Alkaloidal relationships in the genus Arctomecon (Papaveraceae) and herbivory in A. humilis

The previously reported alkaloids (including protopines, benzophenanthridines, tetrahydrobenzylisoquinolines, and protoberberines) of the genus Arctomecon (Papaveraceae) are discussed in relation to their distribution in the plant kingdom, in the Papaveraceae, and among the three species of Arctomecon . The biological activity of these alkaloids is discussed, and possible implications for herbivore and plant-insect interactions in A. humilis are presented.     

Dynamics of a dwarf bear-poppy ( Arctomecon humilis ) population over a sixteen-year period

A population of the dwarf bear-poppy ( Arctomecon humilis Coville, Papaveraceae) at Red Bluff, Washington County, Utah, was monitored twice annually between 1987 and 2002. This is a narrowly endemic, gypsophilous species that has been formally listed as endangered since 1979. During the 16 years of observation, density of this species has fluctuated between 3 and 1336 individuals on the 0.07-ha monitoring plot. Moderate to large recruitments of seedlings occurred in 1992, 1995, and 2001. Seedling recruitments from a large, long-lived seed bank are triggered by abundant precipitation during the February-April period. At least 5.0 cm of rainfall is required during that interval to produce any seedlings. Seedlings experienced considerable mortality in the 1st few months of life in all observed cases. The average seedling initiated in the very large recruitment event of 1992 survived for only 2.6 years. Seedlings in that cohort that were alive 1 year after germination had an average longevity of 4.6 years. None of the seedlings that emerged in 1992 were still alive in October 2002. Mortality in this species was poorly correlated with fluctuations in precipitation or temperature. No epidemics of parasites or herbivores were observed. Mortality in the species appears to be caused by a variety of factors acting over a cohort's lifetime.     

Size, structure, and habitat characteristics of populations of Braya humilis var. humilis (Brassicaceae): an alpine disjunct from Colorado

Size, structure, and habitat characteristics were studied in three populations of Braya humilis var. humilis (C. A. Meyer) Robins, in Gray & Wats. (Brassicaceae), a small, herbaceous perennial of the alpine tundra in central Colorado. There was a significant association between numbers of reproductive, juvenile, and seedling individuals and population location. Plant size within reproductive, juvenile, and seedling size classes varied significantly among three populations. Plots containing Braya had significantly lower total plant cover, a different set of dominant plant species, more rock, bare ground, and less litter than plots without Braya . Braya appears to be restricted to calcareous substrates that experience a moderate level of disturbance, such as solifluction lobes and abandoned roads. Populations are small despite the existence of much potential habitat. Population studies are necessary for active conservation management of Braya .     

Seed bank dynamics and habitat indicators of Arctomecon californica, a rare plant in a fragmented desert environment

Protection of endangered desert plant species is frequently complicated by a lack of information about seeds, the most stress-resistant and populous life stage. We studied the relative locations of seeds and plants of a rare endangered herbaceous perennial, the Las Vegas bearpoppy ( Arctomecon californica ) in seven 1-ha sites randomly located within a 100-ha study area that was slated for development in Las Vegas, Nevada. We also measured the physical and biological attributes of the environment supporting the seeds and plants, including soil hardness, rock cover, cryptogamic crust cover, and associated vegetation. Arctomecon californica seed density was 0.651 seeds · m –2 , and seeds were found throughout the top 4 cm of soil. Seed viability among sites ranged from 26% to 79%; however, no significant changes between depths were detected. The spatial distribution of the seed bank coincided with the current A. californica adult distribution only in sites with both a high plant density and high numbers of seeds. Arctomecon californica adults occupied open areas within the gypsum environment that supported significantly less vegetative cover than the surrounding area. We observed a positive association between A. californica adults and shadscale ( Atriplex confertifolia ) and a negative association with 7 other plant species among sites. Sites with an indurated abiotic crust hosted higher numbers of A. californica adults than sites with softer soils. However, rock cover, cryptogamic crust cover, and soil hardness were poor explanatory factors for characterizing A. californica presence. We suggest that land managers should incorporate seed bank census into monitoring programs due to the extreme year-to-year fluctuations in A. californica plant population densities. A menudo la protección de especies de plantas desérticas en peligro de extinción se ve complicada por la falta de información sobre las semillas, la etapa de vida más abundante y resistente al estrés. Estudiamos la ubicación relativa de semillas y plantas de “Las Vegas bearpoppy” ( Arctomecon californica ), una planta perenne en peligro de extinción, en 7 sitios de 1 ha. localizados al azar dentro de un área de estudio de 100 ha que estaba destinada a la urbanización en Las Vegas, Nevada (E.U.A.). También medimos los atributos físicos y biológicos del ambiente que sostiene las semillas y plantas, tales como dureza del suelo, rocosidad, cobertura de costra cryptógama y vegetación asociada. La densidad de semillas de A. californica fue 0.651 semillas · m –2 y se observó en los 4 cm superiores del suelo. La viabilidad de las semillas varió del 26% al 79% entre los sitios; sin embargo, no detectamos cambios significativos entre profundidades. La distribución espacial del banco de semillas coincidió con la distribución actual de adultos de A. californica, sólo en sitios que tuvieron una alta densidad de plantas y altos números de semillas. Los adultos de A. californica ocuparon áreas abiertas dentro del ambiente de yeso que sostenía significativamente menos cobertura vegetal que las áreas circunvecinas. Observamos una asociación positiva entre los adultos de A. californica y el chamizo ( Atriplex confertifolia ) y una asociación negativa con siete otras especies de plantas entre sitios. Los sitios con una costra abiótica endurecida albergaron más adultos de A. californica que los sitios con suelos más blandos. No obstante, la cubierta rocosa, la costra cryptógama y la dureza del suelo fueron inadecuadas como factores para caracterizar la presencia de A. californica. Sugerimos que los manejadores de tierras deben incorporar censos de bancos de semillas en los programas de monitoreo, debido a las fluctuaciones extremas de un año a otro en la densidad poblacional de A. californica. Normal 0 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-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:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";}     

Improved local inventory and regional contextualization for anuran (Amphibia) diversity assessment at an endangered habitat in southeastern Brazil

Amphibians are suffering population declines around the world and the main causes are related to human activities, especially those involving direct habitat destruction. On the other hand, we are far behind in our knowledge of species distribution, natural history and even taxonomy. Some areas are under high levels of threat due to their economic relevance, as is the case for the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, a biodiverse area that is rich in iron deposits in the southernmost highlands of the Espinhaço Mountain Range, in southeastern Brazil. Using four lakes in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero as an example, we aimed to employ two approaches that we believe can improve short-term species inventories such as those needed to meet legal requirements for potentially impacting enterprises (e.g. mining). These approaches were (1) combination of tadpole and adult frog inventories and (2) regional contextualization of local species assemblages. We found adult frog and tadpole sampling to be complementary and representative of all anuran life stages. We also found the studied habitats to be considerably different from all other sampled habitats in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero (which also differed substantially among them). This high spatial heterogeneity could not be explained by geographic distance, even accounting for the effects of different types of bodies of water and sampling methods among sites. These findings have important conservation implications. Thorough inventories including both adult and tadpole stages are recommended for any new potentially destructive enterprise to be implemented in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, because endemic species and unique anuran assemblages are likely to be lost.     

Conservation, status, and life history of the endangered White River spinedace, Lepidomeda albivallis (Cyprinidae)

Lepidomeda albivallis (White River spinedace), a fish species endemic to the White River, Nevada, appeared headed toward extinction. In 1991 only 1 population remained, and it comprised fewer than 50 individuals in a 70-m stream reach. We monitored population recruitment and distribution and studied life history and habitat use from 1993 through 1998. We determined that L. albivallis was not reproducing and was continuing to decline, and as an emergency measure we relocated the population (14 in spring 1995 and 6 in spring 1996) downstream 200 m to a secure habitat that we judged more favorable for reproduction. The relocated population reproduced, and by September 1998 it had increased to 396 individuals that inhabited more than 1 km of stream including both pond and stream habitats. In streams they oriented near the bottom but frequently moved up in the water column to strike at drift items. Gut analysis of museum specimens indicated L. albivallis is omnivorous but feeds primarily upon aquatic invertebrates. Conservation of L. albivallis will require reestablishing additional populations within its former range.     

Demographic characteristics,seasonal range and habitat topography of Balkan chamois population in its southernmost limit of its distribution (Giona mountain,Greece)

The annual range of Balkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica) in Giona mountain was found to be 5502 ha, with a low population density (2 individuals/100 ha). Seasonal range patterns varied significantly, with a minimum extent in summer and a maximum in winter (30% and 79% of the annual range, respectively). Summer stress and the rutting period might be associated with the observed aggregated distributions during the summer and autumn (core areas of 28% and 22% of seasonal ranges, respectively, defined after the Fixed Kernel Density Estimator). Chamois were found to use significantly lower altitude habitats in winter (1212 m) than in summer (2223 m), and significantly steeper slopes in winter (35°); aspect was not found to have a significant effect on habitat use. Population structure consisted of kids (21%), yearlings (8%), females (35%) and males (36%). Conservation management for the species should consider poaching, livestock competition and global warming.     

Breeding and parental care in the endangered Tehuantepec jackrabbit ( Lepus flavigularis )

We documented date and duration of each breeding phase, breeding rate, nursing behavior, parental care, and leveret survival of the Tehuantepec jackrabbit ( Lepus flavigularis ), a critically endangered lagomorph. Between June 2006 and May 2008, we observed 60 adult radio-collared jackrabbits in Oaxaca, México. Tehuantepec jackrabbits exhibit breeding behaviors 250 days out of the year, with a high-intensity period during the rainy season (May–October). Females give birth to 2 leverets 32 days after copulation. Directly after birth, leverets are put into “beds” or “nests,” which are depressions in the ground covered by prairie grass ( Jouvea pilosa ). Females return to nurse and groom the leverets once per day until the leverets are weaned (12 days after birth). The breeding season and parental care behaviors of Tehuantepec jackrabbits are similar to those of other jackrabbits. Females produced an average of 2 litters per breeding season. The breeding rate for the Tehuantepec jackrabbit (4 leverets per breeding female per breeding season) is lower than the average of other species in the genus Lepus. The survival rate of Tehuantepec jackrabbit leverets (50% at day 19) is higher than that of other leporids. Predation by domestic dogs ( Canis familiaris ) is the main cause of mortality. Understanding reproductive behavior is critical for captive breeding, reintro duction, and conservation efforts for endangered leporids such as the Tehuantepec jackrabbit. Documentamos la fecha y la duración de cada fase de la reproducción, la tasa reproductiva, el amamantamiento, el cuidado parental y los instintos de supervivencia de los lebratos de la liebre de Tehuantepec ( Lepus flavigularis ), un lagomorfo en peligro crítico de extinción. Entre junio de 2006 y mayo de 2008 observamos 60 liebres adultas con collares radiotransmisores en Oaxaca, Mexico. Las liebres de Tehuantepec se reproducen 250 días del año, con un período de alta intensidad durante la estación lluviosa (de mayo a octubre). Las hembras paren 2 lebratos 32 días después de la cópula; colocan a los lebratos en “camas”, o huecos en el suelo cubiertos del pasto Jouvea pilosa, justo después de nacer. Las hembras regresan para amamantar y limpiar a los lebratos una vez cada tarde hasta destetarlos 12 días después de nacer. La temporada de reproducción y el cuidado parental de la liebre de Tehuantepec son parecidos a los de otras liebres. En promedio, las hembras producen 2 crías cada temporada de reproducción. La tasa de reproducción de la liebre de Tehuantepec (4 lebratos por hembra reproductora por temporada de reproducción) está por debajo del promedio de otras especies del género Lepus. La tasa de supervivencia de los lebratos de la liebre de Tehuantepec (50% al día 19) es superior a la que se ha documentado para otros lepóridos, siendo la principal causa de mortalidad la depredación por los perros domésticos ( Canis familiaris ). Es crucial entender el comportamiento reproductor para la crianza en cautiverio, la reintroducción y para los esfuerzos de conservación de lepóridos que están en peligro de extinción tal como occure con la liebre de Tehuantepec.     

Parental care in the dwarf caiman,Paleosuchus palpebrosus Cuvier, 1807 (Reptilia: Crocodilia: Alligatoridae)

Post-hatching parental care is common in crocodilians, but the little information available for Cuvier's dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus) indicates that they show little post-hatching parental care. During surveys undertaken between 2005 and 2011, we counted and captured groups of hatchlings and observed the presence or absence of attending adults in streams around the Pantanal, along the Guaporé-Madeira River and flooded forest in central Amazonia, Brazil. We found 37 groups of hatchlings, of which 29 were accompanied by adults. We captured 13 of these adults and all were females. The groups of hatchlings remained with adults for up to 21 months. We monitored females and hatchlings in streams around the Pantanal using captures and with radiotelemetry and showed that females and hatchlings frequently remained together in burrows, especially during the dry season.     

New information about the third stage larva and larval habitat of Microdon (Chymophila) bruchi Shannon, 1927 (Diptera,Syrphidae) from Argentina

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we provide new biological information about Microdon(Chymophila) bruchi Shannon, 1927. We present new records of M. bruchi in nests of Camponotus mus Roger, 1863 built inside Vitis vinifera L. plants from Argentina (Mendoza Province) and records of this species for Catamarca and Entre Ríos, Argentina. DNA barcodes and data on morphology and locomotion for third-stage larvae are provided. An identification key is also given to distinguish M. bruchi from other Neotropical species of Chymophila. We designate a lectotype for Microdon bruchi Shannon, 1927, and we consider Microdon argentinae Hull, 1937 a junior synonym of M. bruchi.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D507A381-27BA-40D6-BC08-28F14579694F     

Behaviour and habitat of Neohela monstrosa (Boeck, 1861) (Amphipoda: Corophiida) in Norwegian Sea deep water

There are few in situ observations of deep-sea macrofauna, due to the remoteness of this ecosystem. Visual surveys conducted for marine management by MAREANO, (marine area database for Norwegian waters) and the petroleum industry (by SERPENTS, scientific and environmental remotely operated vehicle partnership using existing industrial technology) have provided unique material of visual information from large areas in the Norwegian Sea. The distribution, density and behaviour of the deep-sea amphipod Neohela monstrosa (Boeck, 1861) is described based on videos and samples from the Norwegian Sea. This amphipod is common on mud bottoms at 200–2181 m depth in the area. Dense communities were found in stands of the arctic sea pen Umbellula encrinus at more than 1000 m depth where temperatures were below 0° C. The mean density of N. monstrosa observed for larger areas was 4/100 m² but densities of 15–36 individuals per m² were found in local patches. It is domicolous which is characteristic of the superfamily Corophiida and digs burrows in soft muddy bottoms primarily by using large shovel-like gnathopods to scoop the sediment out. The amphipod was observed pushing and rolling sediment balls out of its burrow, which were probably held together with amphipod silk. It digs out an upper 3 to 4 cm wide burrow with a horizontal side burrow a couple of centimetres down. Neohela monstrosa appears to feeds on newly settled detritus that it collects from the surface sediment through the use of its long antennae while the burrow is mainly used for protection against predators such as demersal fish. Newly released juveniles are probably kept in the burrow for protection. Based on the local high density of N. monstrosa together with its habit of making long burrows, we suggest that there is significant bioturbation associated with the presence of N. monstrosa in deep sedimentary habitats of the Norwegian Sea, which likely provides an important ecosystem function.     

The breeding system of an endangered pupfish ( Cyprinodon elegans )

We examined the breeding behavior of the endangered Comanche Springs pupfish ( Cyprinodon elegans ) during 3 separate breeding seasons in a pool of springwater originating in Phantom Cave, near Balmorhea State Park, Texas, in relation to behaviors reported for the species in swift-flowing canals (Itzkowitz 1969). In the quiet pool, unlike in swift water, the breeding system was characterized by 3 different male mating tactics: territorial defense, satellite positioning, and sneak spawning. Although the breeding strategies adopted by the males were conditional, mating tactics generally reflected male size. Territorial residents were the largest, satellites were medium-sized, and sneakers were the smallest adult males observed in the population. Territorial males traversed the least amount of area, defending compact territories, while satellites and sneakers covered more area in attempts to spawn. Although preferred territories in swift water centered on algal mats, territorial residents in quiet water seemed to prefer territories around large rocks. Males defending rocks had higher reproductive successes than males occupying other substrate types. The flexibility of the males' tactics was exhibited during one year of study when large males appeared to be absent from the population. During that year, medium-sized males switched from the satellite to territorial tactic, while small males remained sneakers.     

Food and habitat relationships of Claassenia sabulosa (Plecoptera: Perlidae) in the Upper Colorado River, Colorado

Streambed surveys were conducted along the upper Colorado River, Colorado, to describe the distributions of Claassenia sabulosa larvae in relation to current speed and to determine their diets. We also addressed diel feeding periodicity by sampling during both day and night. Claassenia sabulosa was more abundant in riffle habitats than in runs. A positive relationship existed between C. sabulosa abundance and stream current, with larval size increasing with current speed. Chironomidae, Baetidae, and Simulidae collectively accounted for 93% of the prey found in stonefly guts; however, these categories were not consumed equally by all C. sabulosa . Smaller C. sabulosa primarily ate chironomids, and larger individuals consumed more baetids. Only a slight difference existed in the percentage of empty guts between night- and day-collected stoneflies, and ranges of prey per gut at night were higher than those in the day, suggesting that these stoneflies may forage more intensively at night.     

Bait,habitat preferences and the phenology of some lesser dung flies (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae) in Britain

Two thousand eight hundred and sixty Sphaeroceridae representing 45 species were caught in eight traps, baited with horse, cow or hamster dung or carrion, placed in woodland and in the open at Silwood Park, Berkshire, during 1983/4. A list of the species and the numbers of each caught in each of the traps is given. Comparisons between the catches of open and woodland habitats and between the catches of the different baits used are made. The habitat and bait preferences and the phenologies of the dominant species are discussed.     

Selection of dwarf mistletoe-infected ponderosa pines by Ips species (Coleoptera, Scolytidae) in northern Arizona

Following an Ips bark beetle outbreak in 2002, mortality of ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex C. Lawson) was evaluated in 2 study areas infested with southwestern dwarf mistletoe ( Arceuthobium vaginatum [Willd.] Presl subsp. cryptopodum [Engelm.] Hawksw. & Wiens) in the Coconino and Tonto National Forests, Arizona. A pairwise comparison of dwarf mistletoe ratings for live and dead ponderosa pines was conducted to determine whether dead ponderosa pines had higher dwarf mistletoe ratings than pines that were not attacked. In both study areas, dead ponderosa pines had significantly higher dwarf mistletoe ratings, indicating an association between the severity of dwarf mistletoe infection and susceptibility to attack by Ips spp. We suggest that the probability of ponderosa pine mortality is greater in stands severely infested with southwestern dwarf mistletoe in northern Arizona.     

The distribution and habitat preferences of the Afro-European species of Dynamene (Crustacea: Isopoda)

Summary

The geographical distribution of the genus Dynamene is described in the light of the recent discovery of three new species. D. bidentata appears to have a Boreal distribution whilst that of D. edwardsi and D. magnitorata is Atlanto-Mediterranean. D. torelliae, D. bifida, and D. tubicauda have a Mediterranean distribution but the first species may extend into the Black Sea. Only one species, D. ramuscula, has been recorded outside the Afro-European region, in S.E. Australia. The ranges and habitat preferences of those species outside the Mediterranean overlap as do some of those within the Mediterranean, particularly in the Naples Bay region. Juveniles of D. bidentata inhabit and feed on intertidal algae while adults shelter in crevices and empty tests of Balanus perforatus, mainly below MTL. Settlement of males into barnacle tests appears to be random, but females show some degree of aggregation, perhaps to other females. Other species show the same change of habitat at sexual maturity and all inhabit intertidal or inshore localities.     

Distribution, movements, and habitat use of razorback sucker ( Xyrauchen texanus ) in a lower Colorado River reservoir, Arizona-Nevada

Distribution, movements, and habitat use of 10 wild adult razorback suckers ( Xyrauchen texanus ) were examined in Lake Mohave, Arizona-Nevada, from November 1994 through July 1997. Movement rates (0.00-17.35 km d -1 ) and ranges ( x = 39 km) were similar to those for riverine populations. All study fish returned to spawning sites used in previous years, but they also visited other spawning areas. Spawning females were significantly ( P = 0.031) more active than males (480 vs. 87 m d -1 ) and moved substantial distances between spawning sites during peak reproduction (1-28 February). Fish became most active (m d -1 , km month -1 ) after spawning and moved to areas known to support higher algal production. Fish were typically within 50 m ( P 30.0 m). Adults were detected throughout the available thermal gradient (12°-30°C), but during summer typically had body temperatures between 18° and 22°C. Vertical movements within the water column showed no correlation with depth or time of day, but seasonal shifts suggest fish may regulate body temperature by seeking specific temperatures during reservoir stratification.     

Ruffed Grouse ( Bonasa umbellus ) drumming log and habitat use in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

We described 15 Ruffed Grouse ( Bonasa umbellus ) drumming logs and adjacent habitat within Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Drumming logs and adjacent habitat differed from 30 random non-drumming sites. Drumming logs had fewer limbs (8; P = 0.003) and a smaller percentage of bark remaining (12%; P = 0.0001). These logs were in advanced stages of decay but were still firm to the touch. Additionally, drumming logs were found close to clearings but in areas with increased amounts of undergrowth and mature trees. Adjacent habitat analysis (0.04-ha circular plot centered on logs) indicated drumming locations had significantly greater average canopy height, more vegetative cover consisting of conifer and total canopy cover, and more vertical foliage between 0.3 m and 3.0 m in height. Adjacent habitat was in advanced stages of maturity as indicated by significant numbers of both large-diameter logs and largediameter lodgepole pine ( Pinus contorta ) and quaking aspen ( Populus tremuloides ) snags. Tree species dominating the canopy and subcanopy were large-diameter Engelmann spruce ( Picea engelmannii ), lodgepole pine, and quaking aspen. Subalpine fir ( Abies lasiocarpa ) and quaking aspen saplings were more numerous at used sites. Ruffed Grouse drummed in coniferous areas within close proximity of quaking aspen.