Microhabitat Utilization Research Articles

Microhabitat Utilization of the Mexican Salamander, Pseudoeurycea leprosa

All neotropical plethodontid salamanders belong to the supergenus Bolitoglossa, and are distributed from northeastern Mexico to central Bolivia. Neotropical plethodontid salamanders comprise almost 50% of all known salamander species, but their general biology is poorly understood. So far, the few ecological studies published have concentrated on elevational zonation (Wake and Lynch, 1976; Wake, 1987; Wake et al., 1992), microhabitat utilization (Wake and Lynch, 1976) and thermal ecology (Feder, 1982; Feder and Lynch, 1982). Vial (1968) presented the only significant autecological study on a neotropical salamander. With 31 indiginous species, Pseudoeurycea is the largest genus of salamanders in Mexico. In the plateau region of central Mexico Pseudoeurycea leprosa is one of the most abundant and widely distributed salamanders (Taylor, 1938; Taylor and Smith, 1945). The species occurs at high elevations in terrestrial and semiarboreal situations.

Feeding habits and microhabitat utilization by two syntopic Brazilian Amazonian frogs (Hyla minuta and Pseudopaludicula sp. (gr. falcipes)

We studied the feeding habits and microhabitat use of the Amazonian frogs Hyla minuta and Pseudopaludicula sp. at Serra Norte, Carajás, Brazil. Although living syntopically, the two species differed markedly in both prey types and sizes. Standardized feeding niche breadth of H. minuta (Bst = 0.572) was larger than that of Pseudopaludicula sp. (Bst = 0.149) and their feeding niche overlap was considerably low (10.5%). The two frog species also differed in microhabitat use. When active, Pseudopaludicula sp. were found partially submerged at the lake border whereas H. minuta were found predominantly on Nymphaea sp. leaves. Although we have not evaluated taxonomic effects on diet composition, differences in diet may be partially explained by differences in microhabitat use and frogs' size.

Microhabitat Analysis of three Fen-grassland Grasshopper species (Acrididae: Gomphocerinae)

Based on an individual data recording of 13 biotic and abiotic microhabitat variables, the microhabitat of 3 sympatric and coexisting fen-grassland grasshoppers was analyzed. The investigated species were closely related Chorthippus albomarginatus Degeer 1773, Chorthippus montanus Charpentier 1825, and Chorthippus parallelus Zetterstedt 1821 (Acrididae: Gomphocerinae). The application of Principal Components Analysis combined 70.4% of the recorded data to 3 main factors: (a) Perch height in the vegetation and its density, (b) leaf canopy, and (c) microclimate, describing the microhabitat of the 3 species in a sufficient way. Supported by 3 ecological standard calculations, the results show a finely tuned microhabitat utilization, confirming a strategy of competition avoidance of the 3 species in case of coexistence. Even on microhabitat scale Ch montanus is stenoecious, whereas Ch albomarginatus and Ch parallelus are euryecious. Thus, the species' macrohabitat requirements are continued in the microhabitat.

Ecological Differences in Tropical Sympatric Skinks (Mabuya macrorhyncha and Mabuya agilis) in Southeastern Brazil

Ecological Differences in Tropical Sympatric Skinks (Mabuya macrorhyncha and Mabuya agilis) in Southeastern Brazil

Microhabitats of salt marsh foraminifera: St. Catherines Island, Georgia, USA

Salt marsh foraminifera of St. Catherines Island, Georgia occupy a range of epibenthic to deep infaunal (to 30 cm) micro-habitats. Freshly collected specimens of Arenoparrella mexicana from 27 to 30 cm below the marsh surface extruded pseudopodial nets and actively collected foreign material about the aperture. Salt marsh foraminifera may be primarily epibenthic (0–1 cm), epibenthic to intermediate infaunal (0–10 cm), or deep infaunal (0–30 cm). Most of the twelve commonly occurring species in St. Catherines Island marshes are epibenthic to intermediate infaunal. Species distributional patterns differ with regard to: maximum depth of infaunal occurrences, infaunal microhabitat utilization in different marsh zones and environments, and the presence or absence of subsurface population maxima. Selective preservation impacts both calcareous and agglutinated foraminifera. Intense bioturbation primarily by halophytes and decapod crustaceans may contribute to the deep infaunal occurrences of foraminifera in these environments.

Ecomorphological correlates in ten species of subtropical seagrass fishes: diet and microhabitat utilization

Ecomorphological correlates in ten species of subtropical seagrass fishes: diet and microhabitat utilization

An improved electrofishing methodology for the assessment of habitat use by young-of-the-year fishes

A new electrosampling device was developed and evaluated for the assessment of densities of and microhabitat utilization by young-of-the-year (YOY) fishes in the River Ourthe (Southern Belgium). This device consists in electrofishing frames powered by a direct current generator. A steel plate anode is placed in the centre of the frame whose perimeter is delimited by a closed cathode. The cathode acts as an electric barrier and allows a more precise delimitation of the sampled area. The frame is installed in 5 min by two operators (camouflage of the anode in the substratum). Delays for recolonization of the sampling area by YOY averaged 6.5 min (N = 25) and never exceeded 15 min. The straying and mortality rates of YOY were dependent on voltage used, size of anode and distance anode-cathode (logistic equations ; p <0.05 ; 14 DF). The best compromise was obtained when using a 0.04 m 2 anode within a 2 m 2 frame energetized with 240 V (straying and mortality <5 %). This configuration was tested on 16 sites within a single station. 1,241 YOY (21-66 mm FL) were captured belonging to eight cyprinid species, the most represented species being L. leuciscus (51.04 % of captured YOY). Densities as high as 133 YOY/m 2 were attended in shallow and weakly-sloped nurseries and were significantly (R 2 = 0.972, 14 DF) correlated with water temperature in the sampling site relatively to the thermal gradients in the station. Microhabitat use by YOY is interpreted within the contexts of predation and habitat availability in reduced flows. The consistent results obtained with this new methodology indicate that its precision is relevant for the assessment of microhabitat use by juvenile fishes. Further applications and improvements of the methodology are discussed.

Patterns of microhabitat utilization by mobile megafauna on the southern New England (USA) continental shelf and slope

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 127:77-85 (1995) - doi:10.3354/meps127077 Patterns of microhabitat utilization by mobile megafauna on the southern New England (USA) continental shelf and slope Auster PJ, Malatesta RJ, LaRosa SC Video transects from occupied submersibles were used to define associations of mobile megafauna (primarily demersal fishes and crustaceans) with microhabitat features including shell, burrow, biogenic depression, biogenic depression with adjacent burrow, sand wave crest, boulder, and burrowed clay outcrop. Sites were located on low-relief bottoms across the southern New England (USA) continental shelf and slope at depths of 55, 240, and 712 m. No significant diel differences in abundance were found for the 8 taxa censused at the 55 m (inner shelf) site. Non-random distributions and associations with specific microhabitats were found for the 8 taxa from diurnal transects and 6 taxa had non-random distributions from nocturnal transects. Silver hake Merluccius bilinearis and little skate Raja erinacea were associated with particular microhabitats during the day but were randomly distributed at night. These shifts in pattern are attributed to diel differences in feeding behavior. Three of 6 taxa at a 240 m (outer shelf) site and 5 of 6 taxa at a 712 m (slope) site showed non-random distributions and associations with specific microhabitats from diurnal transects. Observations with an ROV (remotely operated vehicle) at inner shelf sites (33 to 55 m) identified a distinction between species which produce biogenic depressions and species which later occupy abandoned depressions. We posit that associations with microhabitat features enhance individual fitness possibly by reducing contact with potential predators and enhancing the ability to capture prey. Use of microhabitat features occurs in assemblages where predators of focal organisms are abundant and possibly where prey density allows ambush predator tactics. Submersible . ROV . Transect . Predator avoidance . Prey capture Full text in pdf format PreviousNextExport citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 127. Publication date: November 02, 1995 Print ISSN:0171-8630; Online ISSN:1616-1599 Copyright © 1995 Inter-Research.

THERMAL ECOLOGY OF DESERT TORTOISES IN THE EASTERN MOJAVE DESERT: SEASONAL PATTERNS OF OPERATIVE AND BODY TEMPERATURES, AND MICROHABITAT UTILIZATION

We monitored meteorological variables, daily and seasonal patterns of body tem- perature, corresponding operative temperatures, and microhabitat utilization by desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) during the 1991 and 1992 activity seasons of tortoises in the eastern Mojave desert. We studied tortoises in enclosures of natural habitat at the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center (DTCC) near Las Vegas, Nevada and a population of free-ranging tortoises in a field site adjacent to the DTCC. Air, ground and operative temperatures coincided with daily and monthly patterns of incident solar radiation. Variation in body temperature was primarily a consequence of microhabitat selection, principally use of burrows. During July-October, in the morning, body temperatures of tortoises in burrows were cooler than those of individuals on the surface. During midday, tortoises remained in burrows where body temperatures were cooler than extreme surface operative temperatures. While tortoises remained in burrows during much of the day, tortoises typically did not sleep in burrows at night. Microhabitat utilization was dictated by avoidance of extreme temperatures during midday, and microhabitat selection corresponded qualitatively to maintenance of energy and water balances. Effective conservation efforts to preserve habitat of desert tortoises will focus upon managing variables associated with integrity of burrows. ulation

Thermal Ecology of Desert Tortoises in the Eastern Mojave Desert: Seasonal Patterns of Operative and Body Temperatures, and Microhabitat Utilization

Thermal Ecology of Desert Tortoises in the Eastern Mojave Desert: Seasonal Patterns of Operative and Body Temperatures, and Microhabitat Utilization

Comparative Analysis of Microhabitat Utilization by Saplings of Nine Tree Species in Neotropical Rain Forest

We examined the hypothesis that tropical rain forest tree species differ significantly in the degree to which their regeneration is associated with treefall gaps. Using static and dynamic analyses, we evaluated crown light environments and forest structure around 0.5-5 m tall saplings (N = 424) of two pioneer and seven nonpioneer tree species in old growth tropical wet forest at the La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. Canopy photographs were taken with a fisheye lens directly above all individuals. Each photograph was analyzed to calculate a Global Site Factor (GSF), which is analogous to the percentage of photosynthetically active radiation reaching a site relative to a totally open site (...)

Niche segregation in high-altitude Himalayan chats (Aves, Turdidae): does morphology match ecology?

We investigated patterns of habitat segregation and morphological differentiation in syntopic, closely related turdid birds of the alpine zone of the Central Himalayas. Discriminant function analysis of 19 habitat structure parameters and comparisons of additional habitat features revealed that the species were distributed along gradients of vegetation height and vegetation density. In addition, non-vegetational structural habitat features, like microrelief variability or the presence of rocks and boulders, had strong discriminating power. In terms of habitat preferences the species of the guild investigated formed three subsets: shrubbery species (Erithacus pectoralis, E. chrysaeus and Hodgsonius phoenicuroides), species preferring open areas with higher surface roughness (Phoenicurus frontalis, Chaimarrornis leucocephalus) and the high-altitude species Grandala coelicolor. Using discriminant function analysis of 20 characters, morphology was analysed in relation to microhabitat utilization and foraging behaviour. Species inhabiting patches of shrubby thickets and foraging mainly by pedal movements (E. pectoralis, E. chrysaeus and H. phoenicuroides) have in common short rounded wings with high wing loading and strong legs and feet. Species preferably foraging by aerial hawking or "perch and pounce" techniques in more open areas (P. frontalis, C. chaimarrornis, and to some extent E. cyanurus) have longer wings, shorter tarsi and long rictal bristles. Grandala proved to be well adpated for long-distance flights at high altitudes (long, pointed wings) and for pedal foraging. Overall our results fit the basic assumption of ecomorphological theory that morphological distance reflects ecological distance. The ordination of each species in morphological space closely matched its distribution in ecological space (microhabitat, foraging strategies). Striking associations of morphology with ecology were not only evident for single traits but were also found in multidimensional comparisons: between-species Euclidian distances in ecology calculated from 19 habitat properties were in most cases equivalent to morphological distances calculated from 20 traits. In addition, in one of the two study areas species locations in the plane spanned by DFA axes of habitat use mirrored their positions in the morphological multivariate space. The observed distributions of the species in ecological and morphological space are interpreted as being mainly attributable to individualistic responses to the specific constraints of the alpine environment.

Guild structure in solitary spider‐hunting wasps (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) compared with null model predictions

Abstract. Three aspects of prey utilization are documented in a guild of spider‐hunting pompilid wasps at a Breckland heath site: female phenology, size, and microhabitat utilization. Twenty‐four species were present at the site, 59% of the British fauna. Ten species individually represented more than 1% of the guild. Pompilid abundance peaked in early July and mid‐late August. Anoplius viaticus had a different life‐history from other common guild members, making its inclusion in the guild questionable. Most species represented by large samples occurred in all microhabitats and time intervals, and all species overlapped in size with all other species except A. viaticus. Arachnospila anceps was numerically dominant in all microhabitats and most time intervals. Mean pair‐wise overlaps in phenology and microhabitat utilization were significantly lower than predicted by null models, consistent with the idea that interspecific competition has been important in determining guild structure. Female size is highly correlated with prey size, but the distribution of mean female sizes did not generally differ from null expectations. Interpretation of comparisons with null models is problematic, particularly because it is difficult to quantify evolutionary ‘favourability’ of different resource states. Null models are currently of limited use because the patterns expected to result from key processes such as competition are uncertain in multi‐dimensional systems.

The ecology of a New Zealand grassland lizard guild

Abstract Home ranges and aggressive behaviour, habitat preference and diet were studied in a guild of three congeneric skinks, Leiolopisma inconspicuum, L. maccanni and L. nigriplantare polychroma in tussock grassland in New Zealand. The three species displayed niche differences in microhabitat, prey size and prey taxa; there was extensive overlap along the prey niche axes, but significant differences in microhabitat utilization between species pairs. Interspecific aggression related to specific site defence was observed on numerous occasions. These results suggest that this lizard guild is structured mainly by species-specific microenvironmental preferences, controlled by interspecific competition for space.

Determination of microhabitat preference and utilization in juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta) and Atlantic salmon (S. salar) in a river using two different sampling methods

Determination of microhabitat preference and utilization in juvenile brown trout (<i>Salmo trutta</i>) and Atlantic salmon (<i>S. salar</i>) in a river using two different sampling methods

Experimental Studies of Predation on Polychaetes Associated with Seagrass Beds

Predation on benthic polychaetes associated with seagrass beds was examined in laboratory and field predator inclusion experiments with one fish and three invertebrate predators. Predation had differential effects on polychaete taxa which depended on their microhabitat utilization patterns. The magnitude of predation effects strongly depended on the predator species, with the shrimpPenaeus duorarum having the greatest impact and the pinfishLagodon rhomboides the least. Abundance of spionid polychaetes, which are located near the sediment-water interface, was reduced most often by predation. Nereid and capitellid polychaete abundances were reduced by some predators and not by others. The results emphasize the need for more detailed natural history information on polychaete species in order to improve the interpretation of results from predation experiments.

Pomphorhynchus laevis (Müller) in the flounder, Platichthys flesus L., in the tidal River Thames: population structure, microhabitat utilization and reproductive status in the field and under conditions of controlled salinity

The infection of R. Thames flounders, Platichthys flesus L., at Fulham by the acanthocephalan parasite Pomphorhynchus laevix (Müller) is described in terms of parasite population structure, life‐cycle organization, reproductive biology and host microhabitat utilization. The parasites demonstrated 100% prevalence in this tidal but essentially freshwater locality (intestinal intensity 34.47) and were overdispersed in the flounder population (variance/mean ratio = 10.39, k= 1.04). Overall about 11% of the worms occurred in peritoneal cavity sites, the remainder being firmly attached to the gut wall in the posterior region of the intestine and rectum. The P. laevis populations were reproductively active, demonstrating that the flounder acts as a significant final host in this locality. Viable larval stages were identified in Gammarus zaddachi Sexton, a predominantly estuarine amphipod, indicating that P. laevis is likely to be able to complete its life cycle at Fulham. Over half the female parasites examined were gravid and many of the non‐gravid worms were inseminated but had not yet started egg production. The proportion of females gravid, the number of ovarian balls and the number of eggs in gravid females was seen to increase with worm size. Both the identity of the intermediate host and the reproductive status of P. laevis in the Thames flounders differ from the Pomphorhynchus/flounder system studied by Kennedy (1984) in the R. Avon, suggesting that the two P. laevis populations may belong at least to discrete subspecies or strains. Parasites in flounders maintained under laboratory conditions in fresh water, 50% sea water and 100% sea water showed similar population, microhabitat and reproductive characteristics to those observed in the field. This suggests that increased salinity has a negligible effect on established parasites in the short term, and therefore that salinity may not form a barrier to the survival and dispersal of the R. Thames parasite when the flounders return to sea.

Seasonal and regional infestation characteristics of three ectoparasites of whiting, Merlangim merlangus L., in the North Sea

Whiting collected from 36 stations in the North Sea in August 1985 and February 1986 were examined with reference to the prevalence, intensity and microhabitat utilization of three ectoparasites, namely Lernaeocera branchialis (Copepoda: Pennellidae), Clavella adunca (Copepoda: Lernaeopodidae) and Diclidophora merlangi (Monogenea: Polyopisthocotylea). Maximum prevalences and mean intensities, at any one station, for the three parasites were 74,45.48,60% and 1.07,0.56 and 1.30, respectively.At the stations sampled, infestation levels with L. branchialis and C. adunca were significantly higher in the winter than in the summer, with winter mean parasitic intensities being between five and eight times higher than those in summer. A converse situation applied with D. merlangi, with summer mean intensities being over four times larger than those in winter.Pooled winter and summer parasitic infestation data, from the 36 stations, enabled large‐scale zoogeographical parasitization patterns to be recognized. Both L. branchialis and C. adunca are rarely seen on whiting in the North Sea north of latitude 56° N. South of this latitude, prevalences and intensities of L. branchialis are higher on the eastern than on the western side of the sampling zone, while those of C. adunca are similar on both sides of the North Sea. D. merlangi's infestation exhibits a striking latitudinal cline in the study area, with prevalences and intensities increasing steadily from south to north.All three ectoparasites were non‐randomly distributed within the whiting gill and/or buccal cavities and showed marked microhabitat preferences. Possible explanations for the seasonal and geographical variations in the parasitic infestations are discussed.

Niche separation of seven lemur species in the eastern rainforest of Madagascar.

This study examines segregation of seven lemur species in an eastern rainforest of Madagascar by a numerical analysis of microhabitats using structural and phenological data. These data are combined with the results of a previous study on food selection by these species in relation to plant chemistry. Description of some 441 10×10 m2 microhabitats yields clear separation of the frugivorous from the more folivorous guild of lemurs. Within each guild there are subgroups of two species each, which use similar microhabitats. The two species of the subgroups are separated by their different reactions towards food chemicals. Thus food chemistry and microhabitat structure are two complementary axes sufficient to separate lemur species in the Malagasy rainforest. Species using the same microhabitats choose food items with different chemical properties and species eating the same food differ in their utilization of microhabitats. Only Cheirogaleus major can not be separated from the other lemur species based on habitat utilization and the chemical composition of their food. This species, however, is active only at times of food abundance and reduces its activity at times of scarcity thus avoiding potential competition. The folivorous species Avahi laniger and Indri indri use similar micro habitats for feeding and for resting, reflecting the strategy of low energy cost and fow energy return. A more folivorous species, Lemur fulvus, discriminates between feeding and resting sites based on phenological and structural variables, representing an example for behavior shaped by high cost and high energy return. Feeding sites of this species are linked to fruit abundance but the need to see but not to be seen seems to determine their choice of resting sites. This discrimination is similar to habitat choices of frugivorous primates in other tropical rainforests which have been linked to anti-predator behavior and suggests convergent evolution due to similar evolutionary selection pressure.

Habitat partitioning and spatial organization in a lizard community of the Sonoran desert, Mexico

Abstract The spatial structure of a desert lizard community located in the state of Sonora, N.E. Mexico, was studied in October 1982 and June 1983. The community is composed of 17 species, and we analyzed the habitat partitioning and microhabitat utilization of 12 species recorded along two transects. We found that habitat and microhabitat selection plays a determining role in organizing this lizard community and its ecological meaning is discussed.