Research Report

Flowering, pollination, and fruit set in Tongue Orchids Cryptostylis spp.

AC Gaskett and ME Herberstein

Abstract
Study of Australian Tongue Orchids addresses questions of widespread interest about the evolution of sexually deceptive pollination, and provides information for conservation and management. We present recent data on flowering, pollination, and fruit set for three Cryptostylis species: the Bonnet Orchid C. erecta RBr, the Small Tongue Orchid C. leptochila F Muell. Ex Benth. and the Large Tongue Orchid C. subulata (Labill.) HG Reichb. (Jones 1988). These species are pollinated by male Orchid Dupe Wasps Lissopimpla excelsa (Ichneumonidae) when they ‘pseudocopulate’ with the flowers. Cryptostylis subulata flowered from December to February, and C. erecta flowered from November to March. Cryptostylis leptochila began flowering in December, and pollination was still occurring in late April. This species had the most flowers, but the lowest fruit set. In most field sites, the earliest flowers on a raceme were pollinated most often, although this did not occur when pollinators were scarce. Orchids may attract pollinators more easily at the start of the flowering season before the female wasps emerge, or pollinators could learn the locations or appearance of orchids and avoid later-opening flowers. We also found that pollinator abundance varied during and between seasons, there was no evidence of self-pollination, and C. erecta racemes were more likely to be eaten by predators after fruit set. (The Victorian Naturalist 123 (3), 2006,128-133

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Contributions

Ecological attributes of strategic land acquisitions for addition
to Victoria’s public protected area estate: 2004-2005

James A Fitzsimons, Cameron Williams and Paul FitzSimons

Abstract
The development of a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system is the key objective of the National Reserve System, and is supported by all Australian States and Territories. In Victoria, the purchase of private land for incorporation into the parks and reserves system assists in the protection of some of the State’s most endangered ecosystems. This article outlines the ecological attributes of private land purchased for addition to the Victorian public protected area system between 2004 and 2005.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (3) 2006, 134-145)

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Terrestrial mammals of Phillip and French Islands, Western Port, Victoria

Roger Kirkwood and Michael Johnston

Abstract
Standard survey techniques were used to assess the mammalian fauna of Phillip and French Islands in Western Port, Victoria between 1997 and 2005. In total, 16 native and 7 exotic species were recorded on Phillip Island and 13 native and 8 exotic species on French Island. The most diverse faunal group was the microbats (7 species in total). Species present were compared with those previously recorded on the two islands and the adjacent mainland. Deliberate and accidental introductions since European settlement of both Australian native and non-native species have substantially changed the species present on both islands. The greatest threats to current mammalian fauna on the islands include foxes (currently not resident on French Island), land-clearance, road traffic, and irresponsible human-induced introductions.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (3), 2006, 146-156)

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Annotated records of the Feathertail Glider Acrobates pygmaeus
from The Victorian Naturalist

Jamie M Harris and K Shane Maloney

Abstract
The Victorian Naturalist was surveyed for past records of the Feathertail Glider Acrobates pygmaeus. We document many important records of their occurrence, as well as accounts on their feeding and behaviour. This report should be useful to researchers seeking primary source observations of this species.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (3), 2006, 157-165)

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Studies on Victorian bryophytes 3: The genus Leptodon D Mohr

David Meagher

Abstract
Leptodon smithii (Hedw.) F Weber and D Mohr is the only species of the moss genus Leptodon in Victoria. This species is described and illustrated, its distribution in Australia is delineated, and its conservation status is discussed.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (3) 2006,166-169)

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The Yellingbo population of Leadbeater’s Possum – remnant or introduced?

Dan Harley

Abstract
In 1986 a small, outlying population of Leadbeater’s Possum was discovered inhabiting lowland swamp forest at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve. Given the pronounced differences between the vegetation community at this site and that throughout the possum’s stronghold in the Victorian Central Highlands, some people have speculated that the species may have been introduced to Yellingbo. I list several reasons why this is unlikely to be the case.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (3) 2006, 170-173)

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