Stinger utilization and predation in the scorpion Paruroctonus boreus

The utilization of the stinger and the predatory technique of the scorpion, Paruroctonus boreus, was studied under laboratory conditions. During the study, 83 feedings were observed. Age of the scorpions and the percentage of prey stung by them were used to classify the scorpions into groups. The scorpions aged 13–61 days always stung prey. After 62 days the scorpions began to selectively utilize the stinger. Utilization declined until it reached 30 percent in the adult stage. The stinger is apparently necessary for prey capture only in the early life stages.       

Seasonal activity pattern of Columbian ground squirrels in the Idaho primitive area

Data were gathered concerning the seasonal activity pattern of a population of Columbian ground squirrels ( Spermophilus columbianus ) in the Idaho Primitive Area. Adult females were significantly more active in June of all years than were adult males. A relationship between ground squirrel activity and temperature is postulated in which the squirrels alter their activity so as to avoid high temperatures and possible heat stress.     

Recovery of Gambel oak after fire in central Utah

The height of oak ( Quercus gambelii Nutt.) stems was measured on several fire scars within the Uinta National Forest and vicinity and compared with the height of oak stems on adjacent, nonburned areas. A significant relationship exists between the recovery rate of oak after fire and elevation, with the recovery rate being greatest at low elevations. A trend also exists showing that recovery tends to be greater on south to westerly exposures than on north to easterly exposures.     

First record of the pallid bat ( Antrozous pallidus ) from Montana

A pallid bat ( Antrozous pallidus ) was taken 20 km SE Warren, Carbon County, Montana. This represents a 410 km range extension and a new record for Montana.     

A comparison of epiphytic diatom assemblages on living and dead stems of the common grass Phragmites australis

Diatoms epiphytic on Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steaded stems were collected from a single clone at the southern end of Provo Bay, Utah Lake, Utah. Diatom populations from both living and dead stem sections were analyzed. Species diversity in each sample was high, indicating that the stems provide a relatively stable habitat for diatom epiphytes. Of the 23 genera found, only Gomphonema and Navicula showed significant trends toward stem preference. The diatoms in this study support the current view that Utah Lake is a slightly saline, eutrophic system.     

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.       

Terrestrial vertebrate fauna of the Kaiparowits Basin

This report includes data collected during an investigation by Brigham Young University personnel from 1971 to 1976, as well as a literature review. The fauna of the Kaiparowits Basin is represented by 7 species of amphibians (1 salamander, 5 toads, and 1 tree frog), 29 species of reptiles (1 turtle, 16 lizards, and 12 snakes), 183 species of birds (plus 2 hypothetical), and 74 species of mammals. Geographic distribution of the various species within the basin are discussed. Birds are categorized according to their population and seasonal status. Avian habitat relationships are discussed, and extensions of range are reported for 5 species of birds. Three threatened or endangered avian species occur in the basin. Four avian species seem to have declined significantly in numbers in recent years.     

Distribution of the Shoshone scuplin ( Cottus greenei: Cottidae) in the Hagerman Valley of south central Idaho

Cottus greenei, a potentially threatened species endemic to Idaho, was collected from 49 localities in 25 springs/streams in south central Idaho. Most localities were along the north bank of the Snake River in waters of the Thousand Springs formation, Gooding County. One population was found in a spring in the main Snake River. Another sculpin, Cottus bairdi, was collected with C. greenei at 23 locations in 16 springs/streams. Confusion concerning the type locality of Cottus greenei is discussed.        

A small carnivore survey technique

Thirty-nine previously unpublished reports of the endangered black-footed ferret from Wyoming are listed with dates, locations, number of animals, sources, and comments.     

Pathology of an unusual lumbar condition in a young black bear ( Ursus americanus ) from the Big Bend region of Trans-Pecos Texas

The skeleton of a young American black bear ( Ursus americanus ) possessing asymmetrical distortions of the 5 caudalmost lumbar neural spines was recovered from west Texas. We attribute this abnormality, presumed to be congenital, to the absence or atrophy of the right multifidus muscle straddling L3 and to the series of compensatory muscle adjustments required to maintain spinal alignment. This finding may have important management implications for black bears in Texas, given the possibility that our specimen originates from a partially isolated population. El esqueleto de un oso negro juvenil ( Ursus americanus ) con distorsiones asimétricas de las cinco espinas neurales lumbares inferiores fue descubierto en el oeste de Texas. Atribuimos esta anormalidad, suponiendo que es de origen congénito, a la ausencia o atrofia del músculo multifidus derecho que se extiende a ambos lados de la vértebra L3 y la serie de ajustes musculares compensatorios necesarios para conservar el alineamiento espinal. Este hallazgo podría tener implicaciones importantes para esta especie en Texas, dada la posibilidad de que nuestro espécimen provenga de una población parcialmente aislada.