bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observations on the Blood of the Australian Lungfish, Neoceratodus-Forsteri Klefft .2. Enzyme Cytochemistry of Blood-Cells, Peritoneal-Macrophages and Melanomacrophages
Authors: Hine PM , Wain JM , Lester RJG
Published: June 2005

Peroxidase, alkaline and acid phosphatases, esterases, neutral proteases and PAS reactivity were examined in the peripheral blood leucocytes and peritoneal and melano-macrophages of the Australian lungfish. Eosinophils contained partly cyanide-inhibited peroxidase, and monocytes and blasts showed weak peroxidase staining, but other blood leucocytes were negative. Only neutrophils and heterophils showed alkaline phosphatase reactivity, but acid phosphatase was ubiquitous in leucocytes and macrophages. Alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase and naphthol AS-D chloroacetate esterase occurred, and were often strong, in all cell types but particularly neutrophils; alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase was only observed in monocytes, macrophages, and in the latter stained moderately to strongly. Beta-glucuronidase, beta-galactosidase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase were also confined to the monocyte/macrophage lineage. The neutral protease acetyl-L-tyrosine-a-naphthyl esterase was moderate to strong in monocytes and macrophages. All leucocytes except monocytes stained moderately to strongly by PAS. Leucocytes showed similarities in enzyme content to those of elasmobranchs, but less so to those of teleosts. They also resembled leucocytes of mammals, particularly in monocyte-macrophage enzyme profiles, in the heterogeneous response for peroxidase, and the restriction of a-naphthyl butyrate esterase to that lineage.
Nonparallel Geographic Patterns for Tolerance to Cold and Desiccation in Drosophila-Melanogaster and Drosophila-Simulans
Authors: Davidson JK
Published: June 2005

D. melanogaster populations from the fluctuating temperate climate of Melbourne (38�S) and in the tropics at Townsville (19�S) were investigated for differentiation in cold tolerance and desiccation tolerance, and were found to differ as predicted a priori from climatic considerations. Flies from the former locality were more tolerant to both of these environmental stresses. In comparable D. simulans populations, there was no significant differentiation between populations for cold tolerance or desiccation tolerance. In both species, there was genetic variation within each population. It is hypothesised that the non-parallel patterns in these sibling species may be due to different genetic strategies in temporal variation for tolerance to the stresses associated with climatic extremes.
For D. melanogaster and D. simulans, there was no strong association between cold tolerance and desiccation tolerance in either the Melbourne and Townsville populations. Correlations between the stresses over the 15 strains were calculated for the sexes, generations, localities and species separately and were all non-significant. Cold tolerance and desiccation tolerance thus involve different physiological mechanisms.
Reproduction in Sminthopsis-Macroura (Marsupialia, Dasyuridae) .1. The Female
Authors: Woolley PA
Published: June 2005

A laboratory colony of S. macroura, founded by three females and four males, was maintained over four breeding seasons. Reproductive success was high and four generations were produced before the colony was disbanded. Descendants of these animals are still breeding in another laboratory 11 years after the founding of the colony. A detailed prescription for the maintenance and management of a breeding colony is given.
The animals bred between June and February, most females first entering oestrus in the early months of the season, in July or August. Female young born early in the season (before mid-October) matured in the season of their birth at an age of 86-159 days; those born later matured in the following season at an age of 185-262 days. In each group, those born later matured earlier. Minimum body weight at sexual maturity was 12.5 g. At least two litters can be reared in a season and individuals may breed in more than one season. S. macroura is polyoestrous with a mean cycle length of 23.25 days. The gestation period is about 11 days and up to eight young can be accommodated in the pouch. Lactating females may return to oesrrus up to 10 days before the young are weaned at 70 days old. Ovulation occurs spontaneously and the mean number of corpora lutea formed was 20.7. The corpora lutea reach maximal size late in pregnancy and they regress more rapidly in lactating than in non- lactating females. Up to three generations of corpora lutea could be recognised in the ovaries of females undergoing cycles uninterrupted by lactation. Changes In body weight, the pouch, and the gross and histological appearance of the reproductive tract were the same in pregnant and pseudopregnant females.
Odor and Food Preferences of House Mice, Mus-Musculus
Authors: Pennycuik PR , Cowan R
Published: June 2005

Odour preferences of house mice were investigated in test animals housed singly in two-armed mazes fitted with shelters where food and water were freely available. The number and duration of the visits made to each maze arm were measured, firstly for a settling-in period when the test item was absent from the maze, and then when the test item was present in one of the arms. Differences between the test arm and the control arm were measured and tested statistically. When ripening maze was present most of the test mice made more visits to the arm containing the test item than to the control arm. When ripening maize, mature canary seed, mature sunflower seed or male urine was present most of the test mice spent more time in the test arm than in the control arm. Food preferences were investigated by offering mice the choice of a control diet or a diet incorporating one of the items used in the odour preference tests, and measuring the between-hopper difference in intake. When the test hopper contained canary seed or maize most mice ate more of the test diet than the control diet. When the test hopper contained dried peas or the control diet supplemented with male mouse urine most mice ate less of the test diet than the control diet. The results suggest that odours from both food items and male mouse urine may increase the time spent by the mice in the vicinity of the odour source. They also suggest that items with odours which attract the attention of mice may not necessarily be acceptable as food items.
Early Growth of Magpie Geese, Anseranas-Semipalmata - Sex-Differences and Influence of Egg Size
Authors: Whitehead PJ , Freeland WJ , Tschirner K
Published: June 2005

The magpie goose, Anseranas semipalmata, is the most conspicuous and among the most numerous of waterfowl inhabiting the seasonal wetlands of tropical northern Australia. Modelling of juvenile growth rates of captive birds with the logistic equation showed that magpie geese grow at rates similar to the fast-growing anserine geese. High juvenile growth rates permit exploitation of seasonally favourable environments that, although highly productive, may deteriorate rapidly and unpredictably. Sex differences in juvenile growth patterns are consistent with pronounced sexual dimorphism in adult body size (larger males), which is associated with an unusual polygynous mating system. Although smaller, females grow relatively faster than males, so that at a given age they have completed a greater proportion of the pre-fledging growth phase; wing growth is particularly advanced and females fly earlier. Slower development may increase mortality among juvenile males when family groups are forced to abandon drying swamps, and contribute to skewing of the sex ratio towards females. Larger hatchlings from large eggs tend to maintain a size advantage, at least until fledging.
Life-History of the Eastern Pygmy-Possum, Cercartetus-Nanus (Burramyidae, Marsupialia), in South-Eastern Australia
Authors: Ward SJ
Published: June 2005

Populations of Cercartetus nanus were investigated in three areas of Victoria: two areas of Banksia woodland at Wilsons Promontory National Park and an area of mixed eucalypt forest with an under- storey of B. spinulosa at Nar Nar Goon North, east of Melbourne. Most births occurred between November and March, but in areas where the dominant Banksia sp. flowered in winter they took place year-round. Most females produced two litters in a year, but some produced three. Males were reproductively active throughout the year. Litter sizes ranged from two to six, with a modal size of four. Pouch life lasted 30 days and weaning occurred at 65 days. Growth was rapid, young became independent immediately after weaning, and matured as early as 4.5-5.0 months old. Maximum longevity in the field was at least 4 years.
The Phenologies of Cotesia-Urabae, Dolichogenidea-Eucalypti (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) and Their Host Uraba-Lugens (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) in the Adelaide Region
Authors: Allen GR
Published: June 2005

A field study was undertaken to determine the phenologies of the solitary larval endoparasitoids Cotesia urabae and Dolichogenidea eucalypti in relation to that of their bivoltine host Uraba lugens. C. urabae had two generations within both the summer and the winter generation of U. lugens, and D. eucalypti had two generations in the summer but only one generation in the winter. D. eucalypti parasitised a narrower range of host sizes in the field. Both parasitoids attacked recently hatched (typically 1st instar) or 'small hosts' at the beginning at each host generation. In summer D. eucalypti was the first to emerge from hosts, but both D. eucalypti and C. urabae, emerged from hosts which had modes of 0.85-1.05 mm in head capsule width and 0.9-1.5 mg in dry weight (mid hosts). In winter, C. urabae emerged from hosts which had modes of 1.15 mm in head capsule width and 2.7 mg in dry weight (large hosts). Both species in summer, and C. urabae in winter, then proceeded to parasitise hosts of around these sizes to commence second parasitoid generations. In its second generation in summer and its first generation in winter, D. eucalypti typically emerged after most unparasitised hosts had pupated. Both species of parasitoid overwintered within the larval stage of their host. Levels of parasitisation appeared to be low, and dropped between first and second generations within each host generation. It was concluded that C. urabae and D. eucalypti displayed continuity of generations and a high level of synchronisation with U. lugens in the Adelaide region.
Disruption of Light-Brown Apple Moth Epiphyas-Postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) Trapping in Nelson, New-Zealand
Authors: Suckling DM , Rogers DJ , Shaw PW
Published: June 2005

Disruption of lightbrown apple moth trapping was tested as a prelude to assessment of mating dis- ruption; polyethylene dispensers releasing the known sex pheromone components, (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate and (E,E)-9,ll-tetradecadien-l-yl acetate, at an estimated rate of 25 mg ha-' per hour in apple orchards in Nelson, New Zealand. A total of 2953 wild and 850 laboratory-reared males were marked and released at 16 sites in two pheromone-treated and two untreated blocks. No captures were recorded in sticky traps baited with virgin females or synthetic pheromones in pheromone-treated blocks, but 455 males were caught in untreated blocks, indicating complete prevention of trapping in the presence of the dispensers releasing synthetic pheromone. Individual dispensers released an estimated 4000-fold more pheromone per hour than females. Recapture of wild and laboratory-reared males averaged 28% and 31% respectively, in untreated blocks and surrounding traps. Removal of dispensers resulted in renewed capture inside previously treated blocks.
Dispersal distances of wild and laboratory-reared males were not significantly different inside untreated blocks, but the mean time taken before recapture was twice as great for laboratory-reared moths (P<O.05). Wild males showed a greater tendency to disperse out of blocks (P<O.05). Dispersal distances exceeded 400 m for several moths. The daily survival or retention rate of wild moths inside release blocks was estimated to be 63%, although this rose to 74% when external traps were included. A maximum age of 19 days was recorded. Female moths mated with equal frequency when caged with males in pheromone-treated or untreated blocks.
Energy Reserves, Reproductive Status and Population Biology of Overwintering Biprorulus-Bibax (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) in Southern New-South-Wales Citrus Groves
Authors: James DG
Published: June 2005

Information is presented on energy reserves, reproductive status and population biology of over- wintering Biprorulus bibax (Breddin) in southern New South Wales citrus groves. Large numbers of adult bugs overwintered in clusters on orange trees adjacent to a lemon grove at Cudgel in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (M.I.A.). Clusters of up to 50 tightly packed bugs were found on single trees, and dispersed into the adjacent lemons in early October. Clustering was observed on all citrus except lemon. Overwintering bugs were non-reproductive. Individuals obtained from overwintering clusters at Dareton in Sunraysia were larger, heavier and contained greater lipid reserves than bugs which overwintered alone. These differences did not occur in cluster and non-cluster bugs from the M.I.A. Bugs overwintering on lemons in the M.I.A. weighed less and contained lower reserves of lipid than did individuals which overwintered on orange, mandarin and grapefruit. Lipid reserves of B. bibax were not greatly depleted during overwintering. Overwintering in clusters on citrus hosts other than lemon appears to be an important and successful behavioural strategy for B. bibax in commercial citrus groves in southern New South Wales.
Selection at the Dieldrin Resistance Locus in Overwintering Populations of Lucilia-Cuprina (Wiedemann)
Authors: Mckenzie JA
Published: June 2005

Development was arrested in wandering L. cuprina larvae placed in the ground at Heidelberg, Victoria during May and June. During this overwintering period individuals resistant to the insecticide dieldrin were more severely selected against than at other times of the year. Over the 3 years of the study (1986-1988) the proportions of overwintering larvae that reached the adult stage of the life cycle were low (range 2.8-6.0%) compared to those at other times (52.8-80.0%). The rate of development was greatest during the late summer months. In laboratory controls the developmental times from egg to adult (13.0-14.0 days) and the proportions reaching the adult stage (78.0-96.0%) were consistent throughout the experiment. The larvae used in the experiment were of the F2 generation of an original cross between pure-breeding strains that were resistant (Rdl/Rdl) or susceptible (+ /+) to dieldrin. The frequency of the Rdl allele in adults emerging from the overwintering population was significantly lower (0.09-0.15) than at other times (0.44-0.52) when the result were similar to laboratory controls (0.43-0.53). Samples of pre-pupae placed in the ground in May 1988 were removed at 30-day intervals. A consistent decline in the proportion reaching the adult stage and in the Rdl frequency of these populations was observed with increasing time in the ground. Laboratory trials, in which pre-pupae were held at 8�C for periods of up to 11 weeks, showed similar trends to those observed in the field studies.
Adaptations of the Alimentary Tracts of Some Australian Lorikeets to a Diet of Pollen and Nectar
Authors: Richardson KC , Wooller RD
Published: June 2005

Lorikeets, which eat mainly nectar and pollen, show a suite of adaptations to this diet not found in granivorous and frugivorous parrots. Lorikeet gizzards are much less muscular, and their intestines shorter, than those of other parrots of the equivalent size. In lorikeets, but not other parrots, the proventricular and pyloric openings of the gizzard lie in the same plane, potentially allowing a rapid transit of both pollen (which is mostly digested in the intestine) and of nectar. Lorikeet tongues differ from other parrot tongues in that they are longer and narrower, with a rougher dorsal surface and a papillate tip. These features may enable lorikeets to harvest more efficiently the pollen so essential to their balanced nutrition.
Simulation-Models for the Phenological Development of Mythimna-Convecta (Walker) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)
Authors: Mcdonald G
Published: June 2005

Larvae of armyworm, Mythimna convecta, were reared under fluctuating temperatures (1-7-degrees; 3-13-degrees; 7-17-degrees; 11-24-degrees; 31-39-degrees-C). Data from these trials were combined with previsouly published data derived from constant-temperature studies (ranging from 15-degrees to 33-degrees-C) to model the effects of temperature on development rate. Temperature-dependent development rates for each of eight immature stages were described by one of three non-linear functions and by a linear model modified to improve the performance about the lower and upper temperature extremes. At the lower and upper thermal limits (< 11-degrees-C and > 33-degrees-C) of the species, survival of larvae under fluctuating temperatures was greater than recorded in previously published studies under equivalent constant temperatures. A serious constraint on fitting a model to the later larval instars was the inconsistent appearance of a seventh instar. The two sets of models were evaluated against field development in three winter and one summer experiments. The modified linear model, with capacity to manipulate predicted development at threshold temperatures, provided a marginally better prediction than did the non-linear model. The sine wave method for estimating diurnal temperatures from minimum and maximum temperatures was shown to produce overestimates of development rates. A correction factor for the seasonal conditions in western Victoria was provided.
Host Relations and Distribution of Australian Species of Charletonia (Acarina, Erythraeidae) Parasitizing Grasshoppers
Authors: Key KHL
Published: June 2005

The geographical distribution and host relations of the 12 species of Charletonia whose larvae are known to parasitise 'short-horned' grasshoppers (Orthoptera) in Australia are described. The eight species for which there are adequate records occupy territories in the form of mainly overlapping bands running approximately from north-west to south-east and succeeding each other in a south-west to north-east direction across the continent, in correlation with isopleths of mean monthly effective moisture for the summer months. As many as 107 species of grasshoppers are attacked, encompassing all four of the Australian subfamilies of Acrididae, the Morabinae (Eumastacidae), and occasionally the Pyrgomorphidae. There is little evidence of host specificity and none of sexual preference. Sites of attachment on the host vary with the species of mite, from predominantly the prosternum to predominantly the alar organs, or, less frequently, various. Most of the host individuals were attacked by only one mite.
On the Mathematical Significance of the Similarity Index of Ochiai as a Measure for Biogeographical Habitats
Authors: Bolton HC
Published: June 2005

A recent survey of similarity indices by Hubalek has shown that the index due to Ochiai is one of the few satisfying rather stringent conditions. It is shown that the Ochiai index has a geometrical interpretation that can be exploited to yield a critical value for separability of two habitats on the basis of their avifauna. This critical value is used to analyse data on bird habitats and is compared with the results of a null hypothesis test on the data. In addition, use is made of the indices of Jaccard and Sokal & Michener. When the null test is used at the 5% level, all three indices agree in separating the habitats. The presence of a critical value of the Ochiai index gives it an advantage. A table of critical values is given for various numbers of species.
Effect of Temperature on Development Rate, Survival and Fecundity of Cotton Tipworm, Crocidosema-Plebejana Zeller (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae)
Authors: Hamilton JG , Zalucki MP
Published: June 2005

C. plebejana were reared from egg to adult at a range of constant temperatures. At 10-degrees-C no immature stages survived. Development rates increased over the temperature range 14-34-degrees-C; these were simulated with a non-linear model. Females emerged before males. Fecundity decreased with increased rearing temperature as a direct result of reduced adult female weight. At 34-degrees-C development rate and survival were reduced and all eggs laid were infertile. Optimum temperature for population increase was 28-degrees-C. Validation of a non-linear model for development rate shows that the species of host-plant affects mean development rates of tipworm. Although 5.3 tipworm generations are possible on cotton annually, only one occurs; reasons for this are suggested.
The Effects of a Temperature-Determined Food-Supply on the Annual Activity Cycle of the Lesser Long-Eared Bat, Nyctophilus-Geoffroyi Leach, 1821 (Microchiroptera, Vespertilionidae)
Authors: Ellis WAH , Marples TG , Phillips WR
Published: June 2005

Tritiated-water turnover rates for captive Nyctophilus geoffroyi were highest at 1031.3 mL L-1 day-1 for lactating females in January 1985 and lowest at 82.5 mL L-1 day-1 for females receiving a temperature-determined food supply in July 1985. Daily rates of water turnover were generally higher for males than females, and for bats receiving ad libitum food than for those receiving a controlled food supply throughout winter, indicating that food availability affects torpor in N. geoffroyi. Pre-winter fat deposition was more efficient under conditions of a temperature-determined food supply, where activity, weight and fat-level fluctuations of captive N. geoffroyi closely resembled those known for free-ranging temperate-zone microchiropterans.
The Seasonal Abundance of Female Biting-Midges, Culicoides-Brevitarsis Kieffer (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae), in Coastal South-Eastern Australia
Authors: Murray MD
Published: June 2005

Daily light-trap collections of female C. brevitarsis were made at three localities along the northern coastal plains of New South Wales. Numbers increased during spring, were maximal in summer, declined during autumn and were minimal in winter. The generation time was about 3-4 weeks in the summer and several cohorts of nulliparous midges, probably representing different generations, were detected from spring to autumn. Some breeding continued throughout the winter. Summer abundance appeared to be associated with high rates of reproduction in late spring or early summer, and this occurred when rainfall was adequate for good pasture growth. Midge survival was better in the summer than in other seasons of the year, and numbers of parous females increased rapidly whenever it rained, probably due to their increased survival and longevity. At each locality, numbers fluctuated throughout spring, summer and autumn, with peaks and troughs of abundance which were often not obviously associated with concurrent climatic conditions or cattle movements.
The Female Reproductive-Tract of the Australian Sea Lion, Neophoca-Cinerea (Peron, 1816) (Carnivora, Otariidae)
Authors: Tedman RA
Published: June 2005

This first account of the morphology of the female reproductive tract of the Australian sea lion, Neophoca cinerea, is based on examination of 15 specimens. The morphology of the female reproductive tract is similar in most respects to that in other pinniped species; only features peculiar to the species are described. The Y-shaped, bicornuate uterus is for the most part septate, but has a common uterine canal that is relatively much longer than that in other otariids. The uterine mucosa of newborns is slightly hypertrophied and regresses considerably by 3 weeks postpartum. During the embryonic diapause the uterine mucosa has serrated luminal epithelium, coiled uterine glands, and tall luminal and glandular epithelia. The mucosa of the adult vagina decreases in thickness from 100-mu-m at about 2 weeks postpartum to 20-mu-m 14.5 weeks postpartum, indicative of the regressive phase typical of the delay period in other pinnipeds. The urethral meatus lacks urinary papillae, unlike most other pinnipeds. A relatively large clitoris is present, and an os clitoridis was collected from one old individual. A monoestrous cycle seemed to occur in four animals, but a polyoestrous cycle is suspected in at least one individual. Ovulation occurs from alternate ovaries in successive pregnancies. Corpora albicantia are retained for at least three breeding seasons and probably longer. Implantation occurs in the midsection of the uterine cornu, ipsilateral to the ovary that released the egg. The maximum period of embryonic diapause cannot be ascertained from the available data, although a delay of about 8-9 months is possible if the breeding cycle (pregnancy cycle) lasts about 18 months.
Variation in Condition Indexes Due to Climatic and Seasonal Factors in an Australian Desert Lizard, Amphibolurus-Nuchalis
Authors: Bradshaw SD , Death G
Published: June 2005

The precise nature of the allometric relationships between body size and body mass, water content and solid matter was derived from a sample of over 700 lizards of the agamid species Amphibolurus nuchalis (= Ctenophorus inermis), collected during 1969-82 at Shark Bay in Western Australia. Three condition indices relating each variable to body size, as expressed by snout-vent length, were derived from these allometric relationships for male, female and juvenile lizards. The formation of condition indices was compared to analysis of covariance as a method of analysis of such data. Variation in these indices with weather and season over the period of the study were investigated by means of regression models. Variation between days within trips was relatively small, suggesting a time scale for physiological change of greater than 3-4 days. Ascribing cause to specific weather and seasonal factors was difficult, due to the high colinearity of the explanatory variables. The influence of temperature and rainfall on the condition indices was evident in the model, however, and accords well with physiological data for this species. The extent to which the condition indices could be predicted by a combination of weather and seasonal variables was encouraging, and suggests that the method may have general utility in the study of changes in body composition and condition of free-ranging animals.
Evolution of the Small Subunit Ribosomal-Rna in Higher Vertebrates
Authors: Baverstock PR , Cramp N , Johnson AM , Donnellan SC
Published: June 2005

The potential value of rapid sequencing of the srRNA molecule for phylogenetic reconstruction of the higher vertebrates was investigated. The study involved partial sequencing of 19 taxa that, along with 6 sequences from the literature, covered all of the major groups of higher vertebrates. The results show that sequencing of the srRNA molecule is not suitable at this taxonomic level because: (i) there is insufficient nucleotide sequence variation; (ii) expansion segments, although common, have a high probability of convergence for both their position and their sequence; and (iii) the phylogenetic branching of the higher vertebrates has been mainly 'bush-like' rather than 'tree-like'.
Echolocation Ecology and Flight Morphology of Insectivorous Bats (Chiroptera) in South-Western Australia
Authors: Fullard JH , Koehler C , Surlykke A , Mckenzie NL
Published: June 2005

A small community of obligate insectivorous microchiropterans in the Perup forest reserve of southwestern Australia was sampled to determine species flight morphologies, diets and echolocation call designs. The aspect ratio:wing loading relationships of the seven species analysed indicate a loose clustering of species into closed, edge and open microhabitats with substantial interspecific overlap. Non-parametric correlations of the bats' aspect ratios and wing loadings with their echolocation call characteristics support these foraging zone classifications. Diet analyses indicate that this community of bats forages on a wide variety of insects, although certain preferences for Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and Coleoptera were noted. We use these results and observations of the same species from other sites to propose a microhabitat separation for the bats of the Perup forest.
Patterns of Predispersal Seed Predators in the Fabaceae of the Sydney Region, South-Eastern Australia
Authors: Auld TD
Published: June 2005

Predispersal seed predators are widespread throughout the legume flora of south-eastern Australia. Within the Coleoptera, weevils, anthribids and bruchids are important seed predators. Some weevils are restricted to certain host plant genera and are found on many species of these genera, e.g. Melanterius on Acacia; Plaesiorhinus on Bossiaea. Anthribids and bruchids are found in a range of plant genera. Host-specific relationships in these latter two groups must await further insect collections and subsequent taxonomic treatments of the insects involved. More generalist seed feeders are some Hymenoptera, including Eurytoma (Eurytomidae) and probably Megastigmus (Torymidae). Other hymenopterans associated with seeds are mostly parasitic on coleopteran larvae, e.g. Diospilus spp. (Brachonidae) on Plaesiorhinus (Curculionidae). Lepidopterans are also widespread seed feeders; however, detailed relationships between lepidoptera and host plants requires successful rearing of adult moths. Hemipterans are probably relatively unimportant as destructive seed feeders in south-eastern Australian legumes.
Evidence for Adaptive Variation in the Orientation of Amitermes (Isoptera, Termitinae) Mounds From Northern Australia
Authors: Jacklyn P
Published: June 2005

Amitermes meridionalis and Amitermes laurensis construct meridional termite mounds that are endemic to northern Australia. The first comprehensive survey of the orientation of these mounds, involving 68 mound sites across northern Australia, is described. The mean mound orientations of most coastal A. meridonalis sites were significantly (P < 0.05) to the west of those of most inland A. meridionalis sites. The mean orientations of most A. laurensis sites in Cape York Peninsula were significantly (P < 0.05) to the west of those of most A. meridonalis and A. laurensis sites in the Northern Territory. Most shaded mound sites had significantly (P < 0.05) greater variance in mound orientation than nearby open sites. It is suggested that the geographic variation in mound orientation is an adaptive response to differences in local environmental conditions and that such variation provides the key to explaining the adaptive value of meridional orientation.
Coexistence of Ecologically Similar Colonizing Species - Intraspecific and Interspecific Competition in Drosophila-Aldrichi and D-Buzzatii
Authors: Krebs RA , Barker JSF
Published: June 2005

Two Drosophila species, D. aldrichi and D. buzzatii, colonised Opuntia cactus in Australia approximately 60 years ago. Only here are they sympatric. In laboratory population cages, D. buzzatii eliminated D. aldrichi in only a few generations. Thus analyses were done to identify competitive and life-history differences that may affect interactions between these species and their coexistence in nature. The two species differed in their responses with respect to preadult viability, size and developmental time, under intra- and interspecific larval competition, on simulated cactus rots in the laboratory. Increased intra- and interspecific density had similar effects on the larger of the two species, D. buzzatii. However, D. aldrichi showed greater decline in size and viability and greater increase in developmental time as a response to increased larval numbers of D. buzzatii, as compared with increased intraspecific density. Age of first reproduction and lifetime fecundity also favoured D. buzzatii under laboratory conditions. That D. buzzatii varied relatively less in developmental time suggested that it is better adapted to the smaller cactus necroses of O. stricta, present in the southern part of the cactus distribution where D. aldrichi is found rarely. Conversely, higher viability under crowded conditions suggested that D. aldrichi may be better adapted to poor environments such as older rots.
The Diving Behavior of Adult Male and Female Southern Elephant Seals, Mirounga-Leonina (Pinnipedia, Phocidae)
Authors: Hindell MA , Slip DJ , Burton HR
Published: June 2005

Over 50 000 individual dive records collected by time-depth recorders were analysed with respect to sex of the seal, time of year and the approximate geographic location of the dive. Six distinct dive types were described on the basis of parameters such as the amount of time spent at the maximum depth of the dive, the rate of ascent and descent, and the general form of the dive profile. These dive types were 'rest' dives, 'travel' dives, 'surface' dives, 'general non-foraging' dives, 'pelagic foraging' dives and 'benthic foraging' dives. The seals spent 90% of their time at sea submerged. Less than 2% of the time was spent on the surface in intervals of more than 10 min. A further 20-30% of the time was spent on the various non-foraging types of dives. Most females performed only 'pelagic foraging' dives, while males performed both 'pelagic' and 'benthic foraging' dives. All the 'benthic foraging' dives occurred in Area 3 (defined by water-temperature data as lying over the Antarctic Continental Shelf) and were 400-500 m deep. 'Pelagic foraging' dives occurred in all three foraging areas and ranged in depth from 200 to 1100 m. These types of dives also exhibited marked diurnal variations in depth, unlike 'benthic foraging' dives. The seals spent 10-20 min at the bottom of each 'foraging' dive, where they generally displayed a series of small changes in depth (wiggles). The size of these 'wiggles' tended to be larger in 'pelagic foraging' dives than in 'benthic foraging' dives. The diving behaviour of southern elephant seals is related to the possible prey they exploit in the Southern Ocean.
Rediscovery of the Tasmanian Grasshopper Schayera-Baiulus (Orthoptera, Acrididae) in the Field
Authors: Key KHL
Published: June 2005

Two nymphs of the rare Tasmanian grasshopper Schayera baiulus (Erichson), a male and a female, have been discovered in the north-eastern and north-western corners of Tasmania respectively, thus confirming its Tasmanian provenance and suggesting a former wide distribution across the north of the island. The nymphs are described and figured. The female was reared to maturity and the adult genitalia described. The very different environments at the two capture localities are documented. The problems involved in defining the habitat requirements and securing the survival of the species are discussed.
A Comparative-Study of Circadian Activity Patterns of 2 New Guinean Dasyurid Marsupials, Phascolosorex-Dorsalis and Antechinus-Habbema
Authors: Woolley PA , Raftopoulos SA , Coleman GJ , Armstrong SM
Published: June 2005

Five aspects of the circadian activity rhythm (wheel running, feeding, drinking, duration of time in, and visits to, the nest box) were studied for 129 days in two species of New Guinean dasyurid marsupials that co-exist in mid-montane semi-mossforest. When housed under controlled laboratory conditions, Phascolosorex dorsalis exhibited a diurnal activity pattern whereas Antechinus habbema was nocturnal. Manipulation of the feeding regimen and reversal of the 12: 12 light-dark cycle demonstrated that the diurnal activity of P. dorsalis was not due to synchronisation to food presentation but reflected the behavioural output from an endogenous circadian pacemaker. P. dorsalis appears to be unique among dasyurids in its diurnality. Results are interpreted in terms of the ecological niche being a division of time as well as space.
Production of Eggs and Young Snails by Adult Theba-Pisana (Muller) and Cernuella-Virgata (Da Costa) (Mollusca, Helicidae) in Laboratory Cultures and Field Populations
Authors: Baker GH
Published: June 2005

The fecundities of two terrestrial helicid snails, Theba pisana and Cernuella virgata, were measured in laboratory cultures. The breeding seasons of both species extended from autumn to spring, with most eggs and largest clutches being laid in autumn. Significant positive correlations between shell size and total number of eggs produced, numbers of clutches and clutch sizes were demonstrated for both species, but these correlations were generally weak and not consistently significant for snails collected from different habitats. In field populations in pastures in South Australia, the numbers of juvenile T. pisana and C. virgata (> 6 mm in shell diameter) produced per adult were inversely related to the densities of adults at the start of the breeding season. Possible reasons for this variation in production are discussed. Previous studies with other species of helicid snails have suggested that crowding can reduce the sizes of adults and hence their production of young. Such an explanation is inadequate in this case.
Reproduction of the Spinifex Hopping Mouse (Notomys-Alexis) in the Natural-Environment
Authors: Breed WG
Published: June 2005

Seven field trips to Curtin Springs Station, in the south of the Northern Territory (two in July and five in December-January), were carried out between July 1984 and January 1991 to investigate the reproductive activity of spinifex hopping mice in the natural environment. Gonadal activity was determined from most samples of animals collected. Pregnant animals were present on only one occasion (December 1988-January 1989), but two females collected in December 1985 had corpora lutea in their ovaries. Most adult males were, by contrast, sexually mature, as indicated by germ-cell associations in the seminiferous tubules, spermatozoa in the excurrent ducts, and secretion in the lumina of the ventral prostates and seminal vesicles. Nevertheless, the testes were invariably very small, 2-4 germ-cell associations were sometimes present in tubule cross-sections, epididymal spermatozoa were highly pleiomorphic and seminal vesicles minute. Such morphological traits are thus invariable features of the reproductive biology of males of this species.
Aspects of Social-Behavior and Dominance in Male Rainbow Skinks, Carlia-Rostralis
Authors: Whittier JM , Martin J
Published: June 2005

A laboratory study was conducted to observe patterns of social behaviour of males of the sexually dimorphic rainbow skink, Carlia rostralis. Animals were observed alone or in matched pairs, both as residents and non-residents of the testing cage. Behavioural patterns observed included active, aggressive, submissive, assertive, exploratory and escape categories of acts. These patterns of behaviour varied in social contexts. Active behaviour increased significantly when males were paired. Of the paired encounters, 60% had neutral outcomes in which no dominant/subordinate individual could be determined. When dominance/subordinance interactions occurred they were found to be expressed in a linear hierarchy. Dominance was positively correlated with male snout-vent length. Dominance of males was absolute and did not depend on residence status. These observations of social behaviour in the laboratory, together with preliminary observations of behaviour of this species in the field, suggest that Carlia rostralis exhibits different patterns of social behaviour from that observed in other scincid lizards.
A comparative study of macroscopic and microscopic dimensions of the intensine in five macropods (Marsupialia: Macropodidae). I. Allometric relationships.
Authors: Osawa R , Woodall PF
Published: June 2005

Macroscopic and microscopic dimensions of the intestines in five macropod species (the red kangaroo, Macropus rufus; the eastern grey kangaroo, M. giganteus; the agile wallaby, M. agilis; the swamp wallaby, Wallabia bicolor; and the red-necked pademelon, Thylogale thetis) were investigated allometrically in relation to body mass.
In general, the length of the small intestine changed in an area : volume (A:V) compensating manner, but the circumference showed negative allometry such that the overall change in surface areas, both ground and mucosal (including the contribution of villi), were isometric but also included the coefficient derived from 'Kleiber's Law' (0.75) in their 95 and 99% confidence limits, respectively.
Villous height and width generally showed no significant correlations with body size, but villous density was lower in large individuals.
The allometry coefficient for the length of the large intestine was generally near the A:V compensating value (0.5) in most intraspecific analyses but much higher in the interspecific analysis, suggesting that some factor other than body size might be important (possibly dietary fibre). Caecal length was significantly correlated with body size only in two largest species (M. rufus and M. giganteus) and the interspecific analysis gave a value near A:V compensation).
Gastrointestinal Nematodes in the Lizard Genera Tiliqua and Cyclodomorphus (Scincidae) in Western-Australia
Authors: Jones HI
Published: June 2005

Nine species of nematode were recovered from the gastrointestinal tract of 82 lizards in the genus Tiliqua and 41 lizards in the genus Cyclodomorphus (Scincidae) in Western Australia. Parapharyngodon fitzroyi, sp. nov. possesses lateral alae in males and a prominent postanal cone bearing two very small papillae. There is no sclerotised V-shaped accessory piece, and the spicular pouch opens immediately posterior to the anus. The female's tail is rounded with a small slightly posteriorly-directed terminal spike. This nematode possesses some characteristics of Thelandros, and it is suggested that the taxonomic criteria differentiating these two genera have yet to be clarified. P. fitzroyi occurred at low prevalence and generally low intensity in Tiliqua multifasciata and Cyclodomorphus branchialis in the centre and north of the State. Thelandros trachysauri exhibited morphological variability, with two spicule lengths in males, and a wide range in tail lengths in the female. This species predominated at high intensity in Tiliqua rugosa in the south ana west, and Pharyngodon tiliquae occurred at high intensity and prevalence in Tiliqua occipitalis.,Tiliqua multifasciata and Cyclodomorphus branchialis throughout the State. Despite extensive sympatry between two pairs of these oxyurid species, and a limited area of sympatry between all three, these nematodes did not occur concurrently in the same individual to any significant extent. Abbreviata antarctica occurred at high prevalence and intensity in T. occipitalis in the south and west of the State. Encysted physalopterid larvae were only seen in the stomachs of T. multifasciata, in central and northern areas. Other species recorded were Abbreviata tumidocapitis (larva only), Kreisiella lesueurii, Pseudorictularia disparilis, Physalopteroides filicauda and Maxvachonia brygooi. Differences in the nematode communities in these four lizard species can be related to host diet, geographical range of host and of nematode (possible environmental constraints on the free-living stages), and perhaps inherent insusceptibility to infection.
Body-Temperature and Diurnal Activity Patterns in the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus-Anatinus) During Winter
Authors: Grigg GC , Beard L , Grant TR , Augee M
Published: June 2005

Using implanted radiotransmitters, we monitored body temperatures in five platypuses ranging freely in the Thredbo River in Australia's southern alps between April and October 1988, where the water gets as cold as any that a platypus is likely to encounter. Activity pattern showed a distinct daily cycle. No evidence of hibernation or even brief periods of torpor was found, all individuals maintaining body temperatures close to 32-degrees-C throughout the winter (mean+/-s.d., 32.08 +/- 0.75-degrees-C, range 29.2-34.6-degrees-C, n = 2237). No differences were found between the means or the variances of body temperatures of animals during day-time rest in stream-bank burrows and those during night-time foraging in winter at temperatures as low as 1.0-degrees-C.
Comparative Life Histories of 2 Species of Notonomus (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in Victoria
Authors: Horne PA
Published: June 2005

The distributions and life histories of two species of carabid beetles, Notonomus gravis and Notonomus philippi, are compared. N. gravis inhabits the western grassland plains of Victoria and N. philippi inhabits woodland in the Otway Ranges and areas east of Melbourne. Adults of both species show peak activity in summer after emergence, with larval development from autumn to spring. The development of N. philippi occurs approximately one month earlier than that of N. gravis. Both species readily accept larval Lepidoptera as food, are nocturnal and are the dominant carabids in their respective habitats. N. gravis has potential as a biological control agent, and the carabid communities may be used as environmental indicators.
Growth, Sexual Maturity and Food-Intake of Australian Indian-Ocean Bottle-Nosed Dolphins, Tursiops-Truncatus, in Captivity
Authors: Cheal AJ , Gales NJ
Published: June 2005

Body size and food intake of four female and three male captive Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, were recorded regularly over a 10-year period. Growth of three captive-born female calves was also recorded. Growth of females parallelled that of South African bottlenose dolphins, tending toward an asymptote of c. 240 cm at 16 years of age. Growth of males was characterised by a secondary growth spurt at puberty between the ages of 10 and 12 years. Wild-caught females were approximately 10% heavier for age than their South African conspecifics. The captive-born females were up to 50% heavier than their African counterparts. Growth rates of females and males were 2.1-2.6 cm per year and 2.0-2.6 cm per year, respectively, between the ages of 3 and 16 years. Females were known to be reproductively mature at 11-13 years of age when lengths were between 227 and 238 cm. DNA fingerprinting of offspring and potential parents revealed that one of the three males was reproductively mature at 233 cm and another at either 222 or 226 cm. One of the males was sexually mature at the beginning of its secondary growth spurt at 10 or 11 years of age. Food intake of dolphins increased significantly with decreasing water temperature. It is suggested that variations in water temperature and food availability may play a role in governing body-size differences between T. truncatus populations.
Biochemical Systematics of the Australian Dotterels and Plovers (Charadriiformes, Charadriidae)
Authors: Christian PD , Christidis L , Schodde R
Published: June 2005

Allozyme variation at 38 presumptive protein loci was examined among seven Australian breeding and four migratory species of plovers, dotterels and lapwings (Charadriidae). Using the silver gull (Laridae), Australian pratincole (Glareolidae) and bush stone-curlew (Burhinidae) as outgroups, phenetic and cladistic analyses consistently identified four major clusters within the species examined. The first comprised the oriental plover, Charadrius veredus, the double-banded plover, C bicinctus, the red-capped plover, C. ruficapillus and the Mongolian plover, C. mongolus, together with the inland dotterel, Peltohyas australis. The second cluster contained the hooded plover, C. rubricollis and the black-fronted plover, C. melanops. The third contained the banded lapwing, Vanellus tricolor, and the masked lapwing, V. miles, together with the red-kneed dotterel, Erythrogonys cinctus. The Pacific golden plover, Pluvialis fulva, separated as a sister group to all of the other Charadriidae. These allozyme data are used to predict a phylogeny for the Australian Charadriidae and, assessed against morphological and behavioural characters, to propose a new taxonomic treatment.