A survey of helminth infection in Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) in relation to their foraging behaviour in a Mediterranean environment in southwest Portugal

This study provides the first data on the helminth fauna of the Eurasian badger in the southwestern edge of its range (Grândola Mountain, Portugal) and interprets the results in relation to badger diet and feeding behaviour. By examination of 163 badger faecal samples, faecal developmental stages (eliminative forms) of four helminth species and one genus were identified: one cestode (Atriotaenia incisa) and four nematodes (Mastophorus muris, Molineus patens, Uncinaria criniformis and Strongyloides sp.). The overall prevalence of parasites was 62%, with limited seasonal variation. Single parasite excretions were dominant and Strongyloides sp. excretion was the most common. Diet assessment based on 450 faecal samples revealed that badgers consumed mainly insects and fruits. No correlation was detected between helminth prevalence and diet. Apparently, diet (mainly insects) and feeding behaviour (fossorial), together with the species’ social behaviour (anal scent marking of group members), facilitate the infection with helminths. The helminth fauna of Eurasian badgers in Grândola Mountain has isolationist characteristics, apparently indicating low host colonisation.     

Necropsy and parasitic findings from an adult forest buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus) found dead in the Republic of Congo

A field necropsy was performed on a recently dead adult forest buffalo, Syncerus caffer nanus, found in the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, Republic of Congo. Based on the gross and histological lesions, the cause of death was determined to be conspecific fighting. Ectoparasites collected from this forest buffalo were Amblyomma sp. (larvae) and Rhipicephalus ziemanni Neumann. Endoparasites collected included a paramphistomid trematode, Carmyerius gregarius, and oocysts of Eimeria spp., paramphistomid eggs (presumably from C. gregarius), metastrongylid lungworm larvae, and strongylid eggs. Parasitic findings from this forest buffalo were compared to previous reports from savanna and forest buffalo.     

Natural enemies for the cabbage webworm,Hellula undalis (Fabr.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Malaysia

Four species of larval parasitoids were reared from larvae of the cabbage webworm (CWW),Hellula undalis (Fabr.) (Pyralidae: Glaphyriinae) collected from various cruciferous plants and a capparidaceous weed,Cleome rutidosperma (DC). On cabbage, only two species were recorded,viz, Bassus sp. (Braconidae) andTrathala flavoorbitalis (Cam.) (Ichneumonidae). The other parasitoids were braconids,Chelonus sp. andPhanerotoma sp. Egg or pupal parasitoids were not recorded. The parasitoids were not an important mortality factor of CWW on cabbage because they were usually present at the end of the crop season and their numbers were generally low. On the other hand, predator-exclusion experiments indicated that predators were important in determining the density of CWW on cabbage and the within-generation survival in the field. The major predator was the fire-ant,Solenopsis geminata (F.), which foraged on the prepupae and pupae.     

A multivariate morphological analysis of the Cardamine concatenata alliance (Brassicaceae)

Principal coordinate analysis using Gower’s similarity coefficient and canonical discriminant analysis were performed using morphological data to assess species distinctness in theCardamine concatenata alliance, comprising the eastern North American dentarias. The results of an overall principal coordinate analysis of the alliance using quantitative and qualitative characters revealed distinct and separate clusters that correspond to five previously recognized species (C. angustata, C. concatenata, C. diphylla, C. dissecta, C. maxima). One additional taxon,C. incisa, was found to group closely with theC. diphylla cluster. In a second principal coordinate analysis including only individuals fromC. diphylla andC. incisa, both are supported as distinct morphological entities. Canonical discriminant analysis of only above-ground quantitative characters was less effective in distinguishing previously recognized taxa, in keeping with the emphasis on qualitative characters in previous taxonomic treatments of the group.Cardamine incisa (Eames) Schumann (pro hybr.) is raised to the rank of species. A key to the species of theCardamine concatenata alliance is provided.     

Pathogenicity of fungi isolated from the larvae of the mangrove crab,Scylla serrata, in Indonesia

Heavy mortality reaching almost 100% occurred in the larvae of the mangrove crab,Scylla serrata, from July to December 1997 at the hatchery of Gondol Research Station for Coastal Fisheries in Bali, Indonesia. Mortality was observed in larvae after hatching from the eggs. The affected larvae were whitish and filled with numerous aseptate hyphae. Three fungi belonging to the order Lagenidiales,Lagenidium callinectes, Haliphthoros milfordensis, andHalocrusticida sp., were isolated from the infected larvae. Pathogenicity tests of the infected fungi against the larvae of mangrove crab demonstrated that all isolates were pathogenic.     

The association between the phytoplankton, Rhopalosolen species (Chlorophyta; Chlorophyceae), and Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (Diptera: Culicidae) larval abundance in western Kenya

Algae are important food resources of the larvae of the African malaria vectors, Anopheles gambiae Giles and Anopheles arabiensis Patton (Anopheles gambiae sensu lato), and other zooplankton, but empirical evidence remains meager about the agal flora in ephemeral water bodies. The animals present in natural aquatic habitats in western Kenya were sampled from July to November 2002 to study abiotic and biotic environmental factors determining A. gambiae sl larval abundance. The five highest concentrations of third and fourth instars and pupae (hereafter referred to as old-stage larvae) were sampled in conjunction with the unicellular epizoic green algae, Rhopalosolen species (Chlorophyta; Chlorophyceae). Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that the presence of Rhopalosolen species was the most important determinant of the animal assemblage. The density of old-stage A. gambiae sl larvae was positively correlated with the presence of Rhopalosolen species, but the density of first and second instars of A. gambiae sl was not. The water bodies with Rhopalosolen sp. yielded larger mosquitoes in spite of the higher density of larvae. We demonstrated that the productivity of water bodies in terms of the larvae of malaria vectors can differ in magnitude depending on the agal flora. We discuss phytoplankton as a regulator of mosquito larval populations.     

Dynamics of the fungal symbionts in the gallery system and the mycangia of the ambrosia beetle,Xylosandrus mutilatus (Blandford) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in relation to its life history

The dynamics of the fungal symbionts in the gallery system and the mycangia of the ambrosia beetle,Xylosandrus mutilatus, were studied in relation to its life history using both isolation experiments and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the galleries,Ambrosiella sp. was predominant during the larval stages but its relative dominance gradually decreased during the development of the larvae. In contrast, yeasts (mainlyCandida sp.) andPaecilomyces sp. dominated continuously in the galleries after eclosion.Ambrosiella sp. was consistently stored in the mycangia in all adult stages, except in the teneral and overwintering adults when the other fungi were dominant. No fungal spores occurred in the mycangia of the adult beetles reared under aseptic conditions from the pupal stage, while onlyAmbrosiella sp. was stored in those reared from the teneral-adult stage. These results suggest that: (i) Xmutilatus is associated with at least three fungal species, among whichAmbrosiella sp. is the most essential food resource for development of the broods; (ii) immediately after eclosion, new female adults may take at least four associated fungal species, with no or incomplete selection, into their mycangia from the walls of the cradles; and (iii) conditions may well be produced in the mycangia of both matured and dispersing beetles whereby only the spores ofAmbrosiella sp. can proliferate.     

Microflora and internal parasites of the digestive tract of Eurasian griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) in Croatia

Faecal and vomit samples were collected from 12 griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) in May 2002 and examined for bacteria, fungi and parasites. Bacteria present included Escherichia coli, Aeromonas salmonicidia, Proteus sp., Escherichia fergusonii, Providencia alcalifaciens, Micrococcus sp. and Streptococcus sp. Mycological examination revealed the presence of Candida sp., yeasts and in one case, Rhodotorula rubra. Strongyle eggs were found in several samples. In most faecal samples, ascarid eggs of Toxocara type were found. Tapeworm eggs of Moniezia type were present in one faecal sample. Both microbiologic and parasitic findings are most likely the result of the feeding habits of griffon vultures.     

Life cycle and morphology ofMelampsora yezoensis onSalix serissaefolia

Uredinial and telial states of aMelampsora species occurring on the leaves ofSalix serissaefolia were for the first time recorded. Field observations and inoculation experiments showed that the spermogonial and aecial states of the fungus were formed onChelidonium majus var.asiaticum andCorydalis incisa. The fungus was identified asMelampsora yezoensis based on the morphological observation of all the spore states. Urediniospores were able to infectS. erocarpa andS. pierotii as well asS. serissaefolia andS. jessoensis. Salix serissaefolia, S. eriocarpa, andS. pierotii are new uredinial and telial hosts ofM. yezoensis, andC. majus var.asiaticum andC. incisa are new spermogonial and aecial hosts of the fungus. Contribution No. 124, Laboratories of Plant Pathology and Mycology, Institute of Agriculture and Forestry University of Tsukuba.     

Geographical variation in encapsulation ability ofDrosophila melanogaster larvae and evidence for parasitoid-specific components

Summary The ability ofDrosophila melanogaster larvae in Europe to encapsulate the eggs of their most important parasitoids,Asobara tabida andLeptopilina boulardi, shows a large amount of geographical variation. Interestingly, encapsulation ability againstA. tabida is not correlated with encapsulation ability againstL. boulardi. This indicates that the encapsulation system ofD. melanogaster larvae has parasitoid-specific components. The variation in encapsulation ability can only partly be explained by the incidence of parasitism on the larvae. This means that factors other than the two parasitoid species must be selection pressures on the encapsulation ability ofD. melanogaster larvae.     

A Quick Method for Species Identification of Japanese Eel (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Anguilla japonica</Emphasis>) Using Real-Time PCR: An Onboard Application for Use During Sampling Surveys

To compensate for the limited number of morphological characteristics of fish eggs and larvae, we established a convenient and robust method of species identification for eggs of the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that can be performed onboard research ships at sea. A total of about 1.2 kbp of the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences from all species of Anguilla and 3 other anguilliform species were compared to design specific primer pairs and a probe for A. japonica. This real-time PCR amplification was conducted for a total of 44 specimens including A. japonica, A. marmorata, A. bicolor pacifica, and 6 other anguilliform species. Immediate PCR amplification was only observed in A. japonica. We then tested this method under onboard conditions and obtained the same result as had been produced in the laboratory. These results suggest that real-time PCR can be a powerful tool for detecting Japanese eel eggs and newly hatched larvae immediately after onboard sampling during research cruises and will allow targeted sampling efforts to occur rapidly in response to any positive onboard identification of the eggs and larvae of this species.     

Clavispora opuntiae and other yeasts associated with the mothSigelgaita sp. in the cactusPilosocereus arrabidae of Rio de Janeiro,Brazil

Summary Clavispora opuntiae was the prevalent yeast associated with the feeding sites ofSigelgaita sp. larvae in the cactusPilosocereus arrabidae. Also associated with this habitat wereCandida sonorensis, Pichia cactophila, Pichia barkeri, Candida sp. A,Geotrichum sp.,Geotrichum sericeum and the yeast like organismsPrototheca zopfii andAcremonium sp. Atypical yeast biotypes that may represent new species ofPichia, Sporopachydermia andCandida were isolated. Mating types ofClavispora opuntiae were at a ratio 70 h⁺ to 3 h^- and reduced levels of sporulation suggested low pressure for sexual reproduction in this habitat.Sigelgaita sp. probably was not an important vector forClavispora opuntiae because it was not isolated from an adult or eggs of this moth.     

Morphology and development of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pteromalus cerealellae</Emphasis> (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Callosobruchus maculatus</Emphasis> (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Pteromalus cerealellae (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is an ectoparasitoid of several stored-product insect pests. Very little information has been published on its biology and development in host larvae, which typically are concealed within seeds. We documented the development of P. cerealellae within fourth instar larvae of its concealed host, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) infesting cowpea seeds. The preimaginal life stages of the parasitoid were characterized for the first time using morphological structures revealed by microscopic techniques including scanning electron microscopy. Pteromalus cerealellae produces hymenopteriform eggs and larvae. Eggs hatch into 13-segmented first instar larvae with peripneustic condition of spiracles. The larvae have simple, tusk-like mandibles, whereas the mandibles of the pupae and the adults are of the conventional toothed types. Using statistical analyses of the sizes of the larval mandibles and head capsules in conjunction with reliable characters such as the number of exuviae on the body of parasitoid larvae, cuticular folding, and excretion of the meconium, we recorded four larval instars for P. cerealellae. The data showed significant positive correlations between larval mandible lengths and widths of larval head capsules, as well as between mandible lengths and larval instars, suggesting that mandible length is a good predictor of the number of instars in P. cerealellae. Developmental time from egg to adult emergence was ∼12 d for females and ∼11 days for males at 30 ± 1°C, 70 ± 5% r.h. and 12L:12D photoperiod.     

Suitability of exotic and native lady beetle eggs (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) for development of lady beetle larvae

Predation upon lady beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) eggs in the field is most often instances of egg cannibalism by larvae or adults while the majority of the remaining predation events upon coccinellid eggs is done by other species of Coccinellidae. Thus the recent introduction and establishment of Harmonia axyridis in the US could negatively affect native species of Coccinellidae via egg predation. However, little is known regarding the suitability of interspecific coccinellid eggs as a food source for larval development. In this study, it was found that native first or third instar Coleomegilla maculata and Olla v-nigrum larvae were incapable of surviving to the adult stage when provided solely exotic H. axyridis eggs. In stark contrast, H. axyridis larvae survived equally well when cannibalizing eggs or eating eggs of either native species. When C. maculata and O. v-nigrum were grouped as ‘native’ and compared with the exotic H. axyridis, more native eggs were attacked than exotic eggs and a higher percentage of eggs was attacked by H. axyridis larvae. Native and exotic larvae attacked a similar percentage of native eggs but native larvae attacked significantly fewer exotic eggs than did exotic larvae. These data suggest that H. axyridis may prey upon the eggs of these native species, when encountered in the field, compared with the likelihood of the native species preying upon H. axyridis eggs. Therefore, eggs of the native species C. maculata and O. v-nigrum will continue to be subjected to cannibalism and also to possible predation by other native species and the exotic H. axyridis.     

Interactions ofMonoporeia affinis (Lindström) (Amphipoda) with sedentary Chironomidae

Interannual population oscillations ofMonoporeia affinis and sedentary chironomids are negatively correlated in Lake Mälaren. Sedentary chironomid abundance regressed againstM. affinis density was highly significant at a lag response of one year (adj. R²=0.54, P=0.0001). The inverse correlation between Tanytarsini (Micropsectra sp. andTanytarsus sp.) andM. affinis densities supports a recruitment limitation hypothesis,viz. that the growth or survival of early instar chironomids is low at high amphipod densities. Microcosm studies showed density-dependent effects on the growth and survival of second instarCh. riparius larvae across an amphipod density gradient. No significant effects were found on growth or survival of third instars. These findings support the chironomid recruitment limitation hypothesis. Amphipod predation on early instar chironomid larvae is suggested as a population controlling mechanism.     

An evaluation of some natural enemies of >Nezara viridula in northern California

Natural enemies associated with eggs of >Nezara viridula (L.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) wereevaluated by placing sentinel egg masses inweeds and cultivated tomato and bean crops innorthern California. Egg predation wasgenerally less than 10% and normally involvedpredators with chewing mouth parts. Predatorsseldom destroyed an entire egg mass, typicallyeating <40 eggs per exploited mass.Laboratory evaluation of >25 species ofpotential arthropod predators revealed that fewfed on >N. viridula eggs to any extent;however, numerous species fed on >N.viridula nymphs. Five species of eggparasites were recovered from sentinel eggmasses: >Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston),>Gryon obesum Masner and >Telenomuspodisi Ashmead (Scelionidae); and>Ooencyrtus californicus Girault and >O.johnsoni (Howard) (Encyrtidae). The major eggparasite was >T. basalis, the only exoticmember of the parasite guild; it typicallyparasitized 100% of the eggs in an exploitedegg mass. The results indicate thatparasitization of eggs and predation of smallnymphs can be important biotic mortalityfactors for >N. viridula populations innorthern California. It is suggested that acombination of factors – viz., eggparasitization, nymphal predation, regionalshortage of overwintering sites, and localshortages of suitable hosts – maintains thisexotic pest at relatively low levels in theregion.     

Early morphological development ofOmobranchus fasciolatoceps andO. Punctatus (Blenniidae: Omobranchini) reared in an aquarium

Larval and juvenile development of two blenniids,Omobranchus fasciolatocepts andO. punctatus, is described using eggs collected from natural waters in Tokyo Bay and incubated in an aquarium. These larvae and juveniles are compared with those of two otherOmobranchus species,O. elegans andO. loxozonus, distributed widely in Japan.Onobranchus punctatus is characterized by a unique, pointed snout in preflexion larvae, no melanophores proximally on the lower part of the pectoral fins in flexion and postflexion larvae, and pterygiophores projecting externally as blades between the dorsal and anal fin-rays in postflexion larvae and juveniles.Omobranchus fasciolatoceps has the following characteristics: a few melanophores on the fore-and mid-brain, but none on the hind-brain in preflexion larvae; no melanophores on the cleithral symphysis in flexion and postflexion larvae; no external pterygiophore blades in postflexion larvae and juveniles; and a unique dorsal skin flap on the head in juveniles. Ontogenetic developement of dorsal and anal pterygiophores is described forO. fasciolatoceps andO. punctatus. InO. punctatus, the postero-distal part of each proximal radial projects remarkably to form the external blades between the soft fin-rays, whereas the external blades between the fin spines are formed by fusion of a dermal bone developed from the antero-distal part of each proximal radial with the adjacent distal radial.     

Description of the larva of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Curteria</Emphasis> Southcott, 1961 (Acari,Parasitengona, Erythraeidae) with notes on biology and life cycle

The larvae of Curteria episcopalis (C.L. Koch, 1837) and Curteria southcotti Gabryś, 1992, are described based on specimens reared in the laboratory. Pedroerythraeus Haitlinger, 2004 is considered a junior synonym of Curteria. Data on habitat specificity and phenology of the species as well as on development of eggs into larvae are given.     

The influence of plant species on attraction and host acceptance inCotesia glomerata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Females of the larval parasitoidCotesia glomerata (L.) use plant-associated cues to locate their lepidopteran host,Pieris rapae L. In this study we investigated the influence of four host plant species,Brassica oleracea var.acephala (‘Vates’ kale),Tropaeolum majus (nasturtium),Lunaria annua (honesty), andCleome spinosa (spider flower), on two components of the host selection process inC. glomerata, namely, attraction and host acceptance. Choice tests in a flight tunnel showed that parasitoids were attracted to some host plant species more than to others in the absence of host larvae.B. oleracea was the most attractive plant species, followed byL. annua, T. majus, andC. spinosa. In previous studies it was shown thatB. oleracea carries highly suitable hosts forC. glomerata and that, in the field, parasitization rates on this plant were the highest. When host larvae were reared on the four host plant species and then transferred to a common substrate (B. oleracea var.capitata, cabbage), plant species that had served as diet for the hosts did not have a significant effect on acceptance for parasitization. Thus, parasitoids were attracted to host plant species differentially, but they did not discriminate among host larvae based on the dietary history of their hosts. ForC. glomerata, it appears that phytochemistry mediates host selection more by influencing parasitoid attraction than it does by affecting host acceptance.     

Predation of cotton leafworm first instar larvae,Alabama argillacea [Lep.: Noctuidae]

Natural predation first instar larvae of the cotton leafworm (CLW)A. argillacea was studied in cotton fields in Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, during 1986. The presence of naturally occurring arthropod predators showed a first instar larvae predation rate of 78.6 and 88.9% after 24 h and 48 h of exposure, respectively. A predator prey ratio of 1∶1 (1 CLW key predator per 1 prey/plant) maintained a level of no more than 1 CLW small larvae per plant. The most evident arthropod predators in the studied fields were: beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), antsPheidole sp. andConomyrma sp.;Dermaptera Doru lineare (Eschs);Hemiptera Geocoris sp., andOrius insidiosus Say; and the spidersTheridion volubile, Chrysso pulcherrima, Misumenops sp.,Chiracanthium sp., andOxyopes salticus Hentz.