Can differential predation of native and alien corixids explain the success of Trichocorixa verticalis verticalis (Hemiptera,Corixidae) in the Iberian Peninsula?

Statolith trace elemental concentrations can be used as natural tracers to better understand life history and stock structure of squid. A highly variable Humboldt squid population was targeted to determine if ontogenic patterns could be revealed and to compare variations among squid collected from three geographic areas. Statoliths from Humboldt squid collected off Westport, WA; Oceanside, CA; and the Galapagos Islands were sampled for ten trace elements using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Similar patterns were found for some elements despite geographic collection site distances indicating a potential to explain ontogenic shifts experienced by this species. Other elements displayed high variation in spatial pattern, which suggests the potential to distinguish among the squid collected from the three geographic regions and better understand stock structure. Within the California and Washington squid, eight of the elements varied in relation to calcium across the statolith with only yttrium and zirconium remaining statistically invariant. In addition to these two elements, copper and zinc also did not vary significantly across the statoliths collected from Galapagos squid. All elements demonstrate potential to influence a multivariate elemental fingerprint, which may provide a useful measure of population discrimination needed for stock assessment.     

Über den Bau der Muskelfasern des Musculus verticalis der Katzenzunge mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der Endkolben

Zusammenfassung Die Endkolben des M. verticalis der Katzenzunge befinden sich in unmittelbarer Nachbarschaft dünnwandiger Venen, weitlumiger Lymphgefäße und Fettzellen. Das Sarkoplasma zeigt netzartige Struktur, in die Komplexe von Bläschen eingelagert sind. Der Glykogengehalt der Endkolben ist unbedeutend, während Fett-Tröpfchen in feinster Verteilung nachgewiesen werden können. Die Kerne der Sarkoplasmablasen sind von auffallend unterschiedlicher Dichte und Größe. Markreiche und markarme Nervenfasern treten an die Endkolben heran und stehen mit ihnen in Verbindung. Die Frage der funktionellen Bedeutung dieser Strukturen wird diskutiert.

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Summary The end-bulbs of the M. verticalis of the cat's tongue are located in the immediate vicinity of thinly walled veins, wide lymphatic vessels, and fat cells. The sarcoplasm shows a net-like structure into which complexes of vesicles are embedded. The glykogen content of the endbulbs is low, whereas small drops of finely dispersed fat can be demonstrated. The nuclei of the balloons of sarcoplasm are remarkably different in density and size. Myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibres approach the end-bulbs and are in close contact with them. The question of the functional significance of these structures is discussed.

     

Monitoring the invasion of the aquatic bug <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichocorixa verticalis verticalis</Emphasis> (Hemiptera: Corixidae) in the wetlands of Doñana National Park (SW Spain)

We have detected the presence of the North American native corixid Trichocorixa verticalis verticalis (Fieber, 1851) in Doñana wetlands (SW Spain). We have collected data from different research projects done in the area during the period of 2001–2007. We have sampled 134 different sites in Doñana and we found the exotic corixid in 66 occasions. We have found two reproductive populations that might act as sources for the colonization of other waterbodies in the area. When reproduction occurred T. v. verticalis outcompeted native corixids. Its presence out of the waterbodies where we detected reproduction was in small numbers and probably due to vagrant individuals.