Population Biology of Adult Geitoneura-Klugii and Geitoneura-Acantha (Lepidoptera, Satyrinae) Near Melbourne, Australia

1988 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 141 ◽  
Author(s):  
MF Braby ◽  
TR New
Keyword(s):  
Population Biology ◽  
Sex Ratios ◽  
Flight Period ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Population Sizes ◽  
Inactive Phase ◽  
Flight Season ◽  
Coexisting Species ◽  
South Eastern Australia

Geitoneura klugii klugii (Guerin-Meneville) and G. acantha ocrea (Guest) coexist over much of south- eastern Australia. Their adult phenology, sex ratios, population sizes, longevity and habitat distribution were compared at several sites near Melbourne, in 1985-86. Both species are univoltine and protandrous. G. klugii appears slightly earlier in the season than G. acantha. Both sexes of G. klugii remain active throughout their flight period, whereas female G. acantha apparently undergo a short inactive phase after mating. Sex ratios appear male-biased (total captures, G. klugii 85.4% male; G. acantha 65.2% male), although this became less pronounced as the season progressed. Regular samples, and mark- release-recapture studies, showed a clear transition from fresh to worn individuals through the season, although females remained fresh until later than males. There is some suggestion that male G. klugii 'hill-top' towards the end of their flight season. A range of ecological strategies apparently occurs in coexisting species of satyrines in south-eastern Australia. The biology of Geitoneura is compared with that of Heteronympha merope (F.), and with satyrines elsewhere in the world.

The Conservation Genetics of Eucalyptus paliformis L. Johnson et Blaxell and E. parvifolia Cambage, Two Rare Species From South-Eastern Australia

1990 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 79 ◽  
Author(s):  
SM Prober ◽  
C Tompkins ◽  
GF Moran ◽  
JC Bell
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Narrow Band ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Continuous Distribution ◽  
Allozyme Diversity ◽  
Grazing Land ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Population Sizes ◽  
South Eastern Australia

Eucalyptus paliformis is restricted to a small, isolated plateau on the eastern escarpment of south-eastern Australia. Eucalyptus parvifolia populations are scattered discontinuously in a narrow band of nearby grazing land that has been substantially cleared over the last 100 years. Allozyme diversity was examined in six of the seven known populations of E. paliformis and in all the eight known populations of E. parvifolia to help assess the potential for the survival of these species under current conditions of management. Levels of genetic diversity in E. paliformis are comparable to levels in other eucalypts of restricted distribution and, in conjunction with its large population sizes, are likely to be adequate for its survival. The greatest threat to E. paliformis is its localised distribution, which renders it susceptible to extinction by disturbance. By contrast, the levels and distribution of diversity in E. parvifolia, and estimates of migration between populations, suggest that the high variability measured in this species may be a consequence of a once more continuous distribution. The recent dissection of its range through clearing is likely to lead to a decline in levels of genetic diversity in E. parvifolia, which, when combined with destruction of the habitat where it can best outcompete other eucalypts, suggests its survival is threatened.

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