Phase and Period Responses of the Two-Peak Circadian Rhythm of Trigonoscelis gigas Reitter (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) for 6-hr Light Pulses

Circadian rhythm of locomotor activity of the desert beetle T.gigas usually has two narrow peaks: morning (M) and evening (E). While entrained with diurnal (T_z = 24 hr) full or skeleton photoperiods, the M peak is precedes light, while the E peak coincides with light. In a variety of natural and laboratory conditions both peaks tend to maintain a stable mutual phase relationship, about 12 hr apart. The phase responses of the M and E peaks were studied using 6-hr, 30 lx green LED-light pulses applied around ct3, ?t12 and ct18. The PRC for the E peak, plotted versus ct0 (extrapolated moment of light-on) as abscissa, had the same position, as the PRC for the M peak. Both PRCs were asymmetric, but in an opposite way: for the M peak the area of phase advances was bigger, than the area of phase delays, while for the E peak, vice versa. The transient PRCs on day 1, 2 etc. did not differ from the steady state PRC, i.e, the phase response was accomplished virtually in one cycle. Period changes were almost all positive (period became longer after a light pulse). The only "dead zone" in the period response curve (decrease of Dt down to zero) was around subjective evening - early night. Here again, the M peak appeared more "eager" to phase advances than the E peak. Our data support the hypothesis that M and E peaks are controlled by putative separate oscillators. These oscillators seem to have different properties, tend to phase shift to a different extent, and are extremely strongly mutually coupled with phases locked at approximately 180°. The asymmetry of properties of the M and E oscillators has a clear adaptive significance.     

Entrainment of the Two-Peak Circadian Rhythm of Trigonoscelis gigas Reitter (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) with non-24-hr Zeitgebers

Circadian rhythms of locomotor activity of the desert beetles T.gigas were entrained with skeleton photoperiods (2x2 hr per circadian cycle 30 lx green LED light pulses). The Zeitgeber period was stepwise reduced by 1 hr down to 22 hr or increased up to 26 hr. Within the range of entrainment, the phase angle Ψ of a circadian rhythm with respect to light depends upon the period of Zeitgeber differently for the morning (M) and evening (E) peak: M is easier to advance, while E is easier to delay. Beyond the range of entrainment both peaks became free-running with some relative coordination. Masking (direct stimulation of activity by light) occurred only during the subjective night, and never in subjective day. In few cases one of two peaks became free-running while its counterpart remained entrained, suggesting that each of the two peaks has its own visual input and can be entrained by light. These results are in agreement with the difference in the PRC shape for the M and E peaks, and support the hypothesis that M and E peaks are controlled by two functionally separate oscillators that have polar different properties, and are extremely strongly mutually coupled with phases locked at about 180°.     

Circadian Variations in the Affinities of Nad Kinase and Nadp Phosphatase for their Substrates, Nad+ and Nadp+ in Dividing and Nondividing Cells of the Achlorophyllous Zc Mutant of Euglena Gracilis Klebs (Strain Z)

-We have previously shown that NAD kinase and NADP phosphatase activities display circadian rhythms, in the soluble (SN) and membrane-bound (P) fractions of crude extracts of the achlorophyllous ZC mutant of the phytoflagellate Euglena gracilis (which displays circadian rhythmicity of cell division). We determined if changes in the affinity of NADP phosphatase and NAD kinase for their substrates, NADP⁺ and NAD⁺, were occurring by calculating the ratios 100(velocity found in Km conditions/velocity found in saturating conditions). The rationale was that if the affinity remained unchanged according to circadian time (CI), these values should always equal 50, independently of any changes in enzyme quantity; values greater than 50 should indicate increases in enzyme affinity, and values less than 50 decreases in affinity. Our results indicated that these values calculated for NADP phosphatase exhibited a complex pattern of rhythmicity, while those for NAD kinase displayed circadian variations strongly correlated with the rhythms in enzyme activity. The curves showed troughs at CT 00-04 both in dividing and nondividing cells and peaks at CT 18-20 or at CT 08-14 in cells sampled, respectively, from a dividing or a stationary culture. Such variations are indicative of changes in the kinetic properties of the enzyme, which may reflect modifications in its affinity either for effectors (such as Ca2⁺-calmodulin) or for its substrate, NAD⁺. This may be due to (i) the expression of different isoenzymes at different CTs; (ii) different posttranslational modifications of the enzyme; or (iii) concentrations of effectors varying in a circadian manner.     

人工光暗条件下花绒寄甲成虫活动行为节律

【目的】花绒寄甲 Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire)是林木蛀干害虫重要的天敌昆虫,研究其行为活动昼夜节律,可以深入了解该虫的生物学特性、阐明其生活习性。【方法】采用室内（温度27±1℃、相对湿度65%±10%）条件下雌雄单头隔离饲养的方法,将该虫的行为活动分为移动、取食、饮水、木块处静息和木块外静息5种行为,每隔30 min记录一次,于2014年7月10-15日连续进行观察。【结果】移动和木块处静息行为存在明显的昼夜节律;移动行为主要发生在暗期,移动高峰发生在20:30-22:30和2:00-4:00之间,而在光期的6:00-16:30之间移动行为发生较少木块处静息行为主要发生在光期的9:30-16:30和暗期的0:00-1:30之间,而在20:30-23:00 的暗期中木块处静息行为发生较少。一天内,该虫发生取食和饮水行为均较少,两类行为主要发生在0:00-14:00之间。木块外静息行为主要发生在暗期的0:30-3:30和20:00-22:00之间。雌、雄成虫的各行为出现的时间和发生百分率无显著差异。【结论】花绒寄甲成虫活动行为受到光、暗条件的显著影响,移动行为主要发生在暗期,而各活动行为在雌、雄虫之间无显著性差异。     

Circadian rhythms of feeding, oviposition, and emergence of the boll weevil （Coleoptera： Curculionidae）

Circadian rhythm of feeding, oviposition, and emergence of boll weevil adults were determined at five different photophases （24, 14, 12, 10, and 0 hours） and a constant 27℃ temperature, 65% RH in the laboratory. Squares from Petri dishes, where they were exposed to boll weevil females, were removed and examined for feeding and oviposition punctures every 4 hours during daylight （0700-1900 h） and every 12 h at night （1900-0700 h） over eight consecutive days. Cohorts of randomly selected egg-punctured squares were sampled from ovipositing females at 0700, 1100, 1500, and 1900 during 24 hours and under different photophase treatments, and maintained in Petri dishes at 27 ＋ I℃, 65% RH. Dishes were observed twice daily （1900 and 0700 h） for adults emerging at day or night. Circadian rhythm of oviposition was not affected by the length of the photophase. The boll weevil has round-the-clock circadian rhythm of oviposition, with a daytime preference. We observed that 82.4%-86.0% of the boll weevil eggs were deposited between 0700 and 1900 h, and 14.0%-17.6% between 1900 and 0700 h during a 24-h period. Feeding of boll weevil females in photoperiods 24：0 h （complete light） and 0：24 h （complete darkness） did not significantly change between 0700-1900 h versus 1900-0700 h, while the d .ally cycle of light and darkness in other photoperiods significantly increased the feeding punctures from 0700-1900 compared with 1900-0700 h. The circadian rhythm of emergence depended significantly on the time of oviposition and the length of the photophase. Investigation of boll weevil circadian rhythm provides a better understanding of boll weevil ecology and reveals potential weak links for improving control technologies targeting their reproductive strategies.     

α-萜品醇熏蒸对大麦虫体内抗氧化酶活性的影响

为研究植物挥发性有机化合物α-萜品醇的杀虫活性及作用机理, 本研究采用熏蒸法测定了α-萜品醇对大麦虫Zophobas morio（鞘翅目： 拟步行甲科）4龄幼虫的急性毒性, 并测定了不同熏蒸时间后幼虫体内超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、 过氧化物酶（POD）和过氧化氢酶（CAT）活性。结果表明： 熏蒸48 h时, α-萜品醇对大麦虫4龄幼虫的LC₅₀和LC₂₀值分别为69.425 μg/L和59.916 μg/L。α-萜品醇（LC₂₀和LC₅₀）处理的4龄幼虫SOD, POD和CAT活性均表现为先升高后降低的趋势。据此推测, α-萜品醇在幼虫体内积累显著影响幼虫体内SOD, POD和CAT活性, 降低虫体内自由基的清除能力, 从而对其产生毒害作用。     

Influence of phosphine resistance genes on flight propensity and resource location in Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae): the landscape for selection

Phosphine resistance in Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) has evolved through changes to enzymes involved in basic metabolic pathways. These changes impose metabolic stress and could affect energy‐demanding behaviours. We therefore tested whether phosphine resistance alleles impact the movement of these insects in their quest for new resources. We measured walking and flight parameters of four T. castaneum genotypes: (1) a field‐derived population, (2) a laboratory cultured, phosphine‐susceptible reference strain, (3) a laboratory cultured, phosphine‐resistant reference strain, and (4) a resistant introgressed strain that is almost identical genetically to the susceptible population. The temporal pattern of flight was identical across all populations, but resistant beetles took flight significantly less, walked more slowly, and located resources less successfully than did susceptible beetles. Also, the field‐derived beetles (proved not to be carrying resistance genes) walked significantly faster and more directly towards food resources, and had a higher propensity for flight when compared to the susceptible laboratory beetles. These negative effects suggest survival of beetles with the resistance alleles will be compromised should they leave phosphine application sites. The field for selection therefore extends beyond the site at which phosphine fumigant imposed its effect, and other mutations are also likely to be affected in this way.     

Circadian variation affects the biology and digestive profiles of a nocturnal insect Spodoptera litura (Insecta: Lepidoptera)

The present study was conducted to decipher the impact of circadian rhythm on digestive enzymes of Spodoptera litura under three photoperiods (12L:12D, 0L:24D, and 24L:0D). Longer life cycle, higher developmental traits and significant food utilizing capability were observed in dark conditions (DD), while there was no effect on survival. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), α and β-glucosidase depended on complete absence of light (DD) while LL had a significant effect on protease activity. The presence of polypeptides (35, 60 kDa) and lower protease inhibition by PMSF in 0L:24D, and 24L:0D indicated that serine proteases (trypsin) were the main proteases in larval midgut. Overall, zymography profiles suggested that circadian variation, particularly dark period influenced the S. litura development due to fluctuations in the midgut enzymes via food utilization. Although the effect of photoperiod on digestive processes of insects is still unclear, dark regime may underlie the midgut digestive enzymes in S. litura larvae.     

Speciation in Darwin's darklings: taxonomy and evolution of Stomion beetles in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador (Insecta: Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Stomion is one of three speciose and taxonomically difficult genera of flightless Darwin's darkling beetles of the Galápagos Islands. The previously named species and subspecies of Stomion are analysed by morphometric and cladistic methods. Eleven species are here recognized, which probably descended from colonization by a single ancestral species. Cladistic analysis yielded two weakly supported clades that are different from previously published morphological and allozyme genotype groups. Phenotypic and genotypic characters may be evolving independently. There is much within-species variation, but there is no compelling evidence of adaptive radiation in Stomion , in contrast to that in the famous Darwin's finches. The analyses show the need for changes in morpho-species taxonomy: S. punctipennis Van Dyke ( syn. nov. ) is elevated to full species from a subspecies of S. galapagoensis Waterhouse. There is no evidence to support the validity of: S. laevigatum santacruzensi Franz ( syn. nov. ), synonomized here under S. l. laevigatum Waterhouse; S. galapagoensis leleupi Kaszab ( syn. nov. ), synonomized here under S. linelli Blair; S. galapagoensis pinzoni Franz ( syn. nov. ), synonomized here under S. obesum Van Dyke. S. genovesa sp. nov. is described from Genovesa Island. Lectotypes are designated for S. galapagoensis Waterhouse, S. laevigatum Waterhouse and S. helopoides Waterhouse .   © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2004, 141 , 135–152.     

药用昆虫喙尾琵琶甲肠道抗菌活性放线菌的筛选及鉴定

【目的】探究药用昆虫喙尾琵琶甲Blaps rynchopetera肠道具有抗菌活性的放线菌,为抗菌药物开发提供新的放线菌资源。【方法】结合稀释涂布法和选择培养法从喙尾琵琶甲成虫肠道分离放线菌。以耐甲氧西林金黄色葡萄球菌(methieillin-resistant Staphylococus aureus)、金黄色葡萄球菌、大肠杆菌Escherichia coli、粪肠球菌Enterococcus faecalis、鼠伤寒沙门氏菌Salmonella typhimurium 和铜绿假单胞菌Pseudomonas aeruginosa 6株致病细菌以及黑曲霉Aspergillus niger、青霉菌Penicillium expansum和白色念珠菌Canidia albicans 3株致病真菌为指示菌,通过牛津杯琼脂扩散法测试放线菌次生代谢产物的抗菌活性。随后,采用分子生物学方法进行16S rRNA序列分析鉴定活性显著的18株放线菌并构建系统发育树。【结果】从喙尾琵琶甲成虫肠道中分离到176株共生放线菌,初步活性筛选结果显示其中46株放线菌表现出不同程度的抗菌活性。多株放线菌对致病菌具有广谱的抑菌作用且抑菌圈直径超过阳性对照药。选择抑菌圈直径大于15 mm的18株放线菌进行分子鉴定,结果显示均为链霉属Streptomyces。【结论】喙尾琵琶甲肠道含有丰富的抗菌活性放线菌资源。     

光滑鳖甲抗菌肽的原核表达条件优化及其抗菌活性

【目的】本研究旨在探索光滑鳖甲Anatolica polita borealis抗菌肽Ap AMP1015的最佳原核表达条件及其抗菌活性。【方法】利用生物信息学方法对得到的Ap AMP1015基因序列和蛋白结构进行分析,运用原核表达技术表达Trx A-Ap AMP1015融合蛋白,通过Western blot方法鉴定蛋白,并利用亲和层析的方法获得纯化的Trx A-Ap AMP1015融合蛋白,抑菌圈实验验证蛋白抗菌活性。【结果】克隆得到光滑鳖甲抗菌肽基因Ap AMP1015,其开放阅读框长387 bp,编码128个氨基酸,其中包含由19个氨基酸组成的信号肽和75个氨基酸组成的成熟肽。NCBI数据库同源序列比对结果显示该蛋白属Coleoptericin抗菌肽家族。确定了蛋白表达的最佳条件:0.1 mmol/L IPTG 150 r/min 25℃诱导4 h。肠激酶切割后的Ap AMP1015能够有效抑制大肠杆菌Escherichia coli的生长。【结论】克隆得到光滑鳖甲抗菌肽基因Ap AMP1015,获得了其编码蛋白的最优表达条件,研究发现Ap AMP1015能够有效抑制大肠杆菌的生长。本研究为光滑鳖甲抗菌肽Ap AMP1015的应用和进一步研究奠定了基础。     

异色瓢虫成虫冷驯化反应及体内几种酶活力的相关变化

为明确冷驯化反应对异色瓢虫Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) 实验种群成虫耐寒性及其生殖能力的影响, 本研究测定了成虫低温存活率、过冷却点(supercooling point, SCP)、体内含水量及雌虫繁殖能力等。结果表明: 冷驯化（在5℃下诱导3 d, 5 d）后, 成虫再在-5℃下暴露3 d的存活率由对照（预先未进行冷驯化）的46%分别提高至60%和67%, 而诱导10 d后的存活率(51%)反而下降。冷驯化效应在其成虫转移至饲养条件下7 d后就消失。随着低温诱导时间的延长过冷却点及体内含水量均呈现下降趋势, 短时间(5, 10 d)的诱导不能使成虫的SCP明显降低, 但可以使含水量极显著下降。冷驯化后异色瓢虫雌虫产卵前期延长; 虽然冷驯化对雌虫首次产卵量没有影响, 但是随着诱导时间的延长连续观察72 h内单头雌虫累计产卵量却降低。冷驯化过程中成虫体内几种酶活力的检测结果表明: 两种细胞保护酶超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)与过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性升高, 与新陈代谢有关的乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)及Na⁺, K⁺-ATP酶活性却降低。结果显示, 低温胁迫前异色瓢虫成虫经过不同时间的诱导后有可能提高其低温抵抗能力, 而且冷驯化诱导成虫耐寒性增加是一种复杂的生理生化过程, 这一过程对其生存和繁殖具有重要的适应意义。     

转Bt-cry1Ab玉米花粉对异色瓢虫生长发育及体内三种代谢酶活性的影响

用转Bt-cry1Ab基因玉米花粉饲喂异色瓢虫,初步研究了转基因玉米花粉对瓢虫的影响。结果显示,异色瓢虫取食混有适量蚜虫的转Bt-cry1Ab基因玉米花粉时与取食混有适量蚜虫的非转基因亲本玉米花粉时相比,各虫态发育历期没有显著差异;取食转Bt-cry1Ab基因玉米花粉对异色瓢虫的体重增加无明显影响。多数龄期内取食转基因玉米花粉的异色瓢虫体内的α-乙酸萘酯酶活性、乙酰胆碱酯酶活性以及谷光甘肽-S-转移酶活性与对照组相比没有显著差异。用酶联免疫（ELISA）方法在取食转Bt-cry1Ab基因玉米花粉的瓢虫体内未检测到Bt杀虫蛋白。转Bt-cry1Ab玉米花粉对异色瓢虫生长发育没有显著负面影响,初步证明Bt玉米MON810花粉对异色瓢虫是安全的。     

Entomopathogenic fungi from Argentina for the control of Schistocerca cancellata (Orthoptera: Acrididae) nymphs: fungal pathogenicity and enzyme activity

The South American locust Schistocerca cancellata (Serville) was the most serious agricultural pest in Argentina during the first half of the last century and remains as a threat when preventive control measures are relaxed in the outbreak area. In this study, we analysed in the laboratory, the effectiveness of 26 fungal strains (isolated from both insects and soil collected in Argentina) for S. cancellata control and determined the relationship between the chitinase, protease and lipase levels in these fungi and their insecticidal activities. We observed that Beauveria bassiana (isolate LPSC 1067) caused the highest mortality (90±1.03%), the highest values of chitinolytic, proteolytic and lipolytic activity were 6.13±0.05, 2.56±0.11 and 2.33±0.47, respectively, and the lowest median lethal time was 5.96 days. This is the first time that a wide variability in chitinase, protease and lipase activity as well as in virulence has been reported in a representative sample of different entomopathogenic fungal strains from Argentina.