rgcooper2023's Journal

A fantastic and impressive example of Fatsia japonica (Araliaceae) (Japan and South Korea) observed growing outdoors (in the U.K.). Commonly known as the castor oil plant or fig leaf palm, it grows up to 4m in a decade. An evergreen shrub with 7-8 dicotyledonous splayed, leathery, palmately lobed leaves, and small white flowers in terminal compound umbels, it produces a beautiful cluster of ornamental, non-edible black berries. It grows well in moist and well-drained soils in partial shade and can be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. Cultivated, it likes rocky and informal, courtyard and banked gardens. It can be adversely affected by scale insects, thrips, mealybugs, leaf spot and honey fungus.

Native to Zimbabwe, the southern giant African pouched rat is also common in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The doe is matriarchal and is supported by nurse rats when suckling her pups (1-3/litter). Adult males weigh 1.5 to 2.0 kg and females weigh 1.2 to 1.6 kg . Their cheek pouches are used to collect food which they carry back to their colonies which are then stored in food larders. From their nose to the tip of their tail, they are ca.70-80 cm with dark brown to reddish fur on their backs and a pale belly. The tail is bi-coloured, brown with white at the distal third of the tail. Bucks scent mark using cheek and anogenital rubbing, in addition to urine. Mitochondrial cytochrome b phylogeny demonstrated that they are unique and distinct from C. gambianus. They are very easily tamed and within one hour of capture, readily take a slice of bread from their human handler. After training with rewards of mashed banana, they are extremely useful to humans including in unexploded ordinance, tuberculosis and drug detection.

A laboratory study of crosses of captive fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster)

There are ca.1,500 species of Drosophila sp. which are found in multiple habitats. The fly originated in tropical West Africa and breeds in a variety of rotting fruits. They are saprophytic, feeding and ovipositing in rotting plant, and, sometimes, animal matter. They are holometabolous, undergo metamorphosis and are ideally housed in a laboratory at 18-25°C. Stocks of infrequently used strains are often kept at lower temperatures in order to slow down development. Under normal circumstances, at 18°C, complete development takes ca.3 weeks. In the current investigation, two captive sub-types were chosen: Wild (long winged, pale striped abdomen, WWSS) and Vestigial (short winged, ebony striped abdomen, wwss) Type. Flies were stilled in ice and sexed on a cold tray. Three Wild Type of each sex were chosen and mated with the opposite sex of three Vestigial Type. Three of the subsequent F1 generation (WwSs, 1:0) were collected and mated and the ratio of the F2 phenotype noted. Each glass vial contained pre-prepared nutrient agar. Commonly used in college and university laboratories, these flies form an important molecular model in Biological research, are cheap to rear, can be studied based on inherited alleles, and used to predict the likelihood of genetic diseases and their progression in humans.

Garden snails appearing in potted, windowsill plants: circular snails (Vallonia exentrica or V. pulchella); elongated snail (Cochlicopa lubrica).

Observations of elongated and concentric snails, in potted, windowsill plants (indoor ambience: 15°C & 73% RH) prompted their removal and examination initially with a Tor-Deluxe Triple Tested 600X (eyepiece lenses: 10X & 15X; stage objective lenses: 8X, 20X & 40X; magnifications: 80X & 120X, 200X & 300X, and 400X & 600X, respectively) five aperture portable optical microscope (25cm in height). The magnified image at 80X was considerable. Two varieties were observed: elongated, tapered shell (one of 5mm) and spiral, concentric shell (six of 2mm). Their shells were pale cream in colour which darkened after feeding. Their propensity to accumulate in clusters on soil clods, bits of bark, stems and the sides of pots, was evident. Soil mixes were created from local patches, used tea leaves, chopped banana skins, sand and garden mulch (ref. Cooper, R.G. 2023. Plants & Wild Species. The Netherlands: Lulu Press Ltd.). However, their identity remains unknown. Location: Highgate and Caldmore, Walsall, UK.

Their rapid reproduction and propensity to eat the vegetation of potted plants, can be a significant consideration to the serious indoor plant cultivator.

Fava (broad) bean (Vicia faba) (Kingdom: Plantae, Order: Fabales, Family: Fabaceae). An experiment was conducted in which within-date broad bean seeds were sowed into agar blocks soaked and submerged for 15 minutes in tap water (control), auxin and gibberellin (n=6). The germination thereof was monitored, being especially significant over 4 weeks in the gibberellin plants. Regular fine-sprays of these plant hormones, in addition to tap water, were performed every two days, into the respective pots. Rapidly germinating, broad beans are suitable experimental plants for students/enthusiasts studying botany or agriculture, and an understanding of their nutrition contribution, is an essential part of the curricula of human and animal studies. A Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient Test (p<0.05) was performed by week of the expected previously published mean growth rate data vs. the experimental recordings. Gibberellin seedlings attained a height of ca.15cm after 4 weeks under lamp (ca.65% RH, ca.21°C). Average mature leaf length was 5-5.9cm and occupied a ventral area (perimeter tracing on graph paper: half or more of a 1cm2 area taken as a full square) of ca.10-15cm2. All leaves had a strong, mulch-humus scent at pick, and, indeed, the beans strongly flavour food recipes like falafel. The plant is a species of vetch and widely cultivated as a crop for human consumption or as a cover crop. Some varieties are fed to herbivores, e.g. horse bean (V. faba var. equina). Rarely, individuals suffering from a metabolism disorder Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDD), develop a haemolytic response after consumption of boiled broad beans, whether dried or fresh. When the outer seed coat has been removed, the beans may be consumed raw or cooked, in addition to eating fresh seed pods in younger plants. The wild ancestor remains unknown, although charred broad beans were discovered at three Neolithic sites in Israel’s Lower Galilee region; radiocarbon dating thereof suggested that the domestication of this crop may have commenced at ca.8,250BC. As a cover crop, they are grown to prevent erosion as they can overwinter and, as a legume, they fix nitrogen (via Rhizobium sp.). Preferring rich loam soils, this species’ robustness means that it can withstand very cold climates, grow in soils with high salinity and also in waterlogged clay soil. Nutrient composition of broad beans includes ca.11% water, 58% carbohydrates, 26% protein and 2% lipid. Energy supply includes 1,425kJ/100g. Folate (106% Daily Value, DV) and manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and iron (52-77% DV), are significant. B-vitamins are present in moderate-rich proportions (19-48% DV). Broad beans present the highest protein:carbohydrate vs. pulses, e.g. chickpea, pea and lentil. Their consumption along with cereals is recommended as they supply essential amino acids (out of the 20 recognised). Harvesting usually commences in spring for plants grown in glass-houses, whereas horse beans harvested in late autumn, are consumed as a pulse. Young leaves and immature pods can be eaten raw or cooked. Beans removed from their pods can be steamed or boiled whole or, following parboiling, to loosen their exterior coat which is then discarded. Beans can also be fried resulting in the skin splitting open and then salted and/or spiced to present a savoury, crunchy snack.

Further investigations including the use of thin layer chromatography performed on crushed broad bean leaves in acetone and separation thereof in the dark using a volatile chromatography solvent. The chromatogram results of two separate experiments, show photosynthetic pigments separated out by relative molecular mass, adhesion and solubility, and are identified by qualitatively (by colour) and quantitatively (by Rf value).

Colour Rf value Pigment
Yellow 0.95 Carotene
Grey-brown 0.83 Phaeophytin
Yellow-brown 0.71 Xanthophyll
Blue-green 0.65 Chlorophyll a
Green 0.45 Chlorophyll b

Journal details:

Confirmed identification: Acute Bladder Snail (Physella acuta) (Draparnaud, 1805) (Family: Physidae) is an invasive snail with a sinistral, air-breathing mechanism, that dwells in freshwater rivers, streams, ponds and swamps. It is also found in anthropogenic reservoirs and power station discharges, surviving under short-lived harsh conditions including extreme weather and pollution. It feeds on dead plant and animal matter, and other detritus. In the wild, it forages mainly on epiphytic vegetation and on macrophytes. Its presence potentially encourages the proliferation of invasive non-native macrophytes like Nuttall’s waterweed (Elodea nuttallii). It rapidly reproduces and has adapted well to UK waters. It is a self-compatible hermaphrodite and in experimental conditions, it is capable of self-fertilization over 20 generations. Its ecological impact on native flora and fauna was assessed by the UK Technical Advisory Group as ‘unknown’ under the Water Framework Directive Guidelines for Alien Species.

Initial consideration: Wandering Pond Snail, UK (Ampullaceana balthica, Linnaeus, 1758) (Class: Gastropoda, Order: Hygrophila, Family: Lymnaeidae). A very common snail in UK where it also leaves weed-filled pond environments, especially in still waters, onto damp patches, emergent vegetation and/or on to muddy banks. It remains in close proximity to the ponds and is a detritus feeder on water plants, algae and plant detritus. Specimens are also seen gliding on the top of water surfaces. Its shell diameter reaches ca.11-14mm and is tall-spired with a large operculum.

Specifics of the current observation: Tank snail associated with Elodea sp. pondweed; ca.0.8-1cm in length; angle of carapace projection ca.20°; mottled pale brown dark green camouflage shell markings with irregular borders (visible x40 optical microscope with 20um eyepiece divisions); glide speed on submerged transparent polystyrene ca.1.5cm/min.; consumes algae deposits and strong attraction to pelleted Daphnia sp. feed; precise subspecies identification unknown.

The Phantom Midge (Family: Chaoboridae) are commonly found in ponds and still waters. This example is a juvenile or larva (ca. 7mm in length) which is nearly transparent with a partially tallow cast. It has two opaque features or airbags (one in the thorax, one in the abdomen in the second last segment). The adult forms are differentiated by wing venation and delicate flies that closely resemble Chironomidae. This larva was found in a bag of purchased Daphnia and care therefore needs to be taken to distinguish minute pond creatures when studying them microscopically.

In a polythene bagged sample of freshwater 'Daphnia', microscopic examination was conducted on live specimens placed in a welled slide at x40 magnification, 160um in length. However, there were a substantial proportion of copepods present. The majority of free-living species feed on phytoplankton of ca. 373,000/day. Some of the larger species predate on smaller crustaceans. Benthic forms, with mouthparts adapted for scraping and biting, consume organic detritus and the bacteria growing in it. Many copepods are wholly parasitic (10) on their hosts and 3 are free-living. Hence, when one orders a sample of 'Daphnia', one has to ensure that the bag is not populated by copepods. The specimen recorded was tanked Cyclopoid Copepods, namely Acanthocyclops vernalis. These were found included with Daphnia sp. and therefore care needs to be taken when using these tiny creatures for microscopic study, so as it avoid any confusion. Ref.: Cooper, R.G. 2023. Cycloid Copepod. iNaturalist 27th November: 1.

A giant, unique, native Zimbabwean stick insect that has wings and lives off fresh shoots and twigs, including bark, plus various grasses, is an astonishing sight in and usually observed in Matabeleland in Zimbabwe. It is unknown if it is a protected species. Thanks to Ian McFarlane for assisting in spotting this giant of the insect world on his property in Hillside, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

This is a common flightless insect pet that feeds on privet leaves. The first image is of a juvenile. The second is of adults feeding on fresh privet leaves. They were originally collected in Tamil Nadu, India, but are commonly kept in cultures in captivity. The British also brought them back from India to Britain. They commonly live one year and lay their own eggs. Indian stick insects will reproduce in captivity even in the absence of a male, this is called parthenogenetic reproduction. Mature females will lay unfertilised eggs, that will still develop and hatch into nymphs without mating ever taking place. Any of the offspring produced asexually will be female and are often clones of their parents. When females reach adulthood they will begin to lay relatively small numbers of round eggs (ova) around 2mm in size, over their lifetime this can add up to hundreds. The ova are dark brown in colour and look like seeds. They can be carefully collected from the bottom of the cage and separated from any fallen plant matter and dried faeces; using small tweezers or a paint brush. Incubate the ova on dry tissue or vermiculite in a sealed container at room temperature. They normally take four months or more to hatch. Raise newly hatched nymphs separately to your adults for ease of maintenance and offer fresh food frequently. A mist spray of water is needed on the sides of their tank.