Marine Reserves Shape Seascapes on Scales Visible From Space

Marine reserves can effectively restore harvested populations, and ‘mega-reserves’ increasingly protect large tracts of ocean. However, no method exists of monitoring ecological responses at this large scale. Herbivory is a key mechanism structuring ecosystems, and this consumer–resource interaction\u27s strength on coral reefs can indicate ecosystem health. We screened 1372, and measured features of 214, reefs throughout Australia\u27s Great Barrier Reef using high-resolution satellite imagery, combined with remote underwater videography and assays on a subset, to quantify the prevalence, size and potential causes of ‘grazing halos’. Halos are known to be seascape-scale footprints of herbivory and other ecological interactions. Here we show that these halo-like footprints are more prevalent in reserves, particularly older ones (approx. 40 years old), resulting in predictable changes to reef habitat at scales visible from space. While the direct mechanisms for this pattern are relatively clear, the indirect mechanisms remain untested. By combining remote sensing and behavioural ecology, our findings demonstrate that reserves can shape large-scale habitat structure by altering herbivores\u27 functional importance, suggesting that reserves may have greater value in restoring ecosystems than previously appreciated. Additionally, our results show that we can now detect macro-patterns in reef species interactions using freely available satellite imagery. Low-cost, ecosystem-level observation tools will be critical as reserves increase in number and scope; further investigation into whether halos may help seems warranted. Significance statement: Marine reserves are a widely used tool to mitigate fishing impacts on marine ecosystems. Predicting reserves\u27 large-scale effects on habitat structure and ecosystem functioning is a major challenge, however, because these effects unfold over longer and larger scales than most ecological studies. We use a unique approach merging remote sensing and behavioural ecology to detect ecosystem change within reserves in Australia\u27s vast Great Barrier Reef. We find evidence of changes in reefs\u27 algal habitat structure occurring over large spatial (thousands of kilometres) and temporal (40+ years) scales, demonstrating that reserves can alter herbivory and habitat structure in predictable ways. This approach demonstrates that we can now detect aspects of reefs\u27 ecological responses to protection even in remote and inaccessible reefs globally

Telaprocera Harmer & Framenau 2008, gen. nov.

Telaprocera gen. nov. Type species. Telaprocera maudae sp. nov., designated here. Etymology. The genus name Telaprocera is formed by joining the Latin words tela, meaning web, and procerus, meaning long or tall. This name describes the remarkable elongated web built by the two species within this genus. The gender is feminine. Diagnosis. Telaprocera gen. nov. shares with the Argiopinae (Argiope, Gea and Neogea) the procurved row of the posterior eyes, although the degree of this curvature ranges from almost straight to noticeably procurved (Figs 18, 20, 28, 30). A distinct, heavily sclerotised dorsal ‘keel’ on the cymbium of the male pedipalp serves as a putative synapomorphy of the genus and differentiates Telaprocera gen. nov. from all other currently known genera within the Argiopinae (and other Araneidae) (Figs 5, 23, 33). Males also differ from the Argiopinae by the presence of a distinct terminal apophysis (Figs 4, 7, 9, 22, 23, 32, 33). Females differ from the Argiopinae in the presence of a scape, although it is very simple, short, and poorly differentiated (Figs 10, 11, 24, 25, 35). In addition, the epigynes lack the transverse rim and lateral depressions of the Argiopinae. In contrast to all other argiopine spiders, which build circular, often decorated, orb-webs, Telaprocera gen. nov. build elongated ladder-webs without decorations (Fig. 3). Description. Small to medium sized araneids (TL 3.5–7), males of similar size as females but with comparatively longer legs and narrower abdomens (Figs 18–21, 28–31). Carapace moderately domed, pearshaped in dorsal view, and slightly longer than wide; moderately hirsute, particularly around eye region. AE row straight, PE row almost straight to distinctly procurved (Figs 18, 20, 28, 30). Clypeus less than or equal to the diameter of AME. AME larger than PME, PLE larger than ALE. Median ocular area narrower posteriorly than anteriorly. PME with centralised canoe-shaped tapetum. Abdomen in dorsal view approximately round, more tapered posteriorly in T. joanae sp. nov. (Figs 18, 20, 28, 30). Distinct white dorsolateral humeral projections (T. joanae sp. nov.) or white unraised dorsolateral patches may be present (T. maudae sp. nov.) (Figs 18, 20, 28, 30). Tibiae I and II with short, very stout spines, arranged linearly in T. maudae sp. nov. Male T. maudae sp. nov. tibiae II with fewer spines. Leg formula I> II> IV> III. Male pedipalp patellae with one long macroseta. Cymbium of pedipalp with dorsal keel adjacent to paracymbium (Figs 5, 23, 33). Median apophysis smooth without prongs, flagella, spurs, serrations or other modifications, comparatively smaller in T. joanae sp. nov. (Figs 4, 7, 22, 32). Conductor with lobes of variable shape. Embolic division highly variable between both species, simple in T. maudae sp. nov. (Figs 4, 22), but with basoembolic apophysis and digitiform process in T. joanae sp. nov. (Figs 7, 32, 33). Epigyne heavily sclerotised, as wide as long in T. maudae sp. nov. (Fig. 24) or wider than long in T. joanae sp. nov. (Fig. 34). Scape not well differentiated, forming a blunt, posterior protrusion. Extreme distal portion of scape tapered and folded either anteriorly or posteriorly (Figs 10, 11, 24, 25, 35). Spermathecae globular, copulatory ducts short (Figs 26, 36).Published as part of Harmer, Aaron M. T. & Framenau, Volker W., 2008, Telaprocera (Araneae: Araneidae), a new genus of Australian orb-web spiders with highly elongated webs, pp. 59-80 in Zootaxa 1956 (1) on pages 67-70, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.1956.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/524107

Telaprocera maudae Harmer & Framenau 2008, sp. nov.

<i>Telaprocera maudae</i> sp. nov. <p>(Figs 18–27)</p> <p> <b>Type material.</b> Holotype male, Lamington National Park, national park campground at Green Mountains section, Queensland, Australia, 28°13’49”S, 153°08’04”E, A.M.T. Harmer, March 2006 (QM S83010). Paratype female, same data (QM S83011).</p> <p> <b>Other material examined.</b> <b>AUSTRALIA: New South Wales:</b> 1 male, Bruxner Park, 30°18’S, 153°07’E (QM S83036); 1 male, Bruxner Park, Orara East State Forest, Coffs Harbour, 30°14’S, 153°06’E (SAM NN24378); 1 female, same data, (SAM NN24379); 1 female, same data, (SAM NN24380); 1 female, Jamberoo Mountain, 34°39’S, 150°47’E (AM KS34169); 1 male, O’Sullivans Gap Rest area, Bullahdelah State Forest, 32°24’S, 152°15’E (SAM NN24377); 1 female, Richmond Range, 28°20’S, 152°55’E (QM S83025); 1 female, Royal National Park, 34°08’S, 151°04’E (AM KS10777); 1 female, ‘ Scalloway’, Willowvale, via Gerringong, 34°44’S, 150°47’E (AM KS81895); 2 females, 1 juvenile, same data (AM KS92767); 1 female, same data (AM KS81893); 1 female, 3 juveniles, Stotts Island, Tweed River, 28°14’S, 153°31’E (QM S83015); 1 female, Yabbra State Forest, 28°40’S, 152°45’E (QM S19477). <b>Queensland:</b> 1 male, Atherton Plateau, Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat, 12.4 km 059 ENE of Malanda (ZMUC); 1 male, 1 female, 1 juvenile, Bakers Blue Mountain, 17km W Mt Molloy, 16°42’S, 145°10’E (QM S34071); 1 female, Bellenden Ker, 17°16’S, 145°51’E (QM S26340); 1 male, 1 female, Bellenden Ker, Massey Range, 4km W of centre, 17°16’S, 145°49’E (QM S83470); 1 male, Boloumba Creek (QM S83023); 1 female, Boombana National Park, 27°24’8’’S, 152°47’22’’E (QM S65295); 1 female, 5 juveniles, Bulburin State Forest, 24°30’S, 151°35’E (QM S83024); 4 females, 17 juveniles, Bunya Mountains National Park, Dandabah, 26°53’S, 151°37’E (QM S83028); 1 male, 1 female, Bunya Mountains National Park, near Mt Krangarow, 26°51’S, 151°34’E (QM S83021); 1 male, Cathedral Tree, 17°12’S, 145°40’E (QM S43277); 1 female, 4 juveniles, Danbulla Scientific Reserve, 17°12’S, 145°40’E (QM S46448); 1 female, Danbulla State Forest, 17°10’S, 145°36’E (ZMUC); 1 female, Jimna Fire Tower, 26°40’S, 152°27’E (QM S69352); 1 male, 1 female, Kroombit Tops, Beauty Spot 98, 24°22’S, 151°01’E (QM S83037); 2 males, 6 females, 5 juveniles, Kroombit Tops, Three Moon Creek, 24°22’S, 151°01’E (QM S83027); 1 female, 1 juvenile, Kroombit Tops, Upper Kroombit Creek, 24°25’S, 151°03’E (QM S83033); 1 male, Lamington National Park, Binna Burra, 28°12’S, 153°11’E (QM S80483); 1 male, same data (SAM NN24375); 1 female, same data, (SAM NN24376); 2 females, Lamington National Park, Daves Creek Country, 28°15’S, 153°08’E (QM S83035); 1 female, 1 juvenile, Lamington National Park, Nagarigoon, 28°12’S, 153°10’E (QM S83026); 1 male, Lamington National Park, national park campground, 28°13’49”S, 153°08’04”E (WAM T85240); 1 female, same data, 28°13’49”S, 153°08’04”E (WAM T85241); 1 female, Lamington National Park, O’Reillys, 28°14’S, 153°08’E (QM S83029); 1 female, Lamington National Park, O’Reillys Trail, 28°15’S, 153°09’E (ZMUC); 1 female, 2 juveniles, Majors Mountain, 17°38’S, 145°32’E (QM S83020); 1 male, Majors Mountain, Vine Creek Road, 17°40’58’’S, 145°32’02’’E (QM S60261); 1 female, Mt Bartle Frere, 17°23’S, 145°49’E (QM S77008); 2 males, 1 female, Mt Deongwar, 3km S, 27°13’41”S, 152°15’36”E (QM S54190); 2 females, Mt Elliot National Park, Upper North Creek, 19°29’S, 146°58’E (QM S83031); 1 female, 3 juveniles, Mt Finnigan, 15°49’S, 145°17’E (QM S83032); 1 female, 2 juveniles, Mt Goonaneman, near Childers, 25°26’S, 152°8’E (QM S83030), 1 male, Mt Graham, 8km N Abergowrie, 18°24’S, 145°52’E (QM S83034); 2 females, Mt Spurgeon, 4km NNE, Stewart Creek, 16°24’S, 145°13’E (QM S58683); 1 female, Mt Spurgeon, Sandy Creek, 16°28’S, 145°12’E (QM S43342); 1 male, Peeramon Scrub, 17°19’S, 145°37’E (QM S38133); 1 male, 19 juveniles, Searys Scrub, Cooloola National Park, 26°12’S, 153°03’E (QM S83022); 2 females, 3 juveniles, Swan Creek, Main River, 28°8’S, 152°20’E (QM S47139); 2 females, Tamborine National Park, Witches Falls, 27°56’27’’S, 153°10’48’’E (ZMUC); 1 female, same data (ZMUC); 1 female, The Crater, 25°03’S, 148°24’E (QM S83019); 1 female, The Crater, Mount Hypipamee National Park, 17°25’29”S, 145°29’00”E (AM KS53314); 1 male, Upper Brookfield, 27°30’S, 152°55’E (QM S83016); 1 male, 8 juveniles, same data (QM S83017); 3 males, 3 females, 12 juveniles, same data (QM S83018); 2 males, 2 females, Upper Leichardt Creek, 16°35’S, 145°16’E (QM S43165); 2 males, same data (QM S75213); 1 female, 2 juveniles, same data (QM S75262); 1 female, Windsor Tableland, 1.2km past barracks, 16°15’S, 145°02’E (QM S54009); 1 male, Windsor Tableland, barracks, 16°16’S, 145°03’E (QM S43980).</p> <p> <b>Etymology.</b> The species is named in memory of the senior author’s paternal grandmother, Maud Harmer.</p> <p> <b>Diagnosis.</b> This species is the larger of the two within the genus. However, in some instances sizes overlap, with smaller <i>T. maudae</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> adults being approximately the same size as large <i>T. joanae</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> adult females. Males have a large, shallow dish-shaped median apophysis, and a comparatively shorter, curved terminal apophysis (Figs 4, 22, 23), in contrast to <i>T. joanae</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> in which the median apophysis is much smaller (Figs 7, 32), and the terminal apophysis is larger with a digitiform process (Figs 9, 32, 33). Females of <i>T. maudae</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> are distinguished by a narrower epigyne, with the short, distal portion of the scape angled anteriorly, back away from the copulatory openings (Figs 10, 24, 25), in contrast to <i>T. joanae</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> in which the epigyne is wider than long and the distal portion angled posteriorly (Figs 11, 35).</p> <p> <b>Description.</b> <i>Holotype male</i> (Lamington National Park, QM S83010). Carapace orange-brown with darker bands around margins and posterior of cephalic region (Fig. 18). Fovea triangular with apex pointing anteriorly, and with a dark radiating pattern (Fig. 18). Moderately hirsute with fine white setae, more dense around carapace margins and eye region. Black rings around eyes. Chelicerae dark orange-brown with four promarginal teeth, apical tooth separated by width of one tooth, second tooth from proximal end much larger than others; three retromarginal teeth of similar size. Labium dark brown proximally, fading to white distally (Fig. 19). Sternum light brown with dark brown margin (Fig. 19). Abdomen dark brown, approximately round, but slightly tapered posteriorly, slightly longer than wide (Fig. 18). Small white markings on dorsal anterior surface of abdomen (Fig. 18). Indistinct horizontal band across abdomen posterior to small white markings, darker brown anteriorly of band, lighter brown posteriorly (Fig. 18). White dorsolateral patches visible at the ends of the horizontal band (Fig. 18). Faint scalloped markings visible on posterior lateral surface of abdomen. Legs pale yellow-brown with dark patches (Figs 18, 19). Tibiae I prolateral surface with a row of five short, very stout spines, tibiae II prolateral surface with two spines distally. Pedipalps with large dishshaped median apophysis (Figs 4, 22). Conductor elongate with cleft supporting short embolus, and proximal lobe adjacent to cleft (Figs 4, 22). Terminal apophysis short and curved basally (Figs 4, 22, 23).</p> <p> <i>Paratype female</i> (Lamington National Park, QM S83011). Female somatic characters are as in male with the following exceptions: chelicerae with four promarginal teeth, apical tooth not separate as in male, apical tooth and second tooth from proximal end much larger than others. Abdomen much larger, more rounded, less tapered posteriorly, wider than long (Fig. 20). Tibiae I prolateral surface with a row of six short, very stout spines, tibiae II prolateral surface with a row of five spines. Epigyne in ventral view approximately as wide as long (Fig. 24), moderately hirsute. Small distal portion of scape curved back anteriorly away from copulatory openings, indistinct median septum continuous with small posterior plate (Figs 10, 25). Spermathecae relatively large, spherical in shape (Figs 24, 26).</p> <p> <i>Variation</i>. Carapace may be pale yellow-brown instead of orange-brown, abdomen may be lighter brown, sometimes with greenish tinges. Small white markings on dorsal anterior surface of abdomen more pronounced in some individuals. White dorsolateral patches on abdomen may not be present in some individuals, scalloped pattern on abdomen posterior lateral surface may be more pronounced in some individuals. Male tibiae II variable in number of spines but less than tibiae I.</p> <p> <b>Measurements.</b> Male holotype (female paratype): total length 5.6 (7.0). Carapace length 3.2 (3.4), width 2.7 (2.9). Sternum length 1.4 (1.5), width 1.2 (1.3). Clypeus 0.18 (0.20). Eyes: AME 0.20 (0.18), ALE 0.10 (0.10), PME 0.15 (0.15), PLE 0.14 (0.14). Row of eyes: AME 0.57 (0.60), ALE 1.17 (1.32), PME 0.45 (0.45), PLE 1.37 (1.52). Legs (femur + patella/tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): I 4.3 (3.5) + 5.0 (4.2) + 3.8 (2.8) + 1.1 (1.0) = 14.2 (11.8); II 3.4 (3.0) + 3.9 (3.6) + 3.0 (2.5) + 1.1 (1.0) = 11.4 (10.1); III 2.2 (2.1) + 2.0 (2.1) + 1.5 (1.2) + 0.9 (0.9) = 6.6 (6.3); IV 2.6 (2.6) + 2.6 (2.8) + 2.0 (2.0) + 0.8 (0.9) = 8.0 (8.3).</p> <p> <b>Distribution.</b> This species is found along the east coast of Australia from Mt Finnigan in far north Queensland, to Willowvale in southeast New South Wales (Fig. 27), although it appears to occur more frequently in Queensland. It is often collected from areas of higher altitude along the Great Dividing Range.</p> <p> <b>Life history.</b> <i>Telaprocera maudae</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> of all ages, from first instar to adult, are found year round in at least some parts of the species’ distribution, such as Lamington National Park in southeast Queensland. There appear to be overlapping generations in this area, however, the phenology in other parts of the distribution is unknown. The ladder-webs of these spiders range from about two to seven times taller than wide, and are always built against the trunk of a tree. Webs are not rebuilt every night, but only after several days, presumably when there is substantial damage, or when the silk is no longer sticky. Webs are generally built early in the evening, although webs were occasionally observed being built closer to dawn. The spiders emerge from hiding at dusk and remain at the hub of the web until dawn, only moving in response to prey that has become entangled in the web. Adult males occasionally build webs and are also found sitting at the top of adult female webs. It is uncertain whether these males are guarding recently mated females, or waiting for females to become sexually receptive.</p>Published as part of <i>Harmer, Aaron M. T. & Framenau, Volker W., 2008, Telaprocera (Araneae: Araneidae), a new genus of Australian orb-web spiders with highly elongated webs, pp. 59-80 in Zootaxa 1956 (1)</i> on pages 70-74, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.1956.1.2, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/5241075">http://zenodo.org/record/5241075</a&gt

Functional diversity of ladder-webs : moth specialization or optimal area use?

Ladder-webs are built by several orb-web spider species and can be divided into two main groups based on the microhabitat in which they are built, either in open spaces (aerial) or against tree trunks (arboricolous). In Australian ladder-web spiders, Telaprocera, the elongated webs are a highly plastic behavioral response to building in space-limited conditions against tree trunks, while the aerial ladder-webs of Scoloderus are an adaptation for catching moths. However, the relative importance of moth capture in the construction of elongated webs in arboricolous spiders cannot be determined with existing data. We here present observational and experimental data concerning prey capture in the arboricolous spiders T. maudae Harmer & Framenau 2008 and T. joanae Harmer & Framenau 2008. We found that moths make up only a small fraction (<4%) of the diet of Telaprocera spiders and that the proportions of major prey orders in webs are representative of available prey. Our experiments indicate that these webs do not function well at retaining moths. However, further data are required before more definite conclusions can be drawn regarding whether these webs are more effective at retaining moths than standard orb-webs.4 page(s

Telaprocera joanae Harmer & Framenau 2008, sp. nov.

Telaprocera joanae sp. nov. (Figs 28–37) Type material. Holotype male, Lamington National Park, national park campground at Green Mountains section, Queensland, Australia, 28°13’49”S, 153°08’04”E, A.M.T. Harmer, March 2006 (QM S83008). Paratype female, same data (QM S83009). Other material examined. AUSTRALIA: New South Wales: 1 male, 1 female, 1 juvenile, Bruxner Park, Orara East State Forest, Coffs Harbour, 30°14’S, 153°06’E (SAM NN24374); 1 male, 2 females, Richmond Range, 28°59’S, 152°45’E (QM S83012). Queensland: 1 female, Boombana National Park, 27°24’S, 152°47’E (QM S65294); 4 females, 15 juveniles, Bunya Mountains National Park, Dandabah, 26°51’S, 151°34’E (QM S83006); 2 females, 2 juveniles, Crediton, 21°13’S, 148°35’E (QM S83004); 1 female, Dalrymple Heights, 21°04’S, 148°35’E (AM KS6390); 1 female, same data (AM KS0286); 1 female, Dalrymple Heights, Mt William, lower slopes, 21°01’S, 148°36’E (AM KS0361); 1 female, Eungella, schoolhouse, 21°08’S, 148°29’E (QM S69323); 1 female, Lamington National Park, 28°15’S, 153°08’E (QM S83005); same data (ZMUC); 1 female, 4 juveniles, Lamington National Park, Binna Burra, 28°12’S, 153°11’E (QM S27554); 1 male, 5 females, 13 juveniles, same data (QM S83002); 1 male, Lamington National Park, Binna Burra, Tullawallal Circuit, 28°12’S, 153°11’E (SAM NN24371); 1 male, same data (SAM NN24373); 1 female, same data (SAM NN24372); 1 male, 3 females, 1 juvenile, Lamington National Park, Nagarigoon, 28°12’S, 153°10’E (QM S83014); 1 male, Lamington National Park, national park campground, 28°13'49"S, 153°08'04"E (WAM T85242); 1 female, same data (WAM T85243); 3 males, 1 female, Lamington National Park, near O’Reillys Guesthouse, 28°14’05”S, 153°08’13”E (ZMUC); 2 males, 3 females, Lamington National Park, O’Reillys Trail, 28°14’S, 153°08’E (ZMUC); 3 males, 1 female, same data (ZMUC); 1 female, same data (QM S83007); 1 male, 2 females, Lamington National Park, Python Trail, 28°15’S, 153°08’E (ZMUC); 1 male, 1 female, Mt Deongwar, 3km S, 27°13’41”S, 152°15’36”E (QM S83003); 1 male, Mt Superbus, 28°14’S, 152°29’E (QM S83013); 1 male, Tamborine National Park, Witches Falls, 27°56’27”S, 153°10’48”E (ZMUC); 3 females, same data (ZMUC). Victoria: 1 female, Alfred National Park, 19km E Cann River, 37°32’S, 149°20’E (AM KS3649). Etymology. The species is named in memory of the senior author’s maternal grandmother, Joan Worth. Diagnosis. This species is generally smaller than T. maudae sp. nov. and is characterised by the green colouration, narrower, more tapered abdomen, with white dorsolateral humeral projections and strong scalloped pattern on the posterior lateral surface (Figs 28, 30). The median apophysis of the male pedipalp is reduced in comparison to the median apophysis of T. maudae sp. nov., and is not dish-shaped (Figs 7, 32). There is a basoembolic apophysis present (Figs 7, 8, 32), and a digitiform process originating on the terminal apophysis (Figs 9, 32, 33), both of which are lacking in T. maudae sp. nov. Females can be distinguished by the comparatively wider epigyne, which is approximately two and a half times wider than long, and the short distal portion of the scape which is curved posteriorly and partially covering the copulatory openings (Figs 11, 34, 35). Description. Holotype male (Lamington National Park, QM S83008). Carapace yellow-brown with dark band around margins and dark markings posteriorly of cephalic region (Fig. 28). Fovea triangular, apex pointed anteriorly with dark radiating pattern (Fig. 28). Black rings around eyes. Long silvery-white setae between PME. Cephalic region densely hirsute with silvery-white setae. Chelicerae light brown with four promarginal teeth, apical and second tooth from proximal end much larger than others; three retromarginal teeth, apical tooth much smaller than others. Labium dark brown proximally, fading to white distally (Fig. 29). Sternum yellow-brown with dark tinges towards margins. Abdomen with green, white and brown colouration, approximately round but strongly tapered posteriorly, longer than wide (Fig. 28). Distinct cruciform pattern, with vertical band running length of abdomen and horizontal band terminating in two pronounced white dorsolateral humeral projections (Fig. 28). Strong scalloped pattern on posterior lateral surface of abdomen. Legs yellow-brown with dark patches (Figs 28, 29). Tibiae I with short, very stout spines, arranged more or less evenly over surface, tibiae II with fewer spines. Spines less robust than in T. maudae. Median apophysis of male pedipalp approximately hatchet-shaped (Figs 7, 32). Conductor with cleft supporting embolus and basoembolic apophysis, large curled lobe adjacent to cleft (Figs 7, 32). Basoembolic apophysis subequal in size to, and running alongside embolus, inserted at base of embolus (Figs 7, 8, 32). Terminal apophysis large, sickle-shaped, with digitiform process originating approximately one third of length along from proximal end of terminal apophysis (7, 9, 33). Paratype female (Lamington National Park, QM S83009). Female somatic characters are as in male with the following exceptions: carapace paler with slight greenish tinge (Fig. 30). Row of dark macrosetae running along midline of carapace from fovea to PME. Three retromarginal teeth of similar size. Sternum yellowbrown in centre but with wide black band around margins (Fig. 31). Abdomen comparatively larger than male, as long as wide and less tapered posteriorly (Fig. 30). Epigyne in ventral view approximately two and a half times wider than long (Fig. 34), moderately hirsute. Extreme distal portion of scape curved posteriorly and partially covering copulatory openings, wide posterior plate extending from directly below distal portion of scape (Figs 11, 35). Spermathecae relatively large, spherical in shape, spaced more widely apart than in T. maudae sp. nov. (Figs 34. 36). Variation. Carapace, abdomen and legs may have stronger green colouration. This green colouration is very distinct in live specimens (Fig. 2) and fades after preservation in EtOH. Measurements. Male holotype (female paratype): total length 3.9 (4.6). Carapace length 2.2 (2.2), width 1.9 (1.8). Sternum length 0.9 (0.9), width 0.8 (0.8). Clypeus 0.13 (0.13). Eyes: AME 0.15 (0.15), ALE 0.08 (0.08), PME 0.13 (0.10), PLE 0.13 (0.1). Row of eyes: AME 0.38 (0.38), ALE 0.80 (0.85), PME 0.25 (0.28), PLE 0.95 (0.95). Legs (femur + patella/tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): I 3.1 (2.3) + 3.7 (2.7) + 3.4 (2.2) + 1.2 (0.9) = 11.4 (8.1); II 2.6 (2.0) + 3.1 (2.3) + 3.0 (1.9) + 1.1 (0.9) = 9.8 (7.1); III 1.6 (1.5) + 1.7 (1.5) + 1.2 (0.9) + 0.7 (0.6) = 5.1 (4.5); IV 1.9 (1.7) + 2.0 (1.8) + 1.6 (1.4) + 0.7 (0.6) = 6.2 (5.5). Distribution. This species occurs along the east coast of Australia and is most often collected in southeast Queensland and in the Richmond Ranges in the northeast of New South Wales (Fig. 37). Spiders have been collected as far north as Dalrymple Heights in Queensland, and as far south as Victoria, with a single specimen collected from Alfred National Park in far east Gippsland. The distribution overlaps with T. maudae sp. nov. in some areas, with large populations of both species occurring sympatrically in Lamington National Park. This species also tends to be collected at areas of higher altitude along the Great Dividing Range. Life history. The life history characteristics of T. joanae sp. nov. are similar to those of T. maudae sp. nov. The webs of the two species are indistinguishable in the field, and are often found on the same tree.Published as part of Harmer, Aaron M. T. & Framenau, Volker W., 2008, Telaprocera (Araneae: Araneidae), a new genus of Australian orb-web spiders with highly elongated webs, pp. 59-80 in Zootaxa 1956 (1) on pages 75-79, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.1956.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/524107

Remating inhibition in female Queensland fruit flies : effects and correlates of sperm storage

Reproductive success of male insects commonly hinges both on their ability to secure copulations with many mates and also on their ability to inseminate and inhibit subsequent sexual receptivity of their mates to rival males. We here present the first investigation of sperm storage in Queensland fruit flies (Tephritidae: "Bactrocera tryoni"; a.k.a. ‘Q-flies’) and address the question of whether remating inhibition in females is directly influenced by or correlated with number of sperm stored from their first mates. We used irradiation to disrupt spermatogenesis and thereby experimentally reduce the number of sperm stored by some male's mates while leaving other aspects of male sexual performance (mating probability, latency until copulating, copula duration) unaffected. Females that mated with irradiated rather than normal males were less likely to store any sperm at all (50% vs. 89%) and, if some sperm were stored, the number was greatly reduced (median 11 vs. 120). Despite the considerable differences in sperm storage, females mated by normal males and irradiated males were similarly likely to remate at the next opportunity, indicating (1) number of sperm stored does not directly drive female remating inhibition and (2) factors actually responsible for remating inhibition are similarly expressed in normal and irradiated males. While overall levels of remating were similar for mates of normal and irradiated males, factors responsible for female remating inhibition were positively associated with presence and number of sperm stored by mates of normal but not irradiated males. We suggest seminal fluids as the most likely factor responsible for remating inhibition in female Q-flies, as these are likely to be transported in proportion to number of sperm in normal males, be uninfluenced by irradiation, and be transported without systematic relation to sperm number in irradiated males.8 page(s

Female song rate and structure predict reproductive success in a socially monogamous bird.

Bird song is commonly regarded as a male trait that has evolved through sexual selection. However, recent research has prompted a re-evaluation of this view by demonstrating that female song is an ancestral and phylogenetically widespread trait. Species with female song provide opportunities to study selective pressures and mechanisms specific to females within the wider context of social competition. We investigated the relationship between reproductive success and female song performance in the New Zealand bellbird (Anthornis melanura), a passerine resident year round in New Zealand temperate forests. We monitored breeding behavior and song over three years on Tiritiri Matangi Island. Female bellbirds contributed significantly more towards parental care than males (solely incubating young and provisioning chicks at more than twice the rate of males). Female song rate in the vicinity of the nest was higher than that of males during incubation and chick-rearing stages but similar during early-nesting and post-breeding stages. Using GLMs, we found that female song rates during both incubation and chick-rearing stages strongly predicted the number of fledged chicks. However, male song rate and male and female chick provisioning rates had no effect on fledging success. Two measures of female song complexity (number of syllable types and the number of transitions between different syllable types) were also good predictors of breeding success (GLM on PC scores). In contrast, song duration, the total number of syllables, and the number of ‘stutter’ syllables per song were not correlated with fledging success. It is unclear why male song rate was not associated with reproductive success and we speculate that extra-pair paternity might play a role. While we have previously demonstrated that female bellbird song is important in intrasexual interactions, we clearly demonstrate here that female song predicts reproductive success. These results, with others, highlight the need for a change in how we view the significance of female secondary sexual traits; traits long underestimated due to a focus on male song

Large orb-webs adapted to maximise total biomass not rare, large prey

Spider orb-webs are the ultimate anti-ballistic devices, capable of dissipating the relatively massive kinetic energy of flying prey. Increased web size and prey stopping capacity have co-evolved in a number orb-web taxa, but the selective forces driving web size and performance increases are under debate. The rare, large prey hypothesis maintains that the energetic benefits of rare, very large prey are so much greater than the gains from smaller, more common prey that smaller prey are irrelevant for reproduction. Here, we integrate biophysical and ecological data and models to test a major prediction of the rare, large prey hypothesis, that selection should favour webs with increased stopping capacity and that large prey should comprise a significant proportion of prey stopped by a web. We find that larger webs indeed have a greater capacity to stop large prey. However, based on prey ecology, we also find that these large prey make up a tiny fraction of the total biomass (=energy) potentially captured. We conclude that large webs are adapted to stop more total biomass and that the capacity to stop rare, but very large, prey is an incidental consequence of the longer radial silks that scale with web size

Optimal web investment in sub-optimal foraging conditions

Orb web spiders sit at the centre of their approximately circular webs when waiting for prey and so face many of the same challenges as central-place foragers. Prey value decreases with distance from the hub as a function of prey escape time. The further from the hub that prey are intercepted, the longer it takes a spider to reach them and the greater chance they have of escaping. Several species of orb web spiders build vertically elongated ladder-like orb webs against tree trunks, rather than circular orb webs in the open. As ladder web spiders invest disproportionately more web area further from the hub, it is expected they will experience reduced prey gain per unit area of web investment compared to spiders that build circular webs. We developed a model to investigate how building webs in the space-limited microhabitat on tree trunks influences the optimal size, shape and net prey gain of arboricolous ladder webs. The model suggests that as horizontal space becomes more limited, optimal web shape becomes more elongated, and optimal web area decreases. This change in web geometry results in decreased net prey gain compared to webs built without space constraints. However, when space is limited, spiders can achieve higher net prey gain compared to building typical circular webs in the same limited space. Our model shows how spiders optimise web investment in sub-optimal conditions and can be used to understand foraging investment trade-offs in other central-place foragers faced with constrained foraging arenas.6 page(s

Large orb-webs adapted to maximise total biomass not rare, large prey

Spider orb-webs are the ultimate anti-ballistic devices, capable of dissipating the relatively massive kinetic energy of flying prey. Increased web size and prey stopping capacity have co-evolved in a number orb-web taxa, but the selective forces driving web size and performance increases are under debate. The rare, large prey hypothesis maintains that the energetic benefits of rare, very large prey are so much greater than the gains from smaller, more common prey that smaller prey are irrelevant for reproduction. Here, we integrate biophysical and ecological data and models to test a major prediction of the rare, large prey hypothesis, that selection should favour webs with increased stopping capacity and that large prey should comprise a significant proportion of prey stopped by a web. We find that larger webs indeed have a greater capacity to stop large prey. However, based on prey ecology, we also find that these large prey make up a tiny fraction of the total biomass (=energy) potentially captured. We conclude that large webs are adapted to stop more total biomass, and that the capacity to stop rare, but very large, prey is an incidental consequence of the longer radial silks that scale with web size