The larvae of Didimus africanus (Percheron), D. haroldi Kuwert, D. alvarodoi (?) Corella, D. parastictus (Imhoff), D. nachtigali Kuwert, Erionomus planiceps (Esch.), E. pilosus Arrow, Taeniocerus pygmaeus (Kaup) and Comacupes basalis (Smith) are described for the first time. Larvae of Leptaulax bicolor (F.), L. dentatus (F.) and Aceraius grandis (Burm.) are redescribed and compared with previou...

"Candidatus Endobugula sertula," the uncultured microbial symbiont of the bryozoan Bugula neritina, produces ecologically and biomedically important polyketide metabolites called bryostatins. We isolated two gene fragments from B. neritina larvae that have high levels of similarity to polyketide synthase genes. These gene fragments are clearly associated with the symbiont and not with the host.

Vultures in the Gyps genus are declining globally. Multiple threats related to human activity have caused widespread declines of vulture populations in Africa, especially outside protected areas. Addressing such threats requires the estimation of foraging ranges yet such estimates are lacking, even for widespread (but declining) species such as the African white-backed vulture (Gyps africanus)....

The feeding methods, activities and behaviour of red-billed and yellow-billed oxpeckers in captivity were compared. Both species were found to be very similar with regard to feeding. The differences observed were a greater dependence on ectoparasites such as flies and larger ticks (Amblyomma hebraeum) and a higher food intake for the yellow-billed oxpecker. These differences are the result of t...

Recent studies of dental microwear and craniofacial mechanics have yielded contradictory interpretations regarding the feeding ecology and adaptations of Australopithecus africanus. As part of this debate, the methods used in the mechanical studies have been criticized. In particular, it has been claimed that finite element analysis has been poorly applied to this research question. This paper ...