Abstract Numerous forest organisms critically depend on availability of tree cavities. Some birds and rodents fill their cavities with bulky nests, which – if not removed could accumulate render unusable, as recorded in nest-box studies. Data from earlier studies indicate that old nests can disappear so fast practically no remnants are detectable the following spring. Rapid decomposition situ, augmented by physical removal nest material cavity-users have been proposed possible causative...

Abstract The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) is an endangered species in Poland. From 1998 to 2000, as part of active protection program for the central Poland, 123 one-year-old headstarted individuals were released into their original population. Survival rate artificial rearing was 0.85. Annual recapture turtles during first year wild 0.24, and next 0.43 or higher. For comparable groups annual rates vs. not statistically different, but they based on small samples. Analysis data a...

Colonies of the ant Temnothorax crassispinus inhabit mostly cavities in wood and hollow acorns. Typically field, nest sites that can be used by are a limited resource. In field experiment, it was investigated whether ants prefer specific size nest, when different ones available. July 2011, total 160 artificial nests were placed beech-pine forest. Four (pieces with volume cavities, ca 415, 605, 730, 980 mm3, respectively) located on each square meter experimental plot. One year later, shortly...

Most species of ants inhabiting the temperate zone overwinter underground, whereas those genus Temnothorax remain in nests aboveground.I studied cost aboveground overwintering.Workers crassispinus survived higher numbers (median = 88%) artificial experimentally buried at a depth 5 cm than on surface (48%) soil.The results support hypothesis that overwintering could be consequence limited supply and/or advantage being able to respond quickly warm temperatures spring.

A previously unknown association of ants with birds breeding in tree holes is described. Ants Lasius brunneus Latreille (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) were found c. 15% nests Parus major L. and Poecile palustris (Paridae) the primeval deciduous forest located Białowieża National Park (Poland). The preferably used higher above ground. As such are warmer than unused or other nest sites, it suggested that cohabit utilized by tits to gain thermal benefits.

Numerous bird species depend on the availability of tree cavities, and most non-excavators fill their cavities with considerable amounts nest material. If not removed, this material can accumulate render unusable, as recorded in some nest-box studies. Data from earlier studies however, showed that decrease mostly due to situ decomposition, but relative difference between decomposition holes nest-boxes is still unknown. We undertook parallel decay used by European Starlings Sturnus vulgaris...

This article presents the results of a study investigating biological activity triphenyltin chloride (TPhT) and two metalloorganic compounds, triphenyllead (TPhL) triphenylmethane (TPhC), in their interaction with model membranes living organisms fruit flies Drosophila hydei. The (sonicated liposomes) was conducted using electron spin resonance (ESR) probe technique, whereas experiment on involved viability media containing studied compounds. test clearly demonstrate that TPhT affects more...

A nest relocation is costly for social insects, and involves hazards. Emigrations were studied in Temnothorax crassispinus ant colonies, which inhabit ephemeral sites, frequently change their nests. In a laboratory experiment, colonies from one group forced to sites 10 times over ca. 3-month period, whilst the second adopt this practice twice (on beginning of May, half July). Colonies both groups reduced total emigration duration. However, duration transport phase remained unchanged. case...

The ongoing process of climate change will result in higher temperatures during winter and therefore might increase the survival overwintering invertebrates.However, may also lead to a reduction snow cover expose invertebrates lower temperatures, which could mortality.During fi eld experiment, I investigated effects on ant Temnothorax crassispinus, overwinters nests located ground.Ant colonies differed rate workers experimental (from was removed) control group.In group, unrelated colony...

We investigated the genetic diversity of Polish populations European pond turtle ( Emys orbicularis ) using complete sequences mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and allelic variation at thirteen microsatellite loci. collected data from 146 turtles 28 locations covering most species’ range in Poland. Our results showed a low haplotype high levels all populations. applied two Bayesian approaches multilocus determined relationships mtDNA haplotypes by constructing parsimony network. observed...

We experimentally tested whether old nest material could decompose fast enough to clear tree holes between the consecutive seasons. To mimic we filled litter-bags with either 1 g of cellulose, or 0.5 dog moulted hair. In August 2009 placed pairs these bags in 23 used by breeding birds a deciduous forest SW Poland. For reference, same sets litter, at random sites forest. The were removed March 2010. After seven months exposure almost all cellulose (median 92%) and most hair 57%) disappeared...

Many ant species construct large nests that are inhabited by numerous workers, but other dwell in ready-for-use cavities and live small colonies. Ants of the genus Temnothorax inhabit cavities, e.g., acorns, twigs, under rocks. Although a preference for nest sites with narrower entrance is known, recent studies have shown they also use wider entrances may modify size such entrances. As good limited resource, possibility to potential site, including reduction hole, should be favorable matter...

The mortality rate of many invertebrates is high during winter. survival the ant Temnothorax crassispinus , which overwinters above ground, was investigated. Unlike previous studies, this one showed a In field experiment, number workers at end experiment amounted to 86–-120% initial numbers, and 73 out 74 queens survived. most likely result favourable weather conditions. laboratory none exposed –-24 °C survived, while kept in 5 higher (73.2% on average) than those 0°C (53.2%). expected rise...

Based on ecological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis, it is possible to try reconstruct the evolution of traits in turtles. However, European pond turtle treated by different scientists as aquatic or semi-aquatic species. The importance terrestrial behaviour for this species discussed.

Nest sites are important for social insects, as they provide refuge against enemies and ensure optimal conditions the brood development. In large nests, different chambers can be used reasons; example, food storage or a chamber. Acorn ants from genus Temnothorax dwell in small cavities acorns wood; however, even such have high degree of spatial heterogeneity. During this study, distribution items acorn ant crassispinus inside artificial nest composed three linear system was analysed. 29...

For ants, nests provide a refuge against predators and protection from environmental factors. Thus, choosing good nest site is important for an ant colony, but sites are limited resources. Ants of the genus Temnothorax inhabit small cavities in, e.g., acorns, twigs under rocks. Earlier, it was shown that ants able to choose superior site. In this study, using binary choice tests, we studied selection by crassispinus colonies typically empty acorns. purpose, used artificial without with...

Nest sites are important for ants, as the nests provide refuge against enemies and ensure optimal conditions brood development. As construction of a nest is time energy consuming activity, many ant species dwell in ready-for-use cavities. For them, choosing good site important, quality could affect factors such allocation production sexual individuals. Ants genus Temnothorax inhabit cavities in, e.g., acorns twigs, these colonies prefer larger sites. It was previously shown that inhabiting...

Headstarting is a popular conservation technique in which animals are raised under artificial conditions, and then released into natural habitat. The objective of this procedure to grow size at they less vulnerable predators. However, there still little empirical evidence for the long-term effectiveness technique. Therefore, we compared body juvenile «wild» (= not taken rearing) headstarted European pond turtles ( Emys orbicularis ), from two populations (in central western Poland)....

Abstract The calcareous layer of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) eggshell was examined by scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersion spectrometer and diffractometry. is composed well‐distinguished shell units consisting needle‐like crystallites radiating outwards from a core. Pores in are rare, although structures similar to very small rounded “pores”; on outside surface were found. There differences appearance inner between hatched eggs those unfertilised eggs:...

The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) is endangered in many areas within its distribution range. Thus, protection programmes for the populations are place. However, efficiency of some techniques (including a highly manipulative one - headstarting) questionable. Elasticity analysis was conducted using life history data gathered central Poland during period 1986 2002. revealed that headstarting fairly ineffective method. most effective methods those protect adult individuals. can sustain...