Zoogeographic affinities of the stoneflies (Plecoptera) of the Raft River Mountains, Utah

We examined faunal affinities of the Raft River Mountains using stoneflies (Plecoptera) as indicators. This island-like mountain range is isolated from other major mountain ranges in the Intermountain West by low-elevation, arid regions. Thirty-seven species were recorded from collections from 19 sites in the Raft River Mountains. Cluster analysis demonstrated the Raft River Mountain stonefly assemblage to be most similar to faunas of the Sawtooth and Wasatch mountains, and quite different from that of the Sierra Nevada. An analysis of the distribution patterns of each species, on a family-by-family basis, showed that the Raft River Mountains fauna consists mostly of species widespread in western North America. Most families were represented by at least 1 species whose distribution supports faunal affinities with regions to the north and west. Logistic regression of 6 long-distance dispersal factors against stonefly presence-absence data did not support long-distance dispersal as a viable means of colonization for the Raft River Mountains. This suggest that stonefly distribution patterns may be attributed to expansion and subsequent vicariance of suitable stonefly habitats during Pleistocene climatic oscillations.     

The life cycle of Hydroperla crosbyi (Plecoptera: Perlodidae)

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Hydroperla crosbyi in Texas exhibited a univoltine, fast life cycle over the three - year study period. Adults emerged in February – March when mean daily stream temperature reached ca. 15 C. Reared females in the lab deposited up to three egg masses. Mean fecundity of dissected females was 787 eggs/female. Oviposition in the field was observed and described. Eggs were triangular in cross section, brown, and measured 400 µ m × 535 µ m. They underwent an ca. seven-month diapause until mean daily stream temperature decreased to 18 C. Eyespots appeared, and hatching followed in two to three weeks. First instar nymphs were measured and described. Male and female nymphs underwent 12 and 14 instars, respectively, and could be sexed by the sixth. Fast growth occurred in the coldest season and Simuliidae and Chironomidae larvae were preferred food throughout development. Eggs contained a mean of 6.21 cal/mg. Ash - free mean caloric value of last instar nymphs was 6.0 cal/mg. Adult males and females lost 33.8 percent and 57.6 percent, respectively, of their caloric pool through their ca. 12 days of life.        

Parasites of mottled sculpin, Cottus bairdi Girard, from five locations in Utah and Wasatch counties, Utah

Between 1983 and 1985, 97 mottled sculpin, Cottus bairdi Girard, were examined from five collection sites in central Utah for parasites. Eight different species of parasites were observed, representing seven genera of Protozoa ( Plistophora, Myxidium, Myxobolus, Ichthyophthirius, Trichodina, Apiosoma, Eimeria ) and one genus of Nematoda ( Rhabdochona ). The highest number of parasites was found in sculpin from the Provo River near residential areas, while the lowest number was recorded from Hobble Creek, a nearby pristine area. A complete list of parasites for C. bairdi with literature citations is presented. Each observed parasite is discussed emphasizing pathogenesis to the host.     

Stonefly (Plecoptera) records from the basin ranges of Nevada and Utah

Distributional records are given for 40 stonefly species on 15 isolated mountain ranges in Nevada and Utah.     

Diversity, phenology, and elevational distribution of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera in American Fork Canyon, Utah

Although the aquatic insect fauna of Utah and their associated adult forms are well documented taxonomically and biogeographically, little is known about seasonal and elevational patterns of aquatic insect diversity in individual Wasatch streams. We selected the American Fork River, a relatively pristine stream with little anthropogenic disturbance, as our target stream to investigate elevational distribution and seasonal phenology of adult forms of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT). From April to October in 2003 through 2005, a total of 71 adult forms of EPT species were documented along the American Fork River. No single sampling period captured more than 30 species, and richness per sampling period averaged 8 species for all sites combined. The mid-elevational site (1862 msl) was the most species rich, with 54 species of transitional fauna captured along the elevational gradient. As such, this site is an important reference for maximum potential richness. Plecoptera emerged earlier in the year than Trichoptera, with the Plecoptera-dominated community being most rich in June, and the Trichoptera-dominated community being most rich in August. We observed 3 distinct seasonal species suites and 3 elevationally zoned community assemblages that were recurrent in their timing and location from year to year. The compiled species lists, life histories, and preliminary investigation of ecological trends provide a firm basis for further systematic studies on the ecology, water quality, and conservation of the aquatic insects of the American Fork River and similar mountain streams, particularly in the Wasatch region. Aunque la fauna de insectos acuáticos de Utah y sus formas adultas asociadas están bien documentadas taxonómica y biogeográficamente, se conoce poco sobre los patrones de distribución estacionales y altitudinales de la diversidad de insectos acuáticos en arroyos individuales de la cordillera Wasatch. Seleccionamos el Río American Fork, un arroyo relativamente prístino con poca perturbación antropogénica, como nuestro objetivo para investigar la distribución altitudinal de las formas adultas de Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera y Trichoptera (EPT), así como su fenología estacional. De abril a octubre del año 2003 al 2005, se documentó un total de 71 formas adultas de especies de EPT a lo largo del Río American Fork. No se encontraron más de 30 especies en ninguno de los períodos de muestreo, y combinando los datos de todos los sitios, el promedio de especies por período fue ocho. El sitio de elevación media (1862 msnm) fue el más rico con 54 especies constituidas por una fauna transicional entre los sitios a lo largo del gradiente de elevación, y como tal éste es un importante punto de referencia para determinar el máximo potencial de riqueza de especies. Los plecópteros aparecieron más temprano en el año que los tricópteros—la comunidad predominada por Plecoptera fue más rica en especies en junio—mientras que la comunidad predominantemente Trichoptera alcanzó su mayor riqueza en agosto. Observamos tres distintos conjuntos estacionales de especies y tres comunidades distribuidas por elevación, las cuales fueron recurrentes en su temporalidad y localización año tras año. La lista recopilada de especies, las historias de vida y la investigación preliminar de tendencias ecológicas aportan una firme base para más estudios sistemáticos y ecológicos, así como de calidad de agua y conservación de los insectos acuáticos del Río American Fork y otros arroyos semejantes a este, particularmente en la región de la cordillera Wasatch.     

The banner-tailed kangaroo rat, Dipodomys spectabilis (Rodentia: Heteromyidae), in Utah

We report the discovery in Utah of Dipodomys spectabilis, a species previously unknown to occur in the state. We searched for D. spectabilis in extreme southeastern Utah, south of the San Juan River, and were successful in finding mounds and burrows characteristic of the species and in capturing one individual. This is the northernmost record for D. spectabilis and extends its known range ~84 km northwest of the nearest previously reported locality (Fruitland, San Juan County, New Mexico). A flea, Meringis rectus, collected from D. spectabilis, is also the first record of its species in Utah. Reportamos el descubrimiento en Utah de Dipodomys spectabilis, una especie cuya presencia en el estado no había sido observada previamente. Buscamos D. spectabilis en el extremo sureste de Utah, al sur del Río San Juan, y logramos encontrar montículos y túneles típicos de esta especie y capturar un espécimen. Este es el registro más al norte para D. spectabilis y se extiende su rango de distribución conocida a ~84 km al noroeste de la localidad más cercana previamente reportada (Fruitland, condado de San Juan, Nuevo Mexico). Es también el primer registro en Utah para Meringis rectus, una pulga recolectada en D. spectabilis.     

Alpine and subalpine wetland plant communities of the Uinta Mountains, Utah

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Seven wetland areas in the subalpine and alpine regions of the Uinta Mountains are described. Most areas have a mosaic vegetation structure, comprised of several patches that are usually sharply demarcated from one another. Each patch has a distinct species composition, usually with only one or two species. Water level is associated with some of the vegetation patterns found in these sites. Standing crop varied from 28 to 360 g/m 2 . Sites show considerable variation in standing crop that could not be explained by elevation differences between sites. Sites with water flowing over them have substantially greater standing crops than sites where water stagnates. Seasonal patterns in shoot density and standing crop indicate one late summer peak in standing crop and little recruitment of shoots over the summer. On stagnant sites, the average stem weight shows a strong relationship to stem density. This pattern did not appear to be caused by thinning mortality and did not follow a “3/2 power law” pattern.       

Status of the northern rock deermouse, Peromyscus nasutus (Rodentia: Cricetidae), in Utah

Peromyscus nasutus has been considered to occur in Utah since it was first reported in the state in 1935. Authors since then have considered the distribution of P. nasutus to include southeastern Utah. However, the original Utah specimen was later reidentified as Peromyscus boylii . A query of museums revealed only 1 other specimen considered to be P. nasutus from Utah. This specimen was examined and found to be P. boylii . Thus, there is no evidence of the occurrence of P. nasutus in Utah, and the northwesternmost accepted records of this species are in the Chuska Mountains of northeastern Arizona.     

Winter habitats and foods of Blue Grouse in the Sheeprock Mountains, Utah

Winter habitat use and food habits of Blue Grouse ( Dendragapus obscurus ) were studied in an isolated Utah desert mountain range that contained little typical Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ) winter habitat. Habitat use was concentrated in the Douglas-fir and pinyon ( Pinus edulis )-juniper ( Juniperus spp. ) habitat. Douglas-fir and pinyon pine were the most consumed foods. Other foods that represented >15% of the composition of an individual fecal sample were limber pine ( Pinus flexilis ), mahogany ( Cercocarpus ledifoliu ), juniper, and an Anteunaria-Cirsium type. The breadth in winter diet indicates that Blue Grouse may successfully occupy other habitats when typical winter habitat is scarce.     

Life cycle and incidence of Diplostomum spathaceum Rudolphi (1819) (Trematoda: Diplostomatidae) in Utah

Diplostomum spathaceum (Trematoda: Diplostomatidae) causes a disease known as diplostomatosis (eye fluke disease) and has been found to be widespread throughout the fish of Utah. Totals of 756 snails (5 species), 893 fish (21 species) and 6 species of birds were examined for the presence of larval and adult D. spathaceum from 17 collecting sites throughout Utah. Pathologic effects such as blindness, subacute inflammatory reactions, cornea perforation, and ruptured globe due to diplostomatosis upon the fish host are listed. Fish host and parasite infection data of D. spathaceum for the major lakes of Utah are given.     

Natural history and ecology of foraging of the Camponotus crassus Mayr, 1862 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

ABSTRACT

Ants are abundant in terrestrial ecosystems, especially in the Brazilian Cerrado, where they can play several roles at different levels of the food chain, including protection of plants against herbivores. Although there are many studies that evaluate the ant–plant interaction in the Cerrado, little is known about the natural history of most species of ants. Camponotus crassus Mayr, 1862, for example, is considered one of the main agents of plant biotic defence in Cerrado. But there are no studies specifically focused on this species, which hinders the understanding of how arthropod–plant interactions are structured in Cerrado. Here, we describe the natural history and ecology of the foraging of the C. crassus. We conducted the study from January 2013 to December 2014 in 10 quadrants of 40 m² to measure: the abundance, density and distribution of nests, location of the nests, the internal structure of the nests, the daily foraging of workers out of the nest, the food items they collect and the existence of territoriality and dominance of the workers on the soil and vegetation. We found 18 nests, 13 in the soil and 5 in hollow trunks on the ground with variable internal structures. The distribution of nests is aggregate, with density of 0.045 nests/m² and average distance of 3.73 m between nests. The foraging activity occurs on the daytime during the rainy and dry season. Extrafloral nectar and honeydew were the resources most collected, comprising 83.33% of the resources in the rainy period and 30% in the dry period. Camponotus crassus is a dominant species, especially on vegetation, although it also forages on the soil. This is the first study to evaluate in detail the natural history and foraging ecology of C. crassus, a diurnal, aggressive and territorial ant that mainly forage climbing onto the plants.     

North American stoneflies (Plecoptera): systematics, distribution, and taxonomic references

A list of 537 Nearctic stonefly species is provided and distributions of all species are given by U.S. state and Canadian province. The list includes a bibliography of systematic and biogeographic papers published since the Zwick (1973) catalogue.     

Bionomics and control of the walnut spanworm, Phigalia plumogeraria (Hulst), on bitterbrush in Utah

In 1979, the walnut spanworm defoliated a 1 ha bitterbrush seed orchard near Nephi, Utah. No seed was produced for two years thereafter due to feeding damage. Life stages were described and illustrated. The female is brachypterous and incapable of flight. First instar larvae readily drop on their silk threads and probably are dispersed by wind. The insect has one annual generation. Moths laid an average of 159 eggs per cluster in April; larvae began to appear in early May and matured by the first week of June. The pupal period extended from June until mid-April. The parasitic bombyliid, Villa faustina (Osten Sacken), was reared from pupae. In April 1980, shrubs contained an estimated average of 1044 eggs each. On 19 May, larvae averaged 1.9 per 7.5 cm of twig and were in the first and second instar. On 20 May the population was controlled by spraying with Sevimol-4. Other potential host plants, as determined from greenhouse tests, are rose, ceanothus, mountain mahogany, serviceberry, and willow.     

Life history, abundance, and distribution of Moapa dace ( Moapa coriacea )

Moapa dace ( Moapa coriacea ) is a federally listed endangered fish endemic to the spring-fed headwaters of the Muddy River, Clark County, Nevada. Species life history, abundance, and distribution were studied from March 1984 to January 1989. Reproduction, which was observed year-round, peaked in spring and was lowest in fall. It occurred in headwater tributaries of the Muddy River within 150 m of warm water spring discharge in water temperatures ranging from 30 to 32 C. Females matured between 41 and 45 mm in fork length (FL). Egg abundance increased with female size ( r 2 = .93); counts ranged from 60 for a 45-mm-FL female to 772 for one 90-mm FL. The oldest of eight fish, aged by the opercle method, was a 90-mm-FL, 4+-year-old female. Adults are omnivorous but tended toward carnivory; 75% of matter by volume consumed was invertebrates and 25% plants and detritus. Fish size was generally commensurate with flow, the largest fish occurring in the greatest flow. Adults were near bottom, in focal velocities ranging from 0 to 55 cm/s. Juveniles occupied a narrower range of depths and velocities than adults, and larvae occupied slack water. From December 1984 to September 1987, the total adult population ranged from 2600 to 2800. Although these numbers are higher than previously believed for Moapa dace, they are still sufficiently low to warrant its endangered status. The dependency of Moapa dace's different life history stages to various areas and habitat types of the Warm Springs area suggests that all remaining habitat is necessary for their survival.     

Seed and cone insects associated with Pinus monophylla in the Raft River Mountains, Utah

Yearly variation in numbers of cones produced by western white pine was found to affect the population level of the mountain pine cone beetle. In years when cone production is moderate to heavy, beetle populations increase. Increasing beetle populations are ultimately limited by poor cone crops, which increase competition for nutrients and oviposition sites. Variability in western white pine cone production is regarded as the most important factor regulating populations of the mountain pine cone beetle.        

Red Butte Canyon Research Natural Area: history, flora, geology, climate, and ecology

Red Butte Canyon is a protected, near pristine canyon entering Salt Lake Valley, Utah. It contains a well-developed riparian zone and a perennial stream; hillside vegetation ranges from grasslands on the lower limits to Douglas-fir and aspen stands at the upper elevations. In this paper we describe the history of human impact, natural history aspects of climate, geology, and ecology, and faunal and floral information for key species in the canyon. The role and importance of Research Natural Areas is discussed, particularly with respect to the need to protect Red Butte Canyon:one of the few remaining undisturbed riparian ecosystems in the Intermountain West.     

The New Mexico whiptail, Cnemidophorus neomexicanus (Squamata: Teiidae), in the Great Basin of north central Utah

We report the discovery of established populations of Cnemidophorus neomexicanus in the Salt Lake City area. These are the 1st records of this species in Utah and in the Great Basin and are far from all other known populations of the species. We conclude that C. neomexicanus was introduced in the Salt Lake City area, perhaps within the last 30 years.