ALBERT

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The aim of our study was to determine how body mass affects home range size in carnivorous marsupials (dasyurids) and whether those species living in desert environments require relatively larger areas than their mesic counterparts. The movement patterns of two sympatric species of desert dasyurids (body mass 16 and 105 g) were investigated via radio-telemetry in southwestern Queensland and compared with published records for other Australian dasyurids. Both species monitored occupied stable home ranges. For all dasyurids, home range size scaled with body mass with a coefficient of 〉 1.2, almost twice that for metabolic rate. Generally, males occupied larger home ranges than females, even after accounting for the size dimorphism common in dasyurids. Of the three environmental variables tested, primary productivity and habitat, a categorical variable based on the 500 mm rainfall isopleth, further improved model performance demonstrating that arid species generally occupy larger home ranges. Similar patterns were still present in the dataset after correcting for phylogeny. Consequently, the trend towards relatively larger home ranges with decreasing habitat productivity can be attributed to environmental factors and was not a result of taxonomic affiliation. We therefore conclude that alternative avenues to reduce energy requirements on an individual and population level (i.e. torpor, basking and population density) do not fully compensate for the low resource availability of deserts demanding an increase in home range size.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Animals can evoke a wide range of emotions helping us to choose a quick and appropriate reaction towards them: approach or avoidance in general. This work has focused on disgust evoked by amphibians in humans as well as perceived beauty. Due to the high morphological variability of recent amphibian taxa, we examined humans’ cognitive categorisation of 101 amphibian photos and the effect of stimuli characteristics on disgust evaluation or beauty perception of individual groups/species. We also explored how respondents’ characteristics, e.g. gender, age and disgust sensitivity (DS-R) influence the disgust and beauty evaluation of picture stimuli on a 7-point Likert scale. The scores of disgust and beauty evaluation were strongly negatively correlated, representing the opposite ends of a single axis, further referred to as the index of preference. The most preferred amphibians belonged to anurans, whereas the least preferred ones were mostly worm-like, legless and small-eyed caecilians. Additional analyses of morphologically diverse anurans showed that species with a round body shape, short forelegs, small eyes, warts, pink and grey colouration, or dark and dull colouration were perceived as disgusting or ugly. The effect of gender and age were only marginal; however, people with higher disgust sensitivity rated amphibians as more disgusting and less beautiful, which might support the hypothesis of a possible disgust involvement in animal fears and phobias. This topic has implications not only for the nature conservation decisions of globally endangered amphibians but also for understanding the evolution of disgust and its generalisation to harmless animals.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Dispersal, movement leading to gene flow, is a fundamental but costly life history trait. The use of indirect social information may help mitigate these costs, yet we often know little about the proximate sources of such information, and how dispersers and residents may differ in their information use. Terrestrial molluscs, which have a high cost of movement and obligatorily leave information potentially exploitable by conspecifics during movement (through mucus trails), are a good model to investigate links between dispersal costs and information use. We studied whether dispersers and residents differed in their trail-following propensity in the snail 〈em〉Cornu aspersum〈/em〉. Dispersers followed mucus trails more frequently than expected by chance, contrary to non-dispersers. Trail-following by dispersers may reduce dispersal costs by reducing energy expenditure and helping snails find existing habitat or resource patches. Finally, we point that ignoring the potential for collective dispersal provided by trail-following may hinder our understanding of the demographic and genetic consequences of dispersal.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Natural enemies are one of the main mortality factors in bees and wasps attacking either immature stages or adults of their hosts. Dipterans of the genus 〈em〉Physocephala〈/em〉 (Diptera: Conopidae) are parasitoids that attack adult bees during their field activities, and the parasitoid larvae develop inside the host abdomen. However, little is known about the biology of these natural enemies and their interactions with their solitary bee hosts. This study is aimed at analyzing attacks by conopid flies in one of their hosts, the solitary bee species 〈em〉Centris analis〈/em〉 (Apidae: Centridini), and the consequences in the nesting behavior of this bee species. Higher incidences of parasitism occurred during the hot/wet season, and seven fly species attacking 〈em〉C. analis〈/em〉 were identified. Of the fifty-six females observed during their nesting activities, seven of them were parasitized. These females showed alterations in their nesting behavior, depositing extra oil on the plug of finished nests and building plugs in empty cavities. The behavioral changes observed in these females began during larval stage L1 of the parasitoid. In the last stages of parasitoid development (L3 PUP and pupa), the bees ceased their flight activities and entered cavities at the nesting site, remaining there until death.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The complex agonistic repertoire between male lobster cockroaches (〈em〉Nauphoeta cinerea〈/em〉) makes this species an excellent model for aggression studies. During the establishment of dominance hierarchies, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (3H-2B) functions as a suppression pheromone, keeping the rivals in a submissive state. In the present study, we evaluated the release of 3H-2B by dominant individuals across four different time phases within the 24-h photoperiod, i.e., early scotophase (ES), late scotophase (LS), early photophase (EP), and late photophase (LP). For each time phase, we collected volatile pheromones during a 60-min first-encounter fight to measure the level of released 3H-2B. Subsequently, the amount of 3H-2B remaining in the sternal glands of dominant and subordinate individuals was measured and compared to socially naïve male controls. Release of 3H-2B was relatively high during ES or LP first-encounter fights, compared to LS or EP encounters. The attack duration and aggressive posture intensity in dominant males were positively correlated with the amount of 3H-2B release in all four phases. A similar statistical distribution was found between the amount of 3H-2B released by dominant males and the amount of 3H-2B in the sternal glands of naïve male sternal during LS, EP, and LP. However, during ES, the statistical distribution of 3H-2B released by the dominant was significantly greater than the distribution of 3H-2B content in socially naïve male sternal glands. The observed phase-dependence of 3H-2B release might be due to variations in 3H-2B biosynthesis or the scotophase-specific behavior of naïve males, wherein an aggressive posture is spontaneously adopted with concomitant 3H-2B release.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Resource niche partitioning mediates the coexistence of similar species by reducing the chance of competitive encounters. For co-occurring species that share an ephemeral resource, contrasting activity in space and time may facilitate their persistence. Burying beetles (Silphidae: 〈em〉Nicrophorus〈/em〉) depend entirely on small vertebrate carcasses to reproduce. Given the unpredictability of this resource, and its value to congeners and other scavenger species, burying beetles likely endure intense competition to secure a carcass. Here, contrasting spatial and temporal niche patterns are explored as resource allocation strategies among five sympatric species of burying beetles (〈em〉N. americanus〈/em〉, 〈em〉N. marginatus〈/em〉, 〈em〉N. pustulatus〈/em〉, 〈em〉N. orbicollis〈/em〉, and 〈em〉N. tomentosus〈/em〉). Specifically, the space-use and daily activity patterns are measured, at a fine scale, across species pairs to extrapolate contrasting niche-use patterns within a nicrophorine-rich grassland community in North-Central Oklahoma, USA. The results of this study reveal an important interplay between space-use and daily temporal activity in mediating the scramble competition associated with carrion resources. Where spatial or temporal overlap between burying beetle species is high, direct competition is mediated along an alternative niche dimension. For instance, 〈em〉N. americanus〈/em〉 and 〈em〉N. orbicollis〈/em〉, a species dyad thought to be in direct competition, do overlap temporally but were found to have segregated space-use patterns. Our findings provide key insights into the competitive interactions within a necrophilous community and further inform our broader understanding of the spatial and temporal resource dimensions that drive the ecological niche.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Wildlife populations can respond to changes in climate conditions by either adapting or moving to areas with preferred climate regimes. We studied nesting responses of two bird species, western bluebird (〈em〉Sialia mexicana〈/em〉) and ash-throated flycatcher (〈em〉Myiarchus cinerascens〈/em〉), to changing climate conditions (i.e., rising temperatures and increased drought stress) over 21 years in northern New Mexico. We used data from 1649 nests to assess whether the two species responded to changing climate conditions through phenological shifts in breeding time or shifts in nesting elevation. We also examined changes in reproductive output (i.e., clutch size). Our data show that western bluebirds significantly increased nesting elevation over a 19-year period by approximately 5 m per year. Mean spring temperature was the best predictor of western bluebird nesting elevation. Higher nesting elevations were not correlated with hatch dates or clutch sizes in western bluebirds, suggesting that nesting at higher elevations does not affect breeding time or reproductive output. We did not observe significant changes in nesting elevation or breeding dates in ash-throated flycatchers. Nesting higher in elevation may allow western bluebirds to cope with the increased temperatures and droughts. However, this climate niche conservatism may pose a risk for the conservation of the species if climate change and habitat loss continue to occur. The lack of significant changes detected in nesting elevation, breeding dates, and reproductive output in ash-throated flycatchers suggests a higher tolerance for changing environmental conditions in this species. This is consistent with the population increases reported for flycatchers in areas experiencing dramatic climate changes.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Parasitoid researchers have generally thought that the body size of the mother parasitoid does not affect the fitness performance of the progeny during the immature stage, as long as the progeny develop in the same environment. We reveal for the first time that this is not true for the parasitoid 〈em〉Echthrodelphax fairchildii〈/em〉 (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae), which is parasitic on planthoppers. Large females ensured an increased survival rate for their progeny during the immature stage and a large body size at adult emergence. Maternal body size differentially affected the body sizes and survival rates of male and female progeny. Small females did not produce female progeny, and the survival rate of the female progeny increased more steeply with increasing maternal body size than that of the male progeny. Meanwhile, the body size of male progeny increased more steeply with increasing maternal body size. The influence of maternal body size on progeny survival to adult emergence has never been reported in insects before. In addition, large females were more likely to lay female eggs, suggesting that females control the sex ratio of progeny in response to their own body size.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The cavities of bamboos (Poaceae) are used by various animals. Most of the animals access these cavities either by existing cracks or by excavating bamboos with soft walls or small, thin-walled bamboos. Only a few animals excavate into the cavities of large and thick- and hard-walled internodes of mature bamboos. We studied two lizard beetle species (Coleoptera: Erotylidae: Languriinae), 〈em〉Doubledaya ruficollis〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Oxylanguria acutipennis〈/em〉, that excavate into large internode cavities of recently dead mature bamboos and have morphological modifications. We observed that females of 〈em〉D. ruficollis〈/em〉 used their mandibles to bore oviposition holes on 〈em〉Schizostachyum〈/em〉 sp. (mean wall thickness = 3.00 mm) and 〈em〉O. acutipennis〈/em〉 did so on 〈em〉Dendrocalamus〈/em〉 sp. (3.37 mm) bamboos. Previous studies suggested that the markedly asymmetrical mandibles and needle-like ovipositors of females in the genus 〈em〉Doubledaya〈/em〉 are adaptive traits for excavating hard-walled bamboos for oviposition. Therefore, we measured their mandibular lengths and ovipositor lengths. 〈em〉D. ruficollis〈/em〉 females had greater asymmetry in the mandibles and shorter and less-sclerotized ovipositors than females of congeners using small bamboos. In contrast, 〈em〉O. acutipennis〈/em〉 females had slightly asymmetrical mandibles and elongated, well-sclerotized ovipositors. Oviposition holes of 〈em〉D. ruficollis〈/em〉 were cone-shaped (evenly tapering), whereas those of 〈em〉O. acutipennis〈/em〉 were funnel-shaped (tube-like at the internal apex). This suggests that 〈em〉D. ruficollis〈/em〉 females excavate oviposition holes using the mandibles only, and 〈em〉O. acutipennis〈/em〉 females use both the mandibles and ovipositors. These differences suggest different oviposition-associated morphological specialization for using large bamboos: the extremely asymmetrical mandibles in 〈em〉D. ruficollis〈/em〉 and elongated, needle-like ovipositors in 〈em〉O. acutipennis〈/em〉.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Birds which fly in coordinated cluster-flocks can benefit through the formation of group-level structures and patterns which can deter predators by visual confusion. Though unlike V-formation flight, cluster-flocking increases the energetic cost of flight, particularly in denser flocks. Cluster formations therefore provide a unique opportunity to investigate trade-offs between increased work rate (e.g. higher flap frequency) and other benefits of flocking. As part of a routine 9-km training flight release, a flock of six homing pigeons (〈em〉Columba livia〈/em〉) with 5 Hz GPS and 200 Hz accelerometer biologgers attached flew an alternative trajectory totalling 177 km and 256 min of flight. We provide the first evidence that during a long-duration flight, pigeons’ pairwise and group-level distances increased (i.e. group structure changed), while flap frequency decreased over time. This implies that as birds tire during long-duration flight, the ultimate functions of cluster-flocking—primarily anti-predator benefits—are overridden by the proximate costs of flying close to conspecifics.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Ecological light pollution alters an environment’s light cycle, potentially affecting photoperiod-controlled behavior. Anurans, for example, generally breed nocturnally, and the influence of light pollution on their natural history may therefore be especially strong. In this study, we tested this hypothesis by measuring male calling behavior of anuran communities in natural wetlands in southern Brazil exposed or not exposed to street lights. We recorded seasonal and diel calling activity and calling response to a light pulse. The peak calling season differed between continuously lit and unlit locations with most species in illuminated wetlands shortening their calling season and calling earlier in the year. In unlit breeding sites, 〈em〉Boana pulchella〈/em〉, 〈em〉Pseudis minuta〈/em〉, and 〈em〉Pseudopaludicola falcipes〈/em〉 confined their calling activity to well-defined hours of the night, but in continuously lit areas, these species called more continuously through the night. A 2-minute light pulse inhibited calling, but only in unlit wetlands. After a light pulse, frogs quickly resumed calling—suggesting acclimatization to brief artificial light exposure. Our field experiment presents a convincing example of ecological light pollution showing that artificial light alters the seasonal and diel calling time of some South American wetland anurans. It also documents their acclimatization to brief lighting when being continuously exposed to light.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Exceptional natural phenomena, such as those that occur during a total solar eclipse, provide unique opportunities to study animal behavior outside the naturally evolved context, which can be informative in more general terms. Circumstantial descriptions of abnormal animal behavior during solar eclipses abound, although scientific studies conducted during an eclipse are relatively rare due to inherent logistical difficulties. Here, honey bee foraging and homing behavior were studied during the total solar eclipse of August 21, 2017. In the first experiment, we studied foraging behavior of honey bees during the progression of the solar eclipse and found that the foraging activity drastically decreased but did not completely cease during the totality of the eclipse, in contrast to previous reports of complete cessation. The data indicate that the level of ambient light can largely overrule the internal circadian rhythm of foraging honey bees. Furthermore, colonies with a higher need for foraging decreased their foraging activity less than satiated colonies, consistent with the hypothesis that individual foraging decisions may be influenced by colony state, which affects cost-benefit analyses. In a second experiment, the temporal dynamics of homing of released workers and drones was compared in periods before, during, and after the solar eclipse. During the totality of the eclipse, very few bees arrived back at their hive, while homing before the total eclipse was accelerated, particularly in drones. The results suggest that, while the homing abilities of honey bees are not compromised until the sun is completely eclipsed, they may still interpret the diminishing light as an indicator of deteriorating flight conditions. Our unique study provides some insight into the control of honey bee foraging behavior when external cues and internal circadian rhythms are at odds, lent support to the notion that food deprivation can lead to riskier foraging, and indicated that homing in honey bees is possible even with very small amounts of sunlight.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉New finds of bones of the Egyptian Mongoose (〈em〉Herpestes ichneumon〈/em〉), one from Portugal and one from Spain, were directly 〈sup〉14〈/sup〉C dated to the first century AD. While the Portuguese specimen was found without connection to the Chalcolithic occupation of the Pedra Furada cave where it was recovered, the Spanish find, collected in the city of Mérida, comes from a ritual pit that also contained three human and 40 dog burials. The finds reported here show that the Egyptian mongoose, contrary to the traditional and predominant view, did not first arrive in the Iberian Peninsula during the Muslim occupation of Iberia. Instead, our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the species was first introduced by the Romans, or at least sometime during the Roman occupation of Hispania. Therefore, radiocarbon dating of new archaeological finds of bones of the Egyptian Mongoose (〈em〉Herpestes ichneumon〈/em〉) in the Iberian Peninsula push back the confirmed presence of the species in the region by approximately eight centuries, as the previously oldest dated record is from the ninth century. With these new dates, there are now a total of four 〈sup〉14〈/sup〉C dated specimens of Egyptian mongooses from the Iberian Peninsula, and all of these dates fall within the last 2000 years. This offers support for the hypothesis that the presence of the species in Iberia is due to historical introductions and is at odds with a scenario of natural sweepstake dispersal across the Straits of Gibraltar in the Late Pleistocene (126,000–11,700 years ago), recently proposed based on genetic data.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Borioteiioidea are an enigmatic group of Cretaceous lizards widely distributed in northern continents (Laurasia). Here, we describe the first borioteiioid lizard from Gondwana, represented by a new species of the polyglyphanodontine genus 〈em〉Bicuspidon〈/em〉, 〈em〉B. hogreli〈/em〉 sp. nov., from the Cenomanian Kem Kem beds of Morocco. The discovery of 〈em〉Bicuspidon hogreli〈/em〉 sp. nov., which is one of the oldest known member of Polyglyphanodontini, challenges previous assumptions on the center of origin and dispersal of the group. In addition, the known distribution of 〈em〉Bicuspidon〈/em〉 (Cenomanian of Utah and Morocco, and Santonian–Maastrichtian of eastern Europe) suggests a complex palaeobiogeographical history for the genus. The existence of a terrestrial dispersal route persisting during the whole Early Cretaceous between North America and Africa is hypothesized to explain some similarities observed between the Cenomanian squamate assemblages of these two continents. Alternatively, dispersal between the two landmasses may have occurred by transatlantic rafting. During the Cenomanian–Santonian interval, 〈em〉Bicuspidon〈/em〉 colonized the European archipelago probably from North Africa, like many “Eurogondwanan” taxa.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Aggressive behaviour plays a fundamental role in the distribution of limiting resources. Thereby, it is expected to have consequences for fitness. Here, we explored the relationship between aggression and fitness in a long-term database collected in a wild population of the collared flycatcher (〈em〉Ficedula albicollis〈/em〉). We quantified the aggression of males during nest-site defence by conducting simulated territorial intrusions in the courtship period. We estimated the fitness of males based on their pairing success, breeding output and survival to next year. Earlier arriving and older males had a higher probability to establish pair-bond, and males that started to breed earlier fledged more young. Aggression did not predict pairing and breeding performances. However, the probability of a male to return in the next year was significantly related to aggression in an age-dependent manner. Among subadult males, more aggressive individuals had higher chances to return, while among adult males, less aggressive ones did so. This finding is in harmony with our general observation that subadult collared flycatcher males behave more aggressively than adult males when confronted with a conspecific intruder. Subadult males may be socially inexperienced, so they should be more aggressive to be successful. In contrast, if adult males suffer from higher physiological costs, a lower level of aggression may be more advantageous for them. Our study shows that aggressive behaviour can be a fitness-related trait, and to understand its role in determining fitness, age should be taken into account.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉While conservation management has made tremendous strides to date, deciding where, when and how to invest limited monitoring budgets is a central concern for impactful decision-making. New analytical tools, such as environmental DNA (eDNA), are now facilitating broader biodiversity monitoring at unprecedented scales, in part, due to time, and presumably cost, of methodological efficiency. Genetic approaches vary from conventional PCR (cPCR; species presence), to metabarcoding (community structure), and qPCR (relative DNA abundance, detection sensitivity). Knowing when to employ these techniques over traditional protocols could enable practitioners to make more informed choices concerning data collection. Using 12 species-specific primers designed for cPCR, eDNA analysis of the Yangtze finless porpoise (YFP; 〈em〉Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis〈/em〉), a critically endangered aquatic mammal within the Yangtze River, we validated and optimized these primers for use in qPCR. We tested repeatability and sensitivity to detect YFP eDNA and subsequently compared the cost of traditional (visual and capture) sampling to eDNA tools. Our results suggest cPCR as the least expensive sampling option but the lack of PCR sensitivity suggests it may not be the most robust method for this taxon, predominately useful as a supplementary tool or with large expected populations. Alternatively, qPCR remained less expensive than traditional surveys, representing a highly repeatable and sensitive method for this behaviorally elusive species. Cost comparisons of surveying practices have scarcely been discussed; however, given budgetary constraints particularly for developing countries with limited local oversight but high endemism, we encourage managers to carefully consider the trade-offs among accuracy, cost, coverage, and speed for biodiversity monitoring.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Grazing can induce changes in both plant productivity and nutritional quality, which may subsequently influence herbivore carrying capacity. While research on Soay sheep (〈em〉Ovis aries〈/em〉 L.) dynamics on Hirta Island in the St. Kilda archipelago has elucidated the complexity of population drivers, including parasites, the role of herbivore-generated feedbacks as an intrinsic regulating factor remains unclear. The sheep lack large predators and every 3–9 years undergo population crashes (overcompensatory mortality). We investigated the effects of grazing on (1) sward productivity and (2) quality (toxicity) of the primary forage species, red fescue (〈em〉Festuca rubra〈/em〉 L.), which is highly infected by an alkaloid-synthesizing fungal endophyte. Grazing had a negative impact on both forage quantity and quality. At higher sheep densities, impacts on sward growth were magnified, resulting in a nonlinear relationship with plant productivity. Simultaneously, endophyte hyphal load (and by inference, toxicity) peaked close to the time of a crash. A greenhouse experiment showed that alkaloid concentration in 〈em〉F. rubra〈/em〉 increased in response to artificial defoliation. We conclude that at high sheep densities, grazing-mediated reductions in productivity, together with sustained alkaloid production, are likely to influence sheep dynamics. Future research should consider the interactive effects of forage toxicity, quantity, and nutritional content.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Increased urbanisation is leading to a rise in light pollution. Light pollution can disrupt the behaviour and physiology of animals resulting in increased mortality. However, animals may also benefit from artificial light sources, as these may aggregate prey or signal suitable environments. For example, spiders are commonly seen congregating around artificial light sources. Changes in selective pressures engendered by urban environments are driving changes in urban organisms, driving better adaptation to these environments. Here, we ask whether urban populations of the synanthropic spider 〈em〉Steatoda triangulosa〈/em〉 show different responses to light compared to rural populations. Egg-sacs from urban and rural populations were collected and incubated in a common garden setting, and the emerging spiderlings tested for light preference. While rural spiderlings avoided light (37% built webs in the light), urban spiderlings were indifferent to it (49% built webs in the light). Reduced light avoidance may benefit spiders through increased prey capture, increased movement into suitable habitats, or due to a release from selection pressure from visually hunting predators which do not enter buildings.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Monitoring dynamic distribution is crucial to conservation management of anadromous sturgeons, but traditional survey methods are less efficient for low-density populations in a large river. Natural propagation of Chinese sturgeon has been monitored annually mainly at the spawning ground using netting for eggs and hydroacoustics for broodstock. However, absence of spawning was observed sporadically in recent years, indicating further crises for the declining population. We analyzed eDNA of water samples collected from 24 sites across 1360 km of the migratory route of anadromous Chinese sturgeon in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Chinese sturgeon was detected at 9 sites during the spawning season and 14 sites after the spawning season. We found that positive eDNA detection rates remained constant in the middle reaches but dramatically changed in the lower reaches, reflecting seasonal migration pattern of Chinese sturgeon. Invasive sturgeons were detected in the river, indicating their possible escape from aquaculture facilities. This study established a protocol for the use of eDNA to monitor distribution of Chinese sturgeon and could be valuable in making better policies for the conservation of this endangered species.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Choices have to be made to manage invasive species because eradication often is not possible. Both ecological and social factors have to be considered to improve the efficiency of management plans. We conducted a social study on 〈em〉Fallopia〈/em〉 spp., a major invasive plant taxon in Europe, including (1) a survey on the perception of a landscape containing 〈em〉Fallopia〈/em〉 spp. using a photoquestionnaire and (2) an analysis of the social representations of 〈em〉Fallopia〈/em〉 spp. of managers and users in one highly invaded area and one less invaded area. The respondents to the photoquestionnaire survey appreciated the esthetics of the landscapes less when tall 〈em〉Fallopia〈/em〉 spp. were present. Few people were able to identify and name the plant, and this knowledge negatively affected the appreciation of the photos containing 〈em〉Fallopia〈/em〉 spp. The central core of the social representation of 〈em〉Fallopia〈/em〉 spp. was composed of the invasive status of the plant, its density, and its ecological impacts. The peripheral elements of the representation depended on the people surveyed. The users highlighted the natural aspect whereas the managers identified the need for control. In the invaded area, the managers qualified the species as “unmanageable,” whereas the species was qualified as “foreign” in the less invaded area. Those results provide insights that have to be included when objectives of management plans of these species are selected.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Predatory arthropods are used for biological control in greenhouses, but there is increasing interest to extend their use to the outdoor environment where temperatures are typically lower. Acclimation at low temperature increases the ability of ectotherms to cope with subsequent more extreme cold, but may involve costs or benefits to other performance traits. A recent study in mesostigmatid mites (〈em〉Gaeolaelaps aculeifer〈/em〉) showed that starvation tolerance was improved following a period of cold exposure. However, the physiological mechanisms that underlie improved starvation tolerance following cold exposure were not investigated. To examine whether cold acclimation would also improve starvation tolerance in an insect, we repeated the starvation study in another arthropod predator, the pirate bug 〈em〉Orius majusculus〈/em〉, as well as in 〈em〉G. aculeifer〈/em〉. Before tests, the two species were acclimated at 10, 15, or 20 °C for 7 (〈em〉G. aculeifer〈/em〉) or 16 (〈em〉O. majusculus〈/em〉) days. We then analyzed the effects of thermal exposure on body composition, consumption, and basal metabolic rate in both species〈em〉.〈/em〉 Our results confirmed that exposure to low temperature improves starvation tolerance in these arthropod predators. Body composition analyses revealed that both species had accumulated larger lipid stores during exposure to colder temperature, which at least in part can explain the larger starvation tolerance following cold exposure. In contrast, consumption and basal metabolic rate were not changed by thermal acclimation. Our study indicates that predatory arthropods exposed to cold increase their physiological robustness and ability to endure environmental challenges, including low temperature and low prey availability.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The study addresses 〈em〉in vitro〈/em〉 degradation potential of airborne 〈em〉Aspergillus〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Penicillium〈/em〉/〈em〉Talarmyces〈/em〉 species originating from cultural heritage conservation premises. A series of rapid, cost effective biodegradation assays were performed to assess production of extracellular pigments, acids, and enzymes. Most of the isolates have demonstrated positive growth in at least one of the preformed tests. Strongest overall degradation potential was demonstrated for 〈em〉Penicillium brevicompactum〈/em〉, 〈em〉P. glabrum〈/em〉, and 〈em〉Talaromyces sayulitensis〈/em〉 while 〈em〉Aspergillus domesticus〈/em〉, 〈em〉A. penicillioides〈/em〉, 〈em〉A. pseudoglaucus〈/em〉, and 〈em〉A. ruber〈/em〉 did not exhibit positive reaction in any of the employed assays. Majority of isolates exhibited proteolytic and cellulolytic activity while carbonate dissolution was observed for only five tested fungi. Highest alteration of pH value in liquid media was documented for 〈em〉T. sayulitensis〈/em〉 while 〈em〉A. niger〈/em〉 and 〈em〉P. expansum〈/em〉 exhibited strongest acid production on CREA. Certain isolates, mostly 〈em〉Penicillium〈/em〉 species, displayed production of extracellular pigments. The results imply that many of the tested fungi have significant biodegradation capacity, indicating their potential to inflict structural and esthetic alterations on cultural heritage objects.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Orb weavers produce webs that trap prey using a capture spiral formed of regularly spaced glue droplets supported by protein fibers. Each droplet consists of an outer aqueous layer and an adhesive, viscoelastic glycoprotein core. Organic and inorganic compounds in the aqueous layer make droplets hygroscopic and cause droplet features to change with environmental humidity. When droplets contact a surface, they adhere and extend as an insect struggles. Thus, a droplet’s extensibility is as important for prey capture as its adhesion. Cursory observations show that droplets can adhere, extend, and pull off from a surface several times, a process called cycling. Our study cycled individual droplets of four species—〈em〉Argiope aurantia〈/em〉, 〈em〉Neoscona crucifera〈/em〉, 〈em〉Verrucosa arenata〈/em〉, and 〈em〉Larinioides cornutus〈/em〉. Droplets were subjected to 40 cycles at two humidities to determine how humidity affected droplet performance. We hypothesized that droplets would continue to perform, but that performance would decrease. Droplet performance was characterized by filament length and force on droplets at pull-off, aqueous volume, and glycoprotein volume. As hypothesized, cycling decreased performance, notably extensibility and aqueous volume. However, humidity did not impact the response to cycling. In a natural context, droplets are not subjected to extensive cycling, but reusability is advantageous for orb-weaving spiders. Moreover, the ability to cycle, combined with their environmental responsiveness, allows us to characterize orb weaver droplets as smart materials for the first time.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Most studies on animal personality evaluate individual mean behaviour to describe individual behavioural strategy, while often neglecting behavioural variability on the within-individual level. However, within-individual behavioural plasticity (variation induced by environment) and within-individual residual variation (regulatory behavioural precision) are recognized as biologically valid components of individual behaviour, but the evolutionary ecology of these components is still less understood. Here, we tested whether behaviour of common pill bugs (〈em〉Armadillidium vulgare〈/em〉) differs on the among- and within-individual level and whether it is affected by various individual specific state-related traits (sex, size and 〈em〉Wolbachia〈/em〉 infection). To this aim, we assayed risk-taking in familiar vs. unfamiliar environments 30 times along 38 days and applied double modelling statistical technique to handle the complex hierarchical structure for both individual-specific trait means and variances. We found that there are significant among-individual differences not only in mean risk-taking behaviour but also in environment- and time-induced behavioural plasticity and residual variation. 〈em〉Wolbachia〈/em〉-infected individuals took less risk than healthy conspecifics; in addition, individuals became more risk-averse with time. Residual variation decreased with time, and individuals expressed higher residual variation in the unfamiliar environment. Further, sensitization was stronger in females and in larger individuals in general. Our results suggest that among-individual variation, behavioural plasticity and residual variation are all (i) biologically relevant components of an individual’s behavioural strategy and (ii) responsive to changes in environment or labile state variables. We propose pill bugs as promising models for personality research due to the relative ease of getting repeated behavioural measurements.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Parasitic infections potentially drive host’s life-histories since they can have detrimental effects on host’s fitness. Telomere dynamics is a candidate mechanism to underlie life-history trade-offs and as such may correlate with observed fitness reduction in infected animals. We examined the relationship of chronic infection with two genera of haemosporidians causing avian malaria and malaria-like disease with host’s telomere length (TL) in a longitudinal study of free-ranging blue tits. The observed overall infection prevalence was 80% and increased with age, constituting a potentially serious selective pressure in our population. We found longer telomeres in individuals infected with a parasite causing lesser blood pathologies i.e. 〈em〉Haemoproteus〈/em〉 compared to 〈em〉Plasmodium〈/em〉 genus, but this only held true among males. Female TL was independent of the infection type. Our results indicate that parasitic infections could bring about other types of costs to females than to males with respect to TL. Additionally, we detected linear telomere loss with age, however a random regression analysis did not confirm significant heterogeneity in TL of first breeders and telomere shortening rates in further life.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Social insects often use olfactory cues from their environment to coordinate colony tasks. We investigated whether leaf-cutting ants use volatiles as cues to guide the deposition of their copious amounts of colony refuse. In the laboratory, we quantified the relocation of a small pile of colony waste by workers of 〈em〉Atta laevigata〈/em〉 towards volatiles offered at each side of the pile as a binary choice, consisting of either waste volatiles, fungus volatiles, or no volatiles. Fungus volatiles alone did not evoke relocation of waste. Waste volatiles alone, by contrast, led to a strong relocation of waste particles towards them. When fungus and waste volatiles were tested against each other, waste particles were also relocated towards waste volatiles, and in a high percentage of assays completely moved away from the source of fungus volatiles as compared to the previous series. We suggest that deposition and accumulation of large amounts of refuse in single external heaps or a few huge underground waste chambers of 〈em〉Atta〈/em〉 nests is due to both olfactory preferences and stigmergic responses towards waste volatiles by waste-carrying workers.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉This paper offers a re-description of one of the oldest (Lower Hettangian, Lower Jurassic) plesiosaurians (Reptilia: Sauropterygia) from Germany and discusses its phylogenetic relevance. 〈em〉Lindwurmia thiuda〈/em〉, new genus and species, is a moderately sized plesiosaur (estimated size between 2 and 3 m long) exhibiting several plesiomorphic features. Although it presents a short and robust premaxillary rostrum, constricted at the premaxilla–maxilla suture as observed in Rhomaleosauridae, its skull and skeleton share a great number of characters with basal sauropterygians and basal plesiosaurians: premaxillae and maxillae in contact posterior to the external nares, absence of contact between the vomers and the maxillae posterior to the internal nares, cervical zygapophyses wider than the vertebral centrum width and curved anterior border of the humerus. Phylogenetic analyses variably place 〈em〉Lindwurmia〈/em〉 as sister taxon to 〈em〉Anningasaura〈/em〉 and in a basal position to all other plesiosaurians or recover it among rhomaleosaurids. Most of the oldest plesiosaurians are known from the Hettangian or Hettangian-possibly Sinemurian strata of the UK (Lyme Regis and Street); 〈em〉Lindwurmia〈/em〉 thus represents one of the oldest European taxa found outside of the UK.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The Early Permian Richards Spur locality is unique in preserving a highly diverse faunal assemblage in a cave system, composed of synapsids, reptiles, and anamniotes. However, the presence of 〈em〉Dimetrodon〈/em〉, the most common synapsid of Early Permian localities of the southwestern USA, has never been recorded from the site. Here, we describe for the first time the morphology and histology of a small neural spine with the distinctive figure-8 shape attributable to 〈em〉Dimetrodon〈/em〉. Additionally, histological analysis of previously described sphenacodontid teeth suggests the presence of a derived species of 〈em〉Dimetrodon〈/em〉 at the Richards Spur locality. The presence of this derived synapsid, typical of the later occurring Kungurian localities of Texas and Oklahoma, is unexpected at the stratigraphically older Richards Spur locality. The cave system at Richards Spur preserves mainly basal synapsid taxa, including small caseid, varanopid, and sphenacodontid skeletal remains. The presence of a derived species of 〈em〉Dimetrodon〈/em〉 suggests not only that this animal was more widespread than previously thought, but that there are different patterns of Early Permian synapsid evolution in different ecological settings.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Aesthetic preferences for animals correspond with the species’ presence in the worldwide zoos and influence the conservation priorities. Here, we investigated the relationship between the willingness of respondents to protect mammals and some attributed characteristics such as their aesthetic beauty. Further, several methodological aspects of measuring mammalian beauty were assessed. Animal beauty was associated not only with the respondents’ willingness to protect the species but also with its attributed dangerousness and usefulness. We found that the most preferred animals were carnivores and ungulates, whilst smaller species of rodents and afrosoricids were unpopular. The main characteristics determining that an animal will be ranked as beautiful were complex fur pattern and body shape. We demonstrated that the position of mammalian species along the ‘beauty’ axis is surprisingly stable, no matter the form (illustrations vs photographs), context of stimulus presentation (several number of stimuli per family vs one randomly selected species per family), or the method of beauty evaluation (relative order vs Likert’s scale).〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Senescence in wild populations was long considered negligible but current evidence suggests that it is widespread in natural populations of mammals and birds, affecting the survival and reproductive output of older individuals. In contrast, little is known about reproductive senescence in species with asymptotic growth that can keep increasing their reproductive output as they grow older and larger. Using a cross-sectional study, we tested age-related decline in fecundity and relative allocation to reproduction in five wild populations of an annual killifish, 〈em〉Nothobranchius furzeri〈/em〉 (Cyprinodontiformes). We did not detect any decline in absolute female egg production over their short lifespan in the wild. Relative fecundity (egg production controlled for female body mass) tended to decrease with age. This effect was driven primarily by a single population that survived 17 weeks, almost twice as long as the median persistence of the other four study populations. There was no decrease in relative ovary mass while in males, relative testes mass actually increased with age. Intra-population variation in relative ovary mass increased in older females suggesting heterogeneity in individual trajectories of female reproductive allocation. Overall, we demonstrate that annual killifish do not experience significant age-related decline in reproductive functions during their very short lifespan in the wild despite the marked deterioration of gonad tissue detected in captivity.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The pollination syndrome concept implies that flowers evolved with particular sets of characteristics, such as colors, shapes, orientations, and rewards, as a means of attracting pollinators. However, these traits may have also evolved to deter unwanted visitors. The North American genus 〈em〉Penstemon〈/em〉 exhibits a great floral diversity that is mainly associated with bumblebee and hummingbird pollination. Evolutionary shifts from insect pollination to hummingbird pollination have occurred in 〈em〉Penstemon〈/em〉 repeatedly, but some species maintain mixed-pollination systems and intermediate floral traits between bee- and hummingbird-pollination modes. The apparently intermediate floral traits of species with mixed-pollination systems might be potentially acting to deter bumblebee foragers. Then, bird-flower traits might be selected with increased hummingbird visitation over evolutionary time might, resulting in specialization to and the evolution of floral traits present in hummingbird-pollinated species. Here, we modified bee-pollination floral traits in 〈em〉Penstemon gentianoides〈/em〉 with a mixed pollination system, to resemble hummingbird-pollination traits, and measured the effects of trait modification on bumblebee foraging behavior and plant female reproductive fitness. Our results showed that reduction in the width of the corolla tube and the absence of the corolla lip negatively affects bumblebee visitation and their efficiency as pollinators, and that the synergistic interaction of both traits enhanced the “anti-bee” effect. We conclude that acquisition of floral traits that resemble those of hummingbird-pollination enables 〈em〉Penstemon〈/em〉 plant species to deter bumblebee visits.〈/p〉

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