Notes on the foraging behaviour and taxonomy of the southeast Asian termite Longipeditermes longipes (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae)

The southeast Asian termite Longipeditermes longipes (Nasutitermitinae) forages above ground during the day in highly organised columns of workers protected by numerous soldiers. Preliminary data are presented on its foraging activity, based on observations of one colony in southern Kalimantan, Borneo. Foraging columns were observed on 7 of the 15 days, including successive days interspersed with periods of inactivity. Termites marched in columns to feeding sites along trails, reusing the same trails on successive days. Trail length varied from 7.0m to 14.5m. The termites were observed feeding on leaf litter and rotting tree trunks, and the workers displayed a division of labour between gnawing plant material and carrying the fragments back to the nest. Details are provided of soldiers and workers collected from tree canopies using insecticidal fogging. One of the two other species in the genus, L. mandibulatus, is shown to be a junior synonym of L. longipes.     

Prey choice and raiding behaviour of the Ponerine ant Pachycondyla analis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Termite raiding behaviour of the African poneromorph ant Pachycondyla analis was studied at Mpala, Kenya. In all, 330 raids were observed with the raiding activity showing peaks in the morning and evening. Time spent at the termite source was positively correlated with the numbers of termites taken. The sizes of foraging parties, number of termites taken, distance travelled and time spent at termite sources also showed a positive correlation. Pachycondyla analis preyed significantly more on Microtermes spp. than they did on Odontotermes spp. but no significant differences were found in terms of predator efficiency even though many ants were injured in raids on Odontotermes spp. compared with those on Microtermes spp. Our results indicate that P. analis seems to forage optimally, balancing the costs of energy with prey reward and prey choices were not only influenced by prey abundance, but also by the costs of foraging, as influenced by prey defences, size and foraging behaviour.     

The inoculation of the fungus comb in newly founded colonies of some species of the Macrotermitinae (Isoptera) from Nigeria

Summary

The critical factor in the survival of newly-founded colonies of the fungus-growing termites (Macrotermitinae) is the successful inoculation of the new comb with the fungus Termitomyces. At least two methods have evolved within the subfamily, which appear to be mutually exclusive. Namely, inoculation by carriage of conidia by reproductive alates (Macrotermes bellicosus, 5 species of Microtermes) and collection of basidiospores by foraging workers (3 species of Ancistrotermes, Macrotermes subhyalinus, 2 species of Odontotermes). Basidiocarps, associated with five of these species have been recorded in the Nigerian savanna and although uncommon, the timing of their appearance is closely geared to the requirements of new colonies for basidiospores.     

XXX.—A new Cicada from Arabia

Summary

Carebara nests occur in between 2% and 10% of Macrotermes mounds, but can also occur well away from mounds. A brood of alate ants is regularly produced ready to fly in the short rains (November) but flights can also take place in the long rains (April). Male and female alates are usually produced in separate nests. After the flight, male alates seek out the females, and several males appear to mate with one female.

Dealate female ants exposed to Macrotermes workers remained passive and elicited no aggression. Fecundated female ants reared broods of about 1000 workers after 39 days in the laboratory. These workers were able to overpower, kill and eat the much larger workers of Macrotermes.     

Cubitermes subarquatus termitaries as shelters for soil fauna in African rainforests

Most soil fauna in tropical rainforests require a pre-existing shelter for at least part of their life cycles. Among termites and ants, the most frequently encountered taxa, the availability of appropriate nesting sites is a major factor controlling the multiplication of colonies. Work carried out in five forests in southern Cameroon indicates that termitaries of Cubitermes subarquatus, whether active or abandoned, provide shelter for large numbers of invasive invertebrates, particularly ants and other termite species, and may be a determining factor in the patchy distribution of many taxa. Dissections of 90 termitaries (65 active, 25 abandoned) produced a great diversity of invasive fauna, including 354 ant colonies representing 75 species in 31 genera. Ants occurred in all abandoned termitaries but 6·1% of active termitaries had no ants present. Nevertheless, in total active termitaries sheltered more ant colonies (273) than did abandoned ones (81). Every termitary examined also sheltered founding pairs or incipient colonies of alien termites, but active C. subarquatus termitaries yielded fewer mature colonies of alien termites (56·9%) than did abandoned ones (84%).     

Daily activity of the white-clawed crayfish,Austropotamobius pallipes (Lereboullet): a comparison between field and laboratory studies

The daily activity of the threatened crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes (Lereboullet), was studied both in the field, through direct counts of active animals along a stream section, and in the laboratory, by means of actographs. In the field, crayfish were mostly found after dawn, with a slight but significant difference among seasons. In winter, only two specimens were seen to be active. Distinguishing among size classes, medium-sized crayfish were more abundant in spring and summer, while large ones mostly occurred in autumn. The former always concentrated their activity at night-time; to the contrary, larger specimens were more active late at night in spring and at dusk in autumn. Sex-ratio, analysed only in summer, was balanced throughout the 24h. Nocturnal activity, although differing among seasons, was similar in size classes, temperatures and sexes. In the laboratory, activity (evaluated as photo-cell interruptions) increased with temperature and occurrence throughout a 24-h cycle (the highest peak shifting from midnight to dusk). Only in the laboratory, a low peak occurred at dawn, but disappeared when a shelter was available. The interaction between the response of A. pallipes to temperature and its nocturnal habit is examined. Questions still remain on the adaptive value of the environmental factors influencing the cycle of freshwater decapods' activity.     

The identity of Orius tantillus (Motschulsky) and notes on other Oriental Anthocoridae (Hemiptera,Heteroptera)

Abstract

Studies on the biology of Toxoptera aurantii (Boy.) showed that populations of the aphid contain females only, and that reproduction is parthenogenetic and viviparous and occurs exclusively on the undersurface of flush leaves. The aphid is described and a key is drawn for the various instars. The development of the aphid is temperature-dependent but at the optimum temperature it takes 6 days to become adult. The incidence of alates in populations is influenced both by high aphid density and leaf age.     

Daily activity schedule,gregariousness, and defensive behaviour in the Neotropical harvestman Goniosoma longipes (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae)

In this paper we provide a field account of some aspects of the behavioural biology of Goniosoma longipes (Roewer), a harvestman which commonly occurs in caves in South-east Brazil. During daytime, solitary and aggregated individuals can be found resting on the cave walls. Just after sunset, however, many individuals leave the cave to forage for live and dead arthropods. Foraging individuals return to the cave before dawn. Aggregations of G. longipes contain on average 34 individuals (range 7-200), and the groups are usually found close to the water source and away from the cave entrance. The main predators of G. longipes are the spider Ctenus fasciatus Mello-Leitao (Ctenidae) and the opossum Philander opossum (L.) (Didelphidae). Upon disturbance solitary and aggregated individuals may either flee, or drop from the cave wall or vegetation. The harvestmen can also release a repugnatory liquid upon manipulation, and aggregated individuals collectively discharge this secretion toward the aggressor before fleeing. The activity schedule of G. longipes shows that individuals need to leave the cave periodically to forage, and therefore the population can be considered trogloxene. Data on the food items collected by G. longipes indicate that the harvestman is a generalist predator which also feeds on dead animal matter. Gregarious behaviour is considered relatively common among harvestmen and has been interpreted in several ways. We suggest that gregarious behaviour in G. longipes may be related with the choice of more suitable microconditions in the cave habitat and/or with group chemical defence.     

The ontogeny description of two Neotropical species of Crotonia (Acari: Oribatida: Crotonioidea)

A remarkable new species of black fungus gnat Pnyxiopalpus roslii sp. nov., was discovered from nests of the termite Nasutitermes proatripennis in Ulu Gombak, Malaysia, and is described based on the female morphology and DNA barcodes. This is the first record of a termitophilous black fungus gnat from South-east Asia. The new species is easily distinguished from its known congeners by the degeneration of all thoracic setae into tiny setulae. This species is described as a symbiont of the host termite based on field observations and the examination of specimens. The “wing stump” structure of the new species indicates that this species has wings after eclosion and later loses them, an adaptation to a cryptic life. A second still undescribed termitophilous species of Pnyxiopalpus was observed walking in a marching column of the termite Longipeditermes longipes in Ulu Gombak.     

Foraging ecology of the giant Amazonian ant Dinoponera gigantea (Hymenoptera,Formicidae, Ponerinae): activity schedule,diet and spatial foraging patterns

This study provides a detailed account of the natural history and foraging biology of the ponerine ant Dinoponera gigantea in a rainforest in north Brazil. The species nests on the ground and the colonies contain 70–96 workers. Ant activity is negatively correlated with temperature, and is more intense at dawn and dusk. Foragers leave the nest independently and search for food individually on the leaf litter, within ca 10 m around the nest. Workers are opportunistic feeders that collect seeds and fruits, and hunt for live prey as well as scavenge for dead animal matter. The dry weight of food items ranges from <10 mg (spiders, insect parts) to >400 mg (seeds, fruits). There is no nestmate recruitment during the search for or retrieval of food, irrespective of food type and size. Foragers have a high directional fidelity, and ants from neighbouring colonies may engage in ritualized territorial contests at the border of their foraging areas. The foraging ecology of D. gigantea is compared with other ponerine species living in tropical forests, as well as with other ant groups showing similar behavioural patterns.     

Observations on the nesting behaviour of seven species of Crabro (Hymenoptera,Sphecidae)

Summary

Data are presented on the nests and prey of seven species of Crabro from diverse localities in North America. In two instances (virgatus and largior) this is the first published report. Further information is provided for the following previously studied species: argusinus, advena, cribrellifer, latipes, and monticola. Behavioural differences among these species are not conspicuous. Most are rather general fly predators, but cribrellifer appears to show a strong preference for Asilidae. There are also differences in type of soil used for nesting and in antipredator behaviour such as approach flights and daily cycles of activity. Two species, largior and monticola, provision their nests early in the morning, before miltogrammine flies are active in numbers. All species probably make cells of two sizes, larger cells containing more prey and producing females, smaller cells males.     

The life cycle and natural history of the tropical aphid Cerataphis fransseni (Homoptera: Aphididae: Hormaphidinae), with reference to the evolution of host alternation in aphids

We describe the life cycle and general biology of the tropical cerataphidine aphid Cerataphis fransseni. We demonstrate that this aphid migrates between trees of Styrax benzoin and various species of palms; palm-feeding populations have previously been known as C. variabilis and C. palmae, which now become synonyms of C. fransseni. On S. benzoin the fundatrix induces a relatively simple gall which can contain >6000 aphids at maturity with a large number of reproductively sterile soldiers that protect the gall from predators. These galls are apparently produced throughout the year. Colonies on the secondary host plants, palms, are apparently obligately tended by ants whereas colonies within galls on Styrax are never tended by ants. We discuss the life cycle of this tropical aphid with respect to hypotheses for the evolution and maintenance of host alternation.     

Spawning behaviour and sexual dimorphism in the North American cyprinid fish Notropis leedsi,the bannerfin shiner

The spawning behaviour and sexual dimorphism of the little known North American cyprinid fish, Notropis leedsi, is described based on observations made in laboratory aquaria. Notropis leedsi is a crevice spawning species, a trait characteristic of members of the subgenus Cyprinella. Males establish breeding territories through ‘mock battles’ and defend them by chasing away intruding males or, at times, through threat displays or ‘mock battles’. Although wild-caught males are significantly larger than females, sexual dimorphism is more pronounced in the colour pattern and fin size, especially the dorsal and anal fins.

The modes of spawning behaviour in the genus Notropis are reviewed. The relationship between the promiscuous mating system (polybrachygamy), the crevice spawning mode, and sexual dimorphism in N. leedsi are discussed in relation to current notions regarding sexual selection.     

A population explosion of Aphis crassivora Koch following DDT application in a cowpea,plot (Vigna unguiculata) cultivar (prima) in Nigeria

Summary

A secondary outbreak of Aphis crassivora Koch pest occured in the DDT sprayed plot of a late cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) cult. (prima) crop at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (I.I.T.A.), Ibadan. DDT was sprayed weekly at 1 kg a.i./hec. to control leaf eating to podborer major pests of cowpea. A list of aphid predators observed during early and late cowpea crop is given.     

Predation on eggs of Schneider’s dwarf caiman,Paleosuchus trigonatus (Schneider, 1807), by armadillos and other predators

Nests of Schneider’s dwarf caiman, Paleosuchus trigonatus, were located in the forests around three streams that drain into the Xingu River, Brazilian Amazonia, in October 2014. Camera traps were installed at the edge of four nests to document predators and female parental care. At two nests, females unsuccessfully defended their nests against one or more giant armadillos, Priodontes maximus, and nine-banded armadillos, Dasypus novemcinctus. Both armadillo species responded to the attack by fleeing and returning on the opposite side of the nest by going around the tree under which the nest was located. Giant armadillos have never before been recorded consuming caiman eggs and their diet has been described as consisting mostly of ants and termites. Another species of armadillo, Cabassous unicinctus, was also registered digging into a nest and probably consuming eggs, though it is generally considered to be primarily insectivorous. A tayra (Eira barbara), lizard (Tupinambis teguixin) and coati (Nasua nasua) were also registered taking eggs from nests during the day, but we obtained no registers of nest defence by caimans during the day. The three nests were attacked after 60 days of incubation, when the eggs were well developed.     

Two new Oriental genera of Doryctinae (Hymenoptera,Braconidae) from termite nests

Two new genera of the subfamily Doryctinae collected in termite nests are described and illustrated: Termitospathius gen. n. from Sumatra (type species T. sumatranus sp. n.) and Ceylonspathius gen. n. from Sri Lanka (type species C. nixoni sp. n.). It is the first record of the braconids from termite nests in the Old World. The biological features of the Doryctinae species and phylogenetic positions of the new genera are discussed.     

Female treehoppers camouflage behaviour is evidenced during oviposition on wild shrubs

Various species of treehoppers possess a structure known as ‘helmet’ that may work as a camouflage feature (i.e. masquerade) by mimicking plant thorns. The helmet is expected to provide an adaptive advantage against predators if treehoppers choose to stay closer to thorns during times of vulnerability. The treehopper Enchenopa brasiliensis Strümpel possess a helmet that visually resembles the leaf thorns of its host plant, the wolf apple shrub Solanum lycocarpum St. Hill. In a field study, I examined the hypothesis that females of E. brasiliensis exhibit a potential camouflage behaviour by choosing to oviposit next to leaf thorns of S. lycocarpum. In fact, the results reveal that females of E. brasiliensis preferred to oviposit mostly on leaf midribs of S. lycocarpum possessing thorns as opposed to those without thorns. Additionally, females preferred to lay eggs closer to larger clusters of midrib thorns. This finding suggests that this oviposition/camouflage behaviour will likely increase the chances of female treehoppers being misidentified by predators; therefore, characterizing the mechanism of masquerade/deceptive resemblance. In a broader sense, this study also provides further evidence on how the narrow ecological relationships between plants and specialist herbivores can fuel the evolution of specific behavioural adaptations.     

Studies on the predatory biology of Oriental dacetine ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) II. Novel prey specialization in Pyramica benten

The predatory biology of the ant Pyramica benten, a short‐mandibulate form in the tribe Dacetini, Myrmicinae, was studied in the field and laboratory. Pyramica benten prefers disturbed habitats, where they hunt predominantly collembolans of Entomobryidae. Laboratory observation and experiments revealed that this ant hunted such entomobryids more efficiently than collembolans of Tomocelidae and Isotomidae. The hunting behaviour of the ants is characterized by their grabbing the prey near the mouthparts and ambushing without approaching the prey. Success in this stealthy hunting is most probably enhanced by luring the prey with body smearing using organic material. Strumigenys are closely related to Pyramica but they are long‐mandibulate forms. Both genera are speciose and specialized predators on Collembola. Coleoptera is another group that has evolved specialized predators on Collembola so these dacetines and the coleopterans are compared for their hunting tactics and species diversity.     

A new species of Schizopera (Copepoda: Harpacticoida) from Japan,its phylogeny based on the mtCOI gene and comments on the genus Schizoperopsis

The predominantly marine genus Schizopera Sars, 1905 has only two significant inland water species-flocks, one in the ancient African Lake Tanganyika and the other in subterranean waters of Western Australia. Discovery of Schizopera abei sp. nov. from several interstitial locations in the vicinity of the ancient Lake Biwa has wider implications for the study of morphological homoplasies in the genus, as well as for the study of freshwater invasions in harpacticoid copepods. The new Schizopera species belongs to a small group of congeners with a two-segmented endopod of the fourth leg, which used to be recognised as a separate genus, Schizoperopsis Apostolov, 1982. Our reconstructed phylogenies based on the mtCOI partial sequences suggest that this character probably evolved convergently in at least some Schizopera, thus rendering the genus Schizoperopsis polyphyletic. However, almost all basal nodes in our cladograms are weakly supported, which shows limitations of a single-gene approach for reconstructing phylogenetic relationships. The new species is the first member of its genus from Japanese inland waters, and it has no close relatives among extent congeners anywhere in the world. We speculate that its ancestor may have invaded Lake Biwa, and subsequently its surrounding subterranean waters, from brackish areas around central Japan, presumably during a period of high sea water level through its major outflow river. This discovery may provide further support for the hypothesis about the role of ancient lakes as biodiversity pumps for subterranean habitats.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1F71F7AD-B7C8-4AD3-BE44-5E1BEE4E2AA8