A new species of marine leech (Hirudinea: Piscicolidae) from the north-eastern Pacific Ocean, parasitic on the English sole, Parophrys vetulus Girard

The marine piscicolid leech Calliobdella knightjonesi sp. nov. from the Oregon coast is described and illustrated. Mature individuals do not exceed 10 mm in length, have faint reddish-brown segmental pigment bands, small pulsatile vesicles, six pairs of testisacs and a well-developed seminal receptacle connected to the posterior portion of the bursa by paired tissue strands. The leech lacks eyes and ocelli.     

Description of the larvae of Dicronocephalus wallichi bourgoini Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) with observations on nesting behavior and life cycle of two Dicronocephalus species under laboratory conditions

Larva of the fruit beetle Dicronocephalus wallichi bourgoini Pouillaude 1914 is described and illustrated. The following unique morphological characters within Cetoniinae are discussed: shape of claw, spindle-shaped last antennomera, general body shape. The presence of metathoracic egg-bursters in the first instar larva has been found. Its significance for distinguishing the first instar larvae of Cetoniinae is discussed. The nesting behaviours of D. wallichi bourgoini and D. adamsi(Pascoe 1863) are described. The course of the life cycle of both species under laboratory condition is presented and discussed.     

Quantitative observations on the population ecology of Branchiura sowerbyi (Oligochaeta,Tubificidae)

Cohorts of Branchiura sowerbyi were reared at different temperatures and initial population densities in order to obtain data suitable for the interpretation of population dynamics in field populations. Percent hatching from cocoons reaches its maximum at 25 °C and decreases towards lower and higher temperatures. Embryonic development time, T_E, was measured and the relative threshold temperature, 10 °C, calculated by extrapolation. The degree day requirement for embryo development is 195 °C d. The time of first cocoon laying (T_gm) was observed and the ratio T_E/T_gm was seen to fit with that of other tubificid species cultured so far. Embryo mortality is rather high, while worm mortality is low or very low. Fecundity increases from 15 to 20 °C but decreases at 25 °C. A mathematical model for the simulation of population densities with four size-stage compartments is suggested. It could be used for the optimization of worm uptake (simulated as stage specific mortality) in mass cultures reared for the production of Branchiura, to be used as food for fish fingerlings.     

Influence of the red fox (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vulpes vulpes</Emphasis>, Linnaeus 1758) on the distribution and number of breeding birds in an intensively used farmland

This study tested the hypothesis that small birds at their nest sites avoid areas around dens of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes, Linneaus 1758) in an intensively used farmland. Birds were counted at 18 points (radius 100m) located near dens, as well as at 18 control points that were located at least 600m away from the nearest den. These two types of points did not differ with respect to the number of recorded bird species. However, a negative effect of the proximity of fox dens on the total density of the bird community was observed. This effect was also recorded for the most abundant bird species, the skylark (Alauda arvensis, Linneaus 1758). In agreement with our expectations, these results indicate a negative impact of fox presence on a breeding bird community in an open farmland.     

Antitermitic effect of the Lantana camara plant on subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Abstract The insecticidal effects of Lantana camara L. (flowers, leaves, stems and roots) and the soil where lantana had been growing, on foraging activity and survival of the subterranean termites Coptotermes formosanus and Reticulitermes flavipes were examined in a 3-week experiment. The soil in which lantana had been growing had no effect on termite tunneling and survival. Incorporation of chipped fresh lantana leaves and stems into soil had no effect on mortality but caused significant reduction in tunneling. The 5-cm wide barrier of soil with lantana tissue incorporated effectively repelled groups of both species from penetrating the barrier and thus prevented infestation of a piece of wood on the other side of the barrier. C. formosanus was more sensitive in avoiding the barrier than R. flavipes. Leaves, stems and flowers were more repellent than roots. These results provide preliminary evidence that fresh-cut lantana leaves, stems and flowers may have use as additives to garden mulches against termites.     

The distribution,abundance, and the effects of fire on mound building termites (Trinervitermes and Cubitermes spp., Isoptera: Termitidae) in northern guinea savanna West Africa

Summary Termite mound densities in typical guinea savanna, Detarium, and grassland (boval) habitats in northern guinea savanna were determined by random quadratting of 2–3 sites in each habitat (100, 10x10 m quadrats per habitat). Dominant species in guinea savanna were T. geminatus (46 mounds ha^-1) and T. oeconomus (21 mounds ha^-1), in Detarium T. geminatus (59 mounds ha^-1) and C. curtatus (45 mounds ha^-1) and in boval C. curtatus (72 mounds ha^-1) and T. geminatus (22 mounds ha^-1). Only C. curtatus densities and total densities differed significantly between sites within habitats, but all species differed significantly in abundance between habitats. The composition of each community was related to general environment but no particular environmental variable was shown to be a major determinant of termite distribution. Evidence for the limitation of termite populations was obtained from indirect evidence of competition between colonies in Detarium, and by experimental manipulation of fire regimes in the typical guinea savanna habitat. Harvester termites increased four-five fold over two years in fire-protected plots as a result of increased food supplies. Total termite densities in the fire-protected community equilibrated to the new population density (100 mounds ha^-1) after only two-three years.     

First Record of the Peritrich Trichodina diaptomiBasson and Van As, 1991 (Protozoa: Ciliophora) on a South American Calanoid Notodiaptomus deitersi (Poppe, 1890) (Crustacea: Copepoda)

ABSTRACT. The ciliate Trichodina was recorded on the calanoid Notodiaptomus deitersi in a shallow, eutrophic reservoir, located in the centre‐west of Brazil. The species was confirmed as Trichodina diaptomi, a species widely distributed in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. It was observed moving freely over the carapace of the copepod, and using its adhesive disc. This is the first record for the species in the Americas.     

Laboratory observations on the feeding behaviour, reproduction and morphology of Galeodea echinophora (Gastropoda: Gassidae)

Galeodea echinophora fed on Echinocardium cordatum in an aquarium. Every few days, each G. echinophora emerged from the sand and foraged for 1–3 h. On detecting an Echinocardium , the Galeodea stopped locomotion and attacked the buried prey from the surface of the sand. The proboscis was extended down to the prey and a small area of test was cleared of spines. A disc was cut out of the softened test, leaving a hole of about 2 mm in diameter. All flesh except the gut was removed from the prey, the entire procedure taking 50–180 min.
One Galeodea echinophora laid 120 egg capsules on the side of the aquarium. These were kept at 13^oC and hatched after 112–159 days. Within the capsule, veligers fed on the yolk cells of abortive embryos. Juveniles hatched at the crawling stage, and at first secreted strings of mucus acting as drogues, but after 1 day the juveniles crawled over the substratum. They readily attached themselves to adult Echinocardium cordatum , apparently feeding on the epithelium between the spines or tube feet. Dissection revealed entry of the acinar glands into the proboscis gland ducts, a widening of these ducts as they empty into the buccal cavity and a dorsal fold in the anterior oesophagus. Radular teeth and jaws of Galeodea differ little among species; a taxonomic review of the genus is needed.     

Seagrass complexity hierarchies: Influence on fish groups around the coast of Jersey (English Channel)

Recent research has identified a need for seagrass habitat management plans to be based on landscape-level approaches as they offer a more appropriate scale for large mobile fauna than smaller scales. Also, conservation decisions are more likely to be a choice between different seagrass beds rather than parts of individual beds. The present study examined the spatial utilisation of subtidal seagrass beds by fish around the coast of Jersey, English Channel (49°N 02°W) with the aim of identifying influential scales of complexity. A hierarchical-scale of landscape configuration and habitat characteristics was measured for eight seagrass beds using aerial photographic analysis (e.g. core area, contiguity and other landscape metrics), digital echo-sounder data (e.g. depth, canopy height) and diver surveys (e.g. epiphyte load). The contributions of these variables as predictors of functional fish groups were explored using multiple linear regression models. Results indicated that more fragmented seagrass beds supported lower numbers of fish species than more homogenous seagrass landscapes (squared semi-partial correlation coefficient, sr² = − 0.3). Densities of juveniles of larger fish species showed a negative relationship with increased fragmentation of the seagrass (sr² = − 0.34). At smaller scales of structural complexity the densities of cryptic fish were related positively to canopy height (sr² = 0.46). At night, fewer patterns could be explained by the independent variables in the model, which was attributed to the greater movement of fish between the seagrass and adjacent habitats to forage, and a breakdown in the association with seagrass habitat as a refuge from predation.     

Weberiella De Carlo, 1966 (Insecta: Heteroptera: Belostomatidae) revisited: Redescription with a key to the genera of Belostomatidae and considerations on back-brooding behaviour

Males of some subgroups of Belostomatidae brood the eggs attached to their backs, whereas the eggs are attached to the vegetation by females in others. Male brood care is obligatory in the belostomatine species of Abedus Stål, 1862, Belostoma Latreille, 1807, Diplonychus Laporte, 1833, Hydrocyrius Spinola, 1850, and Limnogeton Mayr, 1853. Recent investigations into relationships among Neotropical Belostomatinae have led authors to recognize a clade Belostomatinae, which is mainly characterized by back-brooding behaviour. It is likely that Weberiella belongs to this clade. Males of the only described species W. rhomboides (Menke, 1965) are reported as carrying eggs on their back for the first time here. Since this species was described based on a single female specimen from French Guiana, W. rhomboides is redescribed based on specimens from Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Rondônia, and Roraima States, Brazil. Its distribution in Brazil is mapped. The scale-like abdomen is a presumably autapomorphic condition not found in the other belostomatid species. A key to the genera of Belostomatidae including Lethocerinae and Horvathiniinae is provided. Even though a formal parsimony analysis is not presented here, a placement of W. rhomboides in Belostomatinae is tentatively suggested based on the back-brooding behaviour of males as a shared apomorphy. Convergent evolution cannot be excluded as suitable vegetation for depositing eggs is not available in the specific habitat (kinon) of W. rhomboides.     

Field observations of the effect of Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum on the saxaul locust,Dericorys albidula Serville (Orthoptera: Dericorythidae)

Dericorys albidula Serville (Orthoptera: Dericorythidae) is a major pest of Haloxylon ammodendron and other saxaul plant species in the Qom province, Iran. Using fungal insecticides can be an alternative method for chemical insecticides. Effect of insecticide fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum, on the various nymphs of D. albidula was studied in the field through 2005 and 2006. Fixed concentrations of fungi (10⁶, 10⁷, 10⁸, 10⁹, 10¹⁰ and 10¹³ spore mL^?1) were prepared as gasoline formulation and were sprayed on the locusts on H. ammodendron trees, and mortality percentage was recorded 15 days after treatment. The results showed that various concentrations significantly affected on the second, third, fourth and fifth nymphal instars of D. albidula compared to control in 2006, although this effect was lower in 2005 on nymphs. Mortality of the highest concentration (10¹³ spore mL^?1) was higher (17.6–24%) than other concentrations in all tests, but these values were not notable. The results of this study showed that using M. anisopliae var. acridum diluted in gasoline can be effective on nymphal instars of locust, D. albidula, in two continuous years.     

The regeneration niche of the grey mangrove (Avicennia marina): effects of salinity,light and sediment factors on establishment,growth and survival in the field

Field observations of seedlings and saplings of Avicennia marina showed patterns that correlated with salinity, light and sediment. Models that account for these observations were subsequently tested in a series of field experiments. Establishment varied within an estuary under controlled conditions but was not related to salinity or sediment type. Seedling survival was uniform over 3 years regardless of position in estuary and sediment type. Seedling densities and survival under canopies or in canopy gaps were not significantly different. However, seedling growth and density of saplings were greater in canopy gaps. Experiments involving manipulations of canopies showed no differences in seedling survival under canopies or in light gaps, but addition of slow-release fertilizer enhanced growth and survival in canopy gaps and under canopies. Long-term comparison of areas denuded of a canopy and with sediment disturbance showed enhanced establishment and survival when compared with areas with canopy gaps but with undisturbed sediments. Overall there appears to be no restriction to establishment of propagules within mangrove stands other than the supply of propagules and tidal or wave action. In contrast, recruitment to the sapling stage appears to be restricted by light and sediment resources. We suggest that propagules need to establish in a regeneration niche for seedling recruitment to the sapling stage. This differs from the view that seedlings in the under-storey are analogous to a seed pool in the soil.     

Phylogeography of the Cape velvet worm (Onychophora: Peripatopsis capensis) reveals the impact of Pliocene/Pleistocene climatic oscillations on Afromontane forest in the Western Cape, South Africa

Habitat specialists such as soft-bodied invertebrates characterized by low dispersal capability and sensitivity to dehydration can be employed to examine biome histories. In this study, the Cape velvet worm (Peripatopsis capensis) was used to examine the impacts of climatic oscillations on historical Afromontane forest in the Western Cape, South Africa. Divergence time estimates suggest that the P. capensis species complex diverged during the Pliocene epoch. This period was characterized by dramatic climatic and topographical change. Subsequently, forest expansion and contraction cycles led to diversification within P. capensis. Increased levels of genetic differentiation were observed along a west-to-south-easterly trajectory because the south-eastern parts of the Cape Fold Mountain chain harbour larger, more stable fragments of forest patches, have more pronounced habitat heterogeneity and have historically received higher levels of rainfall. These results suggest the presence of three putative species within P. capensis, which are geographically discreet and genetically distinct.     

Notes on the Habitat and Adult Behaviour of Three Red-Listed <Emphasis Type=Italic>Colophon</Emphasis> spp. (Coleoptera: Lucanidae) of the Cape Floristic Region,South Africa

The habitat restrictions of three species of Colophon (C. stokoei, C. neli, C. westwoodi) in the Cape Floristic Province are discussed, together with their patterns of seasonal activity and biological features in captivity, to augment the biological background needed for their effective conservation management.     

Cytochrome oxidase I sequences reveal possible cryptic diversity in the cosmopolitan symbiotic copepod Nesippus orientalis Heller, 1868 (Pandaridae: Siphonostomatoida) on elasmobranch hosts from the KwaZulu-Natal coast of South Africa

Over the past decade, numerous molecular phylogenetic studies uncovered cryptic diversity within the Copepoda, yet very few investigations focused on symbiotic copepods. Here we report mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I diversity in the cosmopolitan elasmobranch symbiont Nesippus orientalis off the KwaZulu-Natal coast of South Africa. Analysis of partial COI sequences of copepods sampled from a diversity of shark hosts, revealed the presence of two divergent clades. Diversity within the clades does not appear to be structured based on host species, host individual, geographic locality or time of sampling. However, divergence between the two clades seems to be related to host species. Phylogenetic analyses of representatives from the two clades, along with Nesippus spp., Caligus spp. and Lepeophtheirus spp. outgroups, further supports the distinction between the two clades. Future molecular phylogenetic investigations of widespread copepod symbionts most likely will reveal far greater levels of biodiversity than currently recognized.     

First records of the benthic,bloom-forming,non-toxic dinoflagellate <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thecadinium yashimaense</Emphasis> (Dinophyceae) in Europe: with special emphasis on the invasion in the North Sea

Thecadinium yashimaense was recorded for the first time in France, Great Britain, The Netherlands, and Germany. The invasion and establishment of the species in the German Bight was documented reliably and is presented here. The geographic expansion of the species from the North Pacific to the North Atlantic Ocean is discussed. This bloom-forming, marine, sand-dwelling dinoflagellate was shown to be non-toxic. Also Thecadinium kofoidii, the type species of the genus, was analyzed for potential toxin production and turned out to be non-toxic as well.     

First success of catalytic epoxidation of olefins by an electron-rich iron(III) porphyrin complex and H2O2: imidazole effect on the activation of H2O2 by iron porphyrin complexes in aprotic solvent

An electron-rich iron(III) porphyrin complex (meso-tetramesitylporphinato)iron(III) chloride [Fe(TMP)Cl], was found to catalyze the epoxidation of olefins by aqueous 30% H₂O₂ when the reaction was carried out in the presence of 5-chloro-1-methylimidazole (5-Cl-1-MeIm) in aprotic solvent. Epoxides were the predominant products with trace amounts of allylic oxidation products, indicating that Fenton-type oxidation reactions were not involved in the olefin epoxidation reactions. cis-Stilbene was stereospecifically oxidized to cis-stilbene oxide without giving isomerized trans-stilbene oxide product, demonstrating that neither hydroperoxy radical (HOO·) nor oxoiron(IV) porphyrin [(TMP)Fe^IV=O] was responsible for the olefin epoxidations. We also found that the reactivities of other iron(III) porphyrin complexes such as (meso-tetrakis(2,6-dichlorophenyl)porphinato)iron(III) chloride [Fe(TDCPP)Cl], (meso-tetrakis(2,6-difluorophenyl)porphinato)iron(III) chloride [Fe(TDFPP)Cl], and (meso-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphinato)iron(III) chloride [Fe(TPFPP)Cl] were significantly affected by the presence of the imidazole in the epoxidation of olefins by H₂O₂. These iron porphyrin complexes did not yield cyclohexene oxide in the epoxidation of cyclohexene by H₂O₂ in the absence of 5-Cl-1-MeIm in aprotic solvent; however, addition of 5-Cl-1-MeIm to the reaction solutions gave high yields of cyclohexene oxide with the formation of trace amounts of allylic oxidation products. We proposed, on the basis of the results of mechanistic studies, that the role of the imidazole is to decelerate the O–O bond cleavage of an iron(III) hydroperoxide porphyrin (or H₂O₂–iron(III) porphyrin adduct) and that the intermediate transfers its oxygen to olefins prior to the O–O bond cleavage.     

First success of catalytic epoxidation of olefins by an electron-rich iron(III) porphyrin complex and H2O2: imidazole effect on the activation of H2O2 by iron porphyrin complexes in aprotic solvent

An electron-rich iron(III) porphyrin complex (meso-tetramesitylporphinato)iron(III) chloride [Fe(TMP)Cl], was found to catalyze the epoxidation of olefins by aqueous 30% H₂O₂ when the reaction was carried out in the presence of 5-chloro-1-methylimidazole (5-Cl-1-MeIm) in aprotic solvent. Epoxides were the predominant products with trace amounts of allylic oxidation products, indicating that Fenton-type oxidation reactions were not involved in the olefin epoxidation reactions. cis-Stilbene was stereospecifically oxidized to cis-stilbene oxide without giving isomerized trans-stilbene oxide product, demonstrating that neither hydroperoxy radical (HOO·) nor oxoiron(IV) porphyrin [(TMP)Fe^IV=O] was responsible for the olefin epoxidations. We also found that the reactivities of other iron(III) porphyrin complexes such as (meso-tetrakis(2,6-dichlorophenyl)porphinato)iron(III) chloride [Fe(TDCPP)Cl], (meso-tetrakis(2,6-difluorophenyl)porphinato)iron(III) chloride [Fe(TDFPP)Cl], and (meso-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphinato)iron(III) chloride [Fe(TPFPP)Cl] were significantly affected by the presence of the imidazole in the epoxidation of olefins by H₂O₂. These iron porphyrin complexes did not yield cyclohexene oxide in the epoxidation of cyclohexene by H₂O₂ in the absence of 5-Cl-1-MeIm in aprotic solvent; however, addition of 5-Cl-1-MeIm to the reaction solutions gave high yields of cyclohexene oxide with the formation of trace amounts of allylic oxidation products. We proposed, on the basis of the results of mechanistic studies, that the role of the imidazole is to decelerate the O–O bond cleavage of an iron(III) hydroperoxide porphyrin (or H₂O₂–iron(III) porphyrin adduct) and that the intermediate transfers its oxygen to olefins prior to the O–O bond cleavage.