Notes on some insect galls associated with Solanum plants in South Africa

Four insect galls associated with indigenous Solanum plants are described and biological data on the gallformers and their parasitoids are presented. Flower galls, inhabited by caterpillars of Scrobipalpa sp.nr. concreta (Meyrick) (Gelechiidae), occurred on eight species of Solanum. Stem galls, containing caterpillars of an unidentified gelechiid moth were found on three Solanum species. Two types of leaf gall (nodular and ‘puff galls’) were associated with the same gall midge (Cecidomyiidae) on a single Solanumspecies. Flower and leaf galls caused by the same species were also abundant on cultivated eggplant, although the gall-formers are not listed as pests of the crop. Although no galls occurred on any of three exotic Solanum weeds surveyed, the gall-formers may be useful natural enemies as their indigenous hosts are listed as problem plants

Group displays in pale-winged starlings

Cliff-nesting pale-winged starlings (Onychognathus nabouroup) gather on the cliff tops  to perform Group Displays which include both aggressive and courtship elements: Hopping,Wing Stretching,Wing Drooping, Wing Flicking, Staring, Head Forward Threat  and Butterfly Fluttering. These displays occur throughout the year, most frequently in the late afternoon. We suggest that this behaviour may be important in pair formation, and in establishing dominance relationships between birds breeding at the same site.Key words: aggression, social behaviour, roosting