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Espinoza MJ, Laviada I, Taberner Cerezo A, Luna Á, Gil-Delgado JA, Bernat-Ponce E. Do birds select the plastics debris used for nest construction? A case study in a Mediterranean agricultural landscape. Environ Res 2024:119117. [PMID: 38729409 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is becoming a global problem due to its ubiquitous occurrence and the impacts detected for many species. However, the research about plastics in nests of terrestrial bird species has remained relatively overlooked in comparison to those devoted to marine ecosystems. Here we study the occurrence and patterns of use of anthropogenic material in nests of two passerine birds, the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica) and the European serin (Serinus serinus), breeding in an orange tree cultivation in Mediterranean Spain. Our results show that both species use extensively plastic debris as nest material; almost 71% of the European serin nests and 96% of nests of Eurasian magpies contained plastic debris. Furthermore, by analyzing the plastic debris availability in the agricultural landscape surveyed we confirmed a selection pattern in the two species. Thus, both species preferably select plastic filaments over other plastic debris. The Eurasian magpie does not select plastic based on size or color but the European serin avoid black plastics prefer smaller fragments in comparison to the average size available. Moreover, we suggest the apparent similarity of plastic filaments with the natural materials typically used by these species, as well as how they use the plastic in their nests could influence their selection behavior. More studies focused on terrestrial birds inhabiting human modified habitats could offer a deeper approach to how plastic debris interacts with wildlife in different ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Espinoza
- Department of Microbiology and Ecology / Terrestrial Vertebrates Ecology. Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology. University of Valencia. c/ Catedrático José Beltrán, 2, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Iván Laviada
- Department of Microbiology and Ecology / Terrestrial Vertebrates Ecology. Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology. University of Valencia. c/ Catedrático José Beltrán, 2, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Aina Taberner Cerezo
- Department of Microbiology and Ecology / Terrestrial Vertebrates Ecology. Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology. University of Valencia. c/ Catedrático José Beltrán, 2, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Álvaro Luna
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A Gil-Delgado
- Department of Microbiology and Ecology / Terrestrial Vertebrates Ecology. Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology. University of Valencia. c/ Catedrático José Beltrán, 2, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Edgar Bernat-Ponce
- Faculty of Health Sciences. Universidad Europea de Valencia. Paseo de la Alameda, 7, 46010, Valencia, Spain
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Lambracht-Washington D, Fu M, Wight-Carter M, Riegel M, Hynan LS, Rosenberg RN. DNA Aβ42 immunization via needle-less Jet injection in mice and rabbits as potential immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease. J Neurol Sci 2023; 446:120564. [PMID: 36731358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.120564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia found in the elderly and disease progression is associated with accumulation of Amyloid beta 1-42 (Aβ42) in brain. An immune-mediated approach as a preventive intervention to reduce amyloid plaques without causing brain inflammation is highly desirable for future clinical use. Genetic immunization, in which the immunizing agent is DNA encoding Aβ42, has great potential because the immune response to DNA delivered into the skin is generally non-inflammatory, and thus differs quantitatively and qualitatively from immune responses elicited by peptides, which are inflammatory with production of IFNγ and IL-17 cytokines by activated T cells. DNA immunization has historically been proven difficult to apply to larger mammals. A potential barrier to use DNA immunization in large mammals is the method for delivery of the DNA antigen. We tested jet injection in mice and rabbits and found good antibody production and safe immune responses (no inflammatory cytokines). We found significant reduction of amyloid plaques and Aβ peptides in brains of the DNA Aβ42 immunized 3xTg-AD mouse model. This study was designed to optimize DNA delivery for possible testing of the DNA Aβ42 vaccine for AD prevention in a clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Min Fu
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Mary Wight-Carter
- Animal Resource Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Matthew Riegel
- Animal Resource Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, TX, USA; University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
| | - Linda S Hynan
- Departments of Population and Data Sciences (Biostatistics) & Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Roger N Rosenberg
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, TX, USA.
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Brozoski F, de Lima VA, Ferrari RR, Buschini MLT. Nesting Biology of the Potter Wasp Ancistrocerus flavomarginatus (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Eumeninae) Revealed by Trap-Nest Experiments in Southern Brazil. Neotrop Entomol 2023; 52:11-23. [PMID: 36525241 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-022-01004-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This paper provides the first description of the nesting biology of Ancistrocerus flavomarginatus (Brèthes) (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Eumeninae), the only species of the genus found in Brazil. Our trap-nest experiments were conducted in two Mixed Ombrophilous Forest fragments and two adjacent matrices in Guarapuava (Paraná state, Brazil) from August 2017 to July 2018. In each area, we set 192 trap nests divided into six groups of 32 units, totalling 768 trap nests. We obtained a total of 47 nests of A. flavomarginatus, the vast majority of them (43, 91.5%) founded in the forest fragments. Most nests were built in wooden traps with a bore diameter of either 5 or 7 mm (19 nests in each type, 80.8%). Nests comprised 1-12 subcylindrical brood cells arranged linearly and separated from one another by transverse partitions of soil mastic. Larvae consumed 6-10 lepidopteran caterpillars before spinning the cocoon. Ancistrocerus flavomarginatus produced up to 6 annual generations (multivoltinism) and its immature forms were parasitized by chrysidid and ichneumonid wasps. The calculated sex ratio (1.78:1) was statistically biased towards males, but since they (21.3 ± 2.0 mg) were significantly lighter than females (50.9 ± 4.0 mg), the resulting investment ratio (1.34:1) was female biased. Males emerged from more external cells and developed significantly faster (27.2 ± 0.46 days) than females (30.1 ± 0.66 days), hence a case of protandry. We demonstrated that A. flavomarginatus is largely dependent on the Atlantic Rainforest and thus that deforestation poses a critical threat to this important species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciele Brozoski
- Laboratório de Biologia e Ecologia de Abelhas e Vespas (LABEVESP), Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste - UNICENTRO, PR, Guarapuava, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael Rodrigues Ferrari
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Laboratório de Ecologia Animal e Genômica Ambiental (LEGAM), Centro de Formação em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia, BA, Porto Seguro, Brazil
| | - Maria Luisa Tunes Buschini
- Laboratório de Biologia e Ecologia de Abelhas e Vespas (LABEVESP), Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste - UNICENTRO, PR, Guarapuava, Brazil.
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Lin L, Hu Q, Fong JJ, Yang J, Chen Z, Zhou F, Wang J, Xiao F, Shi H. Reproductive ecology of the endangered Beal's-eyed turtle, Sacalia bealei. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4997. [PMID: 29963334 PMCID: PMC6018645 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Beal’s-eyed turtle (Sacalia bealei) is endemic to southeastern China and endangered due to poaching and habitat loss. Knowledge of S. bealei ecology is lacking and this study provides baseline information of its reproduction in a natural environment. We studied the reproductive ecology of S. bealei using X-ray, spool-and-line tracking, and direct observation. Six nesting females were successfully tracked and their nesting behaviors are documented in detail. Females produced a mean clutch size of 2.2 eggs (range 1–3). The hard-shelled eggs were ellipsoidal with a mean length of 45.50 mm, a mean width of 23.20 mm, and mean weight of 14.8 g. The relative clutch mass was 9.47%, while the relative egg mass was 4.60%. The mean incubation period was 94.7 days with a mean nest temperature of 25.08 °C. Hatchlings had a mean weight of 9.7 g, carapace length of 40.1 mm, carapace width of 33.3 mm, carapace height of 17.4 mm, plastron length of 31.6 mm, and plastron width of 25.4 mm. The results of this study provide important information to inform conservation plans and ex-situ breeding for this endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Lin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Qingru Hu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | | | - Jiangbo Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Zhongdong Chen
- Administration Bureau, Fujian Huboliao National Nature Reserve, Zhangzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Feiyu Zhou
- Administration Bureau, Fujian Huboliao National Nature Reserve, Zhangzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jichao Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Fanrong Xiao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Haitao Shi
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, China
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Kaikaew K, Steenbergen J, Themmen APN, Visser JA, Grefhorst A. Sex difference in thermal preference of adult mice does not depend on presence of the gonads. Biol Sex Differ 2017; 8:24. [PMID: 28693572 PMCID: PMC5504804 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-017-0145-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The thermoneutral zone (TNZ) is a species-specific range of ambient temperature (Ta), at which mammals can maintain a constant body temperature with the lowest metabolic rate. The TNZ for an adult mouse is between 26 and 34 °C. Interestingly, female mice prefer a higher Ta than male mice although the underlying mechanism for this sex difference is unknown. Here, we tested whether gonadal hormones are dominant factors controlling temperature preference in male and female mice. Methods We performed a temperature preference test in which 10-week-old gonadectomized and sham-operated male and female C57BL/6J mice were allowed to choose to reside at the thermoneutral cage of 29 °C or an experimental cage of 26, 29, or 32 °C. Results All mice preferred a Ta higher than 26 °C, especially in the inactive phase. Choosing between 29 and 32 °C, female mice resided more at 32 °C while male mice had no preference between the temperatures. Hence, the preferred Ta for female mice was significantly higher (0.9 ± 0.2 °C) than that for male mice. However, gonadectomy did not influence the Ta preference. Conclusions Female mice prefer a warmer environment than male mice, a difference not affected by gonadectomy. This suggests that thermal-sensing mechanisms may be influenced by sex-specific pathways other than gonadal factors or that the thermoregulatory set point has already been determined prior to puberty. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13293-017-0145-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasiphak Kaikaew
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873, Rama IV Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Jacobie Steenbergen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Axel P N Themmen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jenny A Visser
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aldo Grefhorst
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Litman JR, Griswold T, Danforth BN. Phylogenetic systematics and a revised generic classification of anthidiine bees (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2016; 100:183-198. [PMID: 26988413 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2016.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The bee tribe Anthidiini (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) is a large, cosmopolitan group of solitary bees that exhibit intriguing nesting behavior. We present the first molecular-based phylogenetic analysis of relationships within Anthidiini using model-based methods and a large, multi-locus dataset (five nuclear genes, 5081 base pairs), as well as a combined analysis using our molecular dataset in conjunction with a previously published morphological matrix. We discuss the evolution of nesting behavior in Anthidiini and the relationship between nesting material and female mandibular morphology. Following an examination of the morphological characters historically used to recognize anthidiine genera, we recommend the use of a molecular-based phylogenetic backbone to define taxonomic groups prior to the assignment of diagnostic morphological characters for these groups. Finally, our results reveal the paraphyly of numerous genera and have significant consequences for anthidiine classification. In order to promote a classification system based on stable, monophyletic clades, we hereby make the following changes to Michener's (2007) classification: The subgenera Afranthidium (Zosteranthidium) Michener and Griswold, 1994, Afranthidium (Branthidium) Pasteels, 1969 and Afranthidium (Immanthidium) Pasteels, 1969 are moved into the genus Pseudoanthidium, thus forming the new combinations Pseudoanthidium (Zosteranthidium), Pseudoanthidium (Branthidium), and Pseudoanthidium (Immanthidium). The genus Neanthidium Pasteels, 1969 is also moved into the genus Pseudoanthidium, thus forming the new combination Pseudoanthidium (Neanthidium). Based on morphological characters shared with our new definition of the genus Pseudoanthidium, the subgenus Afranthidium (Mesanthidiellum) Pasteels, 1969 and the genus Gnathanthidium Pasteels, 1969 are also moved into the genus Pseudoanthidium, thus forming the new combinations Pseudoanthidium (Mesanthidiellum) and Pseudoanthidium (Gnathanthidium).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Litman
- Natural History Museum of Neuchâtel, Terreaux 14, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
| | - Terry Griswold
- USDA-ARS, Bee Biology and Systematics Laboratory, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, United States.
| | - Bryan N Danforth
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States.
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Burgio KR, Rubega MA, Sustaita D. Nest-building behavior of Monk Parakeets and insights into potential mechanisms for reducing damage to utility poles. PeerJ 2014; 2:e601. [PMID: 25289186 PMCID: PMC4183950 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) commonly uses utility poles as a substrate for building large, bulky nests. These nests often cause fires and electric power outages, creating public safety risks and increasing liability and maintenance costs for electric companies. Previous research has focused on lethal methods and chemical contraception to prevent nesting on utility poles and electrical substations. However, implementation of lethal methods has led to public protests and lawsuits, while chemical contraception may affect other than the targeted species, and must be continually reapplied for effectiveness. One non-lethal alternative, nest removal, is costly and may not be a sustainable measure if Monk Parakeet populations continue to grow. In order to identify cost-effective non-lethal solutions to problems caused by Monk Parakeet nesting, we studied their behavior as they built nests on utility poles. Monk Parakeets initiate nests by attaching sticks at the intersection of the pole and electric lines. We found that parakeets use the electric lines exclusively to gain access to the intersection of lines and pole during nest initiation, and continue to use the lines intensively throughout construction. Monk Parakeets also have more difficulty attaching sticks during the early stages of nest construction than when the nest is nearing completion. These findings suggest that intervention during the earlier stages of nest building, by excluding Monk Parakeets from electric lines adjacent to poles, may be an effective, non-lethal method of reducing or eliminating parakeets nesting on, and damaging, utility poles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Burgio
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut , Storrs, CT , USA
| | - Margaret A Rubega
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut , Storrs, CT , USA
| | - Diego Sustaita
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut , Storrs, CT , USA
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Hall ZJ, Bertin M, Bailey IE, Meddle SL, Healy SD. Neural correlates of nesting behavior in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Behav Brain Res 2014; 264:26-33. [PMID: 24508238 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We compare markers of neural activity to nesting behavior in zebra finches. We visualized immediate early gene (Fos) expression in nesting and control finches. Fos production in motor, social, and reward neural circuits correlated with nesting. Fos production correlated with material pick-up in male nesting finches. Fos production correlated with time spent in the nest in female nesting finches.
Nest building in birds involves a behavioral sequence (nest material collection and deposition in the nest) that offers a unique model for addressing how the brain sequences motor actions. In this study, we identified brain regions involved in nesting behavior in male and female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). We used Fos immunohistochemistry to quantify production of the immediate early gene protein product Fos (a molecular indicator of neuronal activity) in the brain correlated this expression with the variation in nesting behavior. Using this technique, we found that neural circuitry involved in motor sequencing, social behavior, reward and motivation were active during nesting. Within pairs of nesting birds, the number of times a male picked up or deposited nesting material and the amount of time a female spent in the nest explained the variation in Fos expression in the anterior motor pathway, social behavior network, and reward neural circuits. Identification of the brain regions that are involved in nesting enables us to begin studying the roles of motor sequencing, context, and reward in construction behavior at the neural level.
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Clark L, Russell Mason J. Effect of biologically active plants used as netst material and the derived benefit to starling nestlings. Oecologia 1988; 77:174-80. [PMID: 28310369 DOI: 10.1007/BF00379183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/1988] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The European starling Sturnus vulgaris preferentially incorporates fresh sprigs of particular plant species for use as nesting material. Chemicals found in these plants may act to reduce pathogen and ectoparasite populations normally found in nest environments. The present experiments were performed to test this Nest Protection Hypothesis. In the fild, we experimentally determined that wild carrot Daucus carota, a plant species preferred as nest material, effectively reduced the number of hematophagous mites found within nests relative to control nests without green vegetation. Chicks from nests containing wild carrot had higher levels of blood hemoglobin than chicks from control nests. However, there were no differences in weight or feather development. In the laboratory, we found that wild carrot and fleabane, Erigeron philadelphicus, (also preferred by starlings as nest material) substantially reduced the emergence of feeding instars of mites, while garlic mustard, Alliaria officinalis, (commonly available but not preferred) had little effect on the emergence of mites. We infer that preferred plant material may act to inhibit feeding or otherwise delay reproduction of mites, thereby reducing risk of anemia to developing nestlings.
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