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The Mayfly Newsletter, Peter M. Grant May 2005

The Mayfly Newsletter, Peter M. Grant

The Mayfly Newsletter

The Mayfly Newsletter is the official newsletter of the Permanent Committee of the International Conferences on Ephemeroptera.


Decapod (Crustacea) Fauna Of Saros Bay (Northeastern Aegean Sea), A. Suat Ateş, Tuncer Katağan, Ahmet Kocataş, Füsun Erkan Yurdabak Jan 2005

Decapod (Crustacea) Fauna Of Saros Bay (Northeastern Aegean Sea), A. Suat Ateş, Tuncer Katağan, Ahmet Kocataş, Füsun Erkan Yurdabak

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The specific composition of decapod crustaceans collected in the sublittoral depths (8-135 m) of Saros Bay (northeastern Aegean Sea) is presented. A total of 40 species (17 Natantia, 1 Macrura Reptantia, 8 Anomura and 14 Brachyura) were recorded. The dominant taxon is Natantia, represented by a total of 17 species and an occurrence frequency of 42%.


The Effect Of Disturbances To Habitat Quality On Otter (Lutra Lutra) Activity In The River Kızılırmak (Turkey): A Case Study, İlhami̇ Tüzün, İrfan Albayrak Jan 2005

The Effect Of Disturbances To Habitat Quality On Otter (Lutra Lutra) Activity In The River Kızılırmak (Turkey): A Case Study, İlhami̇ Tüzün, İrfan Albayrak

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Habitat restriction for otters living in a small part of the Kızılırmak River occurred due mainly to 3 causes: dam construction at the upper end, heavy pollution by oil refinery effluent at the lower end and man-made activities such as housing and angling in-between. Sprainting activity was measured to assess habitat use by otters within the area and differences were shown between the sites. Compared to site II, higher sprainting activity was found at the site below the dam (site I), where habitat quality was poorer, as indicated by the water quality index (BMWP), diversity indices (Simpson's and Shannon-Wiever) and …


Fishes Of The Pine Bluff Arsenal, Jefferson County, Arkansas, Henry W. Robison Jan 2005

Fishes Of The Pine Bluff Arsenal, Jefferson County, Arkansas, Henry W. Robison

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

A survey of the fishes of the Pine Bluff Arsenal (PBA) located in Jefferson County, Arkansas was initiated in February 1999 and continued until October 1999 with several supplemental collections made in 2000. A total of 3,396 fishes was taken in 81 collections on the PBA and revealed 59 species distributed in 17 families and 36 genera. The most abundant fishes collected were Dorosoma petenense, Gambusia affinis, Labidesthes sicculus, Notemigonus crysoleucas, and Lepomis marginatus.


Some Biological Characteristics Of Crayfish (Astacus Leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823) In Lake Eğirdir, İsmet Balik, Hidir Çubuk, Remzi̇ye Özkök, Rahmi̇ Uysal Jan 2005

Some Biological Characteristics Of Crayfish (Astacus Leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823) In Lake Eğirdir, İsmet Balik, Hidir Çubuk, Remzi̇ye Özkök, Rahmi̇ Uysal

Turkish Journal of Zoology

This study was conducted in Lake Eğirdir in 2001 and 2002, to investigate some biological characteristics, i.e. sex and length compositions, length-weight relationship and reproduction, of the crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823) population. Sex ratios of crayfish caught with fykenets of 34 - mm mesh size (stretched mesh) were 65.2% male and 34.8% female. The total body lengths of both sexes ranged from 40 to 150 mm and the majority were in the 110 mm length class. Although the average lengths of both sexes were nearly the same, the average weight of male crayfish was higher than that of females. …


Investigation Of Fecundity And Sex Ratio In The Parasitoid Bracon Hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) In Relation To Parasitoid Age, Eylem Akman Gündüz, Adem Gülel Jan 2005

Investigation Of Fecundity And Sex Ratio In The Parasitoid Bracon Hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) In Relation To Parasitoid Age, Eylem Akman Gündüz, Adem Gülel

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The effect of parasitoid age on fecundity and sex ratio in Bracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was examined at 26 ± 2 ºC and 60 ± 5% relative humidity. Galleria mellonella (L.) and Ephestia kuehniella (Zell.) were used as host species. It was found that the fecundity of the female parasitoid did not change significantly during the first 5 days of the female's lifespan but afterwards it decreased significantly. Under laboratory conditions, the offspring sex ratio was male biased on both host species. The fecundity of the female parasitoids reared on late stage larvae of G. mellonella was higher than …


Age, Growth And Reproduction Of The Goldband Goatfish, Upeneus Moluccensis (Bleeker, 1855), In İskenderun Bay, The Eastern Mediterranean, Ali̇ İşmen Jan 2005

Age, Growth And Reproduction Of The Goldband Goatfish, Upeneus Moluccensis (Bleeker, 1855), In İskenderun Bay, The Eastern Mediterranean, Ali̇ İşmen

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The age composition, growth parameters, spawning season, sex ratio, length at first sexual maturity and fecundity of the goldband goatfish (Upeneus moluccensis) caught in İskenderun Bay in the eastern Mediterranean Sea were investigated. Females and males made up 51.6% and 48.4%, respectively, of the particular population of the species. The total length of females ranged from 7.0 cm to 20.5 cm, and of males from 7.0 cm to 17.8 cm. The length (L) - weight (W) relationships for males and females were estimated as W = 0.0118*L^{2.99} and W = 0.0097*L^{3.00}, respectively. The age data derived from otolith readings were …


Population Status Of The Taurus Frog, Rana Holtzi Werner (1898), In Its Terra Typica: Is There A Decline?, Uğur Kaya, İ. Ethem Çevi̇k, Uğur C. Eri̇şmi̇ş Jan 2005

Population Status Of The Taurus Frog, Rana Holtzi Werner (1898), In Its Terra Typica: Is There A Decline?, Uğur Kaya, İ. Ethem Çevi̇k, Uğur C. Eri̇şmi̇ş

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The herpetofauna of the Taurus Mountains is diverse, and many species are locally abundant. The Taurus frog, Rana holtzi, is endemic to Maden Lake in the Taurus Mountains in Turkey. Although it was thought to be abundant in its restricted habitat, the population size of the Taurus frog and its related trend are uncertain. Like many animals, a great number of anurans have declined or become extinct over the past decades. In 2003, we conducted a mark-recapture study on the Taurus frog population in its terra typica. Our objective was to monitor R. holtzi in its terra typica to estimate …


Assessment Of The Sensitivity And Death Rates Of Adults Of Graphosoma Lineatum (Linnaeus, 1758) Fed Chlorocholine Chloride, A Plant Growth Inhibitor, Under Laboratory Conditions, Mohsen Yazdanian, Reza Farshbaf Pour Abad Jan 2005

Assessment Of The Sensitivity And Death Rates Of Adults Of Graphosoma Lineatum (Linnaeus, 1758) Fed Chlorocholine Chloride, A Plant Growth Inhibitor, Under Laboratory Conditions, Mohsen Yazdanian, Reza Farshbaf Pour Abad

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The side effects of chlorocholine chloride, a plant growth inhibitor, on adults of Graphosoma lineatum were studied under laboratory conditions. In the study, 100, 250, 500, 750, 1000 and 1500 ppm of chlorocholine chloride in distilled water were applied. Chlorocholine chloride had killing effects on adults of G. lineatum. A 100% mortality of the male adults was observed after feeding 750, 1000 and 1500 ppm of the compound, whereas a 100% mortality of the females occurred with 1000 and 1500 ppm of the feeding compound. This study also showed that the sensitivity of the male adult insects to chlorocholine chloride …


Contributions To The Agromyzidae (Diptera) Fauna Of Turkey, Cafer Mart, Ayşe Özlem Tursun, Hasan Sungur Ci̇velek Jan 2005

Contributions To The Agromyzidae (Diptera) Fauna Of Turkey, Cafer Mart, Ayşe Özlem Tursun, Hasan Sungur Ci̇velek

Turkish Journal of Zoology

This study was carried out in 2003 and 2004 in Kahramanmaraş province. Specimens were collected once a week from Kahramanmaraş province, southern Turkey, from both cultured and non-cultured plants. Before this study, 80 leafminer species had been identified in Turkey. In this study Phytoliriomyza perpusilla (Meigen, 1830), Phytomyza fallaciosa Brischke, 1881 and Phytomyza fuscula Zetterstedt, 1838 are recorded as new for the Turkish leafminer fauna. Morphological descriptions, hosts and their general distributions are given.


Birds Of Lake Beyşehir (Isparta-Konya), Mehmet Ali̇ Tabur, Yusuf Ayvaz Jan 2005

Birds Of Lake Beyşehir (Isparta-Konya), Mehmet Ali̇ Tabur, Yusuf Ayvaz

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The Lakes Region contains wetlands important for Turkey's biodiversity. In this study conducted from October 2000 to September 2002 at Lake Beyşehir, 181 bird species were observed. Sixty-one residents, 43 winter migrants, 51 summer migrants, and 26 transit migrants were observed. According to the IUCN, Pelecanus crispus, Phalacrocorax pygmeus, Aythya nyroca, Haliaeetus albicilla and Falco naumanni are threatened and the other 176 species observed are not. According to the statistical data, Cuculiformes, Strigiformes and Caprimulgiformes were less common, while Passeriformes was the most common order in the study in terms of bird species. Among the other lakes in the Lakes …


The Turkish Gecko Hemidactylus Turcicus Prefers Vertical Walls, Milan Vogrin, Andreja Miklic Jan 2005

The Turkish Gecko Hemidactylus Turcicus Prefers Vertical Walls, Milan Vogrin, Andreja Miklic

Turkish Journal of Zoology

In summer 1997 on the island of Pag in Croatia, we studied a selection of perching sites of the Turkish gecko Hemidactylus turcicus. With the transect sampling of 1 hour in 2 days we found 102 geckos. Adults as well as juveniles were founds mostly on vertical walls.


A New Hydrovolzia Species (Acari: Hydrachnellae: Hydrovolziidae) For The Turkish Fauna, Ferruh Aşçi, Muhli̇s Özkan Jan 2005

A New Hydrovolzia Species (Acari: Hydrachnellae: Hydrovolziidae) For The Turkish Fauna, Ferruh Aşçi, Muhli̇s Özkan

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Characteristics of male and female Hydrovolzia placophora (Monti, 1905), which is a new species for the Turkish fauna, are given, along with its description and distribution throughout the world.


A Study On Mus Domesticus Rutty, 1772 And Mus Macedonicus Petrov And Ruzíc, 1983 (Mammalia: Rodentia) Distributed Along The Line Of Ankara, Bolu And Zonguldak, Bülent Gözceli̇oğlu, Reyhan Çolak, Ercüment Çolak, Nuri̇ Yi̇ği̇t Jan 2005

A Study On Mus Domesticus Rutty, 1772 And Mus Macedonicus Petrov And Ruzíc, 1983 (Mammalia: Rodentia) Distributed Along The Line Of Ankara, Bolu And Zonguldak, Bülent Gözceli̇oğlu, Reyhan Çolak, Ercüment Çolak, Nuri̇ Yi̇ği̇t

Turkish Journal of Zoology

A total of 105 specimens of the genus Mus collected from Ankara, Bartın, Bolu, Düzce and Zonguldak in Turkey were biometrically evaluated. The isocitrate dehydrogenase enzyme system along with karyotypes of 37 specimens were analysed. The zygomatic index and the index of head plus body length/tail length were diagnostic characters for Mus domesticus and Mus macedonicus. Starch gel electrophoresis gave 2 loci (Idh-1 and Idh-2) for the isocitrate dehydrogenase enzyme system. Two alleles (Idh-1^{100} and Idh-1^{105}) of the Idh-1 locus were determined in M. domesticus and M. macedonicus. M. domesticus and M. macedonicus have the same karyological values 2n = …


First Record For Two Species (Balanoglossus Clavigerus Delle Chiaje, 1829, Glandiceps Talaboti (Marion, 1876)) Of The Phylum Hemichordata On The Coast Of Turkey, Cem Çevi̇k, Deni̇z Ergüden Jan 2005

First Record For Two Species (Balanoglossus Clavigerus Delle Chiaje, 1829, Glandiceps Talaboti (Marion, 1876)) Of The Phylum Hemichordata On The Coast Of Turkey, Cem Çevi̇k, Deni̇z Ergüden

Turkish Journal of Zoology

In this study, for the first time, 2 species (Balanoglossus clavigerus delle Chiaje, 1829 and Glandiceps talaboti (Marion, 1876)) belonging to the phylum Hemichortada, which have not previously been encountered in Turkish seas, are recorded from the northeastern Mediterranean Sea (Yumurtalık Bight, and Babadıl port).


Crustacean Biodiversity Of Padina Pavonia (L.) Facies Along The Aegean Coasts Of Turkey, Fevzi̇ Kirkim, Ahmet Kocataş, Tuncer Katağan, Murat Sezgi̇n, A. Suat Ateş Jan 2005

Crustacean Biodiversity Of Padina Pavonia (L.) Facies Along The Aegean Coasts Of Turkey, Fevzi̇ Kirkim, Ahmet Kocataş, Tuncer Katağan, Murat Sezgi̇n, A. Suat Ateş

Turkish Journal of Zoology

This research was carried out to determine the crustacean species associated with Padina pavonia facies distributed in the upper-infralittoral zone of the Aegean Sea coasts of Turkey and their bioecological features. The investigations were performed at depths of 2-5 m in 13 different stations chosen in the Aegean Sea in June and July, 1995. As a result of the study, a total of 3279 specimens belonging to 85 species were identified. Of these, Ampithoe ramondi was commonest with a dominance value of 21.47%, followed by Elasmopus pocillimanus with 13.94% and Ericthonius brasiliensis with 4.61%.


Observations On Some Behaviours Of Krüper’S Nuthatch (Sitta Krueperi), A Little-Known West Palaearctic Bird, Tamer Albayrak, Ali̇ Erdoğan Jan 2005

Observations On Some Behaviours Of Krüper’S Nuthatch (Sitta Krueperi), A Little-Known West Palaearctic Bird, Tamer Albayrak, Ali̇ Erdoğan

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Some intraspecific and interspecific behaviours in Krüper's Nuthatch (Sitta krueperi) populations were observed in Antalya province, southern Turkey. An account of their endemic distribution in Anatolia on the one hand, and the lack of sufficient data on the other, gave rise to the need for such a study. The breeding behaviour in the populations is observed, particularly in the BÜK (Lütfi Büyük Yıldırım research forest) and ELMALI Cedar research forests. The results are given in 2 parts as observed behaviours throughout a year and breeding period, which are mating, nesting, brooding, parental care and rearing and territorial behaviours.


Two New Records Of Tephritis Latreille, 1804 (Diptera: Tephritidae) From Turkey, Murat Kütük Jan 2005

Two New Records Of Tephritis Latreille, 1804 (Diptera: Tephritidae) From Turkey, Murat Kütük

Turkish Journal of Zoology

This study was based on Tephritis Latreille, 1804. Samples were collected from Turkey during 2001, 2002 and 2003. Tephritis dioscurea (Loew, 1856) and Tephritis divisa Rondani, 1871, Tephritis species are new records for the fauna of Turkey.


Studies On Turkish Hydrophilidae (Coleoptera) I. Genus Enochrus Thomson, 1859, Ümi̇t İncekara, Abdullah Mart, Orhan Erman Jan 2005

Studies On Turkish Hydrophilidae (Coleoptera) I. Genus Enochrus Thomson, 1859, Ümi̇t İncekara, Abdullah Mart, Orhan Erman

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Two newly recorded Enochrus Thomson, 1859 (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae) species for the Turkish fauna, E. (E.) melanocephalus (Olivier, 1792) and E. (L.) fuscipennis (Thomson, 1884), are described, and their distribution in Turkey and worldwide is presented. A key to Turkish Enochrus species is provided and E. (L.) segmentinotatus treated under the "bicolor species complex".


Sexual Dimorphism In Podarcis Sicula Campestris, Milan Vogrin Jan 2005

Sexual Dimorphism In Podarcis Sicula Campestris, Milan Vogrin

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Morphometric characters (snout-vent length, tail length, head length, head width, and number of ventrals and gulars) were analysed in 58 male and 44 female Italian Wall Lizards, Podarcis sicula campestris, from the Adriatic coast of Slovenia. The Italian Wall Lizard is significantly dimorphic in most characters analysed. Males were significantly larger than females. No differences between sexes were found in the number of gulars, whereas the number of transversal rows of ventrals was significantly higher in females (27-30) than in males (24-27).


Pigmentation Variation In The 14-Spot Ladybird Propylea Quatuordecimpunctata (Linnaeus, 1758) In The Edirne Populations, Turkey, Selçuk Yurtsever, Selda Korkmaz, Hasan Ardali Jan 2005

Pigmentation Variation In The 14-Spot Ladybird Propylea Quatuordecimpunctata (Linnaeus, 1758) In The Edirne Populations, Turkey, Selçuk Yurtsever, Selda Korkmaz, Hasan Ardali

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Frequency differences in the 2 different coloured forms of the 14-spot ladybird Propylea quatuordecimpunctata in the Edirne populations were investigated. The results indicated that black individuals tend to occur more frequently in the habitats than in shady habitats. The body length of the black coloured 14-spot ladybirds was significantly smaller than that of the yellow individuals. The pooled data consisted of 66 % black and 34 % yellow forms.


On The Distribution And Morphology Of The Steppe Viper, Vipera Eriwanensis (Reuss, 1933), From Gavur Mountain (Gümüşhane), Bi̇lal Kutrup, Ufuk Bülbül, Nurhayat Yilmaz Jan 2005

On The Distribution And Morphology Of The Steppe Viper, Vipera Eriwanensis (Reuss, 1933), From Gavur Mountain (Gümüşhane), Bi̇lal Kutrup, Ufuk Bülbül, Nurhayat Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Vipera eriwanensis (Reuss, 1933), known only from the localities of the eastern Aras River in Turkey, was morphologically examined and compared with the related species on the basis of one additional specimen from Gavur mountain (province Gümüşhane), situated outside the known localities. This information changed our knowledge of the total distribution of V. eriwanensis, clearly showing that this taxon has expanded its range at least 210 km to the west in eastern Turkey. Furthermore it differs from V. eriwanensis reported from Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan in having a lower number of mid-body scales and loreals, and a higher number of …


A New Record For The Turkish Fauna: Lamellovertex Caelatus (Berlese, 1895) (Acari, Oribatida, Scutoverticidae), Nusret Ayyildiz, Sedat Per, Ayşe Toluk Jan 2005

A New Record For The Turkish Fauna: Lamellovertex Caelatus (Berlese, 1895) (Acari, Oribatida, Scutoverticidae), Nusret Ayyildiz, Sedat Per, Ayşe Toluk

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The characters and distribution of Lamellovertex caelatus (Berlese, 1895), which is a new record for the Turkish fauna, are given.


On The Fish Fauna Of Lake İznik (Turkey), Müfi̇t Özuluğ, Ömer Altun, Nuretti̇n Meri̇ç Jan 2005

On The Fish Fauna Of Lake İznik (Turkey), Müfi̇t Özuluğ, Ömer Altun, Nuretti̇n Meri̇ç

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Lake İznik, which is under the threat of pollution, has been subject to a very limited number of studies in terms of its fish fauna, and therefore the species living in the lake are not well known yet. It was demonstrated that 19 fish species inhabit Lake İznik: Alburnus alburnus (Linnaeus, 1758), Alburnus chalcoides (Güldenstadt, 1772), Barbus tauricus escherichi Steindachner, 1897, Capoeta tinca (Heckel, 1843), Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782), Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758, Leuciscus cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758), Rutilus frisii (Nordmann, 1840), Rutilus rutilus (Linnaeus, 1758), Vimba vimba (Linnaeus, 1758), Tinca tinca (Linnaeus, 1758), Cobitis vardarensis Karaman, 1928, Nemacheilus angorae Steindachner, …


Small Fish Species Of Arkansas Reservoirs, Thomas M. Buchanan Jan 2005

Small Fish Species Of Arkansas Reservoirs, Thomas M. Buchanan

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Sixty-six Arkansas reservoirs were sampled with rotenone from 1997 through 2004 to determine the distribution and species richness of small, nongame fish species in manmade lentic environments. Eighty-five small fish species distributed among 13 families were collected. Fish distribution and species richness varied by reservoir size, ecoregion, and reservoir type. Species richness was significantly correlated with reservoir size and the number of small species occurring in reservoir drainages. Some small species apparently maintained breeding populations in reservoirs, other species occurred in low numbers and may not have maintained breeding populations, and some species occurred sporadically, probably as stragglers from nearby …


Distribution Of Bats In Bottomland Hardwood Forests Of The Arkansas Delta Region, H. Bobby Fokidis, Stephen C. Brandebura, Thomas S. Risch Jan 2005

Distribution Of Bats In Bottomland Hardwood Forests Of The Arkansas Delta Region, H. Bobby Fokidis, Stephen C. Brandebura, Thomas S. Risch

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Bat distribution data is incomplete for the delta region of Arkansas. We extensively surveyed 16 counties within the Mississippi alluvial plain that comprises the delta from late spring to early fall 2004 using mist nets. We obtained 44 new county records for 9 species: Myotis lucifigus, M. austroriparius, Pipistrellus subflavus, Eptesicus fuscus, Lasiurus seminolus, L. borealis, L. cinereus, Nycticeius humeralis, and Corynorhinus rafinesquii. We generated updated distribution maps for these species and eastward Arkansas range expansions were documented for L.seminolus. Possible sampling concerns and research directions are discussed in relation to the needs of bats inhabiting bottomland forests of the …


Seasonal Incidence Of Sperm Within The Spermathecae Of Ouachita Dusky Salamanders (Desmognathus Brimleyorum) In Arkansas, Stanley E. Trauth, Michelle N. Mary Jan 2005

Seasonal Incidence Of Sperm Within The Spermathecae Of Ouachita Dusky Salamanders (Desmognathus Brimleyorum) In Arkansas, Stanley E. Trauth, Michelle N. Mary

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

We examined 91 adult female Ouachita dusky salamanders {Desmognathus brimleyorum) to determine the seasonal incidence of sperm within spermathecae. The spermatheca (sperm storage gland) along with supporting tissue was removed from the dorsal cloacal wall of each female and prepared for light microscopy. We recorded the reproductive condition of females (diameter of enlarged ovarian follicles =EOF) and found large aggregates of sperm within the spermathecae during all months, except February (no specimens available). The highest incidence of sperm in spermathecae occurred in July specimens (53%; n = 17). Although the known nesting season runs from July into August in this …


Deer-Vehicle Collisions In Arkansas, Philip A. Tappe Jan 2005

Deer-Vehicle Collisions In Arkansas, Philip A. Tappe

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.


Response Of An Arkansas White-Tailed Deer Population To Harvest, Robert E. Kissell Jr., Philip A. Tappe Jan 2005

Response Of An Arkansas White-Tailed Deer Population To Harvest, Robert E. Kissell Jr., Philip A. Tappe

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.


Abnormalities In The Ozark Hellbender, (Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis Bishopi) In Arkansas: A Comparison Between Two Rivers With A Historical Perspective, Waylon R. Hiler, Benjamin A. Wheeler, Stanley E. Trauth Jan 2005

Abnormalities In The Ozark Hellbender, (Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis Bishopi) In Arkansas: A Comparison Between Two Rivers With A Historical Perspective, Waylon R. Hiler, Benjamin A. Wheeler, Stanley E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

We documented abnormalities of Ozark hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi) populations in the Eleven Point River (Randolph County, Arkansas) and the Spring River (Fulton County, Arkansas) as part of ongoing monitoring efforts in this species. We found abnormalities in 90% (9 of 10) and 40% (36 of 97) of hellbenders in the Spring River and Eleven Point River, respectively, during the 2003-2004 field seasons. Most abnormalities found in Eleven Point hellbenders were generally less invasive and seemed to be more intrinsic to the species' natural history (i.e., vicissitudes of living), whereas those found in Spring River hellbenders were gross morphological aberrations. …