Extreme head morphology in Plastotephritinae (Diptera, Platystomatidae), with a proposition of classification of head structures in acalyptrate Diptera.

Modification of the head capsule in flies is known from several families of Diptera. In nearly all instances the accompanying agonistic behaviour suggests sexual selection for increased morphological change. This paper examines and explores the variety of head modifications found in the Plastotephritinae (Diptera, Platystomatidae) and, in the absence of biological observations regarding sexual behaviour and oviposition, suggests that similar agonistic, territorial behaviour and sexual selection is likely in Plastotephritinae. In addition, a system of classification of head modifications is proposed to aid future discussion and later (possibly phylogenetic) analysis, listing 9 (+ 1 intermediate) categories of head modification in Plastotephritinae and 4 further categories in other dipterous families

The impact of feed cost on U.S. poultry production: implications for the impact of increased ethanol production

Crop Production/Industries, Livestock Production/Industries,

The Value of Hunting Package Attributes

Economic impacts of hunting activities reveals opportunities for landowners to capitalize on apparent market demand for fee-access hunting. This paper discusses the marginal values of hunting package attributes. The results will provide landowners the information needed to make optimal management decision.Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

The Impact of Hunting Package Attributes on Hunting Package Prices in Mississippi

Potential economic impacts of hunting activities suggested opportunities for non-industrial private landowners in Mississippi to capitalize on apparent market demand for fee-access hunting. Data were collected from outfitting individuals/firms operating within Mississippi to analyze the impact of hunting package attributes on package prices. Generally, package prices were directly related to the length of the package in days, with the increase in price decreasing with each additional day. Provision of other amenities such as lodging as well as joint activities such as fishing also increased package prices. Finally, there were differences in package prices depending on species being hunted. These results provide landowners with added information about the potential values of hunting package prices, which, when combined with costs of providing the packages, can assist in making optimal enterprise management decisions.Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

The diet of bushpigs in a sugarcane agro-ecosystem.

Bushpigs, Potamochoerus porcus, in a sugar-farming area of Natal, South Africa, were found to be omnivorous, but plant material dominated their diet year round. Sugar-cane stem was the main item identified in faeces collected on farmland during all seasons and in faeces from adjacent forest during winter and spring. Fruits were probably preferred to sugar cane by animals defecating in the forest during summer and autumn

The distribution of Bibionidae (Diptera) in Scotland

We review the material of the family Bibionidae from Scotland in the Natural History Museum, London and the National Museums of Scotland, Edinburgh, as well as some material from other collections and published records from the SIRI (Scottish Insect Records Index). Eleven species of the genus Bibio Geoffroy, 1762 and four species in the genus Dilophus Meigen, 1803 have been collected in Scotland. We review the distribution and ecology of each species and present maps of records. Previous Scottish records of Bibio hortulanus (Linnaeus, 1758) and B. reticulatus Loew, 1846 are deemed to be most likely erroneous. Additionally, we have not found any specimens confirming the literature record of Bibio venosus (Meigen, 1804), but we believe this record is most likely correct since this species is distinctive and well defined with no substantial confusion about its identity. There is also a recent record of Dilophus humeralis Zetterstedt, 1850 which we have not been able to confirm. The following species have unambiguous records from Scotland: Bibio clavipes Meigen, 1818; B. ferruginatus (Linnaeus, 1758); B. johannis (Linnaeus, 1767); B. lanigerus Meigen, 1818; B. leucopterus (Meigen, 1804); B. longipes Loew, 1864; B. marci (Linnaeus, 1758); B. nigriventris Haliday, 1833; B. pomonae (Fabricius, 1775); B. varipes Meigen, 1830; Dilophus bispinosus Lundström, 1913; D. febrilis (Linnaeus, 1758); D. femoratus Meigen, 1804

Innovative solutions for aquaculture: Assessment of in situ monitoring techniques and life history parameters for monogenean skin and gill parasites

First paragraph: External parasitic flukes that infect the skin and gills of yellowtail kingfish are among the most serious health issues for the culture of this species. Fingerlings grown in land-based hatcheries are free of parasites when transferred to sea-cages for grow out. The skin and gill parasites occur naturally and infect wild yellowtail kingfish stocks. Fluke populations proliferate on captive, seacaged stocks due to the direct lifecycle of the two parasite species. Fluke infections require regular monitoring by farm staff throughout the production cycle of yellowtail kingfish. Infections contribute to reduced growth, morbidity and if fluke populations reach sufficient intensity, the parasites can cause kingfish mortality on farms

The actual annual occurrence of the green lacewings of northwestern Europe (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

Quantitative surveys of chrysopids from northwestern Europe were analysed. A total of thirty-five species are known within the zone although only twenty-six were recorded. Only the common green lacewings (i.e. the sibling species of the Chrysoperla carnea complex, here not differentiated) were elsewhere abundant comprising more than 3/4 of the specimens in all countries and reaching 97 % in Belgium. For the scarcer species, comments are given on their enhanced geographic range. The French fauna shows 19 species, six are exceptional (< 0.1%) such as the Atlanto-Mediterranean Dichochrysa picteti . Five species are considered rare (1<Q ≤ 5 %): Chrysopa perla , Ch. phyllochroma , Dichochrysa flavifrons, D. inornata and D. prasina. The fauna of both Great Britain and Ireland has the same faunistical richness but manifests a more balanced equitability. Chrysopa perla , Dichochrysa flavifrons and Cunctochrysa albolineata are uncommon (5 < Q ≤ 15 %), the others are at least rare. Belgium and Luxemburg gave 16 species and a very low diversity. Hypochrysa elegans, Nineta vittata, N. principiae and Chrysopa pallens are exceptional. Comments are given on some underestimated species, such as Dichochrysa mariana and Cunctochrysa bellifontensis not unanimously agreed, and D. abdominalis too recently re-instated to be identified in many collections

A revision of Neoardelio Hendel (Diptera: Platystomatidae), with description of a new species.

The distinguishing characters of Neoardelio Hendel, 1914 are discussed in relation to similar Afrotropical genera of Platystomatidae. A new species is described, based on material from near Klawer in the Western Cape, South Africa. A key and illustrations are provided to distinguish this species from the five known species. Two other species are nomina nuda created by Loew (1873). Neoardelia (sic) aliena Frey, 1964 is synonymised with Herina burmanica (Frey, 1959). Biological details from the type locality of the new species confirm phytophagous larval development