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The Mayfly Newsletter, Donna Giberson

The Mayfly Newsletter

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

Abstracts Of Posters Presented At South Sioux City Nou Meeting

Nebraska Bird Review

A scientific poster session featuring the work of 9 ornithological researchers from UN-Kearney, USD-Vermillion and Hitchcock Nature Center was held Friday evening. Thanks to Dr. Jacob Cooper from UNK, Dr. David Swanson from USD, and the students who participated.

Wandering from the River: On- and Off-River Abundance of Interior Least Terns along the 59-Mile Reach of the Missouri National Recreational River. Zoe Donelan, Hannah Slattery, Kyle Jorgensen, and David L. Swanson, University of South Dakota, Department of Biology.

Preliminary Results of Raptor Migration Monitoring at Hitchcock Nature Center. Kellie Hayden, Jerry Toll, and Sandy Reinken, Hitchcock Nature Center, Pottawattamie Conservation, …

Spring Field Report, March–May 2025, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

Perhaps the most important takeaway this spring is the continuing phenomenon of large numbers of species with early spring arrival dates. Although about half as many as 2024, there were 64 examples of either tied or new early arrival dates, most obviously of insectivores such as swifts, flycatchers, vireos, swallows, pipits, longspurs, and 10 warbler species. Among these, record or near-record early were Whip-poor-will, Black-necked Stilt, Marbled Godwit, Black Tern, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Purple Martin, Rock Wren, Gray Catbird in central, Spotted Towhee in north and west, and Hooded Warbler.

Following along logically perhaps with early arrival dates were a number …

The Nebraska Bird Review (June 2025) 93(2), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

Spring Field Report, March–May 2025, by W. Ross Silcock

NOU Spring Field Days and Annual Meeting in South Sioux City, May 16–18, 2025

Abstracts of posters presented at Spring 2025 NOU Meeting

Spring 2025 NOU Meeting Species Tally

An Unusual Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) in Nebraska: Albinism or Leucism? by Jacob C. Cooper, Peggy M. Huss, Eugene A. Huryn, and Cody McGregor

Subscription and Organization Information

The Unicorn And Christ – Metamorphosis And Symbology, Luis Mendonça De Carvalho, Francisca Maria Fernandes, Maria Fátima Nunes, Ana Maria Costa, Paula Nozes, Ana Paula Figueira

International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage

The unicorn is a legendary chimaera that, for centuries, has been present in the mindset of Euro-Mediterranean cultures. Although its morphological description changed, tradition identifies it as an animal like a horse, albeit smaller and with a spiralling horn on its head pointing forward. The unicorn has been known since Antiquity, with references by authors such as Ctesias and Pliny. However, its relevance for medieval Europeans began with the Biblical references to this animal in several Old Testament verses. These verses gave legitimacy to the unicorn, and it was accepted as a tangible animal. During the Middle Ages and early …

Discrimination Of Sprat Species (Clupeonella Spp.) In The Caspian Sea And The Sea Of Marmara Using Otolith Shape Analysis, Mohammad Reza Shariati, Mohammad Sadegh Alavi-Yeganeh, Mehdi Ghanbarifardi, Gülşah Saç, Müfi̇t Özuluğ, Erdoğan Çi̇çek

Turkish Journal of Zoology

This study evaluates the discriminating power of sagittal otolith shape among three species of the genus Clupeonella endemic to the Caspian Sea (Clupeonella grimmi, Clupeonella caspia, and Clupeonella engrauliformis) and one species from the Sea of Marmara (Clupeonella Cultriventris). Identification of these species is challenging due to their morphological similarities, and the taxonomic validity of C. caspia and C. cultriventris remains ambiguous because of their resemblance. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were utilized to examine the morphological characteristics of otoliths. Stereomicroscope images were used to calculate six shape indices: rectangularity, roundness, ellipticity, circularity, aspect ratio, and form factor. The outline …

Assessment Of Pyriproxyfen 0.5% (Juvenile Hormone Analog) Against Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae: A Multiscale Study From Laboratory To Field, Neetu Kachhwaha, Vinod Kumari, Rajbala Verma, Nirmala Sharma, Asif Khan, Mohit Singh, Sanyam Nimoria, Priyadarshini Sharma

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Vector control strategies increasingly focus on nonconventional chemicals with high insecticidal efficacy, persistence, and low toxicity to nontarget organisms. The present multiphase study, conducted in laboratory, semifield, and field conditions in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, evaluated the efficacy of pyriproxyfen (0.5%) (juvenile hormone analog) in controlling mosquito emergence. Laboratory bioassays demonstrated significant susceptibility of Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles, 1901 (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae, with the first and second instars exhibiting 100% mortality at 1 ppm and third and fourth instars showing emergence inhibition (IE) of 86.11% and 65.28%, respectively. Probit analysis determined lower LC₅₀, LC₉₀, and LC₉₉.₉ values for the first instar larvae …

Distribution Pattern And Abundance Dynamics Of Asian Openbill (Anastomus Oscitans) In Rice Field Throughout Peninsular Malaysia, Badrulhadza Amzah, Rosli Ramli, Noorhidayah Mamat

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans) plays a crucial role in rice field ecosystems by preying on invasive apple snails (Pomacea spp.), potentially reducing the reliance on chemical molluscicides. This study investigated the distribution and abundance dynamics of the stork across major rice granaries in Peninsular Malaysia. Surveys were conducted at 111 sampling points within 30 localities across 11 states during five consecutive rice seasons (2022–2024), with bird counts obtained through binoculars and digital photography. Results indicate that storks are highly concentrated on the northern and central west coasts, where rice fields provide abundant foraging opportunities. In the northern regions (Perlis, …

A Singular Case Of Early-Stage Long-Distance Dispersal Of The Smooth Newt, Lissotriton Vulgaris (Linnaeus, 1758) (Amphibia, Caudata), Simone Costa, Francesco Paolo Faraone, Mario Lo Valvo

Turkish Journal of Zoology

To date, the global introduction of alien amphibians and reptiles has likely been facilitated by the expanding plant nursery trade. Here, we report in detail a singular case of unintentional introduction of Lissotriton vulgaris in Sicily. A newt in the final stages of its larval development was found in a private garden pond in north-western Sicily, where aquatic plants from a nursery in Veneto (northeastern Italy) had been introduced two months earlier. The analysis of the mithochondrial markers ND2 and ND4 revealed a shared haplotype between the Sicilian newt and a sample from Treviso, the province of the putative source. …

Molecular Phylogeny And Population Structure Of Eurygaster Integriceps (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) In The Southeastern Anatolia Region Of Türkiye, Mehmet Sali̇h Özgökçe, Merve Doğaç, Hi̇lmi̇ Kara

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The aim of this study was to determine the identity and distribution of the sunn pest Eurygaster spp. and to quantify the population density in wheat fields across Southeastern Anatolia, Türkiye. A total of 309 samples were collected from 76 fields in 54 districts across all provinces within the study region, where wheat production is intensive. A combination of morphological and molecular techniques was employed to identify the collected specimens. Morphological identification was based on male genitalia, and PCR amplification of the COI mitochondrial gene region was used for DNA barcoding. Both morphological and molecular analyses confirmed that all collected …

Protein Composition Of The Foam Nest Of Rhacophorus Reinwardtii (Schlegel, 1840) (Anura: Rhacophoridae), With Notes On Breeding Sites Characteristics And Biomedical Applications, Muhammad Asyraf Rijalullah, Nia Kurniawan, Nia Kurnianingsih

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Rhacophorus reinwardtii is endemic to Java Island and is currently experiencing a population decline. Therefore, the sustainability of its offspring is important to prevent species extinction. Foam nest as a biosurfactant structure plays a crucial role as egg protection through major protein components function. However, studies on the functional proteins of rhacophoridae foam nests are limited. Thus, this study aims to uncover the protein-specific components and functions of the R. reinwardtii foam nest. Additionally, the characteristics of breeding sites, including abiotic factors, were also assessed. Total protein concentration of the R. reinwardtii foam nest was determined to be 747.7 μg/mL …

Scorpions Of The Horn Of Africa (Arachnida: Scorpiones). Part Xxxviii. Parabuthus Puntlandus Sp. N. From Somalia (Puntland) (Buthidae), František Kovařík, František Šťáhlavský, Hassan Sh A. Elmi, Roman Štarha

Euscorpius

A new species Parabuthus puntlandus sp. n. from Somalia (Puntland) is described. Combination of five characters; metasoma V black; pectine teeth number 39–42 in both sexes; pedipalp chela length/width ratio 3.05–4.26 in both sexes; metasoma and telson sparsely hirsute; smooth inner side of the base of fingers of pedipalp chela (tubercle absent) distinguish P. puntlandus sp. n. from all other species in the region. In addition to the analyses of external morphology, we have provided descriptions of the karyotype of P. puntlandus sp. n. (2n=16). Included is also a map of distribution of Parabuthus species in Horn of Africa.

Impact Of Unconventional Gas Extraction On Tributaries Of Tenmile Creek, Greene County, Pennsylvania: A 12-Year Perspective, Christian L. Beall

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Much of southwestern Pennsylvania has been central to a rapid increase in development for unconventional natural gas extraction in the past two decades. The continued monitoring of streams over their lifetime as extraction sites is pivotal to understanding the effects of fracking on local waterways and their ability to provide for wildlife and human use. Here, using multiple indices of biotic integrity (IBI), I perform analyses of fish and macroinvertebrate communities as well as water chemistry on two streams, Bates Fork (with shale wells) and Fonner Run (without), as part of a follow-up to work performed there from 2010-2012. Fish …

Biomarkers That Could Explain Parasite-Induced Behavioral Alterations In The Golden Shiner (Notemigonus Crysoleucas) – Posthodiplostomum System, Laura D. Nicolas

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Trophically transmitted parasites require an intermediate host to be consumed and often manipulate host phenotype (i.e., morphology, physiology, and/or behavior) to increase predation risk by definitive hosts. Posthodiplostomum is a trematode with a complex life cycle involving snails as first hosts, fish as second intermediate hosts, and piscivorous birds as definitive hosts. In fish hosts, Posthodiplostomum infection has been linked to increased predation, suggesting suppression of antipredator behaviors. However, the specific physiological pathways remained unexplored and changes in the host’s neural, endocrine, and immune systems could be involved. Thus, I examined whether Posthodiplostomum infection intensity was associated with brain serotonin …

Demography Of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys Temminckii) Along A Fishing Pressure Gradient, Luke T. Micek

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Passive fishing gear is a threat to the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii). The spatio-temporal persistence of this threat and its impacts on M. temminckii populations has not been quantified. I quantified the density of passive fishing gear and the demographic parameters of M. temminckii along a fishing pressure gradient in East Texas streams. Most gear was abandoned and illegally deployed, with densities varying seasonally. Detectability of passive fishing gear declined with increasing gear age, water depth, and volume, but increased with increasing precipitation. Macrochelys temminckii catch per unit effort, abundance, and survival was lower at sites with …

The Impact Of Maternal Age On The Expression Of Transgenerational Plasticity In Daphnia Pulicaria, Calvin Nguyen

2025 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Transgenerational plasticity refers to heritable, non-genetic changes in phenotype that persist across multiple generations and can enhance offspring survivability in variable environments. In Daphnia, increasing maternal age has been associated with maladaptive plasticity. To investigate this relationship, six clones were collected from two Wisconsin lakes and acclimated to laboratory conditions through a common garden rearing process. For each clone, ten replicates were generated and evenly divided between young (clutches 2–4) and old (clutches 5–8) maternal age groups. Offspring were exposed to three dietary treatments for three experimental generations: one fed only green algae, one fed only cyanobacteria (a nutritionally …

The Movement Ecology, Ranging Patterns, And Territoriality Of Azara’S Owl Monkeys (Aotus Azarae) In The Argentinean Chaco Forest, Jeremy D. Pustilnik

Master of Environmental Science Theses

Azara’s owl monkeys (Aotus azarae) are small, pair-living, socially monogamous primates that inhabit the Chaco Forest of South America. Their activity and life history patterns have been particularly well studied, however, their movement ecology and ranging patterns within their home ranges remains largely unknown. Herein I descriptively analyze these patterns with respect to time, space, ambient environment, and physical environment using spatial information on five owl monkey groups that were followed over the course of a year between 1998 and 1999 at a multi-decade-operating field site near Formosa, Argentina. Analysis of distance and speed moved during different diel …

Mechanisms Of Behavioral Change In Hosts Of Toxoplasma Gondii: A Review, Olivia Grimsley

Senior Honors Theses

The parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a highly ubiquitous parasite that latently infects an estimated 33% percent of the global population. Toxoplasmosis is of obvious clinical significance due to the extremely high risks to the unborn who contract it congenitally. Less attention has been given to a more subtle aspect of latent infection, which is the behavioral alterations that are commonly experienced by those who contract the parasite. Infected individuals commonly display a variety of altered behaviors, such as increased aggression and risk-seeking behaviors, depression, higher tendency towards suicide and self-directed violence, a loss of fear response, and a greatly increased …

Heterotopias Of Confinement: Zoo Architecture And The Loss Of Elephant Agency, Clayton Gill Beasley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Zoos functions as a site where human-animal relationships are structured through built environments that mediate control and representation. This study examines zoos as heterotopias—spaces where power and surveillance are negotiated between human observers and captive nonhuman animals. While zoos are often framed as spaces of conservation and education, their architectural design reinforces hierarchies of observation and confinement, shaping both human perceptions of nature and the lived experiences of nonhuman animals. This research focuses on Asian elephants as a critical species within this framework, exploring how their captivity illuminates tensions between human-imposed structures and nonhuman autonomy. Drawing from theories of heterotopia, …

Epidemiological Inferences Of The Impacts Of Winter Ticks On Moose Health, Krishna S. Woerheide

Department of Entomology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The North American Moose (mooz in Anishinaabemowin, Ojibwe language, Alces alces), a culturally significant subsistence species for the Anishinaabe people, faces population decline due to calf predation, pathogen transmission, and parasitism by the winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus), all exacerbated by climate change. This study explores the impact of winter tick infestations on moose health, with a focus on natural mineral seeps as potential transmission hotspots in moose habitats within the Grand Portage Indian Reservation (Gichi Onigaming), on Isle Royale National Park (Minong), and within the 1854 Ceded Territory (greater northeastern Minnesota) - ancestral and present homelands of …