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Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

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Business Meeting Report (Secretary's And Treasurer's Report), Academy Editors Jan 2022

Business Meeting Report (Secretary's And Treasurer's Report), Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.


Additional Distributional Records For A Rare Caddisfly In The Ozarks, Frenesia Missa (Milne) (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae), David Bowles Jan 2022

Additional Distributional Records For A Rare Caddisfly In The Ozarks, Frenesia Missa (Milne) (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae), David Bowles

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

This paper describes the distribution for this rare species in the Ozarks of Arkansas and Missouri thus expanding its known range in the region. The species is considered vulnerable to anthropogenic stressors.


Yellow-Rumped Warblers (Setophaga Coronata) Sipping Sap From Sapsucker Wells, Ragupathy Kannan, Renn Tumlison Jan 2022

Yellow-Rumped Warblers (Setophaga Coronata) Sipping Sap From Sapsucker Wells, Ragupathy Kannan, Renn Tumlison

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) is one of the most ecologically generalized of the warblers. It feeds primarily on invertebrates, but often switches to fruit during winter, utilizing a wide array of foraging maneuvers. It also uses a variety of foraging substrates. Reports of these warblers taking sap from sapsucker wells are rare. Here we report 3 instances of sapsucking Yellow-rumped Warblers from Arkansas. All three observations were immediately preceded by extreme cold weather with snow or ice precipitation. We hypothesize that opportunistic sapsucking from sapsucker holes may be another strategy employed by the species to meet its …


Factors Affecting The Sex Ratio Of White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus Virginianus) Fetuses In Arkansas, Jorista Garrie, Ralph Meeker Jan 2022

Factors Affecting The Sex Ratio Of White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus Virginianus) Fetuses In Arkansas, Jorista Garrie, Ralph Meeker

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Health of the mother is known to affect the sex-ratio of the offspring in sexually dimorphic mammals. Both density-dependent and environmental factors (conditions at present, or seasonal conditions the year before) could impact the health of the mother. There are however two opposing hypotheses for whether a mother in good health should invest more in a strong son (that can father many offspring) or in a daughter (that can stay in the same area and use good resources). Fetuses from 1,208 female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were collected over a 10-year period (2002-2012), across 75 counties in Arkansas. …


Journal Of The Arkansas Academy Of Science - Volume 76, 2022, Academy Editors Jan 2022

Journal Of The Arkansas Academy Of Science - Volume 76, 2022, Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.


Table Of Contents, Academy Editors Jan 2022

Table Of Contents, Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.


Seasonal Testicular Histology And Acystic Lobular Spermatogenesis In The Western Lesser Siren, Siren Intermedia Nettingi (Caudata: Sirenidae), Stanley E. Trauth Jan 2022

Seasonal Testicular Histology And Acystic Lobular Spermatogenesis In The Western Lesser Siren, Siren Intermedia Nettingi (Caudata: Sirenidae), Stanley E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

I investigated the seasonal testicular histology and acystic lobular spermatogenesis in the Western Lesser Siren, Siren intermedia nettingi, from periodic sampling of this salamander over a span of 21 yr (1994-2015) in northeastern Arkansas. My results include the following general findings: 1) the largest testicular lobules occurred primarily in January-February during spermiogenesis and spermatozoa maturation; 2) lobular regression and spermatogenic cell recrudescence were underway by late March; 3) proliferation of secondary spermatogonia in lobules was prominent in May; 4) transformation of secondary spermatogonia into primary spermatocytes occurred by mid-July, and these cells became larger in diameter through increased nuclear …


Distribution And Breeding Of The Black-Bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna Autumnalis) In Arkansas, With A Brief Chronology Of Distribution And Breeding In Southeastern United States, C. Renn Tumlison Jan 2022

Distribution And Breeding Of The Black-Bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna Autumnalis) In Arkansas, With A Brief Chronology Of Distribution And Breeding In Southeastern United States, C. Renn Tumlison

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The Black-Bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) was a rare bird first reported from Arkansas in 1982, when it was seen in Hempstead Co. in southwestern Arkansas. Observations surged in parts of the state about 2005, then again about 2016, and the bird is now fairly common seasonally in many parts of the state. By use of online sources for citizen science, we elucidate the history of occurrence and present analysis of seasonal distribution of this bird in Arkansas. Individuals occur in Arkansas throughout the year, but observations are most common and widely distributed from March-September, after which most individuals …


A Study Of Dental Pathology In River Otters (Lontra Canadensis) In Arkansas, C. Renn Tumlison, Jimmie Harper, Karson Grant Jan 2022

A Study Of Dental Pathology In River Otters (Lontra Canadensis) In Arkansas, C. Renn Tumlison, Jimmie Harper, Karson Grant

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

River otters (Lontra canadensis) consume a variety of foods, including mussels, fishes, and crayfishes. These foods have hard body parts that cause wear of the teeth as the predator ages and incurs more damaging feeding experiences. This can lead to exposure of the pulp cavity and possible abscess and resorption of bone around the alveolus. Further, strong bites against harder parts of prey sometimes results in mechanical breakage, which can lead to pulpitis and severe pathology leading to tooth loss. We investigated the frequency of different forms of dental issues in a sample of 178 skulls of river …


Distal Urogenital Anatomy In The Male Wood Frog, Lithobates Sylvaticus (Anura: Ranidae), Stanley E. Trauth Jan 2022

Distal Urogenital Anatomy In The Male Wood Frog, Lithobates Sylvaticus (Anura: Ranidae), Stanley E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

I investigated the microanatomy of the distal urogenital system of the male Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) from a small sample (n = 6) collected in northern Arkansas in February 2020. Specifically, my primary objectives were as follows: 1) to focus on the histology of the paired Wolffian (urogenital) ducts caudally from the kidneys to their merging with the urodeum of the cloaca, 2) to reveal the structure of the paired seminal vesicles (sperm storage structures), and 3) to compare epithelial morphologies between the distal urogenital tract and its neighboring distal alimentary tract. This information will promote a clearer …


Energy Content Of Seeds Of Switchgrass (Panicum Virgatum) In The Diet Of Mourning Doves (Zenaida Macroura) In Southeastern New Mexico, John L. Hunt, Matthew E. Grilliot, Troy L. Best, Faith A. Johnson, Tyneshia L. Kilgore, Cade M. Wilkerson Jan 2022

Energy Content Of Seeds Of Switchgrass (Panicum Virgatum) In The Diet Of Mourning Doves (Zenaida Macroura) In Southeastern New Mexico, John L. Hunt, Matthew E. Grilliot, Troy L. Best, Faith A. Johnson, Tyneshia L. Kilgore, Cade M. Wilkerson

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a common forage plant that grows over much of the United States. It has drawn interest as a possible feedstock for biofuels, is used as forage for livestock, is planted for soil conservation, and is a component of the diet of some species of wildlife. We analyzed the energy content of seeds of switchgrass obtained from the crops of mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) collected from plains-mesa sand-scrub in Lea and Eddy counties, New Mexico. Seeds were removed from crops and dried for 48 hours at 60°C to remove moisture and standardize masses. …


Instructions To Authors, Academy Editors Jan 2022

Instructions To Authors, Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.


Academy Presidents And Institutional Members, Academy Editors Jan 2022

Academy Presidents And Institutional Members, Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.


New Distributional Records For Ectoparasites (Acari: Laelapidae, Myocoptidae) Of The Woodland Vole, Microtus Pinetorum (Rodentia: Cricetidae) From Polk County, Arkansas, Chris T. Mcallister, Lance A, Durden Jan 2021

New Distributional Records For Ectoparasites (Acari: Laelapidae, Myocoptidae) Of The Woodland Vole, Microtus Pinetorum (Rodentia: Cricetidae) From Polk County, Arkansas, Chris T. Mcallister, Lance A, Durden

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The woodland vole, Microtus pinetorum is a common Arkansas rodent found statewide. To our knowledge, it has been surveyed only once in the state for ectoparasites. Here, a single specimen was examined and found to be infested with 3 species of mites, including Androlaelaps fahrenholzi, Laelaps alaskensis, and Myocoptes japonensis. This is the first time L. alaskensis and M. japonensis have been reported from Arkansas.


Remote Ornithology: Studying Nesting Behavior Of Bermuda Petrels Via Live Webcam, Ragupathy Kannan, Bala Chander, Jack Jackson, Tara Chander Jan 2021

Remote Ornithology: Studying Nesting Behavior Of Bermuda Petrels Via Live Webcam, Ragupathy Kannan, Bala Chander, Jack Jackson, Tara Chander

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

We observed over 167 hours of video of a Bermuda Petrel Pterodroma cahow nest during the 2019 nesting season. The publicly available webcam feed was provided live over the internet by Nonsuch Expeditions and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Live webcams open new avenues of data collection resulting in observations previously deemed impractical. They help surpass logistic and financial hurdles in conducting field studies. From our offices and homes in Arkansas and New York, we documented behaviors and involuntary movements of the nesting pair in Bermuda. We noted relative roles played by each parent in incubation, and behaviors of the incubating …


History, Distribution, And Reproduction By The Swallow-Tailed Kite (Elanoides Forficatus) In Arkansas, Grace Wills, C. Renn Tumlison Jan 2021

History, Distribution, And Reproduction By The Swallow-Tailed Kite (Elanoides Forficatus) In Arkansas, Grace Wills, C. Renn Tumlison

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) is a rare bird in Arkansas, and its historical populations are believed to have declined over much of the last century due to loss of bottomland hardwood forests and associated wetlands. However, sightings have increased in the recent 2 decades. By use of online sources for citizen science, we elucidate the current distribution of this bird in Arkansas, and comment on the status of reproduction. Swallow-tailed Kites arrive in Arkansas as early as March and remain to mid-September, but numbers of reported sightings have a bimodal occurrence with peaks in May and August.


Distribution And History Of The Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea Ajaja) In Arkansas, C. Renn Tumlison, Grace Wills, Karen Rowe Jan 2021

Distribution And History Of The Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea Ajaja) In Arkansas, C. Renn Tumlison, Grace Wills, Karen Rowe

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The Roseatte Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a rare bird in Arkansas and was not reported from the state until 1959, when it was seen in southwestern Arkansas. By use of online sources for citizen science, we elucidate the history of occurrence and present analysis of seasonal distribution of this bird in Arkansas. Individuals arrive in Arkansas as early as April, observations peak in August, and the birds may remain to late October when colder weather promotes southward migration. Most observations are of a few birds, but a maximum of 128 has been counted at one location and time. …


Eimeria Lancasterensis (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), Three Nematodes (Heligmosomoidea: Boehmiellidae, Heligmonellidae), And A Flea (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae) From The Eastern Fox Squirrel, Sciurus Niger (Rodentia: Sciuridae) In Arkansas, Chris T. Mcallister, John A. Hnida, Henry W. Robison, Lance A, Durden, Christopher Whipps Jan 2021

Eimeria Lancasterensis (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), Three Nematodes (Heligmosomoidea: Boehmiellidae, Heligmonellidae), And A Flea (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae) From The Eastern Fox Squirrel, Sciurus Niger (Rodentia: Sciuridae) In Arkansas, Chris T. Mcallister, John A. Hnida, Henry W. Robison, Lance A, Durden, Christopher Whipps

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

In Arkansas, the eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) is a common inhabitant of the state. Although information is available on ectoparasites of this host in Arkansas, little is known about the endoparasites of this squirrel. A single specimen from Montgomery County was examined and found to harbor the following: a coccidian (Eimeria lancasterensis), three nematodes, Boehmiella wilsoni, Citellinema bifurcatum, and Sciurodendrium hassalli, and a flea, Orchopeas howardi. We document these nematodes from an Arkansas S. niger for the first time, and add mensural and molecular information on E. lancasterensis from this host.


Distal Excurrent Ducts And Penile Morphology Of The Urogenital System In The Mississippi Mud Turtle, Kinosternon Subrubrum Hippocrepis (Chelonia:Kinosternidae), Stanley E. Trauth, Michael V. Plummer Jan 2021

Distal Excurrent Ducts And Penile Morphology Of The Urogenital System In The Mississippi Mud Turtle, Kinosternon Subrubrum Hippocrepis (Chelonia:Kinosternidae), Stanley E. Trauth, Michael V. Plummer

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

We examined the distal excurrent ductal morphology and penile anatomy of the urogenital system in the Mississippi Mud Turtle, Kinosternon subrubrum hippocrepis, from a small sample of individuals collected in Arkansas in order to provide additional information regarding turtle urogenital anatomy. Specifically, we focused on the basic anatomy and histology of distal excurrent ducts (ductus deferens and ureter), associated structures (urogenital papillae), and penile histology in this kinosternid turtle. In addition, we provide an overview of the gross urogenital anatomy in this turtle, given that little detailed information exists on this topic in the chelonian literature.


Selected Helminth Parasites (Cestoda, Nematoda) Of Bobcat, Lynx Rufus (Carnivora: Felidae), In Northeastern Arkansas, Chris T. Mcallister, Henry W. Robison, Ethan T. Woodyard, Thomas Graham Rosser Jan 2021

Selected Helminth Parasites (Cestoda, Nematoda) Of Bobcat, Lynx Rufus (Carnivora: Felidae), In Northeastern Arkansas, Chris T. Mcallister, Henry W. Robison, Ethan T. Woodyard, Thomas Graham Rosser

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The bobcat, Lynx rufus is a relatively common Arkansas carnivore that ranges statewide. Although there is a great deal of information on the natural history of this species in the state, there have been few studies where parasites have been documented in Arkansas bobcats. Here, a single specimen was examined and found to be infected with a tapeworm, Taenia rileyi and 2 nematodes, Toxoascaris leonina and Toxocara cati. We document the first record of T. rileyi from Arkansas and the first report of T. leonina from a bobcat in the state.


Energy Content Of Seeds Of Palmer’S Pigweed (Amaranthus Palmeri) In The Diet Of Scaled Quail (Callipepla Squamata) In Southeastern New Mexico, John L. Hunt, Matthew E. Grilliot, Troy L. Best, Isaac C. Castillo, Paige E. Eddington, Faith A. Johnson, Tyneshia L. Kilgore, Jacob H. Courson Jan 2021

Energy Content Of Seeds Of Palmer’S Pigweed (Amaranthus Palmeri) In The Diet Of Scaled Quail (Callipepla Squamata) In Southeastern New Mexico, John L. Hunt, Matthew E. Grilliot, Troy L. Best, Isaac C. Castillo, Paige E. Eddington, Faith A. Johnson, Tyneshia L. Kilgore, Jacob H. Courson

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Palmer’s pigweed (Amaranthus palmeri) is a common grassland plant that occurs across much of North America. It is often considered a weed but is an important source of food for many game birds. We analyzed the energy content of seeds of Palmer’s pigweed obtained from the crops of scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) collected from plains-mesa sand-scrub habitat in Eddy and Lea counties, New Mexico. Seeds were dried for 48 hours at 60°C to remove moisture and then analyzed for gross caloric value (i.e., energy content) in an oxygen bomb calorimeter. Energy content of seeds of Palmer’s …


An Updated Checklist Of The Spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) Of Arkansas, Henry W. Robison, C. Renn Tumlison, Paula E. Cushing, Peggy R. Dorris Jan 2021

An Updated Checklist Of The Spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) Of Arkansas, Henry W. Robison, C. Renn Tumlison, Paula E. Cushing, Peggy R. Dorris

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

A total of 510 species of spiders representing 43 families and 215 genera are herein reported from Arkansas. The most diverse families of state spiders were Salticidae (64 species), Lycosidae (59 species), Araneidae (55 species), and Gnaphosidae (54 species). Twelve families had only a single representative species in the state. Additional taxa will surely be added to the checklist with future taxonomic studies incorporating molecular analyses and additional collecting. This updated checklist is intended to be of use to arachnologists, researchers, naturalists, professional biologists, and managers in determining the biodiversity for Arkansas. We have worked to insure that the taxonomy …


Investigation Of Fluorescence In Selected Mammals Of Arkansas, C. Renn Tumlison, Terry L. Tumlison Jan 2021

Investigation Of Fluorescence In Selected Mammals Of Arkansas, C. Renn Tumlison, Terry L. Tumlison

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The adaptive value of fluorescence among the vertebrates has been studied most in fishes and birds, and only a few observations have been published regarding fluorescence in the pelage of mammals. Recently, reports of fluorescence in some marsupials, the platypus, and in flying squirrels have become available. We report the occurrence of fluorescent properties in some mammals from Arkansas. Most carnivores, bats, and rodents did not exhibit the property when viewed under UV light. However, opossums, rabbits, a weasel, muskrats, and moles showed substantial UV response, and a few other mammals showed minor fluorescence. Colors fluoresced included pink, green, and …


Morphology Of Rathke’S Glands In The Alligator Snapping Turtle, Macrochelys Temminckii (Chelonia: Chelydridae), Stanley E. Trauth Jan 2021

Morphology Of Rathke’S Glands In The Alligator Snapping Turtle, Macrochelys Temminckii (Chelonia: Chelydridae), Stanley E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

I examined the morphology of Rathke’s glands (RG) in the Alligator Snapping Turtle, Macrochelys temminckii, using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This species possesses 4 pairs of RG (i.e., an axillary and three inframarginals) that are embedded beneath marginal bones and are named primarily according to the anatomical location of their orifices. These holocrine-type, exocrine, integumentary glands are anatomically and ultrastructurally similar to one another. Each gland contains a single and highly vascularized secretory lobule, which is bounded by a thick tunic of asymmetrically-arranged striated muscle bundles. Two types of secretory vacuoles were identified within the holocrine cells …


Spatial And Temporal Variation In Aedes Albopictus Prevalence Across Arkansas, Alyssa N. Jones, Eric C. Lovely, Douglas G. Barron Jan 2021

Spatial And Temporal Variation In Aedes Albopictus Prevalence Across Arkansas, Alyssa N. Jones, Eric C. Lovely, Douglas G. Barron

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Aedes albopictus is a well-known vector species of mosquito that is responsible for the transmission of many arboviruses such as Zika, chikungunya, and dengue. The objective of this study was to quantify spatial and temporal variation of Ae. albopictus prevalence in Arkansas. We used egg abundance as a proxy for mosquito prevalence. Across 2 years, we worked with the Arkansas Department of Health to collect mosquito eggs using oviposition traps. Eggs were desiccated, counted, and later rehydrated in rearing chambers and raised through adulthood for species determination (>99% Ae. albopictus). We determined mean egg abundance by month, year, …


Novel Reproductive Data On Pealip Redhorse, Moxostoma Pisolabrum (Cypriniformes: Catostomidae), From Northeastern Arkansas, Chris T. Mcallister, Henry W. Robison, Ethan T. Woodyard, Thomas Graham Rosser, Thomas J. Fayton Jan 2021

Novel Reproductive Data On Pealip Redhorse, Moxostoma Pisolabrum (Cypriniformes: Catostomidae), From Northeastern Arkansas, Chris T. Mcallister, Henry W. Robison, Ethan T. Woodyard, Thomas Graham Rosser, Thomas J. Fayton

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Little is known about the natural history of the Pealip Redhorse (Moxostoma pisolabrum), particularly on its reproductive biology in Arkansas. We examined 11 female M. pisolabrum collected in late February 2020 and 2021 from the Black River, Lawrence County. Egg mass (g) represented 9‒14% of the total weight of these gravid females. This is the first time information on female reproduction in this species has been reported from any population of M. pisolabrum in the state.


Bird Usage Of Black Marasmius Fibers As Nest Material, Haris Rana, Shayla Smithson, Jack Jackson, Ragupathy Kannan Jan 2021

Bird Usage Of Black Marasmius Fibers As Nest Material, Haris Rana, Shayla Smithson, Jack Jackson, Ragupathy Kannan

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Black Marasmius fungal fibers have been frequently observed in neotropical bird nests. We tested to determine if superior tensile strength and temperature moderation contributes to why these fibers are preferred by some species over other available nesting materials. Marasmius fibers from nests of Yellow-olive Flycatchers (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) were compared to grass fibers from a Yellow-tailed Oriole (Icterus mesomelas) nest from the same area in Belize, Central America. We measured tensile strengths by a universal strength tester which stretched the fibers to their breaking point. We also used HOBO data loggers to compare the temperature differential between …


Journal Of The Arkansas Academy Of Science - Volume 75, 2021, Academy Editors Jan 2021

Journal Of The Arkansas Academy Of Science - Volume 75, 2021, Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.


Business Meeting Report (Secretary's And Treasurer's Report), Academy Editors Jan 2021

Business Meeting Report (Secretary's And Treasurer's Report), Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.


The Common Feeder Cockroach Blaptica Dubia Shows Increased Transmission Distance Based On Mode Of Acquisition Of Environmental Bacteria, Parker M. Campbell, Ryan J. Stork, Amber G. Hug Jan 2020

The Common Feeder Cockroach Blaptica Dubia Shows Increased Transmission Distance Based On Mode Of Acquisition Of Environmental Bacteria, Parker M. Campbell, Ryan J. Stork, Amber G. Hug

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Although some researchers claim that cockroaches are masters of disease transmission, these claims have little to no scientific support. Most studies concerning cockroaches as a vector of disease only focus on the bacteria found on the body surface, not on whether cockroaches have actually transferred pathogenic bacteria via surface contact. We set out to determine if cockroaches would act as a mechanical vector for the transfer of the opportunistic pathogen, E. coli. Roaches were contaminated with Green fluorescent protein expressing E. coli (GFP-E.coli) broth by either walking the roach through a broth culture or by complete immersion in the …