes RL
Published: June 2005

The reproductive tracts of males from eight species of Australian marsupial
were examined (Macropus eugenii, Potovous tridactyhs, Sminthopsis crassicaudata,
Antechinus stuartii, Pseudocheirus peregrinus, Trichosurus vulpecula, Isoodon macrourus,
and Perameles nasuta). The prostate glands of these species were found to be of two
shapes, carrot-like or heart-like. From one to three pairs of Cowper's glands
were observed; these were mostly bulbous in shape but some were kidney-shaped.
Both prostate and Cowper's glands were tubular in structure with the glandular tubules
lined by a simple columnar epithelium. The glandular tubules of Cowper's glands were
of much larger diameter than those of the prostate. The prostate glands were segmented,
and this segmentation was usually shown by variations in the height and staining
reactions of the tubular epithelium and in the volume of connective tissue between
glandular tubules. Differences in microanatomy between pairs of Cowper's glands
were far less than those between prostate segments.
Mucosubstance appeared to be the major contribution of the prostate to the
seminal plasma. This mucosubstance was mainly neutral, with glycogen largely absent.
The present results indicate that the Cowper's glands secrete mucus but that various
glands also contributed lipid and glycogen.
Reproduction in the parma wallaby, Macropus parma, Waterhouse
Authors: Maynes GM
Published: June 2005

Female M. parma in captivity reach sexual maturity at 11 1/2-16 months of age.
Scrota1 size indicates that sexual maturity is attained in males at about 22 months. One
male had spermatozoa at 19-20 months and another had a first fertile mating at 24-25
months.
Mating behaviour is described and resembles that of other small macropodids.
M. parma is monovular and polyoestrous. The oestrous cycle has a mean length
of 4197810.72 days (n = 58; range 36-59 days) while the gestation period is
34.54*0.13 days (n = 28; range 33-36 days). Post-partum oestrus and mating
occurred from 4 to 13 days after birth in a small proportion (16.7%) of those animals
examined. However, most animals had an oestrus, while carrying a pouch young,
between 45 and 105 days after birth. A few animals did not come into oestrus at all
while carrying a pouch young.
Removal of pouch young typically resulted in return to oestrus between 6 and
15 days later, in females that had not had a post-partum oestrus or an oestrus while
carrying a pouch young. Females which mated at some stage during lactation prior to
removal of pouch young gave birth 31.16 days later (n = 3; range 30.5-32.0 days).
Three females at the Melbourne Zoo had estimated delayed gestation periods of 31, 31,
and 32 days.
The earliest observation of a young with its head out of the pouch was at 146 days
of pouch life. Most young had left the pouch for short intervals by 175 days with the
youngest observed out at 160 days. Young permanently leave the pouch at 211.9+-1.0
days (n = 10; range 207-218 days). Permanent exchange of pouch young has been
observed in two cases, both at approximately the time young were first leaving the
pouch for short intervals.
Some females that mated while carrying a young in the pouch gave birth 6-11
days after permanent pouch exit of the primary young. Unmated females returned to
oestrus 12-24 days after permanent pouch exit of their young. Young were weaned at
2 5 3 ) months after pouch exit.
Most females entered anoestrus in 1968 following transfer of the animals into
small holding pens. In 1969 only 5 of 24 matings resulted in young in the pouch, while
in 1970 the corresponding figure was 21 of 44 matings. In both years there was evidence
of young being born but apparently being lost during the climb from the urogenital
opening to the pouch, probably because of overcrowding of the mothers.
Evolution of embryonic diapause is discussed in relation to the reproductive
pattern established for M. pavma. It is postulated that embryonic diapause first arose at
the end of pouch life and has come to occupy the entire length of pouch life in most
macropodids.
Comparative aspects of auditory function in Australian anurans
Authors: Loftus-Hills JJ
Published: June 2005

The auditory sensitivity of 17 species of Australian anurans was measured by
recording responses of groups of midbrain auditory neurones to sound stimuli of
different frequencies. In 14 species there are two peaks of maximal auditory sensitivity
and in three species there are three peaks. In all species the sensitivity peak which
occurred at the higher frequency corresponded to the frequency of the mating call.
There is a significant correlation between the auditory threshold at this higher sensitivity
peak and both head width and tympanum width.
The chromosomes of Metachirus nudicaudatus (Marsupialia : Didelphidae)
Authors: Yunis E , Cayon J , Ramirez E
Published: June 2005

A karyologic study of M. nudicaudatus, carried out on three females and five
males, shows a chromosome number of 14, with apparent lack of dimorphism in the
sex chromosomes. Nevertheless, the heterochromatin staining technique reveals the
Y chromosome to be fully heteropycnotic. The meiotic chromosome has a sex vesicle
at the pachytene stage. The similarity of this karyotype with those of Caluromys
derbianus and Dromiciops australis is striking, especially considering that the genera
belong to two subfamilies separated early in their evolutionary history.
Our results support the opinion of Hayman and Martin that the original
chromosome number in Marsupialia was 14.
The accumulation and utilization of food reserves by the adult female cattle tick, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini)
Authors: Cherry LM
Published: June 2005

Changes in water content and cuticle weight during adult parasitic life of B.
microplus, and the manner in which water and dry matter are utilized for egg production,
suggest that capacity for cuticle growth, and thus for distension, determines water
content in relation to body weight, and this in turn fecundity of the female. Figures
for Australian B. microplus are compared with those for this species in Japan, where
higher average engorged weight, cuticle weight, percentage water content, and numbers
of eggs laid have been reported.
Developement, function and regression of the corpus luteum in the marsupial Trichosurus vulpecula
Authors: Shorey CD , Hughes RL
Published: June 2005

Following ovulation, which usually takes place on day 1 of the 26-day oestrous
cycle in T. culpecula, a single corpus luteum begins to develop. During the period
before the uterine luteal phase begins on day 8 of the cycle, the granulosa lutein cells
are active in the synthesis of what appears to be a cholesterol-like substance at a time
when the ovarian secretion rates of progesterone are re!atively low.
The uterine luteal phase extends from day 8 to day 15 of the cycle. During
this phase the ovarian secretion rates of progesterone are relatively high, and reach
maximal levels on days 12-1 3. This high secretory activity is manifested in the granulosa
lutein cells by an apparent increase in the number of mitochondria, thought to be
involved with the conversion of intracellularly stored cholesterol to pregnenolone, and
the development of whorl-like configurations of agranular reticulum which are reported
to be concerned with the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone.
A drop in progesterone concentration commences in pregnant and non-pregnant
females on day 17 of the cycle, when early involution of the corpus luteunl is apparent.
By day 20, the corpus luteum regresses to an early corpus albicans, and the ovarian
secretion rate of progesterone falls progressively to levels similar to those in anoestrous
females.
The food of the silvereye, Zosterops gouldi (Aves : Zosteropidae), in relation to its role as a vector of a granulosis virus of the potato moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera : Gelechiidae)
Authors: Matthiessen JN , Springett BP
Published: June 2005

The silvereye feeds in farmland in south-western Western Australia, eating
mainly arthropods. Larvae of the potato moth are regularly a major summer food, and
the silvereye shows a well-defined functional response to larval density. The silvereye
functional response curve differs from the characteristic vertebrate sigmoid-shaped
curve in that it lacks the initial positively accelerating portion. This is attributed
to the occurrence of prey in many discrete habitats, combined with silvereye mobility
and its sensitive response to low potato moth larval densities. The number of potato
moth larvae that are eaten is reduced when a larger alternative prey is available, but the
numerical proportion of larvae in the food remains unchanged.
The silvereye is a potential vector of a granulosis virus of the potato moth
through its regular predation on larvae of the potato moth, its large numbers, and its
mobility.
Survival of crawlers of California red scale, Aonidiella aurantoo (Mask.) (Homoptera : Diaspididae)
Authors: Willard JR
Published: June 2005

The periods of survival of first-instar larvae (crawlers) of California red scale
were estimated in the laboratory under conditions that attempted to simulate those that
the crawlers would be exposed to during dispersal by wind in the field. Since attempts
to keep crawlers suspended in a stream of moving air for long periods were unsuccessful,
they were placed in small cages, and air at constant temperature and humidity was
passed through the cages at known rates. Following exposure, the crawlers were
transferred to lemon leaf discs, and only those able to begin feeding and secrete a scale
were recorded as survivors.
At 15�C crawlers survived a mean period of 17.1 hr at 70% R.H. and 14.2 hr
at 35% R.H.; at 2S�C, 10.1 hr at 70% R.H. and 6.8 hr at 25% R.H.; at 3SCC, 7.2 hr
at 70% R.H. and 5.7 hr at 25% R.H. The period survived was significantly higher at
the higher humidity in each case. At 70% R.H. the period of survival decreased
significantly with increased temperature. At 25% R.H. the period was significantly
higher at 15�C than at 2S�C, but not between 25 and 35�C. The period of survival
decreased as the rate of flow of air past the crawlers increased to the terminal velocity.
The long periods of survival of crawlers, even under extreme conditions to
which they would rarely be exposed in nature because of their rhythm of emergence,
leaves little doubt that they could withstand transport by wind over long distances
even during hot, dry summer weather.
Changes in the fat scores of the skinks Morethia boulengeri and Hemiergis peronii (Lacertilia)
Authors: Smyth M
Published: June 2005

M. boulengeri is oviparous; males are in breeding condition in spring. H, peronii is viviparous; males are in breeding condition in autumn and winter. The former has abdominal fat bodies; the latter does not. The amounts of fat in tails, fat bodies, eggs, and the rest of the body were measured at different times of the year in both species. Changes in these fat stores suggest that fat from tails and, where present, fat bodies, is used by females for producing eggs and by males for activities associated with reproductive activity. In both sexes of both species there were large differences between individuals in the amount of stored fat. Removing tails from females made them produce fewer eggs; the reduction was greater in H, peronii. When M. boulengeri were fasting, they used more fat from their tails than from any other source, but they used up a higher proportion of fat body fat than of their other fat stores.
Reproduction in the two species of grey kangaroo, Macropus giganteus Shaw and M. fuliginosus (Desmarest) I. Sexual maturity and oestrus
Authors: Poole WE , Catling PC
Published: June 2005

Eastern grey kangaroos, M. giganteus, and the western grey kangaroos M. f. fuliginosus, M.J melanops and M. f, ocydromus were bred in enclosures over a period of 10 y. Testis biopsies indicated sexual maturity in males, as follows: in both species, changes in the tubules from age 15 months; some spermatozoa seen by 20 months; active spermatogenesis with sperm free in the lumen by 31 (some western greys) or 48 months (eastern greys). In females, onset of sexual maturation, indicated by eversion of the teats, was from 14 and 18 months in western and eastern greys respectively; initial mating at c. 16.4 and 19 months with births not less than 1 month later.

Crosses occurred only between western males and eastern females. Male hybrids were sterile; females were fertile, invariably mated with western males but also twice with eastern males.

Smears taken from the anterior urogenital sinus showed that in both species and in their hybrids oestrus was accompanied by a marked increase in long narrow epithelial cells ('long cells'). The cycle was 34.85+-4.42 days in western females, 38.06h+-3.51 days in hybrids and 45.58+-19.82 days in eastern females. Variation in cycle length between and within females in each species was not significant, although variation between fuliginosus and melanops was significant at the 5% level. Oestrus occurred in all months of the year but least often in winter when some females entered anoestrus. Variance ratios for cycle length in relation to month of year were not significant for eastern or hybrid females but were, at the 5 % level, for western females. On loss or removal of pouch young the mean delay in return to oestrus was 10.92f 4.78 days in eastern and 8.2515.84 days in western females, significantly different at the 5% level. Females which retain their young may return to oestrus by 150 days after the birth and may mate at any or all of up to nine oestruses before conceiving again. Differences between eastern and western females were not significant, but those between western subspecies were, particularly between fuliginosus and melanops at the 0.1 % level. Embryonic diapause was observed seven times, all in eastern females, and followed matings not less than 160 days after the birth of a current pouch young.
Gestation period and birth in the marsupial Isoodon macrourus
Authors: Lyne AG
Published: June 2005

The birth of a litter of two short-nosed bandicoots, I. macvourus, was witnessed and photographed. As mating (between litter mates) had also been observed the length of the gestation period was known. It was between 12 days 8 h and 12 days 11 h-the shortest gestation recorded for any mammal. In the 2 h preceding parturition, when the female was watched continuously, she was not seen to lick the pouch or the urogenital opening. However, just before the first young was suddenly expelled, vigorous licking of the urogenital opening began, the mother being on her side with one hind leg raised. The second young was born about 2 min later. The young appeared to be born free of membranes but had intact allantoic stalks. Although the mother did not lick a path in the hair leading to the pouch she continuously licked around the young as they crawled towards the pouch. The allantoic stalks and the deciduous claws on the fore feet anchored the young to the mother during this journey.
Skeletal abnormalities in chick embryos paralysed with decamethonium
Authors: Sullivan GE
Published: June 2005

Chick embryos which had been paralysed for several days, commencing at an incubation age of 6 days, exhibited a bent, rigid neck and a distorted trunk. Examination of the skeleton in alizarin clearances revealed a number of frequently occurring bony anomalies, including fusions and asym- metries of cervical vertebrae, abnormal curvatures or rotations of the vertebral column, abnormally bent scapulae, and a bowing of the distal end of the tibiotarsus. The overall appearance of the paralysed embryos suggested that they had been affected by mechanical pressures related to growth within the confined space of the amniotic cavity. It is concluded that an important role of muscular activity during development is to counteract mechanical forces that would otherwise deform the embryo.
Aspects of reproduction in the genus Notomys (Muridae)
Authors: Crichton EG
Published: June 2005

Reproductive biology was studied in captive N. alexis, N. fuscus, N. mitchellii and N, cervinus. All were polyoestrous, the oestrous cycle averaging 7.0-8.0 days in N. alexis and N. mitchellii and 9.0 days in N. fuscus. In N. cervinus there was a considerable variation in length; this species may be easily stressed and less adaptable to captivity. Gestation in the non-lactating animal lasted 32, 34-37 and 38-43 days in N. alexis, N. mitchellii and N, cervinus respectively; all three had post-partum oestrus and mating. Lactation appeared to delay implantation in N, cervinus and probably in N. mitchellii, but not in N. alexis; it lasted 3-4 weeks, during which time the young clung tenaciously to the teats. Oestrus was not always suspended during lactation in N. alexis, and conception may take place during suckling in this species. Interspecific variations in this pattern of reproduction are discussed, and the information compared with data from other Australian Muridae.
Caste Development and Its Seasonal Cycle in the Australian Harvester Termite, Drepanotermes Perniger (Froggatt) (Isoptera; Termitinae).
Authors: Watson JAL
Published: June 2005

The development of Drepanotermes perniger (Frogg.) in Australia is simple, with non-reproductive and reproductive lines separating at the first moult, a single worker line, a monomorphic soldier caste derived from two or three worker stages, and brachypterous neotenics formed by the premature metamorphosis of fifth-instar reproductive nymphs. Intercastes are known between soldier and fifth-instar reproductive nymph; presoldier and neotenic; and third-instar worker and fourth-instar reproductive nymph. All have substantially nymphal thoraces and abdomens, with minor intercaste modifications, and heads that are variously modified from nymphal towards soldier, presoldier or worker characteristics. The development of the castes shows a marked seasonal cycle, and only workers, soldiers and fourth-instar reproductive nymphs occur during the winter. Oviposition begins after the resumption of foraging in spring, and in the south growth and differentiation continue through much of the summer. Fourth-instar nymphs break diapause synchronously in early summer, and the alates fly with rains in January or February. In northern Australia there is a break in oviposition during summer, and the reproductive nymphs develop from eggs laid in autumn, after the alates have flown.
An Attempt to Extend the Biological Control of Sminthurus Viridis (Collembola) to New Areas in Australia by Introducing a Predatory Mite, Neomolgus Capillatus (Bdellidae).
Authors: Wallace MMH
Published: June 2005

Detailed ecological studies of S. viridis and predatory bdellid mites in Australia suggested that there might exist in Europe additional predators capable of assisting in the biological control of that pest. Surveys in western Europe and Morocco in 1964-65 revealed two species of bdellid mites actively preying upon S. viridis there. One of these, Bdellodes lapidaria, was already abundant in Australia, but restricted in its distribution. The other, Neomolgus capillatus, had a wide distribution in Europe and Morocco indicating that it could probably become established throughout the range of distribution of S. viridis in Australia. N. capillatus collected in Holland in 1965 failed to establish the species in Australia, probably because of the wide divergence in climate between the collection and liberation sites. Further collections in Morocco and southern France in 1969 achieved establishment in two sites in Western Australia, as well as in South Africa where part of the collection was sent. The effect, if any, of this new predator on numbers of S, viridis is now being monitored.
The reproductive cycle of the firetail gudgeon, Hypseleotris galii IV. Hormonal control of ovulation
Authors: Mackay NJ
Published: June 2005

The effects of gonadotropic and steroid hormones on ovulation in vivo and in vitro are reported.
Goldfish pituitary homogenate (GPH) and HCG induced ovulation in vivo, but of the hormones
tested only GPH did so in vitro. PMS and the steroids oestrone, progesterone and methyl testosterone were tested over a wide range of doses but had no effect on ovulation in vivo or in vitro.
Temperature-Regulated Changes in the Ovaries of Overwintering Females of the Queensland Fruit Fly, Dacus Tryoni.
Authors: Fletcher BS
Published: June 2005

Changes in the ovaries of overwintering D. tryoni females at two localities in central eastern New South Wales were studied during 1969 and 1970.
In the ovaries of females from both locations, new follicles were differentiated throughout the winter months but most of them were later resorbed. By the end of the winter most females had at least two and some as many as four resorbed follicles per ovariole. The most advanced follicle in the ovariole was resorbed first, except in ovarioles where mature eggs were present, when the penultimate follicle was the first to be resorbed. In a high proportion of the mated parous females the sperm disappeared from the spermathecae when all the viable mature eggs had been laid.
Comparison between the changes in the median stages of ovarian development and the tempera- ture data for the same period indicated that it was the mean number of day-degrees above the developmental threshold (13.5�C) experienced by the females which determined whether the ovaries continued to mature or not. Ovarian maturation continued while the mean number of day-degrees stayed above 1.6 and resorption occurred when it dropped below this. However, when the mean number of day-degrees dropped much below unity the ovaries showed very little change either way. The possible causes of ovarian resorption during the winter months and its possible significance for the survival of the flies is discussed.
Acoustic analysis of an intergrade zone between two call races of the Limnodynastes tasmaniensis complex (Anura : Leptodactylidae) in south-eastern Australia
Authors: Littlejohn MJ , Roberts JD
Published: June 2005

Mating calls of the northern and southern call races of the L. tasmaniensis complex are described. Analysis of call structure along a transect across the main contact between these allopatric forms in north central Victoria indicates that there is a zone of intergradation between 90 and 135 km wide, about 215 km long and with a north-westerly orientation. The interaction is interpreted as a secondary contact in which there is hybrid or recombinant superiority along a subtle ecological gradient.
The neck and chest glands of the Australian hopping-mice, Notomys
Authors: Watts CHS
Published: June 2005

The gross and microscopical anatomy of the neck glands of Notomys alexis, N. mitchellii, N. cervinus and N. fuscus is described. In N. alexis, N. mitchellii and N. fuscus the glandular area was composed of a sheet of sebaceous-type glands supported by a small amount of connective tissue. The gross morphology of the glandular area varied between these three species, being simplest in N. mitchellii and most complex in N. fuscus. N. cervinus had no neck gland, but males had a gland made up of a mass of lobules separately embedded in a connective tissue stroma in the sternal region. In all species the glandular area was active in all adult males, but in females only during pregnancy and lactation. It is considered that territorial marking and marking of group members, including newborn young, are among the most likely uses of the glands.
Ingestion and Excretion of Eucalyptus Punctata D.c. And Its Essential Oil by the Koala, Phascolarctos Cinereus (Goldfuss).
Authors: Eberhard IH , Mcnamara J , Pearse RJ , Southwell IA
Published: June 2005

Ingestion and excretion by P. cinereus was followed in four captive animals feeding on an exclusive diet of E. punctata punctata. The apparent dry matter digestibility of the leaves was 60%. Distillation of the ingesta and excreta showed that only 7-30% of the volatile oil ingested was excreted in a steam-volatile form in the faeces and only 1% in the urine. Gas-liquid chromatograms and infrared spectra of these oils are discussed.
Races of the introduced spotted turtledove, Streptopelia chinensis (Scopoli), in Australia
Authors: Frith HJ , McKean JL
Published: June 2005

The measurements and plumage colour characteristics of 1239 specimens of S. chinensis collected in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Innisfail, Qld., have been examined and the data compared to similar measurements for examples of the races tigrina, chinensis and suratensis. No distinctive character of the Indian race suratensis was seen in the Australian populations. The population in Innisfail was almost pure tigrina. In the other cities examples of tigrina and chinensis and many intergrades between them were found. The degree of dominance by tigrina varied from place to place but in general it was least in Melbourne and greatest in Perth. Genetic considerations were sufficient to explain most of the differences in colour characters in the different populations but there were probably both genotypic and phenotypic influences in the body measurements.
The reproductive system, embryonic development, larval development and metamorphosis of the sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma (Val.) (Echinoidea : Echinometridae)
Authors: Williams DHC , Anderson DT
Published: June 2005

H. erythrogramma has an annual reproductive cycle, spawning asynchronously. The female cycle has five phases: resting, regenerating, mature, spent and regressing; the male cycle omits the regression phase. Regression and resting occur only during April-August; regeneration begins in September; during December-March individual urchins pass through the mature, spent and regenerating phases two or three times.
The egg averages 400 �m diameter and floats at the water surface. At 24-25�C, equal, total, radial cleavage yields a wrinkled coeloblastula by 6-7 hours; this undergoes egression, becoming a spherical stereoblastula by 13-14 hours; during this process an acellular central yolk mass is segregated from a peripheral columnar blastoderm. The ciliated stereoblastula gastrulates by a typical diphasic invagination, beginning at 15 hours, and the gastrulating embryo hatches as a ciliated, planktonic yolk-larva at 15-16 hours. Lecithotrophic development of the yolk-larva to a uniformly ciliated, planktonic vitellaria is complete by 1.5 days, and the larva metamorphoses gradually to a lecithotrophic juvenile over the next 3.5 days. It remains planktonic during the first half of this period (to 3.75 days), but settles during the second half (to 5 days). The juvenile begins to feed >3 weeks after settling.
Vegetally proliferating mesenchyme invades the yolk mass during gastrulation. Invagination of the archenteron is followed by evagination of a primary pair of coelomic pouches from its wall; the left enterocoel forms the hydrocoel. Other coelomic cavities are re-formed by schizocoely. The larval gut rudiment temporarily loses connection with the exterior after the blastopore closes. The proctodaeum and stomodaeum of the juvenile form secondarily during and after metamorphosis. Ectodermal development of the echinus rudiment, though gradual, is typical of echinoids.
The blastulation of H. evythrogramma is unique among large-egged echinoderms in combining egression of a wrinkled coeloblastula with segregation of a blastoderm around a central yolk mass. The development of the species supports the view that the vitellaria larva is secondarily evolved within the Echinoidea.
The Bionomics, Distribution and Host Range of the Light Brown Apple Moth, Epiphyas Postvittana (Walk.) (Tortricidae).
Authors: Danthanarayana W
Published: June 2005

E. postvittana is an Australian native, introduced into England, Hawaii, New Caledonia and New Zealand. It is known to feed on 73 plant species (12 recorded here for the first time) belonging to 27 families.
The lower threshold for development for all stages was 7.5�C. The mean duration of the egg stage was minimal (5.7 days) at 28�C. No eggs hatched at > 31.3�C; the upper threshold for larval and pupal development was 31-32�C. The total day-degrees for the shortest generation time was 620.5, and for 50% egg-laying (cohort generation) 673.6, which allows 3.5 short generations and 3.25 cohort generations per year in Victoria; this confirms field observations. Fecundity was 0-1492 eggs per female. The heavier a female the longer she lives and the more eggs she lays, but there is considerable variation in these relationships which seems to be associated with larval food and with temperature. Under field conditions, pre-oviposition and oviposition periods were 2-7 and 1-21 days respectively; > 50% and > 80% of the eggs were laid by the sixth and the 10th day after emergence respectively. At constant temperatures of 20 and 25�C, peak oviposition occurred when moths were 2-3 days old; > 50% and > 80% of the eggs were laid by the fourth and the seventh day after emergence respectively. The optimum temperature for development is about 20�C.
Coexistence of congeneric species in the Avifaunas of Australian Islands
Authors: Abbott I
Published: June 2005

Gause's model of competition among species in a confined space is applied to the breeding land and freshwater bird species on nine large (> 109 km2) and 77 small (< 30 km2) islands around Australia.
If interspecific competition is the most important factor impoverishing island avifaunas, then islands should have fewer congeneric species than expected on the basis of a logarithmic association between numbers of species and genera, and of a Monte Carlo method. This was so for small islands, but large islands tend to have more congeneric bird species than expected.
The latter results are contrary to the Gause model of ecological incompatibility and extinction. Their biological significance may be that congeneric species have similar ecological requirements and preferences, similar dispersal abilities, and are able to persist together as well as distantly related species can. The majority of small islands do not support any congeners, which is consistent with the Gause model.
Dispersion and History of a Population of the Meat Ant Iridomyrmex Purpureus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).
Authors: Greenslade PJM
Published: June 2005

An isolated population was studied at Belair, in the Mt Lofty Ranges in South Australia, by mapping the distribution of nests and colony territories in an area bounded on one side by a railway cutting and centred on relatively sparse vegetation on a ridge projecting into denser vegetation. The population consisted of 27 antagonistic colonies which partitioned the habitable area into exclusive territories. Types and relationships of nests are described, ranging from old, abandoned ones to permanently occupied ones in various stages of growth and decline. The distribution of nests tended towards regularity, which, with confrontations between members of different colonies on the boundaries of some territories, indicated that intercolonial competition was involved in the development of the distribution pattern. The population appeared to be of considerable age and natural stability.
Diapause in the Australian Flesh Fly Tricholioproctia Impatiens (Diptera: Sarcophagidae).
Authors: Roberts B , Warren MA
Published: June 2005

At a constant temperature of 18�C, exposure of Tricholioproctia impatiens to varied daily photophases resulted in a typical long-day response of diapause induction. A critical daily photophase of 13 h marked the transition between diapause induction and continuous development. At 25�C diapause was supressed with no apparent critical photophase. Diapause occurred at 106 h at 18�C and 48 h at 25�C following pupariation.
Reproductive biology and development in the conilurine rodents (Muridae) of Australia
Authors: Happold M
Published: June 2005

Information about breeding seasons, litter sizes, gestation periods, post-partum oestrus, oestrous cycles, and the development of the young is given for Notomys alexis, Pseudomys albocinereus, P. shortridgei and P. desertor. Some data are also given for N. cervinus, N. mitchellii, P. australis and P. novaehollandiae. Published accounts of the reproductive biology of other conilurine rodents are briefly reviewed.
Number of Adult Culicoides Brevitarsis Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Emerging From Bovine Dung Exposed Under Different Conditions in the Field.
Authors: Campbell MM , Kettle DS
Published: June 2005

Numbers were recorded of adult C. brevitarsis emerging from standard samples from variously treated dung pats. Adult emergence was a more efficient technique than the extraction of immatures. Emergence increased linearly by from three to four ovipositions per pat per day over the first 7 days of exposure of pats in the field. Oviposition occurred throughout the diel, maximum 1400-1800 h and minimum 0000-0700 h. Emergence began 11 days after pats were exposed and was completed by day 24. From days 12 to 24 numbers emerging halved every 1.7 days. Eggs were deposited all over the upper surface of pats with greatest density at the centre. Number emerging per unit area was independent of pat size. Adults emerged from pats of varying shape in plan view but few from pats sunk flush with the ground, surrounded by a sleeve, or subjected to heavy rain within 24 h of deposition. It is suggested that emergence rates reflect oviposition rates, and it is concluded that C. brevitarsis orients visually to dung, probably while flying above it. The rounded sides of the pats may be very important.
Some Relationships Between Diet and Ovarian Development in Lucilia Cuprina (Wied.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae).
Authors: Clift AD , McDonald FJD
Published: June 2005

The influence of water, carbohydrate and protein on ovarian development was investigated. Carrion was the most effective of the protein sources tested, followed by faeces of dog, rabbit, horse and possum in that order. Sucrose and water were both required for complete ovarian development. If the protein source was dog faeces, a separate source of water was not required. If a complete batch of eggs could not be produced, ovarian development ceased, usually at the onset of yolk deposition.
Tasmanian Antarctoperlaria (Plecoptera)
Authors: Hynes HBN
Published: June 2005

There are two species of Eusthenia, which are distinguishable in all stages. The female Crypturoperia paradoxa is described, as are adults of Tasmanoperla larvalis, comb. nov. There are two species of Leptoperla, which are easily distinguished as adults and larvae and are different from mainland species. Cardioperla is shown to be monotypic, Riekoperla triloba to be strictly Tasmanian, and a single female that is possibly R. rugosa is recorded from the state. Trinotoperla has three Tasmanian species, one new, and Dinotoperla four, two new. It seems probable that individuals of D. fusca are really elderly females of D. serricauda. There are only single new records of Newmanoperla thoreyi and Illiesoperla australis from the state.
The reasons why so few, possibly six, species of Plecoptera occur on both sides of Bass Strait are examined in the light of the known history of the biota and of the strait itself. It is concluded that the isolation of Tasmanian stoneflies has been a long one, and that land bridges to Wilson's Promontory have provided routes for only a few inhabitants of warm lowland streams.
The litoria ewingi complex (Anura : Hylidae) in south-eastern Australia IV. Variation in mating-call structure across a narrow hybrid zone between L. ewingi ad L.paraewingi
Authors: Littlejohn MJ
Published: June 2005

The presence of mating calls characteristic of both parental species, and of intermediate calls, within the zone of contact between L. ewingi and L. paraewingi supports the earlier interpretation that the interaction is an overlap with hybridization. Pulse repetition rates are similar throughout the transect, and there are no clear indications of reproductive character displacement within the hybrid zone, even though marked one-way genetic incompatibility is present. However, calls from close allopatry are more distinctive than those from distant allopatry, mainly in pulses per repeated note (a meristic character reflecting differences in note duration), suggesting that the effects of reinforcing selection may be accumulating in the proximity of the zone of interaction.
Blood respiratory properties in a sea snake and a land snake
Authors: Seymore RS
Published: June 2005

Haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, oxygen capacity, haemoglobin-oxygen affinity (Hb-O2) and buffer capacity of whole blood are examined in the banded sea snake, Laticauda colubrina, and the terrestrial black snake, Pseudechis porphyriacus, two ecologically divergent, but phylogenetically close, species. Oxygen capacity is indistinguishable between both snakes and, in general, there is no distinct trend toward high values in diving reptiles. Hb-O2 affinity is slightly higher in the sea snake. The Bohr effect is smaller in sea snake blood but haem-haem interaction is similar in both species. However, it is proposed that moderate differences in the Bohr shift and haem-haem interaction are of little importance to oxygen transport in most reptiles. Plasma bicarbonate is moderately high in both snakes and there is no difference in non-carbonic buffer capacity. In general, the respiratory properties of the blood of sea snakes are not greatly different from those of terrestrial snakes and lizards.
Contact Chemoreceptors on the Ovipositor of Lucilia Cuprina (Wied.), The Australian Sheep Blowfly.
Authors: Rice MJ
Published: June 2005

Twenty-two sensilla are located on each of the paired lateral leaflets of the ovipositor of Lucilia cuprina. On each leaflet there are two long tactile hairs, five medium tactile hairs, seven small tactile hairs, one campaniform sensillum, two olfactory pegs and five gustatory hairs. The gustatory hairs are typical double-channelled contact chemoreceptors with single terminal pores. Electro-physiological tip recording demonstrated the presence of at least three chemoreceptor neurones in some of the gustatory hairs. Contact chemoreceptors on the ovipositor may play a part in regulating egg-laying behaviour of the sheep blowfly.
Early embryology af the marsupials Isoodon macrourus and Perameles nasuta
Authors: Lyne AG , Hollis DE
Published: June 2005

Twelve embryos, ranging from a four-celled stage to late unilaminar blastocysts, were obtained from the bandicoots I. macrourus and P. nasuta and examined by light and electron microscopy. These early stages covered at least one-quarter of the 12.5-day gestation period. The three non-cellular egg membranes characteristic of marsupials (zona pellucida, mucoid coat and shell membrane) were present, although the zona was sometimes absent or discontinuous in the intermediate and late unilaminar blastocysts examined.
At the four-celled stage the blastomeres were close to the zona, but they had lost contact with each other, probably due to the extrusion of yolk, a phenomenon which has been described in other marsupials. The embryo did not increase in diameter until it was composed of at least 75 contiguous cells, which were in contact with the zona. In several of the larger blastocysts the protoderm cells had lost contact with the zona. Subsequently, the number of cells increased considerably and they were flattened against the egg membranes to form the late unilaminar blastocyst stage.
Electron microscopy of the protoderm cells revealed the presence of numerous microvilli, particularly on the outer surface, and a range of other structures as great as those found in eutherian mammals. Remnants of spindle bridges were common in one 75-celled embryo. The yolk material in the blastocoele was also composed of a variety of structures, including small crystalloid inclusions composed of hexagonal units about 8-10 nm in diameter. Similar crystalloids have been described in the cells of early mouse and rabbit embryos and in egg and embryonic cells of various amphibians.
The Accanthodrile earthworm genus Microscolex (Diplotrema) (Megascolecidae : Oligochaeta) in the Northern Territory of Australia
Authors: Jamieson BGM , Dyne GR
Published: June 2005

Diplotrema is redefined to include Australian species formerly assigned to the subgenus Microscolex (Notiodrilus) and thus now contains species with or without spermathecal genital setae, presence of which formerly was considered diagnostic of Diplotrema. The presence of similar spermathecal setae in the related North American genus Diplocardia is noted. Nine species of Diplotrema are described from the Northern Territory, of which eight are new, and a key to these species is provided. One of these, D. ridei, sp. nov., has a subspecies on Melville I. the first report of an insular subspecies of a mainland oligochaete species for Australia. Three species-groups are tentatively recognized for the species of the Northern Territory. New taxonomic notes are given for D. australis, D. dameli, D. fragilis, D, queenslandica and D. cornigravei, species occurring outside the Territory. It is suggested that Diplotrema is a relict of a Gondwanaland acanthodrile fauna.
Epididymal maturation of spermatozoa in the marsupial Trichosurus vulpecula : Changes in motility and gross morphology
Authors: Cummins JM
Published: June 2005

Epididymides from mature T. vulpecula were divided into five regions: the proximal and distal caput (1, 2), the proximal and distal corpus (3, 4) and the cauda (5). Sperm suspensions prepared from these regions had means of 1, 10, 31, 58 and 75% motile forms respectively. Vigour of movement also increased correspondingly, with the development of active forward progression by regions 4 and 5. The mean percentages of morphologically mature spermatozoa in the five descending regions were, respectively, 0, 0, 6, 52 and 82. Three distinct stages in morphological maturation could be recognized, with the bulk of sperm population successively moving through these stages in regions 1, 2 and 3. Maturation involves pivoting of the nucleus on the flagellum from perpendicular to parallel, contraction of the cytoplasmic droplet and migration onto the mid-piece, and contraction of the acrosome from a prominent, voluminous, hoodlike structure on the dorsal surface of the nucleus. These changes are discussed in the light of preliminary ultrastructural observations.
Annual gonadal and adrenal cycles in the Eastern Rosella, Platycerus eximius, (Psittaciformes : Platycercidae)
Authors: Smith MJ , Brereton JLG
Published: June 2005

Gonadal development in the eastern rosella was investigated in samples shot approximately monthly for one year near Armidale, N.S.W. In the testes of males of all ages and social rank, spermatogenesis begins in September, and by December the testis tubules of all males are filled with sperm. The histological stages of spermatogenesis are described. The Leydig cells of the testis are smaller in autumn, when the testes are regressing, than in early summer, when the testes are maximally developed. Between first-year and adult males, no differences could be discerned in the rate nor degree of development of testis tubules and intertubular tissue, but the weight of first-year birds' testes at full spermatogenesis was less than that of adults. In at least some first-year females the ovaries develop and eggs are released.
Adrenal glands of adult males are smaller than those of females and first-year males. The adrenal cortical cells of all birds, male and female, are larger during the breeding season than during the subsequent moulting period.
The similarity of gonadal condition between first-year birds and adults, together with the small differences in adrenals, leads to the conclusion that the failure of first-year birds to breed is a behavioural rather than physiological phenomenon.
Integrated Pest Control of Victorian Peach Orchards: the Role of Typhlodromus Occidentalis Nesbitt (Acarina: Phytoseiidae).
Authors: Field RP
Published: June 2005

The potential importance of the predatory mite T. occidentalis in controlling Tetranychus urticae Koch, was evaluated during a 3-year period in a peach orchard at Cobram, Vic. The tolerance of the predator to parathion enabled it to survive where this chemical was applied for control of Cydia molesta Busck. T. occidentalis was not found on leaves where azinphos-methyl was applied. The use of parathion also permitted quicker recolonization by Stethorus species which, together with T. occidentalis, gave substantial control of T. urticae in two out of the three seasons. Lure jars were used to time applications of parathion; adequate control of C. molesta and Epiphyas postvittana Walker was achieved in early and mid-season peach cultivars; however, fruit from a later maturing cultivar was damaged excessively by C. molesta.
Branching patterns and phylogeny of the family Vittaticellidae (Bryozoa : Cheilostomata)
Authors: Wass RE
Published: June 2005

Branching patterns for 18 species belonging to eight genera in the Family Vittaticellidae are discussed and figured. Patterns are related to three laws of branching. A phylogeny is proposed for the 18 genera currently constituting the family.
Australian Hydraena (Coleoptera : Hydraenidae)
Authors: Zwick P
Published: June 2005

The taxonomy of Australian Hydraena is revised with all currently available material, including types of all previously named species. The 29 species now known from Australia are all described and their distinctive characters illustrated. H. blackburni Zaitzeff (= H. evanescens Blackburn, not Rey), H. castanea Deane, H. luridipennis Macleay (= H. acutipennis Fairmaire = H. torrensi Blackburn = H. selecta Deane = H. plenipennis Deane; new synonymies), H. rudallensis Blackburn, H. simplicicollis Blackburn and H. williarnsensis Deane are redescribed from types. The following new species are named: H. ambifagellata, H. australica, H. barbipes, H. billi, H. brittoni, H. clavigera, H. cygnus, H. decipiens, H. extorris, H. hamifera, H. hynesi, H. impercepta, H. lucernae, H. magnetica, H. parva, H. pilipes, H. reticulata, H. robusta, H. ruinosa, H. simplipes, H. traprzoidalis, H. tricantha, and H. ypsilon. Formally, the Australian species all fall into subgenus Hydraena, ss., the monophyly of which is, however, as yet unconfirmed. Brief remarks about habitats and habits of Australian Hyrdaena and of other hydraenid genera in Australia are presented.
An unusual blastocyst stage of the marsupial Isoodon macrourus
Authors: Lyne AG , Hollis DE
Published: June 2005

Four blastocysts, identical in size (diameter 1.1 mm) and appearance, were obtained from one uterus of a short-nosed bandicoot I. macrourus and examined by light and electron microscopy. These blastocysts were unusual in that each one had a conspicuous region of protoderm about 0.3-0.5 mm in width and mostly more than one cell thick. The remainder of the protoderm was thin and unilaminar. Cell divisions were more numerous in the thickened region than in the remainder of the protoderm. Some entire cells and blebs of cytoplasm had been shed or were being shed from the thickened region into the blastocoele.
The egg membranes were similzr to those of bilaminar blastocysts, the shell membranes being intact and about 1.0 um thick, and the mucoid coat and zona pellucida being discontinuous.
Adaptive behaviour of Drosophila adults in relation to temperature and humidity
Authors: Prince GJ , Parsons PA
Published: June 2005

The reactions of three Drosophila species (D. melanogaster, D. simulans and D. immigrans) were studied in a temperature gradient at different humidities. In a saturation-deficit gradient all three species showed adaptive behaviour which could be related to their physiological resistance to desiccation. This is taken as experimental evidence for similar avoidance of stressful conditions in the field.
The Australian and Some Other Species of Gymnodia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Muscidae).
Authors: Pont AC
Published: June 2005

The three Australian species of Gymnodia Robineau-Desvoidy are revised: subtilis Stein (= bancrofti Malloch, syn. nov.), obliterata Malloch and ruficornis Malloch. G. tibiseta, sp. nov., is described from south-east Asia, and notes are given on flexa Wiedemann for which a lectotype is designated.