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Population densities in Drosophila obscura Fallén and D. subobscura Collin
Author(s) -
BEGON MICHAEL
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
ecological entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.865
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1365-2311
pISSN - 0307-6946
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2311.1978.tb00898.x
Subject(s) - drosophila subobscura , biology , population , zoology , demography , genetics , sociology , gene
. 1. The population densities of Drosophila obscura and D. subobscura in mixed deciduous woodland were investigated by multiple recapture techniques, marking flies with micronized fluorescent dusts. 2. Approximate densities per 100 m 2 were as follows: September 1974: D.subobscura males 5, D.subobscura females 31. April 1975: D.obscura males 1, D.obscura females 2; D.subobscura males 0.3, D.subobscura females 1. June 1975: D.subobscura males 6, D.subobscura females 9. 3. Actual estimates have been compared using relative estimates derived from a reanalysis of Shorrocks's (1975) data. 4. Throughout most of the year D.subobscura was numerically dominant, rising to a peak of 750/100 m 2 in the winter; but in late spring D.obscura was dominant, having reduced winter mortality by diapausing. 5. D.obscura 's density was comparable with those of its Nearctic relatives; D.subobscura 's was considerably higher. 6. The effects of previous workers' approximations on the estimation of population parameters have been examined, and possible theoretical consequences have been indicated.