In this study we examine the population biology of Brueelia apiastri, a chewing louse living on t... more In this study we examine the population biology of Brueelia apiastri, a chewing louse living on the European bee-eater (Merops apiaster). We investigate the relationships between parasite intensity of infestation, sex ratio, reproductive output, parasite size and their environment i.e. the morphology, condition, age and sex of the host. Chewing lice were collected, their sex and age (developmental stage) identified and parasite body size determined as a measure of parasite condition (larger individuals consume larger meals and larger females may produce larger clutches). The data show that there is variation in intensity as well as body size of B. apiastri between individual bee-eaters and this variation is independent of the sex of the birds. However, size, condition and age of the birds seem to influence the infestation rates with B. apiastri. The study suggested size-dependent depredation, since more, smaller chewing lice (usually nymphs) living on birds in better condition and b...
Ectoparasites have often been shown to have detrimental effects on their host. Not much is known,... more Ectoparasites have often been shown to have detrimental effects on their host. Not much is known, however, about determinants of infestation, e.g. the question of which factors affect distribution and occurrence of parasites on different host species (degree of host specificity) and their infestation rates. In this study we examine possible effects of host determinants on parasite intensity of Carnus
ABSTRACT Male song is known to be important in the mate choice of birds, as different song featur... more ABSTRACT Male song is known to be important in the mate choice of birds, as different song features reflect different traits of the singer. The reason why song complexity, in this context, should reflect the quality of the performing individual is still under debate. Nevertheless, some studies show that song complexity may serve as an honest indicator of male quality. Evidence for but also against this comes from the genus of Acrocephalus warblers. Here, we examine the song complexity of male marsh warblers Acrocephalus palustris. They sing continuous songs composed of strophes of varying length containing different syllables, and are considered to be the most complex singers among Acrocephalus warblers. In terms of complexity, we refer here to the number of new syllables produced over time, and relate this complexity measure to female choice and male parameters reflecting parental and intrinsic quality. Males produced, on average, 11.6 ± 0.8 syllables per 6 s interval, and this number was highly repeatable over 120 s sampling period. Therefore, the structural complexity of male song can be accurately characterised from 6 s of singing behaviour, and eavesdropping may allow females to assess complex songs more easily. We demonstrate a potential role of song complexity in female choice, as males singing more complex songs mated faster and their females produced bigger clutches. Furthermore, song complexity did not indicate the future paternal quality of the singer, and was not associated with male arrival time. The negative relationship between song complexity and strophe length may reflect different aspects of male quality.
ABSTRACT 2013): Does egg colouration signal female and egg quality in reed warbler (Acrocephalus ... more ABSTRACT 2013): Does egg colouration signal female and egg quality in reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)?, Ethology Ecology & Evolution, 25:2, 129-143 This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae, and drug doses should be independently verified with primary
In this study we examine the population biology of Brueelia apiastri, a chewing louse living on t... more In this study we examine the population biology of Brueelia apiastri, a chewing louse living on the European bee-eater (Merops apiaster). We investigate the relationships between parasite intensity of infestation, sex ratio, reproductive output, parasite size and their environment i.e. the morphology, condition, age and sex of the host. Chewing lice were collected, their sex and age (developmental stage) identified and parasite body size determined as a measure of parasite condition (larger individuals consume larger meals and larger females may produce larger clutches). The data show that there is variation in intensity as well as body size of B. apiastri between individual bee-eaters and this variation is independent of the sex of the birds. However, size, condition and age of the birds seem to influence the infestation rates with B. apiastri. The study suggested size-dependent depredation, since more, smaller chewing lice (usually nymphs) living on birds in better condition and b...
Ectoparasites have often been shown to have detrimental effects on their host. Not much is known,... more Ectoparasites have often been shown to have detrimental effects on their host. Not much is known, however, about determinants of infestation, e.g. the question of which factors affect distribution and occurrence of parasites on different host species (degree of host specificity) and their infestation rates. In this study we examine possible effects of host determinants on parasite intensity of Carnus
ABSTRACT Male song is known to be important in the mate choice of birds, as different song featur... more ABSTRACT Male song is known to be important in the mate choice of birds, as different song features reflect different traits of the singer. The reason why song complexity, in this context, should reflect the quality of the performing individual is still under debate. Nevertheless, some studies show that song complexity may serve as an honest indicator of male quality. Evidence for but also against this comes from the genus of Acrocephalus warblers. Here, we examine the song complexity of male marsh warblers Acrocephalus palustris. They sing continuous songs composed of strophes of varying length containing different syllables, and are considered to be the most complex singers among Acrocephalus warblers. In terms of complexity, we refer here to the number of new syllables produced over time, and relate this complexity measure to female choice and male parameters reflecting parental and intrinsic quality. Males produced, on average, 11.6 ± 0.8 syllables per 6 s interval, and this number was highly repeatable over 120 s sampling period. Therefore, the structural complexity of male song can be accurately characterised from 6 s of singing behaviour, and eavesdropping may allow females to assess complex songs more easily. We demonstrate a potential role of song complexity in female choice, as males singing more complex songs mated faster and their females produced bigger clutches. Furthermore, song complexity did not indicate the future paternal quality of the singer, and was not associated with male arrival time. The negative relationship between song complexity and strophe length may reflect different aspects of male quality.
ABSTRACT 2013): Does egg colouration signal female and egg quality in reed warbler (Acrocephalus ... more ABSTRACT 2013): Does egg colouration signal female and egg quality in reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)?, Ethology Ecology & Evolution, 25:2, 129-143 This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae, and drug doses should be independently verified with primary
Uploads
Papers