Differentiated use of pollen sources by two sympatric species of oil-collecting bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

We identified the food niche breadth of two sympatric species of oil-collecting bees, Centris (Heterocentris) analis (Fabricius, 1804) and Centris (Hemisiella) tarsata Smith, 1874, based on pollen analyses of larval food. We tested differences in the use of pollen sources considering the anther type and pollen size of the flowers. The species presented a low similarity in the use of pollen sources and C. analis had a wider niche breadth than C. tarsata. Centris analis mainly used Heteropterys spp. and other flowers with non-poricidal anthers. In contrast, C. tarsata commonly used Solanum lycocarpum A. St.-Hil., as well as other flowers with poricidal anthers. Despite the differences in pollen composition of larval food, both species predominantly used medium-sized pollen grains. Although C. analis and C. tarsata are sympatric species, belonging to the same functional group and presenting an overlap in nesting periods, they used different pollen sources, which suggests the occurrence of food niche partitioning.     

Food niche of Exomalopsis (Exomalopsis) fulvofasciata Smith (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Brazilian savannah: the importance of oil-producing plant species as pollen sources

Exomalopsis are ground-nesting species, and their food-niche breadth is little known due the difficulty in locating the nests and finding efficient bait plants to attract these bees. Some species of Exomalopsis were recorded as tomato, hot pepper and eggplant pollinators. Information about the food niche could be useful to increase Exomalopsis populations, providing consistent and comparable data for the enrichment of natural and crop areas with adequate plant sources. This study aimed to determine the food niche and the role of pollen size in the diet of E. fulvofasciata. We analysed pollen loads of 28 individuals of E. fulvofasciata collected from bait plants, in two natural areas of the Brazilian savannah. Only five pollen types belonging to the families Malpighiaceae, Solanaceae, Leguminosae, Myrtaceae and Lythraceae were important for this species. This result indicates that E. fulvofasciata is probably a polylectic species. However, we noticed that the Byrsonima used as bait plants contribute significantly for its larval provision, indicating that small pollen grains were more frequently collected.     

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.     

Diversity and life-history traits of wild bees (Insecta: Hymenoptera) in intensive agricultural landscapes in the Rolling Pampa,Argentina

The decline of bees is a major concern due to their vital role in pollinating many crops and wild plants. Some regions in South America, and especially the Pampas, are amongst those parts of the world where stressors of bee populations have been little studied. The Pampas has been intensively transformed for agriculture, being presently one of the most productive areas of agricultural commodities in the world. Here, we aim to provide first insights on the taxonomic and functional composition of bee assemblages in the Rolling Pampa, the most intensively managed part of the Pampas. Soybean (herbicide-tolerant genetically modified varieties) is the predominant crop in this region. Bees were sampled with coloured pan traps. Sampling points were located on field margins in either the cropped or the semi-natural grassland area of a farmland site devoted to annual cropping. A total of 2384 individuals were caught, representing 33 taxa [mainly (morpho)species]. The subgenus Lasioglossum (Dialictus) largely dominated captures (78% of the total abundance) and was relatively abundant in the entire study area, suggesting that some species are likely to reach their ecological requirements in cropped areas. No-till fields and field margins may provide large areas for these below-ground nesting species, while their polylectic food preferences allow them to collect pollen on a wide range of plant species, among them possibly soybean. On the contrary, the richness and the abundance of other taxa were higher in the semi-natural area than in the cropped area. Among them, above-ground nesting or oil-collecting species, which have more specialised nesting and floral requirements, were highly associated with the semi-natural area. Our findings highlight the large dominance of L. (Dialictus) species in this highly intensively managed landscape, and the urgent need of preserving semi-natural habitats to maintain species-rich and functionally diverse bee communities in the Pampas.     

A study on the developmental bionomics of Dineutes indicus Aube (Gyrinidae,Coleoptera)

Australothis volatilis sp. n., the only species of Heliothinae endemic to New Zealand, is described. The larval food plants, Vittadinia spp., are recorded and other biological information is provided. The male and female genitalia, penultimate and final instar larva, pupa, adult, native food plant, and habitat are illustrated.     

Spatial niche variation in two sympatric species of Bokermannohyla (Anura: Hylidae) in southeastern Brazil

We studied patterns of microhabitat use by adults of two sympatric Bokermannohyla species at the Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Santuário do Caraça, southeastern Brazil. We selected three streams, one where both species occurred in syntopy and the other two where each one occurred alone. We sampled 150-m transects in each stream throughout 1 year, recording microhabitat features for each frog located (substrate type, height and distance from water). Microhabitat availability varied between dry and wet seasons in all streams, and overall microhabitat diversity changed in two streams. Bokermannohyla nanuzae seemed to have a niche contraction in the presence of Bokermannohyla martinsi, but this only happened during the dry season. Microhabitat requirements during the wet season may be closely linked to similar reproductive needs that probably represent a strong selective pressure, forcing niche overlap.     

Nesting biology and behavioural ecology of the solitary bee Monoeca haemorrhoidalis (Smith) and its cleptoparasite Protosiris gigas Melo (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Tapinotaspidini; Osirini)

The species Monoeca haemorrhoidalis, the largest species in the genus, occurs in the Atlantic rainforest of southeastern and southern Brazil. The aim of this study was to investigate the nesting ecology of M. haemorrhoidalis and its interactions with natural enemies. Nest aggregations were studied in an area at the transition between Dense and Mixed Temperate Rainforest, south Brazil. The period of nest construction and cell provisioning started in October and stopped in February. Plant species of the families Orchidaceae, Styracaceae and, mainly, Malpighiaceae, were the most important pollen and floral oil resources that were used in brood cell provisioning. During the nest construction activities, 27 insect species were observed at the nesting sites. The cleptoparasitic bee Protosiris gigas was one of the main causes of M. haemorrhoidalis mortality. Some behavioural and biological data of P. gigas are also reported.     

Observations on the biology and anatomy of Curtonotidae (Diptera: Schizophora)

New information concerning the biology and anatomy of Cyrtona spp. and Curtonotum quinquevittatum is given. During the hot, dry season the latter species leaves its warthog burrow refuges at night. Cyrtona spp. rest in densely shaded humid habitats during the same season, dispersing in the cooler seasons. Postabdominal sclerites and internal anatomy of the male abdomen are described for both genera. A suggested ground plan of the Ephydroidea is outlined.     

Dietary variation and overlap in D’Orbigny’s slider turtles Trachemys dorbigni (Duméril and Bibron 1835) (Testudines: Emydidae)

Although D’Orbigny’s slider (Trachemys dorbigni) is the most abundant freshwater chelonian species in southern Brazil, little is known about its feeding habits. Our goal was therefore to evaluate this species’ dietary composition and niche variation there. For this, we collected road-killed animals (n = 73) on a federal highway (BR 392) between 2002 and 2003, and analysed their gut contents. We identified 26 different dietary items, and our results indicated that D’Orbigny’s slider is omnivorous in this area. Total food volume, as well as the degree of herbivory and carnivory, were similar between males and females. However dietary composition of plants was different: although both males and females fed on underwater plant matter, only females consumed surface macrophytes. This finding suggested differential microhabitat usage between males and females throughout the swamps.     

Revision of the carpenter bee subgenus Xylocopa (Dasyxylocopa) (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The subgenus Xylocopa (Dasyxylocopa) Hurd and Moure is revised, with recognition of three valid species, one of them newly described from the highlands of eastern Brazil. In addition to X. fortuita sp. nov. and the type species X. bimaculata Friese, the subgenus includes X. piligera Maidl n. stat., having X. leucopus Friese as its junior synonym, both names here removed from synonymy under X. bimaculata and for which lectotypes are presently designated. Notes are provided on the nesting habits of X. piligera.

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Afrotropical mistletoe butterflies: Larval food plant relationships of Mylothris Hübner (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

A detailed list of larval food plants of Mylothris based on review of published records in the literature is presented. Food plants have been reported for some 23 species (40%), although in only eight species (14%) of butterflies have plants been identified to species level. The food plants represent two unrelated orders, Santalales and Polygonales, although nearly all records (93%) are from four closely related families in the former group. Within the Santalales, the family Loranthaceae, a diverse group of aerial stem‐parasitic shrubs (mistletoes), is most frequently exploited. Only two species of Mylothris, M. bernice (Hewitson) and M. rubricosta (Mabille), which are closely related and possibly comprise a single species, are associated with Polygonaceae (Polygonales). Comparison of the morphology of the early stages of M. bernice, and other evidence, clearly indicates that M. bernice/rubricosta belong to Mylothris and do not represent a separate genus or sister group. Comments are made on these diverse food plant relationships within the context of a modern phylogeny of the Santalales and the evolution of parasitic plant feeding in butterflies in general. It is suggested that Mylothris had its major period of evolution and adaptive radiation on the Loranthaceae, probably sometime after the differentiation of most of the families or lineages in the Santalales (rather than on an earlier ancestral branch at or near the root of the Santalales evolutionary tree), and that this association has facilitated host switching multiple times. While more field data are clearly needed to ascertain the full extent of host specificity and range of mistletoe species exploited by Mylothris, this is unlikely to significantly change the patterns of food plant utilization seen at the higher taxonomic (ordinal and familial) levels. Mylothris represents one of only a few diverse groups of Lepidoptera, and insects in general, known to feed predominantly on African mistletoes.     

Endoparasites of the European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) (Rodentia: Sciuridae) in central Macedonia,Greece

The European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) is a small rodent categorized as vulnerable (IUCN). To investigate the parasitic fauna of this species in Greece, faecal samples from 125 animals belonging to six different populations were examined by standard parasitological methods. Parasites were found in 118 of the animals (94.4%). Oocysts of the coccidia Eimeria callospermophili were found in 92 animals (73.6%), Eimeria citelli in 76 (60.8%), Eimeria cynomysis in 41 (32.8%), Eimeria spp. (17.6%), Cryptosporidium spp. in 29 (23.2%), cysts of Entamoeba spp. in 32 animals (25.6%) and eggs of the trematode Brachylaima spp. in seven animals (5.6%). This is the first report of Entamoeba spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Brachylaima spp. in S. citellus. The possible impact of these findings on the health status of S. citellus and the possible significance to domestic animals or public health is discussed.     

Thermal ecology,activity pattern,habitat, and microhabitats used by the skink Mabuya arajara (Squamata: Scincidae) in the Araripe Plateau,northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the activity period, thermal ecology, habitats, and preference for microhabitats of the skink Mabuya arajara in a humid forest environment on the slope of the Araripe Plateau, Brazil. A total of 283 lizards were observed. The lizards were found to be diurnally active (unimodal type pattern), with peak activity during the hottest hours of the day (1100 to 1200). About habitat use, the majority of individuals (73.8% N = 209) were recorded in the narrow transitional area, in the edges of the forest; while 26.4% of individuals were observed in open areas and no observations were made in dense forest. Seven different types of microhabitats were used, with fallen palm leaves (Arecaceae) being the preferred (47.7% N = 135). Considering all lizards, microhabitat niche breadth was 3.27. Males and females presented a high overlap (0.95) in microhabitat use. The average T_c recorded for M. arajara was 32.06 ± 2.72°C. Body size (SVL) did not influence body temperature (F = 0.51, P = > 0.05). Most of the animals were observed with their bodies completely exposed (67.84%, N = 192), 18.37% (N = 52) were semi-exposed and 13.79% (N = 39) were in shelters. Among animals with some degree of sunlight exposure, 57.59% (N = 163) were in shadows, 25.10% (N = 71) were under sunlight filtered by vegetation, and 17.31% (N = 49) were under direct sunlight.A review of the ecology of Mabuya spp. shows that several features appear to be conserved among members of the genus.     

Nest architecture and use of floral oil in the oil-collecting South African solitary bee Rediviva intermixta (Cockerell) (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Melittidae)

Nest architecture, use of floral oil for brood cell lining and pollen collecting are described for the first time for the genus Rediviva, using the South African endemic oil-collecting solitary bee species Rediviva intermixta. The nest consists of a dead-end vertical tunnel with a single brood cell located at the end of each of several horizontally branching lateral tunnels. Brood cells are lined with a thin layer of waxy material, presumably derived from chemically modified floral oil. Rediviva intermixta is a pollen generalist but relies on a small number of host plant species for oil-collecting. Brood cells are provisioned with pollen from at least six plant families, but with a preference for non-oil-producing Scrophulariaceae. The nesting biology and Dufour’s gland size of the species are discussed and compared with the closely related genera Melitta and Redivivoides (non-oil-collecting) and Macropis (oil-collecting). The differences between Macropis and Rediviva suggest that oil-collecting in the two genera evolved independently.     

The type species of the bee genus Epicharis Klug, 1807 (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Modern authors have treated Lutz and Cockerell’s indication of Centris umbraculata Fabricius, 1804 as the first valid type-species designation for Epicharis Klug, 1807. It is argued here, however, that Epicharis dasypoda Klug, 1807, junior synonym of Apis rustica Olivier, 1789, is the valid type species of Epicharis, as designated by Desmarest, in the article on Epicharis published in 1845 in volume 5 of d’Orbigny’s Dictionnaire Universel d’Histoire Naturelle. This overlooked designation makes Epicharana Michener, 1954, and not Xanthepicharis Moure, 1945, a junior synonym of Epicharis s.str. Therefore, Xanthepicharis should be revalidated for the group containing Epicharis umbraculata (Fabricius, 1804) and related species.

htpp://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1BA1C185-25D8-45A8-BC29-109387C1E100     

The nesting habits and flower relationships of the bee Melitoma ameghinoi (Holmberg) (Hymenoptera,Apidae), with notes on its taxonomy and distribution

ABSTRACT

The nesting behaviour of Melitoma ameghinoi was studied in the province of Chaco, Argentina. Contrary to other Melitoma species, which are known to nest on banks or other vertical or sloping surfaces, the nests were found on horizontal ground, in extremely hard clay soil. The nests were shallow, with three to four vertical cells. The short turrets pointed upwards for a short stretch and then were strongly curved, with the entrance directed towards the soil surface. The floral relationships of this species were studied by pollen analysis of faeces from cells, a pollen mass, scopal loads of specimens, and direct observation of floral visits. Pollen counts and field observations indicate that M. ameghinoi collects pollen exclusively from Ipomoea species. A compilation of pollen sources for species of Melitoma is presented. All known species, including M. ameghinoi, fall in the category of narrowly oligolectic. A discussion of the taxonomic relationships of the species is presented, and a lectotype is designated.     

Japanese white-eyes (Aves: Zosteropidae) as potential pollinators of summer-flowering Taxillus kaempferi (Loranthaceae)

The pollination of summer-flowering plants by birds has rarely been reported in temperate Asia and Europe. However, we recorded the Japanese white-eye Zosterops japonicus (Passeriformes: Zosteropidae) visiting the flowers of the hemiparasitic plant Taxillus kaempferi (Loranthaceae) during mid-summer (July to August) in a temperate forest in central Japan. Field observations showed that Z. japonicus was an almost exclusive flower visitor of T. kaempferi. Specifically, Z. japonicus inserted their bills frequently into the flower tubes of T. kaempferi. The corollas of T. kaempferi were shorter than Z. japonicus bills, suggesting that Z. japonicus is able to obtain floral nectar from T. kaempferi. Close-up pictures of Z. japonicus visiting flowers showed that the upper bill and facial feathers of Z. japonicus came into contact with the reproductive organs of T. kaempferi, leading to the attachment of pollen to these body parts. Thus, Z. japonicus might act as an important pollinator of the summer-flowering plant T. kaempferi.?     

Deep-water amphipods from the Catalan Sea slope (western Mediterranean): Bathymetric distribution,assemblage composition and biological characteristics

Deep-water epibenthic/suprabenthic species of Amphipoda were studied in the Catalan Sea (north-western Mediterranean) at depths from 389 to 1859 m. In four cruises 20 samples were effected during 1991–1992, covering four different seasonal periods (March, April, July and December). A minimum total of 82 species was collected. Ampelisca uncinata and Eusirus leptocarpus were newly recorded as components of the Mediterranean fauna while three other species collected (Bathymedon sp. A, Autonoe sp. and Rhachotropis cf. gracilis) had distinct possibilities to be new species. The Gammaridae Carangoliopsis spinulosa and the Oedicerotidae Synchelidium maculatum were the two main dominant species on the upper slope level (389-506 m). On the middle slope (between 549-601 m), dominance by any few species was not apparent; the Eusiridae Rhachotropis glabra and R. caeca together with Bathymedon acutifrons, Scopelocheirus hopei and Andaniexis mimonectes were the most abundant species. On the lower slope, at depth below 1000 m, R. caeca was the largely dominant species. The highest species richness (S_T) was reported at intermediate depths over the middle slope (63 species), decreasing with depth increase, and being particularly low at 1808–1859 m (19 species). Total amphipod densities were also higher at the upper and middle slope levels (1760.2–2613.9 amphipods/1000 m³) than below 1000 m (376.4–679.2 amphipods/1000 m³). The low swimming coefficients (K_t) of bathyal Gammaridea, ranging between 0 and 0.336, indicate their relationship to the water-sediment interface although interespecific differences in K_t in relation to species size were also reported. Almost all the dominant amphipods had recruits (=smallest juveniles) in two or three of the three seasons sampled (mainly in March and December), and the smallest juveniles were often only abundant in two of these seasons. This indicates that most species had more than one generation per year, probably suggesting bivoltinism, a commonly adopted biological strategy among intertidal, littoral and shallow water amphipods, as the commonest strategy adopted by the mid-bathyal amphipods in our study.