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.     

Biochemical characterisation of digestive α-amylase of Red Palm Weevil,Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliver) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a serious pest of a wide range of plant species including coconut, sago, date and oil palms. The α-amylases are the hydrolytic enzymes that are involved in carbohydrate metabolism in insects. So far nothing is done to demonstrate α-amylase activity of R. ferrugineus. Thus, the aim of the current study was to identify and characterise the α-amylase activity to gain a better understanding of digestive physiology of the insect. Thus, the α-amylase in the gut of red palm weevil was isolated and characterised using starch as a substrate. The study showed that the α-amylase is present in the gut of the insect for carbohydrate digestion. The α-amylase has an optimum pH and temperature of 5 and 40°C. The activity of α-amylase was increased by NaCl and KCl and inhibited by other compounds such as MgCl₂, CaCl₂, urea, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and sodium dodecylsulfate. Native-PAGE electrophoresis of α-amylase showed two isoenzymes, one major and one minor band showing α-amylase importance in the carbohydrate metabolism of the insect. Understanding of the digestive physiology and α-amylase activity of Red Palm Weevil is important when new management strategies for this economically important pest are devised.     

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.     

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.     

Biological aspects of Autoplusia egena (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae, Plusiinae)

Autoplusia egena (Guenée) is a moth distributed throughout the Western hemisphere. The larvae have already been found feeding on several different plant families, including important crops such soybeans and beans. To contribute to the knowledge of its biology in laboratory conditions, and considering the duration and the morphometry of each development stage, a laboratorial rearing was accomplished at 25 +/- 1 degrees C, 70 +/- 10% RH and 14h photophase. The larvae were fed with black bean leaves and the adults were fed with a honey solution at 10%. The results, expressed by the mean (+/- SE), for the periods of each stage were: egg 3.0 +/- 0.00 d; larva 15.7 +/- 1.25 d; pre-pupa 1.9 +/- 0.05 d; pupa 8.8 +/- 0.09 d and adult: longevity 12.1 +/- 0.95 d, pre-oviposition 5.4 +/- 0.50 d, oviposition 6.3 +/- 1.10 d and post-oviposition 1.4 +/- 0.87 d. The larvae went through five instars, for which the mean width of the cephalic capsules were 0.302 +/- 0.001 mm; 0.500 +/- 0.003 mm; 0.854 +/- 0.008 mm; 1.424 +/- 0.011 mm and 2.744 +/- 0.053 mm. The average length, width, and weight of the pupae were 16.965 +/- 0.003 mm, 4.674 +/- 0.040 mm and 0.217 +/- 0.003 g, respectively.     

Discrimination of Spartocera dentiventris (Berg, 1884) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) eggs by Gryon gallardoi (Brèthes, 1913) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae).

This paper aimed to evaluate the stimuli that orient Gryon gallardoi females to the eggs of Spartocera dentiventris and allow their discrimination. Using a four-arm olfactometer connected to four odor sources--S. dentiventris eggs; hexane washed eggs; tobacco leaves; and tobacco leaves with eggs--the arrestment of female parasitoids with previous oviposition experience and without was individually verified. The time of permanence in each odor field was registered for a period of 15 minutes. Host discrimination, regarding age and previous parasitism, was tested using arenas, where females were exposed for 30 minutes, individually, to egg groups with different treatments. To evaluate age discrimination, three groups of eggs, previously washed with hexane, were employed in the following conditions: one day-old eggs; one-day brushed with 12-days-old egg extract; 12-days-old eggs with extract of one day-old eggs; and control (washed eggs, one day-old). The same procedure was done using five and eight days-old eggs jointly with control. Age-dependent egg discrimination was verified exposing four egg groups in the following treatments: parasitized, parasitized and washed with hexane, not parasitized, and not parasitized with extract of parasitized eggs. Olfactometer tests showed that inexperienced females remained more time next to tobacco leaves when compared to experienced ones. Experienced females responded to odors that emanated from eggs. Egg extracts did not promote age discrimination; however, non parasitized eggs, with extract of parasitized eggs were partially avoided. The results obtained indicate that G. gallardoi females might modify their responses upon contact with host. This fact suggests learning occurs; however, the acceptance and discrimination of host may be influenced by a complex array of stimuli, difficult to evaluate in isolation.     

Indicators of infestation, colonization and infection of Triatoma dimidiata (Latreille) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in Campeche, México

Triatoma dimidiata (Latreille) is considered to be one of the primary vectors of Chagas disease in Southern Mexico and Central America. The objective of the present study was to obtain ecological information on T. dimidiata in two rural communities of Campeche, Mexico, where the vector is poorly studied. Our work consisted of monthly samplings carried out during one-year time at three levels: sylvatic, peridomestic and intradomestic, in order to estimate the population abundance of this species and its rate of infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. Triatoma dimidiata was the unique vector of this disease collected in San Juan Bautista Sakcabchen (SJBS) and Crucero San Luis (CSL). The total of 145 individuals were captured in SJBS; from these, 26.9%, 20% and 53.1% were collected in the sylvatic, peridomestic and intradomestic area, respectively. In CSL captures yielded 108 individuals: 40.7% in the sylvatic area, 20.4% peridomestic and 38.9% intradomestic. We found no correlation between climatic variables and population abundance of T. dimidiata. Dataset obtained suggests that individuals from the sylvatic area exhibit a high rate of natural infection by T. cruzi, with monthly percentages up to 61.5% for SJBS and 50% for CSL. At the peri and intradomestic level, the reservoirs apparently play an important role in the transmission, as the seroprevalence in dogs was 61.5% y 65.4%, for SJBS y CSL, respectively. Based on these findings, it was concluded that inhabitants of both communities are at a high risk of Chagas disease infection.     

A cytogenetics study of Hydrodroma despiciens (Müller, 1776) (Acari: Hydrachnellae: Hydrodromidae)

The karyotypes of water mites (Acari: Hydrachnellae: Hydrodromidae) are largely unknown. The present investigation is the first report of a study designed to characterize the chromosomes of water mites. The study was carried out with specimens of Hydrodroma despiciens collected from Eber Lake in Afyon, Turkey. Several different methods were tried to obtain chromosomes of this species. However, somatic cell culture proved to be the most effective for the preparation of chromosomes. In the present study, we determined the diploid chromosome number of Hydrodroma despiciens to be 2n = 16. However, a large metacentric chromosome was found in each metaphase, which we believed to be the X chromosome. We could not determine the sex chromosomes of this species. This study is the first approach to the cytogenetic characterization of this water mite group. Furthermore, these cytogenetic data will contribute to the understanding of the phylogenetic relationship among water mites. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the cytogenetics of water mites.     

Synopsis of the species of Myxidium Bütschli, 1882 (Myxozoa: Myxosporea: Bivalvulida)

A synopsis of the species of Myxidium Bütschli, 1882 (Myxozoa: Myxosporea: Bivalvulida) is presented. It includes a total of 232 nominal species, whose principal morphological and morphometric characteristics, site of infection within the host, and original hosts and locality are indicated in a tabulated format. A diagrammatic illustration of a spore of most of the species is also provided.     

Macrelmis pubescens (Grouvelle, 1889) – redescription of the species,designation of a lectotype and description of its larva (Coleoptera: Elmidae)

The adult of Macrelmis pubescens (Grouvelle, 1889) is redescribed, illustrated, a lectotype designated, and new locality information provided. The lectotype is housed in the Grouvelle’s collection in the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris, France. The larva of M. pubescens is described, illustrated and compared with the known larvae of the genus. A diagnosis for Macrelmis Motschulsky, 1860 larvae is provided.     

Synopsis of the species of Ceratomyxa Thélohan, 1892 (Myxozoa: Myxosporea: Ceratomyxidae)

A synopsis of the species of Ceratomyxa Thélohan, 1892 (Myxozoa: Myxosporea: Ceratomyxidae), including a total of 147 species, is presented. For each species the relevant morphological and morphometric data are indicated, as well as the site of infection within the host and the original hosts and locality. A diagrammatic illustration of the spores is also provided.     

Life-cycle,delimitation and redescription of Catatropis verrucosa (Frölich, 1789) Odhner, 1905 (Trematoda: Notocotylidae)

The life-cycle of Catatropis verrucosa (Frölich, 1789) Odhner, 1905 has been completed experimentally starting from infected snails collected along the River Danube in Europe. Each stage of the life-cycle is redescribed. Taxonomic problems are discussed and the main features of the species are listed. Synonyms for C. verrucosa are Fasciola verrucosa Frölich, 1789, F. anseris Gmelin, 1790, Monostoma verrucosa (Frölich, 1789) Zeder, 1800, and Catatropis charadrii Skrjabin, 1915. Other names, such as Notocotylus triserialis Diesing, 1839, Notocotyle triseriale (Diesing, 1839) Diesing, 1850, Monostoma verrugueux Dujardin, 1845, “Monostoma sp. du canard” of Blanchard (1847), Notocotyle verrucosum (Frölich, 1789) Monticelli, 1892, N. verruqueux Railliet, 1895, and Distoma verrucosum (Frölich, 1789) Wolffhugel, 1900, were found to represent adults and/or larvae of C. verrucosa. Conversely, but less often, adults and larvae of other species were found described and illustrated as C. verrucosa. One of these, C. verrucosa of Joyeux (1922), was renamed Pseudocatatropis joyeuxi Kanev & Vassilev, 1986. Occasionally, authors actually working with C. verrucosa ascribed their results to different species. Based on experimental life-cycle studies, the following facts were demonstrated. (1) The first intermediate hosts are the prosobranch freshwater snails Bithynia tentaculata (Linnaeus, 1758) and B. leachi (Leach, 1818). (2) The same snails are also first intermediate hosts for Notocotylus imbricatus (Looss, 1893) Szidat, 1935, N. parviovatus Yamaguti, 1934, and N. ponticus Tschiaberaschvili, 1966. In all these species, the species characteristics are expressed by the adult morphology only, and the larvae cannot be identified by morphological criteria. It is proposed that tri-oculate monostome cercariae found in naturally infected B. tentaculata and B. leachi be referred to as “Cercaria imbricata group”. These cercariae include Cercaria imbricata Looss, 1893, C. helvetica I Dubois, 1928, C. triophthalmia Faust, 1930, C. fennica I Wikgren, 1956; C. ephemera of Lutta (1934); C. monostomi of Mathias (1925), Lutta (1934) and Zdun (1961), Cercaria Notocotylus attenuatus of Francalanci & Manfredini (1969), and Monostome cercaria I Emmel, 1943. (3) There is no second intermediate snail host in the life-cycle of C. verrucosa. (4) The final hosts are birds. (5) The adult worms possess, on the ventral body surface, a median ridge and two lateral rows of 12 (range 11–14) papillae per row.     

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.     

A synoptic review of the Eocene (Ypresian) cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes: Holocephali,Elasmobranchii) of the Bolca Konservat-Lagerstätte,Italy

Here, we review and discuss the records and taxonomy of the Ypresian (Eocene) chondrichthyans from the famous Bolca Konservat-Lagerstätte in northeastern Italy. Despite the outstanding diversity and the numerous studies focusing on the actinopterygian faunas from Pesciara and Monte Postale, the current knowledge about the systematics, taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of the cartilaginous fishes from these Eocene sites remains elusive and largely inadequate. The celebrated Eocene Bolca Lagerstätte has yielded several exquisitely preserved articulated remains of chondrichthyan fishes in which delicate structures and soft tissues are preserved, as well as isolated teeth. The cartilaginous fish assemblage of Bolca comprises at least 17 species-level taxa belonging to 10 families in 6 orders, including selachians (Carcharhiniformes, Lamniformes), batoids (Torpediniformes, Myliobatiformes, Rajiformes) and holocephalans (Chimaeriformes). The occurrence of holocephalans represented by an isolated fin-spine of the chimeroid Ischyodus in the Bolca assemblage is reported here for the first time and represents the first record of chimeroids in the Eocene of Italy and also southern Europe. The Bolca chondrichthyan assemblage is remarkably different from those of other contemporaneous Boreal or Tethyan deposits, suggesting that its taxonomic composition is largely influenced by the palaeoenvironmental context. However, this synoptic review also highlights the importance of detailed revisions of all chondrichthyan remains from the Bolca Konservat-Lagerstätten.     

Nuclear metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene and of (±)-trans-7,8-dihydroxy-7,8,-dihydrobenzo(a)pyrene: Comparative chromatographic analysis of alkylated DNA

Rat liver nuclei were incubated with [¹⁴C]benzo(a)pyrene (BP) or [³H](±)-trans-7,8-dihydrodiol of BP (³H-BP-7,8-diol) in the presence of a NADPH-generating system. The nuclei were able to form from BP the 9,10-, 4,5- and 7,8-dihydrodiols, the 3,6- and 1,6-quinones as well as the 3- and 9-phenols. The total nuclear metabolism was stimulated 11-fold by prior administration to the rats of 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC). BP-7,8-dihydrodiol formation, under these circumstances, was enhanced 29-fold. The rat liver nuclei were also able to form from [³H]BP-7,8-diol, (±)-7β,8α-dihydroxy-9β,10β-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro BP (diol epoxide 1), (±)-7β,8α-dihydroxy-9α,10α-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro BP (diol epoxide 2), as well as three unknown metabolites. Diol epoxides 1 and 2 represented 23 and 65% of the total metabolites produced during the control nuclear incubation. Pretreatment of the rats with 3MC resulted in 4-fold increase in nuclear metabolic activity. Under the latter circumstances, the diol epoxides 1 and 2 represented 43 and 38%, respectively, of the total nuclear metabolites. Incubation of liver nuclei with labeled BP or BP-7,8-diol in the presence of NADPH resulted in alkylation of DNA. The alkylated deoxyribonucleosides were separated by Sephadex LH-20 chromatography. Two peaks of radioactivity were noted after incubation with the parent polycyclic hydrocarbon while only one peak was seen after incubation with the diol derivative. These results emphasize the importance of nuclei in the metabolism of BP and in the subsequent alkylation of DNA, reactions which may be related to mutagenesis or carcinogenesis.     

Total synthesis of (±)-elegansidiol, (±)-farnesiferol B,and (±)-farnesiferol D

The racemic total synthesis of elegansidiol, farnesiferol B, and farnesiferol D has been obtained following a Diels–Alder approach. Gillman addition, cross metathesis reaction are the other key steps involved in the target synthesis.     

The functional role of Gammarus(Crustacea, Amphipoda): shredders, predators, or both?

Gammarus spp. are traditionally viewed under the functional feeding group (FFG) concept as herbivorous `shredders'. Although recent studies suggest that Gammarus should also be viewed as predators, this latter role remains contentious. Here, in a laboratory experiment, we objectively examine the balance between shredder and predator roles in a common freshwater species. Gammarus pulex preyed significantly on mayfly nymph, Baetis rhodani, in both the presence and absence of excess leaf material. There was no significant difference in predation where the alternative food, that is, leaf material, was present as compared to absent. Also, G. pulex shredded leaf material in the presence and absence of B. rhodani. However, shredding was significantly reduced where alternative food, that is, B. rhodani prey, was present as compared to absent. Further, G. pulex had a clear leaf species preference. Our results suggest that Gammarus function as both predators and shredders, with the balance of the two roles perhaps depending on food availability and quality. We discuss implications for the use of the FFG concept in assessing freshwater processes, and the role that Gammarus predation may play in structuring macroinvertebrate communities.