Web-building spiders and blood-feeding flies as prey of the notch-eared bat (Myotis emarginatus)

in Belgian Journal of Zoology (2012), 142(1), 59-67

Conservation of the endangered notch-eared bat (M. emarginatus) requires a specific action plan based on precise ecological requirements of this species. The analysis of the diet of three colonies in ... [more ▼]

Conservation of the endangered notch-eared bat (M. emarginatus) requires a specific action plan based on precise ecological requirements of this species. The analysis of the diet of three colonies in southern Belgium revealed: (1) spatial and seasonal variations of the diet; (2) the consumption of web-building spiders (Araneus diadematus, A. triguttatus, Cyclosa conica, Enoplognatha sp., Larinioides patagiatus, Neriene emphana); (3) the predominance of blood-feeding dipterans in the diet (Stomoxys calcitrans and Musca autumnalis). Since the populations of these two ectoparasitic flies are sensitive to the use of antiparasitic drugs, these drugs should be used with caution by farmers and veterinarians in the vicinity of maternity colonies. [less ▲]

Multiyear homing and fidelity to residence areas by individual barbel (Barbus barbus)

in Belgian Journal of Zoology (2007), 137(2), 183-190

Nine barbels (Barbus barbus) from the River Ourthe (River Meuse basin) were equipped with transmitters programmed to switch ON during two consecutive spawning seasons in 1998 and 1999 (April to July). Six ... [more ▼]

Nine barbels (Barbus barbus) from the River Ourthe (River Meuse basin) were equipped with transmitters programmed to switch ON during two consecutive spawning seasons in 1998 and 1999 (April to July). Six of the nine barbels tracked in 1998 were also tracked in 1999 during the same period. The length of the spawning migration ranged from 200 to 22700m. After the spawning activity observed from 12-16 May 1998 and 4-6 May 1999, the barbels homed to the site occupied before spawning. Each barbel used the same spawning area in 1998 and 1999, despite the presence of other spawning sites on their migratory route. These observations revealed the existence of strict reproductive homing in the barbel and a long-term fidelity to particular resting places. [less ▲]

Distribution patterns and indicator species of butterfly assemblages of wet meadows in southern Belgium

in Belgian Journal of Zoology (2005), 135(1), 43-52

Focal species are a valuable tool for proposing and evaluating management practices for biodiversity conservation. Assemblages of indicator species could be used to cover a wide range of habitats. We ... [more ▼]

Focal species are a valuable tool for proposing and evaluating management practices for biodiversity conservation. Assemblages of indicator species could be used to cover a wide range of habitats. We identified the main patterns of variation in butterfly assemblages on a diverse set of wet meadows in southern Belgium. We used multivariate techniques to identify the butterfly assemblages and the species that characterize these habitats. Three main assemblages were identified, based principally on the dominance of five butterfly species : Brenthis ino, Closiana selene, Lycaena helle, Lycaena hippothoe and Proclossiana eunomia. These are indicator species of different habitats structured along a vegetation gradient. This gradient is partially determined by altitude and edaphic factors (base-richness, pH, fertility). We assume that focusing the conservation practices upon these species will promote the preservation of a wide range of organisms inhabiting the wet meadows. [less ▲]

Trophic habits and aquatic microhabitat use in gilled immature, paedomorphic and metamorphic Alpine newts (Triturus alpestris apuanus) in a pond in central Italy

in Belgian Journal of Zoology (2003), 133(2), 95-102

Current evolutionary models suggest that the presence of heterogeneous habitats favours the evolution of polymorphisms. In such cases, alternative phenotypes can coexist because they use different ... [more ▼]

Current evolutionary models suggest that the presence of heterogeneous habitats favours the evolution of polymorphisms. In such cases, alternative phenotypes can coexist because they use different resources. Facultative paedomorphosis is a heterochronic polymorphism in which a morph - the paedomorph - retains larval traits during the adult stage while the other morph - the metamorph - is fully metamorphosed. The aim of this study was to determine the microhabitat use and the diet of Alpine newt paedomorphs, metamorphs and immatures (Triturus alpestris apuanus) coexisting in a small pond in Tuscany, central Italy, i.e. in a habitat where dimorphism is not expected. Although the two adult morphs do not use exactly the same resources, resource partitioning was weaker than in deep Alpine lakes. Nevertheless, the diet of immature gilled newts (larvae) differed from that of adults (metamorphs and paedomorphs). While the larvae eat a large number of planktonic organisms, the adults focus on insect larvae and newt eggs. The differences in resource use favour the coexistence of aquatic juveniles and adults. In the studied pond, facultative paedomorphosis was previously shown to be favoured by a precocious maturity of the paedomorphs. This study shows that the coexistence of paedomorphs and metamorphs may also be supported by some dietary and spatial segregation, although any advantages gained by this pattern are rather limited in the adult stage. [less ▲]

Conservation of the lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros Bechstein, 1800) (Mammalia : Chiroptera) in Belgium. A case study of feeding habitat requirements

in Belgian Journal of Zoology (2002), 132(1), 49-54

The aim of this study was to determine the habitat use of the last important Belgian colony of Rhinolophus hipposideros, Bechstein, 1800, one of the most endangered bat species in Europe. During 71 ... [more ▼]

The aim of this study was to determine the habitat use of the last important Belgian colony of Rhinolophus hipposideros, Bechstein, 1800, one of the most endangered bat species in Europe. During 71 evenings from April to August 1998, ultrasound detection was performed and, in late August, a female horseshoe bat was caught and fitted with a radio transmitter. The results showed that hedgerows and woodlands with bushes and coppice are key foraging habitats. They also highlight the importance of the presence of a network of wooded elements connecting the maternity roost with the foraging areas. To assure long-term protection of this colony, strong habitat conservation measures should be taken in a radius of up to 1-2 km around the roost. [less ▲]

The karyotype of the Formentera island garden dormouse, Eliomys quercinus ophiusae

in Belgian Journal of Zoology (2001), 131(1), 83-85

The 37 LRP/P40 polypeptide: a multifunctional pleiotropic molecule involved in tumorigenesis and metastasis - A review

in Belgian Journal of Zoology (1997), 127(issue 1), 3-11

Microscopic observation of the retinal photoreceptor layer of the common barbel (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)

in Belgian Journal Of Zoology (1996), 126(1), 49-56

Light and electron microscopic observations show that cones-belonging to four types are present in the retina of the common barbel Barbus barbus (L.): short single cones, long single cones, twin cones ... [more ▼]

Light and electron microscopic observations show that cones-belonging to four types are present in the retina of the common barbel Barbus barbus (L.): short single cones, long single cones, twin cones, and unequal double cones. They do not exhibit any particular arrangement. Estimates of cone density suggest that the common barbel has multichromatic vision but of low acuity and that no difference exists between the lower and the upper parts of the retina. Both cone density (approximately 3000 units/mm(2)) and the proportion of double cones to single cones (approximately 1:3) are low. The view that the barbel has an inferior colour vision is in good agreement with the fact that this species is active mainly at twilight, but with diurnal activity during spawning. [less ▲]

Cytochemical demonstration of acid mucopolysaccharides in the epicuticular surface coat of the crab Carcinus maenas (Crustacea, Decapoda)

in Belgian Journal of Zoology (1995), 125

Biogeography of small carpenter bees of North Africa and Occidental Europe.

in Belgian Journal of Zoology (1992), 122