Multiparasitism by the pupal parasitoids, Xanthopimpla stemmator (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) and Pediobius furvus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) on two African cereal stemborers, Chilo partellus (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and Busseola fusca (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The outcome of multiparasitism by two pupal parasitoids, the exotic solitary ichneumonid Xanthopimpla stemmator and the indigenous gregarious eulophid Pediobius furvus, was studied using the invasive crambid stem borer Chilo partellus and the indigenous noctuid Busseola fusca as hosts. Two parasitism sequences were observed, where X. stemmator oviposited before P. furvus, and vice versa. In addition, the effect of time between first and second parasitism on parasitoid emergence, development, sex ratio, and number of offspring was assessed. For most treatments, time interval between parasitism had no significant effect on the percentage if pupae producing either P. furvus or X. stemmator. In general, X. stemmator outcompeted P. furvus irrespective of the order of oviposition, time interval between ovipositions and host species. Further studies, especially on host finding capacity of the two parasitoid species are required to determine the competitiveness of the two species under field conditions.     

Le « Mégalosaure » (Dinosauria,Sauropoda) de Saint-Agnant (Charente-Maritime,France) : description et origine stratigraphique

The “Megalosaur” remains from Saint-Agnant (Charente-Maritime, France), reported as early as 1881 by Boissellier, are here described and figured for the first time. These bones, as well as a few additional specimens from the nearby locality of Soubise, belong in fact to an indeterminate sauropod. The stratigraphical position of these remains unambiguously indicates an infra-Cenomanian age. However, the presence in this area of continental deposits with Purbeckian and Wealden facies does not allow to decide between an earliest or late Early Cretaceous age.     

Reproductive Biology and Behavior of Rhabditis pellio, (Schneider) (Rhabditida: Rhabditidae)

Laboratory studies were conducted on the mating behavior of Rhabditis pellio males and females, which were maintained on a culture of Flavobacterium sp. bacteria isolated from earthworms. The mean time that elapsed between first contact of the sexes and their ultimate separation was 23.2 min. However, only 5.0 min were required for copulation (the interval during which male spicules were inserted into the female vagina). Three-day-old females that were permitted to mate once on their first day of adult life produced only one-third as many larvae as did females that were permitted unlimited mating. However, the longevity of females was found to decrease with an increase in the number of matings. Both males and females that were permitted to mate daily produced the greatest number of offspring when they were 4 days old. When the initiation of mating was delayed beyond their third day of life, the number of larvae produced by females decreased. In approximately one-half of the copulations, males failed to inseminate their female partners.     

Almatium gusevi (Chernyshev 1940): Redescription,shield-shapes; and speculations on the reproductive mode (Branchiopoda,Kazacharthra)

Almatium gusevi (Chernyshev 1940), a kazacharthran branchiopod, is redescribed on the basis of plentiful new and well preserved material from the Late Triassic Huangshanjie Formation in the Turpan Basin, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. Eigen-shape analysis of head shield-shapes confirms the occurrence in these fossils of two distinct shapes which were previously interpreted as representing males (smaller) and females (larger). New interpretations, however, lead to further speculation of the reproductive modes inA. gusevi as possibly including, in addition to hatching of normally fertilised eggs from the ovisacs of mature females: 1) formation of ephippium-like resting stages to survive ambiental drying-out; 2) development of hermaphroditic females; and 3) the possible occurrence of two electrophoretically-distinct size-differentiated clones in a population of parthenogenetic females.     

Isotopes stables (C,N) du collagène des mammouths de Mezhyrich (Epigravettien,Ukraine) : implications paléoécologiques

The mammoth steppe ecosystem was characterized by a high diversity in large mammals species distributed on a vast geographical range. The isotopic analyses of the collagen of the faunal remains from this context testified the niche partitioning among large herbivores with a specialization in the types of consumed plants. In the case of the mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius), systematic higher abundances in ¹⁵N are found for this species compared to those of other grazers in Eurasia and Alaska during the Upper Palaeolithic. This distinct isotopic signature reflects a specific ecological niche. The analyses of mammoth remains at the Epigravettian site of Mezhyrich (15,000–14,300 conv BP) reveal low abundances in ¹⁵N that are equivalent to those of the associated horses. Thus, the mammoth of Mezhyrich experienced a significant change in their environment and diet that probably led to the loss of their ecological niche. A likely direct competition with other large herbivores and the possible predation by wolves and human populations should be considered for the mammoth of the Ukrainian plains, long before their extirpation from the region.     

Hydrophylita (Lutzimicron) emporos Shih & Polaszek (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) from Taiwan,Parasitising Eggs,and Phoretic on Adults,of the Damselfly Psolodesmus mandarinus mandarinus (Zygoptera: Calopterygidae)

Hydrophylita emporos n. sp. reared from eggs of Psolodesmus mandarinus mandarinus McLachlan (Zygoptera: Calopterygidae) in Taiwan is described. This is the first species of Hydrophylita to be described from the Old World, and the first record of phoresy in the genus. Adult females were observed aggregating at the base of the female damselfly’s abdomen. When the damselfly begins ovipositing, females move to the tip of the abdomen, enter the water and quickly locate eggs for parasitising. The article contains links to video footage of this process.     

Phylogenetic position of two Patagonian Cibicididae (Rotaliida, Foraminifera): Cibicidoides dispars (d’Orbigny, 1839) and Cibicidoides variabilis (d’Orbigny, 1826)

Cibicidoides dispars and Cibicidoides variabilis are two neritic cibicidids commonly found on the Patagonian coasts. Phylogenetic analyses of partial SSU rDNA sequences show that they both belong to the genus Cibicidoides. Cibicidoides dispars branches close to Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi, whereas C. variabilis clusters with Cibicidoides pachyderma. In both cases, species clustering together are well separated morphologically and ecologically but close genetically. Molecular data indicate clearly that C. dispars and C. variabilis are well separated genetically from Cibicidoides lobatulus, another shallow water cibicidid sharing a similar ecology and morphology. Moreover, our molecular results show that neritic and bathyal or abyssal species are found together in different clades, suggesting multiple colonization events from shallow to deep water or vice versa. The analysis of more variable ITS rDNA region, on the other hand, reveals small differences between individuals of C. variabilis sampled in the south and north of Chilean Patagonia, which could indicate a cryptic speciation undergoing in this species.     

An analysis of the mole rats (Mammalia: Rodentia) from Langebaanweg (Mio-Pliocene, South Africa)

A study of the taphonomy and age profiles of the mole rat population from Langebaanweg ‘E’ Quarry was undertaken in order to see if these subterranean rodents had been accumulated by predation (coprocoenosis hypothesis) or as a result of drowning in their burrows during a flood event (catastrophocenosis hypothesis). Previous research has cited the bathyergids as being the most common rodent at Langebaanweg, however, a comprehensive study of new micromammal material indicates that murids, rather than mole rats, dominate most of the assemblages. The concentration of mole rat remains in many of the fossil-bearing levels at Langebaanweg is, nevertheless, still extremely high compared to other fossil sites or predation assemblages in the area. A taphonomic examination of mole rat incisor surfaces indicates that digestion occurs on between 44% and 54% of incisors in the different assemblages, and this, together with the degree of digestion suggests that category 1 and category 2 predators had been responsible for the accumulation of the fossil mole rat assemblages. The absence of rounding, polishing or weathering on the fossils indicates that there has been little or no transport by water, and that burial of the bones was rapid. Breakage and damage to the anterior portion of many of the mandibles made it impossible to accurately assess the age of the older mole rats, and the majority of mandibles could provide only a minimum age of the animal at the time of death. The age profile indicates that very young individuals are missing from the assemblages. This allows for refutation of the previously made suggestion that flooding was responsible for the death of the majority of Langebaanweg mole rats and also introduces the possibility that Bathyergus hendeyi may have been a social animal, unlike extant bathyergids which are solitary.     

Impacts of the pesticides imidacloprid,propargite, and pymetrozine on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chrysoperla carnea</Emphasis> (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae): IOBC and life table assays

The effects of imidacloprid, propargite, and pymetrozine on the common green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) were investigated in the laboratory, using the IOBC-system and the life table response experiment. Residual glass plate bioassays were carried out using two-day-old larvae at the Iranian maximum field recommended rate of each commonly used pesticide. All three tested pesticides produced significant adverse effects on pre-imaginal survival (p < 0.01). Imidacloprid had no significant effect on fecundity, but propargite and pymetrozin caused significant reductions (p < 0.05). According to the IOBC classification, imidacloprid was found to be harmless (E = 27.44%); propargite (E = 49.78%) and pymetrozine (E = 66.9%) were slightly harmful. Life table assays revealed that imidacloprid and propargite had no significant effects on the intrinsic rate of natural increase, while pymetrozine caused a 34% reduction in r _m value (p < 0.05). Propargite was non-toxic to C. carnea under the tested conditions. In the case of imidacloprid, using a glass plate as test substrate led to␣underestimation of its effects. The life table assay showed more adverse effects of pymetrozine than the IOBC method.     

Global diversity of dobsonflies,fishflies, and alderflies (Megaloptera; Insecta) and spongillaflies,nevrorthids, and osmylids (Neuroptera; Insecta) in freshwater

The insect orders Megaloptera and Neuroptera are closely related members of the superorder Neuropterida, a relict lineage of holometabolous insects that also includes the Raphidoptera. Megaloptera, composed of the families Sialidae and Corydalidae (including subfamilies Chauliodinae and Corydalinae), has fully aquatic larvae that occur in a wide variety of lotic and lentic habitats, including temporary streams. In total, 2 of 17 families of Neuroptera have aquatic larvae: Nevrorthidae live in the benthos of fast-flowing streams and Sisyridae reside on freshwater sponges. A third family of Neuroptera, Osmylidae, contains some water-dependent species that reside under leaves and rocks along the margins of waterbodies. We recognize 328 extant, described species of Megaloptera (composed of 116 species of Chauliodinae, 131 species of Corydalinae, and 81 species of Sialidae) and 73 species of aquatic Neuroptera (composed of 12 species of Nevrorthidae and 61 species of Sisyridae). Additionally, we estimate that 45 species of Osmylidae are water-dependent, although the ecology of this group is poorly understood. Chauliodinae and Corydalidae are both found in the New World, the Oriental region, and South Africa, but are absent from Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, tropical Africa, and boreal regions. Chauliodinae is quite speciose in Australia, whereas Corydalinae is absent. Sialidae is most speciose in temperate regions, and is absent from tropical Africa and portions of the Oriental region. Sisyridae and Osmylidae are nearly cosmopolitan, but the relict family Nevrorthidae is limited to Japan, the Mediterranean, and Australia. The discovery of many new species in recent years, particularly among Corydalidae in the Neotropics and China, suggests that our knowledge of aquatic neuropterid diversity is far from complete. Guest editors: E. V. Balian, C. Lévêque, H. Segers and K. Martens Freshwater Animal Diversity Assessment     

Trisomy 18q: 46,XX,-10,+der(10) t(10;18) (p15;q12) pat: a case report.

A 2-month-old female with intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation, multiple congenital anomalies, absent right kidney, congenital heart disease was investigated. Her karyotype revealed, 46,XX,-10,+der(10), t(10;18) (p15;q12) pat. The child died at 2 months 2 weeks. This is the third case of trisomy 18q resulting from translocation of chromosome 10 and 18.     

Re-description and molecular characterisation of Choricotyle australiensis Roubal,Armitage & Rohde, 1983 (Monogenea: Diclidophoridae) infecting Chrysophrys auratus (Forster) (Perciformes: Sparidae)

Choricotyle australiensis Roubal, Armitage & Rohde, 1983, a diclidophorid monogenean species, is redescribed and genetically characterised using the partial nuclear 28S ribosomal RNA gene (28S rRNA) and a fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene sequences for specimens collected from Chrysophrys auratus (Forster) off Australia and New Zealand. Previous studies have either provided morphological or genetic results, whereas this study combines morphological and advanced molecular methods. A total of 70 Ch. auratus were examined with 22 individuals of C. australiensis recovered from the gills (overall prevalence of 23%). This study has provided the first evidence for the exploration of mitochondrial cox1 region for C. australiensis. Comparison of the newly generated sequences with other available data supported the distinction of C. australiensis among diclidophorid Furhmann, 1928 species thus confirming its taxonomic status.

     

Development,morphology and ultrastructure of the branchial crown of Fabricia stellaris (Müller, 1774) (Polychaeta: Sabellida: Fabriciinae)

Randel, N. and Bick, A. 2011. Development, morphology and ultrastructure of the branchial crown of Fabricia stellaris (Müller, 1774) (Polychaeta: Sabellida: Fabriciinae). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 93 : 409–421. Sabellidae and Serpulidae are well‐known tube‐building polychaetes with a distinctive and often spectacularly colourful branchial crown. Morphological investigations suggest that these taxa form the monophyletic clade Sabellida, with the adelphotaxa Sabellidae and Serpulidae, but the relationship between these taxa remains ambiguous. Molecular investigations have indicated that the Fabriciinae, major taxon of Sabellidae, belongs to Serpulidae, thereby making Sabellidae paraphyletic; however, morphological characters are absent to support this result. We investigate the development, anatomy and ultrastructure of the branchial crown of Fabricia stellaris (Müller, 1774), describing morphological characteristics useful not only for constructing morphological phylogenies but also for understanding the evolution of the branchial crown. The morphology of the radioles and pinnules does not differ from each other. The supporting tissue of the branchial crown consists of myoepithelial cells and a solid extracellular matrix (ECM). Both ciliated and non‐ciliated cells form the epidermal layer; ciliated cells shape the food groove. Most important is the result that radioles and pinnules within Sabellida may not be homologous, because the morphology and the branching of radioles and pinnules are completely different between Sabellinae, Fabriciinae and Serpulidae. The terms ‘primary branch’ for radioles and ‘secondary branch’ for pinnules are proposed for Fabriciinae. The phylogeny of the Sabellida is discussed.     

Threatened fishes of the world: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Wallago attu</Emphasis> (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) (Siluriformes: Siluridae)

The Asian Silurid catfish Wallago attu is an endangered species. Populations are declining due to over-exploitation, pollution and environmental degradation. Law enforcement to ban destructive fishing practices should be enhanced for the conservation of the populations.     

Myoanatomy of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Barentsia discreta</Emphasis> (Busk, 1886) (Kamptozoa: Coloniales)

The anatomy of the muscular system of Barentsia discreta (Kamptozoa) was studied by confocal laser scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The calyx musculature, muscles associated with the digestive tract, atrial ring muscles, and tentacle muscles are described. The structure of the muscular bulbus located in the upper part of the stalk and the muscle base of the stalk were examined. The middle part of the stalk and the stolon lack musculature. The structure of the star-cell complex lying at the boundary of the stalk and calyx was examined in detail. Emschermann’s (1969) opinion was confirmed that the star-cell complex performs the function of a heart, providing the transport of substances from the calyx to the stalk and stolon. The general plan of the muscle arrangement is similar in all Kamptozoa; it consists of central muscles of the calyx, atrial ring muscles, tentacle muscles, and muscles associated with the digestive tract. Oral, lateral, and aboral muscles extending from the stalk into the calyx, which were described for solitary forms, are lacking in the calyx of colonial B. discreta. The calyx of B. discreta is separated from the stalk by a septum, through which muscles do not penetrate from the stalk.     

Molecular-Mechanical studies of the mismatched base analogs of d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2:d(CGTGAATTCGCG)2, d(CGAGAATTCGCG)2, d(CGCGAATTCACG)2, d(CGCGAATTCTCG)2, and d(CGCAGAATTCGCG)·d(CGCGAATTCGCG)

Molecular-mechanical simulations have been carried out on “mismatched base” analogs of the DNA double-helical structure d(CGCGAATTCGCG)₂, in which the base pairs CG at the 3 and 10 positions have been replaced by CA, AG, TC, and TG base pairs, as well as an insertion analog in which an extra adenine has been incorporated into one strand of the above structure between bases 3 and 4. The results of these simulations (calculated relative stabilities, structures, and nmr ring-current shifts) have been compared with calorimetric and nmr data. The calculated relative stabilities of the double-helical parent dodecamer and the various “wobble” base pairs qualitatively correlate with the experimental melting temperatures. The base-pairing structure for the GT wobble pair is in agreement with that previously determined from nmr experiments. For the GA base pair, the structure with both bases anti has a slightly more favorable energy from base pairing and stacking than a structure with non-Watson-Crick H-bonding with adenine syn, in agreement with nmr experiments. The CA wobble base is calculated to favor an adenine 6NH₂ …? cytosine N3 H-bond over cytosine 4NH₂ …? adenine N1, again, in agreement with nmr experiments. There is no definitive experimental data on the TC base pair, but the existence of (somewhat long and weak) H-bonds involving cytosine 4NH₂ …? thymine 4CO and cytosine N3 …? thymine HN3 seems reasonable. We find a structure in which the extra adenine base of the insertion analogs sits “inside” the double helix.