Habitat use by spotted bats (Euderma maculatum, Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae): roosting and foraging behaviour

1983 ◽  
Vol 61 (7) ◽  
pp. 1487-1491 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. L. Leonard ◽  
M. B. Fenton
Keyword(s):  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Foraging Behaviour ◽  
Meteorological Factors ◽  
Heavy Rain ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
Defensive Behaviour ◽  
Echolocation Calls ◽  
Light Levels ◽  
Flying Insects ◽  
Feeding Area

The purpose of this study was to collect data on the foraging and roosting behaviour of Euderma maculatum in the Okanagan Valley of southern British Columbia. The work was performed in the summer of 1981. Bats concentrated their foraging activity in open areas adjacent to ponderosa pine. None of the over 1000 attempted captures of prey we witnessed involved E. maculatum gleaning insects from ground or foliage, and we question the idea that big-eared bats are gleaners. Some attacks on flying insects involve steep dives to the ground, presumably in response to the defensive behaviour of prey. Spotted bats foraged alone, avoiding one another apparently by listening to the echolocation calls of conspecifics. Intrusion by one bat into the feeding area of another resulted in an altercation which stopped when one bat left the area. Heavy rain may have inhibited foraging flights, but there was no evidence that other meteorological factors or moonlight significantly inhibited foraging activity. The bats roosted alone in steep cliff faces and two radio-tagged individuals returned consistently to the same cliff face to roost. Departure was presumably influenced by light levels, as bats departed earlier on cloudy nights than on bright ones.

The influence of wing morphology and echolocation on the gleaning ability of the insectivorous bat Myotis tricolor

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (12) ◽  
pp. 1854-1863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Stoffberg ◽  
David S Jacobs
Keyword(s):  
Discriminant Analysis ◽  
Foraging Behaviour ◽  
Myotis Lucifugus ◽  
The Other ◽  
Wing Morphology ◽  
Echolocation Calls ◽  
Narrow Bandwidth ◽  
Mole Crickets ◽  
Wing Tips ◽  
Wing Tip

On the basis of its external morphology, Myotis tricolor (Temminck, 1832) should be able to both aerial-feed and glean. Furthermore, this bat is known to use broadband calls of short duration, reinforcing the prediction that it gleans. However, results from this study indicate that M. tricolor does not commonly glean. This conclusion was reached after studying the foraging behaviour of M. tricolor in a flight room. We presented M. tricolor with mealworms, moths, mole crickets, beetles, and cicadas in a variety of ways that required either gleaning and (or) aerial feeding. Although M. tricolor readily took tethered prey, it did not take any of the variety of insects presented to it in a manner that required gleaning. We therefore compared its wing morphology and echolocation calls with those of several known gleaners, Nycteris thebaica E. Geoffroy, 1818, Myotis lucifugus (Le Conte, 1831), and Myotis septentrionalis (Trouessart, 1897), and an aerial forager, Neoromicia capensis (A. Smith, 1829). In a discriminant analysis wing-tip shape was the only variable to provide some degree of discrimination between species, with M. tricolor having more pointed wing tips than the known gleaners. Discriminant analysis of echolocation-call parameters grouped M. tricolor with the other Myotis species and separated it from N. capensis and N. thebaica. However, M. tricolor did not use harmonics as did the other Myotis species. The apparent failure of M. tricolor to glean might therefore be due to its relatively pointed wings and narrow-bandwidth echolocation calls, owing to the absence of harmonics in its calls.

Nocturnally constrained foraging of a lotic minnow (Rhinichthys cataractae)

1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (8) ◽  
pp. 2008-2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph M. Culp
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Diel Periodicity ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
Light Levels ◽  
Prey Composition ◽  
Rhinichthys Cataractae ◽  
Nocturnal Foraging ◽  
Gut Fullness ◽  
Foraging Pattern

Diel periodicity in foraging activity of the longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae) was determined by measuring dace activity over the stream bed, gut fullness, and the digestive state of prey items. Although most species of minnows are either diurnally or crepuscularly active, dace began foraging within 1 h after sunset with light levels near 10 lx and ceased before sunrise throughout the ice-free period. During the day few prey were taken as the dace remained under the shelter of stones. This nocturnal foraging pattern did not appear to be affected by spawning or seasonal changes in prey composition. Nocturnal foraging in dace is not likely a response to prey availability, but may be a response to avoid diel periods when salmonid competitors or visual predators are active.

scholarly journals Cuttlefish show flexible and future-dependent foraging cognition

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 20190743 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Billard ◽  
Alexandra K. Schnell ◽  
Nicola S. Clayton ◽  
Christelle Jozet-Alves
Keyword(s):  
Food Availability ◽  
Feeding Behaviour ◽  
Foraging Behaviour ◽  
Foraging Strategy ◽  
The Other ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
Experimental Conditions

Some animals optimize their foraging activity by learning and memorizing food availability, in terms of quantity and quality, and adapt their feeding behaviour accordingly. Here, we investigated whether cuttlefish flexibly adapt their foraging behaviour according to the availability of their preferred prey. In Experiment 1, cuttlefish switched from a selective to an opportunistic foraging strategy (or vice versa ) when the availability of their preferred prey at night was predictable versus unpredictable. In Experiment 2, cuttlefish exhibited day-to-day foraging flexibility, in response to experiencing changes in the proximate future (i.e. preferred prey available on alternate nights). In Experiment 1, the number of crabs eaten during the day decreased when shrimp (i.e. preferred food) were predictably available at night, while the consumption of crabs during the day was maintained when shrimp availability was unpredictable. Cuttlefish quickly shifted from one strategy to the other, when experimental conditions were reversed. In Experiment 2, cuttlefish only reduced their consumption of crabs during the daytime when shrimps were predictably available the following night. Their daytime foraging behaviour appeared dependent on shrimps' future availability. Overall, cuttlefish can adopt dynamic and flexible foraging behaviours including selective, opportunistic and future-dependent strategies, in response to changing foraging conditions.

Flexibility in foraging and roosting behaviour by the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus)

1991 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Mark Brigham
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Pinus Ponderosa ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Foraging Behaviour ◽  
Eptesicus Fuscus ◽  
Foraging Area ◽  
South Central ◽  
Big Brown Bats ◽  
Big Brown Bat ◽  
Pine Trees

I used radiotelemetry to study the roosting and foraging behaviour of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) in south central British Columbia. Maternity colonies were found in hollows of dead ponderosa pine trees (Pinus ponderosa) and colony members were not loyal to specific trees. Individuals consistently foraged above a 300-m stretch of the Okanagan River, travelling 1.8 km on average from day roosts to the foraging area. There were significant differences in the duration of foraging bouts among different sex and age-classes. The results are compared with data collected in a similar manner for a population in Ontario, where, in contrast to British Columbia, E. fuscus were highly loyal to man-made roost structures and on average travelled less than 1 km to foraging sites that varied nightly. I suggest that the marked difference in both roosting and foraging behaviour is due to differences in the availability and structure of roosts and in the distribution of insect prey.

scholarly journals Effect of probiotic supplement feed on the foraging activity of Indian honeybee (Apis cerana indica F.)

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (4(SI)) ◽  
pp. 1093-1097
Author(s):  
I. Padma-Shree ◽  
◽  
S.S.J. Roseleen ◽  
C.G.L. Justin ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Foraging Behaviour ◽  
Apis Cerana ◽  
Present Observation ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
Test Analysis ◽  
Honey Production ◽  
Sugar Syrup ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Foraging Rate ◽  
Apis Cerana Indica

Aim: To investigate the effect of probiotic supplement feed on the foraging behaviour Indian honeybee colonies to resolve the excessive usage of antibiotics. Methodology: The effect of sugar syrup feed (Untreated hives) and sugar syrup + probiotic supplement feed @ 10 ml 100 ml-1 syrup (Treated hives) on Indian honeybees was tested. The foraging activity and foraging rate were recorded and subjected to paired t- test analysis. Results: The present observation showed a significant difference in the foraging rate between the colonies fed with sugar syrup + probiotic supplement (2.33 ± 0.11 min-1) than the colonies that received sugar syrup alone (1.35 ± 0.06 min-1). The highest foraging rate (2.80 ± 0.39 min-1) was recorded in treated hives. Interpretation: The experiment revealed that the brood development was directly proportional to brood pheromone levels, which positively affects the foragers, consequently foraging rate and honey production. Thus, the probiotic supplement feeding may influence the foraging behaviour of honeybee colonies.

scholarly journals Light intensity regulates flower visitation in Neotropical nocturnal bees

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodolfo Liporoni ◽  
Guaraci Duran Cordeiro ◽  
Paulo Inácio Prado ◽  
Clemens Schlindwein ◽  
Eric James Warrant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Light Intensity ◽  
Strong Dependence ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
Know How ◽  
Minimum Light ◽  
Light Levels ◽  
Flower Visitation ◽  
Five Factors ◽  
Main Variable ◽  
Dim Light

Abstract The foraging activity of diurnal bees often relies on flower availability, light intensity and temperature. We do not know how nocturnal bees, which fly at night and twilight, cope with these factors, especially as light levels vary considerably from night to day and from night to night due to moon phase and cloud cover. Given that bee apposition compound eyes function at their limits in dim light, we expect a strong dependence of foraging activity on light intensity in nocturnal bees. Besides being limited by minimum light levels to forage, nocturnal bees should also avoid foraging at brighter intensities, which bring increased competition with other bees. We investigated how five factors (light intensity, flower availability, temperature, humidity, and wind) affect flower visitation by Neotropical nocturnal bees in cambuci (Campomanesia phaea, Myrtaceae). We counted visits per minute over 30 nights in 33 cambuci trees. Light intensity was the main variable explaining flower visitation of nocturnal bees, which peaked at intermediate light levels occurring 25 min before sunrise. The minimum light intensity threshold to visit flowers was 0.00024 cd/m2. Our results highlight the dependence of these nocturnal insects on adequate light levels to explore resources.

scholarly journals The foraging behaviour of honey bees, Apis mellifera: a review

2014 ◽  
Vol 59 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
HF Abou-Shaara
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Foraging Behaviour ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
Monitoring Methods ◽  
Ambient Environment ◽  
Bee Colony ◽  
Foraging Preference ◽  
Honey Bee Colony

Foraging behaviour is one of the distinctive behaviours of honey bees, Apis mellifera. This behaviour is the link between the honey bee colony and the ambient environment. Therefore, various in-colony and out-colony factors have an impact on this behaviour, and many studies have been employed to investigate these factors. Foraging behaviour is not advantageous only for the colony and for plant pollination but also has other benefits. In contrast, some disadvantages have also been discovered to be linked with foraging activity. Practically speaking, the control over this behaviour is very important to maximize colony products as well as to increase other agricultural benefits. This paper presents a review on foraging activity including; the regulation of foraging tasks, factors impacting this behaviour, foraging preference, variations between subspecies, monitoring methods as well as the possible methods for controlling this behaviour. As concluded from this review, more work needs to be performed in order to elucidate certain aspects of foraging behaviour.  

A Motographic Analysis of Foraging Behaviour in Intertidal Chitons (Acanthopleura Spp.)

1991 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 759-769 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Santini ◽  
P. Della Santina ◽  
G. Chelazzi
Keyword(s):  
Foraging Behaviour ◽  
Caribbean Sea ◽  
Western Indian Ocean ◽  
Temporal Organization ◽  
Foraging Strategies ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
Feeding Sites ◽  
Permanent Home ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Feeding Grounds

The behaviour of two intertidal chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) from the western Indian Ocean (Acanthopleura gemmata and A. brevispinosa) and one from the Caribbean Sea (A. granulata) were analyzed in order to assess the spatial and temporal organization of their foraging activity. Individual paths were recorded in the field using a motographic method based on LED-tracking and the speed variation during each excursion used to reveal the places where the animals slowed down or stopped for the purpose of grazing. Foraging segments of each trajectory were selected according to a threshold speed which was individually calibrated. The three species of Acanthopleura exhibited graded foraging strategies of different spatial complexity. Acanthopleura gemmata focused its foraging on a few large feeding sites well separated from its permanent home. Acanthopleura brevispinosa exploited more subdivided feeding grounds not distinctly separated from its rest area. Acanthopleura granulata spreads its grazing activity over many small segments, throughout each excursion. Due to different tidal and diel constraints on their activity the three species allocated different absolute time to foraging, but the fraction of time spent foraging relative to the total excursion was similar in each.

Foraging activity of the attine ant Acromyrmex octospinosus (Reich) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on resistant and susceptible yam varieties

1988 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 329-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Rahbé ◽  
G. Febvay ◽  
A. Kermarrec
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Analysis ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Foraging Behaviour ◽  
Previous Experience ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
Fungus Garden ◽  
Acromyrmex Octospinosus ◽  
Saponin Content

AbstractA quantitative analysis of the foraging behaviour of Acromyrmex octospinosus (Reich) from three nests on 27 yam varieties of nine species was undertaken in Guadeloupe using a video-microcomputer device. In ants with no previous experience of the variety, foraging inhibition appeared only after at least a whole day of contact with resistant yam leaves. There was a negative correlation between leaf saponin content of the yam species and foraging intensity; however, the main yam sapogenin, the steroid diosgenin, had no effect on foraging behaviour, and tomatin, a steroid-alkaloidal saponin, induced only long-term deterioration of the fungus garden when incorporated in the nest. The saponins tested are thus not detected by the ants and are therefore unable to initiate the strong and rapid foraging inhibition observed with resistant yams.

Foraging, nesting and damage caused by Microtermes subhyalinus (Isoptera: Termitidae) in a sugarcane plantation in the Central African Republic

1996 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 387-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Mora ◽  
C. Rouland ◽  
J. Renoux
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Distribution ◽  
Linear Relationship ◽  
Root System ◽  
Central African Republic ◽  
Foraging Behaviour ◽  
Annual Production ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
Fungus Combs ◽  
Different Seasons ◽  
The Vertical Distribution

AbstractThe ecology of Microtermes subhyalinus Silvestri in savanna and an adjoining sugarcane plantation in the Central African Republic is described. Other species of termites were associated with savanna and sugarcane but M. subhyalinus was the most prevalent and the only one causing damage to sugarcane. Damage to the crop by M. subhyalinus was assessed throughout the year. Termite attacks were confined initially to the root system just after cutting but as the cane matured and growth ceased, termites tunnelled up into the above-ground stems. Losses accounted for 5–10% of total annual production. The nesting and foraging behaviour of this species altered with the change from natural savanna to sugarcane cultivation. The vertical distribution of M. subhyalinus fungus combs in soil under savanna and sugarcane over different seasons was analysed. There was a linear relationship between monthly rainfall and foraging activity in savanna while in sugarcane no relationship was observed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document