Redescription of Skrjabinodon medinae (García-Calvente, 1948) (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) from the cloaca of Podarcis pityusensis (Bosca, 1883) (Sauria: Lacertidae) of the Balearic Islands (Spain)

Pharyngodon medinae García-Calvente, 1948 (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) is redescribed from Podarcis pityusensis (Bosca, 1883) (Sauria: Lacertidae) of the Balearic Islands (Spain) and confirmed as a member of the genus Skrjabinodon Inglis, 1968. A systematic review of S. medinae and closely related species is also given. Parathelandros canariensis is referred to Skrjabinodon as a new combination and Parathelandros Magzoub et al., 1980 is dismissed as a junior homonym of Parathelandros Baylis, 1930.     

Fine structure of the midgut of Sinopanorpa tincta (Navás) (Mecoptera: Panorpidae)

Fine structure of the midgut and degeneration of the midgut epithelium of the scorpionfly Sinopanorpa tincta (Navás) adults were investigated using light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the tubular midgut lacks gastric caeca and is composed of an outer longitudinal and an inner circular muscle layer, a basal lamina, an epithelium and a lumen from the outside to inside. A peritrophic membrane was not found in the lumen. A mass of nodules was observed on the surface of the basal lamina. Three types of cells were recognized in the epithelium: digestive, secretory, and regenerative cells. The digestive cells contain irregular-shaped infoldings in the basal membrane and two types of microvilli in the apical membrane. The secretory cells are characterized by irregular shape and large quantities of secretory granules in the basal cytoplasm. The regenerative cells are triangular in shape and distributed only in the nodules. The epithelial cells are degenerated through programmed cell-death mechanisms (apoptosis and necrosis). The type, function, and degeneration of the epithelial cells of the midgut are briefly discussed.     

Evaluation of the role ofMicrovelia douglasi atrolineata (Bergroth) (Heteroptera: Veliidae) as predator of the brown planthopperNilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Homoptera: Delphacidae)

The biology of the veliid bug M. d. atrolineata, its predatory behavior, and the effects of plural hunting were studied to evaluate its role as a predator of the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens in the Philippines. The probability of planthoppers falling onto the water surface and provision of habitat continuity was measured by a sticky trap placed at the base of rice hills in a greenhouse and in paddy fields. The developmental period of immature stages combined was 21 days. If given prey, females laid 25 eggs on the average during an adult life span of 18 days. Starved adults could survive for only 3–5 days. The functional response to prey density was sigmoid, and the maximum number of prey killed was 7 per day. Prey feeding was completed in 12–36 min. The percentage of successful prey attacks averaged 5–8%, decreasing with higher (and larger) developmental. stages of prey, but adult prey were found the soonest. Plural hunting increased the probability of capturing prey by as much as 2.5 times that by individual hunting. Late-instar nymphs, which may be more active, fell from rice hills in a greenhouse more than early-instar nymphs, and the number falling increased with density. In the field the percentage of planthoppers falling to the water in 1 day varied considerably, from 1% for nymphs in one field to 67% for adults in another field. On the basis of work described above and given the high density of veliid predators in flooded paddy fields of tropical Asia, M. d. atrolineata is considered one of the most important natural enemies of the brown planthopper.     

Enhancement of attraction to sex pheromone of Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) by structurally unrelated sex pheromone compounds of Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Grapholita molesta (Busck) (the oriental fruit moth; OFM) and Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenée) are both fruit and stem borers with overlapping habitats, occurrences, and outbreak cycles. These two species are in different families and they have completely different sex pheromone components. Here, the effects of the sex pheromone components of C. punctiferalis, (E)-10-hexadecenal (E10-16:Ald) and (Z)-10-hexadecenal (Z10-16:Ald) and their mixture, were evaluated on the sexual communication of OFM by examining electrophysiological (EAG) and behavioral responses. We found that a considerably large amount of E10-16:Ald or Z10-16:Ald and a tiny amount of OFM pheromone elicited comparable EAG responses in OFM males, indicating the low antennal olfactory sensitivity of OFM males to the heterospecific pheromone compounds. In two different peach orchard parcels, captures of OFM by their pheromone lures baited in delta traps were increased by at least 1.5 times when OFM pheromone lures were combined with lures that contained 1000 μg of either E10-16:Ald, Z10-16:Ald or their mixture. In two other pear orchard parcels, both E10-16:Ald and Z10-16:Ald increased captures of OFM in Unitraps in a dose-dependent manner with more than a four-fold increase. Therefore, the enhanced attractiveness of OFM lures by the two interspecific pheromones suggests their potential application to improve mass trapping, population monitoring and mating disruption of OFM.     

Flight potential of Lygus lucorum (Meyer-Dür) (Heteroptera: Miridae)

Lygus lucorum (Meyer-Dür) is a key pest of Bt cotton in China. This study reports on its flight potential examined by a flight-mill system. We found that 10-d-old mated females engaged in flight over the greatest distance (40.1 +/- 5.2 km) and duration (7.7 +/- 1.0 h) in 24-h flight assays in relation to age, sex, and mating status. Optimum temperature for flight was 20 degrees C, and optimum relative humidity was 75% RH. Flight potential of 10-d-old mated females under the optimum conditions (20 degrees C and 75% RH) was tested continuously for 48 h. Results showed that the flight distance amounted to 67.3 +/- 9.7 km, with a maximum distance of 151.3 km. This study shows that L. lucorum has the potential to undertake long-distance flight. The information will help in the development of the forecast and management of L. lucorum.     

Biotransformation of (-)-(R)-α-Phellandrene: Antimicrobial Activity of Its Major Metabolite

Terpene derivatives converted by microbial biotransformation constitute an important resource for natural pharmaceutical, fragrance, and aroma substances. In the present study, the monoterpene α-phellandrene was biotransformed by 16 different strains of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and yeasts). The transformation metabolites were initially screened by TLC and GC/MS, and then further characterized by NMR spectroscopic techniques. Among the six metabolites characterized, 6-hydroxypiperitone, α-phellandrene epoxide, cis-p-menth-2-en-1-ol, and carvotanacetone, which originated from (-)-(R)-α-phellandrene, are reported for the first time in this study. Additionally, the substrate and the metabolite 5-p-menthene-1,2-diol were subjected to in vitro antibacterial and anticandidal tests. The metabolite showed moderate-to-good inhibitory activities (MICs=0.125 to >4?mg/ml) against various bacteria and especially against Candida species in comparison with its substrate (-)-(R)-α-phellandrene and standard antimicrobial agents.     

Retinal ultrastructure of the dorsal eye region of Pararge aegeria (Linné) (Lepidoptera: Satyridae)

We examined the fine structure of dorsal rim ommatidia of the compound eye of Pararge aegeria (Lepidoptera: Satyridae) and compared them with ommatidia of the large dorsal region described by Riesenberg (1983 Diploma, University of Munich). 1. The ommatidia of the dorsal rim show morphological specializations known to be typical of the perception of polarized light: (a) the dumb-bell-shaped rhabdoms contain linearly aligned rhabdomeres with only 2 orthogonally arranged microvilli orientations. The rhabdoms are composed of the rhabdomeres of 9 receptor cells, 8 of which are radially arranged. The rhabdomeres of receptor cells VI and V5, as well as D2, D4, D6 and D8 are dorsoventrally aligned, whereas the rhabdomeres of the cells H3 and H7 are perpendicular to them. The rhabdomere of the bilobed 9th retinula cell lies basally and is dorsoventrally aligned, where retinula cell VI and V5 are already axonal. (b) There is no rhabdomeric twist, and (c) the rhabdoms are rather short. 2. However, in the ommatidia of the large dorsal region, only 2 retinula cells (H3 and H7) are suitable for perception of polarized light. 3. Lucifer yellow and horse radish peroxidase were used as tracers to visualize the projections of retinula cell axons of the dorsal rim area and the large dorsal region into the optic neuropils (lamina and medulla). Two receptors (VI and V5) from both the dorsal rim area and the large dorsal region, have long visual fibres projecting into the medulla. The 7 remaining retinula cells of both eye regions, including those that meet the structural requirements for detection of polarized light in the large dorsal region, terminate in the lamina (short visual fibres). These results provide a starting point for further studies to reveal the possible neuronal pathways by which polarized light may be processed.     

Chocolate: (un)healthy source of polyphenols?

There is recent epidemiological evidence that chocolate consumption may improve vascular health. Furthermore, several small-scale human intervention studies indicate that habitual chocolate intake enhances the production of vasodilative nitric oxide and may lower blood pressure. It is hypothesized that potential beneficial effects of chocolate on vascular health are at least partly mediated by cocoa polyphenols including procyanidins. Based on cell culture studies, molecular targets of chocolate polyphenols are endothelial nitric oxide synthetase as well as arginase. However, human bioavailability studies suggest that the plasma concentrations of cocoa polyphenols are manifold lower than those concentrations used in cultured cells in vitro. The experimental evidence for beneficial vascular effects of chocolate in human interventions studies is yet not fully convincing. Some human intervention studies on chocolate and its polyphenols lack a stringent study design. They are sometimes underpowered and not always placebo controlled. Dietary chocolate intake in many of these human studies was up to 100 g per day. Since chocolate is a rich source of sugar and saturated fat, it is questionable whether chocolate could be recommended as part of a nutrition strategy to promote vascular health.     

Dissemination of the entomopathogenic fungus verticillium lecanii (Zimmermann) Viégas (Hyphomycetales: Moniliaceae) in a population of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande, 1895) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Tests were carried out to investigate the dissemination of the entomopathogenic fungus Verticillium lecanii (Zimmermann) Viégas in a population of Frankliniella occidentalis. The tested factors, which influence the efficacy of the fungus against the pest insect, have been the population density of the thrips at the application moment as well as the temperature. The population density influenced the dissemination of the fungal spores in the population. The higher the density has been, the higher the insetting control effect has been as well. The temperature influenced the speed of the fungal effect, too. The higher the temperature has been, the earlier the control effect started. However, an increase of the natural mortality was found as well.     

Description of the oöcysts of theree new species ofEimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from geckoes (Auria: Gekkonidae)

Three new species ofEimeria are described from the faeces of geckoes. Oöcysts ofEimeria vittati n. sp. fromGekko vittatus are elongate-ellipsoid 34.3 × 16.9 (32.5–36.5 × 16.5–17.5) μm; shape index (mean length/mean width) 2.03. Its sporocysts are ovoid 11.0 × 6.5 (10–12.5 × 5–7.5) μ; shape index 1.7. Oöcysts ofE. simonkingi n. sp. were found inG. vitttus and two subspecies ofPhelsuma lineata, and are spherical to subspherical 20.5 × 19.4 (19.5–22 × 17.5–21) μm; shape index 1.06. Its sporocysts are ellipsoidal 9.9 × 5.9 (8–11.5 × 5.5–7) shape index 1.7. Oöcysts ofE. tokayae n. sp. fromG. gecko were spherical or subspherical, 18.3 × 18.2 (17–21 × 13–20.5) μm; shape index 1.01. Its sporocysts are ellipsoidal 9.2 × 5.9 (8–11.5 × 5.5–7) All of the new species ofEimeria from gekkonid lizards described since 1986 are listed in a reference table, and details of their oöcyst and sporocyst measurements and their morphology are given.     

Compared biology of populations of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) of Paraíba state, Brazil

The present work aims at comparing the life cycle and estimating, based on life tables, the patterns of fertility of populations of A. aegypti (L.). The life cycles were studied at the temperature of 26 +/- 2 degrees C, and 12h photophase. The development period, egg viability and larval and pupal survival were evaluated daily as well as adult longevity and fecundity. Tables of fertility life were built. The durations of egg, larva and pupa stages varied from 3,9 to 4,5 days, from 6,4 to 8,3 days and from 2,0 to 2,5 days, respectively. The life table parameters for A. aegypti from Brejo dos Santos, Boqueir?o, Itaporanga and Remígio, being, respectively, Ro = 104,03, 84,58, 113,37 and 91,18; rm = 0,92, 0,78, 0,89 and 0,88; and lambda = 2,50, 2,18, 2,43 and 2,41. The populations of Brejo dos Santos and Itaporanga had the biggest potential of growth in relation to the other populations. The results showed a differentiated pattern of growth and a biotical potential in the populations of A. aegypti originated from different municipal districts of the state of Paraíba.     

Organization of the lamina ganglionaris of the optic lobe of the butterfly Pararge aegeria (Linné) (Lepidoptera : Satyridae)

The present work reports on a neuroanatomical study of the butterfly Pararge aegeria (Lepidoptera : Satyridae) focusing on the lamina ganglionaris underlying two different regions of the retina of the compound eye: the dorsal rim area and the large dorsal region. No differences between both lamina regions, concerning the structure of the cartridges and the morphology of the identified neurons, could be detected. After passing the basement membrane, the visual cell axons are organized in retinotopic bundles (pseudocartridges), in which the axons of the 9 visual cells (V1 and 5, D2, 4, 6, 8, H3 and 7, B9) are arranged in the same way as in the retina. In the pseudocartridge there are no synaptic contacts. Before entering the lamina cartridge, the bundles rotate 90 °. The cartridges are joined by the fibres of 4 monopolar cells (L1, L2, L3 and L4), which could be identified and located inside the lamina cartridges in serial EM-sections. Golgi impregnations revealed the morphology of these fibres. Thus, the regional specialization of the retina (dorsal rim area and large dorsal region) does not seem to be reflected at the level of the first visual neuropil. Additionally, the cartridges of both lamina regions were investigated qualitatively for synaptic contacts among fibres. In addition to monadic chemical synapses and multiple contact synapses with presynaptic ribbons, cell contacts are also facilitated by invaginations and bridges. These cellular interactions and their functional implications are discussed.     

The development stages of limnophyes globifer (Lundström) (diptera: chironomidae)

The larva, pupa and adult female of Limnophyes globifer (Lundström) are described for the first time, and the adult male is redescribed from material from a greater geographic range than hitherto. A lectotype is designated for L. globifer and it is suggested that Limnophytes folliculatus Saether is a junior synonym of L. globifer.Entomology Department, British Museum (Natural History)     

Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis: epidemiology of canine cutaneous leishmaniasis in the State of Paraná (Brazil)

The present study examines the role that dogs play in the maintenance of the Leishmania cycle in the State of Paraná, Southern Brazil. Dogs were examined in three regions where cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic or epidemic (R1-Vale da Ribeira; R2-Central region of Paraná State and R3-Northern region). To determine serum prevalence rates ELISA was used. In regions endemic for Trypanosoma cruzi (R1 and R3), serum from dogs seroreactive towards Leishmania antigen was subjected to T. cruzi adsorption in order to eliminate cross-reaction with common antigen epitopes. Concomitantly, dogs with cutaneous lesions were biopsied to isolate and identify parasites using RAPD. Leishmania were classified by the phenetic method using the Jaccard coefficient of similarity, and grouped by Unweighted Pair-Group Method using an Arithmetic Average (UPGMA). A total of 410 dogs were studied. In R1 (Vale da Ribeira) 159 dogs were evaluated of which 10 had anti-Leishmania antibody. In R2 (Central Paraná), 39 animals were examined of which 8 were seropositive. In R3 (the North) 212 dogs were evaluated of which 39 animals were seropositive. Thirteen dogs had cutaneous lesions and the parasites were isolated from a dog with mucocutaneous lesion in R1, two animals with simple skin lesions in R2 and 10 dogs with multiple lesions in R3. The identification of the parasite by molecular methods showed it to be L. (Viannia) braziliensis. Based on this information, the role of domestic dogs in Leishmania infection of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Paraná is discussed.     

Ultrastructure of the antennal sensilla of Alabama argillacea (Hübner, 1823) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae)

Insects have several types of sensilla, the characterization of which has been fundamental to understanding the mechanisms of sensory perception in different species. This study aimed to describe the ultrastructure of the sensilla present on the antennae of Alabama argillacea (Hübner, 1823) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), an important pest of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) crops, as well as their possible variation between sexes. To do this, the antennae of males and females of A. argillacea were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Sensilla morphometry was assessed using photomicrographs, from which the lengths and basal and apical diameters of sensilla were measured using the ImageJ program. Seven types of sensilla were identified on the antennae of A. argillacea: sensilla trichodea, sensilla chaetica, sensilla auricillica, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla styloconica, sensilla basiconica, and sensilla Böhm bristles. Differences between the sensilla of males and females were found in their lengths and basal diameters in the distal and proximal regions. This suggests that sensilla functionality may not only vary from one species to another, but also between sexes within the same species. Thus, further transmission electron microscopy and single sensillum recording studies may provide more detailed information on the sensilla of A. argillacea and their functions.     

Effects of fenvalerate on the net-spinning behaviour of Hydropsych siltalai (Döhler) (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae)

The effects of fenvalerate exposure on the net-spinning behaviour of Hydropsyche siltalai were examined in a laboratory study. The larvae were exposed to nominal pulse-doses of 0.25 and 0.5 μg fenvalerate l-1. Nets were collected and examined for anomalies after four days of exposure to fenvalerate. Additional nets were collected after another four day of exposure. The fenvalerate dissipated rapidly from the water column, and since only two doses of fenvalerate were given, the larvae were exposed to two pulse-doses of fenvalerate rather than to a constant concentration. In the 0.5 μg l-1-treatment the net-spinning behaviour was significantly affected, expressed as an increased mesh-opening and a decreased symmetry of the nets. No significant effects of fenvalerate exposure on the net-spinning behaviour were detected in the 0.25 μg l-1-treatment. Thus, with the conditions given in this experiment, exposure to fenvalerate starts to affect the net-spinning behaviour of Hydropsyche siltalai at a concentration between 0.25 and 0.5 μg l-1. The use of net-anomalies and Hydropsyche as bioindicators for monitoring pollutants in stream ecosystems are discussed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Influence of Atlantic Rain Forest remnants on the biological control of Euselasia apisaon (Dahman) (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae) by Trichogramma maxacalii (Voegelé e Pointel) (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

This study evaluated the effects of Atlantic Rain Forest remnants on the natural biological control of Euselasia apisaon (Dahman) by the parasitoid Trichogramma maxacalii (Voegelé e Pointel) in Eucalyptus plantations. The number of E. apisaon eggs/leaf was higher in the center than in the edge of the plantations (23.5 +/- 7.61 vs. 14.8 +/- 3.14), but parasitism showed the reversed pattern (72.4% in the center and 80.5% in the edge). The results indicated that natural regulation exerted by T. maxacalii on populations of E. apisaon may be enhanced by the preservation of fragments of native vegetation surrounding Eucalyptus plantations.     

Description of the male drumming signals of Besdolus bicolor (Navás 1909) (Plecoptera: Perlodidae)

The call of the male of Besdolus bicolor, produced by percussion or drumming, is described for the first time. It represents the first recorded and analyzed signal for the genus Besdolus. It consists of a repetition of two or three beat groups, with each group composed by two (rarely three) beats, and with very constant interbeat intervals and intergroup intervals (mean 0.037 seconds and 0.213 seconds, respectively). The call pattern exhibited by this species can be catalogued as an ancestral percussive signal.     

Description of the larva of Kempnyia colossica (Navás) (Plecoptera: Perlidae) with biological notes

In this paper, the larva of Kempnyia colossica (Navás 1934) is described based on material collected in Parque Estadual Intervales, São Paulo State, and biological notes are presented.