bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OBSERVATIONS ON THE BANDED ANT‐EATER MYRMECOBIUS F. FASCIATUS WATERHOUSE (MARSUPIALIA), WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO ITS FOOD HABITS
Authors: CALABY J. H.
Published: August 2010

New observations are recorded on the banded ant‐eater or numbat (Myrmecobius f. fasciatus Waterhouse), of south‐western Australia. It lives in shrub woodland in which the majority of trees are eucalypts (chiefly E. redunca Schau. var. elata Benth.), the heartwood of most of which are eaten out by the termito, Coptotermes acinaciformis (Frogg.). The woodland floor is strewn with fallen hollow limbs and logs with which the animal is associated and runs to when disturbed.

The past and present geographical distribution has been examined, showing a considerable shrinkage of range since European occupation. The subspecies M. f. rufus Wood Jones is recorded in Western Australia for the first time.

The nominate race is diurnal and in general is solitary, and observations suggest that it holds some sort of territory. Its general daily behaviour and feeding methods are described. The food habits were determined chiefly from seat analysis. It lives largely on termites scratched from the soil, but ants make up about 15 per cent of its diet. All species of termites are eaten, roughly in proportion to their abundance and availability, but the bulk of ants eaten are the small predatory species. The numbat probably does not search for ants but these are ingested incidentally when they swarm in to prey on the exposed termites.

The young, of which there are normally four, are born from summer to autumn or early winter (January to April or May) and are carried or nursed by the mother through the winter. There is evidence of a seasonal cycle of fertility in the male.

Observations are also given on growth of young, voice, adult weight, parasites, possible predators, and other subjects.

The reasons for the numbat's decline are discussed and some suggestions are given regarding its conservation.
ON THE RESPIRATION OF AQUATIC HEMIPTERA HETEROPTERA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE CORIXIDAE
Authors: POPHAM EDWARD J.
Published: August 2010

Aquatic Hemiptera Heteroptera have ventrally placed anterior thoracie and abdominal spiracles, the posterior thoracic and first abdominal spiracles being situated dorsally. Internally the spiracles are joined by paired thoracic and abdominal longitudinal tracheal trunks. Gas bubbles carried on the body surface function as gas stores and physical gills. In the Naucoridae, Nepidae and Notonectidae gas store replenishment occurs posteriorly and the main inspiration air currents enter the first abdominal spiracles from under the wings (Naucoridae) or the posterior abdominal spiracles (Nepidae) or via the ventral abdominal surface (Notonectidae). Gas is expired from the anterior thoracic spiracles (Naucoridae and Notonectidae) or the posterior abdominal spiracles (Nepidae). These water bugs are predaceous amongst aquatic vegetation and obtain their main supply of oxygen by ventilation of the tracheal system, while surfacing. In contrast, the Aphelocheiridae are permanently submerged and use a plastron respiration. The Corixidae are bottom livers. The longitudinal abdominal tracheal trunks are vestigial, gaseous exchange being restricted mainly to the thoracic region. Gas is expired from the anterior and posterior thoracic spiracles on to the ventral and dorsal abdominal surfaces respectively and here gaseous, exchange take place between the air bubbles and the water. Inspiration takes place through the first abdominal spiracles. Corixids are normally negatively phototactic, but become positively phototactic when deficient in oxygen. Gas store replenishment occurs anteriorly by momentary contact with the air water interface and is associated with specialized mating habits. The large gas stores make the insect very buoyant and the specialised method of locomotion is associated with this.
SOME NOTES ON THE BREEDING CYCLE OF THE SENEGAL GALAGO GALAGO SENEGALENSIS SENEGALENSIS IN THE SUDAN
Authors: BUTLER H.
Published: August 2010

The Senegal galago appears to have an oestrous cycle lasting four to six weeks and recurring throughout the year. It most probably exhibits a post‐partum oestrus. The intensity of sexual activity varies during the year and this gives the appearance of one or more restricted breeding periods. In the Nuba mountains there is a period of intense sexual activity in mid‐December. A well‐developed sequence of changes occurs in the vaginal epithelium during the oestrous cycle. These changes are typical of those seen in other mammals. The corpus luteum of pregnancy, which may become pedunculated, only lasts for about the first third of pregnancy. Twin pregnancies are uncommon.
ZOOPLANKTON OF THE RIVER SOKOTO. THE ROTIFERA
Authors: GREEN J.
Published: August 2010

Forty‐one species of Rotifera are recorded from the River Sokoto, North Nigeria, and details of their seasonal abundance are given. There is a marked change in the composition of the rotifer fauna of the river when it floods in the single wet season. The cyclomorphosis of Keratella tropica begins with the appearance of the species in December. At this stage most individuals lack a left posterior spine. The left posterior spine then grows longer in successive samples until February or March and then decreases to very short lengths in June. The right posterior spine does not vary much throughout the cycle and is always positively correlated with the length of the lorica. The length of the left spine shows varying degrees of correlation with the length of the lorica according to the rate of change of length of the left spine. Brachionus caudatus shows synchronous changes of both its posterior spines, the lengths of which are positively correlated with the length of the lorica. The relation of these findings to the general theories of cyclomorphosis is discussed. The flotation theory of Wesenberg Lund is rejected from application to the species studied. The necessity of considering cyclomorphic phenomena in relation to body size is emphasized.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE TECTIBRANCH RINGICULA BUCCINEA (BROCCHI)
Authors: FRETTER VERA
Published: August 2010

Ringicula buccinea is an opisthobranch mollusc with a comparatively large external shell which burrows in muddy sand using its foot and cephalic disc. The latter helps to exclude sand from the mantle cavity, is produced into an inhalant siphon dorsally and is fused with the foot laterally. The gill is reduced and the main pallial water current is an exhalant one. There is no exogyrous caecum.

Glands open just within the lips and the buccal cavity contains paired jaws and a reduced buccal mass and radula. Into it open the small salivary glands. The oesophagus has neither glands nor crushing plates. The stomach is large with the oesophagus, intestine and liver ducts opening close together to a thin‐walled anterior chamber, whereas a larger posterior chamber has thick, muscular walls and a cuticularized epithelium. Interstitial copepods and Foraminifera are collected for food and crushed in the triturating region.

The rectum and pallial genital oviduct lie in the floor of the mantle cavity. A single duct carries both sperm and ova to the mouth of the cavity a bursa copulatrix and receptaculum are associated with it. The penis is retracted into a sheath which opens on the head and is associated with a prostate gland.

Discussion of these aspects of the animal's structure confirms its position as a primitive tectibranch which is specialized for burrowing and also shows affinities with the basommatophoran pulmonates.
OME FEATURES OF THE VASCULARIZATION OF THE HYPOTHALAMUS AND PITUITARY STALK IN THE MINNOW PHOXINUS PHOXINUS L.
Authors: BARRINGTON E. J. W.
Published: August 2010

An account is given of the vascularization of the pituitary stalk and of the associated region of the hypothalamus in the minnow. It is pointed out that, making allowance for the fact that the teleosts are widely separated from the main line of vertebrate ascent, the pattern of this vascularization has something in common with that of a median eminence. A particular feature is the existence of a capillary bed in the floor of the infundibular recess and this is shown to have a close topographical relationship with cells containing granules which are intensely stained by chrome‐alum‐haematoxylin. These is some evidence that these may be secretory cells and that their products pass into the blood stream and into the third ventricle.
THE BREEDING SEASONS OF SLUGS IN GARDENS
Authors: BETT JANE A.
Published: August 2010

Generalized life cycles of five slug species were ascertained from new data on weights of individual slugs together with information on the seasonal state of their genital organs in conjunction with Barnes & Weil's unpublished data on weights.

Arion hortensis hatches mainly in January and February, grows through the summer months to become mature in September and October. These adults live through the winter, laying eggs and gradually losing weight and die before July of the following year.

The eggs of Arion subfuscus are mainly laid in the autumn (late August and September) and hatch sporadically through the winter. The young slugs grow through the spring to become mature in July and the adults die soon after egg‐laying.

Agriolimax reticulatus breeds throughout the year but the rate depends on the weather and each year there is a period of intense egg‐laying associated with the new spring vegetation, that results in a summer abundance of individuals.

Milax budapestensis hatches during the autumn and winter, grows through the summer to become mature in late October and November when they mate and eggs are laid in the autumn and throughout the winter. The adults die before July of the following year.

Milax sowerbii probably hatches in early spring, grows throughout the summer, becomes mature, mates and starts to lay eggs in September, October and November. The adults die soon after egg‐laying.
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF NORMAL GROWTH OF THE PRONEPHRIC SYSTEM IN LARVAL AMPHIBIA
Authors: FOX H.
Published: August 2010

The pronephric systems of young larvae of Ambystoma mexicanum, Hynobius nebulosus, Cryptobranchus japonicus and Rana esculenta were quantitatively analysed and compared with each other and with previous data of Neoceratodus. The morphological arrangement of the nephrostomial units was described. Cryptobranchus had the largest pronephric system among the urodeles. In terms of total larval length a comparison of the regression lines of a variety of pronephric components showed some of them to grow faster in Cryptobranchus than in axolotl, but the slopes of the regression lines of all components of Hynobius were not significantly different from those in axolotl. In all genera within the range of development studied the pronephric nuclear population, total pronephric tissue volume and overall pronephric volume increase with increase of larval length except in Rana, where the latter component measurement is stable from 17 mm. onwards. Glomus volumes and glomus external surface areas, except those for Neoceratodus, continue to enlarge. The pronephric cell volume size range is of a similar order in all genera except in Cryptobranchus larvae from 26 mm. to 32 mm. in length where it is considerably higher.
THE POSTEMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM IN LIMOTHRIPS CEREALIUM HALIDAY (THYSANOPTERA: THRIPIDAE)
Authors: DAVIES R. G.
Published: August 2010

In the early second‐instar larva the reproductive system comprises a pair of undifferentiated ovary‐rudiments, each produced posteriorly into a solid strand of cells—the mesodermal lateral oviduct rudiments. Later in the second instar a spermathecal rudiment arises from the epidermis of the eighth abdominal segment and ovipositor valve rudiments from the eighth and ninth sterna. By the early prepupa the lateral oviducts acquire ampullae and the ectodermal structures are supplemented by a common oviduct rudiment (from the seventh sternum) and an accessory gland rudiment (from the ninth sternum). Further growth of these is followed in the pupa by the development of the vagina through ventral closure of a mid‐sternal groove on the eighth segment and by the division of the ovary rudiment into ovarioles. Meanwhile the ovipositor valves have increased in length and some of their muscles have arisen by differentiation of previously unorganized masses of myoblasts; the remaining ovipositor muscles are formed from larval muscles which change their positions but are otherwise unaltered. Though the reproductive system of Limothrips is morphologically comparable to that of less specialized Exopterygota, its development is shown to be delayed in a manner more reminiscent of the endopterygote insects.
REPORT OF THE PATHOLOGIST FOR THE YEAR 1959
Authors: T.‐W.‐FIENNES R. N.
Published: August 2010

An analysis is given of the causes of death and main infecting organisms amongst 494 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians which died at the Regent's Park Gardens during the year 1959. A description is given of the post mortem findings in the more interesting cases.

Progress reports are given on items of research into animal diseases carried out during the year.
THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM OF THE AMPHIBIOUS SNAIL SUCCINEA PFEIFFERI ROSSMASSLER
Authors: DUNCAN C. J.
Published: August 2010

Following a brief histological examination, the genital system of Succinea pfeifferi was found to correspond with the pulmonate pattern and similarities were found with members of the Basommatophora and with Helix, a more specialised stylommatophoran.
THE FORM AND FUNCTION OF THE FORE‐GUT IN ANURAN LARVAE (AMPHIBIA, SALIENTIA) WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE MANICOTTO GLANDULARE
Authors: GRIFFITHS I.
Published: August 2010

The structure and development of the larval fore‐gut is described in Rana ridibunda. It is shown that the manicotto is formed from elements of the ventral pancreatic anlage which proliferate within the limits of the gut‐wall. The pattern of the manicotto is examined in seventy‐five anuran species representing thirty genera and nine families. Three main deviations from the typically ranid plan are described: (a) persistence of a manicotto/ pancreatic bridge until late metamorphosis (e.g. in Heleophryne rosei); (b) restriction of manicotto tissue to the pancreatic half of the gut tube (Alytes obstetricans) and (c) concentration of the gland into a discrete, muscular fore‐gut diverticulum (Philautus gryllus). In (b) and (c) specialized mechanisms for sorting gut contents are also described. Defined regions of the fore‐gut are examined for enzyme action. It is shown that the manicotto functions proteolytically at ≑ pH 7.8. No such activity is detectable in any other part of the fore‐gut and tests for amylase and lipase are negative for all regions. Peptic action is first detectable about two days before the end of metamorphosis, approximately six days after the cessation of manicotto activity. The effect of the chemical nature of the type of food taken during ontogeny is considered. It is shown that the nature of the diet has no detectable effect on either the form or the physiology of the fore‐gut. The distribution of the manicotto is reviewed. It is concluded that the occurrence of the gland is neither a correlate of phylogenetic relationship nor of feeding habits but that its presence results from the protraction of the early anlage stage in the development of the larval pancreas. It is suggested that the absence of a peptic digestion in anuran larvae reflects a need for chloride ion economy in these forms.
RESPONSES TO DISTURBANCE OF THE PERIWINKLE LITTORINA PUNCTATA (GMELIN) ON A SHORE IN GHANA
Authors: EVANS FRANK
Published: August 2010

Specimens of Littorina punctata (Gmelin), the common periwinkle of Ghana, were subjected to a series of simple tests to see how they behaved when disturbed. The results suggested the initial tracks of freshly displaced winkles are compounded of two components, one directed up or down the shore, the other directed up or down a slope. In winkles collected from a vertical surface the upshore component is dominant on slopes below 90°; above 90° (reverse slope) it is the up slope component. In those collected from the flat floor of a rock pool the down slope component is dominant on slopes of 30° or more; on a flat surface the upshore component is revealed. The upshore component is related to a visual response, the slope component is not.

Results on a dark night with no moon do not differ from those in full sunlight. Visual responses depend on the use of terrestrial rather than astronomical beacons for at least part of the time. If winkles ever use the sun as a directional guide they allow for ephemeral changes in azimuth and also for change of transit bearing from north to south. A heavy swell can quickly alter the level at which the winkles are found and can temporarily affect some of their responses to disturbance.
POSTEMBRYONIC CHANGES IN THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM OF THE SLUG ARION AFTER RUFUS L.
Authors: LŪSIS O.
Published: August 2010

The morphology, histology and histochemistry of the reproductive system of Arion ater rufus (Gastropoda, Pulmonata) have been described. Contrary to previous opinion, the loop of the hermaphrodite duct has been found not to be a vesicula seminalis. Instead, the distal convoluted part of the duct acts as a true seminal vesicle. The changes which occur in the reproductive system during the life of the animal, have been examined in detail. Increasing age has a marked effect upon the development of the reproductive organs. It has been found that any of the epithelial cells of the acinar wall of ductules in the hermaphrodite gland may transform into a follicular cell. The nutritive function of nurse cells with relation to the development of spermatozoa is discussed. Fluctuations in the number of oocytes in the hermaphrodite gland have been determined and its significance in relation to the development of spermatozoa is discussed. Arion ater rufus is protandric. During the first month of life, each individual is male; from two months onwards it is a true hermaphrodite, till finally it becomes female at the age between five to twelve months. Histological observations suggest that sex determination in the gametes is the result of an inherent capacity of the acinar epithelial cells to respond in different ways to an inducing mechanism. The distribution within the reproductive system of alkaline phosphatase, lipids, glycogen and other polysaccharides has been described. The significance of the distribution and quantitative changes of these materials is discussed.
THE FOOD OF NON‐CICHLID FISHES IN THE LAKE VICTORIA BASIN, WITH REMARKS ON THEIR EVOLUTION AND ADAPTATION TO LACUSTRINE CONDITIONS
Authors: CORBET PHILIP S.
Published: August 2010

The food of twenty‐six species of non‐cichlid fishes in the Lake Victoria basin is described. Most species, for which data were sufficient to show this, are facultative feeders, their food being determined by their size, their feeding grounds, and the age of the moon. The size of an organism and its position in the aquatic environment usually determine its importance as prey, and this is considered a reason why so many fishes in the lake are insectivorous. Only three species of non‐cichlid are extensively piscivorous: these feed heavily on Haplochromis, slightly on Engraulicypris, and hardly at all on Tilapia. Several birds and fishes feed on Engraulicypris, but otherwise there are few natural predators of non‐cichlids. Ontogenetic changes in feeding behaviour of Mormyrus kannume and Bagrus docmac support the hypothesis (recently confirmed for B. docmac) that in the lake juveniles of these two species live on rocky shores. The evolutionary stages involved in the colonization of lakes from rivers are discussed, with particular reference to breeding habits and food. The non‐cichlids in Lake Victoria are considered not to have progressed far towards becoming adapted to a lacustrine environment.
THE OXYURID PARASITES (NEMATODA) OF PRIMATES
Authors: INGLIS WILLIAM G.
Published: August 2010

Enterobius nycticebi Baylis, 1928 and E. callithricis Solomon, 1933 are briefly redescribed and the oxyurid parasites of primates are discussed, additional morphological evidence being presented on many of them when necessary. The parasites are regrouped into two genera, with two subgenera each, thus: Enterobius Leach, 1853 with Enterobius and Protenterobius subgen. nov. (type species E. nycticebi); Trypanoxyuris Vevers, 1923 with Trypanoxyuris and Paraoxyuronema Artigas, 1937. A trend from a three‐lipped mouth opening to a two‐lipped is demonstrated within the genus Trypanoxyuris and a trend from a “doubled” to “single” spicule is demonstrated within Enterobius. It is pointed out that although the trend in Enterobius parallels the phylogeny of the hosts in part it does not necessarily establish a phylogeny particularly as there are relatively few records of the parasites. This is clearly demonstrated by recording from which of the genera of living primates oxyurid parasites have been reported. It is argued that “Cameron's Hypothesis”—one species of parasite (Enterobius or Trypanoxyuris): one genus of host—appears to hold good in the wild and that there is a tendency in the genus Enterobius for the parasites most like the parasites of man to occur in the hosts phylogenetically nearest man. The subfamily Oxyurinae is reviewed and two tribes, Oxyurini and Heteroxynematini, are recognized. It is reported that Callistoura brygooi Chabaud and Petter, 1958 does not have a spicule and that the structure described by Chabaud and Petter as such is a modified gubernaculum similar to that found in Ozolaimus and related genera. The great similarity between the male tail of C. brygooi and Ozolaimus is noted and it is suggested that Callistoura should be treated as a genus incertae sedis until a full study of the subfamily Pharyngodoninae, to which it is clearly related, can be undertaken. Several new synonyms are demonstrated, thus: Buckleyenterobius deniata Sandosham, 1950=Enterobius lemuris Baer, 1935; Oxyuris parallela Linstow, 1908=O. polyoon Linstow, 1909 and is referred to Enterobius; Oxyuris armata Kreis, 1940=Primasubulura distans (Rudolphi, 1819).
LOCOMOTORY POWERS OF ADULT ASCIDIANS
Authors: CARLISLE D. B.
Published: August 2010

Adults of several species of both solitary and colonial ascidians are capable of slow crawling, involving the progressive formation of new attachments and tearing or dissolving the old ones. The ampullae play a leading part. A moving colony may divide into two, or two adjacent colonies may fuse: true fusion has been observed only once, in Trididemnum tenerum. Both Ciona intestinalis and Diplosoma listerianum may metamorphose by attachment to the surface film and are capable of post‐metamorphic attachment to a solid surface for a prolonged period. In such attachment the ampullae play a leading role. A free‐swimming (unattached) colony of Diplosoma takes on the form of a Pyrosoma colony. Such colonies have been reared in the laboratory forming cigar‐shaped, jet‐propelled bodies up to 1 cm. long with as many as fifty zooids.
THE CILIATION AND FUNCTION OF THE LABIAL PALPS OF ACILA CASTRENSIS (PROTOBRANCHIA, NUCULIDAE), WITH AN EVALUATION OF THE ROLE OF THE PROTOBRANCH ORGANS OF FEEDING IN THE EVOLUTION OF THE BIVALVIA
Authors: STASEK CHARLES R.
Published: August 2010

The ciliation and structure of the labial palps of the nuculid Acila castrensis have been investigated and found to be extremely complex. A morphological and functional association of the labial palps and the inner demibranchs of the ctenidia has been observed in Acila and in Nucula. Small particles trapped by the ctenidia are passed to the labial palps and then to the mouth via the lateral oral groove. Nuculids have three ways of obtaining particles to be sorted for food: (a) by way of the ciliated palp proboscides; (b) by way of the outer, unridged surfaces of the outer palp lamellae the ciliation of which collects particles from the incurrent stream of water; and (c) by way of the frontal and enlarged frontal cilia of the ctenidia and the functional association of the ctenidia and palps. Comparisons are made from which it is shown that the Nuculidae and the Tellinacea share certain adaptations for inhalant deposit feeding in muddy environments. Morphological, paleontological, and embryological evidence is reviewed. The conclusion is reached that the immediate bivalved ancestors of existing protobranchs, filibranchs, and eulamellibranchs could have been suspension feeders and that palp proboscides may never have appeared in the evolutionary mainstream of the Bivalvia.
THE EXTERNAL APPEARANCE AND SYSTEMATIC POSITION OF GOBIUS FORSTERI (TELEOSTEI‐PERCOMORPHI)
Authors: MILLER P. J.
Published: August 2010

The object of this paper is to redescribe Gobius forsteri Corbin 1958, and to determine the systematic position of this species. Study of the distribution of the lateral line sensory papillae in particular has indicated that G. forsteri belongs to the subgenus Zebrus De Buen 1930, where it may be identical with G. thori De Buen 1928.
STUDIES ON THE TREMATODA OF BRITISH FRESHWATER BIRDS*
Authors: BEVERLEY‐BURTON MARY
Published: August 2010

The literature concerned with the helminthic fauna of Anseriformes is briefly surveyed. A host/parasite list, which includes nine new host records, the descriptions of fifteen species of trematodes which were collected from British freshwater birds during 1956‐58 and a key for the separation of the genera of the subfamily Notocotylinae Kossack, 1911, are given. One other species has been described elsewhere (Beverley‐Burton (1958)).
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE LIFE HISTORY OF ASELLUS AQUATICUS (L.) AND ASELLUS MERIDIANUS RACOVITZA (CRUSTACEA: ISOPODA)
Authors: STEEL E. A.
Published: August 2010

The object of this research was to discover details of the life history and breeding biology of the two species of Asellus found in the surface waters of the British Isles. Data were obtained from monthly samples taken from two habitats. Analysis revealed that the species are similar in most aspects that were investigated but that the life histories show slight differences in timing.
THE WEIGHTS OF WILD HOUSE MICE (MUS MUSCULUS L.) LIVING IN CONFINED COLONIES
Authors: CROWCROFT PETER , ROWE F. P.
Published: August 2010

Wild house mice supplied with excess food and confined in pens rapidly became grossly overcrowded. The mean body weights at specified ages of mice born when overcrowding was acute have been compared with those of mice born earlier, in order to test the hypothesis that overcrowding depresses body weight. In three of the four pens studied the more crowded animals were lighter, but in the fourth they were heavier. There is evidence of great inherent variability in body weight in the species.
THE FOOD OF THE PINE MARTENMARTES MARTESIN WEST ROSS‐SHIRE, SCOTLAND
Authors: LOCKIE J. D.
Published: August 2010

This paper concerns the food of the pine martenMarles martesin the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, West Ross‐shire, between 1956 and 1958. The technique of studying food from droppings and the need for correction factors are discussed. The study is based on 337 droppings.

The food eaten was varied both in size and nature but small rodents and small birds formed the bulk of the food at all times of the year. Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, carrion, fish and berries were eaten seasonally. Small prey appeared to be preferred. Ninety per cent of the small rodents eaten were short‐tailed volesMicrotus agrestisdespite the fact that bank volesClethrionomys glareolusand woodmiceApodemus sylvaticuswere probably more abundant and the martens' activity rhythm brought them into contact with all three species.
ANNUAL VARIATIONS IN GROWTH AND DENSITY IN NATURAL POPULATIONS OF FRESHWATER SNAILS IN THE WEST OF SCOTLAND
Authors: HUNTER W. RUSSELL
Published: August 2010

Surveyed over nine years, stable populations of Ancylus fluviatilis, Physa fontinalis and Lymnaea peregra, all with annual cycles, showed variation from year to year in mean size and in population density at the breeding season. This variation in adult mean size is about twice as great in L. peregra (i.e. approximately ± 17.5 per cent) as in the other two species. Fluctuations in population densities at breeding can be five‐fold in Ancylus and L. peregra and three‐fold in Physa. Annual variations in assessed productivity (as volumes of molluscan tissue per unit habitat) can be over seven‐fold in Ancylus, more than three‐fold in Physa, and over eight‐fold in Lymnaea peregra.

With exceptions, there is general agreement between the annual figures for the different species, and they can be correlated with certain of the weather conditions prevailing during the preceding year. Severity of the winter appears the most important climatic cause of these molluscan fluctuations, particularly in Physa and L. peregra. Annual variations in Ancylus seem more closely related to spring sunshine, and a possible trophic basis is suggested for this difference between the species.

In relating this to other studies the interaction of external and endogenous factors in controlling life cycles is briefly considered. It is suggested that the plasticity in growth cycles and reproductive behaviour shown by freshwater snails is of fundamental selective value. Measurements of variations in growth and density in molluscan populations are proposed as a means of assessment of annual variations in total organic productivity of fresh waters.
A NEW GENUS AND SPECIES OF TREMATODE PARASITIC IN MACRURUS FABRICII (SUNDEVAL), A DEEP‐SEA FISH
Authors: KABATA Z.
Published: August 2010

Twenty specimens of a trematode, hitherto undescribed, were found in Macurus fabricii caught off the coast of Iceland. They are described, figured and named in this paper.
THE RETROLINGUAL GLAND OF THE ELEPHANT
Authors: CAVE A. J. E.
Published: August 2010

Attention is directed to a hitherto overlooked structure in the elephant—the organ herein described and named the ‘retrolingual gland’. A description is given of the gross and microscopical features of this gland and of the associated smaller pharyngeal glands. The function of these glands is discussed.
FOOD AND FEEDING IN PELAGIC COPEPODS
Authors: Wickstead J. H.
Published: August 2010

Pelagic copepods are divided into different groups, based on food and feeding habits. An account is given of feeding in certain cyclopoid copepods and deep‐sea copepods; a theory is put forward to explain how pelagic plants enter into the food cycle of the latter.
HELMINTH INFECTION OF THE STARLING (STURNUS VULGARISL.) IN NORTHERN ENGLAND
Authors: OWEN R. WYNNE , PEMBERTON R. T.
Published: August 2010

Although much information is available on the occurrence of helminth parasites, little is known concerning the composition, size and variability of parasite populations in a particular host species.

Comprehensive data have been compiled from the examination of 135 juvenile and 223 adult starlings from Northern England over a period of nineteen months. Only four of the fifteen species recorded are found in more than 25 per cent of juveniles or adults.

During the first quarter of the year the incidence of infection is low and the numbers of parasites are small, but in the second quarter the incidence and intensity of infection increase rapidly to their maximum levels. Newly fledged juveniles, when they first appear at the end of May, are also universally and heavily infected. The incidence and level of infection in both groups gradually decrease during the remaining six months of the year.

The numbers of parasite species and individuals appear to be related to the incidence of infection. When the incidence is low infected birds always harbour small numbers of parasites; when it is high a large proportion of birds carry heavy or very heavy infections.
NOTES ON SOME INSECTIVORES AND BATS FROM UPPER BURMA
Authors: HILL J. E.
Published: August 2010

Taxonomic notes are given for a number of rare or poorly known insectivores and bats from Upper Burma and the adjoining frontier regions of Tibet and Assam. Wherever possible, their taxonomic status has been evaluated and their current classification revised.

Taxonomic studies are made of a number of rare or poorly known insectivores and bats from Upper Burma and the adjoining frontier regions of Tibet and Assam. These include an examination of the forms of Scaptonyx, Chimarrogale and Nectogale from this region: new material of Rhinolophus subbadius, Myotis montivagus and Myotis frater is recorded and discussed and a detailed study of the classification of the forms of Myotis (Selysius) in south‐east Asia made. Rhinolophus subbadius, Coelops frithi, Myotis montivagus montivagus, Myotis frater, Pipistrellus cadornae, Scotomanes ornatus imbrensis, Murina tubinaris and Murina huttoni rubella are recorded for the first time from the Burmese fauna.
THE SEXUAL, AGONISTIC AND DERIVED SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR PATTERNS OF THE WILD CHACMA BABOON, PAPIO URSINUS
Authors: HALL K. R. L.
Published: August 2010

The sexual, social, and agonistic behaviour‐patterns of the Chacma baboon, P. ursinus, were the subject of field study chiefly in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where intensive close‐range observation of a single group was possible. The mating system in this group was one in which the male dominant in terms of such criteria as frequency of aggressiveness and of social “attractiveness” (as shown by the number of animals presenting to him, and participating in grooming with him) tended to have a brief, exclusive relationship, with the female in full ocstrus. Other males would also mate with her, on the same day as the dominant male, before the stage of exclusion was reached. Data are presented on the frequency of occurrence of components of sexual behaviour. Presenting, grooming, mounting, and mating all tend to occur most frequently in the early part of the day. Social gestures, other than presenting and mounting, include a variety of greetings behaviour‐patterns which occurred repeatedly between a tame young male baboon released near the group and the young males and females of this group.

Agonistic behaviour was analysed particularly in terms of frequency and intensity of occurrence within the group. Aggressive opisodes by the dominant male occurred, on average, about once in six hours of day‐time, except on the first occasion when the tame baboon accompanied the group on the whole of its day‐range. The dominant male was then repeatedly aggressive throughout the day. A high positive correlation was found between the frequency of mating per day by the dominant male and the frequency of aggression by females against females. Analysis suggests that the peak of mating in the dominant male results in a proportional increase in tension amongst the females which is directed partly at the oestrous female, partly at other females. Aggressive episodes, sometimes very noisy and rough‐looking, never resulted in visible injury to the victim, and mostly consisted of threats without physical contact. Supposed conflict‐expressions, such as yawning, are briefly described.

Further progress in such field studies may come chiefly from systematic quantification of results, obtained at close range on identifiable individuals and from experimental variations of the social situation such as the introduction of strange baboons on two occasions described in the present paper.
THE ANATOMY RELATED TO THE FEEDING HABITS OF ARIXENIA AND HEMIMERUS (DERMAPTERA)
Authors: Popham Edward J.
Published: August 2010

Arixenia esau (Dermaptera) feeds on the skin of bats of the genus Cheiromeles. The food material is collected by the maxillae, lifted through the cibarium by the hypopharynx and then pushed into the oesophagus by the orally directed setae on the mandibles. Arixenia jacobsoni has less specialised mouthparts and feeds upon insects inhabiting bat guano in a similar way to many carnivorous labidurid earwigs. Hemimerus talpoides (Hemimerina), which feeds upon the skin of the giant rats of the genus Cricetotnys, cuts off food particles from the host with the mandibles and then passes the food material through the cibarium into the oesophagus by means of the maxillae.

The form of the head and neck of Arixenia can be derived from a pygidicranid or labidurid type and the apparently “primitive” features of the head of Arixenia can be explained as the result of a change of feeding habits from being carnivorous insects to external parasites of mammals. The head of Hemimerus so differs from those of the dermapteran types that this, together with consideration of other anatomical features, resulted in the Hemimerina having been regardod as a separate order of insects.
ON THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF POLYCHAETE SEPTA
Authors: CLARK R. B.
Published: August 2010

There is considerable interspecific variation in the detailed structure of the intersegmental septa of polychaetes. In a few worms, septal muscles are specially developed to produce dorso‐ventral flattening of the body, or to provide horizontal bracing of the thin intersegmental lateral body‐wall. In the majority of species examined, the septa are thin and the disposition of the muscle fibres in them suggests that they serve as water‐tight diaphragms which impede the transmission of fluid pressure changes along the worm. The types of movement in which such diaphragms are necessary or useful are discussed. Often, the septa are incomplete but can still probably seal off the coelom of each segment under certain circumstances. Septa appear to be severely reduced or completely lost in errant species in which the extrinsic parapodial musculature is especially efficiently disposed for moving the parapodia (a relatively unusual situation), as well as in sedentary forms.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TIL API A NIGRA (GÜNTHER) AND T. MOSSAMBICA PETERS IN THE EASTERN RIVERS OF KENYA
Authors: WHITEHEAD P. J. P.
Published: August 2010

In the Athi river, Kenya, an upper river population of cichlid fishes has been described as Tilapia nigra, closely resembling T. mossambica in the lower Athi, but distinguished by a higher anal spine count (four to six as against three, rarely four, spines). Field studies indicated a steady increase in anal spine numbers with altitude, and a slight overlap is found in morphometric and meristic characters between the two species. T. nigra is however geographically isolated from T. mossambica in the Athi river by the Lugards Falls, and the consequent reproductive isolation, coupled with meristic and colour differences, is here considered indicative, if not of complete, at least of incipient speciation.
A RE‐EXAMINATION OF THE GLANDULAR ELEMENTS IN THE TUBE FEET OF SOME COMMON BRITISH OPHIUROIDS
Authors: BUCHANAN JOHN B.
Published: August 2010

Previous work on the tube‐foot glands of ophiuroids is reviewed briefly and it is observed that there is some confusion concerning their nomenclature and functions. In Ophiothrix two different types of possible glandular elements have been reported. In the present paper these are designated “A” and “B” and their staining reactions are re‐examined and compared.

In Ophiothrix and Ophiopholis elements “A” show none of the staining reactions expected of a protein‐carbohydrate complex. Elements “B” although weakly positive for acid‐mucopolysaccharides exhibit also the staining reactions of a protein‐carbohydrate complex which can be classified as a neutral mucopolysaccharide or a muco‐ or glycoprotein.

In Ophiocomina glands are described which secrete an acid‐mucopolysaccharide.

In Amphiura the staining reactions of the glands point to a mixed secretion consisting partly of an acid mucopolysaccharide and partly of another PAS positive protein‐carbohydrate complex.
A SUBFOSSIL GIANT DERMAPTERON FROM ST. HELENA
Authors: ZEUNER F. E.
Published: August 2010

An interesting fragment of a very large insect has recently been presented to the Museum. It is without doubt the forceps of an earwig together with remnants of the last tergite. The specimen was recovered from sand in Prosperous Bay, St. Helena. Its condition is not that of fresh chitin, and it is therefore conceivably fossil. The chitin is dull and brittle, which suggests some age, though not necessarily a high one. On the other hand, the surrounding sand was evidently unconsolidated, as traces only were found adhering to any part of the specimen. It is best regarded as subfossil until more material is found. Of this there is a fair chance as will be explained presently.
REPRODUCTION AND LARVAL LIFE OF NERINE CIRRATULUS (DELLE CHIAJE) FAMILY SPIONIDAE
Authors: JOYNER A.
Published: August 2010

At Whitstable in Kent, and in many other places where the distribution of Nerine cirratulus has been examined in detail, it shows a maximum density of population in a marrow zone just below mean high water mark of neap tides. It is therefore a suitable animal to use in investigating some of the factors affecting the maintenance of a population by an intertidal animal in a definite zone on the shore.

The reproductive cycle of this polychaete was studied in an attempt to obtain larvae for experiments on larval settlement. In the course of this work records were obtained of the mean size of oöcytes extracted from adult females and of the quantity of coelomic gametes present in adult individuals of both sexes. These observations were made by sampling the adult population at Whitstable at regular intervals throughout the year. Additional information on the reproduction and larval life of N. cirratulus was obtained by conducting artificial fertilization experiments and by examining plankton samples for the pelagic stages. Recently settled worms were collected from the cirratulus zone at Whitstable by sieving substratum samples in seawater.

The observations on the seasonal variation in the size of coelomic oocytes and the quantity of coelomic gametes present in both sexes, indicate that the reproductive period begins early in the year and that it is of long duration at Whitstable. The similarity between the early planktonic stages of Nerine cirratulus, Nerine foliosa (Audouin & M. Edwards) and Scolelepis ciliata (Keferstein) is stressed and the identification of the oöcytes and prototrochophores of these spionids is discussed. It is shown that the oöcytes and prototrochophores of N. cirratulus are larger than those of S. ciliata and smaller than those of N. foliosa. The pelagic stages of N. cirratulus are found in the Whitstable plankton between March and October. The development of the larva of N. cirratulus to the two‐setiger stage is described from an artificial fertilization experiment. An outline of the reproductive cycle is given. It is suggested that the length of pelagic life in N. cirratulus is rather more than thirty‐four days and that larval settlement can be postponed if conditions are unsuitable for settlement and metamorphosis to take place. Nectosomas between the seventeen and twenty two‐setiger stages of development were found in the Whitstable plankton. The smallest recently settled worm obtained from the cirratulus zone at Whitstable was a thirty‐four‐setiger individual and seventy‐five‐setiger worms of both sexes were found to contain coelomic gametes.
FOOD SELECTION IN FINCHES WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO INTERSPECIFIC DIFFERENCES
Authors: KEAR JANET
Published: August 2010

As Gause's hypothesis suggests on theoretical grounds, differences can be shown to exist in the habitat, feeding niche, and in the nature and she of food taken by the British finches. Under experimental conditions, changes occur in the adult's seed choice which tend to increase the proportion of large seeds in the diet. DSerenoe‐9 in the extent and rapidity of these changes exist between the spies, those with large bills changing more quickly than others. Differences can also be found in feeding techniques. Development of seed husking technique WBB studied in the chaffinches and followed early mandibulation of the feathers. Experiments showed differences in the time taken by adult chaffinches to husk various seeds, and in amount of kernel obtained from each for the same husking effort. Comparisons were made by timing seed‐husking in other species. Large‐billed species husked the large seeds quickly and more efficiently than the small‐billed birds. It is suggested that demonstrated differences between the speaie‐9 in seed selection depend largely on differences in bill structure that condition learning in the individual. Other factors effecting food selection are age, seasonal change, diet restriction and social experience.
COURTSHIP AND MATING IN AMBLYPYGIDS (PEDIPALPI, ARACHNIDA)
Authors: ALEXANDER ANNE J.
Published: August 2010

The courtship of two species of amblypygids involves much tapping with the antenniform first legs and threatening with the pedipalps but no mating grasp. Insemination consists of the male depositing a spermatophore onto the ground and then loading its proximal end with sperm after which the female collects the sperm. The possible relevance of the occurrence of this behaviour to taxonomy of the Pedipalpi and considerations of the rvolution of mating in the spiders is mentioned.
CYCLICAL CHANGES IN THE INTERSTITIAL AND SPERMATOGENETIC TISSUE OF. MIGRATORY WADERS “WINTERING” IN AFRICA
Authors: LOFTS B.
Published: August 2010

The condition of the interstitial and spermatogenetic tissue of five species of migratory waders “wintering” in the Gambia is described. Specimens were collected during the four months preceding their departure on the nuptial migration, and also on their arrival in England. The testes were not inactive (as has often been considered in the past) but displayed a sequence of cyolical changes which involved a gradual depletiop of post‐nuptial tubule lipids, an increase of interstitial lipids and, finally, near the expected time of migration, the onset of spermatogenesis accompanied by a depletion of cholesterol‐positive lipids in the Leyding cytoplasm. Interstitial Leydig cells were easily distinguishable even in the winter gonads becaw of their lipoidal contents, and thus contradicted previous assertions that they are absent during this period.
ZOOPLANKTON OF THE RIVER SOKOTO. THE CRUSTACEA
Authors: GREEN J.
Published: August 2010

Fifty‐one species of Crustacea are recorded from plankton samples taken from the Sokoto river system. The following new species are described; Alona. holdni, Microcyclops pseudo‐anceps, Cyclopa gauthieri, Phyaocypria minicapensis. An account is given of the seaaonal occurrence of each species in the main channel of the river and in a pool which becomes isolated from the river during the dry season. Two assemblages of Crustacea are distinguished; in the dry mason Diaphanosoma excisum, Moina dubicr, two species of Thermocyclops and Tropodiaptomus laurentii form the bulk of the plankton, but in the wet mason, when the river is in flood the dominant crustaceem are members of the cledoceran genus Alona. The specific composition of the crustacean plankton of the Sokoto is compared with that of the Illinois and the Nile; in all three rivers there are approximately three times as many species of Cladocera as of cyclopoid copepods.
NOTES ON BATS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF LEBANON*
Authors: LEWIS ROBERT E. , HARRISON DAVID L.
Published: August 2010

As part of an ectoparasite survey which is being conducted h the Republic of Lebanon by the senior author collections of over three hundred bats of fourteen species and subspecies have been made during the past two years. Two of these species occur in Lebanon as subspecies new to science while several others represent additions to the chiropteran fauna of the Arabian Peninsula. The material is listed systematically and biological observations upon the species are included when available. A map is included showing collection localities.