We describe a simple combined-quadrat-sieve system, suitable for in-river surveys of unionoid populations where SCUBA is required. The apparatus has allowed us to survey and excavate 0.25-m² quadrats with mean search times of <7 min quadrat^-1 over 4-hour dives. We have successfully detected mussels near the minimum size, more often retrieved by sieving at the surface, while minimizing habitat disturbance.

Female fireflies in the genus Photuris are predatory on males of other firefly genera and are known to lure unsuspecting prey by mimicking female flash patterns. From 2004–2012, late-season (2 July—10 August) female Photuris lucicrescens were captured while emitting variable atypical signals on the wing and flying in loose associations in non-breeding habitat in Delaware and Pennsylvania. These observations corroborate those recognized by Herbert S. Barber in his description of the species over sixty years ago. I report these atypical flash patterns (single and multiple weak and bright flashes) and hypothesize that late-season P. lucicrescens might be patrolling non-breeding habitat in an effort to locate sedentary females who would respond to their variable male-like flash patterns. This hypothesis differs from traditional “femmes fatales” firefly models in that late-season female P. lucicrescens appear to be mimicking signaling males, rather than sedentary females, to locate prey.

Ammocrypta pellucida (Eastern Sand Darter) has a broad and sporadic distribution in eastern North America. Once common, the species has experienced a sharp decline in its range during the last 50 years primarily because of habitat destruction. Populations now persist only in isolated localities which contain clean, sandy substrates. In this paper, we document the presence of the Eastern Sand Darter in Racoon Creek in southeastern Ohio, where it had not been reported in over 57 years, and briefly review its historical and contemporary distribution throughout the state. This new distributional observation suggests stabilization and perhaps gradual recovery of an ecologically sensitive species recently considered for federal listing.

Sandplain Pine-Oak-Heath forest is one of Vermont's most threatened natural communities due to fire suppression and land development. We studied the ant community in the largest remaining tract of sandplain forest in the state of Vermont, at the Camp Johnson Army National Guard Base, in Colchester. We investigated the long-term impacts of controlled burns conducted in 1995 and 1998 by examining ant specimens collected in burned and control (unburned) areas during September and early October of 2006, 2007, and 2008. The 1750 ant specimens from 911 pitfall traps yielded 29 ant species. Although sample effort was un-even, there was a greater than two-fold difference in species richness between the sites: 28 species in the burned site and 13 species in the control site. Ant abundance was significantly greater at the burned site compared to the control, and the Shannon index of species diversity differed as well. Canopy cover was significantly different in the burned site compared to the control site. Increased habitat diversity and increased forestfloor temperature following from the more open canopy in the burned area could potentially account for the greater abundance, species richness, and diversity of ants in the burned area. The striking differences in the ant communities of the burned versus the control areas 8–10 years post-burn demonstrate the potential usefulness of monitoring ants as indicators of the long-term ecological change induced by burning of the sandplain forest.

Only 0.7% of 28,205 known New England ant specimens (1861–2011) were from Rhode Island. Consequently, apparent ant species richness of Rhode Island counties was lower than expected based on simple biogeographic models. Collections from two poorly sampled areas—Block Island and Tiverton—and from the 2013 Rhode Island Natural History Survey's BioBlitz increased Rhode Island's ant specimens by 46%) and its ant species richness from 48 to 57. Both Washington and Newport counties now have ant species richness more in line with New England-wide species-environment predictions. The extrapolated number of Rhode Island ant species is 66, but the upper bound of the 95% confidence interval is 93 species and the total species accumulation curve has not reached an asymptote. Future collection efforts should continue to add ant species to the Rhode Island list, especially if collections are targeted in the state's north and southeast regions, and its southwest pine barrens.

Although the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is a causal agent behind precipitous amphibian declines globally, little is known about its regional distribution in New York State (NYS). With an aim toward increased understanding of B. dendrobatidis prevalence locally, we collected amphibians between April through November 2012 at the Rice Creek Field Station in Oswego County, NY, and took swabs of the ventral surfaces of all individuals caught. Polymerase chain reaction on DNA extracted from swabs and comparison with B. dendrobatidis control DNA showed that 30% of amphibians sampled carried the fungus, with prevalence ranging between 20–50%) for Lithobates catesbeianus (Bull Frogs), Lithobates clamitans (Green Frogs), Pseudacris crucifer (Spring Peepers), and Eurycea bislineata (Two-lined Salamanders). We detected Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis only during the months of April, May, June, August, and September of the sampling period. June and September had the highest percentage of amphibians infected with B. dendrobatidis at 32 and 48%), respectively. This study represents the first time that B. dendrobatidis has been documented in Oswego County and only the second time that the fungus has been documented in NYS. The documented prevalence levels in combination with lack of observed mass amphibian declines suggest that the fungus may be endemic in local amphibian populations, but additional research is needed to establish the relative importance of these data for the health of amphibian populations in Oswego County and NYS.

Quercus spp. (oaks) were the most abundant trees in the pre-colonial forests of the Hudson Valley. Over the last century, secondary forests have replaced many of the agricultural fields that were established after these forests were cut. Mohonk Preserve's Foothills, New Paltz, NY, includes secondary forest stands ranging in age from about 30 to 100 y. Stands on similar substrates and soils differ not only in age, but also in the factors that influenced forest development at and since field abandonment such as seed sources and herbivory. This study analyzed the composition of 8 stands of various ages to evaluate the possible importance of site-specific differences in these factors. Oaks dominate only one stand, and Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) is the major sapling species in all well-drained stands. We attribute differences in stand composition, particularly the lack of oaks and the prevalence of Sugar Maple, mainly to differences in drainage, seed sources, and extent of deer browse.

The Adirondack Park in northern New York is located at the southern range extent for several bird species that inhabit lowland boreal forest habitats, which in the Adirondacks are naturally fragmented and intermixed with eastern temperate forest types. I examined occupancy dynamics of 8 bird species in lowland boreal forest wetlands, evaluating the influence of variables associated with climate change and habitat fragmentation, including wetland size and connectivity, on colonization and extinction dynamics for the period 2007–2011. Occurrence data from point-count surveys conformed to predictions of metapopulation theory with respect to extinction, with most species more likely to experience local extinction from smaller, more isolated wetlands. Responses to latitude and elevation were variable. Proximity of human infrastructure was the most consistent driver of short-term dynamics across species, with two-thirds more likely to colonize low-impact sites and become locally extinct from more-impacted sites. Evidence for metapopulation structure suggests that improved connectivity among wetlands and reduction of human impact near wetlands should be conservation goals for these species in the park.

We report the first occurrence of Arianta arbustorum (Copse Snail) on Prince Edward Island, expanding its well-established presence in eastern Canada. Although listed as an exotic mollusc for which prevention of introduction to the US is a priority, the evidence from Canada to date suggests a low pest potential for this species. It is unlikely that eradication efforts in North America would be effective; thus, the Copse Snail may be a poor candidate for pest-prevention efforts in the US.

The Adirondack Park in northern New York is located at the southern range extent for several bird species that inhabit lowland boreal forest habitats, which in the Adirondacks are naturally fragmented and intermixed with eastern temperate forest types. I examined occupancy dynamics of 8 bird species in lowland boreal forest wetlands, evaluating the influence of variables associated with climate change and habitat fragmentation, including wetland size and connectivity, on colonization and extinction dynamics for the period 2007–2011. Occurrence data from point-count surveys conformed to predictions of metapopulation theory with respect to extinction, with most species more likely to experience local extinction from smaller, more isolated wetlands. Responses to latitude and elevation were variable. Proximity of human infrastructure was the most consistent driver of short-term dynamics across species, with two-thirds more likely to colonize low-impact sites and become locally extinct from more-impacted sites. Evidence for metapopulation structure suggests that improved connectivity among wetlands and reduction of human impact near wetlands should be conservation goals for these species in the park.

Female fireflies in the genus Photuris are predatory on males of other firefly genera and are known to lure unsuspecting prey by mimicking female flash patterns. From 2004–2012, late-season (2 July–10 August) female Photuris lucicrescens were captured while emitting variable atypical signals on the wing and flying in loose associations in non-breeding habitat in Delaware and Pennsylvania. These observations corroborate those recognized by Herbert S. Barber in his description of the species over sixty years ago. I report these atypical flash patterns (single and multiple weak and bright flashes) and hypothesize that late-season P. lucicrescens might be patrolling non-breeding habitat in an effort to locate sedentary females who would respond to their variable male-like flash patterns. This hypothesis differs from traditional “femmes fatales” firefly models in that late-season female P. lucicrescens appear to be mimicking signaling males, rather than sedentary females, to locate prey.

Extra-pair copulation (EPC) behavior is widespread among birds in general, but rarely has been documented among members of the Woodpecker family. Here I report on an EPC observed between a nesting female Picoides pubescens (Downy Woodpecker) and a neighboring male for whom no nest was found. Behavioral observations aided by radio telemetry showed that the female had interacted with both her nesting partner and the extra-pair male on a regular basis in preceding months. This is only the second published account of an EPC in this species within the last 50 years. The circumstances and rarity of the behavior as shown by woodpeckers may lead to a better understanding of its evolutionary function among birds.

Etheostoma caeruleum (Rainbow Darter) was first collected from the Potomac River drainage in 1977 and has subsequently expanded its range to include nearly all major tributaries in the system. Analysis of the chronology of Rainbow Darter collection data demonstrates the explosive nature of this range expansion. Using this chronology, we assert that Rainbow Darter is not native to the drainage and likely occurs as a result of human-induced interbasin transfer. Although the ecological impact of non-native Rainbow Darters in the Potomac is unknown, the potential exists for competition with native species. The presence of numerous instream blockages prohibiting colonization of portions of the drainage make this system well suited to study the impacts of introduced darters on native ichthyofauna.

Malaclemys terrapin terrapin (Northern Diamondback Terrapin) is susceptible to drowning in commercial-style pots used for the Callinectes sapidus (Blue Crab) fishery. Regulations to reduce by-catch mortality vary by state. We compared three different regulatory strategies with respect to crab catch and their relative effectiveness at reducing terrapin by-catch. To mimic their possible use by recreational crabbers, we grouped and fished together ten unbaited crab pots with no by-catch reduction devices (BRDs), ten with large BRDs, and ten with small BRDs in a tidal creek in southeastern Virginia. Over 24 sampling days, the total legal crab catch (crabs ≥ 12.7 cm) in pots with no BRDs (29.9 ± 10.0 SD crabs pot^-1) and large BRDs (27.9 ± 6.2 crabs pot^-1) was significantly greater than catch in pots with small BRDs (14.0 ± 5.8 crabs pot^-1). Legal crabs varied in average size from 14.1 ± 1.2 cm, 14.0 ± 1.2 cm, and 13.7 ± 1.0 cm from pots with no BRDs, large BRDs, and small BRDs, respectively, but these differences were not significant. Of a by-catch of 71 terrapins, 69 were from pots with no BRDs, 2 from pots with large BRDs, and none from pots with small BRDs. The potential mortality of terrapins in pots without BRDs would have reduced the population in this tidal creek by 42% in just 24 days. Based on these results, regulations requiring the use of large BRDs come closest to the objective of reducing by-catch mortality of terrapins without a large effect on crab capture in Virginia. Both recreational crabbing and commercial crabbing with no BRDs on pots in terrapin habitat can contribute to declines in local terrapin populations.

Pinus strobus (Eastern White Pine) was an important component of mesic and dry-mesic northern temperate forests prior to European settlement. We evaluated the efficacy of restoration on a degraded, mesic hardwood site with a low post-harvest residual basal area (11.5 m² ha^-1). Three-year survival of planted pines was 57% (n = 299), with 40% mortality occurring the first year. Additional losses, however, were minimal: 2% and 1%) following years two and three, respectively. Survival was associated with presence of bare soil near the seedling (P < 0.05). High initial mortality was likely attributable to drought. Our results suggest that White Pine establishment on more mesic hardwood sites may be possible given sufficient soil and canopy disturbance, but that high initial mortality may be expected under dry climatic conditions.

Laws regulating mine reclamation following coal extraction mandate the establishment of vegetative cover, which often includes the introduction of non-native plant species. We evaluated the vegetative community composition of a recovering, reclaimed surface mine at The Wilds, a conservation center in southeastern Ohio. In 2007 and 2009, we identified a total of 109 species within a 1885-ha grassland area. After >30 years postreclamation, invasive species were the predominant plants at the site, with no evidence of succession towards a mixed mesophytic forest typical of the region. Our study illustrates how non-native plantings followed by passive management can result in the development and stability of non-native communities even decades after reclamation. Strategic and longterm management efforts, such as careful preparation of the rooting zone for trees, or the establishment of deep-rooted native plants, along with frequent monitoring, are needed to recover native vegetation and associated wildlife.

We present a survey of the bee fauna of Gardiners Island, Suffolk County, NY. The study focuses on more than 10,000 bee specimens collected by net during 1976, 1977, and 2005–2011. These surveys recorded 154 bee species and morphospecies in 30 genera. Bee species associated with fields, beaches, and woody plants were well represented in the sample, whereas those requiring herbaceous understory flowers were relatively few. Notable finds include several species with southern affinities that are otherwise scarce in New York State and paratypes of the social parasite Lasioglossum (Dialictus) rozeni. The newly discovered male of Sphecodes johnsonii is diagnosed and imaged. Two Nomada morphospecies may be undescribed. A single worker of the northern species Bombus (Cullumanobombus) rufocinctus provides the first coastal record for New York State. New records of Dianthidium (D.) simile from nearby Long Island and of Pseudoanthidium (P.) nanum from New York City (and nearby New Jersey) increase the number of bee genera and described species recorded from New York State to 45 and 447, respectively. Phenological data may provide new evidence for host-parasite associations. The bee diversity of Gardiners Island is discussed in relation to the bee fauna of the northeastern US, especially records available for other Atlantic coastal islands in the region.

Recent studies have documented high levels of bat fatalities at wind-energy facilities built on forested ridgetops in the eastern United States. To better understand the influence of temperature and elevation on bat activity levels, and the possible relationship of these factors to bat fatalities at wind facilities, we sampled bat activity and insect abundance along an elevational gradient at 3 study areas in northeastern Pennsylvania. Bat activity was sampled with an AR125 acoustic detector, and insect abundance was sampled with a blacklight trap. We developed a negative binomial regression model to assess the relationship between bat activity and temperature, elevation, and insect abundance. We also assessed a hypothesized association between the occurrence of temperature inversions and increased bat activity at higher elevations. We found a significant positive association between bat activity and temperature (P < 0.001), with the effect of temperature being greater at higher elevations (P = 0.021). Contrary to predictions, there was a significant negative relationship between bat activity and insect biomass (P < 0.001), and the association between bat activity and the occurrence of temperature inversions was not significant (P = 0.1). Although we did find significantly greater bat activity at higher temperatures, and an interaction between temperature and elevation, our results do not support temperature inversions as a factor in bat fatalities at wind-energy facilities on forested ridgetops in the eastern US.

Although bats have been observed from offshore ships, are known to cross large bodies of water, and have been observed seasonally on remote islands, little information has been collected regarding their distribution, species composition, and behavior at offshore locations. Techniques for monitoring bats over long periods are limited, and the typical logistical constraints for studies of nocturnal, flying species are amplified in open-water habitats. To our knowledge, this acoustic study represents the first attempt to monitor bats on a regional scale in an offshore environment. Long-term acoustic monitoring of 16 sites in the Gulf of Maine confirmed the presence of long-distance migratory and cave-hibernating bat species at coastal sites; large, forested islands; small, isolated rocks lacking woody vegetation; and an offshore weather buoy. Patterns of presence, species composition, and activity were highly variable among sites but consistently indicated that bats were most active and widespread between mid-August and mid-September, and that bats regularly occurred offshore. Sporadic presence of certain species during this period, surrounded by multiple nights with no activity, also suggests that bat presence offshore may be associated with migratory flight or use of remote islands as temporary roosts or stopover sites during seasonal movements.

Life-history aspects of Thoburnia rhothoeca (Torrent Sucker) were investigated using specimens from the Roanoke College Ichthyological Collection and from recent collections to examine age, growth, food habits, and reproductive cycle. The largest specimen collected was a female aged 37 months, of 165.1 mm standard length and 73.73 g total weight. Spawning occurs from February to May, with a mean of 782.6 mature oocytes, and an oocyte diameter of up to 2.02 mm. Sexual maturity is reached at 1–2 years of age, with a maximum lifespan of between 3 and 4 years. Chironomidae and detritus composed the bulk of the diet. Mass, number, and variety of food items peaked in spring and early summer.

Hemigrapsus sanguineus (Asian Shore Crab) has shown a remarkable ability to colonize rocky intertidal communities along the east coast of the United States since its introduction in the late 1980s and is an important predator of juvenile Mytilus edulis (Blue Mussel) in invaded habitats. In this study, we used two field-caging experiments and the Kaplan-Meier model to assess the impact of predation by Asian Shore Crab on the survival of juvenile Blue Mussels in an intertidal habitat of western Long Island Sound along the Connecticut coastline. Five treatment levels (high-density enclosure, low-density enclosure, exclosure, partial cage, and open plot) were used in the 2007 experiment. The high-density enclosure treatment was omitted in the 2010 experiment since there was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of mussels surviving between low- and high-density crab treatments in 2007. In 2007, we measured a statistically significant difference in mussel mortality between exclosure and crab-enclosure cages, with crabs lowering the median survival time for mussels from 15.4 to 7.6 days. In 2010, we again measured a statistically significant difference in mussel mortality between exclosure and crab-enclosure cages, suggesting a crab effect on mussel survival. In the 2010 experiment, approximately 25% of the mussel mortality was attributable to crab predation, which reduced median survival time for mussels from 12.8 to 5.6 days. The median survival time for mussels exposed to the full complement of factors affecting survival (open plots and partial cages) was only 2–3 days. Our study shows that predation by Asian crabs may account for up to 25% of the Blue Mussel mortality in the intertidal zone at Black Rock Harbor. Further studies focusing on the importance of other biotic and abiotic factors are needed to understand the apparent declines in Blue Mussel populations and the interannual variability in recruitment success in this area.

We collected data on the distribution, sex, size, fecundity, and food habits of a newly discovered population of Misgurnus anguillicaudatus (Oriental Weatherfish) in the Hudson Valley, NY. Oriental Weatherfish were distributed throughout the Dwaar Kill in Orange and Ulster counties and at least 7 km of the Wallkill River, principally in the soft substrates of stream margins. Males were smaller than females and apparently had shorter life spans. Sexual maturity and spawning attributes were evident. Mature males had pronounced dorsolateral ridges on at least the posterior third of the body, and females exhibited post-spawning abrasions dorsal and anterior to the vent. Female Oriental Weatherfish are batch-spawners producing up to 18,000 eggs at one time. Oriental Weatherfish in the Dwaar Kill consumed a variety of aquatic macroinvertebrates and exhibited generalist feeding habits. This species does not seem to be affecting other vertebrates where currently found, but potential negative interactions with the native Umbra pygmaea (Eastern Mudminnow) merit attention. Monitoring of the Hudson Valley populations is needed to determine if Oriental Weatherfish abundance or range changes dramatically, and to determine if their presence is causing any lasting effects on the ecosystem.

We sampled soil and water at two mineral springs (salt licks) in Baxter State Park, ME, and describe chemical characteristics of each. One site (Wadleigh) is a small spring-fed pond and the other site (Hudson) is a spring with water emerging at the base of a bedrock outcrop; both drain into nearby streams. These sites are frequently visited by Odocoileus virginianus (White-tailed Deer) and by Alces americanus (Moose). Potassium (K) and sodium (Na) concentrations in water were substantially higher at licks than at upstream control sites—Wadleigh Lick: K = 2.33 vs. 0.31 mg/L, Na = 15.7 vs. 1.9 mg/L; Hudson Lick: K = 0.95 vs. 0.19 mg/L, Na = 9.4 vs. 0.9 mg/L. Chloride at the Hudson Lick was 120 vs. 10.7 µeq/L in water upstream. Exchangeable calcium (Ca), K, and magnesium (Mg) in soil at the Wadleigh site were typical of Maine soils but Na was greatly elevated. The elevated concentrations of K and Na in the water are typical of groundwater that has circulated through bedrock, instead of overlying till.