Cryptic Habitats Research Articles

The mating behaviour of the seed shrimpParapolycope spiralis(Ostracoda: Cladocopina), with insight into the evolution of mating systems in cryptic interstitial habitats

The mating behaviour of the interstitial ostracod Parapolycope spiralis Tanaka & Tsukagoshi, 2010 is reported here for the first time. This species is adapted to an interstitial environment, and is typified by having tiny body size and being completely blind. In this paper it is presumed that the characteristics of the mating behaviour are typical for species in an interstitial environment. Observations by microscopy on mating behaviour in the laboratory showed various distinct stages: (1) the male captures the female by a sucker on the antennula; (2) the male clasps and maintains the mating position using the endopodite, the endopodite claw, and the exopodite of the antenna; (3) the male makes contact using the distal part of the upper lip; and (4) copulation takes place. These observations indicate that the sequence of stages of the mating behaviour of miniaturized animals is not necessarily always a simplified process. During the process, it seems that the male upper lip establishes physical contact stimuli with the female. Because the interstitial environment is cryptic and consists of a three-dimensional space with reduced connectivity, direct physical contact is likely to be one of the most effective and successful courtship behaviours.

Phylogenetic Novelties and Geographic Anomalies among Tropical Verongida

Exploring marine sponges from shallow tropical reefs of the Caribbean and western Central Pacific, as part of large biodiversity (Moorea Biocode Project) and evolutionary (Porifera Tree of Life) research projects, we encountered 13 skeleton-less specimens, initially divided in two morphological groups, which had patterns of coloration and oxidation typical of taxa of the order Verongida (Demospongiae). The first group of samples inhabited open and cryptic habitats of shallow (15-20 m) Caribbean reefs at Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Panama. The second group inhabited schiophilous (e.g., inner coral framework and crevices) habitats on shallow reefs (0.5-20 m deep) in Moorea Island, French Polynesia. We applied an integrative approach by combining analyses of external morphology, histological observations, 18S rDNA, and mtCOI to determine the identity and the relationships of these unknown taxa within the order Verongida. Molecular analyses revealed that none of the species studied belonged to Hexadella (Ianthellidae, Verongida), the only fibreless genus of the Order Verongida currently recognized. The species from the Caribbean locality of Bocas del Toro (Panama) belong to the family Ianthellidae and is closely related to the Pacific genera Ianthella and Anomoianthella, both with well-developed fiber reticulations. We suggest the erection of a new generic denomination to include this novel eurypylous, fibreless ianthellid. The species collected in Moorea were all diplodal verongid taxa, with high affinities to a clade containing Pseudoceratina, Verongula, and Aiolochroia, a Pacific and two Caribbean genera, respectively. These unknown species represented at least three different taxa distinguished by DNA sequence analysis and morphological characteristics. Two new genera and a new species of Pseudoceratina are here proposed to accommodate these novel biological discoveries. The evolutionary and ecological meaning of having or lacking a fiber skeleton within Verongida is challenged under the evidence of the existence of fibreless genera within various verongid clades. Furthermore, the discovery of a fibreless Peudoceratina suggests that the possession of a spongin-chitin fiber reticulation is an "ecological" plastic trait that might be lost under certain conditions, such us growing within another organism's skeletal framework. These results raise new questions about the ecological and evolutionary significance of the development of a fiber skeleton and of sponges' adaptability to various environmental conditions.

The macroalgal carbonate factory at a cool-to-warm temperate marine transition, Southern Australia

The shallow neritic seafloor to depths of ~30m along the coast of southwestern Victoria Australia, is the site of rocky reefs on volcanic and aeolianite bathymetric highs. The region, located near the warm- to cool-temperate environmental transition, is a site of prolific macroalgae (kelp) growth. Kelps are most prolific and diverse in high-energy, open-ocean environments whereas broad-leafed seagrasses, at their cold-water eastern limit, are restricted to local protected embayments. The seagrasses are reduced to one species of Amphibolis whereas the kelps are diverse and include the large intertidal bull kelp (Durvillaea), not present in warmer waters. The macroalgal forest extends from the intertidal to ~30mwd (metres water depth) as a series of distinct biomes; 1) the Peritidal, 2) the Phaeophyte Forest (0–17mwd), 3) the Rhodophyte Thicket (17–15mwd), and 4) the Invertebrate Coppice (>25mwd). The Phaeophyte Forest is partitioned into a Durvillaea zone (0–2mwd), a Phyllospora zone (2–10mwd) and an Ecklonia zone (10–17mwd). The two major habitats within each biome comprise 1) an upward facing illuminated surface that supports a macroalgal canopy over an understorey of coralline algae and herbivorous gastropods, and 2) a separate, cryptic, shaded habitat dominated by a diverse community of filter-feeding invertebrates. These communities produce two different sediments; 1) geniculate and encrusting corallines and diverse gastropods from the upper surface, and 2) bryozoans, molluscs, barnacles, chitons, serpulids, and benthic foraminifers from the shaded, cryptic habitats. These particles are blended together with the latter becoming proportionally more abundant with increasing depth. Results of this study, when integrated with recent investigations in warm-temperate (South Australia) and cool-temperate (New Zealand) environments now define carbonate sedimentology of the macroalgal reef depositional system in this part of the northern Southern Ocean.

When aerial surveys will not do: grey seal pup production in cryptic habitats of Wales

Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) are a species of conservation concern that require Marine Protected Area management and population status assessment under the EU Habitats Directive. Aerial surveys are commonly used to monitor grey seal pup production at their globally important UK colonies. However, in Wales more than half of pups are born in cryptic breeding habitats such as sea caves. These cryptic habitats preclude the use of aerial monitoring methods and necessitate ground-based counts, which are costly in resources. In this study, we compare a ground-based pup production census with a reduced effort plot-sampling survey to estimate pup production, derive a total population size and assess cost effectiveness. Pup production in North Wales was estimated at 91 (95% confidence interval: 70–112) by the plot-sampling design and was a good approximation of the ‘true’ value of 96 derived from the census. The total population size in North Wales was estimated at between 242 and 307 grey seals. The plot-sampling design reduced survey effort by 46% and saved 30% on logistical costs compared to the full census. We outline the suitability of this method as part of a monitoring programme for grey seal pup production and suggest our approach may be applicable to other regions where grey seals use cryptic breeding habitat.

Effect of humidity and a superabsorbent polymer formulation on the efficacy of Heterorhabditis zealandica (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) to control codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Adequate moisture levels are required for nematode survival and subsequent efficacy as entomopathogens. Formulation of nematodes aimed at aboveground applications may assist in maintaining such moisture levels. In this study, we report the effects of a superabsorbent polymer formulation, Zeba® on the performance of an entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis zealandica Poinar, for controlling diapausing codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) larvae in cryptic habitats on trees. Water activity (aw-value) on bark was considered to be an indication of moisture levels on trees in cryptic habitats where codling moth larvae are known to occur, thereby influencing nematode efficacy. H. zealandica was only able to infect codling moth larvae at aw≥0.92, with aw50=0.94 and aw90=0.96. Laboratory experiments in which nematode concentration was investigated indicated a positive linear relationship between the concentration of nematodes applied and the level of control obtained, with the highest level of mortality recorded at 80 IJs/larva, requiring at least 4 h of conditions conducive to nematode activity to ensure infectivity and subsequent efficacy. Further experimentation showed that the use of the Zeba formulation, together with the nematodes, improved the level of control obtained at 60% and 80% RH in the laboratory and that it also enhanced the survival and infection-ability of the nematodes in the field. The study conclusively illustrates that the tested formulation assisted in maintaining adequate moisture levels on the application substratum, as required for nematode survival and subsequent efficacy.

New communal roosting tradition established through experimental translocation in a Neotropical harvestman

‘Tradition’ has been invoked to explain instances in which animals aggregate repeatedly in the same locations for no apparent reason, but alternative explanations, such as cryptic habitat selection, are difficult to rule out. Distinguishing among these hypotheses requires field experiments. We studied a species of harvestman ( Prionostemma sp.) that forages solitarily at night and forms roosting aggregations in spiny palms by dawn. Aggregations have formed repeatedly in the same sites for over a decade, and yet the aggregation sites do not appear to differ from unused sites in tree characteristics or microclimate. Previous research suggested that the harvestmen find aggregation sites by detecting chemicals left behind by conspecifics. If so, it should be possible to establish new aggregation sites simply by moving harvestmen to new locations. We carried out such an experiment and, as predicted, release sites attracted harvestmen at much higher rates than did matched control sites. Most individuals that came to release sites were new recruits, and one site continued to attract several harvestmen for at least 7 days, suggesting that a new roosting tradition was established. We also revisited the question of whether any other factors, besides past usage, predict site use. Among sites used by the harvestmen, the size of the aggregations was strongly predicted by microclimate and spiny palm characteristics. Together these findings support the hypothesis that attraction to conspecific cues is the primary mechanism responsible for the long-term stability of aggregation sites, while also suggesting that site characteristics play a previously unrecognized role. Understanding how site traditions develop may have direct applications in conservation. ► We found that harvestmen have roosted communally in the same sites for 10 years. ► Site characteristics predicted the size, but not the location, of the aggregations. ► These appear to be traditional roosts maintained by chemical conspecific attraction. ► We established a new communal roost simply by translocating animals to new sites. ► Our findings may be relevant for conserving species that roost communally.

Morphology, phylogeny, and systematic revision of genera in the Dimyidae (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Pteriomorphia)

Differences in the mineralogy of hinge teeth and inner shell layers in the family Dimyidae form the basis for a revision of genera. The stem genusAtreta(Late Triassic to Late Cretaceous) has aragonitic denticulate hinge teeth on the right valve articulating with pitted sockets on the left valve. The same arrangement is present inNeoatretan. gen. (Paleocene? Miocene to Recent) but with the appearance of extensive calcitic overarching of the resilifer. InDimyella(Eocene to Recent), aragonitic teeth and sockets are still present but are modified into hook shaped denticulate teeth with corresponding sockets. All three of these genera have inner aragonitic crossed-lamellar shell layers that extend well outside the pallial line. In contrast,Dimya(Eocene to Recent) andBasiliomya(Pliocene to Recent) comprise a second clade in which aragonitic hinge teeth are absent and hinge articulation is calcitic, derived from the calcitic rim.Dimyahas only weak hinge articulation and has an aragonitic inner shell layer delimited by the pallial line; inBasiliomyacalcitic hinge teeth are more prominent and the entire inner shell layer inside the pallial line is foliated calcite.Diploschiza(Cretaceous, Albian to Maastrichtian), here reinstated from synonymy withAtreta, is probably a precursor of theDimya-Basiliomyaclade based on incipient calcitic hinge teeth. Predation pressures probably drove the evolution of this cemented family from its original habitat on hardgrounds in moderately deep water into much greater depths or into cryptic habitats, including submarine caves.New combinations areDimyella malnatrensis(Corselli and Bernocchi),D. molokaia(Dall, Bartsch, and Rehder),D. similis(v. Koenen),Neoatreta dissimilis(Tate),N. filipina(Bartsch),N. kaiparaensis(Laws),N. phaidra(Woodring),and N. plana(Martin).

New Caledonia has a depauperate subterranean ant fauna, despite spectacular radiations above ground

Ants are often a target of tropical biodiversity assessment because of their ecological dominance and value as indicators of ecosystem health, but high microhabitat specificity, patchy distribution and cryptic habits of many species make effective sampling problematic. Although tropical ant faunas have long been known to show strong vertical stratification, only recently has it been recognised that this can include a high diversity of subterranean species that are poorly sampled using traditional methods. Global diversity patterns of subterranean ants and their responses to above-ground disturbance remain largely unknown. We describe ants collected in 360 subterranean traps distributed across 15 sites representing contrasting soil types (volcano-sedimentary and ultramafic) in New Caledonia, a recognised Global Biodiversity hotspot. New Caledonia has a diverse above-ground ant fauna that includes spectacular radiations of both Gondwanan and Indo-Malayan genera from all above-ground layers (litter, epigaeic and arboreal), and so it might be expected also to harbour a subterranean ant fauna of high biogeographic and conservation significance. We show that New Caledonia supports an extremely depauperate subterranean ant fauna, especially on ultramafic soils, with only two cryptobiotic species recorded in subterranean traps, and a trap success rate up to an order of magnitude lower than in comparable Australian studies. Our results show that there is an uncoupling of ant diversity above- and below- ground, such that a high diversity and conservation significance of ants above ground is not necessarily matched below.

How diverse is sponge fauna in the Adriatic Sea?

The Adriatic Sea can be considered as a large, mostly shallow embayment of the Mediterranean Sea. The latitudinal SE-NW extension of the Adriatic results in considerable climate differences along its coast. In this work we compiled the listof sponges from classes Demospongiae and Homoscleromorpha recorded in the Adriatic up to now: we performed a thor-ough literature check and we added the results of our decade long research with a special emphasis on sponge fauna inmarine caves. All the records were assigned to the North, Middle or South Adriatic according to their geographic location,and the analysis showed a very high similarity among the sponge fauna of the 3 areas. The likeness between the N. andthe M. Adriatic is over 83 %, between the M. and the S. Adriatic over 76 % and between the N. and the S. Adriatic over66 %. Altogether 283 species of sponges from these two classes (our field data and literature survey) have been recordedin the whole Adriatic up to now, which is a considerably higher number than in previous reviews. Among the 125 speciesthat we found so far in our research along the Croatian coast, 77 were found in marine caves. We are still discovering spe-cies not previously found in the Adriatic Sea (especially from cryptic habitats) and here we report 15 new records for the Adriatic Sea, 9 of which were noted only in caves.

Molecular species diagnosis confirmed the occurrence of Kumamoto oyster Crassostrea sikamea in Korean waters

In order to develop an appropriate natural resource management policy, it is important to elucidate the cryptic habitats of species. Oyster species are likely to have such unrecognized habitats owing to the difficulty involved in morphological species identification. In this study, we discovered a novel cryptic habitat of the Kumamoto oyster Crassostrea sikamea, a sibling species of the Pacific oyster C. gigas, in Korean waters. We collected 50 oyster samples from Suncheon Bay, located in the southern Korean Peninsula, among which 20 individuals of C. sikamea, 29 of C. gigas, and one C. sikamea/C. gigas hybrid were identified based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers. There were no significant differences in shell morphology between the two species, which is consistent with how difficult it is to delineate them based on their shell features. Our identification of this novel C. sikamea habitat should help to improve the resource management of East Asian oysters.

Voragocoris schuhi, a New Genus and Species of Neotropical Schizopterinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Schizopteridae)

Schizopteridae, the largest of the five families of Dipsocoromorpha or litter bugs, currently comprise 48 genera and ∼235 species in three subfamilies. Due to their small size (1–2 mm), cryptic habits, high diversity in the tropics, and the fact that few contemporary experts focus on the group, a significant proportion of schizopterid diversity remains undocumented. Based on one female and three male specimens, Voragocoris schuhi, n. gen. n. sp., is here described from the Andean foothills in Southeastern Peru. Specimens were collected by sweeping low vegetation and suspended leaf litter. The new taxon is placed in the subfamily Schizopterinae and belongs to the Corixidea genus group. The unique modification of the ventral surface of the male pygophore differentiates this taxon from all remaining Schizopterinae and Schizopteridae. Color images of habitus and details of the thorax and abdomen are provided together with scanning electron microscopical documentation and drawings.

First Report ofTecia solanivora(Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Attacking the PotatoSolanum tuberosumin Mexico

The Guatemalan moth, Tecia solanivora Pov olny (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), was first regis tered in Guatemala and most recently invaded and became a key pest of the potato, Solanum tuberosum L., in Central and South America (Po volny 1973; Puillandre et al. 2008). Recently, this pest has been detected in the Canary Islands, Spain (Barragan et al. 2004), and it was included in the list of pests recommended for regulation as quarantine pests (OEPP/EPPO 2005). The larvae of the moth mine inside potato tubers, and adult moths hide in soil crevices during daytime. Chem ical products are inadequate for the control of T. solanivora, because of the cryptic habits of the pests and continuous insecticide spraying also impacts on environmental and human health. Until recently, T. solanivora was not present in Mexico (OEPP/EPPO 2005). In 2U(jy the surface area of land dedicated to

Experimental natural substrate preference of southern king crab Lithodes santolla larvae

Notwithstanding the commercial importance of Lithodes santolla in the southern tip of South America, little is known about settlement habitat and behavior of their larvae. Such information is relevant for understanding its life history and for management and development of fishery-stock enhancement programs. The aims of this study were to determine the natural substrata that larval stages, zoeae and megalopa select for recruitment, and the effects of megalopa density and diurnal–nocturnal phase on such selection. Different laboratory experiments with durations of 8h to 4weeks were performed in 6-L round containers with their bottoms divided in four equal portions, each filled with sand, gravel, cobble and broken shell as substrata. Containers were kept in a cold room at 7.1±0.5°C and under 12:12h light and dark photoperiod. Trials began with the release of larvae of different stages in the center of the containers. After different time periods, proportions of larvae swimming or settled on each substrate were determined. Larvae selected and settled on natural substrata immediately after being placed into the containers. Experiments showed that all larval stages (zoeae and megalopa) preferred complex substrata such as broken shell, cobble and gravel over sand which was rejected. The megalopa selects the substrate even during night period. Selection seems to be density-dependent since at the lowest density broken shell was the preferred substrate. Selection of complex substrata (i.e. mussel beds and/or shell fragments in nature) by all larval stages, even as early as the first zoea stage, provides a cryptic habitat which may reduce mortality by predation and/or cannibalism. Knowledge on habitat preference is useful for fishery management and also for assessing the different habitats in a potential stock enhancement program of southern king crab.

A specific mix of generalists: bacterial symbionts in Mediterranean Ircinia spp.

Microbial symbionts form abundant and diverse components of marine sponge holobionts, yet the ecological and evolutionary factors that dictate their community structure are unresolved. Here, we characterized the bacterial symbiont communities of three sympatric host species in the genus Ircinia from the NW Mediterranean Sea, using electron microscopy and replicated 16S rRNA gene sequence clone libraries. All Ircinia host species harbored abundant and phylogenetically diverse symbiont consortia, comprised primarily of sequences related to other sponge-derived microorganisms. Community-level analyses of bacterial symbionts revealed host species-specific genetic differentiation and structuring of Ircinia-associated microbiota. Phylogenetic analyses of host sponges showed a close evolutionary relationship between Ircinia fasciculata and Ircinia variabilis, the two host species exhibiting more similar symbiont communities. In addition, several bacterial operational taxonomic units were shared between I.variabilis and Ircinia oros, the two host species inhabiting semi-sciophilous communities in more cryptic benthic habitats, and absent in I.fasciculata, which occurs in exposed, high-irradiance habitats. The generalist nature of individual symbionts and host-specific structure of entire communities suggest that: (1) a 'specific mix of generalists' framework applies to bacterial symbionts in Ircinia hosts and (2) factors specific to each host species contribute to the distinct symbiont mix observed in Ircinia hosts.

Prime waterfront real estate: Apple snails choose wild taro for oviposition sites

Abstract While difficult to prevent introductions, scientific research can help guide control efforts of exotic, invasive species. South American island apple snails Pomacea insularum have quickly spread across the United States Gulf Coast and few control measures exist to delay their spread. Usually occupying cryptic benthic habitats, female apple snails crawl out of the water to deposit large, bright pink egg clutches on emergent objects. To help identify the most likely place to find and remove clutches, we conducted four lab experiments to investigate what specific object qualities (i.e. material; shape and height; plant species; natural and artificial) attracted P. insularum females to lay clutches. In our fourth experiment, we specifically examined the relationship between female size and reproductive output. To further understand reproductive output, we quantified experimental clutch characteristics (height above water, dimensions, mass, approximate volume, number of eggs, hatching efficiency). Pomacea insu-larum females laid more clutches on plant material, chose round over flat surfaces and failed to differentiate between tall and short structures. In comparison to a common native plant in the eastern US, Pontederia cordata, snails clearly preferred to lay clutches on a widely distributed exotic, invasive plant (wild taro, Colocasia esculenta). Unexpectedly, smaller snails showed higher overall total fecundity as well as more eggs per clutch than larger snails. Therefore, hand removal efforts of large females may not be enough to slow down clutch production. Collectively, our results indicate that conservationists and managers should search emergent plants for P. insularum clutches carefully to guard against established populations.

Activity, movement and secretive behavior of a threatened arboreal folivore, the thin‐spined porcupine, in the Atlantic forest of southern Bahia, Brazil

AbstractActivity and behavior patterns are important components of a given species’ ecological strategy, as they have profound implications for its survival and reproduction. Here, we studied the activities, movements and secretive behavior of the thin‐spined porcupine Chaetomys subspinosus (Rodentia: Erethizontidae), a threatened arboreal folivore in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest. We aimed to ascertain the behavioral strategies used by this species as well as its responses to seasonal and daily climatic changes. Four radio‐collared individuals were followed continuously for 72‐h in the summer and winter, as well as during 146 half‐night sessions conducted from April 2005 to September 2006 in forest remnants in southern Bahia. The thin‐spined porcupines were nocturnally active (17:30–05:40 h), with peaks in activity and movement from 19:00 to 20:00 h and 03:00 to 04:00 h. Animals followed a circadian rhythm of activity during both the summer and winter. During the diel cycle, porcupines spent 74% of their time resting, 14% feeding, 11% traveling and 2% performing other activities. Distance traveled during the diel cycle averaged 277.5 ± 117.9 m sd. The mean movement rate during the night was 21.6 ± 30.1 m/h sd. No significant changes in activity budget or daily distance traveled were observed between seasons, most likely in response to the low fluctuations in climatic conditions and food availability throughout the year in the study region. However, rainfall reduced the time that the animals spent on feeding activities and explained day‐to‐day differences in activity budgets. We also provide details about intraspecific interactions and defecation behavior. Our observations confirmed that thin‐spined porcupines, similar to other folivorous species, present low activity levels and short daily movements, and have adopted various cryptic habits, such as nocturnality, a solitary lifestyle, the tendency to leave offspring alone most of the time and defecation in concealed latrines.

Carbonate production and deposition in a warm-temperate macroalgal environment, Investigator Strait, South Australia

The prolific macroalgal forests in shallow (< 20 m), warm-temperate, marine environments off southern Yorke Peninsula, South Australia have two carbonate-producing habitats, 1) upward-facing, exposed rock surfaces beneath large phaeophytes, and 2) concealed rock surfaces under overhangs, on rock walls, in crevasses, and indentations that all lie behind a curtain of brown macroalgae. Exposed surfaces have three growth tiers; 1) a basal, cm-high veneer or turf of crustose corallines, geniculate corallines, and short fleshy red algae that are grazed by herbivorous gastropods, 2) an intermediate, 5–20 cm-high community of fleshy red algae, and 3) a 20–100 cm+-high canopy of large phaeophytes (especially Ecklonia, Cystophora and Xiophora) whose blades are locally encrusted with bryozoans, such as Membranipora membranacea, and spirorbids. Concealed surfaces of subvertical rock walls and cryptic habitats behind the macroalgal curtain have two tiers; 1) a cornucopia of encrusting plants and animals, especially crustose and geniculate corallines in shallow water, that give way in water depths > 4 m to numerous bryozoans (especially fenestrates), serpulid worms, numerous and diverse demosponges, ascidians, small solitary corals, epifaunal echinoids, and gastropods, and 2) a veil of macroalgae (mainly Cystophora and Ecklonia) that drapes down and shades the rock walls. Most carbonate sediment production does not come from calcareous epiphytes on the macroalgae but comes from the coralline algae and calcareous invertebrates living on the rock walls and in concealed depressions. Mollusks (gastropods and bivalves) and geniculate coralline algae with numerous lithoclasts, crustose coralline fragments, barnacle plates, serpulid worms, bryozoans, and large benthic foraminifers (especially Amphistegina) dominate the resultant gravels and sands; but there is little or no mud. This is because carbonate sediment is the result of production not only in the macrophyte factory but also in adjacent seagrass factories. Particles produced in the macroalgal factory are shed onto the adjacent seafloor, where they form the requisite sandy substrates for quick colonization by seagrasses. Thus, over time the sediment in this shallow but hydrodynaically energetic environment becomes a mixture of materials from the two sources with seagrasses contributing gastropods, large benthic foraminifers, spirorbids, bryozoans and articulated corallines to the sediment milieu. If this system is a typical example, then warm-temperate Neogene carbonate facies related to macroalgal factories should be a mixture of materials from the rocky substrates, a calcareous infauna, and marine seagrasses.

An autodissemination station for the transfer of an insect growth regulator to mosquito oviposition sites

A prototype autodissemination station to topically contaminate oviposition-seeking container-dwelling mosquitoes with the insect growth regulator, pyriproxyfen, was developed and tested in the laboratory. Our test subject was the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae), an urban species that colonizes small-volume cryptic larval habitats and is a skip ovipositor that visits multiple containers. The station consists of a water reservoir to attract gravid females, which is joined to a transfer chamber designed to contaminate visiting mosquitoes. The unit is easily constructed by moulding wet shredded cardboard using corn starch as a binder. The essential criteria that must be met to prove the efficacy of an autodissemination station require it to demonstrate effectiveness in attracting the target insect, in transferring the toxicant to the insect that will disperse the agent, and in facilitating the subsequent transfer of the toxicant from the insect to target habitats at a lethal concentration. Cage experiments demonstrated that the unit was readily accepted by gravid females as an oviposition site. A powder formulation of pyriproxyfen-impregnated silica particles adhered to visiting Ae. albopictus females (mean: 66 particles/female), although particles were lost over time. In cage (2.2 m(3) ) trials, pyriproxyfen-charged stations resulted in 100% inhibition of adult emergence, whereas in small-room (31.1 m(3) ) trials, 81% emergence inhibition was recorded. The venereal transfer of pyriproxyfen from contaminated males to virgin females was also observed, and pyriproxyfen was subsequently transferred to water-holding containers at concentrations that inhibited emergence. Key autodissemination station features include lack of maintenance requirements, biodegradable construction, low cost and low risk.

A comparative analysis of sperm storage and mating strategies in five species of brachyuran crabs

Variation in female sperm storage is explained, in part, by the amount of sperm transferred at mating. Laboratory mating experiments were conducted on Eurypanopeus depressus and Rhithropanopeus harrisii from the Chesapeake Bay and Pachygrapsus transversus from Florida, while mated pairs of Uca beebei and U. terpsichores were collected from mudflats in Panama. All experiments and collections were conducted during the summer of 2006 and 2007. More sperm was transferred to larger than smaller females, and by species with long copulation durations (R. harrisii and E. depressus). These two species live in cryptic habitats, have high sperm/egg ratios, and likely store sperm across multiple broods. In contrast, P. transversus and U. beebei mate conspicuously, have short copulations, transfer fewer sperm, and have low sperm/egg ratios. Comparisons of sperm transfer across different mating strategies and habitats provide a better understanding of female sperm storage in the Brachyura.

Jurassic submarine troglobites: is there any link to the recent submarine cave fauna?

Recent submarine caves are inhabited by endemic faunas adapted to oligotrophism, darkness and a tranquil environment. Many of their representatives are archaic types of animals resembling fossils from very early times in evolution. This article compares fossil fauna from Jurassic neptunian dykes (originally sea bed clefts) from the Western Carpathians with the Recent cave-dwelling fauna. The ostracods Pokornyopsis feifeli are particularly important. In the Western Carpathians, these were exclusively found in the Middle/Late Jurassic fissure fillings, but in the non-Tethyan Germanic Jurassic this species was found in deep-marine claystones. They are phylogenetic forerunners of the recent genus Danielopolina inhabiting both anchialine caves and deep seas. This indicates a Jurassic migration of deep-marine fauna to cryptic habitats. Other examples of cryptic communities include the Upper Jurassic cavity-dwelling fauna dominated by serpulids and scleractinian corals. Associated suspension feeders include thecideidine brachiopods, oysters, bryozoans, sponges, crinoids and sessile foraminifers. Serpulid-dominated bioconstructions have recent analogies in the Mediterranean and Carribean seas. Different type of dyke communities represent the Late Jurassic fauna of small sized ammonites which originated from both Tethyan and Boreal paleobioprovinces. It has not been established whether these amonites were juvenile, dwarfed specimens adapted to limited cave space or size-sorted adult specimens.