Biology of Apanteles myeloenta (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a larval parasitoid of carob moth Ectomyelais ceratoniae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is the most important pest of pomegranate orchards (in terms of economic damage) within Iran, and hence, several control procedures, including biological methods of control, have been attempted as a means of controlling populations of this insect. This research was carried out in order to study the biology of Apanteles myeloenta (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a larval parasitoid of the carob moth. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine larval developmental time, adult longevity, sex ratio, parasite progeny production, and host stage preference of A. myeloenta. At 25 ± 1 °C, immature developmental time (egg to pupa; mean ± SE) was 28.33 ± 0.85 days and 27.46 ± 0.37 days for male and females, respectively. Adult females survived on average 17.5 ± 0.14, 11.7 ± 0.22, 3.4 ± 0.18, and 2.8 ± 0.12 days at 25 C when provided with honey and water, honey only, water only or no food source, respectively. The sex ratio (females to males) of A. myeloenta was 1:3.5 from hosts parasitized in the first instar, 1:3 for second instars and 1:2 for third instar carob moth larvae. Female A. myeloenta typically preferred to parasitize second instar over third or first instar. The oviposition activity peaked on the 7th and 8th days following emergence, when provided with honey, and 10% sucrose solution, respectively.     

Biology and demography of Glyphodes pyloalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on mulberry

Lesser mulberry pyralid, Glyphodes pyloalis Walker, is a monophagous pest of mulberry and has recently been reported in northern Iran. The biology and life table of this pest were studied in controlled conditions (24 ± 1 °C, 75 ± 5% RH and 16:8 LD). Mortality rate, metamorphosis, appearance of adult insects and adult sex ratio were recorded daily. Data were analyzed based on an age-stage, two-sex life table. Developmental rate among individuals and between sexes were also considered. The developmental periods for the egg, first through fifth instar larvae, prepupae and pupae were 4.06 ± 0.03, 2.93 ± 0.03, 2.03 ± 0.02, 2.01 ± 0.01, 2.10 ± 0.03, 4.09 ± 0.03, 2.04 ± 0.02 and 9.7 ± 0.09 days, respectively. The mean total developmental period from egg to adult was 35.40 ± 0.37 days. The maximum adult longevity was 7 and 11 days for males and females, respectively. The pre-oviposition period lasted 2.14 ± 0.04 days. Laboratory observation showed that adults are nocturnal and female lay eggs at night. The intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) and the finite rate of increase (λ) were 0.14 ± 0.005 d^? 1 and 1.15 ± 0.01 d^? 1. The net reproductive rate (R₀), gross reproductive rate (GRR) and mean generation time (T) were 134.67 ± 20.6 female offspring, 294.71 ± 4.07 eggs/female and 34.44 ± 0.2 days, respectively. Life expectancy of freshly laid egg was 32.15 days.     

Survival and development of maize stem borer Chilo Partellus (Swinhoe) Lepidoptera: Crambidae on artificial diet

The Life cycle of maize stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) was studied in in vitro conditions. Development of stem borer undergoes following stages like egg, larvae, pupa and moth. The egg incubation period ranged from 3 to 6 days, larval stage was observed in five instars. The mean value of I, II, III, IV and V instars showed 3.8 ± 0.16, 5.2 ± 0.02, 6.1 ± 0.06, 7.35 ± 1.5, and 10.12 ± 0.29 days, respectively and complete larvae period ranged from 42 to 49 days. Pupae stage was observed in 8–9 days. The pre-mating and mating period was found at 9.10 ± 1.20 and 5.14 ± 1.08 h while egg laying period in 4.1 ± 1.32 days respectively. Fecundity rate of stem borer is from 262 to 657 eggs. The life span of adult male (3-7) and female (3-8) days was observed with a mean of 6.30 ± 0.85 and 5.10 ± 0.69 days respectively. Life cycle of stem borer gets completed in 47 to 51 days. Development of quality insects in required quantities at different developmental stages and their timely supply plays an inevitable role particularly for insect-breeding resistant programs. Hence to meet these challenges we had tried to standardize an artificial diet with cost effective to rear Chilo partellus under in vitro conditions.     

Host age preference of Microplitis mediator (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), an endoparasitoid of Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Microplitis mediator (Haliday) is a solitary endoparasitoid of larvae of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and the oriental armyworm, Mythimna = Leucania separata (Walker). The preference and suitability of different instars of M. separata for M. mediator were determined under laboratory conditions at a constant temperature of 26 ± 1 °C, 65 ± 5% RH and L14:D10 photoperiod. The selection coefficient revealed that M. mediator parasitized 1st to 4th instars, but preferred 2nd and 3rd instars. Seventy-one percent of parasitism was achieved within 24 h when the 2nd instars were used as hosts at a density of one parasitoid per 20 Larvae. Parasitoid egression and pupation were dependent on the host instar parasitized and occurred from the 1st through the 4th instar. The mean developmental time from egg to prepupae of M. mediator within 1st to 4th instars of the host was 8.27, 8.30, 8.30 and 9.20 days, respectively. Cocoon weights were lower when 1st and 2nd instars served as hosts rather than 3rd and 4th instars. The percentage of host larva that died before parasitoid egression declined as the age of the host increased, ranging from 26% to 2% for 1st–5th instars, respectively. The results of this study suggest that 2nd and 3rd instars of M. separata would be the best host stages for mass production of M. mediator in the laboratory and the best host instars to target for effective control in field releases.     

Aspects of the reproductive biology of Pseudaphycus maculipennis (Hym: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid of obscure mealybug,Pseudococcus viburni (Hem: Pseudococcidae)

Laboratory experiments to determine aspects of the reproductive biology of Pseudaphycus maculipennis are described. All experiments were carried out at a constant temperature of 21 ± 2 °C, a 16-h photoperiod and ambient RH. Pseudaphycus maculipennis was shown to be an arrhenotokous, synovigenic, gregarious endoparasitoid of Pseudococcus viburni. Females and males lived for 16 and 11 days, respectively, when fed either honey-agar or mealybug honeydew. Relatively, large instars (third instar or adult females) were preferred for oviposition; mated females parasitized more mealybugs than unmated females, and the progeny sex ratio favored females by 3:1. Egg load increased with age from emergence to day 8, averaging 23 mature eggs/female. Mean realised daily fecundity never exceeded 5, with a mean lifetime fecundity of 46 eggs/female. Parasitised mealybugs remained alive for about 5 days and then mummified. Total development period was 20–21 days (larva 4–5 days, prepupa 3 days, pupa 8–9 days). Development periods of eggs and individual larval instars were not measured. A mean of 3.01 ± 0.1 parasitoids/mealybug were reared after individual parasitism events, increasing through super-parasitism (either self or conspecific) to 9 parasitoids/mealybug when hosts were exposed to competing females. Pseudaphycus maculipennis progeny emerged from the mummies in discrete cohorts over periods ranging from 3 min to 18 h (depending on the number of cohorts).     

Effect of leaf toughness and temperature on development in the lilac pyralid,Palpita nigropunctalis (Bremer) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

This study focuses on three factors that affect the survival of the lilac pyralid, Palpita nigropunctalis (Lepidoptera:Crambidae): (1) the effect of leaf toughness on survival rate to clarify the availability of leaves as food, (2) the effect of temperature on immature development to determine the lower thermal threshold, and (3) the effect of temperature on head capsule width to clarify whether head capsule width can be used to discriminate among field-collected larval instars. Larvae could develop on Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus leaves collected in April, but not on leaves collected in June or September which were too tough to eat. More than 80% of the larvae on the leaves of Ligustrum lucidum, Ligustrum japonicum, Ligustrum obtusifolium and Syringa vulgaris completed development, regardless of the collection time. P. nigropunctalis completed development on L. lucidum at temperatures from 15 to 27.5 °C with a photoperiod of either 15 L:9D or 16 L:8D, but not at 30 °C, at which temperature no eggs hatched. The lower thermal threshold and thermal constant for total development from egg to adult were estimated at about 7 °C and 450–460 degree-days. Most of the larvae were 5-instar type larvae (passed through 5 instars) regardless of the temperature, but a few 6-instar type larvae (4 of 355) were noted at temperatures of 22.5 °C and higher. No overlap of the ranges of head capsule widths was detected for the 5-instar type larvae, indicating that head capsule width can be used to discriminate among field-collected larval instars.     

Biology and thermal requirements of Chrysoperla genanigra (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) reared on Sitotroga cerealella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) eggs

Chrysoperla genanigra Freitas is a common green lacewing associated with melon pests in the Northeastern Brazil. All life stages of this recently described species were studied under a range of constant temperature conditions (17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 35 and 37 °C), a photoperiod of 12 h:12 h (L:D) and 70 ± 10% relative humidity. Adults of C. genanigra were fed on a diet consisting of a 1:1 (v/v) mixture of brewer’s yeast and honey, while larvae were provided with eggs of Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) ad libitum. The duration of preimaginal development of the species was inversely proportional to temperature and ranged from approximately 63 days at 17 °C to 15 days at 35 °C. The percentage of adult emergence varied from 6.7% at 17 °C to 76.7% at 25 °C, although no larvae were able to complete development at 37 °C. The lower thermal threshold for total preimaginal development was approximately 10.8 °C and the thermal requirement was 336.7 degree-days. Egg production, along with the longevity of both males and females, were significantly affected by temperature. It is concluded that the best temperature for rearing C. genanigra is 25 °C, with the lowest preimaginal mortality and the highest egg production (992.7 eggs/female).     

Life table of cycad scale,Aulacaspis yasumatsui (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), reared on Cycas in Taiwan

Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), an invasive scale insect, attacks different species of Cycas (Cycadales: Cycadaceae) in Taiwan. Development, survival and fecundity of A. yasumatsui were studied on Cycas taitungensis at 24 °C, 70 ± 10% RH, and a photoperiod of 12:12 (L:D) h under laboratory conditions. Data on the life history of A. yasumatsui were analyzed using the age-stage, two-sex life table, to address variable development rates among individuals and between sexes. The egg incubation time was 7.26 days for both females and males and female nymphal development duration was 28.65 days. The development duration of male nymphal stages + pupal stage was 19 days. The total pre-oviposition period (TPOP) was 35.92 days. The maximum longevity of female adults was 67 days and 1 day for males. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) was 0.100 day^-1, the finite rate of increase (λ) was 1.11 day^-1, the net reproduction rate (R_o) was 111.51 offspring /individual, and the mean generation time (T) was 47.24 day. Life table data can be used to project population growth, to design mass rearing programs and to establish management tactics to control insect pests.     

Evaluation of tomato cultivars to Helicoverpa armigera using two-sex life table parameters in laboratory

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is one of the most important pests of a wide range of agricultural crops worldwide. Resistance of 10 tomato cultivars (‘Primoearly,’ ‘Riogrand,’ ‘CaljN3,’ ‘Kingstone,’ ‘Earlyurbana,’ ‘Petomech,’ ‘EarlyurbanaY,’ ‘Mobil,’ ‘Imprial’ and ‘Petoearly’) to H. armigera was evaluated under laboratory conditions at 25 ± 1 °C, 60 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) hours using age-stage, two-sex life table parameters. The larval period ranged from 19.96 on ‘Riogrand’ to 24.58 days on ‘Imprial.’ The insects reared on ‘Imprial’ had the longest total preoviposition period (44.80 days) and those reared on ‘Riogrand’ had the shortest one (35.44 days). The longest adult longevity for female and male was observed on ‘EarlyurbanaY’ (14.40 days) and ‘Kingstone’ (15.00 days), respectively. Using age-stage, two-sex life table, the value of the net reproductive rate (R₀) varied from 7.8 on ‘Imprial’ to 186.9 offspring per individual on ‘Petomech.’ The lowest value of the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) was on ‘Imprial’ (0.0410 and 1.0423 day^− 1, respectively) and the highest was on ‘Petomech’ (0.1274 and 1.1359 day^− 1, respectively). The mean generation time (T) on different cultivars varied from 39.9 to 48.2 days. The results revealed that ‘Petomech’ was the most susceptible (suitable) and ‘Imprial’ was the most resistant (unsuitable) cultivar to this pest among the tomato cultivars tested.     

Oviposition and reproductive performance of a generalist parasitoid (Trichogramma pretiosum) exposed to host species that differ in their physical characteristics

The response of generalist egg parasitoids to alternative natural hosts that are present simultaneously is not well known. We investigated the behavior of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in relation to two field hosts Helicoverpa armigera Hübner and Spodoptera litura Fabricius, in choice and no choice tests. We quantified the effects of natal host species and post-emergence adult age on the oviposition preference of the parasitoids. H. armigera eggs were consistently preferred over S. litura eggs, regardless of the natal host and adult age. When only S. litura eggs were available as hosts, they were parasitized at statistically similar rates to H. armigera eggs (average of 17 ± 2.7 vs. 13 ± 3.0, H. armigera to S. litura). The adult lifespan and lifetime fecundity of T. pretiosum were variable but were affected by natal host species and/or host species to which they were exposed. Mean lifespan and fecundity of parasitoids that had developed in H. armigera eggs and were exposed to H. armigera eggs for oviposition were 13.9 ± 1.8 days and 98.7 ± 11.0 adult offspring. By contrast, those that developed in S. litura eggs and were exposed to S. litura eggs for oviposition lived for 7 ± 0.9 days and produced 53.8 ± 8.0 adult offspring. The ovigeny index (OI) was significantly lower in the parasitoids exposed to H. armigera eggs than in those exposed to S. litura eggs, regardless of the natal host, indicating that H. armigera eggs sustain the adult parasitoids better than S. litura eggs. These results are used to predict parasitoid behavior in the field when both hosts are available.     

The biology of Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid of the red gum lerp psyllid (Hemiptera: Psylloidea)

The red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psylloidea), is native to Australia, where it feeds upon Eucalyptus species. It first appeared near Los Angeles, California, in 1998, and soon spread throughout the state. A biological control program directed against the psyllid was initiated and Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was imported from Australia and released in California. During quarantine screening, the taxonomic status of Psyllaephagus quadricyclus Riek was assessed by one of us (RLZ) and is proposed here as a new junior synonym for P. bliteus. The experiments discussed herein provide basic biological information on P. bliteus to supplement and improve the control program. We found that P. bliteus can oviposit into psyllid nymphs of any age but prefers third and fourth instars. Observations of host-handling behavior suggest that the large lerps of fifth instar psyllids increase host-handling time, thereby impeding oviposition and providing some protection from parasitism. Female P. bliteus were observed host-feeding on all psyllid nymphal development stages. Adults are relatively long-lived and, at constant temperatures of 17, 21, 23, 26, and 32 °C, longevity is a negative linear function of temperature. Females lived significantly longer than males. Adult females can live for several months, provided with hosts and held under glasshouse conditions (22 ± 3 °C), however, maximum egg deposition occurred within 22 days after adult emergence. Studies of larval development show that P. bliteus is a koinobiont and larval development is not initiated until the host reaches the late fourth or early fifth instar.     

The effect of diet on longevity,fecundity, and the sex ratio of Clitostethus arcuatus (Rossi) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Clitostethus arcuatus is a major, cosmopolitan predator of some Aleyrodidae. Field collected adult beetles were reared in the laboratory on different diets: Siphoninus phillyreae eggs, Trialeurodes vaporariorum eggs, Sitotroga cerealella eggs, or an artificial diet consisting of honey, yeast, and pollen. All experiments were conducted at 25 ± 2 °C, 65 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. Female and male C. arcuatus consumed a mean (± SE) of 61 ± 0.6 and 27 ± 0.9 T. vaporariorum eggs d^? 1, respectively, and a mean of 56 ± 2.2 and 29 ± 1.1 S. phillyreae eggs d^? 1, respectively. Significant differences were noted between sexes and between hosts consumed by female C. arcuatus. No feeding occurred on S. cerealella eggs. Although there was a significant difference between rates of oviposition due to diet, fertility rates on different diets did not show significant differences. The sex ratio of C. arcuatus (female:male) was 51.4:48.6, 55.2:44.8, and 54.6:45:4 when adults fed on T. vaporariorum, S. phillyreae, and artificial diet, respectively. These differences were not significantly different. Average longevity (± SE) was 66.4 ± 2.6, 54.9 ± 2.5; 77.3 ± 6.9, 67.5 ± 7.2; and 86.4 ± 4.5 70.3 ± 3.6 days for female and male C. arctuatus, respectively, on T. vaporariorum, S. phillyreae and artificial diet, respectively, with significant differences between sexes and diets. Although developmental duration on T. vaporariorum was longer than ash whitefly, this difference was not significant (mean 27.68 ± 0.31 and 25.09 ± 0.21 days for predators reared on T. vaporariorum and S. phillyreae, respectively). Given its longevity and fecundity on T. vaporariorum, C. arcuatus may be a good choice for mass release on glasshouse crops infected by greenhouse whitefly.     

Formulation of Pseudomonas chlororaphis strains for improved shelf life

Formulations of Pseudomonas strains with long-term shelf life are needed for commercial use in biological disease control and growth promotion in crops. In the present work Pseudomonas chlororaphis (Pc) 63-28 formulated with coconut fiber [moisture content (MC) of 80%], talc (MC 8%) or peat (MC 40%), with or without the addition of carboxymethylcellulose or xanthan gum, and formulations of Pc 63-28 and P. chlororaphis TX-1 in coconut fiber with water contents (v:v) of 75%, 45%, and 25%, were evaluated in terms of shelf life and cell viability. The shelf life of Pc 63-28 was longer when formulated in coconut fibre with a MC was 80% than in the other formulations and longer at 3 ± 1 °C compared to 22 ± 1 °C. Densities of viable Pc 63-28 cells in coconut fiber stored at 3 ± 1 °C did not decline significantly during 224 days when the MC was 80% and within 120 days at 75% MC. Densities of Pc TX-1 in coconut fiber of 75% MC did not decline within 60 days at 3 ± 1 °C. P. chlororaphis 63-28 survived longer in deionized water and buffer than in canola oil. Cells of Pc 63-28 cells formulated in coconut fibre of 80% MC after storage for 140 days at 3 ± 1 °C in coconut fiber improved hydroponic growth of hydroponic lettuce and better than cells freshly recovered from culture. We conclude that coconut fiber is a carrier of superior performance in maintaining shelf life of Pseudomonas strains. The observed shelf life would be sufficient for practical use of Pseudomonas strains as tools for disease control and growth promotion in crops.     

Oviposition model of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The longevity and fecundity of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis were investigated at temperatures of 15.0, 17.5, 20.0, 22.5, 25.0, 27.5, 30.0, 32.5, and 35.0 °C. Adult longevity and fecundity were significantly influenced by temperature. Longevity decreased with increasing temperature: it was highest at 15.0 °C (23.6 ± 3.51 days) and lowest at 35.0 °C (6.4 ± 0.48 days). Fecundity was highest at 25.0 °C (170.5 ± 45.54 eggs) and lowest at 17.5 °C (11.0 ± 3.68 eggs). The oviposition period was longest at 20.0 °C (8.0 ± 1.09 days) and shortest at 35.0 °C (2.3 ± 0.48 days). The oviposition model presented in this study consisted of two reproductive components (total fecundity and age-specific cumulative oviposition rate) and a survival component (age-specific survival rate). The relationship between adult developmental rate and temperature was described by the Lactin 2 model (r² = 0.98, p < 0.0001). The age-specific survival rate was well explained by a sigmoid function (r² = 0.97, p < 0.00001). The age-specific cumulative oviposition rate was best described by the three-parameter Weibull function (r² = 0.99, p < 0.00001). Temperature-dependent fecundity was estimated using the Briere-2 model (r² = 0.94, p < 0.007). Daily egg production of C. medinalis in relation to adult age and temperature was estimated.     

Predicted voltinism of the camellia spiny whitefly,Aleurocanthus camelliae (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), in major Japanese tea-producing districts based on life history parameters

We examined the temperature-dependent development, adult longevity, fertility, and sex ratio of the whitefly Aleurocanthus camelliae, which infests tea plants, under laboratory conditions. Eggs and nymphs were reared on tea shoots at 20, 22.5, 25, and 27.5 °C with a photoperiod of 15L:9D. The developmental zero of the egg, total nymphal stadia, and egg–adult duration of A. camelliae were 12.6, 11.6, and 11.9 °C, respectively, with thermal constants of 176.7, 394.7, and 569.9 d-degrees, respectively. The mean longevities of adult female and male A. camelliae were 4.4 and 2.7 d, respectively. These results suggested A. camelliae voltinism of two to three generations per year in Kanto, Tokai, and Kinki districts and three to five generations per year in the Shikoku and Kyushu districts, Japan.     

Comparison of two methods of synchronization of estrus in brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira)

This study aimed to establish a protocol for synchronization of estrus in brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira). Two groups of hinds (n = 3) were submitted to two different protocols: Treatment 1 received an intravaginal progesterone (CIDR^®) device for 8 days, followed by 265 μg injection of cloprostenol at the time of removal; and Treatment 2 received two injections of 265 μg of cloprostenol 11 days apart. After 30 days, each group of three hinds received the other treatment. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by reproductive behavior, fecal progestin and estrogen concentration and the observation of CL by laparoscopy 6 days after the end of estrus. All the hinds (100%) had estrous behavior upon the completion of treatment, but a significant difference occurred between the time of onset, 70.5 ± 5.0 h for Treatment 1 and 52.3 ± 5.6 h for Treatment 2. The mean estrus duration time (34.7 ± 4.50 and 37.0 ± 8.11 h), ovulation rates (5/6 and 4/6), mean CL size (4.85 ± 0.74 and 3.21 ± 0.19 mm) and mean fecal progestin concentration at 6 days after the end of estrus (865.53 ± 76.59 and 1073.35 ± 106.82 ng/g feces) were not significantly different between treatments. There was no difference in fecal estrogen concentrations throughout the treatment and the greatest values of the estrogen:progestin ratio coincided with estrous behavior. Although fertility was not evaluated directly, both treatments were effective in synchronizing estrus in the species M. gouazoubira, with the formation of functional corpora lutea.     

The parasitic phase of Ostertagia ostertagi: quantification of the main life history traits through systematic review and meta-analysis

Predictive models of parasite life cycles increase our understanding of how parasite epidemiology is influenced by global changes and can be used to support decisions for more targeted worm control. Estimates of parasite population dynamics are needed to parameterize such models. The aim of this study was to quantify the main life history traits of Ostertagia ostertagi, economically the most important nematode of cattle in temperate regions. The main parameters determining parasite density during the parasitic phase of O. ostertagi are (i) the larval establishment rate, (ii) hypobiosis rate, (iii) adult mortality and (iv) female fecundity (number of eggs laid per day per female). A systematic review was performed covering studies from 1962 to 2007, in which helminth-naïve calves were artificially infected with O. ostertagi. The database was further extended with results of unpublished trials conducted at the Laboratory for Parasitology of Ghent University, Belgium. Overall inverse variance weighted estimates were computed for each of the traits through random effects models. An average establishment rate (±S.E.) of 0.269 ± 0.022 was calculated based on data of 27 studies (46 experiments). The establishment rate declined when infection dose increased and was lower in younger animals. An average proportion of larvae entering hypobiosis (±S.E.) of 0.041 (±0.009) was calculated based on 27 studies (54 experiments). The proportion of ingested larvae that went into hypobiosis was higher in animals that received concomitant infections with nematode species other than O. ostertagi (mixed infections). An average daily adult mortality (±S.E.) of 0.028 (±0.002) was computed based on data from 28 studies (70 experiments). Adult mortality was positively correlated with infection dose. A daily fecundity (±S.E.) of 284 (±45) eggs per female was found based on nine studies (10 experiments). The average female sex ratio of O. ostertagi based on individual animal data (n = 75) from six different studies was estimated to be 0.55. We believe that this systematic review is the first to summarise the available data on the main life history traits of the parasitic phase of O. ostertagi. In conclusion, this meta-analysis provides novel estimates for the parameterization of life cycle-based transmission models, explicitly reports measures of variance around these estimates, gives evidence for density dependence of larval establishment and adult mortality, shows that host age affects larval establishment and, to our knowledge, provides the first evidence for O. ostertagi of a female-biased sex ratio.     

Impact of Ramadan Fasting on Thyroid Status and Quality of Life in Patients with Primary Hypothyroidism: a Prospective Cohort Study from karachi,pakistan

Objective: Ramadan is the ninth month in the lunar calendar, during which Muslims fast from predawn to sunset and major changes occur in their dietary, sleep, and physical activity patterns. Most patients with hypothyroidism are unable to comply with the proper timings of levothyroxine (LT4) administration. The objective of the study was to determine the change in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level and quality of life (QOL) before and after Ramadan in patients with primary hypothyroidism.Methods: This prospective cohort study included adult patients on stable doses of LT4 who fasted for at least 20 days during the month of Ramadan in the Islamic year 1437 Hijri (June/July 2016). Baseline characteristics and TSH levels were recorded on all consenting patients within 6 weeks prior to Ramadan. Post-Ramadan TSH was tested within 1 to 2 weeks after Eid-ul-Fitr.Results: During the study period, 64 patients with hypothyroidism were enrolled, of which 58 were female. The mean age of participants was 44.2 ± 13.2 years. Average daily dose of LT4 was 95.3 ± 35.4 μg. On average, patients fasted for 26.5 days and missed a dose of LT4 on 1.27 days. Mean TSH pre-Ramadan was 2.37 ± 1.35 mIU/L, and post-Ramadan, it was 4.69 ± 3.87 mIU/L. Mean difference between TSH pre- and post-Ramadan was 2.32 ± 3.80 mIU/L (P<.001). However, the difference in TSH was not significantly different between those who were compliant with meals and LT4 interval versus those who were not (compliant, 2.04 mIU/L; noncompliant, 3.15 mIU/L; P = .30). Overall, an increase in QOL scores in the domains of physical health, psychological health, and social relationships was observed after Ramadan.Conclusion: We observed statistically significant changes in TSH concentrations after the month of Ramadan in hypothyroid patients who fasted. The change in TSH was not affected by timing of LT4 intake and interval from meal.Abbreviations: AKUH = Aga Khan University Hospital; LT4 = levothyroxine; QOL = quality of life; TSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone     

Two-sex life table and predation rate of Cybocephalus flavocapitis Smith (Coleoptera: Cybocephalidae) reared on Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), in Taiwan

Development, survival, and fecundity of the predator, Cybocephalus flavocapitis Smith, reared on its host Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, were studied at 24 °C, 70 ± 10% RH, and photoperiod of 12:12 (L:D) h under laboratory conditions. Developmental periods for egg, larval, and pupal stages were 6.4, 12.1 and 14.3 d, respectively. The mean longevity of adults was 85.1 d. Raw life history data of all individuals were pooled and analyzed according to the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) was 0.05 d^? 1, the finite rate of increase (λ) was 1.05 d^? 1, the net reproductive rate (R₀) was 29.1 offspring, and the mean generation time (T) was 63.3 d. When we incorporated the age-stage variability of predation rate with the two-sex life table, our results indicated that the predation rates of larvae and adults were 743 eggs and 1595 scales, respectively. The net predation rate of C. flavocapitis is 1874 scales. Additionally, we compared life table results of C. flavocapitis with those of a previous life table study on Cybocephalus nipponicus because both species are currently used for the biological control of A. yasumatsui in Taiwan.