Convergence and parallelism among cicadas of Argentina and the southwestern United States (Hemiptera: Cicadoidea)

Cicadas of the genera Derotettix in Argentina and Okanagodes in the south-western United States resemble each other in colour, live on salt-tolerant plants ( Atriplex spp. etc.), nearly match the colour of their respective host plants and produce songs above the range of avian hearing. The Argentine cicadas are smaller, but have nearly identical thermal limits for activity measured by the minimum temperature for flight (20–24 °C) and a body temperature at heat torpor (48–49 °C). The species shift activity from basking sites to shade at temperatures above 37 °C, although O .  gracilis rises to a significantly higher temperature (40.7 °C) than its congener (38.2 °C) or Derotettix (37.2 °C). The thermal tolerances are the highest reported for cicada species. A third group using halophytes in Argentina ( Babras sonorivox ) has similar temperature tolerances and is cryptically coloured. The genera are convergent with respect to morphology, coloration, body size, behaviour, habitat choice and host plant selection. The similarities of thermal tolerances and their influence on behaviour can be viewed as parallelism because the underlying mechanisms are the same in all species studied.  © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2004, 83 , 281–288.     

A new species of the deep-sea fish genus Coryphaenoides Gunnerus (Macrouridae) from the tropical eastern North Atlantic and its relationship with C. (Coryphaenoides) marshalli Iwamoto, 1970

A new species of macrourid, Coryphaenoides paramarshalli is described from mid to lower slope waters (l 13–160 m) off West Africa, in the area 04°S-21°N and 10°E-18°W. The species is very closely related to C. marshalli . Indeed, two of the paratypes of that species are incorporated among the paratypes of C. paramarshalli , as they are referrable to the new species. The features distinguishing the two species are discussed in conjuction with those separating C. paramarshalli from other related species.     

Observations on the Microbiology of Cooked Chicken Carcasses

S ummary . The residual microbial flora and the flora developing during storage at 1–3° and at 16°, of chicken carcasses cooked in a circulating moist air oven operated at 85°, have been studied. All parts of the carcasses reached and maintained 85° for at least 50 min, and the residual flora consisted largely of spore forming bacteria. The predominant residual species were Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium bifermentans. Non-sporing bacteria were not detected after cooking nor after storage at 1–3° for up to 7 days. Storage at 16° for 3 days markedly increased the number of non-sporing organisms although off-odours typical of spoilage were not apparent until at least 10 days. Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. were not detected after cooking and storage and Cl. welchii was rarely isolated. It is concluded that poultry cooked by this method present a minimal risk of food-borne infection or intoxication by these organisms if contamination after cooking is avoided, the carcasses are cooled rapidly to c , 3° and stored at this temperature or frozen.     

Distribution of Leguminosae tree species in different altitudinal levels along the Atlantic Rain Forest in the Brazilian coast

The Atlantic Forest is one of the most threatened tropical forests in the world. Leguminosae, by its great richness and dominance among arboreal stratum elements, is of major importance in the floristic composition and structure of this forest. We investigated the distribution of legume species on an altitudinal gradient to find out the altitudinal zones with higher richness of species; the altitudinal zones with greater floristic similarity; the possible presence of species that may be exclusive to certain vegetation types and the altitudinal amplitudes of those species, as well as the occurrence of species substitution along the altitudinal gradient. Therefore, thirty one studies conducted in different altitudinal levels between 5° S and 29° S were analyzed. A matrix with 142 tree species distributed in altitudinal zones (every 100 m) from sea level to 2100 m was built. The greatest species richness was observed in the Submontane Forest (50–500 m) with 92 species. The cluster analysis revealed a strong dissimilarity of the 1400–2100 m (Upper Montane) and 0–10 m zones (Restinga Forest). The Submontane and the Montane Forest share the highest number of species (38 ssp.). Forty species are unique to Submontane. Substitution of species was verified. Some species have their preferred habitat located at a specific altitudinal amplitude, as is the case of Inga laurina and I. subnuda (0–10 m), I. lanceifolia and Machaerium scleroxylon (800–1200 m). The Leguminosae, although well adapted to the first colonization and establishment of diverse environment, was poorly represented above 1500 m altitude.     

Phenotypic sex differentiation of blue tilapia under constant and fluctuating thermal regimes and its adaptive and evolutionary implications

Oreochromis aureus exposed during the first 28 days of exogenous feeding to constant 35° C, or fluctuating temperatures (day at 35° C, night at 27° C, and vice versa) showed significantly ( P <0·05) faster growth, least size heterogeneity and better survival rates than siblings under constant 27° C. Constant high temperatures had a strong masculinizing effect (M: F sex ratios of 7·33–19·00: 1·00 v . 0·75–0·82: 1·00 in controls reared at 27° C). Fluctuating temperatures had less masculinizing potential but still produced sex ratios significantly skewed to the detriment of females (M: F sex ratios of 2·33–11·50: 1·00). This suggests that ambient temperature may have represented a sufficient environmental pressure for the selection of thermolabile sex-determinism in this species, and presumably in other Oreochromis spp. The evolutionary advantage of thermosensitivity in Oreochromis spp. is discussed, considering a framework where individual advantages oppose, to some degree, to the population or species interest.     

Sympatric spawning of Anguilla marmorata and Anguilla japonica in the western North Pacific Ocean

Extensive collections were made of the larvae of the temperate Japanese eel Anguilla japonica and the tropical giant mottled eel Anguilla marmorata in an overlapping area of the North Equatorial Current region of the western North Pacific Ocean. Collections of 189 A. marmorata and > 2500 A. japonica larvae during nine surveys from 1991 to 2007 showed that these two anguillid eels have similar spawning areas just west of the southern West Mariana Ridge. In July to August 2006 and August 2007, morphologically and genetically identified A. marmorata preleptocephali were mainly collected between 14·5–15° N and 142–142·5° E, where A. japonica preleptocephali were also caught in some of the same net tows. Fewer A. marmorata preleptocephali, however, were collected ( n = 31) compared to those of A. japonica ( n = c . 165), and fewer small larvae of A. marmorata were collected per tow than A. japonica ( n = 1–10 and 1–294, respectively), suggesting relatively smaller spawning aggregations of A. marmorata . The distribution of preleptocephali and small larvae was wider in longitude in A. marmorata (131– 143° E) than in A. japonica (137–143° E), while the latitudinal range was almost the same (12–17° N). Although spawning by these two species overlaps both spatially and temporally, the tropical eels of the North Pacific population of A. marmorata probably have a much longer spawning season with fewer spawners, at least in summer, and recruit to a much wider latitudinal range of growth habitats.     

An appraisal of anglers'catches in the River Severn, England

Angling competition catch data were gathered by postal questionnaire during 1975–1986 for three sections of the R. Severn. Angling success and species composition were analysed relative to both water temperature and year. The importance of barbel increased rapidly from 5° C to 15° C then levelled. Roach, chub and gudgeon showed peaks in the ranges 7–12, 10–15 and 9–16° C, respectively. Dace, bleak, eel and bream displayed consistent increases in contribution to catch with rising temperature. Year-to-year variations in angling success differed according to river section and for the most part could be explained by changes in the importance of species. The percentage of anglers with catch during the period June-November ranged from 50 to 91% and catch rates from 66 to 121 g man ¹ h ¹.     

Seasonal variation in freezing tolerance of the New Zealand alpine cockroach Celatoblatta quinquemaculata

1. The cold hardiness of the alpine cockroach Celatoblatta quinquemaculata was investigated. This species is found at 1360 m a.s.l. beneath schist slabs on the Rock and Pillar Range (Central Otago, New Zealand). Cockroaches were collected monthly from January to December 1996, and their LT₅₀ and supercooling points determined.
2. Celatoblatta quinquemaculata was freezing tolerant throughout the year, with a lower lethal temperature in winter of – 8.9 °C. Celatoblatta quinquemaculata was also found frozen under rocks in the field when the under-rock temperature was below – 3 °C, and could survive being frozen at – 5 °C for 4 days in the laboratory.
3. There was a marked decrease in LT₅₀ temperature from – 5.5 °C in April to – 7.5 °C in May. This coincides with decreasing temperatures from summer through autumn to winter, during which temperatures beneath snow-covered rocks may reach – 7.3 °C.
4. Supercooling points fluctuated during the year, with an increase from – 4.2 °C in autumn to – 3.4 °C in winter. Supercooling point was highest in spring, and changes in supercooling point do not appear to be related to changes in LT₅₀.
5. Recordings of environmental temperatures from the Rock and Pillar Range suggest that cockroaches may undergo up to twenty-three freeze–thaw cycles in the coldest month of the year, and that they may remain frozen for periods of up to 21 h. Maximum cooling rates recorded in the field (0.01 °C min^–1) were 100-fold slower than laboratory cooling rates, so survival estimates from laboratory experiments may be underestimates.     

Feeding behaviour of yearling and older hybrid grass carp

Hybrid grass carp resulting from the cross of a female grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (Val.), and a male bighead carp, Hypophthalmichthys ( Aristichthys ) nobilis Rich., 12–18 months old ( c . 300 mm T.L.) were studied in a two-part experiment to determine feeding preference and total daily consumption fish^-1 on selected species of aquatic plants. Fish were maintained in circular pools with 6840·8 1 of water inside a temperature-controlled greenhouse. Preference tests were conducted at three temperature ranges; 25–28° C, 17–20° C and 12–15° C. Based on the time to complete consumption or the relative quantity consumed, the most preferred plant was Lemna gibba when in combination with six other species. Chara sp., Najas guadalupensis and Potamogeton peciinatus were readily consumed and considered to be of about equal preference. Ceratophyllum demersum and Myriophyllum brasiliense were least preferred. Hybrid grass carp generally consumed as much plant material species^-1 and in the same order of preference at the 12–15°C range as they did at 25–28° C. In the second part, mean daily consumption (g) fish^-1 at 25·7–31·0° C for five plant species tested separately was as follows: Chara sp. 369·8; Lemna gibba 178·2; Najas guadalupensis 172·6; Hydrilla verticillata 106·4 and Ceratophyllum demersum 8·8.     

Stomatocysts of Mallomonas hamata and M. heterospina (Mallomonadaceae, Synurophyceae) from South Swedish lakes

The stomato cysts of Mallomonas hamata and M. heterospina are described from lakes in South Sweden. These Mallomonas species develop cysts of similar appearance, size and form. Cyst formation for Mallomonas hamata was recorded at temperature 10–11°C and pH 5.9 and for M. heterospina at temperatures 4.2–11°C and pH 7.4. The cysts of M. hamata and M. heterospina are ovoid and easy to recognize, even with light microscopy, but difficult to distinguish from another. Thus their value as paleoindicators is limited, even if the two species have preference for waters of different nutrient and pH status.     

A new species of the deep-sea fish genus Coelorinchus Giorna (Macrouridae) from the eastern North Atlantic, with notes on its ecology

A new species of macrourid, Coelorinchus abditilux , is described from 51°N, 11°W in the Porcupine Sea-Bight, eastern North Atlantic. It is distinguished by its minute ventral light organ which lacks an external naked fossa, short snout, naked underside of head, body scales lacking prominent median keels and low gill raker count (8–9) in inner series of first arch. The uniqueness of this species is such that it may represent a new sub-genus of Coelorinchus . It is relatively deep-living (770–1042 m) with a very restricted known distribution in a coralline area.     

Nitrogenase activity (acetylene reduction) in root-associated, cold-climate species of Azospirillum, Enterobacter, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas growing at various temperatures

Abstract 23 Strains of diazotrophic root-associated bacteria isolated from various parts of Finland were tested for nitrogenase activity during growth at various temperatures. Nitrogenase activity was optimal at 20–37°C in cultures of Klebsiella pneumoniae , and at 14–20°C in cultures of Klebsiella terrigena and Enterobacter agglomerans . Strains of K. terrigena and E. agglomerans showed no activity at 37°C, and K. pneumoniae only minimal or no activity at 14°C. Azospirillum lipoferum exhibited high nitrogenase activity at both 28–37°C, but less than 25% of optimal activity at 20°C and no activity at 14°C. Pseudomonas sp. expressed nitrogenase activity at 14–28°C. None of the strains manifested nitrogenase activity at 4 or 42°C. There were only small local variations within a species between strains isolated at different locations.     

Isolation and properties of psychrotrophic and psychrophilic, pectolytic strains of Clostridium

Fourteen strains of pectolytic clostridia have been isolated that were capable of growth at 5–10°C in 7 d; two strains were psychrophiles and failed to grow at 20°C in 14 d and the remainder were psychrotrophs. The bacteria formed pectate lyase enzymes and were capable of degrading potato tissue; they are therefore a potential cause of soft rot of potatoes stored at low temperatures. Doubling times for representative strains were 15–19 h at 10°C and 21–53 h at 5°C. Twelve strains were classified with Group I Clostridium species and two strains with Group II. In the case of one strain the mature spores were not released from the sporangium. Electron microscopy of ultrathin sections of this strain showed the presence of disorganized lamellar structures associated with the spore coat.     

Parasites of Argentine anchovy in the south-west Atlantic: latitudinal patterns and their use for discrimination of host populations

Four stocks of Argentine anchovy Engraulis anchoita in the south-west Atlantic, south of 34°S were identified by the use of parasites as biological tags. A total of 671 fish were examined for parasites and 19 parasite species were found in 664 Argentine anchovies. The parasite populations and both infra- and component communities showed marked latitudinal gradients. Cluster analyses allowed the identification of four groups, one composed of autumn samples (35–37°S) and three of spring ones. Among the latter, a Patagonian group (43–46°S) was clearly separated from a Bonaerense group, which was divided into two groups: North Bonaerense (34–40°S) and South Bonaerense (40–43°S). Autumn samples were characterized by low values of prevalence for most parasite species. Among spring samples Pseudanthocotyloides heterocotyle , Lecithochirium microstomum , Parahemiurus merus , Scolex polymorphus and Corynosoma australe were characteristic of the northern region, whereas Cardiocephaloides sp., Anisakis simplex , Contracaecum sp. and Hysterothylacium aduncum were more prevalent in southern waters. Latitudinal environmental gradients and their influence on the distribution of both zooplankton and definitive hosts, could be determinants of the clines observed.     

Distribution of the endosymbiotic bacterium Cardinium in Chinese populations of the carmine spider mite Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Abstract:  ' Candidatus Cardinium hertigii ( Cardinium )' from the Bacteroidetes group is a symbiont that has recently received attention as a reproductive manipulator of its arthropod hosts. Though the spatial distribution of symbionts depends heavily on that of their hosts, evidence has shown that dispersal limitations also have effect on some micro-organisms. In order to estimate the distribution of Cardinium in Chinese populations of the carmine spider mite, twenty seven geographical populations of Tetranychus cinnabarinus were collected and screened, using Cardinium -specific primers for the 16S ribosomal DNA. Six geographical populations collected between 30° and 36°N tested positive for the presence of Cardinium , whereas it could not be detected in populations collected between 19°–29°N and 37°–46°N, suggesting that the symbiont is not evenly distributed, comparing with a wider distribution of Wolbachia previously reported in the same populations. In addition, the infection rates of Cardinium seem to increase from the south to the north of China. All the six Cardinium -infected populations were found to be doubly infected with Wolbachia . Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rDNA gene sequence of Cardinium shows a close relationship between Cardinium in Chinese carmine spider mite and symbionts found in other species in the Tetranychidae.     

New data elucidating the taxonomy and ecology of the Parabrotulidae (Pisces: Zoarcoidei)

One hundred and eighty-two new specimens of Parabrotula and 52 Leucobrotula are reported. Generic separation is confirmed. although premaxillary dentition no longer distinguishes the two. Two species of Parabrotula (one yet to be described) and one of Leucobrotula are strongly indicated from meristic data. Breeding biology is considered, with comment upon sexual dimorphism in size, size at maturity and possible breeding period. Parabrotulu plagiophthalmus Zugmayer, 1911 is shown to be a midwater non-migrant species (range 76@1500 m) with a temperature preference in the eastern North Atlantic of 9.0–5.0° C. Leucobrotulu udipatus Koefoed, 1952 exhibits a depth range of 61–1290 m and a temperature range of 9.0–4.2° C. Geographically it is evidently restricted to the North Atlantic and endemic to the eastern side. Most specimens were caught pelagically in the northwest African upwelling area in slope waters. Parabrotulaplagiophthalnius is distributed worldwide, although 89% came from the eastern North Atlantic.     

Body-temperatures and torpor in Sminthopsis crassicaudata and S. larapinta (Marsupialia–Dasyuridae)

Body-temperatures in two species of insectivorous marsupial mice (family Dasyuridae) were measured using a rectal thermistor. In Sminthopsis crassicaudata at 21°C, body-temperatures ranged from–5–31 - 1° C (432 measurements on 12 mice). A diurnal temperature cycle with a mean amplitude of 0.79°C was revealed, with temperatures at a maximum at 02.00 hours and a minimum at 10.00 hours. Mean body-temperatures of sibs showed significant differences; in one litter a difference of 2.7°C was demonstrated. In S. larapinta , the diurnal temperature cycle was greater with a mean amplitude of 4.24°C. Body-temperatures ranged from 38.8–22.9°C.
Changes in surface-temperature (Ts) in unrestrained animals during entry into and arousal from torpor, were measured using thermocouples fitted inside the nest-box and a recording potentiometer. S. larapinta had a daily torpor with or without food at room temperature, while in S. crassicaudata torpor could only be induced by lack of food. The lowest T_s reached were 18° and 17°C respectively. It is suggested that the torpor-mechanism may have evolved in these species to meet temporary or seasonal shortages of food.     

New Strains of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus coagulans producing Thermostable α-Amylase Active at Alkaline pH

Two species of Bacillus producing thermostable α-amylase with activity optima at alkaline pH are reported here. These organisms were isolated from soil and have been designated as Bacillus licheniformis CUMC 305 and B. coagulans CUMC 512. The enzymes released by these two species were partially purified up to about 81- and 72-fold respectively of the initial activity. The enzyme from B. licheniformis showed a wide temperature-range of activity, with optimum at 91°C. At this temperature it remained stable for 1 h. It retained 40–50% activity at 110°C and showed only 60% of its activity at 30°C. The enzyme showed a broad pH range of activity (4–10) retaining substantial activity on the alkaline side. The optimum pH was 9·5. The enzyme of B. coagulans showed activity up to 90°C, with optimum at 85°C and had a wide pH range with optimum at 7·5–8·5. The hydrolysis pattern of the substrate starch by these enzymes indicated that glucose, maltose, maltotriose and maltotetraose are the principal products rather than higher oligosaccharides.