scholarly journals Behavioural flexibility in spider mites: oviposition site shifts based on past and present stimuli from conspecifics and predators

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (7) ◽  
pp. 170328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aoi Murase ◽  
Kazuo Fujita ◽  
Shuichi Yano
Keyword(s):  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Adaptive Strategy ◽  
Spider Mites ◽  
Oviposition Site ◽  
Behavioural Flexibility ◽  
Tetranychus Kanzawai ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Predation Threat ◽  
Predation Avoidance ◽  
In The Wild

Predator-experienced individuals often change their predation avoidance response when they re-encounter the same predators or their cues. Recent reports show that behavioural change sometimes occurs even before the re-encounter. To function as an adaptive strategy in the wild, such prospective experience-induced behaviour should change flexibly in response to changing situations. We assessed flexibility of experience-induced oviposition site shift in two closely related species of spider mites, Tetranychus kanzawai and T. urticae , from the viewpoint of reducing future predation risk on their eggs. We found that: (i) individuals of T. kanzawai shifted oviposition site depending on the presence of conspecific eggs; (ii) after experiencing predation threat T. kanzawai females shifted oviposition site even in the absence of any current predation threat; (iii) this experience-induced shift of oviposition site was weakened in the presence of conspecific males; and (iv) experience-induced behaviour was retained for a shorter period in T. urticae than in T. kanzawai , possibly because the demand for learning may differ with regard to biological conditions encountered in the wild.

scholarly journals Premating barriers in young sympatric snail species

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arina L. Maltseva ◽  
Marina A. Varfolomeeva ◽  
Arseniy A. Lobov ◽  
Polina O. Tikanova ◽  
Egor A. Repkin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Snail Species ◽  
Sympatric Populations ◽  
Gastropod Species ◽  
Shell Size ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Partial Canonical Correspondence Analysis ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Isolation Index

AbstractSympatric coexistence of recently diverged species raises the question of barriers restricting the gene flow between them. Reproductive isolation may be implemented at several levels, and the weakening of some, e.g. premating, barriers may require the strengthening of the others, e.g. postcopulatory ones. We analysed mating patterns and shell size of mates in recently diverged closely related species of the subgenus Littorina Neritrema (Littorinidae, Caenogastropoda) in order to assess the role of premating reproductive barriers between them. We compared mating frequencies observed in the wild with those expected based on relative densities using partial canonical correspondence analysis. We introduced the fidelity index (FI) to estimate the relative accuracy of mating with conspecific females and precopulatory isolation index (IPC) to characterize the strength of premating barriers. The species under study, with the exception of L. arcana, clearly demonstrated preferential mating with conspecifics. According to FI and IPC, L. fabalis and L. compressa appeared reliably isolated from their closest relatives within Neritrema. Individuals of these two species tend to be smaller than those of the others, highlighting the importance of shell size changes in gastropod species divergence. L. arcana males were often found in pairs with L. saxatilis females, and no interspecific size differences were revealed in this sibling species pair. We discuss the lack of discriminative mate choice in the sympatric populations of L. arcana and L. saxatilis, and possible additional mechanisms restricting gene flow between them.

New Caledonian crows show behavioural flexibility when manufacturing their tools

Behaviour ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 154 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenna Knaebe ◽  
Alex H. Taylor ◽  
Douglas M. Elliffe ◽  
Russell D. Gray
Keyword(s):  
Behavioural Flexibility ◽  
Tool Manufacture ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
New Caledonian Crows ◽  
Do So

New Caledonian crows have demonstrated flexible behaviour when using tools and solving novel problems. However, we do not know whether this flexibility extends to tool manufacture. Here, we show that these crows respond to different tool-using problems by altering the length of the tools that they manufacture; on average, crows made shorter tools for tasks requiring short tools and longer tools for tasks requiring long tools. They continued to do so when they could not simultaneously see the tool-manufacturing material and the apparatus requiring the use of a tool. Despite altering the length of their tools, the crows frequently did not make tools short or long enough to reliably extract the bait, though this may have been due to shortcomings in the task presented to them. Our results demonstrate that these crows have a degree of behavioural flexibility when making tools, which may be used in the wild during foraging.

scholarly journals Living a dog’s life: a putative gray wolf in a feral dog group

Mammalia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-120
Author(s):  
Elitsa Popova ◽  
Diana Zlatanova
Keyword(s):  
Related Species ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Complex Interaction ◽  
Domestic Dog ◽  
Hybrid Origin ◽  
Mountainous Area ◽  
Gray Wolf ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Feral Dogs ◽  
In The Wild

AbstractThe gray wolf and the domestic dog are closely related species that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. In settings where unrestrained dogs are present in the wild, hybridization can happen naturally. However, the behavior of the resulting hybrids and their ecological impact is largely understudied. In September–November 2018, a putative gray wolf was repeatedly camera-trapped in a group of 10 presumably feral dogs in a remote mountainous area (the Osogovo Mountain) along the border between Bulgaria and North Macedonia. The most feasible explanation for this individual’s atypical behavior is that it is of hybrid origin (assumption based on phenotype). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented observation of such a kind. A discussion of its recruitment and position in the group is presented, setting the basis for further investigation of the complex interaction between wolves, dogs and hybrids in the wild.

scholarly journals Orb-weaving spiders show a correlated syndrome of morphology and web structure in the wild

2020 ◽  
Vol 131 (2) ◽  
pp. 449-463
Author(s):  
David N Fisher ◽  
Jonathan N Pruitt ◽  
Justin Yeager
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Body Length ◽  
Population Variation ◽  
Extended Phenotype ◽  
Predation Threat ◽  
Physical Body ◽  
Common Features ◽  
Web Structure ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Web Construction

Abstract Extended phenotypes are traits that exist outside the physical body of organisms. Despite their role in the lives of the organisms that express them and other organisms influenced by extended phenotypes, the consistency and covariance with morphological and behavioural traits of extended phenotypes has rarely been evaluated. We repeatedly measured an extended phenotype involved in prey acquisition (web structure) of wild orb-weaving spiders (Micrathena vigorsii), which re-build their webs daily. We related web structure to behaviours and spider body length. Web diameter and web density were repeatable among individuals, reaction to a predation threat was very marginally so, and response to a prey stimulus and web evenness were not repeatable. Larger spiders spun wider webs, had webs with increased thread spacing, and the spider possibly tended to react more slowly to a predation threat. When a spider built a relatively larger web it was also a relatively less dense and less even web. The repeatability of web construction and relationship with spider body size we found may be common features of intra-population variation in web structure in spiders. By estimating the consistency and covariances of extended phenotypes we can begin to evaluate what maintains their variation and how they might evolve.

Reproductive isolation between two closely related species of the Queensland fruit fly Dracus tryoni (Frogg) and D. neohumeralis Hardy (Diptera : Tephritidae) I. Variation in humeral callus pattern and the occurrence of intermediate colour forms in the wild

1967 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 501 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Wolda
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Isolation ◽  
Related Species ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Colour Pattern ◽  
Wild Populations ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Similar Variation ◽  
In The Wild

A number of samples from wild populations of the Queensland fruit fly, Dacus tryoni and D. neohumeralis, were studied. There is a considerable variation in the colour pattern on the humeral callus. This variation is continuous so that any criterion for distinguishing between "intermediates" and "good species" is purely arbitrary. It was found in areas where D. neohumeralis does not occur as well as in localities where it is very abundant. By whatever criterion one defines intermediates, there appears to be no relation between the frequency of such forms and the presence or absence of D. neohumeralis or with the relative proportions of the two species in the population. However, flies with only a very small yellow area on an otherwise brown humeral callus were found only in Cairns where D. neohumeralis is usually the most abundant species. A similar variation in humeral callus pattern was found in other related species, such as D. kraussi and D. halfordiae. It is concluded that the intermediate colour forms may not be hybrids between D. tryoni and D. neohumeralis but variants of D. tryoni and, possibly the darker forms from Cairns, of D. neohumeralis.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Varied Coat Coloration in a Yellow-Throated Marten (Martes flavigula) Population

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2838
Author(s):  
Yinan Gong ◽  
Guojing Zhao ◽  
Huixin Yang ◽  
Yan Li ◽  
Mengyu Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Northeast China ◽  
National Park ◽  
Coat Color ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Adaptive Strategy ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Distribution Area ◽  
Environmental Indicator ◽  
In The Wild

Mammalian coat color is determined by heritable variations such as disease, nutrition, and hormone levels. Variation in animal coat color is also considered an environmental indicator and provides clues for the study of population genetics and biogeography. Records of abnormal coloration in the wild are rare, not only because it is often selected against, but also because of the difficulties in detection of the phenomenon. We used long-term camera-trapping data to first report abnormal coat coloration in yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula) in China. Six types of abnormal coloration were found only in the Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park, Northeast China, which were not reported in other regions in China. A total of 268 videos of Martes flavigula contained normal coloration, 455 videos of individuals of the species contained abnormal coloration, 437 contained the ‘gloving’ type (martens with de-pigmented front toes, paws or lower forelimbs), while the remaining other 18 videos contained five types (different degrees of white-spotting and dilution). The higher relative abundance index (0.428, ‘gloving’ to 0.329, normal) and wide distribution area of the ‘gloving’ type indicated that this abnormal coat coloration type is usual in Northeast China, which may reflect genetic variability in the local population. These records will contribute to further research on animal coat color and its corresponding adaptive strategy.

scholarly journals Updated and annotated review of Tetranychidae occurring in mainland Portugal, the Azores, and Madeira Archipelagos

Acarologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 380-393
Author(s):  
Pedro Naves ◽  
Filomena Nóbrega ◽  
Philippe Auger
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Information ◽  
National Level ◽  
First Record ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Spider Mites ◽  
Mite Species ◽  
Tetranychus Kanzawai ◽  
Panonychus Citri ◽  
New Host ◽  
Mainland Portugal

Data on the diversity, distribution, and main hosts of spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) are scarce in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly for Portugal, where only 21 species are recorded on the mainland and in the Azores and Madeira archipelagos. Moreover, the scientific information is mainly available in national publications, and difficult to access for international researchers. In this paper, we review the literature dealing with spider mites in mainland Portugal and the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, compiling and synthesizing the most relevant information on their distribution, hosts and pest potential. Further information was obtained by verifying slides in the acarological collection of the Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV), the most important national collection, and by verifying mites collected on different plant hosts during the period 2018-2020. In total, we found records for 28 spider mite species in Portugal, comprising nine Bryobiinae and 19 Tetranychinae, and including new national records for Stigmaeopsis nanjingensis and Eotetranychus tiliarium. Additionally, we record a new exotic mite species for the mainland, Eotetranychus lewisi, which was found in two localities in the Algarve District on leaves of Euphorbia pulcherrima. This is the first record for continental Europe of an established population in outdoor conditions of this regulated quarantine pest. We also comment on the presence of seven species not reported by international taxonomic databases but already recorded from Portugal: Aplonobia histricina, Eotetranychus rubiphilus, Schizonobia sycophanta, Tetranychus kanzawai and Tetranycopsis horridus (at a national level), and Oligonychus perseae and Panonychus citri (for the mainland). New host records are given for Bryobia praetiosa, Petrobia (Tetranychina) harti, S. sycophanta, E. coryli, E. rubiphilus, Tetranychus kanzawai, Tetranychus lintearius, Tetranychus ludeni and Tetranychus turkestani.

scholarly journals Morphological and Molecular Status of Daphne wolongensis C.D.Brickell et B.Mathew as Genetic Resource for Horticulture

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1628
Author(s):  
Vojtěch Holubec ◽  
Leona Leišová-Svobodová
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Resource ◽  
Valid Species ◽  
Endangered Plants ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Good Opportunity ◽  
Different Types ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
High Bootstrap ◽  
Number Of Individuals ◽  
Independent Species

Daphne wolongensis described on the basis of a few known individuals was investigated in the wild, in Wolong Valley, Sechuan. Its status of valid species was verified morphologically and genetically. Three newly found populations were compared to the closely related species Daphne retusa, D. tangutica, D. longilobata, D. acutiloba, D. sureil, to clones available in cultivation and selected cultivars. The high bootstrap values indicate a sufficient level of genetic differentiation between each of the studied species. The hypothesis of whether D. wolongensis is a hybridogenous species was rejected, it is a well-defined independent species. Based on morphological and genetic data, it seems possible that another species, D. limprichtii, can be a mountain form of D. tangutica. Variability of populations in Wolong gives a good opportunity to select genotypes with a higher or better performance of combination of traits. From 67 samples collected from Wolong, it was possible to select the top ten different types as genetic resources for breeding. Daphne wolongensis, in the visited sites of Wolong area, occupies less than 1 km2. Together with isolated finds, the number of individuals is less than 500 and the area surveyed is not larger than 10 km2, thus it falls into the IUCN category of “Critically Endangered” plants.

Sexual Dimorphism in Breast Stripe Width and Beak Eco-Morphology in Himalayan Green-Backed Tits (Parus Monticolus)

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 259-263
Author(s):  
Sahas Barve ◽  
Soham Dixit ◽  
André A. Dhondt ◽  
Farah Ishtiaq
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Evolutionary Ecology ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Reliable Measure ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Stripe Width ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Morphological Variables

Quantitative field data on sexual dimorphism is scant for most bird species. In this first field study of a western Himalayan population of Green-backed Tits ( Parus monticolus), we demonstrate that breast stripe width is a dimorphic trait that is a reliable measure to sex this species in the wild. Based on our ability to sex the birds in hand, we describe the sexual dimorphism in eco-morphological variables in our study population. Sexual dimorphism in beak morphology changed from winter to summer due to males having shorter beaks (4.5%) in summer; however, there was little change in female beak measurements. Our study on this Himalayan congener of a widely studied European species can be used to inform studies of the evolutionary ecology of morphological traits in closely-related species inhabiting vastly different habitats.

Reproductive isolation between two closely related species of the Queensland fruit fly Dracus tryoni (Frogg) and D. neohumeralis Hardy (Diptera : Tephritidae) II. Genetic variation in humeral callus pattern in each species as compared with laboratory-bred hybrids

1967 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 515 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Wolda
Keyword(s):  
Entire Range ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
The Other ◽  
F1 Hybrids ◽  
Selection Experiment ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Bright Yellow ◽  
Greenish Yellow ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Range Of Variation

The variation in humeral callus pattern in Dacus tryoni is genetic. The more brown there is in the parents, the more there is in the offspring. The possible range of variation in D. tryoni obtained in a selection experiment is from an almost entirely yellow humeral callus to a completely brown one. The variation in Dacus neohumeralis is also genetic. The range of variation seen in D. neohumeralis in a selection experiment is from an entirely brown humeral callus to a very large yellow area. The possible range of variation extends probably to much more yellow. The actual colour forms obtained were different in the two species. For a given length of the yellow area in D. neohumeralis flies this yellow area is narrower, further away from the posterior margin of the humeral callus, further away from the posterodorsal margin and closer to the frontal margin, than it is in D. tryoni. In D. neohumeralis the yellow is dirty greenish yellow while in D. tryoni it is bright yellow. The range of variation in F1 hybrids between the two species is different again. The darker F1 flies closely resemble D. neohumeralis, in fact most F1 flies from these experiments were of this type. The more yellow F1 flies are very like D. tryoni and the ones intermediate between these two are unlike any D. tryoni or D. neohumeralis seen. The range of variation in F2 hybrids is much greater than in either species. In fact it covers the whole range of both species. Over the entire range of variation one finds some flies that look like variants of D. tryoni, some that look like variants of D. neohumeralis, and again some others that look different. At the darker end of the scale, variants resembling D. neohumeralis predominate while it is variants resembling D. tryoni that are most the frequent on the other end of the scale. The flies obtained from the wild could all easily be classified as either D. tryoni or D. neohumeralis variants. It is concluded that the occurrence of intermediates is no evidence for hybridization between the two species taking place in the field. The evidence available from the literature in favour of the hypothesis that the two species do hybridize is discussed and it is shown that this evidence can also easily be explained under the hypothesis that they are completely isolated reproductively. Selection in D. tryoni in the wild apparently favours flies with some dorsal brown and acts against both extremes, an entirely yellow humeral callus on one hand and more brown on the humeral callus on the other. Selection in D. neohumeralis in the wild apparently favours flies with a mottled brown humeral callus and acts against both plain brown and yellow areas. The nature of the selective factors bringing this about is still unknown.

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