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Varanus bangonorum, the Bangon Monitor Lizard, is one of eleven Varanidae species endemic to the Philippines; its occurrence is restricted to dwindling habitats on the islands of Mindoro and Semirara. This lizard is still poorly known and is presently classified as “Least Concern” under the IUCN Red List in 2022. Observations recorded during eleven years (2011 to 2022) originate from the north-central Municipality of Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro where this species was never before documented. We emphasise the primary factors that pose threats to the monitor lizard population, including insights gained from the knowledge of local community members. We present information about the lizards’ diet, for example, they can consume invasive toxic cane toads without harm. The result of our collective long-term observation records may serve as a baseline for further studies and contribute to evaluating the conservation status of this species.

Climate change represents a real threat to biodiversity conservation worldwide. Although the effects on several species of conservation priority are known, comprehensive information about the impact of climate change on reptile populations is lacking. In the present study, we analyze outcomes on the potential distribution of the black beaded lizard (Heloderma alvarezi Bogert & Martin del Campo, 1956) under global warming scenarios. Its potential distribution, at present and in projections for the years 2050 and 2070, under both optimistic and pessimistic climate change forecasts, were computed using current data records and seven bioclimatic variables. General results predict a shift in the future potential distribution of H. alvarezi due to temperature increase. The optimistic scenario (4.5 W/m2) for 2070 suggests an enlargement in the species’ distribution as a response to the availability of new areas of suitable habitat. On the contrary, the worst-case scenario (7 W/m2) shows a distribution decrease by 65%. Moreover, the range distribution of H. alvarezi is directly related to the human footprint, which consequently could magnify negative outcomes for this species. Our research elucidates the importance of conservation strategies to prevent the extinction of the black beaded lizard, especially considering that this species is highly threatened by aversive hunting.

The previously unknown microconch which corresponds to the recently introduced Late Jurassic aspidoceratoid ammonite genus Hypowaagenia Schweigert and Schlampp, 2020, is reported from beds of the topmost Platynota Zone or basal Hypselocyclum Zone of Franconia. This record indicates that these exotic ammonite findings are not of long-drifting necroplanktonic shells, but stem from animals that have spread over this area after immigration from the Tethys.

A new lizard, Tsagansaurus nemegetensis gen. et sp. nov., from the Late Paleocene of southern Mongolia is described. It is assigned to the extinct family Parasaniwidae (Platynota, Anguimorpha). The new taxon is the latest representative of this group in the fossil record.

Successful restoration of Geochelone platynota to Dry Zone ecosystems in Myanmar depends on the survival of translocated tortoises and, therefore, a knowledge of predators and predation is important. We here report the loss of 28 and approximately 200 translocated G. platynota to Eurasian golden jackals (Canis aureus) and wild pigs (Sus scrofa), respectively, at Shwe Settaw Wildlife Sanctuary in central Myanmar. Measures to reduce the risk of future predation include structural reinforcement of acclimation pens to deter wild pigs and the experimental use of large cat (e.g., tiger [Panthera tigris] and leopard [Panthera pardus]) odors to repel jackals and wild pigs from the translocation area.

A new genus, Hypowaagenia (type species: H. endressi nov. sp.), is introduced for previously unknown large-sized macroconchiate aspidoceratid ammonites with an umbilical and a ventrolateral row of spines. In the medium and adult stages irregular ribs interconnect these spines. The oldest unequivocal record of this genus comes from the Early Kimmeridgian Planula Zone, whereas the type material of H. endressi nov. sp. comes from the upper Platynota Zone/? lowermost Hypselocyclum Zone. Corresponding microconchs have not yet been identified. Although all unequivocal records come from Southern Germany, a Tethyan origin is most likely for these aspidoceratids. Another, stratigraphically younger species tentatively included in Hypowaagenia is Aspidoceras acanthomphalum (Zittel, 1870), which is, however, only recorded yet by mesoconchiate specimens. The ammonite fauna of the type horizon of H. endressi nov. sp. is briefly characterized and termed as the geniculatum Biohorizon of the late Platynota Zone.

Cenopis croatanensis Brown and Sullivan, new species, is described and illustrated from North Carolina, Louisiana, and Texas, U.S.A. The new species is assigned convincingly to Cenopis on the basis of two features of the male: a highly modified hood of scales over the upper frons on the head and a fold in the anal region of the hindwing concealing a slender hairpencil. Males are easily distinguished from all congeners by features of the genitalia, in particular the short, broadly rounded sacculus with a free subapical process.

Precise biostratigraphic dating of the Tojeira Formation (Late Jurassic, Early Kimmeridgian) of the Montejunto section of west-central Portugal, which has yielded important planktonic foraminiferal assemblages, is hindered by poor preservation in the upper part of the section as the lithology shifts from shale to coarser clastics. Assignment was previously made to the Idoceras planula and Sutneria platynota zones based on ammonites. Coccolith and dinoflagellate assemblages described here concur with the Early Kimmeridgian, yet, a finer age constraint is proposed by cyclo- and chemostratigraphical correlation. Peaks in δ 13Corg and TOC, if equivalent to maxima in the envelope of clay/carbonate cycles in SE France, imply that the c. 50 m-thick section spans a 0.8-myr interval of the S. platynota through upper Ataxioceras hypselocyclum ammonite zones, with the approximate base of the A. hypselocyclum Zone at c. 15.4 m (level 13). Such stratigraphy provides new insights into the upper part of the formation by interbasinal correlation with other Tethyan records. An extended first occurrence of the dinoflagellate species Dichadogonyaulax? pannea in the S. platynota Zone is also proposed.

The lizard family Hodzhakuliidae (Scincomorpha) endemic to the Early Cretaceous of Central Asia is characterized in the light of finds from the Khoobur (Hoovor) locality in Mongolia. Available material includes Hodzhakulia magna Nessov, 1985 described from the Upper Albian of Uzbekistan and three new genera and species. It is proposed that Hodzhakuliidae occupied the adaptive zone of small carnivorous predators before the appearance of Platynota.

A survey of Lepidoptera reared from seeds and fruits primarily on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, yielded 444 specimens of Tortricidae representing 20 species. Nearly 90% of reared tortricids and 65% of the species are members of the tribe Grapholitini, a group that includes numerous economically important pests of fruit worldwide. We present host records for the following species: Histura panamana Brown, Platynota obliqua Walsingham complex, Platynota subargentea Walsingham, Spinipogon triangularis Brown, Cryptaspasma perseana Gilligan and Brown, Steblopotamia streblopa (Meyrick), Cydia pyraspis (Meyrick) complex, Eriosocia guttifera (Meyrick), Riculorampha ancyloides Rota and Brown, Grapholita mabea Razowski, Ricula croceus Brown, Ricula lacistema Brown, Ricula sp. 1, Ricula sp. 2, Talponia sp. 1, Talponia sp. 2, and four unidentified Grapholitini. In a comparison of studies focused on fruit- and seed-feeding insects in Thailand, Panama, and Kenya, Grapholitini represented 73% (in Thailand) to 90% (in Panama) of the total number of reared specimens of Tortricidae, and 45% (in Kenya) to 65% (in Panama) of the total number of tortricid species. However, a similar survey in Papua New Guinea produced considerably different results, with Grapholitini representing 46% of the tortricid specimens and only 20% of the species.

When male animals engage in intrasexual contests then any alternative tactics they use can be associated with dimorphisms in the expression of weapons. Some species have recently been found to exhibit trimorphism in their weaponry, suggesting that the processes leading to their evolution and maintenance of these polymorphisms can be more complex than previously thought. Here, we describe the extraordinary diversity of polymorphism within the genus Odontolabis: there are dimorphic species (O. siva and O. platynota), trimorphic species (O. cuvera, as previously described, and O. sommeri s.stricto) and, uniquely, tetramorphic species, with males of O. sommeri lowei and O. brookeana showing four clearly differentiated male morphs: small “Gammas”, “Alphas” which express large, long mandibles, “Betas” which have long mandibles with different morphology and “Boltcutters”, with short, wide mandibles. Such polymorphisms are usually thought of as being maintained as a status-dependent conditional strategy, but we found only one size threshold: in most cases males develop into Gamma males below a certain size but there is no relationship between morph and body size amongst the larger, ‘weaponised’ morphs. We suggest that the complex polymorphisms in these animals are probably maintained by a combination of a conditional strategy and a genetic polymorphism.

Five new combinations and one new synonymy are proposed in Sparganothini: Paramorbia hermosa (Razowski and Wojtusiak, 2010), new combination; Spaganopseustis gnosta (Razowski and Wojtusiak, 2011), new combination; Platynota arrecta (Meyrick, 1917), new combination; Platynota richersi (Powell and Brown, 2012), new combination; and Sparganothina thiodyta (Meyrick, 1931), new combination, and senior synonym of Sparganothina beckeriLandry and Powell, 2001, new synonymy. Host plants are presented for P. hermosa, which appears to feed exclusively on ferns.

Four species of tortricids were reared from cultivated blueberries,Vaccinium corymbosum L. (Ericaceae), from four field sites in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina: Clarkeulia bourquini (Clarke, 1949), Clarkeulia deceptiva (Clarke, 1949), Argyrotaenia sphaleropa (Meyrick, 1909), and Platynota meridionalis Brown, 2013. These are the first records of these polyphagous tortricids on Vaccinium. Larvae were discovered primarily on the flowers, buds, and fruit of the host plant, where they fed externally. Fil: Brown, John W.. Systematic Entomology Laboratory; Estados Unidos Fil: Rocca, Margarita. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico la Plata. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (i); Argentina

The Late Cretaceous deposits of the Nanxiong Formation, southern China, have yielded some dinosaur bones and many eggs, but there has been little record of the associated fauna. A new locality in Jiangxi Province has recently produced a fossil lizard assemblage including two genera of herbivores and the partial skull and lower jaws of a terrestrial predator. The latter combines large size, the possession of a small number of recurved, well-separated marginal teeth, a blunt rostrum, and rounded cranial osteoderms. It resembles Estesia from the Late Cretaceous of Mongolia, but is distinct in its jaw morphology and the possession of cranial osteoderms. It is therefore placed in a new genus and species, Chianghsia nankangensis. Phylogenetic analysis groups Chianghsia unequivocally with the Platynota, the group to which living monitor lizards and extinct mosasaurs belong. Within Platynota, there is support for the attribution of Chianghsia to Monstersauria, the group that includes the living venomous Gila mons...

The concept of “mosasaur” is explored from the perspective of its historical origins, and tested empirically and phylogenetically in order to examine the concept in its modern application. Historical analysis of the origins of the concept of “mosasaur” makes it clear that the term bears significant historical burden (comparative anatomic, empirical, phylogenetic, paleontological, etc.). In order to address the flaws in the concept of mosasaur properly, this treatise critically assesses Camp’s [1923] diagnostic characters for Anguimorpha, Platynota, Varanoidea, and Mosasauroidea, concluding that Camp’s data permit mosasaurs to be viewed only as anguimorphans, not platynotans nor varanoids. A similar critical assessment is given for the characters used to diagnose anguimorphans and varanoids in Estes et al. [1988], concluding here that not a single character out of twenty-two is shared between varanoids and mosasaurs. The character concept developed by Romer [1956] for the “posteriorly retracted nares” of varanoids, and then later mosasaurs, is critically examined and found to be insufficient as a test of similarity of the intended primary homologs. The recent work of Rieppel et al. [2007], Conrad [2008] and Conrad et al. [2010] is critically reviewed as these authors revive the use, and subdivision, of the “posteriorly retracted nares” as a character in anguimorph phylogenetic analysis. Based on these criticisms, it is concluded here that there is no character-based evidence to support phylogenetic hypotheses that mosasaurs are derived aquatic varanoid lizards. A key recommendation of this treatise is that the hypothesis conceiving of mosasaurs as derived aquatic varanoids be abandoned. The final critical review presented in this treatise examines the taxonomic implications, relating to the concept of “mosasaur”, arising from the hypothesis of convergent paddle-like limb evolution in mosasaurs as presented by Bell and Polcyn [2005]. In conclusion, it is recognized that the concept and term “mosasaur” has ceased to exist in any biologically meaningful way, and that the future requires the construction of a new suite of terms and concepts to convey what we now think we know about these animals.

As part of efforts to identify native herbivores of Mexican palo verde, Parkinsonia aculeata L. (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae), as potential biological control agents against this invasive weed in Australia, ten species of Tortricidae (Lepidoptera) were reared from Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Venezuela: Amorbia concavana (Zeller), Platynota rostrana (Walker), Platynota helianthes (Meyrick), Platynota stultana Walsingham (all Tortricinae: Sparganothini), Rudenia leguminana (Busck), Cochylis sp. (both Tortricinae: Cochylini), Ofatulena duodecemstriata (Walsingham), O. luminosa Heinrich, Ofatulena sp. (all Olethreutinae: Grapholitini), and Crocidosema lantana Busck (Olethreutinae: Eucosmini). Significant geographic range extensions are provided for O. duodecemstriata and R. leguminana. These are the first documented records of P. aculeata as a host plant for all but O. luminosa. The four species of Sparganothini are polyphagous; in contrast, the two Cochylini and three Grapholitini likely are specialists on Leguminosae. Ofatulena luminosa is possibly host specific on P. aculeata. Host trials with Rudenia leguminana also provide some evidence of specificity, in contrast to historical rearing records. To examine the possibility that R. leguminana is a complex of species, two data sets of molecular markers were examined: (1) a combined data set of two mitochondrial markers (a 781-basepair region of cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and a 685-basepair region of cytochrome c oxidase II) and one nuclear marker (a 531-basepair region of the 28S domain 2); and (2) the 650-basepair "barcode" region of COI. Analyses of both data sets strongly suggest that individuals examined in this study belong to more than one species.

A new genus of Platynota n. sp. was registered for the first time in Opuntia spp. crops in the municipality of Villa Milpa Alta, Mexico DF. The morphological characteristics of the immature and adult stages are described, as well as their damage to the fruit.

A detailed investigation of the protoglobigerinids from the Kimmeridgian section of the Montagne de Crussol, SE France is presented. This monotonous succession of predominantly carbonate beds represents peri-platform hemipelagic deposits, well dated by ammonites. Three species were determined in thin sections and in isolated forms after extraction by acetolysis. Favusella? parva (Kuznetsova) is the most common species occurring in almost the entire succession from the Orthosphinctes to the Beckeri zones. Favusella hoterivica (Subbotina) has been retrieved less frequently from the Platynota to the Beckeri zones, and it is its oldest occurrence. The rare Globuligerina bathoniana (Pazdrowa) occurs only in the Late Kimmeridgian. Based on our study and the review of the literature a palaeogeographical map was plotted, showing that most of the protoglobigerinid occurrences are in deep water facies of the northern margin and central part of the Tethys. These records demonstrate the presence of Globuligerina bathoniana, G. oxfordiana (Grigelis), Favusella hoterivica, F.? parva and Compactogerina stellapolaris (Grigelis) in the Kimmeridgian.

Ammonite biostratigraphy and its correlation potential are evaluated for the lower Kimmeridgian, Platynota Chronozone, in the eastern Iberian Range, E–NE Spain. The presence of the Orthosphinctes, Ardescia desmoides and Schneidia guilherandense subzones has been confirmed. Four formal ammonite “intra-subzone biodivisions” (i.e. so-called horizons or biohorizons) are recognised, one of them defined for the first time – the Olorizia olorizi “intra-subzone biodivision”. Based on the discovery of new ammonite assemblages, the biostratigraphic scheme proposed at the biozone level is considered to have strong correlation potential for successions deposited in Tethyan epicontinental and oceanic fringe environments. The potential for correlation at the intra-zone level is higher with respect to epicontinental than oceanic fringe deposits, but precise correlation at the subzone and “intra-subzone biodivision” levels between the eastern Iberian Range and SE France remains difficult. An updated subdivision of the Su...

A new fossil anguimorph from the Green River Formation of Wyoming represents the first fossil relative of the living Chinese crocodile lizard, Shinisaurus crocodilurus. Its discovery significantly shortens the missing lineage interval and greatly expands the geographic range of the group, previously known only from southern China and northern Vietnam. Although separated by great temporal and physical (geographic) expanses, the new taxon and Shinisaurus show extraordinary morphological similarity. These include characteristics that might otherwise be considered autapomorphies for Shinisaurus, such as a prefrontal contribution to the naris and a subpalpebral fossa. Re-analysis of anguimorph interrelationships yields the hypothesis that Shinisaurus and its ancient cousin represent a basal radiation of Platynota.

Circanota, new genus, and its two new species, Circanota undulata sp. n. (type species), from Costa Rica and Panama, and Circanota simplex sp. n., from Panama and Ecuador, are described and illustrated. Although superficially similar to some species of Platynota Clemens, 1860, Circanota appears to be more closely related to members of a putative clade within Sparganothini defined by a slender crescent-shaped signum in the corpus bursae of the female genitalia. The most conspicuous autapomorphy for Circanota is the strongly undulate costa of the male and female forewing. Barcode sequence data (i.e., cytochrome oxidase I) from Circanota undulata (n = 12) form a tight cluster with exceedingly limited genetic divergence (less than 0.1%); specimens of Circanota simplex have not been sequenced. In neighbor-joining trees based on COI, Circanota is portrayed nearest Sparganothoides, which is consistent with morphological evidence.

International audience; The protection of new cork oak plantations against the larvae of the beetle Sphodroxia maroccana (Melolonthidae), which destroy the roots of newly planted trees, was provided for many years in the forest of Mamora in Morocco by the use of carbosulfan, usually formulated as dry granules for direct incorporation into the soil at planting. Ecotoxicological tests were conducted in the laboratory on S. maroccana and on two non-target beetle species, namely Pachychila obtusecostata and Pimelia platynota (Tenebrionidae), to measure the acute effects of carbosulfan and evaluate the potential risk associated with inappropriate practices. The mortality was measured at both 4 d and 7 d after ingestion of a known quantity of carbosulfan. The recommended dose by the manufacturer was exceeded by at least four-fold in the Mamora Forest, with obvious environmental risks. Risks were identified for wildlife when the pesticide is misused and spread on the soil around the plants.

Peltoschema Reitter is redescribed as a genus of Chrysomelidae, not Trogossitidae, and is recognised as the valid and oldest available name for Acacicola Lea, Pyrgo Weise (nec Defrance) and Pyrgoides Kelly and Reid (all new synonyms). A lectotype is designated for the type species, Peltoschema filicornis Reitter, which is a senior synonym of Paropsis platynota Lea (new synonym). The monophyly of Peltoschema is discussed, the species-group to which both P. filicornis and the type species of Acacicola belong is defined, and P. filicornis is redescribed.

Sutneria galar and Sutneria platynota are documented from the Rocha section showing, for the first time, the presence of the genus Sutneria around the Oxfordian-Kimmeridgian boundary in the Algarve (southern Portugal). As in adjacent areas in southern Iberia, it seems that the better represented populations of Sutneria platynota are Schairer types A and C. The data obtained increase our understanding of the biogeographic distribution of the genus Sutneria and reinforce its use as the index fossil for the final Oxfordian and the basal Kimmeridgian, as usually considered in the Mediterranean and Submediterranean provinces.

Two controlled atmosphere treatments (45% CO 2 + 0.5% O 2 and 45% CO 2 + air [11.5% O 2 ]) significantly increased mortality of Platynota stultana Walsingham; Pacific spider mites, Tetranychus pacificus McGregor; and western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande. The small difference in response of arthropods to the 2 controlled atmosphere treatments indicated greater response to 45% CO 2 + 11.5% O 2 . Temperature (0 and 5°C) had a significant effect on arthropod mortality (i.e., arthropods treated at 0°C showed greater mortality). We detected no effects of exposure to the controlled atmosphere treatments for 10 or 15 d at 0°C on the table grapes. Treatment with 45% CO 2 + 11.5% O 2 at 0°C appeared to be the best method for disinfestation of table grapes of these 3 pests.

Platynota stultana Walsingham (Tortricidae: Tortricinae) Platynota stultana, the omnivorous leafroller, was introduced into southern California in the late 1800 ���s (Powell and Opler 2009). It has subsequently expanded its range into northern California, while at the same time expanding its host range onto a variety of non-native plants (Powell 1983). This species is considered a pest in greenhouses and vineyards, but it also attacks row crops, citrus, and occasionally avocado. Adults are present year round in southern and central California. Larvae feed primarily in shelters constructed of rolled or folded leaves. Economic damage occurs when larvae web leaves to fruit or feed directly on fruit, causing superficial damage and secondary infection by bacteria and fungi., Published as part of Gilligan, Todd M., Brown, John W. & Hoddle, Mark S., 2011, A new avocado pest in Central America (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) with a key to Lepidoptera larvae threatening avocados in California, pp. 31-45 in Zootaxa 3137 on page 41, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.204440, {"references":["Powell, J. A. 1983. Expanding geographical and ecological range of Platynota stultana in California (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). The Pan-Pacific Entomologist, 59, 233 - 239."]}

Mating disruption for control of variegated leafroller (VLR), Platynota flavedana (Clemens), tufted apple bud moth (TBM), P. ideausalis Walker, and redbanded leafroller (RBL), Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker), was studied in Virginia apple orchards in 1989 and 1990. In 1989, each dispenser (1000/ha) contained 190 mg of 67.2% E11–14:Ac, 28.8% Z11–14:Ac, 1.4% E11–14:OH, 0.6% Z11–14:OH, and 2% Z9–12:Ac (a putative generic leafroller disruption blend). Trap captures of VLR, TBM and RBL were reduced by 97%, 51% and 55%, respectively. Average leafroller injury in the interior and edge of the pheromone block was 3.8% and 2.7%, respectively. The conventional control and abandoned blocks had 0.05 and 27.5% injury, respectively. Dispensers containing E11–14:OH (70%) and Z11–14:OH (30%) (close to the natural blend of VLR), more effectively disrupted orientation to pheromone traps by both Platynota spp. than did the generic blend. In 1990, dispensers containing 150 mg of E11–14:OH (70%) and Z11–14:OH (1000/ha) were placed in two 2-ha blocks and one 4-ha block. One pheromone-treated block was sprayed in August with phosmet for codling moth, not timed for leafrollers. Trap captures of VLR and TBM were reduced by almost 100% and 69%, respectively. RBL captures were not reduced by VLR pheromone permeation. Injury from Platynota spp. in pheromone block middles and edges ranged from 0.3–1.7% and 0.3–2.3%, respectively. Injury in conventional blocks ranged from 0–1.1%. RBL injury in pheromone block middles ranged from 0–6.1%, and in edges, 1.7–4.8%. Injury in control blocks ranged from 0–1.1%. Combined leafroller injury in an abandoned block was 18% (s.e. 0.3). Release rates averaged 30 and 32 mg/ha/h for the VLR and generic pheromone dispensers, respectively.

Effects of constant temperatures of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C on the preoviposition period and the effects of a constant 25°C on oviposition, fecundity, and longevity of the redbanded leafroller, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker), and the tufted apple bud moth, Platynota idaeusalis (Walker), were investigated. Oviposition did not occur at 35°C for either species and only the redbanded leafroller oviposited at 10°C. The threshold for oviposition for RBLR was calculated to be 8.7°C with 29.4 DD necessary for oviposition, while the oviposition threshold for TABM was calculated to be 10.5°C with 33.5 DD needed for oviposition. The mean oviposition periods for the two species did not differ; however, tufted apple bud moth longevity was significantly greater at 25°C. Fecundity was greater for the tufted apple bud moth (301 eggs/female) than for the redbanded leafroller (221 eggs/female).

Rubidium (Rb) chloride was incorporated into artificial diet at concentrations of 0, 600, 3,000, and 6,000 mg Rb/liter diet and fed to larvae of tufted apple bud moth, Platynota idaeusalis (Walker). Fifth instars, pupae, male and female adults, unhatched and hatched egg masses, and unhatched egg masses from reciprocal matings of marked and unmarked adults were analyzed for rubidium content. In addition, the effects of Rb on larval and pupal development and adult female fecundity and longevity were measured. All life stages from labeled diet were successfully marked at all three concentrations. The influence of males reared on rubidium-enriched diet was significant in marking unhatched egg masses laid by females reared on control diet. Significant effects were found for the highest rubidium concentration on larval development and adult female longevity and fecundity. A concentration in larval diet of 3,000 mg Rb/liter (17,700 μg/g dry wt) was selected for future field releases of adults to study adult female movement within fruit orchards.

A new species of Varanus Merrem (Varanidae: Reptilia), V. baritji sp. nov., from the tropical north of the Northern Territory is described. It most closely resembles V. acanthurus Boulenger but colour and pattern easily distinguish the species. Recently collected specimens of V. acanthurus insulanicus Mertens from the Wessel island chain confirm the status of this subspecies.

The present paper provides the first palynological data from two ammonite controlled sections from the Lower Kimmeridgian (Sutneria platynota Ammonite Zone) in Spain. The Segura de la Sierra sequence is located in the Betic Cordilleras and the Hontanar sequence is located in the Iberian Chain. The palynological assemblages, dominated by dinoflagellate cysts and sporomorphs, include taxa which are well known from other areas to be long-ranging throughout the major part of the Mesozoic. Most noteworthy is the presence of Cicatricosisporites spp. in the material investigated. The impact of this on the assumption that a strong diachronous south-north migration of this taxon existed during Middle and Late Jurassic times is discussed.

Larvae from a laboratory strain of tufted apple bud moth, Platynota idaeusali (Walker), were reared on semisynthetic diet and excised apple leaves while exposed to naturally-decreasing daylengths. Leaf-reared larvae showed a higher incidence of diapause than larvae reared on diet. The critical daylength for diapause induction in leaf- and diet-reared larvae occurred at ca. 14.8 and 14.3 h, respectively. Larvae reared on semisynthetic diet and exposed to naturally-decreasing daylengths were subjected to different levels of crowding. As the number of individuals reared together in the same container increased, the incidence of diapause increased. Separation of the effects of larval crowding from any possible effects of the quality of the semisynthetic diet on diapause induction was not attempted.

The study of tooth replacement in anguinomorph lizards leads to the following conclusions: 1. The true varanid method of tooth replacement is found only in platynotan lizards and may be correlated with the development of plicidentine. 2. The presence of the iguanid method of tooth replacement could be established for three lineages of extant anguid lizards represented by the generaGerrhonotus (Gerrhonotinae),Ophisaurus (Anguinae) andDiploglossus (Diploglossinae).Anguis fragilis shows a modification of the varanid method. All other anguinoids show a mixture of the varanid and iguanid method of tooth replacement as was noted by Edmund (1960). 3. Parallelism is observed in the pattern of tooth replacement. Teiids parallel the Anguinoidea (Edmund, 1960), andAmphisbaena parallels the Platynota (Gans, 1957). Such cases of parallelism reduce the phylogenetic information content of tooth replacement patterns. 4. Similarities of tooth replacement in platynotans and snakes are considered to be superficial. Apart from the interdental position of the replacement teeth and the lack of formation of resorption pits, many differences can be shown to exist in the pattern of tooth formation, and future work is expected to show differences in the replacement process.

Larvae of an erythraeid mite, Callidosoma metzi Sharma, Drooz, and Treat, parasitized males of Platynota idaeusalis (Walker) from late May to late July in eastern West Virginia. Parasitism peaked at 29% in late June (1984). Most mites attached to moths at pleural intersegmental membranes, primarily between the thorax and abdomen and between the first two abdominal segments. Dispersion of C. metzi on P. idaeusalis approximated the negative binomial distribution, with k ranging from 0.053–0.657.

Development of Platynota flavedana Clemens and P. idaeusalis (Walker) on a meridic diet was observed at constant temperatures in the laboratory. Lower developmental threshold values for egg, larval, and pupal stages of P. flavedana were 10.6, 8.6, and 9.0°C, respectively. Lower developmental threshold values of 9.7, 7.0, and 8.5°C were estimated for egg, larval, and pupal stages of P. idaeusalis , respectively. Averages of 101.5 DD10.6, 379.6 DD8.6, and 126.0 DD9.0 were required for development of egg, larval, and pupal stages of P. flavedana , respectively. P. idaeusalis required 104.7 DD9.7 442.7 DD7.0, and 132.2 DD8.5 to complete development in the egg, larval, and pupal stages, respectively. Differences in rate of development were observed between food sources for both species.

Summary The effects of clipping height and interval on the productivity of Themeda triandra Forsk and Brachiaria platynota (K. Schum.) Robyns were investigated under controlled conditions. Clipping first stimulated tillering and yield but later depressed them, severely in those cut fortnightly at lower heights. Dry-matter production in both shoots and roots increased with rising clipping height and interval. Plant response to clipping at shorter intervals and heights was plastic, reducing the potential to produce tillers and dry matter. Continuation of the treatment eventually led to depletion of food reserves in the plants and to death. The results confirm that the absence of T. triandra and B. platynota from the mosaic Sporobolus grasslands in Queen Elizabeth National Park is attributable to overgrazing by the wild ungulates. Resume Les effets de la periodicite et la hauteur de coupe sur la productivite de Themeda triandra Forsk et Brachiaria platynota (K. Schum) Robyns, furent etudies sous conditions controlees. La coupe favorise en un premier temps la croissance et le rendement mais le reduit ensuite, et tres fort dans le cas de coupe bi-mensuelle a faible hauteur. La production en matiere seche des pousses et des racines augmente lorsque la hauteur et l'intervalle de coupe sont grands. La reponse de la plante a des coupes plus rapprochees et a faibles hauteur est modulee par une reduction du potentiel de croissance et de production de matiere seche. La continuation de ce traitement peut mener eventuellement a la disparition des reserves nutritives dans les plantes et a la mort. Les resultats confirment que l'absence de T. triandra et B. platynota de la mosaique des savanes aSporobolus dans le Queen Elizabeth National Park est attribuable au surpaturage par les ongules sauvages.

A 4-yr study of parasitism of Heliothis spp. [ virescens (F.) and zea (Boddie)] showed parasitism of eggs by Trichogramma was highest in August, September and October (22–46%) and larval parasitism highest in April, May and June (5–6%). Nineteen parasite species were recorded. Beet armyworms were found on 6 cultivated and 5 wild hosts. Diamondback moths were found on 5 cultivated hosts and 9 wild hosts. Two species of Tortricidae, Platynota rostrana (Wlk.) and P. flavedana Clemens, were found on cotton and 4 wild hosts. Parasites reared from beet armyworms and diamondback moths are listed.

An examination of the sensitivity of the tufted apple budmoth, Platynota idaeusalis (Walker), larval instars to a diapause-inducing photoperiod at a constant 21C revealed that maximum expression of diapause occurred only when all five instars were exposed to a short daylength. No intermediate instar was found in which the developmental program could be switched from a diapause to a non-diapause one, or vice versa.

Pheromone traps for 11 tortricid species were monitored in apple orchards throughout the Hudson and Champlain Valleys of New York. A click beetle, Melanotus depressus (Melshiemer), was found in the traps for the tufted apple budmoth, Platynota idaeusalis Walker, and the variegated leafroller, Platynota flavedana Clemens, but not in those of the other 9 species. Trap counts indicated beetle activity peaked in late May and again in late July at most locations. ( E )-11-tetradecenyl acetate and ( E )-11-tetradecen-1-ol were the Tufted apple budmoth pheromone components, while ( E )-11-tetradecen-1-ol and ( Z )-11-tetradecen-1-ol were the variegated leafroller pheromone components, which resulted in M. depressus attraction.