Sericolophus (Pheronematidae) and Hernandeziana (Corythophoridae) are synonyms (Hexactinellida: Porifera)

Eight specimens of Sericolophus reflexus (Ijima) were compared with the holotype of Hernandeziana ijimae (Hernandez) to assess suspected synonymy of these taxa. An extensive morphometric analysis of the spicules available in these specimens of variable condition show that the H. ijimae holotype exhibits characters near the centre of the range of S. reflexus. It is concluded that H. ijimae is a junior synonym of S. reflexus , and that the family Corythophoridae de Laubenfels is invalid by preoccupation of its base generic name.     

Biology of Acarophenax lacunatus (Cross & Krantz) (Prostigmata: Acarophenacidae) on Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) (Coleoptera: Cucujidae)

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of six different temperatures on the development of Acarophenax lacunatus (Cross & Krantz) using eggs of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) as hosts. The temperature affected the development of A. lacunatus. The largest values for the progeny (19 mites in T. castaneum and 15 mites in C. ferrugineus) were obtained at about 30 degrees C, as also observed for the net reproductive rate (Ro), which revealed that the A. lacunatus population increased 18 times in T. castaneum and 14 times in C. ferrugineus in a generation. The intrinsic rate of increase (r m) gradually increased with temperature, reaching the maximum value at 35 degrees C in T. castaneum (1,608) and C. ferrugineus (1,289). The generation time was negatively correlated with temperature, ranging from 1,60 to 4,85 days in T. castaneum and from 1,96 to 5,34 days in C. ferrugineus. These results suggest that the mite A. lacunatus may be used in programs of biological control of T. castaneum and C. ferrugineus in the tropics.     

Interaction between Acarophenax lacunatus (Cross & Krantz) (Prostigmata: Acarophenacidae) and Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) on Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

The interaction between Acarophenax lacunatus (Cross & Krantz) and Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) may be a promising tool for the integrated pest management of stored grain insect pests. The objective of this study was to evaluate the compatibility of these two natural enemies on Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius). The experimental units were petri dishes (140 x 10 mm) containing 30 g of whole wheat grains (13% water content) infested with 20 adults of R. dominica. The treatments consisted of inoculation of A. lacunatus and A. calandrae, separately and associated, in eight replicates. Three inoculations of five adult females of the natural enemies were carried out in each petri dish at five, ten and fifteen days after the infestation of R. dominica. All treatments were stored during 60 days in environmental chamber at 30 +/- 1 degrees C, 60 +/- 5% relative humidity and 24 h scotophase. The smallest numbers of physogastric females of A. lacunatus and of adults of A. calandrae were obtained when the natural enemies were in association. The use of A. calandrae alone demonstrated a low instantaneous rate of increase (r(i)) of R. dominica and a high protection of the wheat grains. The association of A. calandrae with A. lacunatus led to the lowest number of immatures of R. dominica. These results demonstrate the importance of this interaction as a tool of for the integrated management of R. dominica in stored wheat grains.     

Cladistic analysis of Simulium (Trichodagmia) and Simulium (Thyrsopelma) (Diptera: Simuliidae)

A cladistic analysis of Simulium ( Trichodagmia ) sensu Crosskey and Howard, using 34 morphological characters of larvae (6 characters), pupa (5) and adults (23), yields nine most parsimonious trees under equal weights (length 101 steps CI 0.49 RI 0.73). Successive weighting based on the maximal rescaled consistency index preferred one of the nine (31.37 steps CI 0.62 RI 0.87 total fit_con3= 235.8), which was also one of two trees found under implicit weights with concavity values of 3–6. The cladogram justifies the recognition of two subgenera. Simulium ( Trichodagmia ) sensu stricto (containing S. muiscorum, sumapazense, S. wygodzinskyorum, S. nigrimanum, S. chalcocoma, S. huairayacu and S. lahillei ) is supported by the branchial tip sclerotization and the presence of cibarial teeth, larval body tegument covered with lanceolate hairs, female with simple claw, and gonapophysis size. Simulium ( Thyrsopelma ) (containing S. scutistriatum, S. hirtipupa, S. orbitale, S. guianense, S. perplexum and S. itaunense ) is supported by the hypostomial teeth.     

d(CGGTGGT) forms an octameric parallel G-quadruplex via stacking of unusual G(:C):G(:C):G(:C):G(:C) octads

Among non-canonical DNA secondary structures, G-quadruplexes are currently widely studied because of their probable involvement in many pivotal biological roles, and for their potential use in nanotechnology. The overall quadruplex scaffold can exhibit several morphologies through intramolecular or intermolecular organization of G-rich oligodeoxyribonucleic acid strands. In particular, several G-rich strands can form higher order assemblies by multimerization between several G-quadruplex units. Here, we report on the identification of a novel dimerization pathway. Our Nuclear magnetic resonance, circular dichroism, UV, gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry studies on the DNA sequence dCGGTGGT demonstrate that this sequence forms an octamer when annealed in presence of K(+) or NH(4)(+) ions, through the 5'-5' stacking of two tetramolecular G-quadruplex subunits via unusual G(:C):G(:C):G(:C):G(:C) octads.     

Autalia rivularis (Gravenhorst) and Brachida clara (Weise) new to Korea (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae)

Two aleocharine species, Autalia rivularis (Gravenhorst) and Brachida clara (Weise), are identified for the first time in Korea. Diagnoses, habitus illustrations, and line drawings of diagnostic characters are provided.     

Ferruginous pygmy-owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) and eastern screech-owl (Megascopes asio): new hosts for Philornis mimicola (Diptera: Muscidae) and Ornithodoros concanensis (Acari: Argasidae)

While banding ferruginous pygmy-owls (Glaucidium brasilianum) and Eastern screech-owls (Megascops asio) in south Texas during 2004, we recorded Philornis mimicola (Diptera: Muscidae) and Ornithodoros concanensis (Acari: Argasidae) parasitizing nestlings. Inspection of nestlings revealed 54 P. mimicola and one O. concanensis. Inspection of nest material revealed 111 P. mimicola, including 57 puparia. The effect (e.g., blood loss, anemia) of these hematophagous parasites might have contributed to the demise of at least one Eastern screech-owl nestling. This is the first record of P. mimicola and O. concanensis parasitizing ferruginous pygmy-owls and Eastern screech-owls.     

Ficus (Moraceae) and Hymenoptera (Ghalcidoidea): Figs and their pollinators

Attempts are made to meet discrepancies between the botanical classification of Ficus and the zoological classification of its pollinators. They are discussed as Ficus elastica , subgen. Pharmacosycea , subsect. Palaeomorphe , dioecism in Ficus , the Ceratosolen complex, and sect. Conosycea. It seems from the botanical side that the evolution of Ficus into subgenera and sections preceded that of its insects into genera. On the whole there are no grounds for reclassification of Ficua , but leaf structure indicates that some rearrangement of the species of subgen. Urostigma sect. Conosycea may be needed to fit the entomology. Ficus asperiuscula poses a problem in sect. Sycidium.     

Bis(oxalato)dioxovanadate(V) and Bis(oxalato)oxoperoxo-vanadate(V) Complexes: Spectroscopic Characterization and Biological Activity

Two structurally related vanadium(V) complexes, K₃[VO₂(C₂O₄)₂]·3H₂O and K₃[VO(O₂)(C₂O₄)₂]·1/2H₂O, were thoroughly characterized by infrared, Raman, and electronic spectroscopies. The effect of both complexes on the viability of the human MG-63 osteosarcoma cells was tested using the MTT assay. The monoperoxo complex shows a very strong antiproliferative activity (at 100-μM concentration, this complex diminished the cell viability ca. 80 %), whereas the dioxo complex was inactive.     

Ultrastructure of the spermatozoa of Psammotettix striatus (Linnaeus) and Exitianus nanus (Distant) (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae)

Previous studies of insect spermatozoa indicate that these specialized cells have undergone significant morphological evolution and exhibit traits useful for reconstructing phylogenetic relationships. Although leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) are among the largest and most economically important insect families, few comparative studies of their spermatozoa have been published. Here, the ultrastructure of mature spermatozoa of two leafhoppers Psammotettix striatus (Linnaeus) and Exitianus nanus (Distant), representing two different tribes of the largest leafhopper subfamily, Deltocephalinae, was examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. The shape and ultrastructure of spermatozoa of the two species are very similar to those of other Cicadellidae as well as other Auchenorrhyncha, comprising a conical acrosome invaginated to form a subacrosomal space, a filiform homogeneously condensed nucleus, a lamellate centriolar adjunct connecting the nucleus with the mid-piece/flagellum, a long flagellum with a 9 + 9 + 2 axoneme pattern and two symmetrical mitochondrial derivatives with an orderly array of peripheral cristae, and two drop-shaped accessory bodies. They may be distinguished by the size of the sperm, and the shape of the nucleus, accessory bodies, and paracrystalline region of mitochondrial derivatives. The fine morphology and ultrastructure of spermatozoon in P. striatus and E. nanus are illustrated, along with a brief discussion of the implications for classification and phylogenetic analyses of the subfamily.     

Orientation responses of Triops granarius (Lucas) (Branchiopoda: Notostraca) and Streptocephalus ssp. (Branchiopoda: Anostraca)

Summary Triops granarius and Streptocephalus spp. show an orthokinetic response and swim faster in light than in darkness. Triops is negatively, Streptocephalus positively phototactic. The lethal temperature for 24 hours' exposure is 34°C for Triops, 35°C for Streptocephalus. Temperatures around 29°–30°C are preferred by both to 20°C or 33°C. Phototaxis overrides these temperature reactions in Streptocephalus but not in Triops. Both swim against water currents: Triops does not become habituated to mechanical stimuli upon responses to which its survival may depend.

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Résumé Le Triops granarius et le Streptocephalus spp. ont une réaction orthocinétique et se déplacent plus vite dans la lumière que dans le noir. Le Triops est négativement phototactique, le Streptocephalus l'est positivement. La température mortelle pour une exposition de 24 h. est 34°C pour le Triops et 35°C pour le Streptocephalus. Tous les deux préfèrent des températures de l'ordre de 29°–30°C plutôt que de 20°C ou 33°C. Le phototactisme domine ces réactions aux température chez le Streptocephalus mais pas chez le Triops. Tous les deux se déplacent contre les courants: le Triops ne peut pas s'accoutumer aux excitents méchaniques, même si sa vie dépend de sa réaction à ces excitents.

     

Egg parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae and Trichogrammatidae) of Kolla paulula (Walker) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Taiwan

Pseudoligosita nephotetticum (Mani) (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) and Gonatocerus (Cosmocomoidea) sp. (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) have been identified for the first time as egg parasitoids of the sharpshooter leafhopper Kolla paulula (Walker) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae: Cicadellini) in Taiwan. K. paulula has been recently identified as a candidate vector of the phytopathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, the causative agent of Pierce's disease of grapes and similar diseases of other affected plants in Taiwan, and thus has become of particular economic importance. Also provided is a summary of the known records of egg parasitoids (Mymaridae and Trichogrammatidae) of other leafhoppers from the tribe Cicadellini in the world, as well as taxonomic notes on P. nephotetticum.     

Na+:HCO(3-) cotransporters (NBC): cloning and characterization

The sodium bicarbonate cotransporter (NBC1) is essential for bicarbonate transport across plasma membranes in epithelial and nonepithelial cells. The direction of the NaHCO₃ movement in secretory epithelia is opposite to that in reabsorptive epithelia. In secretory epithelia (such as pancreatic duct cells) NBC is responsible for the transport of bicarbonate from blood to the cell for eventual secretion at the apical membrane. In reabsorptive epithelia (such as kidney proximal tubule cells) NBC is responsible for the reabsorption of bicarbonate from cell to the blood. In nonepithelial cells this transporter is mainly involved with cell pH regulation. Recent molecular cloning experiments have identified the existence of four NBC isoforms (NBC1, 2, 3 and 4) and two NBC-related proteins AE4 and NCBE (Anion Exchanger 4 and Na-dependent Chloride-Bicarbonate Exchanger). All but AE4 are presumed to mediate the cotransport of Na⁺ and HCO₃ ⁻ under normal conditions and may be functionally altered in certain pathologic states. NBC1 shows a limited tissue expression pattern, is electrogenic and plays an important role in bicarbonate reabsorption in kidney proximal tubule. In addition to the kidney, NBC1 is expressed in pancreatic duct cells, is activated by cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and plays an important role in HCO₃ ⁻ secretion. NBC2 and NBC3 have a wider tissue distribution than NBC1, are electroneutral, and are involved with cell pH regulation. The characterization of NBC4 is incomplete. The NBC-related protein called NCBE mediates Na-dependent, Cl⁻/Bicarbonate Exchange. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent advances on the cloning of NBC isoforms and related proteins and their role and regulation in physiologic and pathologic states. Received: 26 February 2001/Revised: 14 May 2001     

Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash) as trap plant for Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The preference of lepidopterous stem borer moths to oviposit on certain wild host plants can be exploited in habitat management systems by using those hosts as trap crops. Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash) was evaluated for its attractiveness and suitability to the pyralid Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and the noctuid Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Two choice tests were conducted in the laboratory and in the greenhouse to determine oviposition choice of C. partellus for maize, Vetiver and rice (Oryza sativa L.), and of B. fusca for Vetiver and maize. C. partellus larval survival was evaluated in green house studies. Results indicated that C. partellus chose Vetiver grass over maize though larval survival on Vetiver was extremely low. B. fusca did not show any host preference.     

A Non-destructive Sampling Technique for Spodoptera mauritia (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Herpetogramma licarsisalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Turf

Experiments were conducted using chemical irritants to develop a non-destructive sampling technique for pests of high quality turf and lawn. POW detergent at a concentration of 35 mL in 3.5 L of water applied to an area of 1,600 cm² was the most effective for sampling Spodoptera mauritia and Herpetogramma licarsisalis and resulted in 84% of S. mauritia larvae surfacing within 4 min of application. No larvae surfaced after 4 min. Kendon pyrethrin SF applied at a concentration of 0.46 mL in 3.5 L of water resulted in similar numbers of larvae surfacing relative to 35 mL POW detergent. However, larvae took up to 20 min to surface. Formaldehyde and the pyrethroid, Mavrik® AF did not cause S. mauritia and H. licarsisalis larvae to surface.     

大斑芫菁和棉蝗间的发育同步性研究

寄生物和寄主的发育关联研究已有很多报道,而人们对捕食者与猎物的同步发育关系却知之甚少。本文研究了大斑芫菁Mylabris phalerata及其猎物棉蝗Chondracris rosea rosea在18℃、22℃、25％、28℃、31℃和34℃恒温下的发育特性及发育同步性。大斑芫菁幼虫（除5龄外）发育起点温度均低于10℃,而棉蝗每个阶段的发育起点温度都高于10℃。大斑芫菁5龄幼虫的有效积温为440．53日度,低于棉蝗卵的462．96日度,并且大斑芫菁1～4龄幼虫的有效积温均少于1—4龄蝗蝻。大斑芫菁成虫出现、卵孵化和幼虫滞育解除日期与棉蝗产卵和卵孵化日期,显示大斑芫菁的发育和棉蝗的发育具有季节同步性,而且大斑芫菁的滞育同步化了大斑芫菁和棉蝗的发育。     

Nasal mites (Gamasida: Rhinonyssidae) of Paroaria coronata (Miller) (Passeriformes: Emberezidae)

With the aim of identifying the species of nasal mites of Paroaria coronata (red-crested cardinal), the nasal cavity of 40 birds were examined. The nasal mites were identified as Ptilonyssus sairae de Castro and Sternostoma pirangae Pence, with 50% and 7.5% of prevalence, respectively. This is the first record of these mite species parasitizing P. coronata. This report also amplifies the area of occurrence of S. pirangae for Brazil and that of P. sairae for Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.