33

Volume 33
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ARTICLES

1. Vargo, D.L. 2000. Soil Invertebrates of American Samoa. Micronesica. 33(1/2): 1-10. Date Revised/Accepted: 20 September 1999.
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Soil Invertebrates of American Samoa

Vargo, D.L.

Soil invertebrates are largely responsible for building soil into the fertile matrix necessary for plant life, and, therefore, all animal life. Yet many of them, especially in the tropics and the southern hemisphere, are unknown. This is the first study to identify and quantify soil invertebrates in American Samoa. Pitfall traps and Berlese-Tullgren funnel extractions of soil cores were used between February 1998 and February 1999 to collect arthropods, gastropods, and turbellaria on three volcanic islands of the eastern Samoan archipelago in the south-central Pacific. The major groups collected were Acari, Amphipoda, Formicidae, and Diptera. A small number of these, and specimens from less common groups, were identified to species. The soil invertebrate composition was found to be largely a collection of species common throughout the South Pacific, usually dispersed through human commerce. Intense competition among these recently introduced species for niches relinquished by now-defunct, specially adapted indigenous species may be responsible for their much-reduced population densities, which in turn probably reduces the soil nutrient cycling efficiency for these islands.
Micronesica 33(1/2): 1-10, 2000.
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Vargo 2000
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2. Hunter-Anderson, R.L. 2000. Ethnographic and archaeological investigations in the southwest islands of Palau. Micronesica. 33(1/2): 11-44. Date Revised/Accepted: 06 October 1999.
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Ethnographic and archaeological investigations in the southwest islands of Palau

Hunter-Anderson, R.L.

Ethnographic and archaeological field work was conducted in 1992 at Tobi, Merir, Pulo Anna, Sonsorol, and Fana. At Tobi, documentation included profiling a wave-cut exposure of a ritual area mound near the landing on the western side of the island and retrieving a soil sample from the base of the mound for radiocarbon dating; locating and describing seventeen earth-oven refuse mounds and excavating a shovel trench into one of them, from which a charcoal sample was retrieved for radiocarbon dating; photographing artifacts observed on the ground surface and in private collections; recording information on traditional resource use at Tobi and nearby Helen Reef; and interviewing older Tobians living in Koror regarding traditional practices. A paleosediment core was taken at an inland taro patch.
At Merir, the surface features on the large residential mound near the landing on the west side of the island were sketched in plan and information recorded about the mound’s former uses; a shovel trench was excavated into the south flank of the mound, and a paleosediment core was taken at a small taro patch inland of the mound. Artifacts from the surface at the beach were photographed. At Pulo Anna, a shovel trench was excavated into a residential mound and charcoal samples collected for radiocarbon dating and a paleosediment core was taken at the margin of the large inland salt water pond. At Sonsorol, a chiefly meeting house site was mapped and probed; charcoal from the probe was collected for radiocarbon dating; Japanese World War II defensive features were observed and photographed; and historical information about Sonsorol and Fana was obtained. At Fana, several shovel probes were excavated in a midden area at the southern end of the island; soil from the base of one shovel probe was retrieved for radiocarbon dating; a Palauan pottery sherd was found at the base of this trench.
Information obtained in the field was compared with and interpreted in light of German and Japanese ethnographic reports from the early part of the 20th century. Our radiocarbon dating results indicate that the Southwest Islands cultures were established at least three hundred years ago and possibly as early as one thousand years before the present; more excavations are needed to establish the occupational sequence at each island. 
A better understanding of coastal geomorphological processes and their relation to weather and currents in the Southwest Islands is also needed. Considering aged individuals’observations along with historical records, geomorphological, and archaeological data, can result in plausible reconstructions of the islands’ past environmental states. This information is crucial to sound planning for the management of the natural and cultural resources of these small islands.
Micronesica 33(1/2): 11-44, 2000.
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Hunter-Anderson 2000
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3. South, G.R. & P.A. Skelton. 2000. A Review of Ceramium (Rhodophyceae, Ceramiales) from Fiji and Samoa, South Pacific. Micronesica. 33(1/2): 45-98. Date Revised/Accepted: 07 December 1999.
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A Review of Ceramium (Rhodophyceae, Ceramiales) from Fiji and Samoa, South Pacific

South, G.R. & P.A. Skelton.

A revision of Ceramium from Fiji and Samoa is provided, following an evaluation of previously published records, study of type specimens and voucher collections, and on the basis of field and laboratory investigations. Eight extant species are recognized [Ceramium affine Setchell and Gardner, C. codii (Richards) Mazoyer, C. punctiforme Setchell, C. flaccidum (Harvey ex Kützing) Ardissone, C. macilentum J. Agardh, Ceramium sp. aff. Ceramium marshallense Dawson, C. subdichotomum Weber-van Bosse and C. vagans P. Silva], and 3 that are new [Ceramium krameri, C. rintelsianum and C. upolense]. The occurrence or status of four previously reported species [Ceramium camouii Dawson, C. clarionensis Setchell & Gardner, C. subverticillatum (Grunow) Weber-van Bosse and C. zacae Setchell & Gardner] could not be confirmed, while a number of other previously reported species are placed in synonymy. The most abundant species is Ceramium flaccidum. Keys and illustrations for all species are included, and the taxonomy and nomenclature of the Fijian and Samoan species are discussed. All of the species are microscopic, mostly less than 5.0 mm tall, and most occur as epiphytes on corals or larger algae. One species (C. punctiforme) is restricted to the surfaces of the crustose coralline Hydrolithon on the exposed reef crest.
Micronesica 33(1/2): 45-98, 2000.
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South et al 2000
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3_south_skelton.pdf (1.03 MB)
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4. Reed, R.N., J.M. Morton & G.E. Desy. 2000. Use of Monofilament Snare Traps for Capture of Varanid Lizards. Micronesica. 33(1/2): 99-104. Date Revised/Accepted: 10 March 2000.
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Use of Monofilament Snare Traps for Capture of Varanid Lizards

Reed, R.N., J.M. Morton & G.E. Desy.

Varanid lizards (goannas, monitors) are wary and difficult to capture. We designed a baited trap consisting of multiple monofilament snares tied in a grid pattern on wire mesh (chicken wire), and used this design to capture mangrove monitors (Varanus indicus) on Rota, in the Northern Mariana Islands. We trapped 21 individuals during sporadic trapping in 1998-99, including 7 recaptures; most trapped individuals suffered no apparent ill effects. This trap design is inexpensive and easy to transport, but requires approximately one hour of construction time per trap. This trap has the potential to provide standardized non-lethal methods for estimation of density of varanid lizards in areas where visual counts are difficult. The trap should not be used in areas where threatened non-target species (especially mid-sized carnivores or scavengers) may be captured, as nooses may injure or kill less hardy species.
Micronesica 33(1/2): 99-104, 2000.
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Reed et al 2000
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5. Vice, D.S. & R.M. Engeman. 2000. Brown Tree Snake Discoveries During Detector Dog Inspections Following Supertyphoon Paka. Micronesica. 33(1/2): 105-110. Date Revised/Accepted: 26 March 2000.
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Brown Tree Snake Discoveries During Detector Dog Inspections Following Supertyphoon Paka

Vice, D.S. & R.M. Engeman.

Detector dog inspection of outbound cargo is one of several control methods applied to deter brown tree snake dispersal from Guam. In the two and a half months following the passage of Supertyphoon Paka over Guam, an increase in brown tree snake discoveries during detector dog inspections was observed. We report here on the circumstances of those discoveries and their management implications.
Micronesica 33(1/2): 105-110, 2000.
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Vice et al 2000
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5_vice_engemann.pdf (23.04 KB)
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6. Weisler, M.I. 2000. Burial Artifacts from the Marshall Islands: Description, Dating and Evidence for Extra-archipelago Contacts. Micronesica. 33(1/2): 111-136. Date Revised/Accepted: 11 May 2000.
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Burial Artifacts from the Marshall Islands: Description, Dating and Evidence for Extra-archipelago Contacts

Weisler, M.I.

Salvage excavations had been conducted by D. Spennemann and associates in 1989 at a prehistoric cemetery at Laura village, Majuro islet, Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands. These excavations are summarized and the 631 artifacts associated with 12 of 29 human burials are described. Radiocarbon age determinations of three interments associated with the most numerous and diverse artifacts provide ages ranging from the 1st to 11th centuries AD—encompassing the first half of Marshallese prehistory. Artifacts described include Spondylus and Conus shell beads, Golden cowrie (Cypraea aurantium) pendants, a Spondylus nose ring, ground bivalves (Cardium orbitum), possibly used as charms, several styles of Conus shell rings, a Porites coral abrader, pearl shell lures, and a Tridacna maxima adze. The possible charms, pendants, and nose ring artifact types have not been reported previously for the Marshall Islands. Conus shell beads may be an early period artifact class with Spondylus disks more common in late prehistory. Contact with the Solomon Islands and several islands within eastern Micronesia is suggested by shared stylistic attributes of pearl shell trolling lure shanks and this evidence adds temporal details to the generalized colonization routes based on linguistic evidence.
Micronesica 33(1/2): 111-136, 2000.
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Weisler 2000
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6_weisler111.pdf (338.98 KB)
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7. Pregill, G.K. & D.W. Steadman. 2000. Fossil Vertebrates From Palau, Micronesia: A Resource Assessment. Micronesica. 33(1/2): 137-152. Date Revised/Accepted: 13 June 2000.
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Fossil Vertebrates From Palau, Micronesia: A Resource Assessment

Pregill, G.K. & D.W. Steadman.

During 60 days of field work from 1993 to 1997, we located and sampled 10 small, late Holocene bone deposits in caves and rockshelters on four islands in Palau (Republic of Belau). None of these sites was deeply stratified, nor did they yield bones of extirpated species. These attributes distinguish Palau from other groups of raised limestone islands in Oceania, such as the Mariana Islands, Tonga, and Cook Islands. Activities associated with World War II destroyed the natural integrity of most of Palau’s caves and rockshelters and therefore, by inference, most of Palau’s fossil vertebrate record. Other factors that challenge our ability to discover rich prehistoric bone deposits in Palau are the non-horizontal floors of most caves and rockshelters, their damp microclimates, and the apparent remoteness of any remaining undisturbed sites.
Micronesica 33(1/2): 137-152, 2000.
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Pregill et al 2000
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7_pregill_steadman.pdf (114.18 KB)
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8. Marutani, M. & E. Manalastas. 2000. Evaluation of Two Methods to Estimate the Population of Indigenous N-fixers Associated with Tropical Legumes. Micronesica. 33(1/2): 153-160. Date Revised/Accepted: 15 June 2000.
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Evaluation of Two Methods to Estimate the Population of Indigenous N-fixers Associated with Tropical Legumes

Marutani, M. & E. Manalastas.

Growth pouch and test tube methods were compared to estimate the populations of two indigenous nitrogen fixing rhizobia, Bradyrhizobium spp. associated with Macroptilium atropurpureum (DC) Urb. and Rhizobium spp. hosted by Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit on Guam. Indicator plants required less nutrient solution in test tube method than in growth pouch method. Generally plant growth and nodule formation were better with the pouch method. Because L. leucocephala had developed very fine white fibrous structures on roots instead of nodules when it was incubated in a test tube, the detection of nodules was difficult. Bradyrhizobium spp. nodulated M. atropurpureum were more numerous in both Pulantat soil (Udic Haplustalf) and Akina soil (Oxic Haplustalfs) while Rhizobium spp. associated with L. leucocephala were predominant in the Guam cobbly clay soil (Lithic Ustorthents). Although a difference in population density was found between the two methods, the distribution pattern of the two groups of rhizobia was consistent at each locality.
Micronesica 33(1/2): 153-160, 2000.
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Marutani et al 2000
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8_marutani.pdf (32.48 KB)
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9. Burky, A.J., C.M. Way, S. Hau & M.E. Benbow. 2000. The Occurrence of the Freshwater Clams, Musculium partumeium (Say) and Pisidium casertanum (Poli) (Bivalvia: Sphaeriidae), in the Hawaiian Islands. Micronesica. 33(1/2): 161-164. Date Revised/Accepted: 15 June 2000.
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The Occurrence of the Freshwater Clams, Musculium partumeium (Say) and Pisidium casertanum (Poli) (Bivalvia: Sphaeriidae), in the Hawaiian Islands

Burky, A.J., C.M. Way, S. Hau & M.E. Benbow.

Sphaeriid clams were collected from an ancient, continuously cultivated taro pond complex at Ke‘anae Peninsula, Maui. Both species are known for adaptations for temporary pond habitats and could have been initially introduced by the earliest Hawaiian settlers transported with moist taro root stock from other areas of Oceania.
Micronesica 33(1/2): 161-164, 2000.
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Burky et al 2000
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9_burky_etal.pdf (16.74 KB)
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10. Muniappan, R., T.E. Marler & H. Hirsh. 2000. Trioza suavis Galls on Leaves of Elaeocarpus joga. Micronesica. 33(1/2): 165-167. Date Revised/Accepted: 22 June 2000.
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Trioza suavis Galls on Leaves of Elaeocarpus joga

Muniappan, R., T.E. Marler & H. Hirsh.

Galls on leaves of native yoga trees have been identified as due to the psylloid Trioza suavis. The insect is not a serious threat to the trees.
Micronesica 33(1/2): 165-167, 2000.
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Muniappan et al 2000
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10_muniappan_etal.pdf (112.33 KB)
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11. Carlson, C.H. & P.J. Hoff. 2000. Notes on Atys multistriatus Schepmen, 1913 (Opisthobranchia: Cephalaspidea: Haminoeidae). Micronesica. 33(1/2): 169-178. Date Revised/Accepted: 06 August 2000.
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Notes on Atys multistriatus Schepmen, 1913 (Opisthobranchia: Cephalaspidea: Haminoeidae)

Carlson, C.H. & P.J. Hoff.

The original description of Atys multistriatus Schepman, 1913 was based upon the shell only. Live specimens of A. multistriatus have been found in Chuuk, Palau and Guam in the Micronesian area. A description of the living animal is presented. Male and female genital systems are described and figured. Photographs or SEMs are presented for the radula and gizzard plates.
Micronesica 33(1/2): 169-178, 2000.
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Carlson et al 2000
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11_carlson_hoff.pdf (137.65 KB)
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12. Pike, K.S., R.H. Miller & P. Stary. 2000. Aphid Fauna (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Associated Flora of Guam. Micronesica. 33(1/2): 179-207. Date Revised/Accepted: 25 September 2000.
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Aphid Fauna (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Associated Flora of Guam

Pike, K.S., R.H. Miller & P. Stary.

The aphid species of Guam, together with their associated island host plants are documented, based on 744 collections of aphids taken from throughout the island from 1997-1999, and earlier collectors’ records. Guam is not the original home for any of the aphid species. In total, 18 species have been detected on the island: Aphis craccivora Koch, A. gossypii Glover, A. helianthi Monell, A. nerii Boyer de Fonscolombe, A. rumicis L., A. spiraecola Patch, Brevicoryne brassicae (L.), Cerataphis sp., Hyalopterus pruni (Geoffroy), Hysteroneura setariae (Thomas), Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach), Myzus persicae (Sulzer), Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch), R. rufiabdominale (Sasaki), Tetraneura akinire Sasaki, Toxoptera aurantii (Boyer de Fonscolombe), and T. citricida (Kirkaldy). Collectively, the species were found on a diversity of island flora, 103 plant species (8 indigenous) in 34 plant families. The aphids’ abundance, economic importance and host plant range are discussed, and a key to their identification is provided.
Micronesica 33(1/2): 179-207, 2000.
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Pike et al 2000
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