An annotated list of the aquatic insects of southeastern Idaho, Part III. Ephemeroptera

The study revealed representatives of 9 families, 22 genera, and 59 species occurring within the study area. No new species and no new state records were collected, but a number of new localities have been added.     

An annotated list of the aquatic insects of southeastern Idaho, Part II: Trichoptera

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;} Distribution records for the Trichoptera occurring in the southeastern one - third of Idaho are summarized based on published records and collections by the authors and their colleagues. The study revealed representatives of 13 families, 37 genera, and 84 species. Several species were collected for the first time in Idaho, including: Hesperophylax magnus, Limnephilus frijole and L. thorus, Psychoglypha ormiae, Ceraclea annulicornis and C. copha, Polycentropus crassicornis, Tinodes provo, and Agrypania dextra.     

Some edaphic relations of southeastern Idaho wildlands

Soil samples from the Al horizon and dominant subsoil horizon at 190 sites were analyzed for Ca, Mg, K, P, and organic matter contents in conjunction with a soil resource inventory of the Caribou National Forest. Vegetative composition and production data were compared to the edaphic factors to derive relationships useful to the land manager. Organic matter was effective in distinguishing between soil orders and was positively correlated to vegetative production. Vegetative cycling of the nutrients P and K was most pronounced in soils of the order Mollisols, to a lesser degree in the Alfisols, and not at all in the Entisols. The K/Mg ratio of the soil showed a negative correlation to grass production and a positive correlation with shrub production. An interpretative table is provided to aid determinations of high versus low values for the edaphic factors studied.     

Coleoptera of the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory: an annotated checklist

An insect survey was conducted on the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory during the summers of 1981–1983. This site is on the Snake River Plains in southeastern Idaho. Presented here is an annotated checklist of the Coleoptera collected. Successful collecting methods, dates of adult occurrence, and relative abundance are given for each species. Relevant biological information is also presented for some species.     

Food habits of Burrowing Owls in southeastern Idaho

Food habits of a population of the Burrowing Owl ( Athene cunicularia ) at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Butte County, were studied. The 421 pellets examined yielded 2,436 prey items of at least 22 prey species. Invertebrates, largely insects, constituted 91 percent of the total prey items, but only 29 percent of the total biomass; mammals constituted 8 percent of the prey items, but 68 percent of the biomass. The prey were mostly nocturnal species; diurnal species were poorly represented.     

Invertebrate fauna of wastewater ponds in southeastern Idaho

Water column invertebrates were sampled with 3.8-L activity traps in 15 sewage, industrial, and radioactive wastewater ponds at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory in southeastern Idaho. One collection was made per pond, per month, during all months the ponds were ice-free from June 1990 through July 1991. Arsenic, barium, boron, lead, selenium, and mercury were detected in ponds. Sewage ponds generally had higher nitrogen and phosphorus levels than industrial and radioactive ponds. Of the 30 aquatic invertebrate taxa collected, the most ubiquitous were Rotifera, Daphnidea, Eucopepdoa, Ostracoda, Acari, Baetidae, Corixidae, Notonectidiae, Dytiscidae, and Chironomidae. Activity trap samples from sewage ponds contained more Rotifere, Daphnidae, and Notonectide, whereas industrial ponds yielded more Chydoridae, Acari, and Baetidae. Numbers of Oligochaeta, Eucopepoda, Ostracoda, Corixidae, Dytiscidae, and Chironomidae collected were not significantly different between sewage and industrial ponds. Compared with natural systems, these ponds had fewer taxa, but a greater number of individuals of most taxa. The high number of invertebrates collected is attributed to the lack of fish in wastewater ponds and the high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, particularly in sewage ponds.     

Seasonal microhabitat relationships of blue grouse in southeastern Idaho

Microhabitat characteristics of blue grouse ( Dendragapus obscurus ) were analyzed in breeding and wintering habitats in southeastern Idaho. Breeding habitats typically were open sagebrush ( Artemisia spp.), mixed shrub, mountain mahogany ( Cercocarpus ledifolius ) , and maple ( Acer grandidentatum ) stands on east to south facing aspects of slopes below 2100 m elevation. Breeding blue grouse selected areas with approximately a 50:50 or greater open to cover ratio. Blue grouse selected areas with higher tree coverage than available on average within the mixed shrub vegetation type. Hens with broods preferred sites with relatively tall (>50 cm) herbaceous vegetation. During autumn and winter, blue grouse preferred high elevation (>2285 m) stands of open (50% tree cover) conifer. Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ) were preferred as winter roost trees. Sites selected in winter had significantly more Douglas-fir than those selected in autumn.      

Applicability of the universal soil loss equation for southeastern Idaho wildlands

Soil physical and chemical properties were studied to identify habitat differences among 15 sagebrush dominated plant community types of the Great Basin. The sagebrush taxa studied followed an apparent gradient of increasing soil fertility, with Artemisia nova commonly occupying the lowest fertility sites. Sites of moderate soil fertility tended to support A. arbuscula , A. longiloba , and A. tridentata ssp. Wyomingensis . Artemisia tridentata ssp. Tridentata and A. tridentata ssp. Vaseyana were commonly found on sites with the highest soil fertility levels as indicated by maximum organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus levels within such soils. Mollic epipedon depth, total depth, and water-holding capacity of the soil also increased as the dominant sagebrush taxon of a community type changed from A. nova to A. tridentata ssp. Vaseyana . Data from this study provide information concerning soil relationships within relatively undisturbed rangeland communities. Such data are required if future soil sampling efforts within the Great Basin are to have a basis for comparison.     

Factors influencing nesting success of Burrowing Owls in southeastern Idaho

A burrowing owl ( Athene cunicularia ) population nesting on the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) in southeastern Idaho utilized burrows excavated by badgers ( Taxidea taxus ) or natural cavities in lava flows as nesting sites. The size of the population was small (N = 13–14 pairs) in relation to the number of available nesting sites, suggesting that factors other than burrow availability limited this population. Rodents and Jerusalem crickets ( Stenopelmatus fuscus ) represented the primary prey utilized during the nesting season. This population demonstrated both a numerical (brood size) and functional (dietary) response to a decrease in the density of three species of rodents on the INEL during a drought in 1977.         

Diets of sympatric red foxes and coyotes in southeastern Idaho

Scats of sympatric red foxes and coyotes from the upper Snake River Plain of southeastern Idaho were analyzed for composition. Rodent remains in general and those of cricetid mice in particular occurred more frequently in scats of red foxes during all seasons of the year than any other food items identified. Scats of coyotes differed significantly in content from scats of red foxes during winter and contained primarily pygmy rabbit remains. In summer, remains of pygmy rabbits, sheep, ground squirrels, yellow-bellied marmots, arthropods, and vegetation were formed more frequently in scats of coyotes and remains of cricetid mice occurred more frequently in scats of red foxes. Red foxes and coyotes generally consumed similar food items but in different proportions. Based on the location of scats that were collected, red foxes and coyotes largely used different portions of the study area. Reasons for the preferential usage of habitat are discussed.     

Burrows of the sagebrush vole ( Lemmiscus curtatus ) in southeastern Idaho

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* 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;} Burrows of the sagebrush vole ( Lemmiscus curtatus ) were analyzed by injecting them with expanding polyurethane foam. Average mean depth ± 1 SE of four burrows was 12.5 ± 2.6 cm. Tunnels were wider than high and flat on the bottom. Three of four burrows were nearly linear, with an average of five entrances. Burrows usually contained one nest made of Artemisia tridentata bark. No middens or communal nests were found. The burrow structure in sagebrush habitat suggests that sagebrush voles occur singly or in pairs rather than in colonies.     

Energy and protein content of coyote prey in southeastern Idaho

Gross energy, digestible energy, crude protein, and digestible crude protein were estimated for two leporids and five rodents that were the primary prey of coyotes ( Canis latrans ) in southeastern Idaho. Digestible protein estimates differed (38%–54%) more than digestible energy (3.5–4.4 kcal), in the prey examined.     

Seasonal foods of coyotes in southeastern Idaho: a multivariate analysis

Seasonal foods of coyotes ( Canis latrans ) inhabiting the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory site were examined using step-wise discriminant analysis. Significant differences ( P < 0.01) were detected among seasons in food consumption by coyotes, where univariate statistical analysis failed to recognize differences. Recognition of seasonal changes in foods consumed by coyotes is essential to understanding coyote feeding strategies. The role opportunistic behavior plays in coyote food selection on the study area is questioned.     

A new fossil sponge from the Ordovician Garden City limestone of southeastern Idaho

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;} The new choristid demosponge, Loganiella johnsoni, is described from the upper part of the Lower Ordovician Garden City Formation of southeastern Idaho. The new sponge is a relatively thin walled, low, subcylindrical form. The skeletal net is composed of tracts of curved rodlike spicules, but details have been lost on all specimens because of extensive silicification. Impressions, however, suggest a close relationship to the choristid Dystactospongia Miller, 1889. &nbsp;&nbsp;     

Blow flies (Diptera, Calliphoridae) of Idaho: an annotated checklist

A total of 33 species of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are recorded from Idaho. They include 1 species each of Cochliomyia, Phormia, Protophormia, Trypocalliphora, Cyanus, Cynomya, and Melanodexia ; 12 species of Protocalliphora ; 5 species of Lucilia ; 6 species of Calliphora ; and 3 species of Pollenia . Other calliphorid species that may also occur in the state include 5 species of Protocalliphora and 3 species of Calliphora . Known distribution, periods of activity, abundance within the state, and biological notes are provided.     

Studies on the tolerance of aquatic insects to low oxygen concentrations

Acute, short - term (96 - hour) tests were conducted to determine the relative sensitivity of low oxygen concentrations to 20 species of aquatic insects. In addition, the longer - term effects of low oxygen levels on the survival, molting, growth, and emergence of 21 species were studied. This paper encompasses work conducted at the University of Montana Biological Station from 1968 to 1970 and at the University of Utah from 1966 to 1972. An evaluation of the average minimum dissolved - oxygen requirements of the different groups of aquatic insects tested indicates that the mayflies are the most sensitive, that the stoneflies are next, and that the caddis flies, freshwater shrimp, true flies, and damselflies follow, in that order. While two species of mayfly could tolerate as low a dissolved-oxygen concentration as 3.3 mg/1 for 10 days, a level of 4.6 mg/1 was required for 50-percent survival at 30 days. Fifty percent of the true flies and damselflies tested were able to survive at levels ranging from 2.2 to 2.8 mg/1 for periods ranging from 20 to 92 days. &nbsp;     

Horizontal and vertical diameter of burrows of five small mammal species in southeastern Idaho

Burrow diameters of five small mammal species, Townsend's ground squirrel ( Spermophilus townsendii ), Wyoming ground squirrel ( S. elegans ), Ord's kangaroo rat ( Dipodomys ordii ), montane vole ( Microtus montanus ), and deer mouse ( Peromyscus maniculatus ), were examined. Burrow cross sections were noncircular for all species with horizontal diameters 1.2-1.6 times wider than vertical diameters. Montane vole and deer mouse burrows were the smallest diameter, burrows of Wyoming and Townsend's ground squirrels were the largest, and kangaroo rat burrows were intermediate. Soil bulk density and texture significantly affected burrow diameters of montane voles and deer mice but not the other three species.     

Habitat use patterns within the home range of pygmy rabbits ( Brachylagus idahoensis ) in southeastern Idaho

Pygmy rabbits ( Brachylagus idahoensis ) are a small sagebrush ( Artemisia tridentata ) obligate lagomorph found within the Great Basin of northwestern United States. Because of its reliance on sagebrush, this species is thought to be experiencing a major range reduction as a result of loss of sagebrush habitat. To aid in conservation of this species, we need to better understand its use of the sagebrush environment. We estimated summer home range use patterns by relocating 5 radio-collared pygmy rabbits (3 females and 2 males) over a 24-hour cycle. We then compared soil texture, shrub density, height, and canopy cover between areas close to burrow entrances and areas of high use and low use. Mean home range sizes of female and male rabbits were 37.2 and 67.9 ha, respectively. Rabbits had disproportionate amounts of time (68.4% ± 9.1, s￣x ) and travel (63.0% ± 5.7, s￣x ) in areas within a 60-m radius of their burrows. Soil texture did not differ among the 3 areas, but shrub density, specifically big sagebrush, and forb density were significantly higher close to the burrow than in the high- and low-use areas. We conclude that pygmy rabbits are possibly burrow obligates and that their abundance and distribution are likely limited by available burrow sites.     

Occurrence of the musk ox, Symbos cavifrons, from southeastern Idaho and comments on the genus Bootherium

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;} A set of ovibovine horn cores collected from Pleistocene sediments in southeastern Idaho provides additional evidence for sexual dimorphism in the helmeted musk ox, Symbos cavifrons. Specimens previously assigned to Bootherium sargenti are placed in synonomy with Symbos cavifrons as sexual dimorphs (females). Bootherium bombifrons is a valid taxon and is probably not closely related to Symbos.