The effects of dietary proline, β-alanine, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the nest construction behavior in the Oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis).

Adult wasps primary food resource is larval saliva. This liquid secretion consists mainly of amino acids and carbohydrates processed from the prey brought to the colony by the foragers. However, adults also regularly consume floral nectar.

Juvenile hormone functions as a metabolic rate accelerator in bumble bees (Bombus terrestris).

Juvenile hormone (JH) is a modulator of many physiological transitions in insects, including molting, metamorphosis, diapause, and reproduction. These processes often include metabolic changes. Here we show that JH accelerates metabolic rate in bumble bees (Bombus terrestris).

The effect of local species composition on the distribution of an avian invader.

Estimating the potential distribution of invasive species has been primarily achieved by employing species distribution models (SDM). Recently introduced joint species distribution models (JSDM) that include species interactions are expected to improve model output. Here we compare the predictive ability of SDM and JSDM by modelling the distribution of one of the most prolific avian invaders in the world, the common myna (Acridotheres tristis), in a recent introduction in Israel.

Genetic Knowledge within a National Australian Sample: Comparisons with Other Diverse Populations.

Background: Genetic knowledge, which plays important functions in our understanding of science, health, social groupings, and even behaviour, has been evaluated in past studies with various populations. This wide reach of genetics means that different types of items are used to assess genetic knowledge, which restricts meaningful comparisons across time- and locale-based studies.

Aim: The present study addresses this limitation by recruiting an Australia-wide sample and evaluating their genetic knowledge using items sourced from four diverse samples.

Taxonomic revision of Israeli snakes belonging to the Platyceps rhodorachis species complex (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae).

The Platyceps rhodorachis species complex encompasses a widespread group of morphologically similar colubrid snakes. The number and identities of species from this complex in Israel have recently been debated. Studies from the previous decade concluded that there are two species in Israel and its vicinity (compared with one previously recognized), but their identity remained contested.

Genetic diversity of the Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) population in Israel.

The Israeli population of Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) marks the Palearctic southern boundary of the species' distribution in the Levant. During the 20th century, the otter population in Israel experienced a dramatic decline due to anthropogenic habitat alterations. Currently, the otter population in Israel is estimated at about 100 individuals and defined as "Critically Endangered".