Spring and winter records of the eastern pipistrelle ( Perimyotis subflavus ) in southeastern New Mexico

Eastern pipistrelles ( Perimyotis subflavus ) were first documented from South Dakota, western Texas, and New Mexico during recent years, suggesting that the distribution of this species is expanding westward across central parts of North America. In New Mexico, only 2 records of P. subflavus previously were known—one from summer and one from autumn. Here we report on 3 new records of P. subflavus from southeastern New Mexico, including the first 2 records from winter and the first record from spring. One individual in winter was observed hibernating in a cave in Chaves County. Our records and previous ones from autumn and summer suggest that this species is resident throughout the year in New Mexico.     

Distribution records and comments on fleas in southwestern South Dakota

From October 2003 through April 2006, we collected 565 fleas incidental to a distribution survey of mammals in southwestern South Dakota. Sixty-one specimens, representing 18 species of mammals, possessed 20 species of fleas. The geographic distributions of these flea species revealed 8 new records for the Black Hills and its adjacent grasslands. Four species— Megarthroglossus divisus, Stenoponia americana, Odontopsyllus dentatus, and Amaradix euphorbi —constitute new records for South Dakota, thus increasing the state’s known flea fauna to 42 species. Hunters, trappers, and field biologists should be aware that serosurveillance during the 1990s revealed the presence of sylvatic plague and tularemia in the Black Hills area. Desde octubre de 2003 hasta abril de 2006, colectamos 565 pulgas de manera incidental durante un estudio de la distribución de mamíferos en el suroeste del estado de Dakota del Sur. Los 61 especímenes, que representaban 18 especies de mamíferos, albergaban 20 especies de pulgas. Sus distribuciones geográficas revelaron 8 nuevos registros para las Colinas Negras (Black Hills) y las praderas adyacentes. Cuatro de estas especies ( Megarthroglossus divisus, Stenoponia americana, Odontopsyllus dentatus y Amaradix euphorbi ) constituyen nuevos registros para Dakota del Sur. Esto aumenta el número de especies de pulgas conocidas del estado a 42 especies. Los cazadores, tramperos y biólogos de campo deben estar conscientes de que la vigilancia serológica durante la década de los 1990 reveló la presencia de la plaga silvática y la tularemia en el área de las Colinas Negras.     

New species of Eretmocerus Haldeman (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) parasitizing Crenidorsum turpiniae (Takahashi) and Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) from Taiwan

A key to females of 11 Eretmocerus species occurring in Taiwan is provided. Two new species, E. tongxiaoensis Shih & Polaszek, sp. nov. and E. lannae Shih & Polaszek, sp. nov. found infesting Crenidorsum turpiniae (Takahashi) and Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell) respectively, are described. Five more Eretmocerus species are recorded here as new to Taiwan: E. bisetae Hayat, E. flavus Krishnan & David, E. queenslandensis Naumann & Schmidt, E. rui Zolnerowich & Rose and E. trialeurodis Hayat. New host records for four of these Eretmocerus species from five whitefly species are presented. The whitefly Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell) is recorded for the first time from Taiwan.     

Food habits of clouded salamanders ( Aneides ferreus ) in Curry County, Oregon (Amphibia: Caudata: Plethodontidae)

Stomach contents of 650 clouded salamanders ( Aneides ferreus ), collected monthly throughout the year from Curry County, Oregon, were examined. Samples from three age classes were involved: (1) 489 adults, (2) 131 juveniles, and (3) 30 hatchlings. Foods did not vary by sex, but did vary by age and by season. Hatchlings ate small items, particularly mites, springtails, flies, and small beetles. Juveniles fed mainly on flies, isopods (sowbugs), beetles, mites, and centipedes in winter; beetles, ants, and isopods in spring; ants and beetles in summer; and isopods, beetles, and ants in fall. Adults ate isopods and beetles as their major foods in winter, spring, and fall and isopods, ants, beetles, and earwigs in summer. Four species were exceedingly important as foods for these salamanders: an unidentified isopod, the snout beetle ( Trachyphloeus bifoveatus ), the European earwig ( Forficula auricularia ), and an ant ( Lasius alienus ).       

Climates of fescue grasslands of mountains in the western United States

Climates of fescue grasslands were described by summarizing USDC Weather Bureau records of representative sites. Mean temperatures of the warmest month declined from 18 to 14 C, average annual precipitation increased from 40–50 to 170 cm, and the number of arid months in an arbitrarily defined dry year declined from 3 to 1–2 as one moves from Festuca arizonica (14 stations) to F. scabrella (15) to F. idahoensis (17) to F. thurberi (6) to F. viridula (9). Climates of the grasslands are sufficiently like those of the Pseudotsuga menziesii and Abies lasiocarpa zones of the northern Rocky Mountains to make one ask what factors—wind, snow duration, soil characteristics, or fire—allow the fescue grasslands to persist in a conifer climatic zone.     

Pollinators of Astragalus monoensis Barneby (Fabaceae): new host records; potential impact of sheep grazing

Important bee species inhabiting the study area are listed, including those observed and collected foraging on Astragalus monoensis , a California rare plant. The significance of each species as a potential pollinator is assessed, based on frequency of occurrence in collecting, observed and published host plant records, and morphology. Three pollinator categories are proposed: observed and/or collected on the plant, probable visitors, and possible visitors. New host plant records for these species are listed. Current sheep grazing practices in the A. monoensis habitat endanger pollinators in four ways: (1) destruction of potential nest sites, (2) destruction of existing nests and contents, (3) direct trampling of adult bees, and (4) removal of food resources. Exposure of the major bee species to each of these factors is assessed utilizing experimental data and published information.         

New grass distribution records for Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas

New distribution records are given for seven grass species now found in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.       

Snout mites from caves in Brazil,with description of a new species (Acari: Trombidiformes: Bdellidae)

In this paper we describe the first species of the genus Cyta from Brazil, Cyta troglodyta sp. nov., with a key to the world species of the genus. New records of mites of the family Bdellidae are reported from caves in Brazil.     

Winter stoneflies (Plecoptera) of New Mexico

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;} Twenty-two species of winter emerging Plecoptera were collected in New Mexico from 1979 to 1982. Distributional records are given for 13 that are new state records, including 2 new species, and 9 previously reported species.       

Role of three rodents in forest nitrogen fixation in western Oregon: another aspect of mammal-mycorrhizal fungus-tree mutualism

To determine the role of the California red-backed vole ( Clethrionomys califonicus ), the northern flying squirrel ( Glaucomys sabrinus ), and the deer mouse ( Peromyscus maniculatus ) in the nitrogen cycle of forest stands in western Oregon, bacterial colonies were isolated and purified from feces, and their nitrogen-fixing ability measured by acetylene-reduction assay. The ability of the bacterial species Azospirillum   sp. to withstand freezing was also tested. Fecal extracts were used to test whether fecal pellets can provide the nutrients necessary for growth of the bacteria. All the feces tested contained viable nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and both species can survive drying and one can survive freezing. Azospirillum colonies grew well on liquid medium but required yeast extract for growth and nitrogenase activity. Fecal extracts from flying squirrels and chickarees ( Tamiasciurus douglasi ) were as effective as the yeast. The results suggest another link in the chain of mutualism that unites small mammals, mycorrhizal fungi, and forest trees.     

Oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) of the Falkland Islands,South Atlantic and their zoogeographical relationships

A total of 21 species of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) are recorded from heat-extracted samples of soil and plant material collected in the Falkland Is., South Atlantic. Previous records of a further 11 species provide a total of 32 species. The distribution of each non-endemic species recorded from the Falkland Is. is figured. The oribatid mite fauna of these islands belongs to the Neotropical Region with strong sub-Antarctic elements and some similarities with New Zealand.     

Habitat and distribution of pygmy rabbits ( Sylvilagus idahoensis ) in Oregon

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;} An investigation to determine the location and extent of populations of pygmy rabbits ( Sylvilagus idahoensis ) in Oregon, and to describe several biotic and physical components within communities that include pygmy rabbits, was conducted from October 1981 to September 1983. Of 211 sites suspected of supporting the species based on interpretation of museum records, aerial photographs, soil maps, and interviews with biologists and area residents, 51 exhibited evidence of being inhabited when examined in summer 1982. Soil and vegetation components were sampled at 15 sites occupied by pygmy rabbits and 21 sites adjacent thereto. At inhabited sites, mean soil depth (51.0 ± 2.3 cm), mean soil strength of surface (0.8 ± 0.2 kg/cm 2 ) and subsurface (3.8 ± 0.3 kg/cm 2 ) horizons, shrub height (84.4 ± 5.8 cm), and shrub cover (28.8 ± 1.4%) were significantly greater ( P 2 ), density of forbs (3.4 ± 0.6/1,000 cm 2 ), and cryptogam cover (2.4 ± 0.5%) were not. Except for the clay component of subsurface soils, texture of surface and subsurface soils were not significantly different between sites occupied by pygmy rabbits and adjacent sites. The affinity of pygmy rabbits for areas with greater shrub cover, shrub height, soil strength, and soil depth, and, to a small degree, coarser soil texture possibly was related to availability of forage, security from predation, and ease of burrow construction. Analysis of 472 samples of sagebrush ( Artemisia tridentata ) collected at and near sites inhabited by pygmy rabbits indicated their distribution was not dependent upon the presence of specific subspecies of sagebrush. A marked decrese in evidence of occupancy of sample sites and of pygmy rabbit activity at occupied sites in 1983 indicated that populations of pygmy rabbits were susceptible to rapid declines and possible local extirpation. Fragmentation of sagebrush communities poses a potential threat to populations of pygmy rabbits, but the severity of the threat presently is unknown.     

Occurrence of Ord's kangaroo rat ( Dipodomys ordii ) along its eastern distributional limit in Nebraska

Changes in land use continue to alter habitats throughout Nebraska, and few studies have examined how such changes affect distributional limits of mammals. The distribution of Ord’s kangaroo rat ( Dipodomys ordii ) was last examined in eastern Nebraska about 4 decades ago. We examined the current eastern distributional limits of D. ordii to see whether its range had expanded, contracted, or remained constant in the state since the 1960s. Based on our study, kangaroo rats have experienced little change in distribution during recent decades. Herein, we report on data for 8 counties without prior records and a marginal range extension, as well as comment on habitat, reproduction, and taxonomic status of kangaroo rats in eastern Nebraska. Los cambios en el uso del suelo siguen modificando los hábitats a lo largo del estado de Nebraska, y pocos estudios han examinado cómo estos cambios afectan los límites de distribución de los mamíferos. La última evaluación de la distribución de la rata canguro de Ord ( Dipodomys ordii ) en el este de Nebraska se llevó a cabo hace 4 décadas. Examinamos los límites orientales actuales de la distribución de D. ordii para ver si su área de distribución se ha expandido, contraído o permanecido igual en el estado desde los años 1960. Con base en nuestra investigación, es posible decir que la distribución de las ratas canguro ha cambiado poco en décadas recientes. Aquí reportamos datos para 8 condados para los cuales no existían registros anteriores e informamos sobre una pequeña expansión de su área de distribución. También comentamos sobre el hábitat, la reproducción y la situación taxonómica de las ratas canguro en el este de Nebraska.     

Reproductive activity and distrubution of bats in Nebraska

New geographic, reproductive, and seasonal records are presented for 11 of 13 bats inhabiting Nebraska. New geographic records are presented for 10 species, most notably Myotis lucifugus (120 miles west of nearest known record), M. septentrionalis (42 miles west of nearest record), Nycticeius humeralis (72 miles west of nearest record), and Pipistrellus subflavus (258 miles northwest of nearest record). New reproductive localities are recorded for 9 species, particularly the 1st records of breeding by Pipistrellus subflavus in Nebraska (Cherry and Dixon Counties) and the 2nd record of breeding by Lasionycteris noctivagans in Nebraska (Lancaster County). New records of timing of lactation and appearance of flying-young are reported for 7 species, and new records of seasonal activity are reported for 3 species. Lastly, captures of adult males of Lasiurus borealis and L. cinereus in summer are reported from sites across the state; summer populations of these species previously were thought to consist entirely or primarily of adult females and young in some regions. Records presented here are the result of geographic range expansion of several species and of fieldwork conducted in previously unsampled areas.     

Food of cougars in the Cascade Range of Oregon

Animal and nonanimal items were identified in the digestive tracts of 61 cougars ( Felis concolor ) collected between 1978 and 1984 from the western slopes of the Cascade Range in Oregon. Forty - two (69%) of the cougars were taken by hunters in December and January, 18 (30%) were killed at other times of the year because of their proximity to livestock, and one animal was illegally killed in November. Black-tailed deer ( Odocoileus hemionus columbianus ) was the most common prey item, although domestic sheep ( Ovis airies ), porcupines ( Erethizon dorsatum ), and a variety of small mammals were also recorded. Masticated grass was the most common nonanimal item.      

Prairie dog colony attributes and associated vertebrate species

A survey of colony attributes and associated vertebrates on black - tail ( Cynomys ludovicianus ), Gunnison's ( C. gunnisoni ), and white - tail ( C. leucurus ) prairie dogs was made. A belt transect 1.6 km wide and 13,334 km long from Hobbs, New Mexico, to the Utah - Wyoming state line was surveyed. There were 47 colonies located (4760 ha comprising 2.2 percent) in the belt. Intercolony distances varied significantly. Three black - tail towns averaged 33 ha in area (SD = 26, range 10 – 61), II Gunnison's averaged 46 ha (SD = 43, range 16 – 150), and 33 white - tail towns averaged 125 ha (SD = 200, range 0.2 – 958). Badger activity was positively and significantly correlated to colony size and number of burrow openings on Gunnison's and white - tail towns. There were 107 vertebrate species and subspecies (one amphibian, 25 reptiles, 51 birds, 30 mammals) observed on prairie dog colonies. Results of our surveys are compared with prairie dog studies elsewhere. The role of prairie dogs and relationships to some vertebrates species are discussed.     

Leptophlebiidae of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico (Insecta: Ephemeroptera)

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;} 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;} Collections of mayflies of the Leptophlebiidae, genera Choroterpes Eaton, Paraleptophlebia Lestage, Thraulodes Ulmer, and Traverella Edmunds from the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico are reviewed. Choroterpes (Choroterpes) oaxacaensis Brusca & Allen is synonymized with C. (C.) inornata Eaton. The nymph described as Thraulodes species “D” Allen & Brusca is the nymph of T. arizonicus McDunnough. New distributional records extend the known ranges of C. inornata, C. (Neochoroterpes) mexicanus Allen, Paraleptophlebia memorialis (Eaton), T. arizonicus, T. brunneus Koss, T. salinus Kilgore & Allen, T. speciosus Traver, Traverella albertana (McDunnough), and T. castanea Kilgore & Allen.       

Summer burrows of Ord's kangaroo rats ( Dipodomys ordii ) in western Nebraska: food content and structure

Extent of larder hoarding differs among species of kangaroo rats, and limited information is available for food stored in burrows by Ord’s kangaroo rat ( Dipodomys ordii )—the most widespread species of Dipodomys. I excavated 9 burrows recently used by adult D. ordii during summer in the Sandhill Region of Nebraska. I observed only small quantities of food stored in burrows. Eight of 9 burrows contained segments of sand dropseed ( Sporobolus cryptandrus ) in limited quantities. These segments consisted of upper leaves with fruits (containing seeds) housed in sheaths. My observations represent the first documentation of D. ordii storing food in burrows under natural conditions. Compared to the burrows of other species of kangaroo rat, burrows of D. ordii were simple in structure with 1 main tunnel and 1–3 entrances. In summer, Ord’s kangaroo rats commonly harvest seeds from plants in the Sandhill Region of Nebraska, but individuals apparently do not store large quantities of food in burrows, which suggests they store food in scatter hoards during this season.