Simple synthesis of mite pheromone beta-acaridial and its analogs in the secretion of Caloglyphus polyphyllae (Acari: Acaridae)

A simple synthesis of beta-acaridial [(E)-1], the active principle of the sex, alarm and aggregation pheromone among astigmatid mites, was achieved in 5 steps from 1,2,4-butanetriol 2 in a 19% overall yield. Its analog, beta-acariolal 8, was also prepared in a 63% yield by oxidation of the intermediate, beta-acaridiol [(E)-7], with pyridinium dichromate (PDC). This synthetic route also gave beta-(Z)-acaridiol [(Z)-7] by using a Z-selective base in the Wittig reaction. (Z)-7 was oxidized to give a new monoterpene, beta-(Z)-acaridial [(Z)-1], which was detected as a trace component in the secretion of Caloglyphus polyphyllae, together with 8.     

中国嗜木螨属一新纪录种记述(蜱螨亚纲:粉螨科)

本文记述在江西省安义县米糠中采集到的嗜木螨属Caloglyphus一中国新纪录种:卡氏嗜木螨Caloglyphus caroli ChannaBasavanna 8L Krishna Rao,1982。     

Identification of the New Hydrocarbon (Z,Z)-1,6,9-Heptadecatriene as the Secretory Component of Caloglyphus polyphyllae (Astigmata: Acaridae)

A new heptadecatriene was isolated from the acarid mite, Caloglyphus polyphyllae, as the major characteristic component which could be used to identify the species chemo-taxonomically. Its structure was elucidated as 1,6,9-heptadecatriene by partial hydrogenation and a subsequent GC/MS analysis of the dimethyldisulfide derivative, together with evidence of the terminal vinyl group and Z-configuration of double bonds that was provided by GC-FT/IR and NMR. The triene was identified as (Z,Z)-1,6,9-heptadecatriene by its synthesis and is revealed to be a new compound as a natural product.     

伯氏嗜木螨各发育阶段的外部形态扫描电镜观察

【目的】 观察伯氏嗜木螨Caloglyphus berlesei生活史各发育阶段外部形态和超微形态特征。【方法】 采集中华地鳖Eupolyphaga sinensis培养床上的培养料, 分离伯氏嗜木螨。将分离获得的伯氏嗜木螨双蒸水洗涤后, 一部分用于制备常规玻片标本, 光镜下直接观察; 另一部分用2.5%戊二醛溶液固定, 70%酒精再次洗涤, 临界点干燥, 置于扫描电镜下观察不同发育阶段（包括卵、 幼螨、 若螨及成螨）的超微形态特征。【结果】 电镜下伯氏嗜木螨各发育阶段的足、 刚毛和外生殖器及其附属结构的形态均清晰可辨。幼螨足3对, 足上无叶状刚毛, 基节干发达; 若螨足4对, 出现第4背毛, 生殖区发育不全; 休眠体足爪和前跗节发达, 出现叶状毛、 胫节毛及膝节毛等结构, 生殖板骨化明显, 其两侧有吸盘和刚毛各1对。吸盘板上共有4对成对的吸盘、 1个单吸盘和2对类圆形微凸。成螨生殖感觉器骨化且呈心形, 雄雌成螨生殖感觉器的刚毛数量上有明显差异。【结论】 对伯氏嗜木螨形态和超微形态特征的观察有助于对其进一步科学分类和进行生活史研究, 并可为控制伯氏嗜木螨及其引起的过敏性疾病提供参考。     

Potential negative effects on biological control by Sancassania polyphyllae (Acari: Acaridae) on an entomopathogenic nematode species

Sancassania polyphyllae (Acari: Acaridae) is associated with larvae of the white grub, Polyphylla fullo (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), and will feed on the infective juveniles of entomopathogenic nematodes in the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae which are important biological control agents of soil insect pests. We conducted laboratory studies to determine the potential negative effects this mite species might have on biological control of soil insect pests. Our objectives in this study were to (1) determine the response of S. polyphyllae adult mites to a nematode-killed insects on agar, (2) evaluate the predation by mites on Steinernema feltiae infective juveniles from nematode-killed insects on agar and in soil, and (3) assess predation efficiency of the mite on the infective juveniles in the soil. On agar, we found (1) significantly more adult female mites near or on a nematode-killed Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) larva than near or on the freeze-killed larva or a bamboo mimic suggesting that a chemical or an odor from the nematode-killed larva attracted the mites, and (2) 10 mites consumed 96% of infective juveniles that emerged from an insect cadaver. In soil with a nematode-killed insect, the average number of infective juveniles recovered was <30 when mites were present, whereas the average number of infective juveniles recovered was >375 when the mites were absent. When the infective juveniles alone were placed in different depths in relation to the mites in the soil column for 4 and 10 days, S. polyphyllae was not as efficient at finding the infective juveniles when they were separated from each other in the soil lending support to the idea that the mites were cueing in on the cadaver as a food resource. Our data suggest that emerging infective juveniles from an insect cadaver in the soil in the presence of S. polyphyllae can adversely affect biological control because of nematode consumption by the mites.     

Experimental evidence for a female sex pheromone in Arrenurus manubriator (Acari: Hydrachnida; Arrenuridae)

We present experimental evidence for a water-borne female-produced sex pheromone in aquatic parasitengonine mites. Water that has contained adult female Arrenurus manubriator Marshall will elicit arrestant behaviour in conspecific adult males, and if the cue is sufficiently strong, the males will assume a readiness posture (with 4th pair of legs held over the back, bent anteromedially at the genuotibial joint) that is typically a precursor to coupling. Water that has not been exposed to female mites does not induce any behavioural response from male mites. Female-conditioned water that has been passed through a C-18 column does not elicit any response from male A. manubriator, while the rehydrated residue from the column does induce arrestant behaviour and may result in the readiness posture. The results from the C-18 extraction indicate that the pheromone is nonpolar in nature. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effects of temperature on the life-history traits of Sancassania (Caloglyphus) berlesei (Acari: Astigmatina: Acaridae) feeding on root-knot nematodes,Meloidogyne spp. (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae)

Sancassania (Caloglyphus) berlesei (Michael) is a cosmopolitan and free-living mite that inhabits soil as well as laboratory colonies of insects and fungi and may have a role as a biocontrol agent of nematodes. In this study, we investigated the effects of temperature on the development, reproduction, and food consumption of S. berlesei fed egg masses of root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., an important group of agricultural pests. Mites were reared at 20, 25 or 30 °C in the dark. The mites could feed on the nematode egg masses, and their developmental time decreased at higher temperatures. Time from the egg to adult was similar in females and males reared at the same temperature. Adult females lived longer than males at 25 °C, but not at 20 or 30 °C. Generally, females showed a higher rate of food consumption than males. Females laid the largest number of eggs at 20 and 25 °C (199.7 and 189.8 eggs/female, respectively), but the intrinsic rate of natural increase was highest at 30 °C (r _m = 0.29). In comparing our data with previous reports, we noted that S. berlesei that fed on egg masses of root-knot nematodes showed a longer developmental time and a lower reproductive rate than Sancassania mites that fed on other diets. Nonetheless, the relatively high value of r _m (e.g., at 25 and 30 °C) suggests that this mite may have certain advantages as a biocontrol agent of root-knot nematodes.     

Effect of Mating Frequency on Female Fitness in Caloglyphus Berlesei (Astigmata: Acaridae)

We studied the effect of mating frequency on female longevity and fecundity in the mite Caloglyphus berlesei. We tested the hypothesis that high promiscuity is selected for in this species because females receive nutrients during copulation. Females were constantly exposed to either one or four males and fed either a standard or poor diet. The prediction that frequent mating benefits females was not confirmed. On the contrary, females kept with four males had significantly lower longevity on both diets and on the standard diet they also had decreased fecundity compared to females exposed to one male. On the poor diet the number of males had no significant effect on fecundity. Thus, increased mating frequency had a detrimental effect on female fitness.     

Thermal acclimation in the grain miteAcarus siro (Acari: Acaridae)

Grain mites reared on wheat germ at 21±1°C and 85% r.h. were treated (acclimated) as adults at 0, 14, 28 or 33°C for 1 or 4 days. Fecundity, longevity and numbers of F₁ females and males produced were compared. A treatment of 1 day was enough to acclimateAcarus siro and change the studied developmental parameters. Acclimation always lowered fecundity but the magnitude of the effect was dependent upon the temperature regime. The number of males and females emerging differed greatly among various temperature regimes; however, the sex ratio of emerged adults remained in most instances quite constant.     

Energy budget of the grain mite,Acarus siro (Acari: Acaridae)

Immature individuals ofAcarus siro L. ingest a total of 0.1408 J of food energy, 58.5% of which is consumed by the deutonymph, 27.1% by the protonymph and only 14.1% by the larva. The total ingestion is much greater (2.8169 J±0.0981se). Much energy, 0.7031 J±0.0231se, is used for egg production, which is concentrated in the first 20 days of adult life. Assimilation efficiency during this period varies from 63 to 71%. Most energy ingested between the 20th and 40th days of adult life is used in biomass production, and biomass increases significantly up to th 30th day. Afterwards, old individuals expend a large amount of assimilated energy on respiration due to the increased cost of maintenance.Present address: Biology Dept., LB 8042, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, U.S.A.     

Two new species of the genus Tyrophagus (Acari: Acaridae)

Two new species of Tyrophagus Oudemans, 1924, are described. One species, T. Savasi , has been discovered in several habitats of economic importance. It closely resembles T putrescentiae (Schrank) and T. neiswander Johnston & Bruce. The second, T. rebertsonae , has so far been discovered in only two, soil and tree bark. It differs from other species of Tyrophagus by a number of character. Both new species have pigmented 'eyespots' on the prodorsal shield. A new character used to differentiate these species is the shape of the sclerotized neck of receptaculum semins.
The position of the new species in three commonly used keys to adults of the genus Tyrophagus is indicated     

(E)-2-(2-Hydroxyethylidene)-6-methyl-5-heptenal (alpha-acariolal) and (E)-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-6-methyl-2,5-heptadienal (beta-acariolal), two new types of isomeric monoterpenes from Caloglyphus polyphyllae (Acari: Acaridae)

The opisthonotal gland secretion of the acarid mite, Caloglyphus polyphyllae, contained two new monoterpenes, (E)-2-(2-hydroxyethylidene)-6-methyl-5-heptenal (1) and (E)-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-6-methyl-2,5-heptadienal (2), to which we have given the trivial names alpha- and beta-acariolal in relation to alpha- and beta-acaridial (3 and 4), respectively. Elucidation of the structure of 1 was established mainly from 1H-NMR and GC/MS spectral data after partial purification, together with the fact that 1 was recovered in the more-polar fraction from a silica gel column than alpha- and beta-acaridial (3 and 4) present in the secretion. Compound 2 was obtained in the same fraction as a mixture with 1. Based on the facts that 2 had the same molecular weight by GC/MS and the same polarity as that of 1, compound 2 was assumed to be a structural analog of 1. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were confirmed by their synthesis in nine and ten respective steps starting from alpha-bromo-gamma-butyrolactone.     

Chemical analysis of the female sex pheromone in Palpita nigropunctalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

The lilac pyralid, Palpita nigropunctalis Bremer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a common pest of Oleaceae plants. A crude extract of the female sex pheromone glands was examined by gas chromatography-electroantennogram detection (GC-EAD) and GC coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC/MS). The GC-EAD analysis revealed three EAG-active components (I–III) in a ratio of 1:0.2:0.01 (I: II: III). GC/MS analysis successfully recorded the mass spectra of I and II. For I, ions at m/z 238 (M⁺) and 220 ([M-18]⁺) indicated the structure of a monoenyl aldehyde with a 16-carbon chain. For II, M⁺ was not detected, but ions at m/z 222 ([M-60]⁺) and 61 ([AcOH+1]⁺) suggested that II was a monoenyl acetate with a 16-carbon chain. Further GC/MS analysis of the extract treated with dimethyl disulfide revealed that the double bonds in both I and II are located at the same position of 11th-carbon. In addition, the pheromone extract was examined by GC/Fourier transform-infrared spectrophotometer (GC/FT-IR). An IR spectrum of I showed characteristic absorption at 1716 and 966?cm^?1, indicating a formyl group and E configuration of the double bond, respectively. In the case of II, absorption at 1745 and 968?cm^?1 indicated an ester carbonyl and E configuration, respectively. Taken together and by comparison with authentic standards, I and II were confirmed as (E)-11-hexadecenal and (E)-11-hexadecenyl acetate, respectively; while III was speculated as (E)-11-hexadecen-1-ol. The synthetic I, II and III all coincided well with those of the natural components in chemical data, and elicited strong electroantennographic activity in male P. nigropunctalis.     

腐食酪螨有效积温的研究

腐食酪螨 Tyrophagus putrescentiae(Schrank) ,是世界性仓储物品和食用菌重要害螨 ,也是人体皮炎、体内螨病及螨性过敏的主要病原。本文研究了该螨的有效积温。经测定 ,腐食酪螨全世代的发育始点为 8.38± 1.5 1℃ ,有效积温为 2 2 1.72日度 ;卵、幼螨、第一若螨和第二若螨的发育始点分别为 10 .4 7± 2 .31℃、8.0 9± 2 .36℃、9.0 9± 1.16℃和 10 .5 9± 1.73℃ ,有效积温分别为 4 1.79日度、5 8.0 6日度、36 .2 7日度和 39.5 3日度。     

Penetration of pesticides into the bulb miteRhizoglyphus echinopus (Acari: Acaridae)

Bulb mites,Rhizoglyphus echinopus (Fumoze and Robin), were exposed for 10 min in vials precoated with 23 radiocarbon-labeled pesticides, and the kinetics of penetration were assessed following post-exposure periods of 320 min or 24h, depending upon the compound. With all pesticides, penetration was biphasic and consisted of a rapid initial component (alpha phase) followed by a much slower secondary component. The alpha phase of penetration was analyzed with a linear model, and the entire penetration curve was analyzed with a non-linear model. Correlation analyses of ten mass balance and penetration parameters and partition coefficients yielded 14 combinations that were significant atP<0.05. It was found that compounds with the fastest penetration rates had the highest dosing coefficients and the lowest octanol-water partition coefficients. Thus, fastest penetration was associated with relatively polar compounds such as oxythioquinox, promecarb, methomyl, aldicarb, and chlordimeform, whereas slowest penetration was observed with lipophilic compounds such as DDT, diflubenzuron, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, and the pyrethroids. However, the polar formetanate hydrochloride penetrated very slowly and was an exception to this generalization. These results provide a basis for suggesting that pesticide penetration proceeded at a faster rate in bulb mites than in two-spotted spider mites,Tetranychus urticae Koch, in other studies.     

Internal and external morphology of the deutonymph of Caloglyphus boharti (Arachnida: Acari)

A band of flexible cuticle encircles the deutonymph, separating the dorsal and ventral plates. The coxae are large, flat and fused with one another to form most of the ventor. Individual coxal margins are redefined as sternites, epimerites or simply apodemes according to which margins fuse with which others. A given area of cuticle may have patches of dark or light cuticle not corresponding to particular structures or cuticular contours; this is a source of confusion to taxonomists. Each leg has a dicondylic coxal-trochantal (adduction-abduction) and trochantal-femoral (promotion-remotion) joint with opposing muscles. The three more distal monocondylic joints (flexion-extension) have only flexor muscles; extension is by increased haemolymph pressure. The five apodemes of the sucker plate provide rigidity; the four suckers attach by a flexible cuticular ring to a solid flange or socket in the sucker plate. The sucker muscles attach to the center of each sucker. The flat, external face of the sucker plate apodemes may complement sucker action by adhesion. Coxal discs and sucker plate discs are identical, contain birefringent cuticular elements, and are considered modified setae. Functional mouthparts and a pharynx are lacking, but a cheliceral anlage is present. The esophagus, midgut and caecae, and malpighian tubules are lumenless and the cells small. The hindgut has a lumen, larger cells and opens externally via the anus. Whereas the digestive tract is regressed, the reproductive system is yet incompletely developed. In older deutonymphs anlagen of ducts, accessory glands and gonads are discernible. The nature of the haemocoel and peritoneum remains nuclear. The central nerve mass is conspicuously large for the size of the deutonymph. The supraesophageal ganglion gives rise to the cheliceral nerves; all other nerves arise from the subesophageal ganglion. Most major nerves were traced to the effector organs. The muscles are divided into leg, dorso-ventral (derived from coxal muscles), dorsal, sucker, and anogenital muscles. The trochantal adductor muscles originate on an endosternite, which is supported by muscles running to the dorsal hysterosoma. The dorso-ventral and propodosomal retractor muscles affect haemolymph pressure. The massive sucker retractor muscles are unique to this instar. Anogenital muscles are not well developed.     

腐食酪螨螨体正己烷提取物的生物活性及成分分析

【目的】确定腐食酪螨Tyrophagus putrescentiae报警信息素的存在及其成分。【方法】采取正己烷溶剂浸提法提取获得腐食酪螨螨体提取物, 通过观察腐食酪螨对提取物的行为反应确定其生物活性, 最后用气相色谱-质谱联用仪(gas chromatograph-mass spectrum, GC-MS)对提取物的成分进行分析。【结果】腐食酪螨正己烷提取物对该螨有明显的报警作用。GC-MS分析显示, 提取物中含有橙花醇甲酸酯、Z-柠檬醛、E-柠檬醛等成分。【结论】该实验证明了腐食酪螨报警信息素的存在, 为进一步明确各成分及其作用奠定了基础。     

A female sex pheromone in Bruchidius atrolineatus (Pic) (Coleoptera, Bruchidae): analysis of the factors affecting production or emission of this pheromone

ABSTRACT. . The females of the tropical Bruchid Bruchidius atrolineatus (Pic) (Coleoptera) produce a sex pheromone that influences male behaviour. This pheromone, tested on males in an olfactometer, triggers characteristic antennal movements followed by a distinct chemo-anemotaxis. Sex pheromone production depends on the age of the females and is partly correlated with their ovarian activity. Females 0–24 h old are not attractive, but they begin to attract males on the second day of adult life. Vitellogenesis seems to correlate with the emission or the production of the pheromone but there is no precise synchrony between the two phenomena which are probably induced by the same endocrine factors. Within 1 h after mating there is a decrease in the females' attractiveness, which lasts at least 48 h. Under our experimental conditions no particular rhythm of production or emission of the sex pheromone in B. atrolineatus could be observed.     

Anatomy and ultrastructure of the reproductive systems ofAcarus siro (Acari: Acaridae)

Anatomy and ultrastructure of the female and male reproductive system inAcarus siro L. were investigated by light and electron microscopy. The female system consists of paired ovaries of nutrimentary type in which oogonia and oocytes are connected by bridges with a large central cell. The oviducts empty into the uterus, which passes into preoviporal duct lined bycuticle, and opening as a longitudinal slit (oviporus). An elongated accessory gland composed of one type of secretory cell is located along each oviduct. The copulatory opening occurs at the posterior margin of the body and leads, via the inseminatory canal, to the receptaculum seminis, consisting of the basal and saccular part. Both inseminatory canal and basal part of receptaculum seminis are lined by cuticle, whereas the wall of the sac is formed by cells covered only by long, numerous microvilli. The basal part of the receptaculum seminis joins the ovaries via two lumenless transitory cones.The male reproductive system contains paired testes, in which spermatogonia tightly surround the central cell. The proximal part of the paired vasa deferentia serves as a sperm reservoir, while the distal one has a glandular character. An unpaired, cuticle-lined ejaculatory duct opens into the apex of the aedeagus. The single accessory gland is located asymmetrically at the level of, or slightly posterior to, coxae IV.The structure of the genital papillae, which are topographically related to the genital opening in both sexes, is also briefly described.     

Evidence for a mounting sex pheromone in the brown ear tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus,Neuman 1901 (Acari: Ixodidae)

The presence of a mounting sex pheromone was demonstrated on the surface of fed female Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. This pheromone, which is present on the female cuticle, allows the male to recognise the female. The pheromone was removed by cleaning the female in hexane, resulting in the loss of male mating behaviour in in vitro experiments. Male mating behaviour was resumed when extract made from fed female cuticle was replaced on cleaned females. When the extract was transferred to innanimate objects typical male mating behaviour was released. Preliminary chemical analyses indicated that the active component of the extract was contained in the sterol ester fraction of the extract.