Common Grasshopper Research Articles

Comparative morphometric study of the common grasshoppers of Manipur

Comparative morphometric study of the common grasshoppers of Manipur

Species diversity of grasshoppers in Kamrup district of Assam and their management by aqueous extracts of <i>Azadirachta indica</i> A. Juss and <i>Aegle marmelos</i> L.

Grasshoppers pose a significant threat to agricultural productivity worldwide, causing substantial damage to various crops such as cereals, legumes, orchards, vegetables, grasslands, and forest plantations. This research aimed to study the species diversity of grasshoppers in five selected paddy field locations of Kamrup district, Assam, and assess the efficacy of aqueous extracts from the leaves of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem) and Aegle marmelos L. (bael) for controlling the most common grasshopper species, Acrida exaltata, found in the study locations. A total of 36 species of grasshoppers were collected and identified, out of which Acrididae was the most predominant grasshopper family, constituting 77.78% of the total collected species. The experimental results demonstrated abnormal changes in behaviour, including slower movement and increased inactivity among the aqueous extracts treated insects. Both the treated groups showed morphological and behavioural change with the more prominent effects observed from the neem-treated group. Haemolymph analysis revealed the presence of severe deformities in both treated groups, such as the spindle-shaped formation of cells, nuclear membrane disintegration, cell fusion and stacking, cytoplasmic vacuole formation, and cytoplasm degeneration. These findings demonstrate the pesticidal potential of neem and bael extracts against the Acrida exaltata grasshopper species, following its toxic impact on haematological, physiological, and morphological behaviour, suggesting the need for further research on their use as effective and environmentally friendly control measures against grasshopper pest infestations in densely vegetated and paddy fields in the region.

Urbanization increases fluctuating asymmetry and affects behavioral traits of a common grasshopper.

Urbanization has a major impact on biodiversity. For many organisms, the urbanization process means environmental stress caused by fragmentation and increased temperatures in cities and atmospheric, soil, light, and noise pollution. Such environmental stress can influence both the morphology and behavior of animals. Hence, individuals might be selected for survival-facilitating traits under high pressures in urban areas. The specific impact of urbanization on insect behavior is still largely unexplored. We studied the impact of urbanization on one of the most common grasshopper species in Germany, Chorthippus biguttulus, by comparing morphological and behavioral traits of individuals sampled from grasslands with low, medium, and high urbanization levels. We first investigated whether urbanization as a stressor affected body size and fluctuating asymmetry in the locomotor organs. Next, we examined whether urbanization induced changes in the individuals' boldness and activity. Our results showed that fluctuating asymmetry of grasshoppers' locomotory organs increased more than twofold with urbanization level. Further, individuals' boldness and walking activity increased from areas with low to high urbanization levels. Our results indicate strong responses of grasshoppers in terms of morphology and behavior to the urban environment. To compensate for urbanization effects on arthropod populations, management strategies need to be developed that maintain ecological processes and reduce environmental stress in urban areas.

Study of LED Radiation Effects on Insect Phototaxis Response for the Development of Light-Based Pest Trap

Commercial agriculture is a resource intensive industry that employs significant amounts of agrochemicals to maintain a high yield output. Excessive application of insecticides has detrimental impacts on human health, environment and long-term sustainability. One particular area of interest is in exploring how insects are attracted to specific bands of the visible light spectrum. This paper details the study of several light conditions using Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to determine its phototaxis response on the common grasshopper, garden moth and lava beetle. The results conclude that all three insects exhibit positive phototaxis response on wavelengths around 491nm and below, which encompasses ultraviolet, blue and green. The radiant intensity experiment revealed a threshold response of 2.8mW/m2, or 25m in reciprocal distance.

Survey and Identification of Grasshoppers Species in Al-Orman Garden in Egypt

A total of 1069 Orthopids belonged to 6 species derived from 2 families (Acrididae and Pyrgomorphidae) were collected from Al-Orman garden during 2019 and 2020. The most common grasshopper species were Calphorus compressicornis 52% and 50%, followed by Aiolopus thalassinus 37% and 38%, then Acrotylus insubricus 3% and 5%, then Heteracris littoralis 3% and 3%, then Eyprepocnemis plorans 3% and 2%, & finally Pyrgomorpha conica 2% and 2%, respectively. These 6 species were collected at the garden in 2019 and 2020.The dominant species were (C. compressicornis and A. thalassinus). The seasonal abundance of grasshopper occurred in August in summer season, one peak only was obtained in both years.

Bioindicator potential of Spathosternum prasiniferum prasiniferum (Orthoptera; Acridoidea) in pesticide (azadirachtin)-induced radical toxicity in gonadal/nymphal tissues; correlation with eco-sustainability

Abstract Acridids are highly abundant living-organism/major-component in agricultural field, globally. It may act as a dependable bio-indicator species in response to environmental-stress. Antioxidants protect insects by scavenging free radicals. Here, we investigated the dose dependant azadirachtin (C35H44O16 AZT) toxicity on oxidative-biomarker; Alkaline-phosphatase (ALP), malondialdehyde (MDA), non-protein-soluble-thiol (NPSH) and antioxidants like superoxide-dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-peroxidase (GPx) and amylase of gonads from both sexes and juvenile tissues of common grasshopper, Spathosternum prasiniferum prasiniferum (Walker, 1871). The newly hatched adults (female: male = 1:1) are exposed to 1 to 20 ppm AZT for 48 h and have compared to control and 6 h incubation with same concentration of azadirachtin for in vitro experiments. Both in vivo and in vitro experiment demonstrated significant influences on oxidative biomarkers with increasing antioxidant enzymatic activities in either sex. The male gonads represents decreasing antioxidant enzyme activities compared to female gonads. Lesser protection by CAT and SOD are noticed in male than female in response to AZT exposure. This experiment suggests that azadirachtin increased the major biomarkers with decreasing antioxidant enzyme activities resulting in more free-radicals related threat in adult male gonads. Variable dose responses were noticed on ALP, AchE and MDA in either gender suggesting multiphasic action of the pesticides. Higher mortality rate is noticed in male with lower nymphal life span. Moreover, nymph IInd is more susceptible than nymph IVth in vitro intoxication of azadirachtin. Possible life threat of vast representatives of agricultural ecosystem by pesticide should be avoided to maintain different bio-geo cycle and eco-sustainability.

Effect of anthropogenic pressure on grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acridomorpha) species diversity in three forests in southern Cameroon

Grasshoppers are highly diversified in tropical rainforests and considered of both ecological and conservation importance. The population dynamics of central African grasshoppers, however, and the structure of their communities remain poorly studied. We report here on the impact of human activities on the diversity of grasshopper species from three localities in southern Cameroon: Ongot, more anthropized forest; Zamakoe, moderately anthropized forest; and Ngutadjap, less anthropized forest. Data were collected using sweep nets, quadrats, and pitfall traps. We analyzed how pressures from human activities affected the grasshopper species compositions using five statistical methods: (1) two non-parametric estimators for specific richness, (2) abundance, (3) abundance distribution model, (4) α diversity index, and (5) β diversity index. The results showed no significant differences in species richness between the sites (nine species at Zamakoe, seven each at Ongot and Ngutadjap). Among these species, one was specific to Ongot and Zamakoe, while one, two, and three species, respectively, were found only in Ongot, Ngutadjap, and Zamakoe. Abundance and species diversity of grasshoppers increased with anthropogenic pressure on the forests. We noticed a great similarity between the grasshopper communities of the two localities under the greatest anthropogenic pressure (Ongot and Zamakoe) compared to that of the less anthropized locality of Ngutadjap. The most common grasshopper species, Mazea granulosa, was most abundant where deforestation was highest. Species diversity was highest in the more and moderately anthropized forests, and the diversity index showed greater similarity between these two grasshopper communities compared with that of the less anthropized forest. This work enables us to better understand how the parameters of these insect communities reflect the degree of forest degradation in southern Cameroon.

Morphology, development, and reproduction of Eyprepocnemis plorans ibandana (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in South Cameroon rainforests

Eyprepocnemis plorans ibandana is a very common grasshopper species in open environments and agricultural systems of tropical Africa. It is a pest that significantly benefits from forest degradation in southern Cameroon, hence the need to study the bioecology of this subspecies. We studied the reproduction as well as the morphological characteristics and development times of the post-embryonic instars of E. p. ibandana. Sixty-one adult pairs were obtained from sixth instar nymphs caught in grassy vegetation in the Nkolbisson area (Yaoundé) and bred in the laboratory. After hatching, the first instar nymphs were individually placed in cages and fed every two days using fresh leaves of Manihot esculenta. The postembryonic development of E. p. ibandana took six instars in the male and six to seven instars in the female. Mean nymphal development took 79.16 ± 0.51 days in males, 89.93 ± 0.58 days in 6 instar females and 94.96 ± 1.22 days in 7 instar females. The survival rate of the first instar was low (53%). However, from the second instar on the survival rate was very high (> 87%). Sexual dimorphism is distinct in adults, fifth and sixth nymphal instars. Adults of E. p. ibandana took on average 32.57 ± 3.88 days to start mating, and mating lasted 2.12 h on average (1–3 h). Oviposition took place on average 52.03 ± 5 days after first mating; each female deposited one to eleven oothecae with an average of 34.93 ± 2.37 eggs per ootheca. Our study provides important information for the control of this subspecies in southern Cameroon.

Microhabitat segregation among three co-existing species of grasshoppers on a rural meadow near Seoul, South Korea

Microhabitat segregation among grasshopper species in Asia has not been well studied. We determined the differences in the use of substrates by three common North East Asian grasshopper species co-existing on a natural meadow near Seoul, South Korea. While many Oedaleusinfernalis individuals were found on the ground, Acridacinerea and Atractomorphalata were usually observed on plants. Acridacinerea was mostly observed on the grass Zoysiajaponica (Poaceae) and Atractomorphalata was mostly found on plants from the family Asteraceae. This is the first study to provide quantitative information about microhabitat differences among some common grasshoppers in rural habitats of continental North East Asia. Future studies should focus on determining the mechanisms that produce such ecological segregation.

Effect of spider silk on the foraging activity of Acrida turrita (Linnaeus, 1758) (Orthoptera: Acridinae)

Predators hold a position of great importance in agro-ecosystems. Their primary significance is that they deter the prey and reduce their plant foraging behaviour, thereby reducing damage and indirectly enhancing the biomass production. The present study was designed to observe the foraging activity of insects in response to spider silk and the cues deposited by spiders on the plants. Orb-weaving spider, Argiope trifasciata, was used as a silk source while Acrida turrita, the common grasshopper of rice fields was used as model herbivorous insect. Foraging of grasshoppers on the silk/cues-deposited plant leaves was compared with the control leaves. Resultantly, a sharp contrast was observed in the foraging activity. Silk-treated leaves were distinctly avoided by the grasshoppers when they were given a choice between the silk-treated and untreated leaves. Furthermore, the learning behaviour of grasshopper was also examined against fresh spider cues. The grasshoppers exhibited a preference for the clean filter paper; by spending more time on it as compared to the cue-deposited filter paper. Therefore, the study provided conclusive evidences that irrespective of the absence of spider, the presence of silk itself is an effective deterrent in threatening the prey and reducing the herbivory damage.

Epigenetics and locust life phase transitions.

Insects are one of the most successful classes on Earth, reflected in an enormous species richness and diversity. Arguably, this success is partly due to the high degree to which polyphenism, where one genotype gives rise to more than one phenotype, is exploited by many of its species. In social insects, for instance, larval diet influences the development into distinct castes; and locust polyphenism has tricked researchers for years into believing that the drastically different solitarious and gregarious phases might be different species. Solitarious locusts behave much as common grasshoppers. However, they are notorious for forming vast, devastating swarms upon crowding. These gregarious animals are shorter lived, less fecund and transmit their phase characteristics to their offspring. The behavioural gregarisation occurs within hours, yet the full display of gregarious characters takes several generations, as does the reversal to the solitarious phase. Hormones, neuropeptides and neurotransmitters influence some of the phase traits; however, none of the suggested mechanisms can account for all the observed differences, notably imprinting effects on longevity and fecundity. This is why, more recently, epigenetics has caught the interest of the polyphenism field. Accumulating evidence points towards a role for epigenetic regulation in locust phase polyphenism. This is corroborated in the economically important locust species Locusta migratoria and Schistocerca gregaria. Here, we review the key elements involved in phase transition in locusts and possible epigenetic regulation. We discuss the relative role of DNA methylation, histone modification and small RNA molecules, and suggest future research directions.

Weather Affects Grasshopper Population Dynamics in Continental Grassland Over Annual and Decadal Periods

Understanding the complex dynamics of insect herbivores requires consideration of both exogenous and endogenous factors at multiple temporal scales. This problem is difficult due to differences in population responses among closely related taxa. Increased understanding of dynamic relationships between exogenous and endogenous factors will facilitate forecasting and suggest nodes in the life cycle of economically important species susceptible to intervention by managers. This study uses an information-theoretic approach to examine the contributions of weather and density to model population densities and growth rates of nine common grasshopper species from continental U.S. grassland over 25years. In general, grass-feeding species and total grass-feeders as a functional group were most closely associated with weather during the year before hatching. Increased variability in prior growing season precipitation was associated with increased densities of Mermiria bivittata, Opeia obscura, Phoetaliotes nebrascensis, and the grass-feeding guild. Melanoplus sanguinipes densities tended to be smaller following warm fall seasons, while Amphitoruns coloradus declined during the positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation or after warmer than average winters. Population growth rate dynamics of all grouped species combinations were best explained by models including variability in precipitation during the prior year growing season. Large-scale Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) patterns were also associated with growth rate dynamics of the mixed-feeding species group. Density showed a negative relationship with population growth rates of five species. This study indicates the importance of parental and diapause environmental conditions and the utility of incorporating long-term, readily obtained decadal weather indices for forecasting grasshopper densities and identifying critical years with regard to grasshopper management—at least to the degree that the past will continue to predict the future as global climates change.

British Ornithologists' Union Records Committee: 43rd Report (October 2014)

British Ornithologists' Union Records Committee: 43rd Report (October 2014)

British Ornithologists' Union Records Committee: 42nd Report (October 2013)

British Ornithologists' Union Records Committee: 42nd Report (October 2013)

Is functional connectivity in common grasshopper species affected by fragmentation in an agricultural landscape?

This study assessed the effects of a fragmented and intensively used agricultural landscape in Switzerland (study area: 95km2) on functional habitat connectivity of three common grasshopper species with different levels of habitat specialisation, Chorthippus albomarginatus, C. biguttulus and Gomphocerippus rufus. A combination of habitat suitability analysis (ecological niche factor analysis) with landscape genetic methods (clustering and least-cost transect analysis) was applied. This enabled the identification of population genetic structure, the habitats where species reproduce and the habitats through which species disperse. For all three study species, there was no distinct population genetic structure detected, and mean pairwise genetic differentiation was generally low (FST≤0.05), although highest for the least mobile species G. rufus. Habitat suitability analysis largely confirmed expectations from literature, finding a large area of suitable habitat for both C. albomarginatus and C. biguttulus in the study area. In contrast, the reproductive habitat of the more specialised species G. rufus was more distinct and less widespread. Furthermore, a most likely dispersal habitat could not be clearly identified for C. albomarginatus and C. biguttulus, but G. rufus seemed to disperse through forests. None of the three species showed a preference for dispersal paths through the mapped reproductive habitat. In conclusion, this study detected only a minor effect of a fragmented agricultural landscape on functional habitat connectivity in three common grasshopper species. The effects were more pronounced for G. rufus, which was the most specialised and least mobile of the three study species. These results exhibit an overall positive perspective for the long-term persistence of common grasshopper species in intensively managed agricultural landscapes.

Molecular and morphological characterization of two avian malaria parasites (Haemosporida: Plasmodiidae), with description of Plasmodium homonucleophilum n. sp.

Plasmodium hoionucleophilum n. sp. was described from the Common Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia based on the morphology of blood stages and partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene. This malaria parasite belongs to the subgenus Novyella; it can be readily distinguished from all described Novyella parasites due to two features, i. e. the strict adherence of its meronts to the nuclei of infected erythrocytes and the lack of such adherence in the case of gametocytes. We also found the lineage pLZFUS01 in Red-Backed Shrike Lanius collurio, identified this parasite and conclude that it belongs to Plasiodium relictum. Illustrations of blood stages of these two parasites are given. DNA lineages associated with P. hoionucleophilum (pSW2, GenBank KC342643) and P. relictum (pLZFUS01, GenBank KC342644) are reported and can be used for molecular identification of these malarial infections. Phylogenetic analysis determines DNA lineages closely related to both reported parasites and is in accordance with the parasites' morphological identification. This study contributes to barcoding of avian malaria parasites using partial sequences of cyt b gene.

Fugler i Norge i 2005 - Rapport fra Norsk faunakomité for fugl (NFKF)

THE NORWEGIAN BIRD REPORT 2005 - a report on locally uncommon and scarce birds in Norway in 2005, by the Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF) The basis of this report is the annual reports produced by the county rarities committees. For 2005 all the counties on the mainland contributed to the report, although Finnmark, Troms, Sogn & Fjordane, Rogaland and Vest-Agder counties did not publish own county reports. Svalbard archipelago and Jan Mayen did not contribute to this report. We believe this report reflects fairly well observations from Norway in 2005. Readers should take care to note the geographical or time delimitation of the records stated for the different species, as stated in codes immediately after the scientific name of the species. The Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF) has been publishing annual reports since 1991. The occurrence of Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus was the poorest in NFKFs history, and the occurence of Lesser White-fronted Geese Anser erythropus at the traditional feeding and roosting site at Valdakmyra, Porsanger (FI) continued to be very low. White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons were seen in poor numbers, while Bar-headed Geese Anser indicus were seen in record high numbers. Mandarin Ducks Aix galericulata occurred in high numbers. Gadwalls Anas strepera have occurred in steadily increasing numbers in Norway in recent years, and 2005 was the best year to date for this species. Garganeys Anas qurquedula had a poor year. Quail Coturnix coturnix occurred in good numbers for the fourth year in succession. Yellow-billed Divers Gavia adamsii experienced the second best year since 1991. Due to favourable weather conditions in late August both Sooty Shearwaters Puffinus griseus and Manx Shearwaters Puffinus puffinus occurred in record high numbers. Many Rough-legged Buzzards Buteo lagopus were seen during the winter months. The Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo is a raptor that has occurred in high numbers in recent years, and 2005 was the third best year ever. The occurrence of Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta was very poor. Several shorebirds, such as Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula, Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus, Sanderlings Calidris alba and Bar-tailed Godwits Limosa lapponica were reported in high numbers from mid-January following the winter storm «Inga». The number of migrating Broad-billed Sandpipers Limicola falcinellus, Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa and Red-necked Phalaropes Phalaropus lobatus were the second best in NFKFs history. Migrating Pomarine Skuas Stercorarius pomarinus was seen in good numbers. Iceland Gulls Larus glaucoides occurred in record high numbers while the occurrence of Little Gulls Larus minutus and Glaucous Gulls Larus hyperboreus was the third best in NFKFs history. The occurrence of Black Terns Chlidonias niger was very poor. Wood Larks Lullula arborea occurred in record high numbers. The negative trend related to migrating Horned Larks Eremophila alpestris continued in 2005 and the last six years represent the six poorest years for this species. Red-throated Pipits Anthus cervinus had another poor year, while Richard’s Pipits Anthus richardi occured in record high numbers. The occurrence of Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flava flavissima was the poorest in NFKF’s history. Stonechats Saxicola torquata occurred in record high numbers and seventeen confirmed breeding pairs were recorded from coastal areas. The Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus is probably expanding significantly in the north of its distribution range. The number of singing Common Grasshopper Warblers Locustella naevia and the occurrence of Yellow-browed Warblers Phylloscopus inornatus was the best ever recorded. The number of Barred Warblers Sylvia nisoria was the second best in NFKF’s history. The number of Great Grey Shrikes Lanius excubitor was the highest ever recorded. Two-barred Crossbills Loxia leucoptera and Pine Grosbeaks Pinicola enucleator occurred in poor numbers. The Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana still has a negative trend and is disappearing from former breeding areas. The Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica experienced the poorest year in NFKFs history, while the occurrence of Little Buntings Emberiza pusilla was the best ever recorded.

Fugler i Norge i 2006 - Rapport fra Norsk faunakomité for fugl (NFKF)

THE NORWEGIAN BIRD REPORT 2006 -  a report on locally uncommon and scarce birds in Norway in 2006, by the Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF) The basis of this report is the annual reports produced by the county rarities committees. For 2006 all the counties on the mainland are represented in the report, although Finnmark, Troms, Sogn & Fjordane, Rogaland, Vest-Agder and Oppland counties did not publish own county reports. Svalbard archipelago and Jan Mayen did not contribute to this report. We believe this report reflects fairly well observations from Norway in 2006. Readers should take care to note the geographical or time delimitation of the records stated for the different species, as stated in codes immediately after the scientific name of the species. Letters in the tables stated in the beginning of the review of the different species should not be cited as real occurrences. The Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF) has been publishing annual reports since 1991. The occurrence of Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus was the poorest in NFKFs history, and the occurence of Lesser White-fronted Geese Anser erythropus at the traditional feeding and roosting site Valdakmyra, Porsanger (FI) continued to be very low. Bean Geese Anser fabalis had a record high occurrence while Bar-headed Geese Anser indicus had the third best occurrence since 1991. Record high numbers of Dark-bellied Brent Geese Branta bernicla bernicla were observed in southern parts of the Norway during the autumn. Gadwall Anas strepera have occurred in steadily increasing numbers in Norway in recent years, and 2006 was the third best year to date for this species. Garganey Anas quequedula occurred in record high number, while the occurrence of Smew Mergellus albellus was the second best since 1991. Quail Coturnix coturnix occurred in good numbers for the fifth year in succession. Yellow-billed Diver Gavia adamsii experienced the third best year since 1991. Many Rough-legged Buzzards Buteo lagopus were seen during the winter months. The Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo is a raptor that has occurred in high numbers in recent years, and 2006 was the best year ever. The occurrence of Corncrakes Crex crex wasthe poorest since 1998 and the occurrence of Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta was the second poorest since 1991. Jack Snipes Lymnocryptes minima were recorded in record high numbers during January to March and the number of spring migrating Great Snipes Gallinago media were record high. The occurrence of Little Gulls Larus minutus reached record high numbers while the occurrence of Sandwich Terns Sterna sandvicensis was very poor. In northern parts of its distribution range many Stock Doves Columba oenas were observed in 2006. Wood Larks Lullula arborea occurred in second best numbers since 1991. The negative trend relatedto migrating Horned Larks Eremophila alpestris was broken in 2006 and this year was the third best since 1991. Stonechats Saxicola torquata occurred in good numbers and eleven confirmed breeding pairs were recorded from the coastal areas of Sogn og Fjordane county. The number of singing Common Grasshopper Warblers Locustella naevia and Marsh Warblers Acrocephalus palustris was the third best since 1991. The occurrence of Yellow-browed Warblers Phylloscopus inornatus was the best ever recorded. The number of Golden Orioles Oriolus oriolus was very poor. The occurrence of Arctic Redpolls Carduelis hornemanni was the third best since 1991, and in late autumn a major influx of Pine Grosbeaks Pinicola enucleator took place in many parts of southern Norway. Many Lapland Buntings Calcarius lapponicus were observed during the winter months. The number of Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana continued to drop and Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica was observed in record low numbers.

Population and environmental effects on the size-fecundity relationship in a common grasshopper across an aridity gradient

Body size is of primary interest to biologists because of its often positive correlation with fitness, in particular fecundity. The size-fecundity relationship is well established both within and among species. However, little is known about how the size-fecundity relationship differs among populations of the same species or whether it differs in response to environmental conditions experienced by a single population. This study examines the size-fecundity relationship in the pallid-winged grasshopper (Trimerotropis pallidipennis: Acrididae, Oedipodinae) among seven populations that extend along an aridity gradient in the southwestern United States. Results showed a positive relationship between body size of field-caught females and precipitation along the gradient, but only among those populations that receive less than 12 cm rainfall a year. There was a positive relationship between body size and the number of mature oocyte in the ovaries and with the number of hatchlings. Potential fecundity, measured as the number of ovarioles, was not correlated with body size in any analysis. All analyses showed that populations differ in their size-fecundity relationships. This relationship was also examined in laboratory conditions that mimic years of high,versus low, food abundance. Results indicate that across the whole aridity gradient, the size-fecundity relationship is largely a function of available resources. The populations at the xeric end of the gradient however, change their reproductive strategy in years of low food abundance and invest more into reproduction per unit size than they do in years of high food abundance. Together, these results caution against assuming, a priori, a positive relationship between size and fecundity; results indicate this relationship depends on the measure of fecundity used, that populations can differ in this relationship and that this relationship can change with changes in environmental conditions. Last, when examined among individuals, body size explained less than 20% of the variation in fecundity, suggesting that body size is not the main determinant of reproductive success in this species.

Fugler i Norge 2004 – Rapport fra Norsk faunakomite for fugl (NFKF)

THE NORWEGIAN BIRD REPORT 2004 - a report on locally uncommon and scarce birds in Norway in 2004, by the Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF)The basis of this report is the annual reports produced by the county rarities committees. For 2004 all the counties contributed to the report, although Finnmark, Troms, Sogn & Fjordane, Rogaland and Vest-Agder counties did not publish own county reports. We believe this report reflects fairly well observations from Norway in 2004. Readers should take care to note the geographical or time delimitation of the records stated for the different species, as stated in codes immediately after the scientific name of the species. The Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF) has been publishing annual reports since 1991. The occurrence of Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus was one of the poorest in NFKFs history, and the occurence of Lesser White-fronted Geese Anser erythropus at the traditional feeding and roosting site Valdakmyra, Porsanger (FI) continued to be very low. White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons was seen in good numbers. Mandarin Ducks Aix galericulata occurredin record high numbers. Gadwalls Anas strepera have occurred in steadily increasing numbers in Norway in recent years, and 2004 was the second best year to date for this species. Quails Coturnix coturnix occurred in good numbers for the third year in succession. Yellowbilled Divers Gavia adamsii experienced the second best year since 1991. Leach’s Storm Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa was seen in record high numbers in Rogaland in September. Many Common Kestrels Falco tinnunculus were seen during the winter months. The Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo is a raptor that has occurred in high numbers in recent years, and 2004 was the second best year ever. The occurrence of Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta was the best ever in NFKFs history. Several shorebirds, such as European Golden Plovers Pluvialis apricaria, Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus, Great Knots Calidris canutus, SanderlingsCalidris alba and Woodcocks Scolopax rusticola wintered in low numbers. The number of migrating Broad-billed Sandpipers Limicola falcinellus was the second best in NFKFs history. Migrating Pomarine Skuas Stercorarius pomarinus and Long-tailed Skuas Stercorarius longicaudus were seen in good numbers, and the occurrence of Little Gulls Larus minutus was the second best in NFKFs history. Compared to the last three years, Glaucous Gulls Larus hyperboreus occurred in considerable lower numbers in 2004. Also the occurrence of Snowy Owls Bubo scandiaca and Great Grey Owls Strix nebulosa were very poor. The negative trend related to migrating Horned Larks Eremophila alpestris continued in 2004, and the last five years represent the five poorest years for this species. The occurrence of Red-throated Pipits Anthus cervinus was one of the poorest in NFKFs history, while Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flava flavissima and Pied Wagtails Motacilla alba yarrellii occurredin near record numbers. Many breeding attempts of Waxwings Bombycilla garrulus were recorded, especially in Nordland county. Stonechats Saxicola torquata occurred in record high numbers, and nine confirmed breeding pairs were recorded. The number of singing Common Grasshopper Warblers Locustella naevia was the highest ever recorded, and the number of Marsh Warblers Acrocephalus palustris and Redbreasted Flycatchers Ficedula parva continued to be high. Many breeding attempts of Red-backed Shrikes Lanius collurio were recorded in Rogaland county, and Great Grey Shrikes Lanius excubitor had another good year throughout the country. The Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus still show a marked increase in the north of its distribution range, especially in Nord- Trøndelag county. In November, the southernmost parts of Norway experienced a major influx of Pine Grosbeaks Pinicola enucleator producing record numbers in the history of NFKF. In October, Norway also had a major influx of Bullfinches Pyrrhula pyrrhula. These Bullfinches probably came from other parts of Europe than Fennoscandia. The Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana continued to occur in low numbers and the Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica experienced the poorest year in NFKFs history. The occurrence of Little Buntings Emberiza pusilla was very good.