Echolocation and foraging ecology of the bristle-faced free-tailed bat, Setirostris eleryi, in central Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 302
Author(s):  
N. L. McKenzie ◽  
R. D. Bullen ◽  
M. Pennay
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Foraging Ecology ◽  
Beat Frequency ◽  
Spectral Characteristics ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Foraging Strategy ◽  
Riparian Zones ◽  
Wing Beat ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Foraging Niche

We document the spectral characteristics of echolocation sequences of Setirostris eleryi recorded from riparian zones in the Central Ranges in Western Australia, near Warakurna. These are the first records of this species in Western Australia. The sequences are comparable to reference S. eleryi sequences from near Alice Springs, as well as to sequences from a nearby vouchered specimen locality (Hull River in the Northern Territory), yet distinct from Scotorepens greyii sequences from Western Australia, including locations in the Central Ranges. The central Australian S. eleryi sequences average 3kHz higher in frequency than reference S. eleryi recordings from eastern Australia. We deduce the species’ foraging strategy, microhabitat, wing beat frequency and flight speed from the echolocation sequences, then show that these deductions are consistent with calculations based on an airframe analysis of museum specimens, and with available field observations. The echolocation recordings provided a quick, passive, cost-effective characterisation of foraging niche, useful for conservation planning.

What can echolocation recordings reveal about the foraging ecology of Saccolaimus saccolaimus (Emballonuridae) in north-western Australia?

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (6) ◽  
pp. 326
Author(s):  
N. L. McKenzie ◽  
R. D. Bullen
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Foraging Ecology ◽  
Beat Frequency ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Peak Frequency ◽  
Foraging Strategy ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Foraging Niche ◽  
Pulse Peak ◽  
North Western

Echolocation sequences reveal aspects of the foraging ecology of Saccolaimus saccolaimus (Emballonuridae). In combination, pulse peak-frequency and fineness-of-tuning values derived from free-flying search-mode echolocation sequences emitted by S. saccolaimus in north-western Australia imply that it generally forages in uncluttered airspaces using an air superiority foraging strategy. Wing-beat frequency values, derived from pulse repetition rates in these sequences, reveal that it has a maximum aerobic level-flight speed of 8.1 m s–1 (used for foraging). These predictions are consistent with deductions based on airframe design parameters taken from museum specimens, and with available field observations. The echolocation recordings provided a quick, passive, cost-effective characterisation of foraging niche, useful for conservation planning.

Foraging ecology of the horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus megaphyllus (Rhinolophidae), in eastern Australia

2004 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris R. Pavey ◽  
Chris J. Burwell
Keyword(s):  
Prey Capture ◽  
Foraging Ecology ◽  
Light Trap ◽  
Foraging Strategy ◽  
Flying Insects ◽  
Open Forest ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Horseshoe Bat ◽  
Conservation Concern

The foraging ecology of the eastern horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus megaphyllus, was examined at five sites spread along 2100 km of its Australian distribution in coastal Queensland. Foraging strategy and prey-capture behaviour of light-tagged bats were similar across sites. Bats were observed foraging during continuous flight at all sites, whereas perch hunting was observed (rarely) at only one site. Bats captured insects by aerial hawking, with a single record of gleaning. In rainforest bats spent most time close to vegetation whereas openings were favoured in open forest/woodland. Only flying insects were captured and, although a wide range of taxa was taken, Lepidoptera (all sites) and Coleoptera (all sites except one) were the primary prey. Occurrence in faeces of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and other taxa combined, varied across sites and across seasons, but there was no three-way interaction between taxon, site and season. Comparison of insect taxa in faeces with those captured in a light-trap set at foraging grounds indicated that insects were selectively captured by R. megaphyllus. The foraging ecology of R. megaphyllus is similar to that of other horseshoe bats in its relative stability across a large geographic range. Although the species is currently not of conservation concern in Australia, aspects of its foraging ecology suggest that it may become regionally threatened in areas with high levels of vegetation clearance.

Laboratory observations on the flight activity of the plague locust, Chortoicetes terminifera (Walker) (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

1982 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 377-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. K. Lambert
Keyword(s):  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
Beat Frequency ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Flight Activity ◽  
Test Period ◽  
Flight Performance ◽  
Wing Beat ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Flight Capacity ◽  
Gravid Females

AbstractFlight activity characteristics of Chortoicetes terminifera (Wlk.) were recorded in adults suspended on a simple flight balance in a wind tunnel. Ninety-one per cent, of flights by post-teneral (>5-day-old) insects lasted less than 60 s, and only 11% of adults flew for a full 20-min test period at 30°C. The flight capacity ranged from a few or many short flights to continuous flights. Females flew for a greater proportion of the time than males. Flight activity increased with food-deprivation, and only fully hardened (>9-day-old) insects flew continuously throughout a 45-min test period at 26–41°C. Gravid females also made long flights. The frequencies of flight durations by laboratory-reared insects were strikingly similar to the day flight of milling field populations in eastern Australia. Flight performance observations indicated that lift declines with time in flight, wing-beat frequency initially being 33·2 Hz in males and 30·0 Hz in females. The results are discussed in relation to field studies.

Changes in the wing-beat frequency of bees and wasps depending on environmental conditions: a study with optical sensors

Apidologie ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio R. S. Parmezan ◽  
Vinicius M. A. Souza ◽  
Indrė Žliobaitė ◽  
Gustavo E. A. P. A. Batista
Keyword(s):  
Optical Sensors ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Beat Frequency ◽  
Wing Beat ◽  
Wing Beat Frequency

scholarly journals Coastal flood risk within a peri-urban area: SUSSEX Inlet district, SE Australia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. F. Asbridge ◽  
D. Low Choy ◽  
B. Mackey ◽  
S. Serrao-Neumann ◽  
P. Taygfeld ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flood Risk ◽  
Flood Hazard ◽  
Extreme Rainfall ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Extreme Rainfall Events ◽  
Hazard Exposure ◽  
Rate Of Increase ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Planning Strategies ◽  
Natural Resource Managers

AbstractThe peri-urban interface (PUI) exhibits characteristic qualities of both urban and rural regions, and this complexity has meant that risk assessments and long-term planning for PUI are lagging, despite these areas representing new developing settlement frontiers. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by modifying an existing approach to quantify and assess flood risk. The risk triangle framework was used to map exposure, vulnerability and biophysical variables; however, in a novel application, the risk triangle framework was adapted by presuming that there is a variation in the degree of exposure, vulnerability and biophysical variables. Within Australia and globally, PUIs are often coastal, and flood risk associated with rainfall and coastal inundation poses considerable risk to communities in the PUI; these risks will be further exacerbated should projections of increasing frequency of extreme rainfall events and accelerating sea-level rise eventuate. An indicator-based approach using the risk triangle framework that maps flood hazard, exposure and vulnerability was used to integrate the biophysical and socio-economic flooding risk for communities in PUI of the St Georges Basin and Sussex Inlet catchments of south-eastern Australia. Integrating the flood risk triangle with future scenarios of demographic and climate change, and considering factors that contribute to PUI flood risk, facilitated the identification of planning strategies that would reduce the future rate of increase in flood risk. These planning strategies are useful for natural resource managers and land use planners across Australia and globally, who are tasked with balancing socio-economic prosperity for a changing population, whilst maintaining and enhancing ecosystem services and values. The indicator-based approach used in this study provides a cost-effective first-pass risk assessment and is a valuable tool for decision makers planning for flood risk across PUIs in NSW and globally.

scholarly journals Evolution of the wave: aerodynamic and aposematic functions of butterfly wing motion

2007 ◽  
Vol 274 (1612) ◽  
pp. 913-917 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert B Srygley
Keyword(s):  
Beat Frequency ◽  
Warning Signal ◽  
Colour Pattern ◽  
Butterfly Species ◽  
Wing Beat ◽  
Butterfly Wing ◽  
Motion Cues ◽  
Wing Beat Frequency ◽  
Wing Motion ◽  
Heliconius Cydno

Many unpalatable butterfly species use coloration to signal their distastefulness to birds, but motion cues may also be crucial to ward off predatory attacks. In previous research, captive passion-vine butterflies Heliconius mimetic in colour pattern were also mimetic in motion. Here, I investigate whether wing motion changes with the flight demands of different behaviours. If birds select for wing motion as a warning signal, aposematic butterflies should maintain wing motion independently of behavioural context. Members of one mimicry group ( Heliconius cydno and Heliconius sapho ) beat their wings more slowly and their wing strokes were more asymmetric than their sister-species ( Heliconius melpomene and Heliconius erato , respectively), which were members of another mimicry group having a quick and steady wing motion. Within mimicry groups, wing beat frequency declined as its role in generating lift also declined in different behavioural contexts. In contrast, asymmetry of the stroke was not associated with wing beat frequency or behavioural context—strong indication that birds process and store the Fourier motion energy of butterfly wings. Although direct evidence that birds respond to subtle differences in butterfly wing motion is lacking, birds appear to generalize a motion pattern as much as they encounter members of a mimicry group in different behavioural contexts.

scholarly journals GENETIC VARIABILITY OF FLIGHT METABOLISM IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER. I. CHARACTERIZATION OF POWER OUTPUT DURING TETHERED FLIGHT

Genetics ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 549-564
Author(s):  
James W Curtsinger ◽  
Cathy C Laurie-Ahlberg
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Beat Frequency ◽  
Wing Beat ◽  
Tethered Flight ◽  
Flight Metabolism ◽  
Flight Parameters ◽  
Wing Stroke ◽  
Stroke Amplitude

ABSTRACT The mechanical power imparted to the wings during tethered flight of Drosophila melanogaster is estimated from wing-beat frequency, wing-stroke amplitude and various aspects of wing morphology by applying the steady-state aerodynamics model of insect flight developed by Weis-Fogh (1972, 1973). Wing-beat frequency, the major determinant of power output, is highly correlated with the rate of oxygen consumption. Estimates of power generated during flight should closely reflect rates of ATP production in the flight muscles, since flies do not acquire an oxygen debt or accumulate ATP during flight. In an experiment using 21 chromosome 2 substitution lines, lines were a significant source of variation for all flight parameters measured. Broadsense heritabilities ranged from 0.16 for wing-stroke amplitude to 0.44 for inertial power. The variation among lines is not explained by variation in total body size (i.e., live weight). Line differences in flight parameters are robust with respect to age, ambient temperature and duration of flight. These results indicate that characterization of the power output during tethered flight will provide a sensitive experimental system for detecting the physiological effects of variation in the structure or quantity of the enzymes involved in flight metabolism.

scholarly journals First Report of Charcoal Rot on Canola Caused by Macrophomina phaseolina in Western Australia

Plant Disease ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 93 (6) ◽  
pp. 666-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Khangura ◽  
M. Aberra
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Pathogenic Fungi ◽  
Macrophomina Phaseolina ◽  
The United States ◽  
Conidial Suspension ◽  
Brassica Napus L ◽  
Longitudinal Splitting ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Lateral Branches ◽  
Vascular Region

In the spring of 2006, canola (Brassica napus L.) plants suffering from wilt were observed in an experimental plot at Merredin, Western Australia. Symptoms on the affected plants were tan-brown, longitudinal streaks along the main stem and on some lateral branches. Lesions on the stem were predominantly unilateral but sometimes covered the entire stem. Some of the lateral branches were completely wilted, and if present, pods were either shriveled or contained small seed. At the base of the stem, the lesions were grayish brown streaks that caused longitudinal splitting of the stem base. Small spherical (55 to 75 μm in diameter) and elongated (75 to 120 μm long) microsclerotia were seen in the pith and vascular region. Roots appeared to be symptomless, but upon removing the epidermis, grayish streaks were also seen on the roots and small sclerotia were observed in the pith and the vascular region of roots. One hundred and four small pieces (1 to 2 cm) of stem and root from 10 symptomatic plants were surface sterilized with 1.25% NaOCl, rinsed twice in sterile distilled water, and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) supplemented with 10 ppm of aureomycin. These were incubated under a blacklight at 22°C. Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. was isolated from 80% of the pieces as identified by colony morphology and the size of microsclerotia that ranged between 50 and 190 μm (3). Eight-three isolates were obtained. None of the isolates produced pycnidia on PDA. However, pycnidia (100 to 190 μm) with pycnidiospores (17.5 to 30 × 7.5 to 10 μm) were produced on the affected stems collected from the field. Pathogenicity tests with one of the isolates were conducted on seven 2-week-old canola plants (cv. Stubby). Three uninoculated plants served as the control. Roots of 2-week-old plants were dipped in an aqueous conidial suspension (1 × 104 conidia/ml) of M. phaseolina for an hour while roots of control plants were dipped in sterile water. Inoculated and control plants were repotted in separate pots and transferred to a glasshouse. A week after inoculation, M. phaseolina produced chlorosis of the leaves, and subsequently, complete wilting and death of the inoculated plants. M. phaseolina was successfully reisolated from roots and stems of symptomatic plants. No symptoms developed on the control plants. Pathogenicity was also tested by soaking seeds of cv. Stubby with an aqueous conidial suspension of M. phaseolina for one-half hour and incubating on agar media after drying. Germinating seeds were colonized by the growing mycelium and seedlings were completely killed within a week. Abundant microsclerotia were produced on the dead seedlings. M. phaseolina has been previously reported on canola in the United States (1) and Argentina (2) and more recently has been reported on canola in eastern Australia (4). To our knowledge, this is the first record of occurrence of M. phaseolina on canola in Western Australia and its impact on canola yield needs to be determined. References: (1) R. E. Baird et al. Plant Dis. 78:316, 1994. (2) S. A. Gaetán et al. Plant Dis. 90:524, 2006. (3) P. Holliday and E. Punithalingam. Macrophomina phaseolina. No. 275 in: Descriptions of Plant Pathogenic Fungi and Bacteria. CMI, Kew, Surrey, UK, 1970. (4) M. Li et al. Aust. Plant Dis. Notes 2:93, 2007.

scholarly journals Photography of Trichoptera in flight

Zoosymposia ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 297-318
Author(s):  
W. Geoff McIlleron ◽  
Ferdinand C. De Moor
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Beat Frequency ◽  
Behavioural Ecology ◽  
Wing Beat ◽  
Paper Briefly ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Flying Insects ◽  
Single Lens ◽  
A Site ◽  
Selection Of

Whereas photography of insects at rest is used for a wide variety of purposes, including illustrating publications and aiding their identification, photography of insects in flight is more challenging and little practiced. This paper describes a system that uses a digital single-lens-reflex camera combined with commercial-level flashes (with electronic power settings to give very short exposures) and simple electronics in a rig that can be used to capture high quality images of night-flying insects. With such a rig, hundreds of images of free flying Trichoptera have been obtained. Preliminary observations of night-flying Athripsodes bergensis (Leptoceridae) indicate that this system could be used for studying the mechanics of flight, wing beat frequency, aerodynamics, flying speed, aerial activity, and behavioural ecology of night-flying insects in their natural environment.      This paper briefly describes the technique as applied at a site on the banks of the Groot River in the southern Cape region of South Africa between October 2008 and April 2009 and presents a selection of the images obtained.

A revision of the textricellin spider genus Raveniella (Araneae:Araneoidea:Micropholcommatidae): exploring patterns of phylogeny and biogeography in an Australian biodiversity hotspot

2010 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. Rix ◽  
Mark S. Harvey ◽  
J. Dale Roberts
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Coastal Plain ◽  
Mitochondrial Protein ◽  
Biodiversity Hotspot ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Swan Coastal Plain ◽  
Coastal Species ◽  
Eastern Australia

South-western Western Australia is a biodiversity hotspot, with high levels of local endemism and a rich but largely undescribed terrestrial invertebrate fauna. Very few phylogeographic studies have been undertaken on south-western Australian invertebrate taxa, and almost nothing is known about historical biogeographic or cladogenic processes, particularly on the relatively young, speciose Quaternary sand dune habitats of the Swan Coastal Plain. Phylogeographic and taxonomic patterns were studied in textricellin micropholcommatid spiders belonging to the genus Raveniella Rix & Harvey. The Micropholcommatidae is a family of small spiders with a widespread distribution in southern Western Australia, and most species are spatially restricted to refugial microhabitats. In total, 340 specimens of Raveniella were collected from 36 surveyed localities on the Swan Coastal Plain and 17 non-Swan Coastal Plain reference localities in south-western Western Australia. Fragments from three nuclear rRNA genes (5.8S, 18S and ITS2), and one mitochondrial protein-coding gene (COI) were used to infer the phylogeny of the genus Raveniella, and to examine phylogeographic patterns on the Swan Coastal Plain. Five new species of Raveniella are described from Western Australia (R. arenacea, sp. nov., R. cirrata, sp. nov., R. janineae, sp. nov., R. mucronata, sp. nov. and R. subcirrata, sp. nov.), along with a single new species from south-eastern Australia (R. apopsis, sp. nov.). Four species of Raveniella were found on the Swan Coastal Plain: two with broader distributions in the High Rainfall and Transitional Rainfall Zones (R. peckorum Rix & Harvey, R. cirrata); and two endemic to the Swan Coastal Plain, found only on the western-most Quindalup dunes (R. arenacea, R. subcirrata). Two coastally restricted species (R. subcirrata, R. janineae) were found to be morphologically cryptic but genetically highly distinct, with female specimens morphologically indistinguishable from their respective sister-taxa (R. cirrata and R. peckorum). The greater Perth region is an important biogeographic overlap zone for all four Swan Coastal Plain species, where the ranges of two endemic coastal species join the northern and south-western limits of the ranges of R. peckorum and R. cirrata, respectively. Most species of Raveniella were found to occupy long, highly autapomorphic molecular branches exhibiting little intraspecific variation, and an analysis of ITS2 rRNA secondary structures among different species of Raveniella revealed the presence of an extraordinary hypervariable helix, ranging from 31 to over 400 nucleotides in length.

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