The activity patterns and feeding habits of primates are altered in response to habitat degradation and fluctuations in food availability. Among the Old-World monkey species, the De Brazza's monkey (DM), Cercopithecus neglectus, is one of the understudied species in Africa. We evaluated the impact of habitat disturbance on activity patterns and diet of the DM in the three management focal zones (core, buffer and transition) of Bonga and Saja forests of the Kafa Biosphere Reserve. Data were collected using instantaneous scan sampling method from June 2022 to May 2023. Six groups of De Brazza's monkeys (DMs)- one group from each management zone of the two forests- were observed twice a month. The proportion of time spent on each activity was calculated by dividing the number of records for each activity by the total number of activity records. Slightly more behavioral activities were recorded during the dry season (50.07%, n = 3173) compared to the wet season (49.93%, n = 3163). Feeding was more prevalent in the buffer zone (34.9%, n = 713) compared to the transition zone (31.6%, n = 646). In contrast, moving was most common in the transition zone (38.9%, n = 441) and less frequent in the buffer zone (24.9%, n = 333). The study revealed that the diet of De Brazza's monkeys consists of 34 plant species, 27 at Bonga and 24 at Saja site, with 17 species common to both sites, while 10 were unique to Bonga and 7 species to Saja. Most of the feeding activity was relatively higher during the wet season (51.8%, n = 2,124). Majority (83.7%) of the feeding scans were scans on fruit bearing trees. More DM diet sources were recorded in transition zones of the two study sites. The findings indicate that moving was more frequent in disturbed zones than the others zones. Seasonality influences the behavior of De Brazza's monkeys, with a greater proportion of their activities observed during the dry season. An immediate conservation action is necessary to mitigate habitat degradation in the Biosphere.
Urban nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly promoted as tools to make cities healthier, more climate-resilient and more equitable, but most reviews still rely on observational studies of greener versus less green neighbourhoods. This scoping review examined implemented urban NBS and blue-green infrastructure (BGI) (such as parks, greenways, blue-green corridors, vegetated barriers and wetlands) that were evaluated using quantitative designs measuring either health outcomes or health-relevant environmental exposures. Findings were organised using the three-pathway model of Markevych et al. (2017): restoration, instoration or behavioural activation, and mitigation of environmental exposures. Primary studies with evaluative or quasi-experimental design were searched in PubMed, including randomized trials, controlled before-after, difference-in-differences, and controlled field measurement. Eleven studies were included, results were summarized narratively, and risk of bias was assessed qualitatively using design-specific domains. Evidence from recent field and quasi-experimental studies reveals three complementary pathways through which NBS influence health. First, structured exposure programs in urban forests and parks produced consistent improvements in stress, mood, anxiety and, in some cases, sleep. Second, landscape-scale interventions such as greenways, canal restorations and large new parks were associated with increases in walking and cycling, better perceived safety and, at city level, narrower mortality or childhood overweight gaps between areas. Third, NBS designed for environmental protection reduced heat, airborne pollutants and potentially pathogenic microbial loads, demonstrating a protective function. Τhese findings indicate that urban NBS can operate as active public-health infrastructure. However, the evidence base remains small, with limited long-term follow-up and few studies linking environmental change directly to clinical outcomes. Future work should integrate health monitoring into NBS design to support evidence-based urban policy. Limitations include restriction of the search to PubMed and the absence of direct clinical outcome measurement in four included studies.
Metallic pollution is an emerging and underappreciated stressor contributing to global bee declines, yet the evidence base remains fragmented across metals, taxa, endpoints, and geographic regions. Here, we provide the first hypothesis-driven scientometric synthesis of the global literature on metallic pollutants and bees. Using Web of Science records, we compiled 154 experimental and field-based studies and quantitatively tested five predictions regarding taxonomic, methodological, and thematic biases. Publication output increased sharply after 2013, with China, the United States, and Brazil leading research activity. Research effort was disproportionately concentrated on managed honey bees (Apis mellifera and Apis cerana), adult workers, and dietary exposure pathways, while larvae, wild bee taxa, and environmentally mediated exposures were less examined. Physiological, behavioural and mortality endpoints dominated the literature, whereas reproductive and microbiome impacts remained major blind spots. Adverse outcomes predominate across metals, although essential elements (Zn, Cu, Se) tended to produce less severe effects than non-essential toxic metals (Cd, Pb, Hg), this difference disappeared when exposure concentration and duration were considered. Experimental concentrations varied significantly among metals in food-based exposure studies, indicating substantial heterogeneity in dosing regimes across the literature. Multi-metal studies were not statistically underrepresented, although only a narrow subset of metal combinations has been repeatedly tested. Overall, this synthesis highlights strong structural biases in current knowledge production and identifies priorities for future research, including broader taxonomic coverage, inclusion of early life stages, standardised field-realistic exposures, and integration of chronic, sublethal, and multi-stressor scenarios. Expanding evidence toward more ecologically representative designs will be essential for robust risk assessment of metallic contamination in pollinator communities.
Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. is a widely distributed yet increasingly threatened multipurpose tree of tropical Asia with significant ethnomedicinal, nutritional, and ecological importance. Despite its recognized value, a comprehensive synthesis integrating recent advances in phytochemistry, propagation biology, and conservation genetics remains limited. This review compiles current knowledge on taxonomy, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, propagation strategies, and conservation status based on literature available up to March 2025. The species is rich in bioactive compounds, particularly pentacyclic triterpenes, flavonoids, sterols, and phenolics, which underpin its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, and anticancer properties. However, most studies rely on crude extracts and short term assays, with limited mechanistic, pharmacokinetic, and long-term toxicological validation. Regeneration is constrained by low seed viability, recalcitrant seed behavior, and poor natural recruitment, while vegetative propagation methods show moderate success and emerging micropropagation approaches require further validation. Increasing anthropogenic pressures and habitat degradation have led to regional population declines, highlighting the need for comprehensive genetic, demographic, and conservation assessments. Future priorities include standardized phytochemical profiling, bioassay-guided isolation, rigorous toxicological evaluation, scalable propagation protocols, and population-level genetic studies to support sustainable utilization and long-term conservation.
Earprint biometrics has been proposed as a forensic identification method based on the distinctive morphology of the external human ear and the prints it may leave on surfaces during criminal activity. Since the late twentieth century, earprints have occasionally been introduced as evidence in criminal investigations and court proceedings in several jurisdictions, including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the United States. Despite these applications, the scientific validity of earprint comparison remains contested. This article presents a narrative review of the forensic, anthropological, and legal literature on earprint identification. It examines the development of earprint research from early anthropometric approaches to contemporary digital and automated comparison techniques. Particular attention is given to the anatomical basis of ear morphology, the classification of earprints, and the methodological frameworks used in forensic comparison. The review also evaluates empirical studies addressing variability in earprint deposition, examiner subjectivity, and the absence of validated statistical models for assessing evidential strength. The medico-legal implications of earprint evidence are examined through analysis of forensic casework and appellate decisions in which earprint testimony played a significant role. These cases illustrate the risks associated with the premature adoption of forensic techniques lacking standardized protocols and empirically established error rates. The review concludes that although earprints may provide investigative information and potentially corroborative evidence, current scientific limitations prevent their reliable use as independent identification evidence. Future progress requires standardized international protocols, large-scale validation studies, probabilistic interpretation frameworks, and interdisciplinary collaboration between forensic scientists, statisticians, and legal scholars.
Vertical stratification and climatic seasonality influence the structuring of butterfly communities in tropical forests. This study assessed how vertical stratification (canopy vs. understory) and seasonal variation affect fruit-feeding butterfly (Nymphalidae) assemblages in a Brazilian tropical dry forest (TDF), and how these patterns relate to climatic variables and food resource availability. Sampling was conducted monthly over one year in the northern Espinhaço Range, within the Caatinga domain. Twenty 25 × 4 m plots were established, each with two Van Someren-Rydon traps (understory at 1 m and canopy at ≥ 6 m). Monthly measurements included temperature, humidity, light, precipitation, and zoochoric fruit availability. We recorded 2,166 individuals from 51 species, with Biblidinae and Satyrini representing over 70% of the community. Hamadryas februa was dominant in the understory, while Biblis hyperia nectanabis prevailed in the canopy. Species composition differed between vertical strata, indicating niche partitioning likely driven by microclimatic variation. Temporal patterns also influenced diversity: species richness peaked during the hottest months, and abundance peaked in the driest month, about two months after the rainy season's peak. Subfamilies and tribes showed distinct seasonal peaks, suggesting temporal niche partitioning and reduced intergroup competition. Our findings highlight that vertical and seasonal gradients shape butterfly communities in TDFs. The high diversity and spatial-temporal dynamics observed emphasize the ecological value of the Caatinga and the need to consider vertical structure and seasonality in conservation strategies for TDFs, highly threatened and understudied ecosystems in Brazil.
The Central-marginal hypothesis predicts that populations occurring at the periphery of a species' geographic distribution experience more adverse environmental conditions, resulting in reduced population density, lower fitness, and potential morphological changes. In insects, morphological traits are strongly associated with ecological performance and resource acquisition, making them useful indicators of how populations respond to environmental gradients. Here, we investigated whether populations of the ant Dinoponera quadriceps differ in activity density and morphofunctional traits between the center and edge of the species' geographic distribution along the Espinhaço Mountain Range, Brazil. Ants were sampled using pitfall traps in two sites approximately 610 km apart. Generalized Linear Mixed Models were used to evaluate differences in activity density and trait variation between sites, and a Principal Component Analysis summarized multivariate body size variation. The activity density of D. quadriceps was -higher in the central population in the full dataset but this difference was not robust to the removal of a single outlier trap. A positive correlation between D. quadriceps activity density and richness of other ant species was observed in the full dataset but also disappeared after outlier exclusion. Individuals from the marginal population exhibited significantly smaller overall body size. Additionally, trait-specific differences emerged, with marginal individuals displaying larger cephalic index, longer femora, and larger eyes. These findings suggest that peripheral environments impose energetic constraints that reduce body size while favoring morphological adjustments that enhance locomotor and sensory efficiency, highlighting the importance of intraspecific functional variation in understanding species responses at geographic range limits.
A defining feature of eusociality is the presence of a lifelong sterile caste, such as workers and soldiers, that forgo reproduction entirely. In many species, however, workers are not absolutely sterile but are instead functionally sterile—they retain reproductive potential that can be expressed under certain conditions. Why this potential persists despite the evolutionary expectation of trait loss remains an open question. In this study, we present the first field-based evidence that worker-derived male reproductives, previously known only from laboratory observations, can successfully reproduce under natural conditions in the subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus. A survey of 702 field colonies identified one colony containing only worker-derived kings. Microsatellite genotyping confirmed that these individuals reproduced via mother–son mating (i.e., within-colony inbreeding), and the caste fate of their offspring matched the expected pattern for matings between worker-derived kings and nymph-derived queens. Importantly, no male nymphs—the usual precursors of male reproductives—were present in the colony. Further investigation revealed that 40% of surveyed colonies (6 out of 15) entirely lacked male nymphs, indicating that such conditions may occur with non-negligible frequency in the wild. These findings suggest that worker-derived males gain rare but functional reproductive opportunities when typical male reproductives are absent, thereby maintaining their reproductive capacity over evolutionary timescales. This study provides important insight into the mechanisms that preserve reproductive totipotency in eusocial workers and underscores the value of examining reproductive roles in natural contexts to better understand the evolution of permanent sterility and true superorganismality.
Leishmania parasites, which cause leishmaniasis-an extensive and growing public health concern in Pakistan-are only transmitted to humans by phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae). This systematic literature review provides an overview of existing entomological surveillance conducted from 2015 to 2025, using rigorous biogeographical and ecological methodologies to describe patterns of species distributions, habitat associations and vector dynamics across Pakistan's diverse landscapes. Our synthesis of data from 73 studies shows that 32 species have been recorded from both the Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia genera. Of these, Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli and Phlebotomus sergenti Parrot represent successful hematophagous phlebotomine vectors with potential for significant biogeographical expansion due to human-induced landscape alterations or changes caused by climate change. There are clear deficits in the number of entomological studies available in Gilgit-Baltistan, Southern Punjab and Eastern Balochistan compared to the hyperendemic districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (χ2 = 24.7, p < 0.001). Cryptic speciation of the Phlebotomus sergenti complex has been resolved via molecular phylogenetics, whereas ecological niche modelling suggests northward contractions under RCP climatic scenarios. The paper discusses important gaps in our understanding of the ecology of larval habitats, insecticide resistance monitoring, and thorough studies of vector incrimination beyond primary sites. We suggest that the biogeography of the sand fly vectors that transmit leishmaniasis in Pakistan is driven by their dynamic and climate-sensitive nature and, as such, should be a fundamental component of any strategy to control the disease. To this end, we propose a strategic framework that promotes an integrated and One Health-aligned national surveillance program to support evidence-based vector control and reduce the impact of disease using standardized molecular diagnostic tools, longitudinal monitoring techniques, and predictive spatial modelling.
The rising global burden of cancer has intensified the search for novel anticancer agents derived from natural sources, with mushrooms emerging as a rich source of bioactive metabolites. This study provides the first comparative evaluation of the toxic A. bresadolanus and the edible A. hortensis in terms of their fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles and antiproliferative effects against human lung (A549) and colon (HT-29) carcinoma cell lines, alongside cytotoxicity toward normal 3T3 fibroblasts. GC–MS analysis revealed distinct lipid compositions between the two species, with A. hortensis exhibiting higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and oleic acids), whereas A. bresadolanus was enriched in sterol derivatives such as Δ7,22-ergostadienol. Both extracts inhibited cancer cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner; however, A. hortensis demonstrated greater selectivity, preserving higher fibroblast viability relative to A. bresadolanus. The observed correlation between unsaturated fatty acid content and selective cytotoxicity suggests that lipid composition may contribute to the antitumor potential of mushroom extracts, though further studies are needed to establish causality. These findings identify A. hortensis as a candidate for further investigation as a source of lipid-derived bioactive compounds in future in vivo studies and provide a biochemical basis for the rational selection of Agaricus species in nutraceutical and pharmacological applications.
Persian clover is an important forage crop cultivated worldwide. Different management practices are being explored to enhance the productivity of Persian clover. The current study explored the beneficial role of boron on growth, yield, nutrient content, and biochemical activities of Persian clover. The experiment was conducted using seven boron foliar treatments at concentrations of 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 ppm. Plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, plant height, number of leaves, number of stems, and leaf area were enhanced by 3 and 6 ppm boron. Photosynthetic pigments were improved under 3 and 6 ppm boron, whereas other concentrations caused a reduction in photosynthetic pigments due to boron toxicity. Plant biochemical activities were enhanced by supplementation with 3 and 6 ppm of boron. Boron toxicity also occurs at higher concentrations (9, 12, 15, and 18 ppm), resulting in higher malondialdehyde (MDA) production. Moreover, higher concentrations (9, 12, 15, and 18 ppm) suppressed growth, reduced yield, leading to a decline in photosynthetic pigments, and decreased macronutrients levels. A correlation matrix and heatmap were used to evaluate the relationships between the studied traits, indicating that, 3 and 6 ppm boron are the optimum doses for sustainable production of Persian clover.
How dead bodies decay is useful forensically. Necrophagous astigmatan mites (Acari: Sarcoptiformes) commonly attacking cadavers change from protein-seeking Type 1 surface feeding omnivores to interstitial Type 2 fragmentary feeding obligate fungivore / microbiovores as human body decomposition progresses after death. An analytical occlusive method shows that at each forensic decay stage the chelae of the astigmatans are designed to bite foodstuff differently. Fixed chelal digits are more ‘toothy’ than moveable digits in such sarcoptiform mites. Variation in fixed digit design is all about the size and pattern of peaks (‘peakiness’) for biting, while astigmatan moveable digit variation is mainly about the size and pattern of valleys (’gullet-ness’) for the ‘scooping’ of decaying material. Foodstuff caught on the moveable digit is thus masticated against the fixed digit like an ‘excavation-bucket’ machine used for handling aggregates in building construction. Lardoglyphus zacheri has a distinct chela suitable to slice flesh and grip myofibrils. Acarus siro through Sancassania berlesei to Tyrophagus putrescentiae show a cline in digit design from a dry material ‘demolition crusher’ with rough surface digits, through a wet chunk and slice feeder, to a specialist multifunctional saprophage. Sancassania berlesei is unlikely to actively burrow into flesh. Trophic niche width increases from stage 2 (bloated putrefaction) as soft food specialist species invade. Niche width markedly widens at stage 5 (mummified dry desiccated bones and remains), as incorporation into a soil with diverse saprophagous mites is coming to completion.
We investigated behaviour and vocalization of wild-living male and female Mongolian gazelles during the winter rutting period, occurring at low temperatures, on average − 21.7˚C. We used both manual and automated audio recordings and manual video recordings of calling animals in rutting harems. Recording vocalizations with automated devices placed within harems documented a high vocal activity during the rut in both sexes. Harem males produced their series of rutting barks day and night. Video recordings revealed larynx retraction at each bark resulting in substantial vocal tract elongation. Harem females produced various contact calls but did not produce barks. Both sexes produced nasal alarm snorts and oral running calls, with widely open mouth during galloping. Mating behaviour and fights between rival males were not accompanied by any calls. Both male rutting barks and female contact calls were unusually high-frequency for animals of such size. We integrated data on behavioural postures and acoustic variables with data on sex-specific vocal anatomy, obtained during dissections of male and female specimens. We showed that Mongolian gazelle is the only studied ruminant, in which flexible vocal folds were evolutionarily lost. For both male and female larynges, we report the lack of any thin and flexible, rostrally directed mucosal parts in the glottal region suggesting that Mongolian gazelle, contrary to most other mammals, do not produce their calls by expiratory airflow-induced vocal fold vibration. The production mechanism of the high-frequency calls in Mongolian gazelle remains unclear. We discuss the evolution of vocal rutting behaviour in polygynous Mongolian gazelles.
In the desert areas with indigenous communities, they have a rich array of traditional knowledge regarding the usage of medicinal plants and this has become a major form of their primary health care practices. This broad ethnobotanical strategy in the desert ecosystems and the exploration revealed indigenous knowledge, sustainable resource use, and community well-being can be enhanced through the adoption of the traditions of healing. The data collection of the medicinal plants were conducted from Thal desert using semi-structured interviews, guided field interviews, direct observation, focus group discussions, and surveys, between spring and monsoon 2022.The analysis was done in terms of qualitative as well as quantitative indices; Use value (UV), Relative Frequency of citation (RFC) and Cultural Value Index (CVI). An extensive survey documented about 111 plant species of 26 families, of which Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae, were mostly represented, which were typical practices found in Thal desert. Among others, it is worth noting that Tribulus terrestris, Tecomella undulata, and Tamarix aphylla were the most commonly used plants. The most used part of plants was leaves and herbal preparation of traditional remedies mainly the raw, powder and paste application form. In the quantitative analysis, Ziziphus nummularia was found to have the highest RFC value (0.52), while Iphione grantioides had the least RFC value (0.05),The survey uses quantitative ethnobotanical measures, such as the UV, RFC and CVI importance indices to measure and record the indigenous knowledge in a systematic manner in the context of primary health care. Folk tradition in the primary health care practices with an ethnomedical approach to the Thal desert is not only an improved way of improving the well-being of the community, but also an indication of a need to use resources in a sustainable manner.
Tigers are often targeted for their body parts, particularly bones, which are highly prized in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) market for their medicinal properties. Due to their high demand and dwindling tiger population, the illegal wildlife market has seen a rise in substitutes for tiger bone. Therefore, to support legal action and enforce regulations, verifying the authenticity of suspected tiger bone products is crucial. In the present study, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and chemometrics were utilized to differentiate the Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) and Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) bone samples. The ATR-FTIR bone spectra of both species were visually compared and subsequently subjected to chemometric analysis. Three chemometric tools, including PCA, SVM, and PLS-DA, were employed, which successfully differentiated the bone spectra of the two species with accuracies of 91.66%, 97.92%, and 100%, respectively. Cross-validation indicated that the PLS-DA model outperformed the SVM model, leading to further validation studies only carried out for the PLS-DA model. The external validation and blind testing of the PLS-DA model yielded 100% accuracy. Furthermore, the PLS-DA model successfully distinguished water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bone samples from those of the Royal Bengal Tiger and Indian Leopard, categorizing all three species into distinct classes with 100% accuracy. This study demonstrated a quick, reliable, and cost-effective method for differentiating the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, and water buffalo bones using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and chemometrics, even in powder form without having any morphological characteristics.
The Thar Desert, one of South Asia largest arid ecosystems, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and ecological diversity. It supports unique indigenous communities whose livelihoods depend on agriculture, animal husbandry, and traditional crafts such as woodworking, wool weaving, and jewelry making. Despite its ecological and medicinal significance, much of the region’s ethnobotanical knowledge remains undocumented. To systematically characterize the distribution, diversity, and medicinal potential of Thar Desert flora, an extensive literature review was conducted using scientific databases including Flora of Pakistan, Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), and Plants of the World Online (POWO), as well as search engines such as Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect (1980–2024). A total of 162 plant species belonging to 69 families were documented and evaluated for their phytochemical composition, ethnomedicinal relevance, and conservation status across the Thar Desert. The dominant families—Poaceae (27%), Fabaceae (16%), and Asteraceae (11%)—exhibit remarkable ecological adaptability through halophytic, xerophytic, and nitrogen-fixing traits that stabilize sand dunes, enhance soil fertility, and provide forage for livestock and wildlife. The life-form spectrum is dominated by therophytes (45%), followed by chamaephytes (28%), phanerophytes (10%), hemicryptophytes (9%), cryptophytes (7%), and parasitic species (1%). Alarmingly, 52% of the documented taxa are listed as Data Deficient and 3% as Critically Endangered, underscoring the urgent need for conservation. Phytochemical evidence highlights the abundance of terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, compounds of recognized pharmacological value. However, increasing pressures from habitat degradation, overgrazing, and climate change continue to threaten this fragile ecosystem. To safeguard the Thar Desert biological and ethno-medicinal heritage, immediate conservation interventions are recommended. These include afforestation programs, sustainable rangeland and water management, biotechnological propagation of threatened taxa, and comprehensive documentation of indigenous medicinal practices. Strengthening protected areas such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves, along with implementing community-based conservation and policy integration, will be essential. Such coordinated actions are critical to preserving the Thar Desert biodiversity, promoting sustainable use of its flora, and maintaining its invaluable cultural and medicinal legacy for future generations.
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Pollinators are essential for global food production, contributing to seed set, fruit quality and overall crop yield. Pollinators like bees, butterflies, birds and bats pollinate 75% of cultivated plants and influence 35% of global crop production. However, the increasing use of pesticides in agriculture poses significant threats to pollinator populations, leading to potential declines in crop productivity. This review explores the role of key pollinators in agricultural landscapes and their contributions to food security. The negative impacts of pesticide exposure, including acute toxicity, sub lethal effects like impaired foraging, memory loss, weakened immunity, reproductive issues and interactions with stressors like climate change and habitat loss are discussed. The decline of pollinators directly affects crop yields, particularly for pollinator-dependent crops, necessitating farmer compensation mechanisms. To counteract these challenges, alternative floral resources such as flowering weeds and diverse floral landscapes, provide critical support for pollinators. Strategies to enhance pollination services and crop yields include Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management (IPPM), which incorporates biological, cultural and mechanical practices. Additionally, habitat enhancement measures such as diversified farming systems, conservation tillage, flowering strips, buffer zonesand protected nesting sites are essential for pollinator conservation. By integrating sustainable pest management and habitat restoration strategies, agricultural landscapes can support pollinator populations while maintaining high crop productivity. This review highlights the urgent need for pollinator-friendly agricultural practices to mitigate pesticide-related threats, ensuring long-term food security and ecological balance.
Floral characteristics such as shape, symmetry, coloration, and nectar rewards collectively influence pollinator preferences and drive plant-pollinator coevolution. In this study, we examined pollinator preferences in the sympatric congeneric species, Ixora chinensis and Ixora coccinea by integrating geometric morphometrics (GMM) analysis of flower, complemented by pollinator observations, temporal colour analysis, and biochemical assessment of nectar traits. GMM analysis showed greater phenotypic plasticity and fluctuating asymmetry in I. chinensis than in I. coccinea, with the two species occupying distinct regions of morphospace. In the present study, we found that Butterflies (Lepidoptera) emerged as the dominant pollinators, accounting for 69% of visits, and their proboscis length showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.988) with corolla tube length. I. coccinea possessed significantly longer corolla tubes (40.7 ± 0.98 mm) than I. chinensis (35.0 ± 0.75 mm), thereby restricting access primarily to butterflies with longer proboscides. Freshly opened flowers of I. chinensis changed colour from orange to red as they aged, signalling the presence of high-quality nectar enriched with essential elements and crystalline structures. In contrast, I. coccinea did not exhibit this colour transition. Although I. coccinea produced a higher volume of amorphous nectar and reached peak coloration during maximum pollinator activity around 11:00 h under moderate light (~ 3000 lx), pollinators consistently preferred I. chinensis. This preference demonstrates that multimodal integration of shorter corolla tubes, greater floral plasticity, dynamic colour signalling, and superior nectar quality exert a stronger influence on pollinator attraction than nectar volume alone. This study demonstrates how multiple floral traits collaboratively drive differential pollinator visitation among sympatric congeneric species.
Oviposition-site selection is a key maternal decision in oviparous animals, involving trade-offs among incubation conditions, offspring performance, and maternal constraints. In amphisbaenians (worm lizards), a clade of highly specialized fossorial reptiles, oviposition has long been assumed to occur obligatorily in ant and termite nests, implying strong ecological specialization. Here, we re-evaluate this assumption using new field observations and a critical synthesis of published records. We describe a natural oviposition site of the smallhead worm lizard (Leposternon microcephalum) located in a soil cavity with no evidence of ants or termites and review 18 records from nine amphisbaenian species. Across species, eggs occur not only in ant and termite nests but also in subterranean cavities and decaying logs, indicating facultative rather than exclusive use of social-insect nests. A field inspection of 31 active ant nests during the reported oviposition season yielded no eggs or amphisbaenians. Additional evidence suggests some species excavate or modify underground chambers and that at least one species oviposits communally. These findings challenge the view of strict dependence on ant and termite nests and instead support oviposition-site choice in amphisbaenians as a flexible, context-dependent maternal behavior shaped by ecological trade-offs rather than rigid specialization. Standardized surveys across microhabitats and experimental tests of incubation environments are needed to clarify how availability, costs, and benefits interact to shape nesting decisions in fossorial reptiles.