R e p o r t s Institute for Natural Resource Sustainability

Winter 2010 No. 402 Interspecific Interactions between Invasive

INSIDE and Native Mosquitoes

Islands as Models for The Asian rock pool mos- Studies quito, Aedes japonicus, 2 whose native range includes Can Riparian Forests Japan, China, Korea, and Help Improve Stream Taiwan has recently spread Communities in Illinois to several new areas in the Agricultural Watersheds? world. In the continental 3 United States, this invasive species was discovered in Ecosystem-scale Evalu- 1998 in Connecticut, New ation of Sound Bubble York, and New Jersey. The Barrier Technologies to arrival of this species in the Prevent Range Expan- sions of Asian Carps U.S. was most likely attrib- 4 utable to the used tire trade. Aedes japonicus has now Aedes triseriatus—eastern treehole mosquito (larvae). Photo courtesy of Alex Wild, 2009 Species Spotlight: spread throughout the East Brown Recluse Spider 6 Coast, midwestern states, interspecific interactions, espe- tions in a mosquito’s phenotype and a few states in the western cially among the larval stages, may also contribute to parasite The Naturalist's U.S. The Illinois Natural His- should be common. Competi- transmission in other ways. The Apprentice: Illinois tory Survey Medical Entomol- Spiders tion within and between larval extrinsic incubation period is 7 ogy staff discovered the Asian mosquito species is common the time from initial acquisition rock pool mosquito in Urbana, and plays an important role in of a parasite until the vector Illinois, during the summer of determining individual mos- is capable of transmitting the 2006, representing the first state quito life history traits and parasite. The probability of record. Surveillance by our community structure. Several transmission of a parasite is local Champaign-Urbana En- studies have demonstrated that reduced as the adult life span cephalitis Prevention Program the success of invasive species (longevity) approaches the has documented continued is, in part, due to their supe- extrinsic incubation period. range expansion of Ae. japoni- rior competitive abilities over A laboratory experiment cus. The immature stages of native species. Also, larval was used to examine intraspe- this species inhabit natural and competition may have impor- cific (between individuals of the artificial containers, some of tant consequences for disease same species) and interspecific which are also occupied by the transmission. Previous stud- (among individuals of different native treehole mosquito Aedes ies have shown that competi- species) effects of larval density triseriatus, the primary vector tively stressed and smaller adult and resources on interactions Aedes triseriatus—east- of LaCrosse Encephalitis Virus. ern treehole mosquito mosquitoes have higher rates between these mosquito spe- The distribution of Ae. (adult). Photo courtesy of Alex of infection and dissemination cies. The goal of this study was Wild, 2009 japonicus and Ae. triseriatus of -borne viruses. overlap, which suggests that Competition-induced altera- Continued on back page

1 Islands as Models for Biodiversity Studies

Although the Hawaiian Islands are just of Kauai, Ohau, 1/10 the size of Illinois and only 5 million Molokai, Lanai, years old, they are home to more than 6,000 Maui, and the Big Is- endemic plants and . The extraor- land of Hawaii during dinary endemicity on the islands has arisen four collecting trips so rapidly and in such a small area that during 2006–2008. Hawaii is an ideal place to investigate some Sampling focused on fundamental biological questions. Why are as many unique sites there so many species on Hawaii? How as possible. Two and why did they diversify so rapidly? Figure 1. "Stepping stone" hypothesis. Oldest-to-youngest colo- dominant endemic The Hawaiian Islands are the most iso- nization mode for the Hawaiian Islands. A colonizing organism trees, Metrosideros lated major island chain in the world. Each establishes on the oldest island; its progeny move down the chain polymorpha and island has emerged as lava from a volcanic as new islands become available. Acacia koa, are hotspot that accumulated on the ocean floor. reliable hosts for the although recent collections suggest that The islands are arranged in linear order by bark lice, although there are 100–150 species of Ptycta in age: Kauai, at about 5 million years is at bark lice were found on more than a Hawaii. These small (3–9 mm in the western extreme and the Big Island of dozen endemic tree species. After four length) live on tree bark and eat the fungi, Hawaii at only 0.5 million years is at the months of collecting, more than 7,000 algae, and lichens that grow on the bark eastern extreme. At emergence, the islands new specimens of Ptycta were used in the (Fig. 2). Bark lice do not harm the tree, were barren rocks void of any life. They molecular and morphological study. This but they can be found in large numbers presented a rich variety of unoccupied habi- number more than doubled the existing on damaged trees that have abundant tats for organisms that were able to make specimens of this genus from Hawaii fungal growth. They are among the most the journey from elsewhere. The endemic across collections worldwide. abundant insects in the Hawaiian forest fauna of Hawaii is dominated by animals Using DNA sequences from two ecosystem. that are good dispersers, such as birds, in- nuclear and three mitochondrial genes, sects, and spiders. Aside from a single bat species, there are no mammals, reptiles, or amphibians native to Hawaii. The classic model of colonization of the islands (the stepping-stone model) predicts that organ- isms colonized the oldest island first, then moved down the chain as new islands arose (Fig. 1). Research by Emilie Bess and Kevin Johnson at the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) addresses fundamental questions on the origin and diversification of a group of understudied endemic Hawai- ian insects—bark lice (). These studies are using and phylogenies to understand how these insects speciated Figure 2. Bark lice from the genus Ptycta that live off of fungi, lichens, and algae in the Hawaiian Islands and how fast new on trees in Hawaii. species can evolve. The endemic Hawai- ian bark lice in the genus Ptycta are very phylogenetic trees were reconstructed, With funding from the National Sci- diverse and are an excellent model for and these show some unexpected pat- ence Foundation (NSF) and the Univer- these questions. Ptycta is a large genus of sity of Illinois Research Board, Ptycta about 170 species distributed worldwide, Continued on page 5 bark lice were collected from the islands with 51 species described from Hawaii,

2 Can Riparian Forests Help Improve Stream Communities in Illinois Agricultural Watersheds?

Many stream ecosystems in the mid- condition. Stream western United States have been greatly ecosystem metabolism degraded by agricultural land use, particu- reflects the balance larly in Illinois where agriculture covers between autotrophic more than 76% of the state’s total area. (primary production) and An estimated one-third of Illinois streams heterotrophic (respiration) have been altered by channelization for processes. Since primary drainage or irrigation of farmlands. Ripar- production and respiration ian areas comprise a significant portion respond to variables of the remaining forested vegetation in influenced by watershed Illinois, but are generally confined to the disturbance (e.g., light, lower reaches of the watersheds. Removal nutrients), they are ideal of riparian vegetation in agricultural areas measures of stream increases the severity and magnitude condition. Therefore, in of flooding and creates higher loads of addition to evaluating sediment and nutrients entering streams. community structure, These physical and chemical alterations we are measuring (L–R) Edward Bates, Eden Effert, and Lorraine Chow use back- have significant consequences for stream stream metabolism in pack electrofishing to collect stream fish. Photo by Hannah Grant ecosystems and may be linked to declines order to provide a more higher densities of macroinvertebrates and in species diversity, alterations of trophic comprehensive assessment of ecosystem fish. Though there were higher abundanc- structure, and loss of ecosystem integrity. condition. es in streams with low forest buffer, mac- Forested riparian buffers, typically Methods. We examined nine agricul- roinvertebrate and fish assemblages were 30–50 m wide alongside streams, are an tural streams with a gradient of riparian dominated by pollution-tolerant taxa such accepted management practice to mitigate forest (16%–92%) to determine the effect as chironomids (midge larvae) and green the impact of agriculture or other nonpoint of riparian and watershed land use on sunfish. Streams with the highest percent sources of pollution. Studies have shown macroinvertebrate and fish communities in forest buffer and lowest percent watershed that forested buffers can improve stream Illinois streams. All sites are second and agriculture had the highest biotic integrity, water quality by reducing soil erosion third order streams located in the Embar- greatest abundance of pollution-sensitive and filtering fertilizers and pesticides out ras River watershed in east-central Illinois. species, and the most complex trophic of runoff before it enters a stream. In Land use within the watershed is dominat- structure. Streams with high forest buffer addition, forested riparian zones provide ed by row-crop and small grain agriculture had more top predators, such as grass important inputs of organic matter and (73.5%). The study reaches were selected pickerel and largemouth bass, indicat- can moderate stream water temperature to have similar channel width, depth, 2 ing a more balanced, trophically diverse through shading. While previous studies and watershed area (range 27–39 km ) to ecosystem. have addressed the size and width minimize differences unrelated to land Next Step. We are currently per- of riparian buffers needed to reduce use. Sampling was conducted seasonally forming stable isotope analyses to pollutants, scientists at the Illinois Natural (spring, summer, fall) over three years examine trophic interactions and History Survey (INHS) are investigating to explore temporal patterns in macroin- energy flow within each stream. These how much riparian vegetation is sufficient vertebrate and fish assemblages related analyses will allow us to determine how to ameliorate the effects of agricultural to land use, in-stream habitat, and water land use changes affect in-stream food activities on stream biota. quality parameters. We compared species web interactions. Results of our study We are examining the influence of compositions and ecosystem metabolism will provide information on the influ- riparian forest and watershed agriculture among streams to identify patterns and ence of riparian forest on Illinois stream on headwater stream community structure influential factors related to riparian forest communities and have implications for and ecosystem metabolism. Most and agricultural land use. managing and restoring riparian areas in studies of stream condition focus only Preliminary Results. While there agricultural watersheds. on descriptive variables, such as water were significant seasonal and annual chemistry or biological community differences, relationships among streams structure. However, functional measures with different land use type were relative- Eden L. Effert and David H. Wahl, Illinois Natural such as metabolism are beginning to ly consistent. Streams with low percent History Survey be used in stream assessments to gain forest buffer had higher nitrate nitrogen a more complete picture of ecosystem levels, higher primary productivity, and

3 Ecosystem-scale Evaluation of Sound Bubble Barrier Technologies to Prevent Range Expansions of Asian Carps

Invasive Asian carps, collectively bighead (Hypophthalmichthys no- bilis) and silver carp (H. molitrix), have expanded their range upstream in the Illinois River and efforts have been increased to prevent them from entering Lake Michigan through the Chicago Shipping and Sanitary Canal (CSSC), which links the Illinois to Lake Michigan. Invading bighead and silver carps in the Illinois River have negatively influenced native fish populations by competing with them for habitat and food resources. Because Asian carps have been detected less than one river mile downstream of the CSSC Electric Barrier at Rome- oville, these invasive species pose an imminent threat to the Lake Anthony Erickson (left) and Blake Ruebush after installing a bubble barrier in Quiver Creek Michigan ecosystem. Asian carps near Havana, Illinois. Photo by Michelle Horath, INHS are very efficient planktivores. aquatic invasives entering Lake Michi- IRBS installed a sound-bubble strobe Therefore, resource managers are gan. In an attempt to slow the range ex- light barrier system in Quiver Creek (a concerned that Asian carps will pansion of Asian carps, Sound Projector tributary to the Illinois River) in order further contribute to the increased Array Bio-acoustic Fish Fence (i.e. to test its effectiveness in deterring negative ecological effects observed sound-bubble strobe light barriers) tech- Asian carps and to investigate as- in recent years due to numerous nologies have been tested to determine sociated effects on native fishes. The their effectiveness as potential deter- upstream portion of Quiver Creek rents. This type of system was chosen above the barrier is blocked by a because Asian carps are sensitive to lowhead dam, which prevents fishes high sound frequencies, in the range of from moving further upstream, mak- 750–1500 Hz. In a 2005 study, sound- ing this an ideal location for this type bubble barrier technologies were shown of study. With assistance from Fish to be 95% effective at deterring adult Guidance Systems, Ltd. and EIMCO bighead carp passage through hatchery Water Technologies, the sound-bubble raceways. Because this technology is strobe light barrier was fully functional effective at deterring Asian carps in a by August 26 and operated continually mesocosm setting, researchers at the until October 7. During this testing pe- Illinois River Biological Station (IRBS) riod, 1,240 fish were captured upstream at Havana are conducting an ecosys- of the barrier, measured, floy-tagged, tem-scale evaluation of sound-bubble and released downstream of the sound- barrier technologies to determine their bubble strobe light barrier. Fish were Blake Ruebush (left) measures and effectiveness at an appropriate scale for collected upstream of the barrier using tags a captured fish. Photo by Blake Bush- management and implementation. man, INHS In July 2009, field staff from the Continued on next page

4 Islands continued from page 2 terns. Rather than supporting the classic oldest-to-youngest island colonization pattern, Ptycta seems to have colonized the islands in the reverse order, from youngest- to-oldest. The Hawaiian Ptycta also cluster into two distinct groups in the phylogenies, suggesting either that the genus colonized the islands twice or that a very early diver- gence occurred among the Hawaiian species (Fig. 3). These initial results have exciting implications for the evolutionary history of Hawaiian bark lice. The youngest-to- oldest pattern of colonization suggests that the diversification of HawaiianPtycta was extraordinarily rapid, possibly the most rapid rate yet seen in any insects. Ongoing work is aimed at documenting the number of species on the Hawaiian Islands and describing the many new species that were collected. The phylogenies will be refined and used to understand in more detail how the remarkable diversity of these insects on the Hawaiian Islands came to be. Informa- tion on the biodiversity of these insects will be used to document areas of endemism for these insects, which will be important for conservation of existing habitat. Figure 3. Phylogenies of Hawaiian bark lice of the genus Ptycta.

Emilie Bess and Kevin Johnson, Illinois Natural History Survey

Bubble Barrier continued from previous page a backpack electrofisher, hoop nets, and study, none were recaptured upstream risk. If this system proves to be an ef- by angling. In addition, silver carp were of the sound-bubble-strobe light barrier fective method of deterring Asian carps captured from the mainstem Illinois River system. Species that did challenge after a second field season, it could be using a boat electrofisher and were trans- and pass the barrier included bluegill used in concert with the CSSC Elec- planted below the sound-bubble strobe (Lepomis macrochirus), common tric Barriers and in other areas where light barrier. In total, 34 fish species carp (Cyprinus carpio), green sunfish Asian carps pose a threat. This study were captured and tagged in the first field (Lepomis cyanellus), and largemouth was funded by the NOAA National Sea season of this study. bass (Micropterus salmoides). Bluegill Grant College Program. Preliminary results from the first field were the most commonly recaptured season suggest that the barrier technolo- species. This study will continue next Blake C. Ruebush and Greg G. Sass, Illinois gies are 97% effective at repelling up- spring and into the fall of 2010. Due Natural History Survey stream passage of the fish species tested. to high water levels and the possibility Barrier effectiveness was determined by of increased damage to the barrier dur- upstream recaptures. Of the 141 silver ing winter months, it will be removed carp that were captured and tagged in this from Quiver Creek to eliminate this

5 Species Spotlight “Just received word the Univer- corners. They may be brown, hunt, seeking insect prey, either Brown sity of Illinois is planning some gray, or deep yellow in color dead or alive. pest management monitoring and have long, thin legs that From May through July Recluse here at the Forbes Natural His- lack conspicuous spines. Their the female will deposit 40–50 tory Building for brown recluse cephalothoraxes (unlike insects, eggs in an off-white, silken sac. Spider spiders. They will be placing a spiders only have two body These sacs are 2/3 of an inch few monitoring stations here in parts—the cephalothorax and the in diameter. Spiderlings (which Susan Post the building this next couple of abdomen) have the eyes, fangs, resemble tiny versions of a fully business days (and may knock and legs attached. The dorsal grown adult) emerge from the on your door for access).” markings resemble violins with sac in about a month and will E-mail message from Cathy the neck of the violin pointing to molt up to eight times before Bialeschki (INHS), Friday the rear of the spider. This mark, becoming adults. It takes about November 13, 2009 while less obvious in young a year for the spiders to mature. Cathy’s e-mail message spiders, has led to the common These spiders have an annual piqued my curiosity, especially names of fiddleback spider, life cycle, but may live up to when a few days later a black brown fiddler, or violin spider. three years in captivity. A female The eye pattern of will produce up to five egg sacs recluse spiders is the during her lifetime. definitive diagnostic Most spiders have poi- feature, but most people son glands, which they use to will need a hand lens paralyze their prey (any creature to see it! They have six that happens to wander into their eyes arranged in pairs; web or near the spider). The most other spiders have brown recluse is one of only four eight eyes. Even with spiders in the United States whose this many eyes they venom poses a danger to humans. have limited vision and The black widow, hobo, and yel- rely mainly on touch. low sac spiders are the others. During the day As the name suggests, the brown recluse spiders brown recluse is not terribly usually seek refuge in aggressive. Bites, while rare, dim, secluded areas. usually occur when a person These refuges are lined inadvertently trespasses on a spi-

Photos by Michael Jeffords, INHS with dark, irregular der’s turf. Most bites happen in webbing. Outdoors response to body pressure, when rectangular spider trap was (their natural habitat) the webs a spider is inadvertently trapped placed under my desk. What do may be built under rocks, logs, against bare skin. These spiders these spiders look like? Would woodpiles, and debris. Rotting have small fangs and cannot bite they really be in my office? tree bark is a favorite habitat. through clothing. The spider’s Should I be concerned? Yet these spiders have adapted venom is cytotoxic, meaning it The brown recluse spider, to living indoors with us, hiding kills cell tissue. The initial bite is Loxosceles reclusa, is found in cracks and corners of our usually painless. Several hours throughout the south-central homes. Indoors they seem to later the bite site may become and midwestern United States. favor cardboard and are able to red and swollen. Most bites These spiders are rare outside persist many months without remain localized and will heal of their range and are widely food and water. Females seldom within three weeks. over reported. They may be venture far from their retreat, So far the spider trap under transported to a non-native area while males and juveniles tend my desk remains empty. But in boxes or furnishings, but to wander, ending up in shoes, there is no need for me to worry. infestations seldom become clothing, or bedding where they These tiny arachnids are more established. may become trapped against inclined to avoid me, as much as Only one-half inch or less someone’s skin. I am them. Whether we encoun- in length, this spider is easily Unlike most web weavers, ter each other or not, we seem to overlooked, especially in dark they leave their webs at night to have achieved a very natural and peaceful coexistence. Handy references A Guide to the Common Spiders of Illinois. Bennet Moulder. 1992. Illinois State Museum Popular Science Series, Vol. X. A Golden Guide to Spiders and Their Kin. Herbert W. Levi and Lorna R. Levi. 1968. Golden Press.

6 The Naturalist's More than 500 species of spiders live in Illinois. While all spiders have venom, most spiders are harmless to Apprentice humans because their fangs are too small to puncture the skin. Most alleged cases of spider bites are likely insect bites or other small injuries that have become infected by bacteria. Spiders are generally not aggressive towards humans and are actually beneficial predators. They are fascinating creatures to observe, especially once you learn to recognize the different types. Learn to recognize the two dangerous types and then enjoy Illinois the rest. Spiders

Here are some of the more commonly encountered groups of Carolyn Nixon spiders. When you find a spider, try to determine which group it belongs to.

Web building spiders (spider webs are often easiest to view in early morning, when they are covered with dew). • Orb weavers—these spiders spin very intricately designed webs attached to plants and structures. The webs are usually Orb web made by black and yellow argi- vertical, with strands of silk radiating out from the center and ope spider (left). Photos by Phil Nixon, UIUC sticky cross-strands circling the center.

• Sheet web—these spiders spin small, sheetlike platform webs in plants, such as grass and branches of trees and shrubs. They often go unnoticed until they are covered with dew. Sheet web with spider (left). Photos by Phil • Funnel web—these spiders spin sheetlike webs with a funnel- Nixon, UIUC like tunnel at one end.

• Cobweb spider—these spiders spin a loose tangle of silk, often most noticeable inside structures such as houses. Funnel web with spider (above). Photos by Phil Nixon, UIUC Spiders without webs • Wolf spider—these often large, somewhat hairy spiders roam the ground and low foliage as they hunt for prey. Cobweb spider Some species are quite large. They can be easily seen at (above). Photo by Phil Nixon, night with a head-lamp. (See "The Naturalist’s Appren- UIUC tice, Shining for Spiders," INHS Reports, Autumn, 2007 at http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/resources/inhsreports/ Wolf spider (left). • Crab spider—these crab-shaped spiders sit and wait to Photo by Phil Nixon, UIUC ambush prey. They are often camouflaged, matching the color of a flower or leaf. They are often only noticed once the observer sees the prey insect dangling from its fangs. Crab spider. Photo by Michael Jeffords, INHS • Jumping spider—these stocky, short legged, quick moving, hairy spiders are rec- ognizable by their jerky movements. They hunt down their prey and jump onto Jumping spider. Photo by it. They often have interesting markings and have large, forward-looking eyes. Phil Nixon, UIUC

• Fishing spider—these spiders closely resemble wolf spiders, but are found near, and often on water surfaces. They can dive underwater where they catch small fish or tadpoles.

Venomous spiders Fishing spider. Photo by Michael Jef- • Brown recluses—(Loxosceles reclusa) make loose, messy webs, but are often seen away fords, INHS from the web. These are brown spiders with long, thin legs. There are no spots or stripes on the abdomen or legs. Their legs have no spines and are never dark brown. They have Brown recluse a light-colored cephalothorax (the head area) with a distinct, dark brown violin-shaped spider. Photo by Michael Jeffords, marking. They are neither hairy nor shiny. INHS

• Black widow—is an orb weaver that is glossy black with a red, hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of the abdomen. Many similar looking spiders have red markings on the top of their abdomens. These are NOT black widows. Two species of black widow occur in Illinois (Latrodectus mactans—southern black widow, and L. various—northern black widow). The northern black widow is seldom found around human Black widow spider. habitation, but the southern black widow was once common in outhouses, where people were often bitten. Photo by Phil Nixon, UIUC

“The Naturalist’s Apprentice” presents educational activities for middle school students. Teachers are invited to photocopy this 7page for classroom use. Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820 USA

Mosquitoes reduced when in the presence species, low larval resources continued from front page of Ae. triseriatus relative to were associated with reduced Ae. japonicus, an indication adult female longevity. Simi- Illinois Natural His- tory Survey Reports of improved performance. larly, competitively stressed and is published quarterly to determine whether: 1) the Although development times smaller mosquitoes had reduced by the Illinois Natural invasive mosquito Ae. japonicus suggest competitive asymme- longevity relative to larger and History Survey, 1816 South Oak Street, is the superior larval competitor try between these two species, less stressed individuals. Simi- Champaign, IL 61820. over native Ae. triseriatus; 2) other important life history and lar observations for both species Headquartered on competitive stress at the larval the campus of the population level responses sug- suggest a generalizable effect of University of Illinois stage and body size alter adult gest that these species may be resource and competitive stress, at Urbana-Champaign, longevity. Competitive treat- acting as ecological equivalents which may be applicable to the Survey is a divi- sion of the University ments showed similar effects of as larval competitors and nei- other mosquito species. These of Illinois Institute intraspecific and interspecific ther species has a competitive observations strongly sug- of Natural Resource competition on survivorship superiority over the other spe- gest that larval conditions may Sustainability. to adulthood and a composite cies. Additional studies will be continue to adulthood and alter INHS Reports is edited index of population performance by Charlie Warwick necessary to determine whether parameters (life span) that de- and printed on recycled which estimates the realized results from the current labora- termine transmission of vector- and recyclable paper. per capita rate of population tory research translate similarly borne diseases. This research Design by Otto-Walker Communications. change. Similar results were under field conditions. was supported by the Illinois observed for development times The second objective was to Waste Tire and Emergency to adulthood for Ae. triseriatus. determine whether competitive Public Health Funds. However, Ae. japonicus devel- stress at the larval stage and opment times for both males adult body size alter mosquito Barry Alto, Illinois Natural History and females were significantly longevity. For both mosquito Survey The University of Illinois will not engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. This nondiscrimination policy applies to admissions, employment, access to and treatment in University programs and activities. Univer- sity complaint and grievance procedures provide employees and students with the means for the resolution of complaints that allege a violation of this Statement. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the Director and Assistant Chancellor, Office of Equal Opportunity and Access, 601 East John Street, Swanlund Administration Building, (217) 333-0885, fax (217) 244- 9136, TTY (217) 244-9850 or the Associate Provost and Director, Academic Human Resources, Henry Administration Building, (217) 333-6747, fax (217) 244-5584. For other University 8 of Illinois information, contact University Directory Assistance at 333-1000.

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