Cicadas (Hemiptera, Homoptera: Cicadoidea) of Mkomazi
- Villet, Martin H, van Noort, Simon, Packer, M
- Authors: Villet, Martin H , van Noort, Simon , Packer, M
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442756 , vital:74030 , ISBN , https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1472-4642.2001.00094.x
- Description: The cicadas are a group of insects belonging to the order Hemiptera which comprises a diverse range of insects including the bugs, leafhoppers, aphids, scale insects etc. The Hemiptera are characterised by specialised mouth parts that are adapted for piercing and sucking up sap from host plants or animal juices from their prey. All cicadas are plant feeders and can be extremely camouflaged when sitting and feeding on a branch, although the males give themselves away by their persistent, often high pitched calls.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Villet, Martin H , van Noort, Simon , Packer, M
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442756 , vital:74030 , ISBN , https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1472-4642.2001.00094.x
- Description: The cicadas are a group of insects belonging to the order Hemiptera which comprises a diverse range of insects including the bugs, leafhoppers, aphids, scale insects etc. The Hemiptera are characterised by specialised mouth parts that are adapted for piercing and sucking up sap from host plants or animal juices from their prey. All cicadas are plant feeders and can be extremely camouflaged when sitting and feeding on a branch, although the males give themselves away by their persistent, often high pitched calls.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
On two species of Paectira Karsch (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) from Kenya
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6850 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011131
- Description: During an ongoing revision of the genera of southern African Cicadidae (Hemiptera), examination of the holotype of Xosopsaltria fuliginosa Distant, 1905, showed that this species is not a member of Xosopsaltria Karsch, 1890, but that it belongs in the genus Paectira Karsch, 1890 (= Inyamana Distant, 1905). It is redescribed and illustrated here. As Heller's (1980) revision of this genus highlighted the paucity of records of species in this endemic East African taxon, details of material of Paectira jeanuaudi Boulard, 1977, from the Rhodes University Entomological Collection are recorded here. The specimens are in the Natural History Museum, London (BMNH), and the Albany Museum, Grahamstown (AMGS). All drawings were made using a Wild M5 stereomicroscope and camera lucida, and morphometric details of specimens were measured with vernier callipers. Anatomical terminology follows Boulard (1972) and Villet (1987,1997).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6850 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011131
- Description: During an ongoing revision of the genera of southern African Cicadidae (Hemiptera), examination of the holotype of Xosopsaltria fuliginosa Distant, 1905, showed that this species is not a member of Xosopsaltria Karsch, 1890, but that it belongs in the genus Paectira Karsch, 1890 (= Inyamana Distant, 1905). It is redescribed and illustrated here. As Heller's (1980) revision of this genus highlighted the paucity of records of species in this endemic East African taxon, details of material of Paectira jeanuaudi Boulard, 1977, from the Rhodes University Entomological Collection are recorded here. The specimens are in the Natural History Museum, London (BMNH), and the Albany Museum, Grahamstown (AMGS). All drawings were made using a Wild M5 stereomicroscope and camera lucida, and morphometric details of specimens were measured with vernier callipers. Anatomical terminology follows Boulard (1972) and Villet (1987,1997).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Re-evaluation of Ashton’s types of African cicadas (Homoptera Cicadidae).
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453840 , vital:75291 , https://doi.org/10.1080/03946975.1999.10539389
- Description: ASHTON (1914) described three species of cicada from Africa which were soon placed in synonymy with other species. Re-examination of the type material lead to the following revisions: Platypleura nigromarginata Ashton 1914 is removed from synonymy with Oxypleura quadraticollis (Butler 1874) and placed in the genus Strumoseura n. gen.; P. sikumba Ashton 1914 is confirmed as a junior synonym of Manza basimacula (Walker 1850) along with M. parva Villet 1989 n. syn.; and P. longirostris Ashton 1914 is removed from the synonymy of P. divisa Germar 1834.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453840 , vital:75291 , https://doi.org/10.1080/03946975.1999.10539389
- Description: ASHTON (1914) described three species of cicada from Africa which were soon placed in synonymy with other species. Re-examination of the type material lead to the following revisions: Platypleura nigromarginata Ashton 1914 is removed from synonymy with Oxypleura quadraticollis (Butler 1874) and placed in the genus Strumoseura n. gen.; P. sikumba Ashton 1914 is confirmed as a junior synonym of Manza basimacula (Walker 1850) along with M. parva Villet 1989 n. syn.; and P. longirostris Ashton 1914 is removed from the synonymy of P. divisa Germar 1834.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Reproductive behaviour of Plectroctena mandibularis F. Smith (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), a ponerine ant with ergatoid queens
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6890 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011650
- Description: [From the text]: The present study reports on new observations on the reproductive biology of P. mandibularis, particularly the phenology of males, mating behaviour and colony founding, that may help in deciding between alternative explanations for the occurrence of ergatoid queens in this species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6890 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011650
- Description: [From the text]: The present study reports on new observations on the reproductive biology of P. mandibularis, particularly the phenology of males, mating behaviour and colony founding, that may help in deciding between alternative explanations for the occurrence of ergatoid queens in this species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Systematic status of Plectroctena mandibularis Smith and P. conjugata Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ponerini)
- Villet, Martin H, McKitterick, L, Robertson, Hamish G
- Authors: Villet, Martin H , McKitterick, L , Robertson, Hamish G
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6893 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011653
- Description: Plectroctena mandibularis Smith is the type species of Plectroctena F. Smith. Because there has been some doubt about its distinctness from P. conjugata, several techniques were used to assess the systematic status of the two species. Most crucially, several colony series contained workers of both phenotypes, and where these series included queens or males, the distinguishing feature of these specimens was not consistently related to those of the workers. Queens, males and workers did not manifest qualitative differences between the taxa, and morphological variation was continuous between the two. The putative morphological basis (funicular index) for distinguishing workers of the taxa arose from allometric variation. Putatively diagnostic colour variation in males was related to latitude, but no simple pattern of morphological variation could be correlated with geographical distribution. Plectroctena conjugata is therefore considered a junior synonym of P. mandibularis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Villet, Martin H , McKitterick, L , Robertson, Hamish G
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6893 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011653
- Description: Plectroctena mandibularis Smith is the type species of Plectroctena F. Smith. Because there has been some doubt about its distinctness from P. conjugata, several techniques were used to assess the systematic status of the two species. Most crucially, several colony series contained workers of both phenotypes, and where these series included queens or males, the distinguishing feature of these specimens was not consistently related to those of the workers. Queens, males and workers did not manifest qualitative differences between the taxa, and morphological variation was continuous between the two. The putative morphological basis (funicular index) for distinguishing workers of the taxa arose from allometric variation. Putatively diagnostic colour variation in males was related to latitude, but no simple pattern of morphological variation could be correlated with geographical distribution. Plectroctena conjugata is therefore considered a junior synonym of P. mandibularis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
The cicada genus Nyara n. gen. (Homoptera Cicadidae) systematics, behaviour and conservation status
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453870 , vital:75295 , https://doi.org/10.1080/03946975.1999.10539385
- Description: The cicada genus Nyara n. gen. and its sole species N. thanatotica n. sp. are described and diagnosed. This species is very peculiar because it often feigns death when disturbed. This is the first time such behaviour has been described in a cicada. Nyara is the third endemic cicada genus described from a South African forest. Its distribution along the subtropical Eastern Cape coast, which is threatened by strip mining and housing developments, highlights the need for conservation of these under-researched habitats.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453870 , vital:75295 , https://doi.org/10.1080/03946975.1999.10539385
- Description: The cicada genus Nyara n. gen. and its sole species N. thanatotica n. sp. are described and diagnosed. This species is very peculiar because it often feigns death when disturbed. This is the first time such behaviour has been described in a cicada. Nyara is the third endemic cicada genus described from a South African forest. Its distribution along the subtropical Eastern Cape coast, which is threatened by strip mining and housing developments, highlights the need for conservation of these under-researched habitats.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Clinal morphometric variation in wild honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in South Africa
- Steele, G R, Villet, Martin H, Radloff, Sarah E, Hepburn, H Randall
- Authors: Steele, G R , Villet, Martin H , Radloff, Sarah E , Hepburn, H Randall
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442622 , vital:74015 , https://www.jstor.org/stable/2999809
- Description: As a result of side effects of the accidental dispersal of the Cape honey bee, it has become of agroeconomic importance to delineate the region within South Africa where thelytokous worker honey bees occur so that apicultural movement of bees does not exacerbate the problem. Thelytokous workers are believed to be unique to Apis mellifera capensis, so that the problem is to find morphological markers distinguishing this race from its A. m. scutellata neighbours. However, no evidence of the expected hybrid zone demarcating races could be found. Factor analysis revealed only one spherical cluster of samples. Trend surfaces of the local mean morphometric factor scores showed a cline that paralleled latitude, with distortions relating to montane and continental effects. Discriminant function analysis implicated certain mountain ranges in amplifying the effects of latitude. Trend surfaces of local intercolony factor variance showed morphometric homogeneity across most of the country. We conclude that there is only a single population of honey bees in South Africa, and that it shows climate-correlated clinal variation. If the transportation of bees for commercial apiculture is to be successfully regulated to solve the `capensis calamity', further research should focus on the geographical distribution of thelytokous workers rather than on the capensis phenotype. Such workers have a wider distribution than capensis, occurring also at high frequencies around the type locality of A. m. scutellata.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
- Authors: Steele, G R , Villet, Martin H , Radloff, Sarah E , Hepburn, H Randall
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442622 , vital:74015 , https://www.jstor.org/stable/2999809
- Description: As a result of side effects of the accidental dispersal of the Cape honey bee, it has become of agroeconomic importance to delineate the region within South Africa where thelytokous worker honey bees occur so that apicultural movement of bees does not exacerbate the problem. Thelytokous workers are believed to be unique to Apis mellifera capensis, so that the problem is to find morphological markers distinguishing this race from its A. m. scutellata neighbours. However, no evidence of the expected hybrid zone demarcating races could be found. Factor analysis revealed only one spherical cluster of samples. Trend surfaces of the local mean morphometric factor scores showed a cline that paralleled latitude, with distortions relating to montane and continental effects. Discriminant function analysis implicated certain mountain ranges in amplifying the effects of latitude. Trend surfaces of local intercolony factor variance showed morphometric homogeneity across most of the country. We conclude that there is only a single population of honey bees in South Africa, and that it shows climate-correlated clinal variation. If the transportation of bees for commercial apiculture is to be successfully regulated to solve the `capensis calamity', further research should focus on the geographical distribution of thelytokous workers rather than on the capensis phenotype. Such workers have a wider distribution than capensis, occurring also at high frequencies around the type locality of A. m. scutellata.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
Finding the optimum: fluoridation of potable water in South Africa
- Muller, Wilhelmine J, Heath, R G M, Villet, Martin H
- Authors: Muller, Wilhelmine J , Heath, R G M , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Water SA
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6921 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011904
- Description: Since the South African Department of Health has tabled legislation to make fluoridation of public water supplies mandatory, the issue of whether fluoride is beneficial or harmful has, once again, become controversial in South Africa. We reviewed the literature, the experiences of fluoridation in overseas countries and the latest WHO recommendations, and have found that fluoride is desirable at certain levels, and undesirable above these. The following recommendations are made for optimum fluoride levels in South Africa's potable water: The decision to fluoridate a public water supply must be a community decision taken after public consultation. However, it can only be reached when the public is properly informed about the issue. Optimum levels of fluoride for human health range from 0.4 to 0.7 mg F/l, depending on the maximum mean annual temperature. The maximum level of 0.7 mg F/l should not be exceeded. Accordingly, it is recommended that in areas where natural fluoride concentrations in the drinking water exceed 0.7 mg F/l steps be taken to defluoridate the water. As an interim measure, a scale of temperature-adjusted optimum fluoride levels should be adopted in South Africa, rather than a single level covering the wide-ranging ambient temperatures (and corresponding consumption rates of drinking water) in the country. A sliding scale would mean that the community within a water supply region can determine its own fluoride consumption within the optimum range. Fluoridation should be considered only a short-term measure, until economic conditions are such that all South Africans have access to proper dental health care. The duration of fluoridation of a community water supply, and the level of fluoridation (within the optimum range of fluoride levels) should both be considered community decision. However, defluoridation should be a permanent necessity in those areas where the drinking water exceeds levels of 0.7 mg F/l.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
- Authors: Muller, Wilhelmine J , Heath, R G M , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Water SA
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6921 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011904
- Description: Since the South African Department of Health has tabled legislation to make fluoridation of public water supplies mandatory, the issue of whether fluoride is beneficial or harmful has, once again, become controversial in South Africa. We reviewed the literature, the experiences of fluoridation in overseas countries and the latest WHO recommendations, and have found that fluoride is desirable at certain levels, and undesirable above these. The following recommendations are made for optimum fluoride levels in South Africa's potable water: The decision to fluoridate a public water supply must be a community decision taken after public consultation. However, it can only be reached when the public is properly informed about the issue. Optimum levels of fluoride for human health range from 0.4 to 0.7 mg F/l, depending on the maximum mean annual temperature. The maximum level of 0.7 mg F/l should not be exceeded. Accordingly, it is recommended that in areas where natural fluoride concentrations in the drinking water exceed 0.7 mg F/l steps be taken to defluoridate the water. As an interim measure, a scale of temperature-adjusted optimum fluoride levels should be adopted in South Africa, rather than a single level covering the wide-ranging ambient temperatures (and corresponding consumption rates of drinking water) in the country. A sliding scale would mean that the community within a water supply region can determine its own fluoride consumption within the optimum range. Fluoridation should be considered only a short-term measure, until economic conditions are such that all South Africans have access to proper dental health care. The duration of fluoridation of a community water supply, and the level of fluoridation (within the optimum range of fluoride levels) should both be considered community decision. However, defluoridation should be a permanent necessity in those areas where the drinking water exceeds levels of 0.7 mg F/l.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
Sexual dimorphism and tail-length in widowbirds and bishopbirds (Ploeeidae: Euplectes spp.): a reassessment
- Craig, Adrian J F K, Villet, Martin H
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442306 , vital:73974 , https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1998.tb04551.x
- Description: No evidence for sexual selection in the evolution of tail‐length or wing‐length in widow birds and bishopbirds (genus Euplectes) was found when the methods used by previous authors were applied to a larger set of data. Nuptial tail‐length dimorphism scaled with body size dimorphism except in Euplectes progne, and interpopulation variation in taillength could be explained by genetic drift alone. Wing‐length appears to be under stabilizing selection and scales allometrically with body size, with no relation to tail‐length unless E. progne is included in the analysis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442306 , vital:73974 , https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1998.tb04551.x
- Description: No evidence for sexual selection in the evolution of tail‐length or wing‐length in widow birds and bishopbirds (genus Euplectes) was found when the methods used by previous authors were applied to a larger set of data. Nuptial tail‐length dimorphism scaled with body size dimorphism except in Euplectes progne, and interpopulation variation in taillength could be explained by genetic drift alone. Wing‐length appears to be under stabilizing selection and scales allometrically with body size, with no relation to tail‐length unless E. progne is included in the analysis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
The larva of Rhinocoeta sanguinipes (Gory and Percheron 1833) (Coleoptera Scarabaeidae) description and phylogenetic inferences
- Smith, Tamara J, Perissinotto, Renzo, Villet, Martin H
- Authors: Smith, Tamara J , Perissinotto, Renzo , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453942 , vital:75299 , https://doi.org/10.1080/03946975.1998.10539365
- Description: The genus Rhinocoeta Burmeister 1842 is unusual among cetoniines, as adults do not feed on flowers or fruits. The biology and ecology of the genus are still completely unknown, and only for three of the six species representing the group have adults of both sexes been described. No information is available for the larval stages of any of the species. Here, we present the first discription of the third instar larvae of one of the species, Rhinocoeta sanguinipes (Gory and Percheron 1833). Cladistic analysis of larval characters confirms the primitive phylogenetic position of this species relative to a small sample of other South African cetoniines, and supports the hypothesis that the genus might belong in the subtribe Xiphoscelidina rather than the Cetoniina, thereby constituting part of a relict lineage derived directly from the most primitive Cetoniinae.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
- Authors: Smith, Tamara J , Perissinotto, Renzo , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453942 , vital:75299 , https://doi.org/10.1080/03946975.1998.10539365
- Description: The genus Rhinocoeta Burmeister 1842 is unusual among cetoniines, as adults do not feed on flowers or fruits. The biology and ecology of the genus are still completely unknown, and only for three of the six species representing the group have adults of both sexes been described. No information is available for the larval stages of any of the species. Here, we present the first discription of the third instar larvae of one of the species, Rhinocoeta sanguinipes (Gory and Percheron 1833). Cladistic analysis of larval characters confirms the primitive phylogenetic position of this species relative to a small sample of other South African cetoniines, and supports the hypothesis that the genus might belong in the subtribe Xiphoscelidina rather than the Cetoniina, thereby constituting part of a relict lineage derived directly from the most primitive Cetoniinae.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
Redescription of three species of the genus Platypleura Amyot and Serville 1843 (Hemiptera Cicadidae)
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1997
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453827 , vital:75290 , https://doi.org/10.1080/03946975.1997.10539345
- Description: The type material of three platypleurine cicadas described by GERMAR (1834), Platypleura divisa, P. hirtipennis and P. plumosa, have been rediscovered and are redescribed to clarify their identity. Notes on their biology and biogeography are included.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1997
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1997
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453827 , vital:75290 , https://doi.org/10.1080/03946975.1997.10539345
- Description: The type material of three platypleurine cicadas described by GERMAR (1834), Platypleura divisa, P. hirtipennis and P. plumosa, have been rediscovered and are redescribed to clarify their identity. Notes on their biology and biogeography are included.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1997
The cicada genus Stagira Stål 1861 (Homoptera Tibicinidae) systematic revision
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1997
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453903 , vital:75297 , https://doi.org/10.1080/03946975.1997.10539347
- Description: The cicada genus Stagira Stål 1861 is redescribed and re-vised. S. sanguinea Distant 1920 n. syn. and S. rufi-costata Distant 1920 n. syn. are synonymized with S. seg-mentaria Karsch ! 890, while S. aethlius (Walker 1850) n. stat. and S. acrida (Walker 1850) n. stat. are removed from the synonymy of S. simplex (Germar 1834) and restored to specific status. An additional 32 new species are described and a key is provided to the males of the genus. Stagira is endemic to the eastern tropical transitional area of south-ern Africa, and has occupied a variety of habitats, from xe-ric scrub to grassland savanna to forest. It forms a group with the South African genera Xosopsaltria Kirkaldy 1904, Tettigomyia Amyot and Serville 1843 and Bavea Distant 1905.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1997
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1997
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453903 , vital:75297 , https://doi.org/10.1080/03946975.1997.10539347
- Description: The cicada genus Stagira Stål 1861 is redescribed and re-vised. S. sanguinea Distant 1920 n. syn. and S. rufi-costata Distant 1920 n. syn. are synonymized with S. seg-mentaria Karsch ! 890, while S. aethlius (Walker 1850) n. stat. and S. acrida (Walker 1850) n. stat. are removed from the synonymy of S. simplex (Germar 1834) and restored to specific status. An additional 32 new species are described and a key is provided to the males of the genus. Stagira is endemic to the eastern tropical transitional area of south-ern Africa, and has occupied a variety of habitats, from xe-ric scrub to grassland savanna to forest. It forms a group with the South African genera Xosopsaltria Kirkaldy 1904, Tettigomyia Amyot and Serville 1843 and Bavea Distant 1905.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1997
The honeybees, Apis mellifera Linnaeus (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of woodland savanna of southeastern Africa
- Radloff, Sarah E, Hepburn, H Randall, Villet, Martin H
- Authors: Radloff, Sarah E , Hepburn, H Randall , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1997
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6829 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012341
- Description: The morphometric characters and sting pheromones of worker honeybees, Apis mellifera Linnaeus, were analysed by multivariate methods to identify discrete populations in the southeastern woodland savanna of Africa. A discrete population in Mozambique is classified as A. m. litorea Smith, a second in Zimbabwe as A. m. scutellata Lepeletier and a third group in southwestern Zambia as A.m. adansonii Latreille. A zone of introgression between the last two subspecies occurs in south-central Zambia and in the Zambezi Valley.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1997
- Authors: Radloff, Sarah E , Hepburn, H Randall , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1997
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6829 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012341
- Description: The morphometric characters and sting pheromones of worker honeybees, Apis mellifera Linnaeus, were analysed by multivariate methods to identify discrete populations in the southeastern woodland savanna of Africa. A discrete population in Mozambique is classified as A. m. litorea Smith, a second in Zimbabwe as A. m. scutellata Lepeletier and a third group in southwestern Zambia as A.m. adansonii Latreille. A zone of introgression between the last two subspecies occurs in south-central Zambia and in the Zambezi Valley.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1997
Cicadas (Homoptera: Cicadidae) as indicators of habitat and veld condition in valley bushveld in the Great Fish River Valley, South Africa
- Villet, Martin H, Capitao, I R
- Authors: Villet, Martin H , Capitao, I R
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/451670 , vital:75068 , https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.10520/AJA10213589_213
- Description: Rural land-use in the Eastern Cape Province ranges from subsistence to commercial farming, with a few game reserves forming areas of active conservation. A large part of the Eastern Cape is covered by Valley Bushveld, a productive veld type dominating the Great Fish River Valley at elevations of 100-450 m (Dyer 1937; Acocks 1988). It is used for game, goat and cattle farming (Stuart-Hill 1991), but large areas have become degraded by overgrazing and invasion by alien or undesirable plants (La Cocket ai. 1990), often with an associated reduction in community richness (Dyer 1937; Acocks 1988). These effects are particularly persistent in this veld type because of the slow regeneration associated with severe climatic conditions (Dyer 1937; Lubke et ai. 1986; La Cock et al. 1990; Stuart-Hill 1991): a mean annual rainfall of only 350-500 mm, mainly between November and March, and temperatures peaking at 46 C in December and January (Acocks 1988). As a result, the more palatable plant species are becoming increasingly rare.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
- Authors: Villet, Martin H , Capitao, I R
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/451670 , vital:75068 , https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.10520/AJA10213589_213
- Description: Rural land-use in the Eastern Cape Province ranges from subsistence to commercial farming, with a few game reserves forming areas of active conservation. A large part of the Eastern Cape is covered by Valley Bushveld, a productive veld type dominating the Great Fish River Valley at elevations of 100-450 m (Dyer 1937; Acocks 1988). It is used for game, goat and cattle farming (Stuart-Hill 1991), but large areas have become degraded by overgrazing and invasion by alien or undesirable plants (La Cocket ai. 1990), often with an associated reduction in community richness (Dyer 1937; Acocks 1988). These effects are particularly persistent in this veld type because of the slow regeneration associated with severe climatic conditions (Dyer 1937; Lubke et ai. 1986; La Cock et al. 1990; Stuart-Hill 1991): a mean annual rainfall of only 350-500 mm, mainly between November and March, and temperatures peaking at 46 C in December and January (Acocks 1988). As a result, the more palatable plant species are becoming increasingly rare.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
Discriminant analysis of the honeybee populations of southwestern Africa
- Radloff, Sarah E, Hepburn, H Randall, Robertson, Mark P, Van Hille, Robert P, Davidson, Z, Villet, Martin H
- Authors: Radloff, Sarah E , Hepburn, H Randall , Robertson, Mark P , Van Hille, Robert P , Davidson, Z , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/451370 , vital:75044 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/AJA10213589_176
- Description: The morphometric characters and sting pheromones of worker honeybees, Apis mellifera Linnaeus, were analysed by multivariate methods to characterize their populations in southwestern Africa. There is a discrete homogeneous population in northern South Africa and southern Namibia recognized as the subspecies A m. scutellata, a discrete population in northern Namibia recognized as A m. adansonii and a hybrid population between them.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1996
- Authors: Radloff, Sarah E , Hepburn, H Randall , Robertson, Mark P , Van Hille, Robert P , Davidson, Z , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/451370 , vital:75044 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/AJA10213589_176
- Description: The morphometric characters and sting pheromones of worker honeybees, Apis mellifera Linnaeus, were analysed by multivariate methods to characterize their populations in southwestern Africa. There is a discrete homogeneous population in northern South Africa and southern Namibia recognized as the subspecies A m. scutellata, a discrete population in northern Namibia recognized as A m. adansonii and a hybrid population between them.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1996
The use of wood ash for the protection of stored cowpea seed (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) against Bruchidae (Coleoptera)
- Katanga Apuuli, J, Villet, Martin H
- Authors: Katanga Apuuli, J , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1996
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6864 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011196
- Description: Dry wood-ash has been reported to provide effective, cheap and safe control of several pests of stored seeds by providing mechanical protection, especially if it is thoroughly mixed with the seed. Mixtures of seed and either clays, ash, talc, or sand are among the earliest recommendations for controlling bruchids in beans (Metcalf 1917; Headlee 1924; Subramanian 1935; Deay & Amos 1936; Lever 1941). Such use of ash has been reported on subsistence farms in Uganda (Davies 1970). However, little is known of the actual ratios of ash and beans needed for effective protection, or of the mechanism of protection. These issues motivated this investigation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
- Authors: Katanga Apuuli, J , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1996
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6864 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011196
- Description: Dry wood-ash has been reported to provide effective, cheap and safe control of several pests of stored seeds by providing mechanical protection, especially if it is thoroughly mixed with the seed. Mixtures of seed and either clays, ash, talc, or sand are among the earliest recommendations for controlling bruchids in beans (Metcalf 1917; Headlee 1924; Subramanian 1935; Deay & Amos 1936; Lever 1941). Such use of ash has been reported on subsistence farms in Uganda (Davies 1970). However, little is known of the actual ratios of ash and beans needed for effective protection, or of the mechanism of protection. These issues motivated this investigation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
Description and identification of white grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) attacking pineapple crops in South Africa
- Smith, Tamara J, Petty, G, Villet, Martin H
- Authors: Smith, Tamara J , Petty, G , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1995
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6853 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011134
- Description: Larvae of five species of scarabaeid beetles, Asthenopholis subfasciata Blanchard, Trochalus politus Moser, Macrophylla ciliata Herbst, Congela valida Peringuey and Adoretus ictericus Burmeister, and adults of a sixth species, Heteronychus arator (Fabricius), cause considerable economic damage to the root systems of pineapple plants. The biologies of the species differ, making reliable identification essential. Since no convenient method is available to identify them, both field and laboratory keys are provided for the identification of third instar larvae of the six species, and detailed, illustrated descriptions for confirming their identifications
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1995
- Authors: Smith, Tamara J , Petty, G , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1995
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6853 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011134
- Description: Larvae of five species of scarabaeid beetles, Asthenopholis subfasciata Blanchard, Trochalus politus Moser, Macrophylla ciliata Herbst, Congela valida Peringuey and Adoretus ictericus Burmeister, and adults of a sixth species, Heteronychus arator (Fabricius), cause considerable economic damage to the root systems of pineapple plants. The biologies of the species differ, making reliable identification essential. Since no convenient method is available to identify them, both field and laboratory keys are provided for the identification of third instar larvae of the six species, and detailed, illustrated descriptions for confirming their identifications
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1995
The cicada genus Stagea n. gen. (Homoptera Tibicinidae) systematics
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1994
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453886 , vital:75296 , https://doi.org/10.1080/03946975.1994.10539259
- Description: The monotypic genus Stagea n. gen. and the species S. platyptera n. sp. are described. The type was caught in Natal, South Africa. The genus shares several characters with the endemic South African genera Stagira Stål 1861 and Bavea Distant 1905.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1994
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1994
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453886 , vital:75296 , https://doi.org/10.1080/03946975.1994.10539259
- Description: The monotypic genus Stagea n. gen. and the species S. platyptera n. sp. are described. The type was caught in Natal, South Africa. The genus shares several characters with the endemic South African genera Stagira Stål 1861 and Bavea Distant 1905.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1994
The cicada genus Tugelana Distant 1912 (Homoptera Cicadoidea) systematics and distribution
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1994
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453920 , vital:75298 , https://doi.org/10.1080/03946975.1994.10539243
- Description: The cicada genus Tugelana Distant 1912 and its only species are redescribed. The genus is best characterized by the shape of the male urite. T. butleri Distant 1912 is found on the coastal plateau of southern Mocambique and the adjoining tropical part of South Africa. Tugelana is most closely related to the genera Azanicada Villet 1989, Systophlochius Villet 1989 and Platypleura Amyot and Serville 1843, which form a clade within the tribe Platypleurini Schmidt 1918.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1994
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1994
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453920 , vital:75298 , https://doi.org/10.1080/03946975.1994.10539243
- Description: The cicada genus Tugelana Distant 1912 and its only species are redescribed. The genus is best characterized by the shape of the male urite. T. butleri Distant 1912 is found on the coastal plateau of southern Mocambique and the adjoining tropical part of South Africa. Tugelana is most closely related to the genera Azanicada Villet 1989, Systophlochius Villet 1989 and Platypleura Amyot and Serville 1843, which form a clade within the tribe Platypleurini Schmidt 1918.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1994
Co-occurrence of mated workers and a mated queen in a colony of Platythyrea arnoldi (Hymenoptera Formicidae).
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447377 , vital:74619 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/AJA00445096_510
- Description: A colony of Platythyrea arnold; was found to contain a functional queen and laying workers, both virgin and mated. This form of social organization has never been reported in ants before.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447377 , vital:74619 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/AJA00445096_510
- Description: A colony of Platythyrea arnold; was found to contain a functional queen and laying workers, both virgin and mated. This form of social organization has never been reported in ants before.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993