On the Synonymy of Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) pennifer (Motschulsky, 1845) (Coleoptera,Staphylinidae, Oxytelinae)

Entomological Review - The type material of several synonyms of Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) pennifer (Motschulsky, 1845) is revised. Both Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) striatipennis (Eppelsheim, 1894) and...     

Tachinid (Diptera, Tachinidae) parasitoids of sawflies (Hymenoptera, Symphyta)

A list of 31 genera of tachinid parasitoids of sawflies is given. Despite the ecological and habitual similarity of sawflies and Lepidoptera, utilization of sawflies by tachinids was not as successful from the evolutionary point of view as utilization of Lepidoptera. Parasitism of tachinids in sawflies is evidently secondary; it appeared repeatedly and originates from parasitism in Lepidoptera. Most genera of tachinids are polyphagous. Endoparasitic Hymenoptera are koinobionts similarly to tachinids. The direct contact of the parasitoid with active mobile host larva not only results in complication of behavior and its specialization, but also promotes formation of different morphological innovations faster than that in idiobionts.     

On the Knowledge of Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) pennifer (Motschulsky, 1845) and Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) marginalis (Reitter, 1894) (Coleoptera,Staphylinidae)

Entomological Review - The type and other extensive material of Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) pennifer (Motschulsky, 1845) and some of its synonyms was examined. Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) marginalis...     

Phenetic analysis of populations of Porcellionides pruinosus (Brandt, 1833) (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea)

The cosmopolitan species, Porcellionides pruinosus (Brandt, 1833), exhibited a geographical variation of its morphological features and its reproduction pattern. In fact, some Tunisian populations had a seasonal reproductive period and other ones showed a reproductive activity. A phenetic analysis has been performed to compare populations belonging to P. pruinosus from different geographical localities. For this, nineteen quantitative characters in 800 specimens of P. pruinosus issued from nine populations located in the North, the Centre, and the South of Tunisia, and one population from Athens (Greece) were studied. These populations were characterized by different reproductive behaviours. The populations of Tabarka, Korba, and Tamerza showed reproductive activity, whereas those of Garat Naam, Raccada, Sahline, Gafsa, Rdayef, Gabès, and Athens exhibited a seasonal reproductive period. The variability of the first three axes of the principal components analysis (PCA) and their significance showed an intraspecific variability structure. The graphical representation of the population's dispersion generated by the two first axes (63.55% of the total variability) revealed a great heterogeneity among females of the different populations of P. pruinosus. The Garat Naam population was set apart from the other ones by its cephalic width and length and also by its apophysis length. Furthermore, cephalic and uropod length separated the Garat Naam and Tabarka populations. The dendrogram, based on Euclidean coordinates, confirms an isolation of the populations of Tabarka and Garat Naam, exhibiting respectively reproductive activity and seasonal reproduction. However, the other populations do not show any relationship with the reproduction behaviour. They were clustered in two groups. The first one is represented by the populations of the Southeast and the West of Tunisia. The second pooled the populations of the Northeast and the Centre of Tunisia with the population of Athens (Greece). Phenetic analysis of Tunisian populations exhibits an important heterogeneity, which is worth noting. Thus, we need to complete and deepen this study by genetic analysis and crossbreeding tests in order to define the taxonomic status of these populations.     

Description of the male of Sclerocypris tuberculata (Methuen, 1910) (Crustacea,Ostracoda, Megalocypridinae)

The male of Sclerocypris tuberculata (Methuen), thus far unknown, is here described. Relying on the morphology of the copulatory appendages and of the prehensile palps, it appears that this taxon belongs to a separate species group, together with S. zelaznyi and perhaps also S. sarsi. There are some interesting sexual dimorphic characters in the valve morphology: males have shorter valves with a dorsal margin which runs nearly parallel to the ventral one (more elongated valves with sloping dorsal margin in females) and there is lobe-like projection of the valve margin on the ventro-caudal corner of the LV in females which is lacking in the male. Furthermore, the female genital region has a very aberrant morphology, and all specimens from the present collection possess the tuberculated and noded valves.     

Revision of the subgenus Ceratitis (Pardalaspis) Bezzi, 1918 (Diptera, Tephritidae, Ceratitini)

Abstract. The fruit fly genus Ceratitis (Diptera: Tephritidae) comprises several important pest species attacking a wide range of unrelated fruits. In this paper the subgenus Ceratitis ( Pardalaspis ) Bezzi is revised. Ten species are recognized of which five are described as new: C.(P.)hamata sp.n., C.(P.)munroi sp.n., C.(P.)serrata sp.n., C.(P.)semipunctata sp.n. and C.(P.)zairensis sp.n. A key to both sexes is provided. All species are restricted to the Afrotropical Region and distributional and known host plant data are given.     

Reproductive cycle of hepatus pudibundus (Herbst, 1785) (Crustacea, Decapoda, Calappidae) in Ubatuba, SP, Brazil

This study aimed to analyze the reproductive cycle of the crab Hepatus pudibundus (Herbst, 1785). The crabs were collected in Ubatuba, SP (23 degrees 26'S and 45 degrees 02'W) monthly from the July, 1992 to June, 1993. Samplings were performed with an "otter trawl". In the laboratory the crabs were numbered, sexed and measured for their maximum carapace width. The gonad developmental stage and the moult stage were also macroscopically registered. In all sampled months ovigerous females and crabs in both sexes with developed gonad were observed. Moult activity in all size classes was verified. Such fact indicates that this species can suffer moult process after their maturity. In despite of temperature being pointed a one of the most important ecological factor in the reproductive biology of aquatic animals, it was verified any relation between water temperature and ovigerous ratio. The oscillations of the environmental factors in the Ubatuba region sea probably were not enough to alter the continuity of the physiological processes related to H. pudibundus reproduction.     

Electronic structures of collagen model polymers: (Gly-Pro)n, (Gly-Hyp)n, (Ala-Pro)n, (Ala-Hyp)n, (Gly-Pro-Gly)n, (Gly-Hyp-Gly)n, (Gly-Pro-Pro)n, and (Gly-Pro-Hyp)n

In order to investigate the relationship existing between the electronic structures of collagen and its biochemical functions in vivo, the semiempirical CNDO/2 SCF MO calculations were carried out on several model polymers of collagen, (Gly-Pro)_n, (Gly-Hyp)_n, (Ala-Pro)_n, (Ala-Hyp)_n, (Gly-Pro-Gly)_n, (Gly-Hyp-Gly)_n, (Gly-Pro-Pro)_n and (Gly-Pro-Hyp)_n. Geometries of the skeleton of these polymers were assumed to be the same as those of poly(l-proline) I (cis) and II (trans) and the calculations were performed only on infinite polymers in a single chain. The results show that the cis form is always more stable than the trans form for all the polymers treated. This energy difference between the cis and trans forms depends, for example, on the kind of amino acid residue, Gly or Ala, but this could not be seen in the Pro or Hyp residue. The flexibility or mobility of the collagen structure was explained using the energy difference between the cis and trans forms of the polymers, i.e. the cis-trans conversion of the collagen was discussed in connection with the energy difference. The reason why the collagen has the constitution of (Gly-Pro-Hyp)_n is briefly discussed.     

Redescription and distribution of Boeckella gibbosa (Brehm, 1935) (Copepoda,Calanoida, Centropagidae)

Thirty-five species of the family Lecanidae are examined from Tripura state in North-Eastern India. Of these, Lecane levistyla and L. scutata are interesting cold-water forms; L. batillifer is an Australasian element; L. acanthinula and L. sinuata are Oriental endemics and L. braumi, L. lateralis and L. simonneae are palaeotropical species. The lecanid fauna also includes the pantropical L. thienemanni and L. sola while the remainder are cosmopolitan and tropicopolitan elements. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Life history strategy of Leptinaria unilamellata (d'Orbigny, 1835) (Mollusca,Pulmonata, Subulinidae)

Abstract

Life history theory predicts that the patterns of resource allocation in animals are associated with different strategies, selected in the course of evolution. In the present study, the life history of Leptinaria unilamellata was characterized under laboratory conditions. We determined the growth, reproduction, and longevity patterns of this species and elucidated the strategy related to the development of embryos, through direct observations and examination of the morphology of the gravid uterus. Furthermore, we attempted to analyze the glycogen and galactogen contents of the albumen gland, digestive gland and cephalopedal mass in order to understand energy allocation to life history traits, for three life stages. Leptinaria unilamellata's life history is characterized by great longevity, a short juvenile phase, early sexual maturity, and repeated reproductive events, with little reproductive effort at each event and some mortality shortly after the first reproduction. In the terraria, we found juveniles but no eggs. However, the results of the anatomical study showed no morphological connection between the embryos and the parental organism. Thus, this species should be described as ovoviviparous rather than viviparous. Egg retention in the parent organism is the primary cause of the release of juveniles, instead of eggs, enabling the offspring to withstand environmental stress. The higher quantity of galactogen found in the adults' albumen gland, as compared to juveniles and senescent individuals, as well as the ratio of glycogen to galactogen, reveal the allocation of energy to reproduction rather than to growth. The remaining energy is directed to the maintenance of omeostasis. Such pattern was confirmed by the low levels of glycogen and galactogen observed in the senescent stage, compared to the juvenile and adult stages. In the life strategy of L. unilamellata, the distribution of the reproductive effort among many events associated with ovoviviparity indicates a long-term investment in reproductive success.     

In vitro metabolism of aflatoxin B1 by larvae of navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Walker) (Insecta, Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) and codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Insecta, Lepidoptera, Tortricidae)

Larvae of the navel orangeworm (NOW), Amyelois transitella (Walker), a major pest of almonds and pistachios, and the codling moth (CM), Cydia pomonella (L.), the principal pest of walnuts and pome fruits, are commonly found in tree nut kernels that can be contaminated with aflatoxin, a potent carcinogen. The ability of larvae of these insects to metabolize aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was examined. A field strain of NOW produced three AFB1 biotransformation products, chiefly aflatoxicol (AFL), and minor amounts of aflatoxin B2a (AFB2a) and aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). With AFL as a substrate, NOW larvae produced AFB1 and aflatoxicol M1 (AFLM1). A lab strain of CM larvae produced no detectable levels of AFB1 biotransformation products in comparison to a field strain which produced trace amounts of only AFL. Neither NOW nor CM produced AFB1-8,9-epoxide (AFBO), the principal carcinogenic metabolite of AFB1. In comparison, metabolism of AFB1 by chicken liver yielded mainly AFL, whereas mouse liver produced mostly AFM1 at a rate eightfold greater than AFL. Mouse liver also produced AFBO. The relatively high production of AFL by NOW compared to CM may reflect an adaptation to detoxify AFB1. NOW larvae frequently inhabit environments highly contaminated with fungi and, hence, aflatoxin. Only low amounts, if any, of this mycotoxin occur in the chief CM hosts, walnuts, and pome fruits. Characterizations of enzymes and co-factors involved in biotransformation of AFB1 are discussed.     

Sensory Spots of Echinoderes capitatus (Zelinka, 1928) (Kinorhyncha,Cyclorhagida)

The sensory spots of Echinoderes capitatus from the Gulf of Trieste were examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Their arrangement is bilaterally symmetrical and is species-specific. At the cuticle surface the sensory spot appears as a rounded to ovoid area of small cuticular papillae in which two pores open. The sensory organ consists of two different sensory cells, the monociliary receptor and the collar receptor, and one sheath cell. The course of the axons and their connections to the nervous system are described. A survey of collar receptors among invertebrates is given. A comparison of the sensory spots within Kinorhyncha and a comparison with the flosculi of Priapulida and the N-flosculi of Loricifera is made. A possible homology of these three structures is discussed.     

The Medusa of Velella velella (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hydrozoa, Chondrophorae)

A mature medusa of Velella velella (Linnaeus, 1758) is reportedfor the first time from the North Atlantic; previously adultmedusae were known only from the Mediterranean. This specimen,collected by SCUBA divers, is the largest specimen recordedto date. Distinctive features are: two opposite adaxial-axialpairs of perradial capitate tentacles; two marginal bulbs lackingtentacles; conical manubrium with 4 perradial longitudinal gonads;perradial exumbrellar cnidae tracts; cnidome of stenoteles andmacrobasic euryteles; and zooxanthellae within the subumbrella.Since this specimen was collected near the surface and has zooxanthellae,it is likely that V. velella medusae are epipelagic.     

Prenatal diagnosis of a 46,XX,inv(12)pat/47,XX,i(Xq),inv(12)pat

Summary A 46,XX,inv(12)pat/47,XX,i(Xq),inv(12)pat was diagnosed prenatally in a 36-year-old woman whose husband was a known carrier of a pericentric inversion of chromosome 12. The diagnosis was confirmed in fetal tissue. Terminal bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labelling demonstrated that in the line with 46 chromosomes one X was late replicating, while one X and the i(Xq) were late replicating in 100% of the cells with 47 chromosomes. We present the first case of this type of sex chromosome mosaicism. Genetic counseling presented difficulties since it was not possible to predict the fetal phenotype.     

Remains of a Pliocene Mammut borsoni (Hays, 1834) (Proboscidea,Mammalia), from Milia (Grevena,W. Macedonia,Greece)

A partial skeleton of the mastodont Mammut borsoni (Hays, 1834) (Proboscidea), was excavated from Pliocene deposits at Milia — Grevena, W. Macedonia, in 1996–1999. The skeleton includes substantial portions of the skull — maxillary area — with left and right molar series (M² + M³); with the longest upper tusks ever found in Greece (4.39 m); the most complete mandible with left and right molar series (M₂ + M₃) and two lower incisor tusks, as well as post-cranial skeleton. It represents a very large adult of about 40 years in age. The high age of the finding is partly corroborated by ESR dating studies of tooth enamel, indicating an age probably beyond the upper dating range of this technique (approx. 800 000 years). The evolutionary position of this specimen among mammutids is also discussed.