bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation and speciation in the genus Climacteris Temminck (Aves: Sittidae)
Authors: Keast A
Published: June 2005

The present paper determines the status and range of forms in the genus
Climacteris Temminck (tree-creepers) formerly regarded as species; it also reviews
infraspecific variation, re-defines races, and is a detailed study of speciation in the
genus.
Climacteris is a most interesting genus in the information it yields with respect
to speciation, Forms occur that represent the full range of intermediate stages right
up to the one that has demonstrated its specific distinctness by secondarily contacting
the parental stock without interbreeding. The number of forms with the "potential"
of developing into new species is unusually high, 0.8 per species in Australia, or 1.5
for Australia and New Guinea combined, The fundamental isolating barriers are
tracts of arid country that cause extensive gaps in the habitats to which the various
species are adapted. This presupposes an initial climatic deterioration which isolated
remnant populations in "refuges", a theory that has already been introduced into
ornithology by Gentilli (1949), Mayr (1950), and Serventy (1951).
Climacteris differs from the related genus Neositta (nuthatches), studied by Mayr
(1950), for in the latter a secondary climatic improvement has led to an increase in
range and multiple hybridization. In Climacteris there is evidence of some secondary
spread but, with one exception, distinctive geographically representative forms are
still isolated.
The ecology of Oncopera fasciculata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae) in South Australia. 5. Changes in the environment of O. fasciculata associated with the development of country grey for Agriculture.
Authors: Madge PE
Published: June 2005

Before County Grey was developed for agriculture, Oncopera fasciculata (Walker) probably was restricted by excessive wetness to the higher, drier portions of the poorly drained soils, and by dryness to the lower, moister portions of the well-drained soils. Even in these places the insect probably was not able to maintain large numbers because suitable food was scarce.
Steps in the development of the area for agriculture have included artificial drainage, clearing of woodland and scrub, the use of phosphatic and trace-element fertilizers, and the establishment of pastures consisting of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) and other introduced clovers and grasses.
This development has provided a more favourable environment for O. fasciculata. Artificial drainage reduced the chances of exposure to excessive wetness, and the establishment of pastures composed of clovers and perennial grasses not only provided protection for the eggs and young larvae against evaporation, but also made available a greater amount of good-quality food for the larvae.
The testicular Rete mirabile of Marsupials.
Authors: Barnett CH , Brazenor CW
Published: June 2005

The spermatic cords of 24 representative marsupial species have been examined
for the presence of a rete mirabile. In the great majority, a well-developed rete,
consisting of many parallel arteries and veins enclosed within fibrous and cremasteric
muscle sheaths, was present, and it is suggested that this finding is of some taxonomic
value, since no similar structure has been observed in eutherian mammals (Harrison
1949). The functional significance of this rete mirabile is discussed.
The Australian Cutworms of the genus agrotis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Common IFB
Published: June 2005

A taxonomic revision of the Australian cutworms, previously referred to
Agrotis and Euxoa, has shown that nine valid species belong to Agrotis and none to
Euxoa, which does not occur in Australia. A new species, A. cygnea from southwestern
Australia, is described. The wings and genitalia of each species are figured,
and keys to the males and females provided.
Geographic variation in the Weebill, Smicrornis brevirostris (Gould) (Passeres: Muscicapidae, malurinae) a sedentary species with a continuous range.
Authors: Keast A
Published: June 2005

The present paper analyses geographic variation in Smicrornis brevirostris (Gould), a sedentary species of unusual colour plasticity, and which shows marked and irregular geographic variation.
Two main feather pigments are involved in this variation, a yellow one (phaeomelanin) and an olive-brown one (eumelanin). Changes in coloration correspond closely with changes in the climatic environment, and they follow definite lines. Yellow forms are found in a broad zone extending across the north of the continent, where the temperature is high and rainfall is restricted to the summer (giving a warm, dry climate). Brown forms occur across the southernmost third (cold and relatively wet climate). Pallid forms, in which neither pigment is well developed, are typical of arid areas (low rainfall, intermediate temperatures). Parts of the continent over which the average rainfall increases rapidly are associated with steep colour clines and these occur at various places around the periphery.
Variation in S. brevirostris is essentially an expression of Gloger's ecogeographic rule and, in that there is a south-north size cline, Bergmann's rule also. Its interest lies in the degree of colour variation displayed, the way in which this can be explained, and the difficulty associated with fitting the variation into the trinomial system of nomenclature.
Observations on the biology of Haemaphysalis bispinosa Neumann (Acarina: Ixodidae) with particular reference to its mode of reproduction by parthenogenesis.
Authors: Bremner KC
Published: June 2005

Haemaphysalis bispinosa has been shown to reproduce by obligatory
parthenogenesis. Male ticks were found to be scarce in both experimental and natural
infestations, occurring in the ratio of one to approximately every 400 females.
Dissections of five males showed that these produced no spermatozoa, irrespective
of whether they were fed or not. Rates of development of the non-parasitic stages
under controlled conditions are recorded.
The time of appearance of Ossiffication centres in the Peppin-type Merino.
Authors: Lascelles AK
Published: June 2005

The time of appearance of appendicular ossification centres in the Peppin-type
Merino foetus has been established using radiological methods on 68 foetuses
of known age. A standard of reference of the aging process or maturation process
of bone has been drawn up using the number of ossification centres present and
the contour changes of certain of these centres as a yardstick. Osseous maturation
is thus given a numerical score. Measurements of tibial and body length have also
been taken. The entire data (the four variables being age, body length, tibial length,
and osseous maturation score) have been subjected to a correlation analysis. Very
high correlation coefficients were obtained, ranging from +0.98 to +0.99. It is
thus clearly seen from the results of the analysis that body length, tibial length,
or osseous maturation measurements are of equal value in assessing the age of the
foetus. Furthermore, because of these high correlations a combined regression
equation would be pointless.
The biology of the Water Rat Hydromys chrysogaster Geoffroy (Muridae: Hudromyinae) in Victoria.
Authors: McNally J
Published: June 2005

In the wild population of water rats studied, males were more numerous and
larger than females. In a population of 589 water rats, 323 were males and 266
females. Whole weights ranged from 170 to 1275 g for males and 156 to 992 g
for females.
Males were age-grouped into adults (including subadults) and juveniles on
the basis of combined testes weights. Sexual maturity is reached when a whole
weight of between 400 and 600 g (14-21 oz) is attained.
Females were age-grouped on the stage of maturity of the reproductive
tract. Female rats can reproduce when a whole weight of 425 g (15 oz) is attained.
Mating takes place in late winter and continues through spring. The breeding
season extends from September to January, with the peak in early spring. Females
are in anoestrus in late summer, autumn, and early winter. The number in each
litter varies from one to seven: the usual number is four or five.
Growth is rapid; young can reach adult size in less than one year. The
structure of the population varies throughout the year. The proportion of adults
(including subadults) is high in winter and spring and falls in summer and autumn
when juveniles appear in numbers.
The fecundity of water rat's is lower than normal for murid species, but
fertility is high and a substantial population turnover occurs each year when conditions
for breeding are favourable. It is considered therefore that the water rat
has potentiality for management as an economic fur-bearing animal.
The Haematozoa of Australian Birds.
Authors: Mackerras M.J.. , Mackerras IM
Published: June 2005

Four species of trypanosomes have been described from birds, Trypanosoma
myzanthae from Myzantha melanocephala being new. Several other possibly distinct
species are known, but have not been named owing to lack of material.
Malaria parasites (Plasmodium) are relatively uncommon. They have been
recorded in sparrows, a starling, a falcon, a seagull, and four species of wild
anseriform birds.
Haemoproteus is common. Seven named species have been recorded, but
many birds are known to harbour parasites of this genus, some of which may be
new.
Leucocytozoon is fairly common. Five species have been recorded, and several
other unnamed parasites are known to occur.
Lankesterella picumni, sp. nov., is described from Climacteris picumnus, being
apparently the first record of a haemogregarine from a bird in Australia.
Lankesterella paddae is known in sparrows, and possibly silvereyes.
A systematic study of the Australian species of the genus Ixodes (Acarina: Ixodidae)
Authors: Roberts FHS
Published: June 2005

A systematic study has been made of the species of Ixodes (Ixodidae) occurring
in Australia.
Nineteen species were recognized in the material available for examination,
namely I. uriae, I. kohlsi, I. eudyptidis, I. pterodromae, I. simplex simplex, I. vespertilionis,
I. ornithorhynchi, I. tasmani, I. hydromyidis, I. australiensis, I. victoriensis, I. fecialis, I. antechini, I. vestitus, I. holocyclus, I. confusus, I. cornuatus, I. hirsti, and I. trichosuri. Four of these, I. antechini, I. cornuatus, I, confusus, and I. trichosuri, are regarded as new species and I. simplex simplex and I. pterodromae are recorded from Australia for the first time. I. rothschildi recorded by Arthur
(1953) from Western Australia was not encountered.
A detailed description with appropriate figures is given for each species,
including all known stages in the life cycle, together with data on host range and
geographical distribution. Keys are supplied for the known males, females, nymphs,
and larvae and a classified host list has been compiled.
Age estimation by measurement of pouch young of the Quokka (Setonix brachyurus).
Authors: Shield JW , Woolley P
Published: June 2005

Removal of pouch young of Setonix can lead to the resumption of
development of quiescent blastocysts. Thirty-six pouch young obtained in this
way have been used in this study. As the time in days from resumption of
development to parturition is known, accurate ages may be calculated without
actual birth or copulation being observed.
These 36 animals have been repeatedly measured during their pouch life,
and body weight, pes length, and tail length over the full term of pouch
occupancy are given as regressions of these measures versus age. Larger-scale
regressions are given for the first 80 days of pouch life. A tabulation based on
the three regressions and giving average measures at stated ages is also given.
During pouch life there is no difference in growth rate between male and
female pouch young. Growth proportions of field-reared and compound-reared
animals of comparable nutritional status are also similar. It is therefore
considered that growth rates are equal, and that the age-estimation procedure
established on compound-reared animals is applicable to field animals.
Morbidity and Mortality in the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus).
Authors: Backhouse TC , Bolliger A
Published: June 2005

In all, 28 koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus), 26 of which had died exclusively
of natural causes, were autopsied and in 21 of these a probable cause of death
could be recognized.
Different forms of pneumonia head the list of these causes with six cases,
including two where the primary lesion was trauma. Hepatitis with suppurative
cholangitis was observed in three instances. Cryptococcosis, an infection by the
yeast Cryptococcus neoformans, was responsible for three deaths, and two forms
of blood dyscrasia, i.e. lymphoblastic leukaemia, and an anaemia of unknown
origin accounted for two more deaths. Cystic disease of the ovary was observed
in six koalas, and in four cases was complicated by infection and was the
main cause of death. Middle ear sepsis, ulcerative colitis, and cardiac failure
associated with senility were seen once each.
In the remaining seven cases the cause of death was indeterminate, though
senility appeared to be the predisposing cause in two.
The Haematozoa of Australian Reptiles.
Authors: Mackerras MJ
Published: June 2005

Trypanosomes are known from tortoises, a gecko, and skinks, Trypanosoma
phylluri from Phyllurus platurus, and T. egerniae from Egernia striolata and
E. cunninghami being new. There is an old record of a trypanosome in a snake,
but the organism has not been rediscovered.
Haemogregarines are common in all groups. Names had already been
given to 2 from tortoises (one of which is regarded as a synonym), 4 from
lizards, and 10 from snakes in Australia. Three species described from snakes in
Asia have been added, and 15 new species are described from the following
type hosts : Haemogregarina heteronotae from Heteronota binoei; Hg. palmeri
from Physignathus lesueurii; Hg. taeniolati from Sphenomorphus taeniolatus;
Hg. cunninghami, Hg, egerniae, and Hg. obscura from Egernia cunninghami;
Hg. johnstoni from Varanus varius varius; Hg. breinli and Hg, gilruthi from
Varanus tristis orientalis; Hg. stegonoti from Stegonotus plumbeus; Hg. boigae
from Boiga fusca; Hg. australis and Hg. eidsvoldensis fom Pseudechis australis;
Hg. denisoniae from Denisonia pallidiceps; Hg. aspidomorphi from Aspidomorphus
harriettae.
Two species of Plasmodium are known from lizards, P. egerniae from
Egernia major major being new.
The genus Haemocystidium is revived, one species being recognized in
freshwater tortoises and one in geckos.
Pirhemocyton has been found in two species of geckos and a carpet snake.
The effect of temperature and moisture on the Immature Stages of Aphodius tasmaniae Hope (Scarabaeidae) in the lower South-east of South Australia.
Authors: Maelzer DA
Published: June 2005

The distribution and abundance of the univoltine species A. tasmaniae in the lower south-east of South Australia appears to be related to annual rainfall. The effects of moisture on the mortality rates of the immature stages were consequently studied and observations were made of the effects of variations in moisture in the field.
Laboratory experiments and field observations suggested that variations in soil moisture have little effect on the eggs and the diapausing prepupae in the field. Eggs absorbed water and hatched normally within a pF range of 2.50-3.75 in a sand and in a clay loam. At pF 4.0 in both soils, eggs lost weight and did not hatch. The adults, however, tend to lay the eggs well within the pF range in which the eggs can develop, and soil samples suggested that eggs would develop with little mortality in the kinds of places in which they are usually laid.
When prepupae enter diapause they have a water content of c. 77%. When desiccated in the laboratory, few prepupae died until their water content fell below 62%. The mortality rate then increased sharply, and it was estimated that 50% of the prepupae died when their water content dropped to 57%. Droughts of sufficient duration and intensity to kill 50% of the prepupae have never been recorded from the study area, and field observations suggested that few prepupae died of desiccation in summer.
Unlike the two stages above, the first and third instar larvae may be markedly affected by variations in moisture in the field. The first instar larvae, after hatching, do not move to the surface of the soil and do not feed much until the soil is saturated with rain. As rainfall is variable at this time of the year, the larvae may be in dry soil for many weeks before they are stimulated to extend their burrows to the surface and search for food. Many larvae may die of starvation during this time, and the mortality rate of the larvae was related empirically to the length of the autumn "drought".
Third instar larvae may be affected, on the other hand, by excessive water. In wet winters, vast numbers of larvae are drowned when extensive flooding occurs on the poorly-drained soils, and on well-drained soils a large proportion of larvae are killed by the entomophagous fungus Cordyceps aphodii.
The above data have suggested that moisture is one of the major factors affecting the distribution and abundance of the species.
Temperature has little effect on the rate of increase of the species.
Functional Morphology, Micro-anatomy, and histology of the 'Sydney Cockle' Anadara trapezia (Deshayes )(Lamellibranchia: arcidae).
Authors: Sullivan GE
Published: June 2005

The anatomy and histology of the Australian lamellibranch, Anadara trapezia (Deshayes, 1839), are described.
The pattern of the ciliary currents on the ctenidia, mantle, foot, and labial palps is similar to those in the related species Arca tetragona and Glycymeris glycymeris. However, A. trapezia differs from these forms in having a more extensive development of the ridges on the labial palps, as well as in the ciliation of the ctenidial filaments. The possible correlation between the arrangement of cilia on the ctenidial filaments and the extent of the ridged areas of the palps is discussed.
The structure of the stomach is closely similar to that of Glycymeris. The digestive diverticula, with their ciliated ducts, are typical of the Anisomyaria and Eulamellibranchia.
The gastric shield appears to be secreted by the epithelial cells of the stomach. Secretion is intermittent, resulting in stratification of the shield, and is indicated by strongly periodic acid-Schiff(P.A.S.)-positive material which forms in the neighbourhood of the epithelial cell nuclei and then migrates to the apical ends of the cells to be added to the shield.
Many gland cells, both intra-epithelial and subepithelial, are present in the foot, mantle, and palps. There are several types, differing in their staining reactions and in the appearance of their cytoplasm in fixed and sectioned material. It is suggested that those glands whose cytoplasm gives a very strong positive reaction with P.A.S. may produce a lubricating secretion, while those which give reactions for mucin but are not so strongly P.A.S.-positive may form a tacky mucus suitable for holding particulate matter to facilitate transport by ciliary currents.
In the connective tissue there are stellate cells embedded in the gelatinous ground substance. Another type of cell, laden with coarse brownish granules is present in some regions, especially around the kidney tubules. "Leydig's cells", which have been observed in the connective tissue of a number of molluscs, and which store glycogen in these forms, do not appear to be present in A. trapezia. Glycogen is present, but is scattered through the ground substance in the form of granules. It is suggested that the glycogen may be deposited in the fine processes of the stellate cells.
A study of Tasmanian Oniscoidea (Crustacea: Isopoda)
Authors: Green AJA
Published: June 2005

The occurrence in Tasmania of seven of the eight species of Oniscoidea
previously recorded is confirmed, and additional information on the species is
given. Chiltonella tasmanica (Chilton) is transferred to Notoniscus Chilton.
Six known species, Styloniscus thomsoni (Chilton), St. phormianus (Chilton),
Notoniscus australis (Chilton), Deto marina (Chilton), Actaecia pallida Nicholls
& Barnes, and Eluma caelatum (Miers) are recorded and described from
Tasmania for the first time. Ten new species are established; one of these
includes specimens which formerly were wrongly assigned to Oniscus punctatus
Thomson. The position of the genera Styloniscus Dana, Notoniscus Chilton,
Chiltonella Vandel, Plymophiloscia Wahrberg, Cubaris Brandt, S.S. after Verhoeff,
and Sphaerillo Verhoeff is reviewed.
A key to the families of Oniscoidea found in Tasmania is given; and,
where necessary, a key to the genera in a family, or the species in a genus, is
included in the section on the family or genus respectively.
The life of a Hepatozoon (Sporozoa: Adeleidea) of varanid Lizards in Australia.
Authors: Mackerras MJ
Published: June 2005

Innisfail, a small coastal town in north Queensland, lies on the plain between the Atherton Plateau and the coastal hills, an area once covered with tropical rain-forest, but now extensively cleared for the growing of sugar cane. As part of an investigation of leptospirosis, small mammals have been collected, and mark-recapture experiments set up in areas sampling vegetation of different kinds.
The species found comprised two monotremes, ten marsupials, nine bats (which were not collected intensively), nine rodents, and three other mammals. Some difficulty was experienced in distinguishing the local rodents, and a key to the species is given.
This fauna could be divided into three elements: a rain-forest fauna of 14 species (excluding bats), a sugar-cane fauna of ten species, and a house fauna of four species. The sugar-cane fauna is shown to be derived, not from the rain-forest species, but from part of the fauna of the open forest which covers the hinterland, all the species being also recorded from New Guinea.
The rain-forest fauna agrees with the list of species recorded from this part of Australia. A comparison is made with Malayan rain-forest, which is richer in mammal species. The niches corresponding to those of the nocturnal Malayan mammals seem well filled, but there is a deficiency of mammals corresponding to the diurnal species, such as monkeys, squirrels, and cattle, and also to the large carnivores.
Reproduction in the Macropod Marsupial Potorous tridactylus (Kerr).
Authors: Hughes RL
Published: June 2005

Thirty-five female Tasmanian rat-kangaroos, Potorous tridmtylus (Kerr), were studied. This marsupial is both polyoestrous and monovular. The length of the oestrous cycle is approximately 42 days (range 39-44 days). Study of vaginal smears over intervals that included 14 oestrous periods revealed that the proportions of cornified cells reached a maximum of over 80% at oestrus, and conversely the other cell types (i.e. nucleated epithelial cells and polymorphonuclear leucocytes) were at minimal concentrations. In four females copulation was apparently permitted at any time during the period of rapid increase in the proportion of cornified cells. One female repeatedly received a male over a 12-day heat period. Copulations were brief and were observed only between 4.00 p.m. and 1.45 a.m. In two females coitus was found to precede ovulation.
The gestation period (defined as the interval between copulation and parturition) varied between 30 and 43 days in four animals. In one instance parturition was witnessed 37.5 days after copulations that were restricted to a 12-hr period.
A marked increase in pouch vascularity occurred a few hours prior to parturition. Parturition was witnessed on one occasion and is described. The time taken to reach the pouch was 10 min; attachment was made in a further 12 min. On another occasion a neonatus removed from a teat shortly after parturition took 5 min to locate the teat and a further 15 min to complete reattachment.
Permanent attachment of the offspring to a teat occupied 64 days in one instanc; in another it lasted 46 days but as the offspring died 6 days later it may be that the teat was vacated prematurely. The manner in which permanent nipple attachment is achieved is discussed and a description of the development of external features of pouch young is given.
Nipples increased in both length and diameter during the first 115 days of suckling, after which regresslon began. The regresslon was correlated wlth the process of weanlng. An indication of three successive lactations was obtained from nipple dimensions.
Pregnancy (occupying about 38 days) did not prevent oestrus from appearing at the normal time (i.e. approximately 42 days after the preceding oestrus). Mating occurred at the post-partum oestrus but lactation inhibited further oestrous cycles as well as delaying the development of the resultant uterine embryo. The period of delayed pregnancy can be as long as 4+ months. During most of this period the embryo remained free in the uterus as a dormant blastocyst, diameter 0.25-0.28 mm. Embryonic development was resumed during the weaning period when suckling was intermittent and diminishing or when the offspring was prematurely lost.
Observations on both captive and wild populations suggested the existence of two breeding seasons, one in late winter and early spring, the other in summer. However, the evidence on which these breeding seasons are based is extremely limited.
Reproduction in Potorous is compared with that in other marsupial species.
Mammals of Innisfail. 2. Their mite parasites.
Authors: Domrow R
Published: June 2005

A systematic review is given of a collection of over 57,000 parasitic mites
collected from 1370 small mammals taken in the Innisfail area, north Queensland.
The laelaptids comprised 46% of the total, the trombiculids 41%, and six
other families (mainly Listrophoridae) 13%. Sixty-four species and 30 genera
were represented as follows :
Laelaptidae 11 genera 21 spp. Trombiculidae 7 genera 26 spp.
Spinturnicidae 2 genera 2 spp. Teinocoptidae 1 genus 1 sp.
Speleognathidae 1 genus 1 sp. Psoroptidae 1 genus 1 sp.
Myobiidae 2 genera 3 spp. Listrophoridae 5 genera 9 spp.

Twenty-two host species were examined, comprising 1 monotreme (Tachyglossus),
1 marsupial mouse (Antechinus), 2 bandicoots (Perameles and
Isoodon), 3 rat-kangaroos and pademelons (Hypsiprymnodon, Aepyprymnus,
and Thylogale), 9 rats and mice (Hydromys, Uromys, Melomys (2 spp.),
Rattus (4 spp.), and Mus), and 6 bats (Rhinolophus, Hipposideros, Miniopterus
(2 spp.) , and Pteropus (2 spp.)).
Almost all of the 21 species of Laelaptidae are clearly dependent on host,
and not on habitat. In a single habitat such as rain-forest, the species are
confined to one host - e.g. four species of Laelaps are restricted to Ratrus
ussimilis, but L. southcotti is always found on Uromys. Further, hosts with a
broad habitat range are infested by the same parasite over their entire range
Australolaelaps to Thylogale, Peramelaelups to Perameles, and Ichoronyssus,
Spinolaelaps, and Neolaelaps to bats. Two species of Haemolaelaps and
Mesolaelaps anomalus are found only on bandicoots, while M. sminthopsis is a
parasite of marsupial mice alone of the several small mammals characteristic
of rain-forest. Seven of the eight species of Laelaps are also host specific, four
to Rattus assirnilis, one to Melomys, one to Uromys, and one to Hydromys.
The Australian Genera Cardiaspina Crawford and Hyalinaspis Taylor, (Homoptera: Psyllidae)
Authors: Taylor KL
Published: June 2005

The genus Cardiaspina includes several species which are of considerable
importance as pests of Eucalyptus spp. Outbreaks of these insects often cause
complete browning of the foliage on affected trees. In this paper the systematics
of this genus and of Hyalinaspis, recently separated from it, are treated in some
detail and notes are given on their biology. All species in these two genera feed
on Eucalyptus spp. and build characteristic lerps on the leaves.
All previously named species of Cardiaspina and Hyalinaspis are
redescribed, together with 10 new species of Cardiaspina and 4 new species of
Hyalinaspis.
An analysis of dispersal and movement in Phaulacridium vittatum (Sj÷st.) (Acrididae)
Authors: Clark DP
Published: June 2005

Marked adults of Phaulacridium vittatum dispersed rapidly for the first few days after mass release at a point, irrespective of the terrain or the vegetation surrounding the release point. Their displacement resulted in an elliptical spatial distribution with the major elliptical axis running north-south. Thus dispersal was non-random, the movements of the grasshoppers apparently being oriented by reference to the sun's position or to the plane of polarized light in the sky. After a period of from 2 days to 1 week, dispersal ceased although movement continued. From the seventh day after release the grasshoppers always moved non-randomly in such a way as to avoid further net displacement.
Estimates were made by a multiple regression method of the rates of movement between cells in grids of different scales. The grids were superimposed on maps showing the successive distributions of the marked groups after the maximum dispersal had occurred. This analysis, combined with observations on the movements of characteristically marked individuals, indicated that each individual of P. vittatum moved about in such a way as to remain within a limited ambit for relatively long periods. The significance of site attachment shown by individuals of this species is discussed.
Anatomy and embryology of the Wing Musculature of the domestic fowl (gallus)
Authors: Sullivan GE
Published: June 2005

The anatomy of the musculature of the wing and pectoral girdle of the
domestic fowl is redescribed.
The embryonic development of the musculature has been studied, and the
homologies of several muscles of the avian and reptilian shoulder regions have
been elucidated. As in other tetrapods which have been studied, the musculature
of the fore limb of the fowl first appears in the embryo as a pair of opposed
masses of condensed mesenchyme, one ventral and the other dorsal, forming in
the limb bud independently of the somites. These premuscle masses are lobed,
and their lobation enables the identification of the primordia of various muscle
groups at a very early stage of development, before the individual muscles have
differentiated.
The definitive muscles are formed by a process of splitting or cleavage of
the premuscle masses. The cleavages take place in an orderly sequence, which
closely resembles that which has been described in the lizard Lacerta, the turtle
Chrysemys, and the opossum Didelphys. It is concluded that the resemblances
in the lobate outlines of the premuscle masses and in the pattern of cleavages
in these vertebrates of different taxonomic groups are a reflection of the
phylogenetic history of the limb muscles. Thus the homologies of muscles in
tetrapods widely separated from one another taxonomically can be determined
more reliably by comparing their embryology than by comparing adults in which
the relationships of the muscles are obscured by adaptive changes.
Myological nomenclature is somewhat confused, owing to the difficulty of
determining homologies by studies confined to adult animals. A revision of the
names of avian wing muscles has therefore been carried out with the aim of
stabilizing the nomenclature for birds; in addition, some preliminary steps
towards a uniform nomenclature generally applicable to the muscles of all
tetrapods have been essayed, so far as comparative embryological data permit
conclusions to be drawn.
The influence of population density on the number of eggs laid by females of Cardiaspina albitextura (Psyllidae)
Authors: Clark LR
Published: June 2005

Field observations and experiments suggest that crowding during the period of nymphal development does not greatly affect the mean number of eggs laid by Cardiaspina albitextura females.
Under experimental conditions, crowding in the adult stage on foliage undamaged by nymphs resulted in reduction of the mean number of eggs laid, the supply of favourable food being probably the limiting factor. In association with increase in the number of adults per shoot, mean egg production declined at a progressively decreasing rate. At the highest population densities tested, the mean number of eggs laid per female was approximately one-third to one-fifth of the number laid by uncrowded females. Both at low and high population densities, the mean number of eggs laid per female on previously unoccupied foliage was about twice as high as on foliage which had been occupied previously by numerous other adults of the same psyllid generation.
At times of peak abundance in areas of outbreak, the foliage damage caused during the period of nymphal development greatly limits both the quantity of favourable food and the number of oviposition sites available when C. albitextura reaches the adult stage. The experimental results suggest that the crowding of adults which occurs on the small amount of foliage that escapes very severe damage by nymphs contributes towards the observed limitation of egg production. However, the scattered distribution of such foliage and the poor dispersal powers of C. albitextura females probably play a more important part in determining the very low mean number of eggs laid per female reaching the adult stage. It appears that many females fail to find favourable foliage and consequently lay scarcely any eggs.
Age estimation by measurement of Joeys of the Euro Macropus robustus Gould in Western Australia.
Authors: Sadleir MFS
Published: June 2005

Repeated measurements of pes length, tail length, and body weight have been
taken on euro (M. robustus) joeys of known age during pouch development. These
measurements were then used to construct regressions against age. Each of the three
regressions have been used separately to estimate the ages of a sample of joeys from
the field and the estimates compared. Growth proportions of yard joeys and joeys
from the field are similar and were little affected by the nutritional level of the mother.
Finally, a procedure is outlined showing how the regressions may be used to estimate
the ages of euro joeys.
Seasonal changes in Pelage of Miniopterus schreibersi blepotis (Chiroptera) in north-eastern NSW.
Authors: Dwyer PD
Published: June 2005

In M. s. blepotis, of north-eastern New South Wales, the annual moult occurs during the summer and early autumn and lasts about 14.5 weeks. Yearlings having their first moult usually initiate this some 3 weeks after the adults commence. In many adult females the moult is inhibited during lactation and again during the winter so that some individuals may be found moulting in all months of the year. The importance of considering annual pelage characters when using colour taxonomically in bats is emphasized, and possible relationships between moult and reproductive cycles are indicated. In addition the use of pelage characteristics, in conjunction with reproductive criteria as a means of recognizing age groups of M. s. blepotis, is discussed.
Adventitious (Secondary) cartilage in the chick, and the development of certain bones and articulation in the chick skull.
Authors: Murray PDF
Published: June 2005

The development of a number of articulations in the chick embryo skull, and of
adventitious (secondary) cartilages associated with them, is described. The cells of the
adventitious cartilages differed from the hyaline cartilage of the chondrocranium in
being encapsulated and rapidly becoming hypertrophic. In every case but one the
adventitious cartilage was formed in direct association with an articulation.
The articulations may have articular cavities (quadrate-quadratojugal; quadratepterygoid;
pterygoid-cranium; squamosal-quadrate) or be without these (squamosalotic
capsule; pterygoid-palatine; surangular- and angular-Meckel's cartilage). The
adventitious cartilage developed in "germinal cells" which, immediately before the onset
of chondrification, had been engaged in ossification. Later, the same group of cells
often reverted to bone formation, and the adventitious cartilage became partly covered
by bone.
Where there were articular cavities, fibrous membranes lining the articulations
appeared on each side of the cavity and these usually became fibrocartilaginous. These
membranes continued into the fibrous layers of the periostea of the elements concerned,
while the germinal cells from which the adventitious cartilages were formed became
cambial layers continuous with the cambial layers of the periostea.
Movement, and mechanical strains resulting from the action of muscles, is
obvious at articulations having articular cavities. In those lacking articular cavities,
the anatomy of the muscles makes it extremely probable that the site on the membrane
bone is pulled upon, or moved against, the cartilage with which the articulation is made.
The facts of the development of adventitious cartilage, and of the anatomy of the
musculature, are in harmony with the hypothesis that the change in morphogenetic
direction of the germinal cells, from osteogenesis to chondrogenesis, is mechanically
induced.
The influence of predation by Syrphus Sp. on the numbers of Cardiaspina albitextura (Psyllidae).
Authors: Clark LR
Published: June 2005

Field observations have shown that the larvae of an unnamed species of Syrphus (closely related to S. viridiceps) are predacious on late instar nymphs of C. albitextura, the fifth (final) instar nymph being the stage attacked most heavily. It was found that Syrphus larvae killed up to about 35% of third to fifth instar nymphs. However, because of the overriding influence of other factors, the mortality caused by Syrphus played only a minor part in the determination of psyllid abundance.
The larval development of Dacus tryoni (Frogg.) (Diptera: Trypetidae). 2. Development of imaginal rudiments other than the principal discs.
Authors: Anderson DT
Published: June 2005

In D. tryoni, imaginal rudiments of the abdominal hypodermis, of the salivary gland, of the fore-, mid-, and hindgut, of the lateral cerebral ganglia, and of the tracheae, all of which are present as discrete components in the larva, grow by cell multiplication up to the time of puparium formation in the manner generally accepted for Cyclorrhapha.
There is no indication in D. tryoni of the epigenetic relationship between lymph glands, haemocytes, and imaginal rudiments postulated for the larva of Drosophila melanogaster by el-Shatoury and Waddington.
Changes in the size of germ cell nuclei during the development of the testis of the ram and rat.
Authors: Sapsford CS
Published: June 2005

The surface areas of the plane of maximum size of germ cell nuclei have been determined at different stages of development of the testis of the ram and rat. The distributions of these surface areas both in the developing and the adult testis were found to be logarithmically rather than arithmetically normal.
A basic pattern of change in surface area takes place during the development of the testis in both species of animal. The overall pattern of change consists of nuclear enlargement prior to the onset of spermatogenesis. By the time spermatogenesis has become fully established, germ cell nuclei have diminished in size. The enlargement in the ram testis does not take place until just before the onset of spermatogenesis. In the rat it is obvious during foetal life and continues until the gono- cytes begin to divide at the end of the first week of post-natal life. The enlargement is not, as was believed by previous workers, indicative of degenerative changes taking place in these cells, but is part of the normal differentiation of gonocytes.
Abnormally enlarged germ cell nuclei are found in the ram in mid-foetal and particularly in early post-natal life prior to the appearance of prospermatogonia. Excessively enlarged nuclei are also found in the rat in the second week of post-natal life after the gonocytes have begun to divide. The reasons for the abnormal enlargement in both species of animal require further investigation.
In both the ram and the rat, the nuclei of type A spermatogonia increase in size prior to dividing to initiate a new spermatogenic cycle.
Density and dispersion of two species of kangaroo in relation to habitat
Authors: Caughley GJ
Published: June 2005

The dispersion of red and grey kangaroo faeces is usually random in any one
plant association although the animals themselves are contagiously distributed.
However, groups of kangaroos show a random dispersion in contrast to the contagious
dispersion of groups of sheep. The density and dispersion of grey kangaroo
faeces correlates with the thickness of cover, probably reflecting selection in the
past by marsupial carnivores which are now extinct on the mainland. The density
and dispersion of neither kangaroo species correlates with the density or dispersion
of the woodland canopy.
Although both species of kangaroo utilize all of the plant associations studied,
there is a quantitative difference in preferred habitat in that the ratio of densities
differs between associations.
Temperature studies of termite colonies in living trees.
Authors: Greves T
Published: June 2005

Temperatures inside colonies of Coptotermes acinaciformis and C. frenchi in
living trees are well above those recorded in neighbouring, uninfested, parts of the tree.
Temperature readings in a colony of C. acinaciformis varied from 33 to 38�C,
i.e. 13-20 degC above that at the centre of the tree trunk. The winter temperatures are
associated with the aggregation of termites in the nursery. The movement of termites
in the colony was reflected in changes in the nursery temperature. The nursery temperature
of a C. frenchi colony showed little diurnal variation; throughout the year the
temperature varied from 27 to 36�C, the highest temperatures being recorded in
November when alates were present. The tree insulated the C. frenchi colony against
fluctuating air temperature in much the same way as a mound insulates a colony of
C. lacteus.
Temperature studies of this kind have been useful in assessing the results of
insecticide treatments.
Observations on the breeding and growth of the marsupial Perameles nasuta Geoffroy, with notes on other bandicoots.
Authors: Lyne AG
Published: June 2005

A study has been made of 521 bandicoots (Perameles nasuta, 324; P. gunnii, 111 ;
Isoodon obesulus, 86).
Near Sydney, P. nasuta breeds all the year round with no indication of any peaks
of breeding activity. Limited observations on P. gunnii and I. obesulus in Tasmania
also suggest that births occur in every season of the year.
Parturition of a single individual of P. nasuta was witnessed. Fifteen new-born
specimens of this species were measured and body weight records were obtained for
five of them. The average dimensions of these specimens, and consecutive measurements
of three specimens born in captivity and of known age, were used to age pouch
young of unknown age.
Age changes in the appearance of P. nasuta are described and illustrated. Hair
emerges on the trunk at about 40 days after birth and at 2 months the coat is similar
to that of the adult. The rate of body growth is extremely rapid just prior to the opening
of the eyes (usually at 45-48 days), and the young first appear outside the pouch
several days later.
The pouch contains eight teats, and the mean litter sizes were: P. nasuta, 2.44
(52 litters); P. gunnii, 2.23 (22 litters); I. obesulus, 2.33 (9 litters). In 47 litters of
P. nasuta, 73 young were on teats of the left side compared with 46 on the right side of
the pouch.
The sexes were equally represented in the pouch young of the three species
examined. In P. nasuta, sexual maturity is reached at about 450 g in females and about
650 g in males.
The linear equivalence (cube root of the body weight) is used as an overall
measure of size with which the parts of the body are compared.
On the age composition of a small sample of individuals from a population of the banded hare wallaby, Lagostrophus fasciatus (Peron & Lesuer).
Authors: Hughes RD
Published: June 2005

A method of estimating the relative and absolute ages of living hare wallabies is
described and applied to a temporarily captured sample from a field population. The
age composition pattern is analysed to estimate the potential rate of increase of the
population and this is then compared with an independantly derived survivorship curve.
The actual rate of increase of the hare wallabies is close to unity, a result suggesting
numerical stabilization of the population. This result is discussed in relation to the
small amount of information available on the biology of this animal.
A revision of the Australian species of Austrolimnius (Coleoptera: Elmidae).
Authors: Hinton HE
Published: June 2005

Keys and descriptions are provided for the Australian species of Austrolimnius.
Previously, 12 species of the genus have been described. Here 40 new species and
two new subspecies are described, all from Victoria and New South Wales. Species
of the genus also occur in South and Central America, and the significance of this
discontinuous distribution is discussed.
Influence of temperature and relative humidity on water loss in the workers of the meat ant, Iridomyrmex detectus (Smith) (Dolichoderinae: hymenopter).
Authors: Nel JJC
Published: June 2005

Water loss in the workers of the dolichoderine ant Iridomyrmex detectus (Smith)
was studied in South Australia. A quantitative evaluation of the effect of temperature
and relative humidity on the transpiration of ants collected during winter and spring is
given. Workers collected during winter and on cold spring days transpired more than
ants collected on hot days. This phenomenon could be explained in terms of abrasion
of the cuticle and the behaviour of the workers.
The workers lost water relatively quickly and they would probably not have
survived the dry summer without an adequate supply of honey dew from sap-sucking
insects.
Studies on the environmental physiology of some Australian lizards from arid and semi-arid habitats.
Authors: Warburg MR
Published: June 2005

The microclimate of an arid habitat was studied at midsummer. Several species
of lizards found there, and in semi-arid habitats, were examined. The lizards were:
Agamidae; Amphibolurus reticulatus inermis (De Vis), A pictus Peters, A. cristatus Gray,
and A. decresii Dumeril & Bibron; Varanidae, Varanus gouldii Gray; Scincidae, Tiliqua
melanops Stirling & Ziets. The rate of water loss by evaporation was determined under
different combinations of temperature and humidity. Of the lizards studied, A. r. inermis
was the only species fully adapted to life in arid conditions. No evidence for evaporative
cooling of the body at high temperatures was obtained. It is suggested that this lizard
survives in arid habitats mainly because it is able to tolerate long exposures to high
temperatures and low humidities, not because it is capable of maintaining low temperatures.
The rate at which water is lost by this lizard was remarkably low when compared
with the other lizards. The curves of increasing water loss in dry air at 37.5�C
(in agamids) may be indicative of their degree of adaptedness. Thus, A. r. inermis has the
lowest rate of water loss, followed by A. pictus, A. cristatus, and A. decresii, respectively.
The skink, T. melanops, and the goanna, V. gouldii, show a fairly low rate of evaporation
at that temperature.