ALBERT

Description:    This is a comment on Thatje (Naturwissenschaften 97:237–239, 2010 ) The multiple faces of journal peer review, Naturwissenschaften, 97:237–239. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0812-1 Authors Ivan Couée, UMR CNRS 6553 Ecosystems-Biodiversity-Evolution, University of Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, bâtiment 14A, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Most orb-web spiders face downwards in the web. A downward orientation has been proposed to be the optimal strategy because spiders run faster downwards and thus can catch prey quicker. Consequently, orb-web spiders also extend their web in the lower part, leading to top-down web asymmetry. Since the majority of orb-web spiders face downwards, it has been difficult to test the effect of orientation on prey capture and web asymmetry. In this study, we explored the influence of reverse orientation on foraging efficiency and web asymmetry in Verrucosa arenata , a neotropical orb-web spider that faces upwards in the web. We show that reverse orientation does not imply reverse web asymmetry in this species. V. arenata spiders captured more prey in the lower part of the web but more prey per area on the upper part. The average running speeds of spiders did not differ between upward and downward running, but heavier spiders took longer to capture prey while running upwards. We discuss these findings in the context of foraging efficiency and web asymmetry. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0811-2 Authors Dinesh Rao, INBIOTECA, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. Culturas Veracruzanas No.101, Col. E. Zapata, CP 91090 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico Oscar Ceballos Fernandez, INBIOTECA, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. Culturas Veracruzanas No.101, Col. E. Zapata, CP 91090 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico Ernesto Castañeda-Barbosa, INBIOTECA, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. Culturas Veracruzanas No.101, Col. E. Zapata, CP 91090 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico Francisco Díaz-Fleischer, INBIOTECA, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. Culturas Veracruzanas No.101, Col. E. Zapata, CP 91090 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Unpublished field observations in Leucauge argyra , a tropical orb weaver spider, suggest the occurrence of conspicuous mating plugs that could reduce or prevent remating attempts. Otherwise, the sexual behavior of this species remains unknown. The aims of this study were to describe the courtship behavior and copulation in L. argyra and investigate mating plug formation in this species. Fourteen virgin females and 12 plugged females were exposed to up to three males and checked for mating plug formation. Of the 12 virgins that copulated, nine produced plugs (five immediately after copulation), and the five plugged females that copulated produced another mating plug immediately after copulation. We did not detect the transfer of any male substance during copulation but observed a whitish liquid emerging from female genital ducts. Plug formation was positively associated with male twanging during courtship. One virgin and four plugged females cannibalized males. In seven trials with virgins and in three trials with plugged females, the male’s palp adhered to a substance that emerged from female genital ducts and spread on her genital plate. The male had to struggle energetically to free his glued palp; two of these males were cannibalized while trying to release their palps. Females seem to determine copulation duration by altering the timing of mating plug formation and through sexual cannibalism. This is the first case reported of a mating plug as a sticky trap for males. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0807-y Authors Anita Aisenberg, Laboratorio de Etología, Ecología y Evolución, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Av. Italia 3318, CP 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay Gilbert Barrantes, Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, Ciudad Universitaria, San José, Costa Rica Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    In the blowfly Phormia regina , experience of simultaneous feeding with d -limonene exposure inhibits proboscis extension reflex (PER) due to decreased tyramine (TA) titer in the brain. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of TA signaling pathway related to the associated feeding behavior, we cloned cDNA encoding the octopamine/TA receptor (PregOAR/TAR). The deduced protein is composed of 607 amino acid residues and has 7 predicted transmembrane domains. Based on homology and phylogenetic analyses, this protein belongs to the OAR/TAR family. The PregOAR/TAR was mainly expressed in head, with low levels of expression in other tissues at adult stages. Gene expression profile is in agreement with a plethora of functions ascribed to TA in various insect tissues. The immunolabeled cell bodies and processes were localized in the medial protocerebrum, outer layer of lobula, antennal lobe, and subesophageal ganglion. These results suggest that decrease of TA level in the brain likely affects neurons expressing PregOAR/TAR , causing mediation of the sensitivity in the sensillum and/or output of motor neurons for PER. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0806-z Authors Yuko Ishida, Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, 1–1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe, 657–8501 Japan Mamiko Ozaki, Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, 1–1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe, 657–8501 Japan Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    In a predator–prey system where both intervenients come from the same taxon, one can expect a strong selection on behavioural and morphological traits involved in prey capture. For example, in specialised snake-eating snakes, the predator is unaffetced by the venom of the prey. We predicted that similar adaptations should have evolved in spider-eating (araneophagous) spiders. We investigated potential and actual prey of two Palpimanus spiders ( P. gibbulus , P. orientalis ) to support the prediction that these are araneophagous predators. Specific behavioural adaptations were investigated using a high-speed camera during staged encounters with prey, while morphological adaptations were investigated using electron microscopy. Both Palpimanus species captured a wide assortment of spider species from various guilds but also a few insect species. Analysis of the potential prey suggested that Palpimanus is a retreat-invading predator that actively searches for spiders that hide in a retreat. Behavioural capture adaptations include a slow, stealthy approach to the prey followed by a very fast attack. Morphological capture adaptations include scopulae on forelegs used in grabbing prey body parts, stout forelegs to hold the prey firmly, and an extremely thick cuticle all over the body preventing injury from a counter bite of the prey. Palpimanus overwhelmed prey that was more than 200% larger than itself. In trials with another araneophagous spider, Cyrba algerina (Salticidae), Palpimanus captured C. algerina in more than 90% of cases independent of the size ratio between the spiders. Evidence indicates that both Palpimanus species possesses remarkable adaptations that increase its efficiency in capturing spider prey. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0804-1 Authors Stano Pekár, Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic Jan Šobotník, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Flemingovo nám. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic Yael Lubin, Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University, 84990 Sede Boqer Campus, Beer-Sheva, Israel Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    The journey of the European eel to the spawning area in the Sargasso Sea is still a mystery. Several trials have been carried out to follow migrating eels with pop-up satellite tags (PSATs), without much success. As eels are very efficient swimmers, tags likely interfere with their high swimming efficiency. Here we report a more than twofold increase in swimming cost caused by a regular small satellite tag. The impact was determined at a range of swimming speeds with and without tag in a 2-m swimming tunnel. These results help to explain why the previous use of PSATs to identify spawning sites in the Sargasso Sea was thus far unsuccessful. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0805-0 Authors Erik Burgerhout, ZF-Screens BV, Niels Bohrweg 11, 2333 CA Leiden, The Netherlands Ryotaro Manabe, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8546, Japan Sebastiaan A. Brittijn, ZF-Screens BV, Niels Bohrweg 11, 2333 CA Leiden, The Netherlands Jun Aoyama, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8546, Japan Katsumi Tsukamoto, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8546, Japan Guido E. E. J. M. van den Thillart, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Gorlaeus Lab, POB 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Describing postures has always been a central concern when studying behaviour. However, attempts to compare postures objectively at phylogenetical, populational, inter- or intra-individual levels generally either rely upon a few key elements or remain highly subjective. Here, we propose a novel approach, based on well-established geometric morphometrics, to describe and to analyse postures globally (i.e. considering the animal’s body posture in its entirety rather than focusing only on a few salient elements, such as head or tail position). Geometric morphometrics is concerned with describing and comparing variation and changes in the form (size and shape) of organisms using the coordinates of a series of homologous landmarks (i.e. positioned in relation to skeletal or muscular cues that are the same for different species for every variety of form and function and that have derived from a common ancestor, i.e. they have a common evolutionary ancestry, e.g. neck, wings, flipper/hand). We applied this approach to horses, using global postures (1) to characterise behaviours that correspond to different arousal levels, (2) to test potential impact of environmental changes on postures. Our application of geometric morphometrics to horse postures showed that this method can be used to characterise behavioural categories, to evaluate the impact of environmental factors (here human actions) and to compare individuals and groups. Beyond its application to horses, this promising approach could be applied to all questions involving the analysis of postures (evolution of displays, expression of emotions, stress and welfare, behavioural repertoires…) and could lead to a whole new line of research. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0803-2 Authors Carole Fureix, Université Rennes 1 UMR CNRS 6552 Ethologie Animale et Humaine, Campus de Beaulieu bât. 25, 263 avenue Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Martine Hausberger, Université Rennes 1 UMR CNRS 6552 Ethologie Animale et Humaine, Campus de Beaulieu bât. 25, 263 avenue Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Emilie Seneque, Université Rennes 1 UMR CNRS 6552 Ethologie Animale et Humaine, Campus de Beaulieu bât. 25, 263 avenue Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Stéphane Morisset, Hôpital E. Herriot, Unité de Recherche Clinique du Service d’Hématologie, 5 Place d’Arsonval, 69437 Lyon cedex 03, France Michel Baylac, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle CNRS-UMR 7205 and «plate-forme Morphométrie», UMS 2700, 45 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France Raphaël Cornette, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle CNRS-UMR 7205 and «plate-forme Morphométrie», UMS 2700, 45 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France Véronique Biquand, Université Rennes 1 UMR CNRS 6552 Ethologie Animale et Humaine, Campus de Beaulieu bât. 25, 263 avenue Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Pierre Deleporte, Université Rennes 1 UMR CNRS 6552 Ethologie Animale et Humaine, Campus de Beaulieu bât. 25, 263 avenue Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Efficient cooperation in eusocial insect colonies requires effective communication, and there is abundant evidence of non-volatile chemicals playing a role in regulating reproduction within colonies. In contrast, there have been fewer studies investigating the role of volatile chemicals. This study investigated the potential role of volatile chemicals in regulating queen reproduction either by directly inhibiting queen reproduction or by honestly signalling queen fecundity to workers. We tested this using multiple queen colonies of the ant ( Leptothorax acervorum ) from a functionally monogynous population where one queen monopolizes all reproduction. Nine colonies, each with an established laying queen, were split to produce two colony fragments—one containing the reproducing queen (group 1) and one containing only previously non-reproducing queens (group 2). Each group was separated by a fine wire mesh preventing physical contact, but allowing volatile chemical contact. In each group 2 fragment, we found that a single formerly non-reproductive queen commenced reproduction and that the rate of egg laying and maximum number of eggs recorded did not significantly differ between groups 1 and 2, results that do not support volatile chemicals as playing a role in regulating queen reproduction. Instead, our findings suggest that physical contact is necessary to maintain functional monogyny. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0801-4 Authors Duncan J. Coston, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX UK Richard J. Gill, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX UK Robert L. Hammond, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX UK Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Integral quantities, wind run, S , and recirculation factor, R , useful for describing air flow, are calculated and combined with CO 2 mixing ratios. Meteorological observations were obtained from a RASS sodar and CO 2 mixing ratios from a continuous analyzer installed at a rural site in the upper Spanish plateau. The measuring campaign spread over 3 years and two approaches were followed. The first approach considered integral quantities on a daily basis and two classifications of air flow, to date scarcely used. The first classification distinguished among stagnation, recirculation, and ventilation, the second considering synoptic, meso-, and local scales. Moreover, 52.94% of daily values handled in this paper corresponded to ventilation and 49.70% to synoptic scale. The main goal of this approach is the subsequent link between the two classifications: the synoptic scale was associated with ventilation, mesoscale with recirculation and local scale partially with recirculation. CO 2 observations were distributed in air flow groups following these classifications and mesoscale processes were satisfactorily described since noticeable evidence of transport from nearby cities was observed. In the second approach, S and R pairs were used and CO 2 mixing ratios were distributed following percent intervals of ventilation, calculated by binning these pairs. The main goal of the second approach is to consider only three groups of mixing ratios. In the first group, with high ventilation, mixing ratios were low. With intermediate ventilation, mixing ratios were medium, and with low ventilation mixing ratios were high. A contrast of 21 ppm between the third and first groups was obtained at the 95th percentile. Finally, the second group provided a contrast of 3 ppm between north and south directions and also between east and west attributed to transport from nearby cities. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0800-5 Authors Isidro A. Pérez, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valladolid, c/ Prado de la Magdalena s/n, 47071 Valladolid, Spain M. Luisa Sánchez, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valladolid, c/ Prado de la Magdalena s/n, 47071 Valladolid, Spain M. Ángeles García, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valladolid, c/ Prado de la Magdalena s/n, 47071 Valladolid, Spain Vanessa Paredes, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valladolid, c/ Prado de la Magdalena s/n, 47071 Valladolid, Spain Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    The importance of olfaction in birds’ social behavior has long been denied. Avian chemical signaling has thus been relatively unexplored. The black-legged kittiwake provides a particularly appropriate model for investigating this topic. Kittiwakes preferentially mate with genetically dissimilar individuals, but the cues used to assess genetic characteristics remain unknown. As in other vertebrates, their body odors may carry individual and sexual signatures thus potentially reliably signaling individual genetic makeup. Here, we test whether body odors in preen gland secretion and preen down feathers in kittiwakes may provide a sex and an individual signature. Using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, we found that male and female odors differ quantitatively, suggesting that scent may be one of the multiple cues used by birds to discriminate between sexes. We further detected an individual signature in the volatile and nonvolatile fractions of preen secretion and preen down feathers. These results suggest that kittiwake body odor may function as a signal associated with mate recognition. It further suggests that preen odor might broadcast the genetic makeup of individuals, and could be used in mate choice to assess the genetic compatibility of potential mates. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0809-9 Authors Sarah Leclaire, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, ENFA; UMR5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution et Diversité Biologique), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, France Thomas Merkling, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, ENFA; UMR5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution et Diversité Biologique), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, France Christine Raynaud, INRA, LCA (Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-industrielle), F-31029 Toulouse, France Géraldine Giacinti, INRA, LCA (Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-industrielle), F-31029 Toulouse, France Jean-Marie Bessière, Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier, 8 rue de l’Ecole Normale, 34296 Montpellier, France Scott A. Hatch, U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA Étienne Danchin, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, ENFA; UMR5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution et Diversité Biologique), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, France Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Leg loss is a common phenomenon in spiders, and according to the species 5% to 40% of the adults can present at least one missing leg. There is no possibility of regeneration after adult moult and the animal must manage with its missing appendages until its death. With the loss of one or more legs, female orb-weaving spiders can be penalized twice: firstly, because the legs are necessary for web construction and secondly, the legs are essential for the control of the prey after its interception by the web. During development, spiders may be also penalized because regeneration has energetic costs that take away resources for survival, growth and reproduction. All these consequences should influence negatively the development of the spider and thus its fitness. We investigated the impact of leg loss in the orb-weaving spider, Zygiella x-notata by studying its frequency in a natural population and web building and prey capture behaviours in laboratory. In field populations, 9.5% to 13%, of the adult females presented the loss of one or more legs; the majority of individuals had lost only one leg (in 48% of cases, a first one). Leg loss seems to affect all the adult spiders, as there is no difference of mass between intact spiders and those with missing leg. Data obtained with laboratory-reared spiders, showed that the loss of legs due to the moult is rare (less than 1%). Considering changes in web design, spiders with missing legs decreased their silk investment, increased the distance between spiral turns but did not change the capture surface of the web. Under our laboratory experimental conditions, spiders with one or two lost legs did not present any difference in prey capture efficiency. In laboratory conditions, spiders with lost leg(s) did not show any difference in egg sac production or in longevity (adult lifespan) compared to intact spiders. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0799-7 Authors Alain Pasquet, Université de Strasbourg, IPHC, DEPE, CNRS UMR7178, 23 rue Becquerel, 67087 Strasbourg, France Mylène Anotaux, Université de Strasbourg, IPHC, DEPE, CNRS UMR7178, 23 rue Becquerel, 67087 Strasbourg, France Raymond Leborgne, Laboratoire: Expression and Evolution des Comportements, Université Henri Poincaré, Nancy-Université, B.P. 239, 54506 Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Small Auchenorrhyncha use substrate-borne vibrations to communicate. Although this behaviour is well known in adult leafhoppers, so far no studies have been published on nymphs. Here we checked the occurrence of vibrational communication in Scaphoideus titanus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) nymphs as a possible explanation of their aggregative distributions on host plants. We studied possible vibratory emissions of isolated and grouped nymphs, as well as their behavioural responses to vibration stimuli that simulated presence of conspecifics, to disturbance noise, white noise and predator spiders. None of our synthetic stimuli or pre-recorded substrate vibrations from nymphs elicited specific vibration responses and only those due to grooming or mechanical contacts of the insect with the leaf were recorded. Thus, S. titanus nymphs showed to not use species-specific vibrations neither for intra- nor interspecific communication and also did not produce alarm vibrations when facing potential predators. We conclude that their aggregative behaviour is independent from a vibrational communication. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0808-x Authors Julien Chuche, UMR INRA 1065 Santé et Agroécologie du Vignoble, INRA, BP 81, Institut des Sciences de la Vigne et du Vin, 33883 Villenave d’Ornon Cedex, France Denis Thiéry, UMR INRA 1065 Santé et Agroécologie du Vignoble, INRA, BP 81, Institut des Sciences de la Vigne et du Vin, 33883 Villenave d’Ornon Cedex, France Valerio Mazzoni, IASMA Research and Innovative Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via E. Mach 1, I-38010 SanMichele a/A (TN), Italy Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Multiple mating by females with different males (polyandry) is difficult to explain in many taxa because it carries significant costs to females, yet benefits are often hard to identify. Polyandry is a derived trait in social insects, the evolutionary origins of which remain unclear. One of several leading hypotheses for its evolution is that it improves division of labour by increasing intra-colonial genetic diversity. Division of labour is a key player in the ecological success of social insects, and in many successful species of ants is based on morphologically distinct castes of workers, each with their own task specialisations. Atta leaf-cutting ants exhibit one of the most extreme and complicated forms of morphologically specialised worker castes and have been reported to be polyandrous but with relatively low mating frequencies (~2.5 on average). Here, we show for the first time that there is a significant genetic influence on worker size in Atta colombica leaf-cutting ants. We also provide the first estimate of the mating frequency of Atta cephalotes (four matings) and, by analysing much higher within-colony sample sizes, find that Atta are more polyandrous than previously thought (approximately six to seven matings). The results show that high polyandry and a genetic influence on worker caste are present in both genera of leaf-cutting ants and add weight to the hypothesis that division of labour is a potential driver of the evolution of polyandry in this clade of ants. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0810-3 Authors Sophie Elizabeth Frances Evison, Institute of Integrative and Comparative Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT Leeds, UK William O. H. Hughes, Institute of Integrative and Comparative Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT Leeds, UK Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    An important aspect of social insect biology lies in the expression of collective foraging strategies developed to exploit food. In ants, four main types of foraging strategies are typically recognized based on the intensity of recruitment and the importance of chemical communication. Here, we describe a new type of foraging strategy, “tandem carrying”, which is also one of the most simple recruitment strategies, observed in the Ponerinae species Pachycondyla chinensis . Within this strategy, workers are directly carried individually and then released on the food resource by a successful scout. We demonstrate that this recruitment is context dependent and based on the type of food discovered and can be quickly adjusted as food quality changes. We did not detect trail marking by tandem-carrying workers. We conclude by discussing the importance of tandem carrying in an evolutionary context relative to other modes of recruitment in foraging and nest emigration. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0814-z Authors Benoit Guénard, Department of Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA Jules Silverman, Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Pigeons were released at two sites of equal distance from the loft, one within a magnetic anomaly, the other in magnetically quiet terrain, and their tracks were recorded with the help of GPS receivers. A comparison of the beginning of the tracks revealed striking differences: within the anomaly, the initial phase lasted longer, and the distance flown was longer, with the pigeons' headings considerably farther from the home direction. During the following departure phase, the birds were well homeward oriented at the magnetically quiet site, whereas they continued to be disoriented within the anomaly. Comparing the tracks in the anomaly with the underlying magnetic contours shows considerable differences between individuals, without a common pattern emerging. The differences in magnetic intensity along the pigeons' path do not differ from a random distribution of intensity differences around the release site, indicating that the magnetic contours do not directly affect the pigeons' routes. Within the anomaly, pigeons take longer until their flights are oriented, but 5 km from the release point, the birds, still within the anomaly, are also significantly oriented in the home direction. These findings support the assumption that magnetically anomalous conditions initially interfere with the pigeons' navigational processes, with birds showing rather individual responses in their attempts to overcome these problems. Content Type Journal Article Pages 575-581 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0802-3 Authors Ingo Schiffner, Fachbereich Biowissenschaften der J.W.Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Siesmayerstraße 70, 60054 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Patrick Fuhrmann, Fachbereich Biowissenschaften der J.W.Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Siesmayerstraße 70, 60054 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Roswitha Wiltschko, Fachbereich Biowissenschaften der J.W.Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Siesmayerstraße 70, 60054 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042 Journal Volume Volume 98 Journal Issue Volume 98, Number 7

Description:    Unpublished field observations in Leucauge argyra , a tropical orb weaver spider, suggest the occurrence of conspicuous mating plugs that could reduce or prevent remating attempts. Otherwise, the sexual behavior of this species remains unknown. The aims of this study were to describe the courtship behavior and copulation in L. argyra and investigate mating plug formation in this species. Fourteen virgin females and 12 plugged females were exposed to up to three males and checked for mating plug formation. Of the 12 virgins that copulated, nine produced plugs (five immediately after copulation), and the five plugged females that copulated produced another mating plug immediately after copulation. We did not detect the transfer of any male substance during copulation but observed a whitish liquid emerging from female genital ducts. Plug formation was positively associated with male twanging during courtship. One virgin and four plugged females cannibalized males. In seven trials with virgins and in three trials with plugged females, the male’s palp adhered to a substance that emerged from female genital ducts and spread on her genital plate. The male had to struggle energetically to free his glued palp; two of these males were cannibalized while trying to release their palps. Females seem to determine copulation duration by altering the timing of mating plug formation and through sexual cannibalism. This is the first case reported of a mating plug as a sticky trap for males. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0807-y Authors Anita Aisenberg, Laboratorio de Etología, Ecología y Evolución, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Av. Italia 3318, CP 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay Gilbert Barrantes, Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, Ciudad Universitaria, San José, Costa Rica Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    In holometabolous insects, pupation site selection behaviour has large consequences for survival. Here, we investigated the combined effects of temperature and parasitism by the parasitoid Asobara tabida on larval pupation behaviour in two of its main Drosophila sp. hosts differing in their climate origin. We found that larvae of Drosophila melanogaster— a species with a (sub)tropical origin—placed at 25°C pupated higher in rearing jars than those placed at 15°C. The opposite pattern was observed for Drosophila subobscura larvae—a species from temperate regions—which pupated lower, i.e. on or near the substrate at 25°C, than those placed at 15°C. When placed at 25°C, parasitized larvae of both species pupated closer to the substrate than unparasitized ones. Moreover, the Drosophila larvae that had been exposed and probably stung by A. tabida , but were not parasitized, pupated lower than the control unparasitized larvae. These results provide new insights of host behaviour manipulation by A. tabida larvae. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0813-0 Authors Céline Josso, Université de Rennes 1, UMR CNRS 6553 ECOBIO, 263 Avenue du Général Leclerc, CS 74205, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Joffrey Moiroux, Université de Rennes 1, UMR CNRS 6553 ECOBIO, 263 Avenue du Général Leclerc, CS 74205, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Philippe Vernon, Université de Rennes 1, UMR CNRS 6553 ECOBIO, 263 Avenue du Général Leclerc, CS 74205, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Joan van Baaren, Université de Rennes 1, UMR CNRS 6553 ECOBIO, 263 Avenue du Général Leclerc, CS 74205, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Jacques J. M. van Alphen, Université de Rennes 1, UMR CNRS 6553 ECOBIO, 263 Avenue du Général Leclerc, CS 74205, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Mollusc communities of previously unexplored Bulgarian fens were studied in order to determine and generalise the patterns of species richness and composition along the mineral richness gradient. The aim was also to compare predictive values of the environment, vegetation and spatial structure. Altogether, 44 mollusc species were recorded at 40 treeless fen sites. Species richness varied from 0 to 18 species per site, and it was positively associated with the mineral gradient and negatively with altitude. However, the best predictor was obtained using plant species composition. All explanatory variables had higher effect on land snails than on the entire mollusc assemblage (including aquatic species). Species richness and abundance were significantly and positively correlated with the species composition turnover; the communities were highly nested, with poor sites having subsets of the fauna found in the richest. The main direction of mollusc species turnover was highly associated with that observed for vegetation, and the main gradient of plant species composition was able to explain nearly 20% of total variation in mollusc data. We found that spatial structure explained by far the highest proportion of independent variation, which reflected the high level of geographical isolation of Bulgarian fens and regional differences independent of any environmental variation. Our results demonstrate (1) the general role of mineral richness gradient for structuring mollusc communities in fens, (2) the pivotal indicator role of plant species composition in predicting species composition of mollusc communities, despite being trophically independent and (3) the effect of isolation and origins of the habitat on species composition: most species have wide geographical distributions within the habitat type, and geographical patterns within Bulgaria may have a stochastic element. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0816-x Authors Michal Horsák, Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic Michal Hájek, Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic Petra Hájková, Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic Robert Cameron, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 4TN UK Nicole Cernohorsky, Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic Iva Apostolova, Department of Phytocoenology and Ecology, Institute of Botany, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    A postanal tail is a major synapomorphy of the phylum Chordata, which is composed of three subphyla: Vertebrata, Cephalochordata, and Tunicata (Urochordata). Among tunicates, appendicularians are the only group that retains the tail in the adult, and the adult tail functions in locomotion and feeding in combination with a cellulose-based house structure. Given the phylogenetic position of tunicates, the appendicularian adult tail may possess ancestral features of the chordate tail. We assess the ultrastructural development of the tail epidermis of the appendicularian Oikopleura dioica . The epidermis of the larval tail is enclosed by the larval envelope, which is a thin sheet similar to the outer tunic layer of ascidian larvae. The epidermis of the adult tail seems to bear no tunic-like cellulosic integuments, and the tail fin is a simple folding of the epidermis. Every epidermal cell, except for the triangular cells at the edge of the tail fin, has a conspicuous matrix layer of fibrous content in the apical cytoplasm without enclosing membranes. The epidermis of the larval tail does not have a fibrous matrix layer, suggesting the production of the layer during larval development and metamorphosis. Zonulae adhaerentes firmly bind the epidermal cells of the adult tail to one another, and the dense microfilaments lining the cell borders constitute a mechanical support for the cell membranes. The intracellular matrix, cell junctions, and cytoskeletons probably make the tail epidermis a tough, flexible shell supporting the active beating of the oikopleuran adult tail. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0815-y Authors Keisuke Nakashima, Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Promotion Corporation, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna, Okinawa 904-0412, Japan Atsuo Nishino, Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan Euichi Hirose, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Computed tomography (CT) methods were applied to a problematic fossil spider (Arachnida: Araneae) from the historical Berendt collection of Eocene (ca. 44–49 Ma) Baltic amber. The original specimens of Ocypete crassipes Koch and Berendt 1854 are in dark, oxidised amber and the published descriptions lack detail. Despite this, they were subsequently assigned to the living Pantropical genus Heteropoda Latreille, 1804 and are ostensibly the oldest records of huntsman spiders (Sparassidae) in general. Given their normally large size, and presumptive ability to free themselves more easily from resin, it would be surprising to find a sparassid in amber and traditional (optical) methods of study would likely have left O. crassipes as an equivocal record—probably a nomen dubium . However, phase contrast enhanced X-ray CT revealed exquisite morphological detail and thus ‘saved’ this historical name by revealing characters which confirm that it's a bona fide member both of Sparassidae and the subfamily Eusparassinae. We demonstrate here that CT studies facilitate taxonomic equivalence even between recent spiders and unpromising fossils described in older monographs. In our case, fine structural details such as eye arrangement, cheliceral dentition, and leg characters like a trilobate membrane, spination and claws, allow a precise referral of this fossil to an extant genus as Eusparassus crassipes (Koch and Berendt 1854 ) comb. nov. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0796-x Authors Jason A. Dunlop, Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Research on Evolution and Biodiversity at the Humboldt University Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany David Penney, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT UK Natalie Dalüge, Zoologisches Institut und Museum, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany Peter Jäger, Senckenberg Research Institute, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Andrew McNeil, Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility, School of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7HS UK Robert S. Bradley, Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility, School of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7HS UK Philip J. Withers, Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility, School of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7HS UK Richard F. Preziosi, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT UK Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Leg loss is a common phenomenon in spiders, and according to the species 5% to 40% of the adults can present at least one missing leg. There is no possibility of regeneration after adult moult and the animal must manage with its missing appendages until its death. With the loss of one or more legs, female orb-weaving spiders can be penalized twice: firstly, because the legs are necessary for web construction and secondly, the legs are essential for the control of the prey after its interception by the web. During development, spiders may be also penalized because regeneration has energetic costs that take away resources for survival, growth and reproduction. All these consequences should influence negatively the development of the spider and thus its fitness. We investigated the impact of leg loss in the orb-weaving spider, Zygiella x-notata by studying its frequency in a natural population and web building and prey capture behaviours in laboratory. In field populations, 9.5% to 13%, of the adult females presented the loss of one or more legs; the majority of individuals had lost only one leg (in 48% of cases, a first one). Leg loss seems to affect all the adult spiders, as there is no difference of mass between intact spiders and those with missing leg. Data obtained with laboratory-reared spiders, showed that the loss of legs due to the moult is rare (less than 1%). Considering changes in web design, spiders with missing legs decreased their silk investment, increased the distance between spiral turns but did not change the capture surface of the web. Under our laboratory experimental conditions, spiders with one or two lost legs did not present any difference in prey capture efficiency. In laboratory conditions, spiders with lost leg(s) did not show any difference in egg sac production or in longevity (adult lifespan) compared to intact spiders. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0799-7 Authors Alain Pasquet, Université de Strasbourg, IPHC, DEPE, CNRS UMR7178, 23 rue Becquerel, 67087 Strasbourg, France Mylène Anotaux, Université de Strasbourg, IPHC, DEPE, CNRS UMR7178, 23 rue Becquerel, 67087 Strasbourg, France Raymond Leborgne, Laboratoire: Expression and Evolution des Comportements, Université Henri Poincaré, Nancy-Université, B.P. 239, 54506 Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Integral quantities, wind run, S , and recirculation factor, R , useful for describing air flow, are calculated and combined with CO 2 mixing ratios. Meteorological observations were obtained from a RASS sodar and CO 2 mixing ratios from a continuous analyzer installed at a rural site in the upper Spanish plateau. The measuring campaign spread over 3 years and two approaches were followed. The first approach considered integral quantities on a daily basis and two classifications of air flow, to date scarcely used. The first classification distinguished among stagnation, recirculation, and ventilation, the second considering synoptic, meso-, and local scales. Moreover, 52.94% of daily values handled in this paper corresponded to ventilation and 49.70% to synoptic scale. The main goal of this approach is the subsequent link between the two classifications: the synoptic scale was associated with ventilation, mesoscale with recirculation and local scale partially with recirculation. CO 2 observations were distributed in air flow groups following these classifications and mesoscale processes were satisfactorily described since noticeable evidence of transport from nearby cities was observed. In the second approach, S and R pairs were used and CO 2 mixing ratios were distributed following percent intervals of ventilation, calculated by binning these pairs. The main goal of the second approach is to consider only three groups of mixing ratios. In the first group, with high ventilation, mixing ratios were low. With intermediate ventilation, mixing ratios were medium, and with low ventilation mixing ratios were high. A contrast of 21 ppm between the third and first groups was obtained at the 95th percentile. Finally, the second group provided a contrast of 3 ppm between north and south directions and also between east and west attributed to transport from nearby cities. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0800-5 Authors Isidro A. Pérez, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valladolid, c/ Prado de la Magdalena s/n, 47071 Valladolid, Spain M. Luisa Sánchez, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valladolid, c/ Prado de la Magdalena s/n, 47071 Valladolid, Spain M. Ángeles García, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valladolid, c/ Prado de la Magdalena s/n, 47071 Valladolid, Spain Vanessa Paredes, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valladolid, c/ Prado de la Magdalena s/n, 47071 Valladolid, Spain Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    For more than 30 million years, in early Mesozoic Pangea, “rauisuchian” archosaurs were the apex predators in most terrestrial ecosystems, but their biology and evolutionary history remain poorly understood. We describe a new “rauisuchian” based on ten individuals found in a single locality from the Middle Triassic (Ladinian) Santa Maria Formation of southern Brazil. Nine articulated and associated skeletons were discovered, three of which have nearly complete skulls. Along with sedimentological and taphonomic data, this suggests that those highly successful predators exhibited some kind of intraspecific interaction. Other monotaxic assemblages of Triassic archosaurs are Late Triassic (Norian-Rhaetian) in age, approximately 10 million years younger than the material described here. Indeed, the studied assemblage may represent the earliest evidence of gregariousness among archosaurs, adding to our knowledge on the origin of a behavior pattern typical of extant taxa. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0782-3 Authors Marco Aurélio G. França, Laboratório de Paleontologia de Ribeirão Preto, FFCLRP, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-901, Brazil Jorge Ferigolo, Museu de Ciências Naturais, Fundação Zoobotânica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Dr. Salvador França 1427, Porto Alegre, RS 90.690-000, Brazil Max C. Langer, Laboratório de Paleontologia de Ribeirão Preto, FFCLRP, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-901, Brazil Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Describing postures has always been a central concern when studying behaviour. However, attempts to compare postures objectively at phylogenetical, populational, inter- or intra-individual levels generally either rely upon a few key elements or remain highly subjective. Here, we propose a novel approach, based on well-established geometric morphometrics, to describe and to analyse postures globally (i.e. considering the animal’s body posture in its entirety rather than focusing only on a few salient elements, such as head or tail position). Geometric morphometrics is concerned with describing and comparing variation and changes in the form (size and shape) of organisms using the coordinates of a series of homologous landmarks (i.e. positioned in relation to skeletal or muscular cues that are the same for different species for every variety of form and function and that have derived from a common ancestor, i.e. they have a common evolutionary ancestry, e.g. neck, wings, flipper/hand). We applied this approach to horses, using global postures (1) to characterise behaviours that correspond to different arousal levels, (2) to test potential impact of environmental changes on postures. Our application of geometric morphometrics to horse postures showed that this method can be used to characterise behavioural categories, to evaluate the impact of environmental factors (here human actions) and to compare individuals and groups. Beyond its application to horses, this promising approach could be applied to all questions involving the analysis of postures (evolution of displays, expression of emotions, stress and welfare, behavioural repertoires…) and could lead to a whole new line of research. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0803-2 Authors Carole Fureix, Université Rennes 1 UMR CNRS 6552 Ethologie Animale et Humaine, Campus de Beaulieu bât. 25, 263 avenue Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Martine Hausberger, Université Rennes 1 UMR CNRS 6552 Ethologie Animale et Humaine, Campus de Beaulieu bât. 25, 263 avenue Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Emilie Seneque, Université Rennes 1 UMR CNRS 6552 Ethologie Animale et Humaine, Campus de Beaulieu bât. 25, 263 avenue Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Stéphane Morisset, Hôpital E. Herriot, Unité de Recherche Clinique du Service d’Hématologie, 5 Place d’Arsonval, 69437 Lyon cedex 03, France Michel Baylac, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle CNRS-UMR 7205 and «plate-forme Morphométrie», UMS 2700, 45 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France Raphaël Cornette, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle CNRS-UMR 7205 and «plate-forme Morphométrie», UMS 2700, 45 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France Véronique Biquand, Université Rennes 1 UMR CNRS 6552 Ethologie Animale et Humaine, Campus de Beaulieu bât. 25, 263 avenue Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Pierre Deleporte, Université Rennes 1 UMR CNRS 6552 Ethologie Animale et Humaine, Campus de Beaulieu bât. 25, 263 avenue Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    The journey of the European eel to the spawning area in the Sargasso Sea is still a mystery. Several trials have been carried out to follow migrating eels with pop-up satellite tags (PSATs), without much success. As eels are very efficient swimmers, tags likely interfere with their high swimming efficiency. Here we report a more than twofold increase in swimming cost caused by a regular small satellite tag. The impact was determined at a range of swimming speeds with and without tag in a 2-m swimming tunnel. These results help to explain why the previous use of PSATs to identify spawning sites in the Sargasso Sea was thus far unsuccessful. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0805-0 Authors Erik Burgerhout, ZF-Screens BV, Niels Bohrweg 11, 2333 CA Leiden, The Netherlands Ryotaro Manabe, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8546, Japan Sebastiaan A. Brittijn, ZF-Screens BV, Niels Bohrweg 11, 2333 CA Leiden, The Netherlands Jun Aoyama, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8546, Japan Katsumi Tsukamoto, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8546, Japan Guido E. E. J. M. van den Thillart, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Gorlaeus Lab, POB 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    In a predator–prey system where both intervenients come from the same taxon, one can expect a strong selection on behavioural and morphological traits involved in prey capture. For example, in specialised snake-eating snakes, the predator is unaffetced by the venom of the prey. We predicted that similar adaptations should have evolved in spider-eating (araneophagous) spiders. We investigated potential and actual prey of two Palpimanus spiders ( P. gibbulus , P. orientalis ) to support the prediction that these are araneophagous predators. Specific behavioural adaptations were investigated using a high-speed camera during staged encounters with prey, while morphological adaptations were investigated using electron microscopy. Both Palpimanus species captured a wide assortment of spider species from various guilds but also a few insect species. Analysis of the potential prey suggested that Palpimanus is a retreat-invading predator that actively searches for spiders that hide in a retreat. Behavioural capture adaptations include a slow, stealthy approach to the prey followed by a very fast attack. Morphological capture adaptations include scopulae on forelegs used in grabbing prey body parts, stout forelegs to hold the prey firmly, and an extremely thick cuticle all over the body preventing injury from a counter bite of the prey. Palpimanus overwhelmed prey that was more than 200% larger than itself. In trials with another araneophagous spider, Cyrba algerina (Salticidae), Palpimanus captured C. algerina in more than 90% of cases independent of the size ratio between the spiders. Evidence indicates that both Palpimanus species possesses remarkable adaptations that increase its efficiency in capturing spider prey. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0804-1 Authors Stano Pekár, Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic Jan Šobotník, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Flemingovo nám. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic Yael Lubin, Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University, 84990 Sede Boqer Campus, Beer-Sheva, Israel Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    We describe the earliest fossils of the enigmatic avian taxon Opisthocomiformes (hoatzins) from the Oligo-Miocene (22–24 mya) of Brazil. The bones, a humerus, scapula and coracoid, closely resemble those of the extant hoatzin, Opisthocomus hoazin . The very similar osteology of the pectoral girdle in the new Brazilian fossil compared to the extant O. hoazin , in which it reflects peculiar feeding adaptations, may indicate that hoatzins had already evolved their highly specialized feeding behavior by the mid-Cenozoic. We further show that Namibiavis senutae from the early Miocene of Namibia is another, previously misclassified representative of Opisthocomiformes, which documents that the extant Neotropic distribution of hoatzins is relictual. Because of the weak flight capabilities of hoatzins, their occurrence on both sides of the South Atlantic is of particular biogeographic interest. We detail that this distribution pattern is best explained by dispersal from Africa to South America, and that Opisthocomiformes provide the first example of transatlantic rafting among birds. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0849-1 Authors Gerald Mayr, Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg, Sektion Ornithologie, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Herculano Alvarenga, Museu de História Natural de Taubaté, Rua Juvenal Dias de Carvalho 111, CEP 12070-640 Taubaté, SP, Brazil Cécile Mourer-Chauviré, Laboratoire de Géologie de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5276, 2 rue Dubois, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Differences in the number of sexual partners (i.e., mating system) have the potential to exert a strong influence on the bacterial communities present in reproductive structures like the vagina. Because this structure serves as a conduit for gametes, bacteria present there may have a pronounced, direct effect on host reproductive success. As a first step towards the identification of the relationship between sexual behavior and potentially pathogenic bacterial communities inhabiting vital reproductive structures, as well as their potential effects on fitness, I sought to quantify differences in bacterial diversity in a promiscuous and monogamous mammal species. To accomplish this, I used two sympatric species of Peromyscus rodents— Peromyscus californicus and Peromyscus maniculatus that differ with regard to the number of sexual partners per individual to test the hypothesis that bacterial diversity should be greater in the promiscuous P. maniculatus relative to the monogamous P. californicus . As predicted, phylogenetically controlled and operational taxonomic unit-based indices of bacterial diversity indicated that diversity is greater in the promiscuous species. These results provide important new insights into the effects of mating system on bacterial diversity in free-living vertebrates, and may suggest a potential cost of promiscuity. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0848-2 Authors Matthew David MacManes, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, 3101 Valley Life Sciences Building, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Decreases in snow cover due to climate change could alter the energetics and physiology of ectothermic animals that overwinter beneath snow, yet how snow cover interacts with physiological thresholds is unknown. We applied numerical simulation of overwintering metabolic rates coupled with field validation to determine the importance of snow cover and freezing to the overwintering lipid consumption of the freeze-tolerant Arctiid caterpillar Pyrrharctia isabella . Caterpillars that overwintered above the snow experienced mean temperatures 1.3°C lower than those below snow and consumed 18.36 mg less lipid of a total 68.97-mg reserve. Simulations showed that linear temperature effects on metabolic rate accounted for only 30% of the difference in lipid consumption. When metabolic suppression by freezing was included, 93% of the difference between animals that overwintered above and below snow was explained. Our results were robust to differences in temperature sensitivity of metabolic rate, changes in freezing point, and the magnitude of metabolic suppression by freezing. The majority of the energy savings was caused by the non-continuous reduction in metabolic rate due to freezing, the first example of the importance of temperature thresholds in the lipid use of overwintering insects. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0866-0 Authors Katie E. Marshall, Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada N6G 1L3 Brent J. Sinclair, Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada N6G 1L3 Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Orb-weaving spiders construct webs with adhesive silk but are not trapped by it. Previous studies have attributed this defense to an oily coating on their legs that protects against adhesion or, more recently, to behavioral avoidance of sticky lines. The old evidence is very weak, however, and the behavioral avoidance explanation is inadequate because orb-weavers push with their hind legs against sticky lines hundreds or thousands of times during construction of each orb and are not trapped. Video analyses of behavior and experimental observations of isolated legs pulling away from contact with sticky lines showed that the spider uses three anti-adhesion traits: dense arrays of branched setae on the legs that reduce the area of contact with adhesive material; careful engagement and withdrawal movements of its legs that minimize contact with the adhesive and that avoid pulling against the line itself; and a chemical coating or surface layer that reduces adhesion. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0901-9 Authors R. D. Briceño, Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, Ciudad Universitaria, San Pedro, Costa Rica W. G. Eberhard, Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, Ciudad Universitaria, San Pedro, Costa Rica Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Among social insects, maintaining a distinct colony profile allows individuals to distinguish easily between nest mates and non-nest mates. In ants, colony-specific profiles can be encoded within their cuticular hydrocarbons, and these are influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. Using nine monogynous Formica exsecta ant colonies, we studied the stability of their colony-specific profiles at eight time points over a 4-year period. We found no significant directional change in any colony profile, suggesting that genetic factors are maintaining this stability. However, there were significant short-term effects of season that affected all colony profiles in the same direction. Despite these temporal changes, no significant change in the profile variation within colonies was detected: each colony’s profile responded in similar manner between seasons, with nest mates maintaining closely similar profiles, distinct from other colonies. These findings imply that genetic factors may help maintain the long-term stability of colony profile, but environmental factors can influence the profiles over shorter time periods. However, environmental factors do not contribute significantly to the maintenance of diversity among colonies, since all colonies were affected in a similar way. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0898-0 Authors S. J. Martin, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN UK S. Shemilt, Chemical Ecology Group, School of Physical and Geographical Sciences, Keele University, Keele, ST5 5BG UK F. P. Drijfhout, Chemical Ecology Group, School of Physical and Geographical Sciences, Keele University, Keele, ST5 5BG UK Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Dromiciops gliroides is an arboreal marsupial found in the temperate forests of South America (36–43 °S). This species is the sole extant representative of the order Microbiotheria, and is a key seed disperser of many native plant species, including the keystone mistletoe Tristerix corymbosus . Here, we synthesized the current knowledge on the ecological aspects of this species, and compared the available information from Argentina and Chile. Population density (23 ± 2 (mean ± SE) individual/ha) and home range (1.6 ± 0.6 ha) appear to be relatively similar across a marked ecological gradient in the mainland, but lower densities (7 ± 2 individual/ha) and smaller home ranges (0.26 ± 0.04 ha) were detected at island sites. We detected regional variation in body condition in Chile, but there were no significant differences across a wider E-W gradient. Movement patterns fit a random walk model; such behavior might have important consequences in shaping plant’s spatial patterns. Although our data suggest that D. gliroides is more tolerant to habitat disturbance than previously thought, its incapability to disperse across non-forested areas suggests that the rapid rate of habitat loss and fragmentation that characterizes southern temperate forests likely poses a serious threat to this species. These ecological similarities are surprising given that forests studied receive dramatically different rainfall and correspond to distinct forest types. The evidence synthetized here dispels some of the myths about this species but also stresses the need for more comprehensive ecological studies across its distribution range. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0969-2 Authors Francisco E. Fontúrbel, Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, 7800024 Santiago, Chile Marcela Franco, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Campus Isla Teja, Valdivia, Chile Mariano A. Rodríguez-Cabal, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA M. Daniela Rivarola, INIBIOMA, CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina Guillermo C. Amico, INIBIOMA, CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Urbanisation critically threatens biodiversity because of habitat destruction and novel selection pressures. Some animals can respond to these challenges by modifying their behaviour, particularly anti-predator behaviour, allowing them to persist in heavily transformed urban areas. We investigated whether the anti-predator behaviour of the Cape ground squirrel Xerus inauris differed in three localities that differed in their level of urbanisation. According to the habituation hypothesis, we predicted that ground squirrels in urban areas would: (a) be less vigilant and forage more; (b) trade-off flight/vigilance in favour of foraging; and (c) have shorter flight initiation distances (FID) when approached by a human observer. Observations were made in winter and summer at each locality. As expected, ground squirrels in urbanised areas were less vigilant and had shorter FIDs but did not trade-off between foraging and vigilance. In contrast, a population in a non-urbanised locality showed greater levels of vigilance, FID and traded-off vigilance and foraging. A population in a peri-urban locality showed mixed responses. Our results indicate that Cape ground squirrels reduce their anti-predator behaviour in urban areas and demonstrate a flexible behavioural response to urbanisation. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0971-8 Authors Tarryn Chapman, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, Witwatersrand, 2050 South Africa Tasmin Rymer, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, Witwatersrand, 2050 South Africa Neville Pillay, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, Witwatersrand, 2050 South Africa Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Energy allocation is determined by resource availability and trade-offs among traits, and so organisms have to give some traits priority over others to maximize their fitness according to their environment. In this study, we investigated the geographic variations in life history traits and potential trade-offs in populations of the parasitoid Leptopilina heterotoma (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) originating from the north and the south of the Rhône–Saône valley (over a gradient of 300 km, South-East France). We measured a set of traits related to reproduction, maintenance, and mobility using several estimators of each of these main functions determined at different times. We did not find any clear differences between populations from contrasting areas, whereas the southern populations, which were all assumed to be exposed to similar environmental conditions, displayed contrasting patterns of energy allocation. Thus, the most likely explanation seems to be that the evolution of the life history of L. heterotoma is probably shaped by local selective pressures, such as microclimate, microhabitats, or intensity of competition, rather than by regional ecological conditions. Using our study as an example, we discuss the interest of considering several traits and using different ways of measuring them, concluding that multiple measurements should be performed in future studies to ensure the robustness of the results. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0972-7 Authors Pauline Vuarin, UMR CNRS 6553, Equipe PaysaClim, Université de Rennes 1, 35042 Rennes, France Roland Allemand, UMR CNRS 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université Lyon 1, 69622 Villeurbanne, France Joffrey Moiroux, UMR CNRS 6553, Equipe PaysaClim, Université de Rennes 1, 35042 Rennes, France Joan van Baaren, UMR CNRS 6553, Equipe PaysaClim, Université de Rennes 1, 35042 Rennes, France Patricia Gibert, UMR CNRS 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université Lyon 1, 69622 Villeurbanne, France Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    The ability to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar conspecifics is important for many animals, especially territorial species since it allows them to avoid unnecessary interactions with individuals that pose little threat. There are very few studies, however, that identify the proximate cues that facilitate such recognition in visual systems. Here, we show that in tawny dragons ( Ctenophorus decresii ), males can recognize familiar and unfamiliar conspecific males based on morphological features alone, without the aid of chemical or behavioural cues. We further show that it is the colour pattern of the throat patches (gular) that facilitates this recognition. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 869-872 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0968-3 Authors Louise Osborne, Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 0200, Australia Kate D. L. Umbers, Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 0200, Australia Patricia R. Y. Backwell, Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 0200, Australia J. Scott Keogh, Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 0200, Australia Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042 Journal Volume Volume 99 Journal Issue Volume 99, Number 10

Description:    In the study of plant defense evolution, invasive plant species can be very insightful because they are often introduced without their enemies, and traits linked to defense can be released from selective pressures and evolve. Further, studying plant defense evolution in invasive species is important for biological control and use of these species. In this study, we investigated the evolution of the defensive chemicals quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs) in the invasive species gorse, Ulex europaeus . Using a common garden experiment, our goals were to characterize the role of QAs relative to specialist enemies of gorse and to investigate if QA concentration evolved in invaded regions, where gorse was introduced without these enemies. Our results showed that pod infestation rate by the seed predator Exapion ulicis and infestation by the rust pathogen Uromyces genistae-tinctoriae were negatively correlated to concentration of the QA lupanine. Quinolizidine alkaloid concentration was very variable between individuals, both within and among populations, but it was not different between native and invaded regions, suggesting that no evolution of decreased resistance occurred after gorse lost its enemies. Our study also suggests that QA concentrations are traits integrated into seed predation avoidance strategies of gorse, with plants that mass-fruit in spring but do not escape pod infestation in time being richer in QAs. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0970-9 Authors Benjamin Hornoy, ECOBIO, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Anne Atlan, ECOBIO, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Michèle Tarayre, ECOBIO, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Sébastien Dugravot, BIO3P, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Michael Wink, Institut für Pharmazie und Molekulare Biotechnologie, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Umami is one of basic tastes that humans and other vertebrates can perceive. This taste is elicited by L-amino acids and thus has a special role of detecting nutritious, protein-rich food. The T1R1 + T1R3 heterodimer acts as the principal umami receptor. The T1R1 protein is encoded by the Tas1r1 gene. We report multiple inactivating (pseudogenizing) mutations in exon 3 of this gene from four phocid and two otariid species (Pinnipedia). Jiang et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 109:4956–4961, 2012 ) reported two inactivating mutations in exons 2 and 6 of this gene from another otariid species. These findings suggest lost or greatly reduced umami sensory capabilities in these species. The widespread occurrence of a nonfunctional Tas1r1 pseudogene in this clade of strictly carnivorous mammals is surprising. We hypothesize that factors underlying the pseudogenization of Tas1r1 in pinnipeds may be driven by the marine environment to which these carnivorans (Carnivora) have adapted and may include: the evolutionary change in diet from tetrapod prey to fish and cephalopods (because cephalopods and living fish contain little or no synergistic inosine 5′-monophosphate that greatly enhances umami taste), the feeding behavior of swallowing food whole without mastication (because the T1R1 + T1R3 receptor is distributed on the tongue and palate), and the saltiness of sea water (because a high concentration of sodium chloride masks umami taste). Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0939-8 Authors Jun J. Sato, Laboratory of Animal Cell Technology, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Fukuyama University, Higashimura-cho, Aza, Sanzo, 985, Fukuyama, 729-0292 Japan Mieczyslaw Wolsan, Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wilcza 64, 00-679 Warszawa, Poland Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Phosphatic (possibly secondarily phosphatised) remains of antipatharian coralla, previously unknown in the fossil record, occur abundantly in the early Ordovician Fenxiang Formation in the Hubei Province, southern China. Probably two species (and genera) are represented, which differ in spinosity of branches. The more spinose one, Sinopathes reptans , has its lateral spines bearing regular, longitudinally arranged costellae. The early Floian geological age of this finding, about 470 Ma, supports predictions on the timing of anthozoan phylogeny derived from the molecular phylogenetic evidence. Black corals (Antipatharia) are basal to the scleractinians in the Hexacorallia clade, being more derived than sea anemones and the Zoantharia. Based on calibration of the molecular clock with Mesozoic data, the first split of lineages within the scleractinian hexacorals was proposed to take place approximately 425 million years ago. This implies that the origin of Antipatharia should precede this date. They have not been known in the fossil record because of unmineralised skeleton composed primarily of laminar chitin complexed with a protein. Unlike all recent species, the encrusting basal part of the colony dominated in the Ordovician ones and only occasionally erect branches developed, rather chaotically ramified. This presumably plesiomorphic trait seems consistent with ancient geological age and suggests that some problematic fossils from the Late Cambrian may be their, even less-derived, relatives. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0947-8 Authors Andrzej Baliński, Instytut Paleobiologii PAN, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warszawa, Poland Yuanlin Sun, Key Laboratory of Orogenic Belts and Crustal Evolution, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China Jerzy Dzik, Instytut Paleobiologii PAN, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warszawa, Poland Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Colourful ornaments are traditionally evaluated as one trait. However, they could consist of several components, such as total size, colour intensity and extension, each possibly bearing its own message about one aspect of quality. Males of the blenny Salaria pavo exhibit a colourful head crest and solely care for eggs. During the breeding season, the head crest shows a yellow colouration, the intensity and relative extension of which are independent of crest size. Here, we show that: (1) carotenoids are responsible for the head crest yellow patch; (2) activating the immune system by injecting the bacterial antigen lipopolysaccharides affects both the intensity and extent of the yellow colouration; and (3) females assess males on the basis of colour patch expression. However, the response of the yellow patch to the immune challenge was dependent on head crest size. Indeed, males with a larger head crest reacted better to the simulated infection, sustaining a level of yellow patch close to pre-challenge size. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0959-4 Authors Lisa Locatello, Department of Biology, University of Padova, via U. Bassi 58/B, Padova, Italy Matteo Pizzolon, Department of Biology, University of Padova, via U. Bassi 58/B, Padova, Italy Maria Berica Rasotto, Department of Biology, University of Padova, via U. Bassi 58/B, Padova, Italy Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Rove beetles of the genus Stenus Latreille and the genus Dianous Leach possess pygidial glands containing a multifunctional secretion of piperidine and pyridine-derived alkaloids as well as several terpenes. One important character of this secretion is the spreading potential of its different compounds, stenusine, norstenusine, 3-(2-methyl-1-butenyl)pyridine, cicindeloine, α-pinene, 1,8-cineole and 6-methyl-5-heptene-2-one. The individual secretion composition enables the beetles to skim rapidly and far over the water surface, even when just a small amount of secretion is emitted. Ethological investigations of several Stenus species revealed that the skimming ability, skimming velocity and the skimming behaviour differ between the Stenus species. These differences can be linked to varied habitat claims and secretion saving mechanisms. By means of tensiometer measurements using the pendant drop method, the spreading pressure of all secretion constituents as well as some naturally identical beetle secretions on the water surface could be established. The compound 3-(2-methyl-1-butenyl)pyridine excelled stenusine believed to date to be mainly responsible for skimming relating to its surface activity. The naturally identical secretions are not subject to synergistic effects of the single compounds concerning the spreading potential. Furthermore, evolutionary aspects of the Steninae’s pygidial gland secretion are discussed. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0975-4 Authors Carolin Lang, Department of Animal Ecology II, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany Karlheinz Seifert, Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany Konrad Dettner, Department of Animal Ecology II, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    The intensity of interspecific interactions between hosts and symbionts varies among populations of each organism because of differences in the biotic and abiotic environment. We found geographic mosaics in associations between lucanid beetles ( Dorcus rectus and Dorcus striatipennis ) and symbiotic mites ( Haitlingeria sp. and Sandrophela sp., respectively) that were caused by the collapse of host specificity in the northern part of Japan. Haitlingeria sp. was only collected from the surface of the exoskeleton of D . rectus in south and central Japan. Sandrophela sp. showed host specificity in southern to central Japan but was found on both beetle species in areas where Haitlingeria sp. was not found. Because Haitlingeria sp. was able to reproduce on D . rectus collected from Haitlingeria -free regions and no significant differences were observed in average temperature between the host-specific and nonspecific regions bordering on each other, we suggest that the expansion of Haitlingeria sp. in the north has been limited for unknown reasons. When both mites were placed together on D . rectus , only Haitlingeria sp. reproduced, probably because it killed Sandrophela sp., especially juveniles. Thus, we conclude that Sandrophela sp. has expanded its host use to include D . rectus in areas where Haitlingeria sp. is absent. We hypothesise that false host specificity in the canestriniids has been maintained by habitat isolation and/or aggressive behaviour toward competitors. We suggest that host-specific canestriniids provide benefits to hosts that do not develop countermeasures to exclude micro- or macroparasites from their surfaces. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0979-0 Authors Kimiko Okabe, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Hayato Masuya, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Natusmi Kanzaki, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Hisatomo Taki, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    A spectacular new terrestrial Konzentratlagerstätte is introduced from the Turpan Basin of Xinjiang, China that probably belongs to the late Middle Jurassic Qigu Formation. It contains a mass accumulation of “xinjiangchelyid” turtles preliminarily identified as Annemys sp. In the zone with the highest turtle concentration, complete and articulated turtle skeletons are tightly packed at a density of up to 36 turtles per square meter. The fossiliferous layer is thickened here and shows an erosional base. This high concentration zone outcrops approximately 10 m in length and shows no decrease in turtle density after exposing 2 m of the layer into the hillside. Adjacent is a more expansive zone of at least 10 m by 30 m. In this region, the fossiliferous layer is evenly thick, and approximately five, fully disarticulated turtles are present per square meter. A conservatively estimated 1,800 turtles may, therefore, have been deposited at this site. It is likely that these aquatic turtles gathered in a retreating water hole in a riverine environment during a drought, much as some aquatic turtles will do today, but perished when the habitat dried up completely. A following catastrophic rainfall event caused a debris flow, possibly channelized in a dry river bed, which transported complete turtles, disarticulated turtles, and mudstone clasts and deposited them after a short distance. This taphonomic model is consistent with previous environmental reconstructions of the Turpan Basin during the late Middle Jurassic in predicting the episodic breakdown of regional monsoonal circulation resulting in a seasonally dry climate with severe episodic droughts. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0974-5 Authors Oliver Wings, Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Invalidenstraße 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany Márton Rabi, Department of Geosciences, Universität Tübingen, Hölderlinstraße 12, 72074 Tübingen, Germany Jörg W. Schneider, Lehrstuhl Paläontologie, Geologisches Institut, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Bernhard-von-Cotta-Strasse 2, 09599 Freiberg, Germany Leonie Schwermann, Steinmann-Institut für Geologie, Mineralogie und Paläontologie, Universität Bonn, Nussallee 8, 53115 Bonn, Germany Ge Sun, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China Chang-Fu Zhou, Paleontological Institute, Shenyang Normal University, 253 North Huanghe Street, Shenyang, 110034 China Walter G. Joyce, Department of Geosciences, Universität Tübingen, Hölderlinstraße 12, 72074 Tübingen, Germany Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Many animal species are able to perceive light wavelengths beyond those visible to humans. While numerous species are additionally sensitive to short wavelengths (UV), long wavelengths such as the near-infrared spectrum (NIR) are supposed to be unsuitable for visual perception. Here, we experimentally show that under exclusive NIR illumination, the cichlid fish Pelvicachromis taeniatus displays a clear foraging response towards NIR reflecting prey. Additional control experiments without prey indicate that the observed behavior is not a mere response to the NIR environment. These results give first evidence for NIR visual sensitivity in a functional context and thus challenge the current view about NIR perception. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0980-7 Authors Denis Meuthen, Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany Ingolf P. Rick, Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany Timo Thünken, Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany Sebastian A. Baldauf, Theoretical Biology Group, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    We incubated eggs of the Japanese gecko Gekko japonicus at three temperatures, and measured yolk testosterone (T) and 17β-estradiol (E2) levels at three time points in embryonic development (oviposition, 1/3 of incubation, and 2/3 of incubation), to examine whether maternal influence on offspring sex via yolk steroid hormone deposition is significant in the species. Eggs incubated at 24 °C and 32 °C produced mostly females, and eggs incubated at 28 °C almost a 50:50 sex ratio of hatchlings. Female-producing eggs were larger than male-producing eggs. Clutches in which eggs were incubated at the same temperature produced mostly same-sex siblings. Yolk T level at laying was negatively related to eggs mass, and yolk E2/T ratio was positively related to egg mass. Results of two-way ANOVA with incubation temperature and stage as the factors show that: yolk E2 level was higher at 32 °C than at 24 °C; yolk T level was higher, whereas yolk E2/T ratio was smaller, at 28 °C than at 24 °C; yolk E2 and T levels were higher at 2/3 than at 1/3 of incubation. Our data in G . japonucus show that: (1) maternal influence on offspring sex via yolk steroid hormone deposition is significant; (2) incubation temperature affects the dynamics of developmental changes in yolk steroid hormones; (3) influences of yolk steroid hormones on offspring sex are secondary relative to incubation temperature effects; and (4) offspring sex correlates with an interaction between incubation temperature and yolk steroid hormones. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0981-6 Authors Guo-Hua Ding, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210046 Jiangsu, China Jing Yang, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210046 Jiangsu, China Jin Wang, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210046 Jiangsu, China Xiang Ji, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210046 Jiangsu, China Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    The Cambro-Ordovician anomalocaridids are large ecdysozoans commonly regarded as ancestors of the arthropods and apex predators. Predation is indicated partly by the presence of an unusual “peytoia”-type oral cone, which is a tetraradial outer ring of 32 plates, four of which are enlarged and in perpendicular arrangement. This oral cone morphology was considered a highly consistent and defining characteristic of well-known Burgess Shale taxa. It is here shown that Anomalocaris has a different oral cone, with only three large plates and a variable number of smaller and medium plates. Its functional morphology suggests that suction, rather than biting, was used for food ingestion, and that anomalocaridids in general employed a range of different scavenging and predatory feeding strategies. Removing anomalocaridids from the position of highly specialized trilobite predators forces a reconsideration of the ecological structure of the earliest marine animal communities in the Cambrian. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0910-8 Authors Allison C. Daley, Department of Palaeontology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD UK Jan Bergström, Department of Palaeozoology, Swedish Museum of Natural History, P. O. Box 50007, 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    The “RNA world” hypothesis proposes that—early in the evolution of life—RNA molecules played important roles both in information storage and in enzymatic functions. However, this hypothesis seems to be inconsistent with the concept that life may have emerged under hydrothermal conditions since RNA molecules are considered to be labile under such extreme conditions. Presently, the possibility that the last common ancestor of the present organisms was a hyperthermophilic organism which is important to support the hypothesis of the hydrothermal origin of life has been subject of strong discussions. Consequently, it is of importance to study the behavior of RNA molecules under hydrothermal conditions from the viewpoints of stability, catalytic functions, and storage of genetic information of RNA molecules and determination of the upper limit of temperature where life could have emerged. In the present work, self-cleavage of a natural hammerhead ribozyme was examined at temperatures 10–200 °C. Self-cleavage was investigated in the presence of Mg 2+ , which facilitates and accelerates this reaction. Self-cleavage of the hammerhead ribozyme was clearly observed at temperatures up to 60 °C, but at higher temperatures self-cleavage occurs together with hydrolysis and with increasing temperature hydrolysis becomes dominant. The influence of the amount of Mg 2+ on the reaction rate was also investigated. In addition, we discovered that the reaction proceeds in the presence of high concentrations of monovalent cations (Na + or K + ), although very slowly. Furthermore, at high temperatures (above 60 °C), monovalent cations protect the ribozyme against degradation. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0954-9 Authors Nizar El-Murr, ER12, ANBioPhy, Fonctions et Interactions des Acides Nucléiques, UPMC Univ Paris 6, 75005 Paris, France Marie-Christine Maurel, ER12, ANBioPhy, Fonctions et Interactions des Acides Nucléiques, UPMC Univ Paris 6, 75005 Paris, France Martina Rihova, ER12, ANBioPhy, Fonctions et Interactions des Acides Nucléiques, UPMC Univ Paris 6, 75005 Paris, France Jacques Vergne, ER12, ANBioPhy, Fonctions et Interactions des Acides Nucléiques, UPMC Univ Paris 6, 75005 Paris, France Guy Hervé, ER3, Laboratoire BIOSIPE, UPMC Univ Paris 6, 75005 Paris, France Mikio Kato, Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, Gakuen-cho 1-1, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka, 599-8531 Japan Kunio Kawamura, Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Prefecture University, Gakuen-cho 1-1, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka, 599-8531 Japan Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    The chemical signals of solitary and territorial felid species are essential for their intraspecific communication. We studied the selection of plant substrates during the fecal marking behavior of the European wildcat Felis silvestris from September 2008 to June 2009 in a protected area in Northwest Spain. The aim of the study was to examine the selection of plants as signal posts with respect to their physical characteristics. We hypothesized that wildcats deposit their fecal marks on plants with physical characteristics (e.g., size, species, and visual conspicuousness) that enhance the olfactory and visual effectiveness of the signal. Our results indicate that diameter, plant group, visual conspicuousness, and interaction between the diameter and plant group influence the decision of wildcats to deposit their fecal marks on plants. The wildcats chose plants with greater diameters and greater visual conspicuousness as scent-marking posts. Moreover, the wildcats chose woody and herbaceous plants, and certain plant species were marked more frequently than expected at random. Indeed, our results indicate that the fecal marks were not randomly distributed on the plants: the wildcats chose to place their marks on plants with certain physical characteristics that maximized the detectability of the signal by intruders and potential mates, thus facilitating the spatial distribution of the species. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0962-9 Authors Ana Piñeiro, Unidad Zoología, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Darwin, n° 2, Campus Universitario de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain Isabel Barja, Unidad Zoología, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Darwin, n° 2, Campus Universitario de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Animals have evolved strategies to optimally balance costs and benefits of inbreeding. In social species, these adaptations can have a considerable impact on the structure, the organization, and the functioning of groups. Here, we consider how selection for inbreeding avoidance fashions the social behavior of arthropods, a phylum exhibiting an unparalleled richness of social lifestyles. We first examine life histories and parental investment patterns determining whether individuals should actively avoid or prefer inbreeding. Next, we illustrate the diversity of inbreeding avoidance mechanisms in arthropods, from the dispersal of individuals to the rejection of kin during mate choice and the production of unisexual broods by females. Then, we address the particular case of haplodiploid insects. Finally, we discuss how inbreeding may drive and shape the evolution of arthropods societies along two theoretical pathways. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0961-x Authors Seyed Mohammad Tabadkani, Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, PO Box 4111, Karaj, Iran Jamasb Nozari, Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, PO Box 4111, Karaj, Iran Mathieu Lihoreau, School of Biological Sciences and the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Reproductive division of labour is a characteristic trait of social insects. The dominant reproductive individual, often the queen, uses chemical communication and/or behaviour to maintain her social status. Queens of many social insects communicate their fertility status via cuticle-bound substances. As these substances usually possess a low volatility, their range in queen–worker communication is potentially limited. Here, we investigate the range and impact of behavioural and chemical queen signals on workers of the ant Temnothorax longispinosu s. We compared the behaviour and ovary development of workers subjected to three different treatments: workers with direct chemical and physical contact to the queen, those solely under the influence of volatile queen substances and those entirely separated from the queen. In addition to short-ranged queen signals preventing ovary development in workers, we discovered a novel secondary pathway influencing worker behaviour. Workers with no physical contact to the queen, but exposed to volatile substances, started to develop their ovaries, but did not change their behaviour compared to workers in direct contact to the queen. In contrast, workers in queen-separated groups showed both increased ovary development and aggressive dominance interactions. We conclude that T. longispinosus queens influence worker ovary development and behaviour via two independent signals, both ensuring social harmony within the colony. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0943-z Authors Matthias Konrad, Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria), Klosterneuburg, Austria Tobias Pamminger, Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Johannes von Müller Weg 6, 55099 Mainz, Germany Susanne Foitzik, Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Johannes von Müller Weg 6, 55099 Mainz, Germany Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Neanderthals disappeared sometime between 30,000 and 24,000 years ago. Until recently, Neanderthals were understood to have been predominantly meat-eaters; however, a growing body of evidence suggests their diet also included plants. We present the results of a study, in which sequential thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) were combined with morphological analysis of plant microfossils, to identify material entrapped in dental calculus from five Neanderthal individuals from the north Spanish site of El Sidrón. Our results provide the first molecular evidence for inhalation of wood-fire smoke and bitumen or oil shale and ingestion of a range of cooked plant foods. We also offer the first evidence for the use of medicinal plants by a Neanderthal individual. The varied use of plants that we have identified suggests that the Neanderthal occupants of El Sidrón had a sophisticated knowledge of their natural surroundings which included the ability to select and use certain plants. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0942-0 Authors Karen Hardy, ICREA at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain Stephen Buckley, BioArCh, University of York, York, UK Matthew J. Collins, BioArCh, University of York, York, UK Almudena Estalrrich, Paleoanthropology Group, Department of Paleobiology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain Don Brothwell, BioArCh, University of York, York, UK Les Copeland, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia Antonio García-Tabernero, Paleoanthropology Group, Department of Paleobiology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain Samuel García-Vargas, Paleoanthropology Group, Department of Paleobiology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain Marco de la Rasilla, Área de Prehistoria, Departamento de Historia, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain Carles Lalueza-Fox, Institute of Evolutionary Biology, CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Rosa Huguet, Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (Unidad Asociada—CSIC) Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain Markus Bastir, Paleoanthropology Group, Department of Paleobiology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain David Santamaría, Área de Prehistoria, Departamento de Historia, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain Marco Madella, ICREA at IMF-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain Julie Wilson, YCCSA, University of York, York, UK Ángel Fernández Cortés, Departamento de Geología, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales CSIC, C/José Gutierrez Abascal, 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain Antonio Rosas, Paleoanthropology Group, Department of Paleobiology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Some odontocetes and bats vary both click intensity and receiver sensitivity during echolocation, depending on target range. It is not known how this so-called automatic gain control is regulated by the animal. The source level of consecutive echolocation clicks from a harbour porpoise was measured with a hydrophone array while the animal detected an aluminium cylinder at 2, 4 or 8 m distance in a go/no-go paradigm. On-axis clicks had source levels of 145–174 dB re 1 μPa peak-to-peak. During target-present trials the click trains reached comparable source levels independent of the range to the target after three clicks. After an additional click, the source level was reduced for the 2 and 4 m trials until it equalled the one-way transmission loss. During target-absent trials, the source level remained high throughout the entire click train. Given typical values of harbour porpoise inter-click intervals, the source level reduction commenced within a few 100 ms from the first click in the click train. This may indicate a sub-cortically regulated source level regulation in the harbour porpoise. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0948-7 Authors Meike Linnenschmidt, Institute of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark Laura N. Kloepper, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii, PO Box 1106, Kailua, HI 96734, USA Magnus Wahlberg, Institute of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark Paul E. Nachtigall, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii, PO Box 1106, Kailua, HI 96734, USA Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    To protect themselves from predation and microorganismic infestation, rove beetles of the genus Stenus produce and store bioactive alkaloids like stenusine, 3-(2-methyl-1-butenyl)pyridine, and cicindeloine in their pygidial glands. The biosynthesis of stenusine and 3-(2-methyl-1-butenyl)pyridine was previously investigated in Stenus bimaculatus and Stenus similis, respectively. Both molecules follow the same biosynthetic pathway, where the N -heterocyclic ring is derived from l -lysine and the side chain from l -isoleucine. The different alkaloids are finally obtained by slight modifications of shared precursor molecules. The piperideine alkaloid cicindeloine occurs as a main compound additionally to ( E )-3-(2-methyl-1-butenyl)pyridine and traces of stenusine in the pygidial gland secretion of Stenus cicindeloides and Stenus solutus . Feeding of S. solutus beetles with [D, 15 N]-labeled amino acids followed by GC/MS analysis techniques showed that cicindeloine is synthesized via the identical pathway and precursor molecules as the other two defensive alkaloids. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0945-x Authors Andreas Schierling, Department of Animal Ecology II, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany Konrad Dettner, Department of Animal Ecology II, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany Jürgen Schmidt, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, 06120 Halle, Germany Karlheinz Seifert, Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    A resource allocation trade-off is expected when resources from a common pool are allocated to two or more traits. In holometabolous insects, resource allocation to different functions during metamorphosis relies completely on larval-derived resources. At adult eclosion, resource allocation to the abdomen at the expense of other body parts can be seen as a rough estimate of resource allocation to reproduction. Theory suggests geographic variation in resource allocation to the abdomen, but there are currently no empirical data on it. We measured resource allocation to the abdomen at adult eclosion in four geometrid moths along a latitudinal gradient. Resource (total dry material, carbon, nitrogen) allocation to the abdomen showed positive allometry with body size. We found geographic variation in resource allocation to the abdomen in each species, and this variation was independent of allometry in three species. Geographic variation in resource allocation to the abdomen was complex. Resource allocation to the abdomen was relatively high in partially bivoltine populations in two species, which fits theoretical predictions, but the overall support for theory is weak. This study indicates that the geographic variation in resource allocation to the abdomen is not an allometric consequence of geographic variation in resource acquisition (i.e., body size). Thus, there is a component of resource allocation that can evolve independently of resource acquisition. Our results also suggest that there may be intraspecific variation in the degree of capital versus income breeding. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0940-2 Authors Sami M. Kivelä, Department of Biology, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, 90014 Oulu, Finland Panu Välimäki, Department of Biology, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, 90014 Oulu, Finland David Carrasco, Department of Biology, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, 90014 Oulu, Finland Maarit I. Mäenpää, Department of Biology, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, 90014 Oulu, Finland Satu Mänttäri, Department of Biology, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, 90014 Oulu, Finland Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Natural sources for novel insecticide molecules hold promise in view of their eco-friendly nature, selectivity, and mammalian safety. Recent progress in understanding the biology of insect olfaction and taste offers new strategies for developing selective pest control agents. We have isolated two natural insecticidal molecules from edible roots of Decalepis hamiltonii named Decalesides I and II , which are novel trisaccharides, highly toxic to household insect pests and stored-product insects. We have experimentally shown that insecticidal activity requires contact with tarsi on the legs but is not toxic orally. The insecticidal activity of molecules is lost by hydrolysis, and various sugars modify toxic response, showing that the insecticidal activity is via gustatory sites on the tarsi. Selective toxicity to insects by virtue of their gustatory site of action and the mammalian safety of the new insecticides is inherent in their chemical structure with 1-4 or 1-1 α linkage that is easily hydrolyzed by digestive enzymes of mammals. Decalesides represent a new chemical class of natural insecticides with a unique mode of action targeting tarsal chemosensory/gustatory system of insects. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0966-5 Authors Yallappa Rajashekar, Department of Food Protectants and Infestation Control, Central Food Technological Research Institute, (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Mysore, 570 020 India Lingamallu J. M. Rao, Department of Plantation Products, Spices and Flavour Technology, Central Food Technological Research Institute, (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Mysore, 570 020 India Thimmappa Shivanandappa, Department of Food Protectants and Infestation Control, Central Food Technological Research Institute, (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Mysore, 570 020 India Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Adjusting to low temperatures is important for animals living in cold environments. We studied the chill–coma recovery time in temperate ant workers ( Temnothorax nylanderi ) from colonies collected in autumn and spring in Germany. We experimentally acclimated these ant colonies to cold temperatures followed by warm temperatures. As expected, cold-acclimated workers recovered faster from freezing temperatures, but subsequent heat acclimation did not change the short recovery times observed after cold acclimation. Hence, either heat acclimation improves cold tolerance, possibly as a general response to stress, or at least it does not negate enhanced cold tolerance following cold acclimation. Colonies collected in spring showed similar cold tolerance levels to cold-acclimated colonies in the laboratory. Next, we compared the chill–coma recovery time of different worker castes and found that exterior workers recovered faster than interior workers. This difference may be related to their more frequent exposure to cold, higher activity level, or distinct physiology. Interior workers were also heavier and showed a higher gaster-to-head ratio and thorax ratio compared to exterior workers. An obvious difference between exterior and interior workers is activity level, but we found no link between activity and cold tolerance. This suggests that physiology rather than behavioral differences could cause the increased cold tolerance of exterior workers. Our study reveals the importance of acclimation for cold tolerance under natural and standardized conditions and demonstrates differences in cold tolerance and body dimensions in monomorphic behavioral castes of an ant. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0963-8 Authors Andreas P. Modlmeier, Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Johannes von Müller Weg 6, 5099 Mainz, Germany Tobias Pamminger, Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Johannes von Müller Weg 6, 5099 Mainz, Germany Susanne Foitzik, Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Johannes von Müller Weg 6, 5099 Mainz, Germany Inon Scharf, Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Johannes von Müller Weg 6, 5099 Mainz, Germany Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Living in groups raises important issues concerning waste management and related sanitary risks. Social insects such as ants live at high densities with genetically related individuals within confined and humid nests, all these factors being highly favorable for the spread of pathogens. Therefore, in addition to individual immunity, a social prophylaxis takes place, namely, by the removal of risky items such as corpses and their rejection at a distance from the ant nest. In this study, we investigate how Myrmica rubra workers manage to reduce encounters between potentially hazardous corpses and nestmates. Using both field and laboratory experiments, we describe how the spatial distribution and the removal distance of waste items vary as a function of their associated sanitary risks (inert item vs. corpse). In the field, corpse-carrying ants walked in a rather linear way away from the nest entrance and had an equal probability of choosing any direction. Therefore, they did not aggregate corpses in dedicated areas but scattered them in the environment. In both field and laboratory experiments, ants carrying corpses dropped their load in more remote—and less frequented—areas than workers carrying inert items. However, for equidistant areas, ants did not avoid dropping corpses at a location where they perceived area marking as a cue of high occupancy level by nestmates. Our results suggest that ants use distance to the nest rather than other occupancy cues to limit sanitary risks associated with dead nestmates. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0965-6 Authors Lise Diez, Unit of Social Ecology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP 231, Bd du Triomphe, 1050 Brussels, Belgium Jean-Louis Deneubourg, Unit of Social Ecology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP 231, Bd du Triomphe, 1050 Brussels, Belgium Claire Detrain, Unit of Social Ecology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP 231, Bd du Triomphe, 1050 Brussels, Belgium Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Foraging specialization plays an important role in the ability of social insects to efficiently allocate labor. However, relatively little is known about the degree to which individual bumble bees specialize on collecting nectar or pollen, when such preferences manifest, and if individuals can alter their foraging preferences in response to changes in the colony workforce. Using Bombus impatiens , we monitored all foraging visits made by every bee in multiple colonies and showed that individual foragers exhibit consistent lifetime foraging preferences. Based upon the distribution of foraging preferences, we defined three forager types (pollen specialists, nectar specialists, and generalists). In unmanipulated colonies, 16–36 % of individuals specialized (≥90 % of visits) on nectar or pollen only. On its first day of foraging, an individual’s foraging choices (nectar only, pollen only, or nectar and pollen) significantly predicted its lifetime foraging preferences. Foragers that only collected pollen on their first day of foraging made 1.61- to 1.67-fold more lifetime pollen foraging visits (as a proportion of total trips) than foragers that only collected nectar on their first foraging day. Foragers were significantly larger than bees that stayed only in the nest. We also determined the effect of removing pollen specialists at early (brood present) or later (brood absent) stages in colony life. These results suggest that generalists can alter their foraging preferences in response to the loss of a small subset of foragers. Thus, bumble bees exhibit individual lifetime foraging preferences that are established early in life, but generalists may be able to adapt to colony needs. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0964-7 Authors Jessica Hagbery, Section of Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC0116, La Jolla, CA 92093-0116, USA James C. Nieh, Section of Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC0116, La Jolla, CA 92093-0116, USA Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Dispersal flight is the most important and almost the only way for primary aquatic insects to find new water habitats. During a 30-week-long project, we monitored the flight dispersal behaviour of aquatic beetles and bugs with using highly and horizontally polarizing agricultural black plastic sheets laid onto the ground. Based on the flight data of more than 45,000 individuals and 92 species, we explored and described eight different diel flight activity patterns. We found that seven of eight dispersal patterns are consistent with the previous knowledge, while three conspicuous mass dispersal periods can be identified as in the mid morning and/or around noon and/or at nightfall. As an exception, we found a ‘daytime’ pattern occurred exclusively in spring, in which mass dispersal can be seen from mid morning to late afternoon. In contrast to previous studies, we emphasize here that the seasonality has to be considered in evaluation of the diurnal flight activity. According to the seasons, a ‘three code sign’ was proposed to indicate the diel dispersal flight behaviour of a species for a year. Most of the species utilize different diel activity patterns in different seasons. In spring, the daytime pattern was the preferred type, but in summer and autumn, the evening types were the most popular patterns. We stated that the seasonal change of air temperature has a crucial role in that a pattern could be manifested in a given season or not and brings a need to change the diel dispersal pattern among seasons. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0957-6 Authors Zoltán Csabai, Department of Ecology and Hydrobiology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 6, 7624 Pécs, Hungary Zoltán Kálmán, Department of Ecology and Hydrobiology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 6, 7624 Pécs, Hungary Ildikó Szivák, Department of Ecology and Hydrobiology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 6, 7624 Pécs, Hungary Pál Boda, Department of Tisza River Research, Balaton Limnological Institute, Centre for Ecological Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Bem tér 18/c, 4026 Debrecen, Hungary Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Mealybugs, which include several agricultural pests, are small sap feeders covered with a powdery wax. They exhibit clear sexual dimorphism; males are winged but fragile and short lived, whereas females are windless and less mobile. Thus, sex pheromones emitted by females facilitate copulation and reproduction by serving as a key navigation tool for males. Although the structures of the hitherto known mealybug pheromones vary among species, they have a common structural motif; they are carboxylic esters of monoterpene alcohols with irregular non-head-to-tail linkages. However, in the present study, we isolated from the Matsumoto mealybug, Crisicoccus matsumotoi (Siraiwa), a pheromone with a completely different structure. Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we identified the pheromone as 3-methyl-3-butenyl 5-methylhexanoate. Its attractiveness to males was confirmed in a series of field trapping experiments involving comparison between the isolated natural product and a synthetic sample. This is the first report of a hemiterpene mealybug pheromone. In addition, the acid moiety (5-methylhexanoate) appears to be rare in insect pheromones. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0935-z Authors Jun Tabata, National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, 3-1-3 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8604, Japan Yutaka Narai, Shimane Agricultural Technology Center, 2440 Ashiwata, Izumo, Shimane 693-0035, Japan Nobuo Sawamura, Shimane Agricultural Technology Center, 2440 Ashiwata, Izumo, Shimane 693-0035, Japan Syuntaro Hiradate, National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, 3-1-3 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8604, Japan Hajime Sugie, National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, 3-1-3 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8604, Japan Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Metabolic scaling laws predict a variety of emergent properties of biological systems based on relationships among temperature, body size, and rates of physiological processes. These models have been criticized as being overly simplistic and not accounting for directional variability arising from evolutionary tradeoffs. I measured hatch success and egg development time at six temperatures for 12 populations throughout the latitudinal range of two broadly distributed topminnows ( Fundulus ). I asked if hatch success and development time differed between the species and northern and southern populations. Hatch success reaction norms suggested that the more broadly (and northern) distributed Fundulus notatus was more eurythermic with a lower optima and broader performance breadth than Fundulus olivaceus . Temperature explained most variability in mass-corrected development time. Development time differed between the species, but not northern and southern populations. Deviations from predictions of universal scaling laws were most pronounced away from specie's thermal optima. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0936-y Authors Jacob Schaefer, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Exceptionally well-preserved giant spermatozoa observed between abundant decalcified carapace valves of ostracods (Crustacea: Ostracoda) were found in Late Glacial to Holocene (14,400 to 10,000 cal years bp ) lacustrine sediments in the southern Romanian Carpathians. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy revealed good preservation of the appendages enabling specific identification as Cypria ophtalmica (Candonidae) and indication of the presence of both female and male specimens based on the sexual dimorphism of the second antenna. This record represents the oldest and richest direct evidence of virtually morphologically unaltered animal spermatozoa preserved in females after mating. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0934-0 Authors Sanda Iepure, Department of Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, Kogalniceanu 1, 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania Tadeusz Namiotko, Laboratory of Limnozoology, Department of Genetics, University of Gdańsk, Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdańsk, Poland Antonio G. Valdecasas, Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, National Museum of Natural History, CSIC, c/José Gutiérrrea Abascal, 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain Enikö K. Magyari, Research Group for Paleontology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences–Hungarian Natural History Museum, P.O. Box 222, Budapest, 1476 Hungary Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Telomeres shorten as a consequence of DNA replication, in particular in cells with low production of telomerase and perhaps in response to physiological stress from exposure to reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide. This process of telomere attrition is countered by innate antioxidation, such as via the production of superoxide dismutase. We studied the inheritance of telomere length in the Australian painted dragon lizard ( Ctenophorus pictus ) and the extent to which telomere length covaries with mass-corrected maternal reproductive investment, which reflects the level of circulating yolk precursor and antioxidant, vitellogenin. Our predictors of offspring telomere length explained 72 % of telomere variation (including interstitial telomeres if such are present). Maternal telomere length and reproductive investment were positively influencing offspring telomere length in our analyses, whereas flow cytometry-estimated superoxide level was negatively impacting offspring telomere length. We suggest that the effects of superoxide on hatchling telomere shortening may be partly balanced by transgenerational effects of vitellogenin antioxidation. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0941-1 Authors Cissy Ballen, School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, Australia Mo Healey, School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, Australia Mark Wilson, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia Michael Tobler, School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, Australia Mats Olsson, School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, Australia Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Prey-specialised predators have evolved specific cognitive adaptations that increase their prey searching efficiency. In particular, when the prey is social, selection probably favours the use of prey intraspecific chemical signals by predatory arthropods. Using a specialised ant-eating zodariid spider, Zodarion rubidum , which is known to prey on several ant species and possesses capture and venom adaptations more effective on Formicinae ants, we tested its ability to recognise chemical cues produced by several ant species. Using an olfactometer, we tested the response of Z. rubidum towards air with chemical cues from six different ant species: Camponotus ligniperda , Lasius platythorax and Formica rufibarbis (all Formicinae); and Messor structor , Myrmica scabrinodis and Tetramorium caespitum (all Myrmicinae). Z. rubidum was attracted to air carrying chemical cues only from F. rufibarbis and L. platythorax . Then, we identified that the spiders were attracted to airborne cues coming from the F. rufibarbis gaster and Dufour's gland, in particular. Finally, we found that among several synthetic blends, the decyl acetate and undecane mixture produced significant attraction of spiders. These chemicals are produced only by three Formicine genera. Furthermore, we investigated the role of these chemical cues in the communication of F. rufibarbis and found that this blend reduces their movement. This study demonstrates the chemical cognitive capacity of Z. rubidum to locate its ant prey using chemical signals produced by the ants. The innate capacity of Z. rubidum to olfactory detect different ant species is narrow, as it includes only two ant genera, confirming trophic specialisation at lower than subfamily level. The olfactory cue detected by Zodarion spiders is probably a component of the recruitment or trail pheromone. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0938-9 Authors Manuel Cárdenas, Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 61 137 Brno, Czech Republic Pavel Jiroš, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Flemingovo nám. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic Stano Pekár, Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 61 137 Brno, Czech Republic Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    The efficacy of bright photophase (BP) in accelerating the re-entrainment of Drosophila biarmipes rhythm following 8 h phase advance and delay of light–dark (LD) cycle was examined by subjecting the flies to 24 h LD cycles with dim photophase (DP) at 30 lx and BP at 300 lx. Re-entrainment was analysed by using the activity onset, activity offset and the duration of activity. Following LD advance or delay, the BP flies re-entrained faster than the DP flies which was attributed to the enhanced zeitgeber strength of BP. Nevertheless, the re-entrainment was a protracted process even in the BP flies since the activity offsets underwent more transients than the activity onsets. Thus, this study demonstrates that the BP accelerates the re-entrainment in D. biarmipes . It, however, also reveals that the re-entrainment is a prolonged process when the activity onset and offset are regarded as the rhythm markers. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0928-y Authors Boynao Sinam, Center for Biological Rhythm Research, Ahmednagar College, Ahmednagar, 414001 MS, India Shweta Sharma, Center for Biological Rhythm Research, Ahmednagar College, Ahmednagar, 414001 MS, India Pooja Thakurdas, Center for Biological Rhythm Research, Ahmednagar College, Ahmednagar, 414001 MS, India Dilip S. Joshi, Center for Biological Rhythm Research, Ahmednagar College, Ahmednagar, 414001 MS, India Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description: The pitfalls of body temperature measurements Content Type Journal Article Category Comments & Replies Pages 1-3 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0924-2 Authors Kathrin H. Dausmann, Department of Animal Ecology and Conservation, Biocentre Grindel, University Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    The idea of analysing the general favourability for the occurrence of an event was presented in 2006 through a mathematical function. However, even when favourability has been used in species distribution modelling, the conceptual framework of this function is not yet well perceived among many researchers. The present paper is conceived for providing a wider and more in-depth presentation of the idea of favourability; concretely, we aimed to clarify both the concept and the main distinctive characteristics of the favourability function, especially in relation to probability and suitability, the most common outputs in species distribution modelling. As the capabilities of the favourability function go beyond species distribution modelling, we also illustrate its usefulness for different research disciplines for which this function remains unknown. In particular, we stressed that the favourability function has potential to be applied in all the cases where the probability of occurrence of an event is analysed, such as, for example, habitat selection or epidemiological studies. Content Type Journal Article Category Concepts & Synthesis Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0926-0 Authors Pelayo Acevedo, Biogeography, Diversity, and Conservation Research Team, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain Raimundo Real, Biogeography, Diversity, and Conservation Research Team, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Semi-circadian rhythms of spontaneous photon emission from wheat seedlings germinated and grown in a constant environment (darkened chamber) were found to be synchronized with the rhythm of the local gravimetric (lunisolar) tidal acceleration. Time courses of the photon-count curves were also found to match the growth velocity profile of the seedlings. Pair-wise analyses of the data—growth, photon count, and tidal—by local tracking correlation always revealed significant coefficients ( P  〉 0.7) for more than 80% of any of the time periods considered. Using fast Fourier transform, the photon-count data revealed periodic components similar to those of the gravimetric tide. Time courses of biophoton emissions would appear to be an additional, useful, and innovative tool in both chronobiological and biophysical studies. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0921-5 Authors Thiago A. Moraes, School of Technology, University of Campinas, Rua Paschoal Marmo 1888, 13484-332 Limeira, SP, Brazil Peter W. Barlow, School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1UG UK Emile Klingelé, Institute of Geodesy and Photogrammetry, ETH, HIL D 42.2, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 15, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland Cristiano M. Gallep, School of Technology, University of Campinas, Rua Paschoal Marmo 1888, 13484-332 Limeira, SP, Brazil Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Monogeny, the production of unisexual broods by individual females, has been recognized for nearly 80 years. The genetic nature of gall midges' sex determination predicts an equal numbers of male-producing and female-producing females in the populations such that the overall sex ratio is expected to be nearly 1:1. However, observations of some strictly monogenous populations with biased sex ratio, mainly toward females, have raised the question of whether gall midges are able to adjust their offspring sex ratio in response to changes in environmental conditions, and some authors have even considered sex ratio regulation as a strong force in the course of the evolution of monogeny. In this paper, first, by studying the sex ratio variations of the predatory gall midge, Aphidoletes aphidimyza within a generation, we showed that adult males emerge up to 1 day earlier and have shorter life span than females (less than 4 days and up to 6 days, respectively). Although, the sex ratio of A. aphidimyza at the time of emergence was nearly 1:1 (52.41 % males), a simple population simulation indicated that the differential mortality of sexes can lead to a female-biased sex ratio estimation (57.88 % females) under random sampling in the natural environments. Our results imply that the primary sex ratio of monogenous gall midges is nearly 1:1 and that the arrhenogenic/thelygenic gall midges are not able to alter the number of their male/female progenies in response to changes in environmental conditions. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0925-1 Authors Seyed Mohammad Tabadkani, Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, PO Box 4111, Karaj, Iran Ahmad Ashouri, Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, PO Box 4111, Karaj, Iran Majid Qolizadeh, Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, PO Box 4111, Karaj, Iran Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Melanin is the most common pigment in animal integuments and is responsible for some of the most striking ornaments. A central tenet of sexual selection theory states that melanin-based traits can signal absolute individual quality in any environment only if their expression is condition-dependent. Significant costs imposed by an ornament would ensure that only the highest quality individuals display the most exaggerated forms of the signal. Firm evidence that melanin-based traits can be condition-dependent is still rare in birds. In an experimental test of this central assumption, we report condition-dependent expression of a melanin-based trait in the Eurasian kestrel ( Falco tinnunculus ). We manipulated nestling body condition by reducing or increasing the number of nestlings soon after hatching. A few days before fledging, we measured the width of sub-terminal black bands on the tail feathers. Compared to nestlings from enlarged broods, individuals raised in reduced broods were in better condition and thereby developed larger sub-terminal bands. Furthermore, in 2 years, first-born nestlings also developed larger sub-terminal bands than their younger siblings that are in poorer condition. This demonstrates that expression of melanin-based traits can be condition-dependent. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0914-4 Authors Romain Piault, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland Valentijn van den Brink, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland Alexandre Roulin, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Spinosaurids are among the largest and most specialized carnivorous dinosaurs. The morphology of their crocodile-like skull, stomach contents, and oxygen isotopic composition of the bones suggest they had a predominantly piscivorous diet. Even if close relationships between spinosaurids and Middle Jurassic megalosaurs seem well established, very little is known about the transition from a generalized large basal tetanuran to the specialized morphology of spinosaurids. Spinosaurid remains were previously known from the Early to Late Cretaceous of North Africa, Europe, and South America. Here, we report the discovery of a new spinosaurid theropod from the late Early Cretaceous Savannakhet Basin in Laos, which is distinguished by an autapomorphic sinusoidal dorsosacral sail. This new taxon, Ichthyovenator laosensis gen. et sp. nov., includes well-preserved and partially articulated postcranial remains. Although possible spinosaurid teeth have been reported from various Early Cretaceous localities in Asia, the new taxon I. laosensis is the first definite record of Spinosauridae from Asia. Cladistic analysis identifies Ichthyovenator as a member of the sub-clade Baryonychinae and suggests a widespread distribution of this clade at the end of the Early Cretaceous. Chilantaisaurus tashouikensis from the Cretaceous of Inner Mongolia, and an ungual phalanx from the Upper Jurassic of Colorado are also referred to spinosaurids, extending both the stratigraphical and geographical range of this clade. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0911-7 Authors Ronan Allain, Département Histoire de la Terre, Centre de Recherches sur la Paléobiodiversité et les Paléoenvironnements (CR2P), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, UMR 7207 du CNRS CP 38, 57 rue Cuvier, 75231 Paris cedex 05, France Tiengkham Xaisanavong, Science and Technology Office, Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum, Khanthabouly Road, Thamouang Village, Savannakhet, Kaisonphomvihan District, PO Box 739, République Démocratique Populaire Lao Philippe Richir, Département Histoire de la Terre, Centre de Recherches sur la Paléobiodiversité et les Paléoenvironnements (CR2P), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, UMR 7207 du CNRS CP 38, 57 rue Cuvier, 75231 Paris cedex 05, France Bounsou Khentavong, Science and Technology Office, Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum, Khanthabouly Road, Thamouang Village, Savannakhet, Kaisonphomvihan District, PO Box 739, République Démocratique Populaire Lao Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Rensch's rule claims that sexual size dimorphism (SSD) increases with body size when males are larger but decreases with body size when males are smaller. Chinese wood frog Rana chensinensis is a medium-sized species with female-biased size dimorphism. Using data on body size and age in 27 populations covering the full known size range of the species, we tested the consistency of allometric relationships between the sexes with Rensch's rule and evaluated the hypothesis that SSD is largely a function of age differences between the sexes. The results showed that level of female-biased SSD increased with increasing mean size, supporting the inverse of Rensch's rule. Moreover, most of the variation in SSD can be explained in terms of differences in age between the sexes in populations. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0913-5 Authors Wen Bo Liao, Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009 People’s Republic of China Wei Chen, Ecological Security and Protection Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Mianyang Normal University, Mianyang, 621000 People’s Republic of China Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Recently, Hildebrandt and Lemke (Naturwissenschaften 98:995–1008, 2011 ) argued that the taxonomic status of the three European medicinal leeches, Hirudo medicinalis Linnaeus 1758, Hirudo verbana Carena 1820, and Hirudo orientalis Utevsky and Trontelj (Parasitol Res 98:61−66, 2005 ) is “questionable” since “all three species interbreed in the laboratory”. This statement is in conflict with data published by Elliott and Kutschera (Freshwater Reviews 4:21−41, 2011 ), indicating that these leeches, which are reciprocally copulating hermaphrodites, represent reproductively isolated biospecies. Here, I summarize evidence indicating that these three European taxa, plus the North African “dragon leech” ( Hirudo troctina Johnson 1816), must be interpreted as a complex of closely related species, and that the economically most important taxon H. verbana is polymorphic. Content Type Journal Article Category Comments & Replies Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0906-4 Authors U. Kutschera, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Str. 40, 34109 Kassel, Germany Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    The Paleocene–Eocene transition is of crucial interest for interpreting the Cenozoic evolutionary radiation of vertebrates. A substantial increase of the number of vertebrate families occurred between the Late Paleocene and Early Eocene, with the appearance of most of the representatives of extant lineages. Basal Eocene marine fish diversity is currently poorly known, exclusively restricted to two assemblages from Denmark and Turkmenistan, respectively. Exceptionally well-preserved articulated skeletal remains of fishes have recently been discovered from a basal Eocene sapropelitic layer exposed along the Kheu River in the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, northern Caucasus, Russia. Here, we report on Gerpegezhus paviai gen. et sp. nov., a new peculiar syngnathoid fish from this new Ciscaucasian locality. The morphological structure of the single available specimen suggests that it is the first long-bodied member of the superfamily Centriscoidea, representing the sole member of the new family Gerpegezhidae, which forms a sister pair with the extant family Centriscidae. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0912-6 Authors Alexandre F. Bannikov, Borisyak Paleontological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Profsoyuznaya 123, Moscow, 117997 Russia Giorgio Carnevale, Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Valperga Caluso, 35, 10125 Torino, Italy Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    The basal theropod dinosaur clade Ceratosauria, and its subclade Abelisauroidea, is characteristic of late Mesozoic terrestrial vertebrate faunas in western Gondwana (South America, Africa, Madagascar, and India) and Europe. Yet unambiguous records of ceratosaurs have hitherto been absent from Australia, where the theropod assemblage appears to include several typically Laurasian clades. Here, we report the first evidence of ceratosaurs (and potentially abelisauroids) from eastern Gondwana––a diagnostic astragalocalcaneum from the Aptian (121–125 Ma) of Victoria, Australia. Ceratosauria thus occurred in both western and eastern Gondwana during the Early Cretaceous. This fossil adds to the poorly known dinosaur fauna of Australia, a major clade of basal theropods, emphasising that its mid-Cretaceous theropod diversity was surprisingly cosmopolitan despite relative geographic isolation, including clades that have been thought to be typical of both Gondwana and Laurasia––Ceratosauria, Spinosauridae, Carcharodontosauria, Tyrannosauroidea, and Deinonychosauria. Such a contemporaneous association of theropod clades is unknown from other Gondwanan continents and questions the views that the late Mesozoic dinosaur fauna of Australia was dominated by Gondwanan or Laurasian elements, extreme isolation, relictualism, and/or novelty as a ‘centre of origin’. The cosmopolitan theropod fauna of Australia probably reflects the global distribution of these clades early in their history, prior to significant continental breakup. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0915-3 Authors Erich M. G. Fitzgerald, Museum Victoria, GPO Box 666, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia Matthew T. Carrano, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20013-7012, USA Timothy Holland, Museum Victoria, GPO Box 666, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia Barbara E. Wagstaff, School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia David Pickering, Museum Victoria, GPO Box 666, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia Thomas H. Rich, Museum Victoria, GPO Box 666, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia Patricia Vickers-Rich, Museum Victoria, GPO Box 666, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Aquatic insects find their habitat from a remote distance by means of horizontal polarization of light reflected from the water surface. This kind of positive polarotaxis is governed by the horizontal direction of polarization (E-vector). Tabanid flies also detect water by this kind of polarotaxis. The host choice of blood-sucking female tabanids is partly governed by the linear polarization of light reflected from the host’s coat. Since the coat-reflected light is not always horizontally polarized, host finding by female tabanids may be different from the established horizontal E-vector polarotaxis. To reveal the optical cue of the former polarotaxis, we performed choice experiments in the field with tabanid flies using aerial and ground-based visual targets with different degrees and directions of polarization. We observed a new kind of polarotaxis being governed by the degree of polarization rather than the E-vector direction of reflected light. We show here that female and male tabanids use polarotaxis governed by the horizontal E-vector to find water, while polarotaxis based on the degree of polarization serves host finding by female tabanids. As a practical by-product of our studies, we explain the enigmatic attractiveness of shiny black spheres used in canopy traps to catch tabanids. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0916-2 Authors Ádám Egri, Environmental Optics Laboratory, Department of Biological Physics, Physical Institute, Eötvös University, Pázmány sétány 1, 1117 Budapest, Hungary Miklós Blahó, Environmental Optics Laboratory, Department of Biological Physics, Physical Institute, Eötvös University, Pázmány sétány 1, 1117 Budapest, Hungary András Sándor, Environmental Optics Laboratory, Department of Biological Physics, Physical Institute, Eötvös University, Pázmány sétány 1, 1117 Budapest, Hungary György Kriska, Group for Methodology in Biology Teaching, Biological Institute, Eötvös University, Pázmány sétány 1, 1117 Budapest, Hungary Mónika Gyurkovszky, Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, István utca 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary Róbert Farkas, Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, István utca 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary Gábor Horváth, Environmental Optics Laboratory, Department of Biological Physics, Physical Institute, Eötvös University, Pázmány sétány 1, 1117 Budapest, Hungary Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Decompression syndrome (caisson disease or the “the bends”) resulting in avascular necrosis has been documented in mosasaurs, sauropterygians, ichthyosaurs, and turtles from the Middle Jurassic to Late Cretaceous, but it was unclear that this disease occurred as far back as the Triassic. We have examined a large Triassic sample of ichthyosaurs and compared it with an equally large post-Triassic sample. Avascular necrosis was observed in over 15 % of Late Middle Jurassic to Cretaceous ichthyosaurs with the highest occurrence (18 %) in the Early Cretaceous, but was rare or absent in geologically older specimens. Triassic reptiles that dive were either physiologically protected, or rapid changes of their position in the water column rare and insignificant enough to prevent being recorded in the skeleton. Emergency surfacing due to a threat from an underwater predator may be the most important cause of avascular necrosis for air-breathing divers, with relative frequency of such events documented in the skeleton. Diving in the Triassic appears to have been a “leisurely” behavior until the evolution of large predators in the Late Jurassic that forced sudden depth alterations contributed to a higher occurrence of bends. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0918-0 Authors B. M. Rothschild, Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA Z. Xiaoting, Tianyu Natural History Museum, Linyi, Shandong Province 360121, China L. D. Martin, Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Despite a rapidly improving fossil record, the reproductive biology of Mesozoic birds remains poorly known: only a handful of undisputed, isolated Cretaceous eggs (some containing embryonic remains) are known. We report here the first fossil evidence for a breeding colony of Mesozoic birds, preserved at the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Oarda de Jos (Od) site in the Sebeş area of Transylvania, Romania. A lens of calcareous mudstone with minimum dimensions of 80 cm length, 50 cm width and 20 cm depth contains thousands of tightly packed, morphologically homogenous eggshell fragments, seven near-complete eggs and neonatal and adult avialan skeletal elements. Eggshell forms 70–80 % of the matrix, and other fossils are entirely absent. The bones exhibit clear characters of the Cretaceous avialan clade Enantiornithes, and the eggshell morphology is also consistent with this identification. Both taphonomy and lithology show that the components of this lens were deposited in a single flood event, and we conclude that it represents the drowned remains of a larger enantiornithine breeding colony, swamped by rising water, washed a short distance and deposited in a shallow, low-energy pond. The same fate often befalls modern bird colonies. Such a large concentration of breeding birds suggests aquatic feeding in this species, augments our understanding of enantiornithine biology and shows that colonial nesting was not unique to crown birds. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0917-1 Authors Gareth Dyke, Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO14 3ZH UK Mátyás Vremir, Department of Natural Sciences, Transylvanian Museum Society (EME), 2-4 Napoca Street, Cluj-Napoca, 400009 Romania Gary Kaiser, Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria, BC, Canada Darren Naish, Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO14 3ZH UK Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Accelerating rate of species loss has prompted researchers to study the role of species diversity in processes that control ecosystem functioning. Although negative impact of species loss has been documented, the evidence concerning its impact on ecosystem stability is still limited. Here, we studied the effects of declining species and functional diversity on plant community responses to drought in the field (open to weed colonization) and greenhouse conditions. Both species and functional diversity positively affected the average yields of field communities. However, this pattern was similar in both drought-stressed and control plots. No effect of diversity on community resistance, biomass recovery after drought and resilience was found because drought reduced biomass production similarly at each level of diversity by approximately 30 %. The use of dissimilarity (characterized by Euclidean distance) revealed higher variation under changing environments (drought-stressed vs. control) in more diverse communities compared to less species-rich assemblages. In the greenhouse experiment, the effect of species diversity affected community resistance, indicating that more diverse communities suffered more from drought than species-poor ones. We conclude that our study did not support the insurance hypothesis (stability properties of a community should increase with species richness) because species diversity had an equivocal effect on ecosystem resistance and resilience in an environment held under non-weeded practice, regardless of the positive relationship between sown species diversity and community biomass production. More species-rich communities were less resistant against drought-stressed conditions than species-poor ones grown in greenhouse conditions. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0922-4 Authors Vojtěch Lanta, Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland Jiří Doležal, Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic Lenka Zemková, Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic Jan Lepš, Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    To determine whether the appearance of a reproductively parasitic tactic varies, and how this variation affects territorial males of the Lake Tanganyika cichlid fish Telmatochromis vittatus , we examined the reproductive ecology of territorial males in Mtondwe and compared it with that of a neighboring Wonzye population, where nest density differs from that at Mtondwe. In Wonzye, with high nest density, male tactics change with their body size from a territorial to a non-territorial parasitic tactic called piracy in which they conquer several nests defended by territorial males and take over the nests while females are spawning. These “pirate” males could decrease the costs incurred by travelling among nests by exclusively targeting aggregations of nests in close proximity while avoiding separate nests. Territorial males in Wonzye sacrifice the potential higher attractiveness offered by large nests and instead compete for nests farther from neighbors on which pirates less frequently intrude. In contrast, the Mtondwe population had lower nest density and piracy was absent. Given that the success of piracy depends on the close proximity of nests, nest density is likely responsible for the observed variation in the occurrence of piracy between the two populations. Furthermore, in Mtondwe, territorial males competed for larger nests and were smaller than the territorial males in Wonzye. Thus, this lower nest density may free territorial males from the selection pressures for increased size caused by both defense against nest piracy and the need to develop into pirates as they grow. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0864-2 Authors Kazutaka Ota, Department of Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Kyoto University, Kita-Shirakawa-Oiwake, Kyoto, 606-8502 Japan Michio Hori, Department of Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Kyoto University, Kita-Shirakawa-Oiwake, Kyoto, 606-8502 Japan Masanori Kohda, Department of Biology and Geosciences, Osaka City University, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585 Japan Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Long-term effects of unfavourable conditions during development can be expected to depend on the quality of the environment experienced by the same individuals during adulthood. Yet, in the majority of studies, long-term effects of early developmental conditions have been assessed under favourable adult conditions only. The immune system might be particularly vulnerable to early environmental conditions as its development, maintenance and use are thought to be energetically costly. Here, we studied the interactive effects of favourable and unfavourable conditions during nestling and adult stages on innate immunity (lysis and agglutination scores) of captive male and female zebra finches ( Taeniopygia guttata ). Nestling environmental conditions were manipulated by a brood size experiment, while a foraging cost treatment was imposed on the same individuals during adulthood. This combined treatment showed that innate immunity of adult zebra finches is affected by their early developmental conditions and varies between both sexes. Lysis scores, but not agglutination scores, were higher in individuals raised in small broods and in males. However, these effects were only present in birds that experienced low foraging costs. This study shows that the quality of the adult environment may shape the long-term consequences of early developmental conditions on innate immunity, as long-term effects of nestling environment were only evident under favourable adult conditions. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0863-3 Authors Greet De Coster, Department of Biology, Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium Simon Verhulst, Behavioural Biology, Centre for Life Sciences, University of Groningen, PO Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands Egbert Koetsier, Behavioural Biology, Centre for Life Sciences, University of Groningen, PO Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands Liesbeth De Neve, Department of Biology, Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium Michael Briga, Behavioural Biology, Centre for Life Sciences, University of Groningen, PO Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands Luc Lens, Department of Biology, Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    In the blowfly Phormia regina , exposure to d-limonene for 5 days during feeding inhibits proboscis extension reflex behavior due to decreasing tyramine (TA) titer in the brain. TA is synthesized by tyrosine decarboxylase (Tdc) and catalyzed into octopamine (OA) by TA ß-hydroxylase (Tbh). To address the mechanisms of TA titer regulation in the blowfly, we cloned Tdc and Tbh cDNAs from P. regina (PregTdc and PregTbh). The deduced amino acid sequences of both proteins showed high identity to those of the corresponding proteins from Drosophila melanogaster at the amino acid level. PregTdc was expressed in the antenna, labellum, and tarsus whereas PregTbh was expressed in the head, indicating that TA is mainly synthesized in the sensory organs whereas OA is primarily synthesized in the brain. d-Limonene exposure significantly decreased PregTdc expression in the antenna but not in the labellum and the tarsus, indicating that PregTdc expressed in the antenna is responsible for decreasing TA titer. PregTdc-like immunoreactive material was localized in the thin-walled sensillum. In contrast, the OA/TA receptor (PregOAR/TAR) was localized to the thick-walled sensillum. The results indicated that d-limonene inhibits PregTdc expression in the olfactory receptor neurons in the thin-walled sensilla, likely resulting in reduced TA levels in the receptor neurons in the antenna. TA may be transferred from the receptor neuron to the specific synaptic junction in the antennal lobe of the brain through the projection neurons and play a role in conveying the aversive odorant information to the projection and local neurons. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0865-1 Authors Yuko Ishida, Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe, 657-8501 Japan Mamiko Ozaki, Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe, 657-8501 Japan Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    The neural mechanisms underlying cricket singing behavior have been the focus of several studies, but the central pattern generator (CPG) for singing has not been localized conclusively. To test if the abdominal ganglia contribute to the singing motor pattern and to analyze if parts of the singing CPG are located in these ganglia, we systematically truncated the abdominal nerve cord of fictively singing crickets while recording the singing motor pattern from a front-wing nerve. Severing the connectives anywhere between terminal ganglion and abdominal ganglion A3 did not preclude singing, although the motor pattern became more variable and failure-prone as more ganglia were disconnected. Singing terminated immediately and permanently after transecting the connectives between the metathoracic ganglion complex and the first unfused abdominal ganglion A3. The contribution of abdominal ganglia for singing pattern generation was confirmed by intracellular interneuron recordings and current injections. During fictive singing, an ascending interneuron with its soma and dendrite in A3 depolarized rhythmically. It spiked 10 ms before the wing-opener activity and hyperpolarized in phase with the wing-closer activity. Depolarizing current injection elicited rhythmic membrane potential oscillations and spike bursts that elicited additional syllables and reliably reset the ongoing chirp rhythm. Our results disclose that the abdominal ganglion A3 is directly involved in generating the singing motor pattern, whereas the more posterior ganglia seem to provide only stabilizing feedback to the CPG circuit. Localizing the singing CPG in the anterior abdominal neuromeres now allows analyzing its circuitry at the level of identified interneurons in subsequent studies. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0857-1 Authors Stefan Schöneich, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ UK Berthold Hedwig, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ UK Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Blood-sucking leeches have been used for medical purposes in humans for hundreds of years. Accordingly, one of the most prominent species has been named Hirudo medicinalis by Carl Linne in 1758. Feeding on vertebrate blood poses some serious problems to blood-sucking ectoparasites, as they have to penetrate the body surface of the host and to suppress the normal reactions of the host to such injuries (swelling, pain, inflammation) to remain undetected during the feeding period. Furthermore, the parasites have to take measures to inhibit the normal reactions in host tissues to blood vessel damage, namely hemostasis and blood coagulation (platelet aggregation and activation, activation of thrombin and formation of fibrin clots). During evolution, leeches have acquired the ability to control these processes in their hosts by transferring various bioactive substances to the host. These substances are supposedly produced in unicellular salivary gland cells and injected into the wound at the feeding site through tiny salivary ductule openings in the jaws that the leech uses to slice open the host body surface and to cut blood vessels in the depth of the wound. This review summarizes current knowledge about the salivary gland cells and the biological effects of individual saliva components as well as hints to the potential usefulness of some of these compounds for medical purposes. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0859-z Authors Jan-Peter Hildebrandt, Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Zoological Institute, Ernst Moritz Arndt-University, Biotechnikum, Walther Rathenau-Strasse 49 a, 17489 Greifswald, Germany Sarah Lemke, Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Zoological Institute, Ernst Moritz Arndt-University, Biotechnikum, Walther Rathenau-Strasse 49 a, 17489 Greifswald, Germany Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Post-Triassic theropod, sauropodomorph, and ornithischian dinosaurs are readily recognized based on the set of traits that typically characterize each of these groups. On the contrary, most of the early members of those lineages lack such specializations, but share a range of generalized traits also seen in more basal dinosauromorphs. Here, we report on a new Late Triassic dinosaur from the Santa Maria Formation of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. The specimen comprises the disarticulated partial skeleton of a single individual, including most of the skull bones. Based on four phylogenetic analyses, the new dinosaur fits consistently on the sauropodomorph stem, but lacks several typical features of sauropodomorphs, showing dinosaur plesiomorphies together with some neotheropod traits. This is not an exception among basal dinosaurs, the early radiation of which is characterized by a mosaic pattern of character acquisition, resulting in the uncertain phylogenetic placement of various early members of the group. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0858-0 Authors Sergio F. Cabreira, Museu de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Luterana do Brasil (ULBRA), Av. Farroupilha 8001, 92425-900 Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Cesar L. Schultz, Departamento de Paleontologia e Estratigrafia, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Jonathas S. Bittencourt, Laboratório de Paleontologia de Ribeirão Preto, FFCLRP, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil Marina B. Soares, Departamento de Paleontologia e Estratigrafia, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Daniel C. Fortier, Departamento de Geologia, UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil Lúcio R. Silva, Museu de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Luterana do Brasil (ULBRA), Av. Farroupilha 8001, 92425-900 Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Max C. Langer, Laboratório de Paleontologia de Ribeirão Preto, FFCLRP, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Orb web spiders sit at the centre of their approximately circular webs when waiting for prey and so face many of the same challenges as central-place foragers. Prey value decreases with distance from the hub as a function of prey escape time. The further from the hub that prey are intercepted, the longer it takes a spider to reach them and the greater chance they have of escaping. Several species of orb web spiders build vertically elongated ladder-like orb webs against tree trunks, rather than circular orb webs in the open. As ladder web spiders invest disproportionately more web area further from the hub, it is expected they will experience reduced prey gain per unit area of web investment compared to spiders that build circular webs. We developed a model to investigate how building webs in the space-limited microhabitat on tree trunks influences the optimal size, shape and net prey gain of arboricolous ladder webs. The model suggests that as horizontal space becomes more limited, optimal web shape becomes more elongated, and optimal web area decreases. This change in web geometry results in decreased net prey gain compared to webs built without space constraints. However, when space is limited, spiders can achieve higher net prey gain compared to building typical circular webs in the same limited space. Our model shows how spiders optimise web investment in sub-optimal conditions and can be used to understand foraging investment trade-offs in other central-place foragers faced with constrained foraging arenas. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0862-4 Authors Aaron M. T. Harmer, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia Hanna Kokko, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, 0200 Australia Marie E. Herberstein, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia Joshua S. Madin, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    In Mediterranean habitats, temperature affects both ant foraging behaviour and community structure. Many studies have shown that dominant species often forage at lower temperature than subordinates. Yet, the factors that constrain dominant species foraging activity in hot environments are still elusive. We used the dominant ant Tapinoma nigerrimum as a model species to test the hypothesis that high temperatures hinder trail following behaviour by accelerating pheromone degradation. First, field observations showed that high temperatures (〉 30°C) reduce the foraging activity of T. nigerrimum independently of the daily and seasonal rhythms of this species. Second, we isolated the effect of high temperatures on pheromone trail efficacy from its effect on worker physiology. A marked substrate was heated during 10 min (five temperature treatments from 25°C to 60°C), cooled down to 25°C, and offered in a test choice to workers. At hot temperature treatments (〉40°C), workers did not discriminate the previously marked substrate. High temperatures appeared therefore to accelerate pheromone degradation. Third, we assessed the pheromone decay dynamics by a mechanistic model fitted with Bayesian inference. The model predicted ant choice through the evolution of pheromone concentration on trails as a function of both temperature and time since pheromone deposition. Overall, our results highlighted that the effect of high temperatures on recruitment intensity was partly due to pheromone evaporation. In the Mediterranean ant communities, this might affect dominant species relying on chemical recruitment, more than subordinate ant species, less dependent on chemical communication and less sensitive to high temperatures. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0852-6 Authors Louise van Oudenhove, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon; Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France Elise Billoir, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon; Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France Raphaël Boulay, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, C/Américo Vespucio s/n, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092 Sevilla, Spain Carlos Bernstein, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon; Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France Xim Cerdá, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, C/Américo Vespucio s/n, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092 Sevilla, Spain Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    In a population exhibiting partial migration (i.e. migration and residency tactics occur in the same population), the mechanisms underlying the tactical choice are still unclear. Empirical studies have highlighted a variety of factors that could influence the coexistence of resident and migratory individuals, with growth and body size considered to be key factors in the decision to migrate. Most studies suffer from at least one of the two following caveats: (1) survival and capture probabilities are not taken into account in the data analysis, and (2) body size is often used as a proxy for individual growth. We performed a capture–mark–recapture experiment to study partial migration among juvenile brown trout Salmo trutta at the end of their first year, when a portion of the population emigrate from the natal stream while others choose residency tactic. Bayesian multistate capture–recapture models accounting for survival and recaptures probabilities were used to investigate the relative role of body size and individual growth on survival and migration probabilities. Our results show that, despite an apparent effect of both size and growth on migration, growth is the better integrative parameter and acts directly on migration probability whereas body size acts more strongly on survival. Consequently, we recommend caution if size is used as a proxy for growth when studying the factors that drive partial migration in juvenile salmonid species. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0861-5 Authors M. L. Acolas, INRA, UMR INRA-Agrocampus-Ouest Ecologie et Santé des Ecosystèmes, 65 rue de Saint-Brieuc, 35042 Rennes, France J. Labonne, INRA, UMR ECOBIOP, 64310 St-Pée Sur Nivelle, France J. L. Baglinière, INRA, UMR INRA-Agrocampus-Ouest Ecologie et Santé des Ecosystèmes, 65 rue de Saint-Brieuc, 35042 Rennes, France J. M. Roussel, INRA, UMR INRA-Agrocampus-Ouest Ecologie et Santé des Ecosystèmes, 65 rue de Saint-Brieuc, 35042 Rennes, France Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    The notion that RNA must have had a unique and decisive role in the development of life needs hardly be questioned. However, the chemical complexity and other properties of RNA, such as high solubility in water and vulnerability to degradation, make it improbable that RNA could have had an early presence in the development of life on Earth or on any comparable telluric planet. Rather, the task of origin of life research must surely be to identify those chemical processes which could have taken place on Earth that could accumulate the complexity and rich molecular information content needed to sustain primitive life, and ultimately give rise to RNA. A collection of likely chemical precursors to modern biomolecules is listed here together with calculations of their molecular complexity. These complexity scores are then used to propose an ordering, on a timescale, of when they might have appeared on Earth. These pre-RNA living systems would have flourished during the first ~0.3 Gyrs after the start of the Archaean era (~4.2 Gyr ago). If there ever was an “RNA-world” it could have started after that initial period (~3.9 Gyrs ago), later to be complemented with the appearance of duplex DNA at about ~3.6 Gyrs ago, some time before the earliest known stromatolites (~3.4 Gyr). Content Type Journal Article Category Concepts & Synthesis Pages 167-176 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0892-6 Authors Robert P. Bywater, Magdalen College, High Street, Oxford, OX1 4AU England, UK Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042 Journal Volume Volume 99 Journal Issue Volume 99, Number 3

Description:    We report that l -5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a serotonin precursor, resets the overt circadian rhythm in the Indian pygmy field mouse, Mus terricolor , in a phase- and dose-dependent manner. We used wheel running to assess phase shifts in the free-running locomotor activity rhythm. Following entrainment to a 12:12 h light–dark cycle, 5-HTP (100 mg/kg in saline) was intraperitoneally administered in complete darkness at circadian time (CT)s 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21, and the ensuing phase shifts in the locomotor activity rhythm were calculated. The results show that 5-HTP differentially shifts the phase of the rhythm, causing phase advances from CT 0 to CT 12 and phase delays from CT 12 to CT 21. Maximum advance phase shift was at CT 6 (1.18 ± 0.37 h) and maximum delay was at CT 18 (−2.36 ± 0.56 h). No extended dead zone is apparent. Vehicle (saline) at any CT did not evoke a significant phase shift. Investigations with different doses (10, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) of 5-HTP revealed that the phase resetting effect is dose-dependent. The shape of the phase–response curve (PRC) has a strong similarity to PRCs obtained using some serotonergic agents. There was no significant increase in wheel-running activity after 5-HTP injection, ruling out behavioral arousal-dependent shifts. This suggests that this phase resetting does not completely depend on feedback of the overt rhythmic behavior on the circadian clock. A mechanistic explanation of these shifts is currently lacking. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 233-239 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0893-5 Authors Priyoneel Basu, Chronobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India Muniyandi Singaravel, Chronobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India Chandana Haldar, Pineal Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042 Journal Volume Volume 99 Journal Issue Volume 99, Number 3

Description:    Wildlife data often show spatial organization, demonstrating positive correlations either as a result of processes occurring over the landscape or due to the influence of spatially structured environmental variables. It is, thus, essential to consider non-random spatial structure when evaluating the underlying causes of biological variation. In this study, we analyzed the population structure of Chilina dombeyana shell morphology of 14 populations that are close geographically and belong to the same hydrographic basin. We utilized a variation partitioning approach to evaluate the importance of spatial processes, such as migration, acting over the landscape, and environmental characteristics, including habitat and hydrologic characteristics, and the occurrence of aquatic predators in promoting between population variation. Our results demonstrate spatially structured variation in C. dombeyana shell morphology, with populations living near each other having more similar shell sizes than populations living farther apart. The shell size variation partition indicated that both spatially structured environmental factors and genetic relationships resulting from migration or shared common ancestry may explain this pattern. Shell shape variation, in contrast, was found to be essentially under the influence of non-spatially structured environmental factors, with habitat and water characteristics accounting for about half of the total variation among populations. The large proportion of the variation in shell size that is spatially structured demonstrates that spatial structure on morphological traits might be strong and highlights the need to consider such phenomenon in intraspecific studies of phenotypic evolution. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 225-232 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0890-8 Authors Angéline Bertin, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Serena, Benavente 980, Casilla 599, La Serena, Chile Victor H. Ruíz, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile Ricardo Figueroa, Centro de Ciencias Ambientales EULA-CHILE, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile Nicolas Gouin, Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Campus Guayacán, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042 Journal Volume Volume 99 Journal Issue Volume 99, Number 3

Description:    Social insect colonies exhibit highly coordinated responses to ecological challenges by acquiring information that is disseminated throughout the colony. Some responses are coordinated directly from the signals produced by individuals that acquired the information. Other responses may require information to be transferred indirectly through a third party, thereby requiring colony-wide retention of information. Social insects use colony signature odours to distinguish between nestmates and non-nestmates, and the level of aggression between non-nestmates typically varies according to the distance between colonies and thus their history of interactions. Such coordinated, colony-specific responses may require information about particular odours to be disseminated and retained across the colony. Our field experiments with weaver ants reveal colony-wide, indirect acquisition and retention of the signature odours of a different colony with which they had experienced aggression. These data highlight the significance of interaction history and suggest the presence of a collective memory. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 245-248 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0891-7 Authors Katherine P. Gill, Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia Ellen van Wilgenburg, Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia Peter Taylor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia Mark A. Elgar, Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042 Journal Volume Volume 99 Journal Issue Volume 99, Number 3

Description:    Analysis of female sex pheromone components and subsequent field trap experiments demonstrated that the bombycid moth Trilocha varians uses a mixture of ( E , Z )-10,12-hexadecadienal (bombykal) and ( E,Z )-10,12-hexadecadienyl acetate (bombykyl acetate) as a sex pheromone. Both of these components are derivatives of ( E,Z )-10,12-hexadecadienol (bombykol), the sex pheromone of the domesticated silkmoth Bombyx mori . This finding prompted us to compare the antennal and behavioral responses of T. varians and B. mori to bombykol, bombykal, and bombykyl acetate in detail. The antennae of T. varians males responded to bombykal and bombykyl acetate but not to bombykol, and males were attracted only when lures contained both bombykal and bombykyl acetate. In contrast, the antennae of B. mori males responded to all the three components. Behavioral analysis showed that B. mori males responded to neither bombykal nor bombykyl acetate. Meanwhile, the wing fluttering response of B. mori males to bombykol was strongly inhibited by bombykal and bombykyl acetate, thereby indicating that bombykal and bombykyl acetate act as behavioral antagonists for B. mori males. T. varians would serve as a reference species for B. mori in future investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying the evolution of sex pheromone communication systems in bombycid moths. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 207-215 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0887-3 Authors Takaaki Daimon, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan Takeshi Fujii, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan Masaya Yago, The University Museum, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033 Japan Yu-Feng Hsu, Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, 88, Ting Chou Rd., Sec4, Taipei, 116 Taiwan Yumiko Nakajima, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0213 Japan Tsuguru Fujii, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan Susumu Katsuma, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan Yukio Ishikawa, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan Toru Shimada, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042 Journal Volume Volume 99 Journal Issue Volume 99, Number 3

Description:    During the Mesozoic, one of the most significant evolutionary processes was the secondary adaptation of tetrapods to life in water. Several non-related lineages invaded from the terrestrial realms and from the oceans of the entire world. Among these lineages, ichthyosaurs were particularly successful. Advance parvipelvian ichthyosaurs were the first tetrapods to evolve a fish-shaped body profile. The deep skeletal modifications of their bodies, as well as their biology, depict advance ichthyosaurs as the paradigm of secondary adaptation of reptiles to marine life. Functional inferences point to them as off-shore cruising forms, similar to a living tuna, and some of them were capable of deep diving. Bone histology of some genera such as Temnodontosaurus , Stenopterygius , Ichthyosaurus , and Caypullisaurus , characterized by overall cancellous bone, is consistent with the idea of a fish-shaped ichthyosaurs as fast and far cruisers. Here, we provide histological examination of the ribs of the Middle Jurassic parvipelvian Mollesaurus . Contrasting with the bone histology of other parvipelvian, Mollesaurus ribs are characterized by a compact and thick cortex. Our data indicate that the rib cage was heavy and suggest that not all advanced ichthyosaurs were fast cruisers. The compact and dense ribs in these parvipelvian show that advance ichthyosaurs were ecologically more diverse than previously thought and that the lightening of the skeleton reversed, as also occurred in the evolution of cetacean, at least once along the evolutionary history of ichthyosaurs. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 241-244 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0886-4 Authors Marianella Talevi, CONICET—Instituto de Investigación en Paleobiología y Geología, Universidad Nacional de Río Negro, Isidro Lobo y Belgrano, 8332 General Roca, Río Negro, Argentina Marta S. Fernández, CONICET—División Paleontología Vertebrados, Museo de La Plata, Paseo del Bosque, 1900 La Plata, Argentina Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042 Journal Volume Volume 99 Journal Issue Volume 99, Number 3

Description:    Biological invasions can affect the structure and function of ecosystems and threaten native plant species. Since most weeds rely on mutualistic relationships in their new environment, they may act as new competitors for pollinators. Pollinator competition is likely to be density dependent, but it is often difficult to disentangle competition caused by flower quality from effects caused by flower quantity. In order to test the effects of the presence and number of flowers of the invasive weed Bunias orientalis on the insect visitation rates in a native species ( Sinapis arvensis ), we performed two replacement experiments using plants with standardised flower numbers. The visitation rates in S. arvensis were significantly higher than in B. orientalis and the number of insect visits dropped significantly with increasing density of S. arvensis flowers. These results suggest that intraspecific competition among flowers of S. arvensis is stronger than the competitive effect of alien flowers. As flowers of B. orientalis do not seem to distract visitors from S. arvensis , it is unlikely that pollinator competition between these two plant species plays a crucial role. However, it cannot be excluded that mass blossom stands of B. orientalis may distract flower visitors from native species. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 217-224 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0888-2 Authors Axel Hochkirch, Department of Biogeography, Trier University, 54286 Trier, Germany Tamara Mertes, Department of Biogeography, Trier University, 54286 Trier, Germany Julia Rautenberg, Department of Biogeography, Trier University, 54286 Trier, Germany Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042 Journal Volume Volume 99 Journal Issue Volume 99, Number 3

Description:    In the obligate mutualism between figs ( Ficus ) and their specific pollinators (Chalcidoidea, Agaonidae), each species of fig wasp typically reproduces in figs of a single host species. Host specificity is maintained largely because pollinators are attracted to tree-specific volatiles released from their host figs, but whether the wasps can reproduce if they enter figs of non-host species is unclear. We investigated the reproductive success of Ceratosolen emarginatus (associated with Ficus auriculata ) and Ceratosolen sp. (associated with F. hainanensis ) in atypical hosts by experimentally introducing foundresses into host and non-host figs. F. auriculata figs entered by Ceratosolen sp. were more likely to abort than if entered by C. emarginatus , but abortion of F. hainanensis figs was not affected by pollinator species. Single C. emarginatus foundresses produced more but smaller offspring in F. hainanensis than in their normal host. Conversely Ceratosolen sp. produced fewer but larger offspring in F. auriculata than in their normal host, probably as a result of having longer to develop. Mean style length differences, relative to the lengths of the wasps’ ovipositors, may have dictated the number of offspring produced, with oviposition made easier by the shorter styles in F. hainanensis figs. Our results imply that, in addition to morphological constraints and tree-specific volatiles, reduced reproductive success in atypical hosts can be another factor maintaining host specificity, but for other species only behavioural changes are required for host switching to occur. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 199-205 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0885-5 Authors Pei Yang, Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 88 Xuefu Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, People’s Republic of China Zongbo Li, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, People’s Republic of China Yanqiong Peng, Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 88 Xuefu Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, People’s Republic of China Darong Yang, Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 88 Xuefu Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, People’s Republic of China Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042 Journal Volume Volume 99 Journal Issue Volume 99, Number 3

Description:    Animal lifespans range from a few days to many decades, and this life history diversity is especially pronounced in ants. Queens can live for decades. Males, in contrast, are often assumed to act as ephemeral sperm delivery vessels that die after a brief mating flight—a view developed from studies of lekking species in temperate habitats. In a tropical ant assemblage, we found that males can live days to months outside the nest, a trait hypothesized to be associated with female calling, another common mating system. We combined feeding experiments with respirometry to show that lifespan can be enhanced over 3 months by feeding outside the nest. In one focal female calling species, Ectatomma ruidum , feeding enhanced male lifespan, but not sperm content. Extended lifespans outside the nest suggest stronger than expected selection on premating traits of male ants, although the ways these traits shape male mating success remain poorly understood. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 191-197 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0884-6 Authors Jonathan Z. Shik, Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA Deana Flatt, Department of Zoology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA Adam Kay, Department of Biology, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA Michael Kaspari, Department of Zoology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042 Journal Volume Volume 99 Journal Issue Volume 99, Number 3

Description:    Since 2005, excavations at Mare aux Songes, Mauritius, have revealed the presence of a very rich, ∼4,200-year-old fossil bone bed including dodo ( Raphus cucullatus ) bones and bone fragments. The recently excavated dodo assemblage comprises at least 17 individuals and is characterised by the presence of small and fragile skeletal elements, a dominance of leg elements and an absence of juveniles. The hydrology of the area suggests that dodos, like many other species, were probably lured to Mare aux Songes by the presence of freshwater during times of drought. The most likely scenario for the origin of the fossil deposit is that animals became trapped in the sediment in repeated miring events, which would favour the conservation of hindlimbs. Such a scenario is fully in accordance with the taphonomic characteristics of the bone assemblage. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 177-184 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0882-8 Authors Hanneke J. M. Meijer, Division of Birds, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20013-70122, USA Arike Gill, Department of Geology, Netherlands Centre for Biodiversity Naturalis, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands Perry G. B. de Louw, Deltares, Department Soil and Groundwater, P.O. Box 85467, 3508 AL Utrecht, The Netherlands Lars W. Van Den Hoek Ostende, Department of Geology, Netherlands Centre for Biodiversity Naturalis, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands Julian P. Hume, Bird Group, Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum at Tring, Akeman Street, Tring, Herts, HP23 6AP UK Kenneth F. Rijsdijk, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, Computational Bio- and Physical Geography, University of Amsterdam, Sciencepark 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042 Journal Volume Volume 99 Journal Issue Volume 99, Number 3

Description:    After extinction, the reappearance of a conditioned response induced by an unconditioned stimulus which is weaker than that used during the conditioning training indicates that the extinction procedure does not eliminate the original conditioned memory. Recent studies on fear conditioning have shown that rats exhibited little or no recovery of conditioned responding if the time interval between fear acquisition and extinction was short, suggesting that the extinction process may erase the original conditioning trace in this situation. In the present study, a saving experiment was conducted in rats to investigate whether an aversive response could be recovered following extinction training with different time intervals after acquisition of conditioned taste aversion (CTA). Male Long–Evans rats developed CTA by associating a 0.2% sucrose solution with malaise induced by intraperitoneal injection of 4 ml/kg 0.15 M LiCl and were subjected to extinction training with an interval of 5 h (5H group) or 24 h (24H group) after acquisition of CTA. Rats in the 5H group, but not in the 24H group, exhibited no aversive responding to the sucrose solution followed by the injection of a lower dose of LiCl (1 ml/kg). These findings indicate that the extinction procedure administered at different time points following the acquisition of CTA affects recovery of extinguished aversive memory and suggest that an unlearning process may be involved in the mechanisms of CTA extinction with short intervals between acquisition and extinction. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 185-189 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0883-7 Authors Pei-Yi Lin, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1 Jen-Ai Road, 1st Section, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China Yi-Ya Fang, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1 Jen-Ai Road, 1st Section, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China Su-Ping Wang, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1 Jen-Ai Road, 1st Section, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China Mei-Yun Tai, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1 Jen-Ai Road, 1st Section, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China Yuan-Feen Tsai, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1 Jen-Ai Road, 1st Section, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042 Journal Volume Volume 99 Journal Issue Volume 99, Number 3

Description:    We report on a partial varanopid skull and mandible from the Pristerognathus Assemblage Zone of the Beaufort Group, in the South African Karoo Basin, which is probably latest Middle Permian (Capitanian) in age. This mycterosaurine is not only the youngest known varanopid from the Southern Hemisphere, but it is also the youngest known “pelycosaur” (i.e., non-therapsid synapsid). Like all other members of this clade of hypercarnivores, the teeth are strongly flattened, recurved, and have finely serrated cutting edges. The anterior dentary teeth form a caniniform region, and the splenial features a foramen intermandibularis oralis, the first ever to be described in a “pelycosaur.” The last varanopids were the smallest carnivores of latest Middle Permian continental faunas. Occupation of the small carnivore guild appears to have allowed varanopids to achieve a nearly cosmopolitan distribution throughout the Middle Permian, between the great Early Permian radiation of basal synapsids and the spectacular diversification of therapsid synapsids in the Late Permian and Early Triassic. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0856-2 Authors Sean P. Modesto, Department of Biology, Cape Breton University, Sydney, NS, Canada B1P 6L2 Roger M. H. Smith, Karoo Palaeontology, Iziko: South African Museum, Cape Town, 8000 South Africa Nicolás E. Campione, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 2C6 Robert R. Reisz, Department of Biology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Rd. N, Mississauga, ON, Canada L5L 1C6 Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Wind has previously been shown to influence the location and orientation of spider web sites and also the geometry and material composition of constructed orb webs. We now show that wind also influences components of prey-catching behaviour within the web. A small wind tunnel was used to generate different wind speeds. Araneus diadematus ran more slowly towards entangled Drosophila melanogaster in windy conditions, which took less time to escape the web. This indicates a lower capture probability and a diminished overall predation efficiency for spiders at higher wind speeds. We conclude that spiders’ behaviour of taking down their webs as wind speed increases may therefore not be a response only to possible web damage. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0854-4 Authors Joe Turner, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, UK OX1 3PS Fritz Vollrath, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, UK OX1 3PS Thomas Hesselberg, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, UK OX1 3PS Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042