Morphology and chemical composition of metathoracic scent glands in Dolycoris baccarum (Linnaeus, 1758) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

One of the general defining characters of the Heteroptera is the presence of metathoracic scent glands (MTG). Using scanning electron microscopy, the morphology of the MTG of Dolycoris baccarum (Linnaeus 1758) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) was studied. The MTG belong to the diastomian type. The two glandular pores located between the mesothoracic and metathoracic coxae are associated with 'mushroom-like' structures. The MTG are composed of a reservoir and a pair of lateral glands is connected to the reservoir by a duct. A groove-like structure extends downwards from the ostiole. While this structure is long and wide, its ostiole is oval. Extracts of the volatile fractions from male and female MTG secretions were analysed by capillary gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and exhibited a typical pentatomid composition. Seventeen chemical compounds were detected in female secretions, whereas 13 chemical compounds were detected in the male secretions. Most chemical compounds were similar between the sexes but were different in their quantities. In this regard, the compounds identified were investigated and the biological functions of the glandular secretions were discussed. In the analyses of the MTG of females of D. baccarum , tridecane (50.97%) was a major odour component and (Z,Z)-4,16-octadecadien-1-ol acetate (0.02%) was a minor odour component. In males, tridecane (50.80%) was a major odour component and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid (0.02%) was a minor odour component.     

Comparative morphology of selected characters of the Pentatomidae foreleg (Hemiptera,Heteroptera)

Heteropteran legs are very diverse within and among taxa, and such variation is frequently correlated with life habits. Structural modifications are commonly present in the legs of the Pentatomoidea but are poorly studied. Using scanning electron microscopy, the tibia and pretarsal microstructure of 82 species of Pentatomidae (Heteroptera), three species of Scutelleridae, and ten species of Thyreocoridae were described, focusing on the pretarsal structure, the foretibial apparatus, and the foretibial comb. The Pentatomidae, the Scutelleridae, and the Thyreocoridae have uniform pretarsal structures. Variation can be found in the length of the parempodial setae and in the shape of the parempodial projections. The foretibial combs of the Pentatomidae, the Thyreocoridae, and the Scutelleridae are described for the first time, and we have demonstrated that there is low structural variation in the foretibial comb complex of the studied species. The setae organization and distribution on the foretibial apparatus is uniform in the families studied. However, the Asopinae (Pentatomidae) bear a foretibial apparatus that is uniquely organized. The taxonomic and phylogenetic relevance of the pretarsal traits, the foretibial apparatus, and the foretibial comb are discussed.     

Morphology of eggs and spermatheca of <Emphasis Type=Italic>Odontotarsus purpureolineatus</Emphasis> (Heteroptera,Scutelleridae)

The morphology of the spermatheca and eggs of Odontotarsus purpureolineatus were studied by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The spherical eggs were about 1.35 mm long and 1.09 mm wide. The egg batches generally consist of 13–14 eggs. The egg surface is covered by polygonal (hexagonal and pentagonal shapes prevail) ridges and tiny chorionic tubercles. There were 8–10 aero-micropylar processes between the polygons. The spermatheca of O. purpureolineatus is characterized by a spherical spermathecal bulb, a pumping region, a flange of pump and dilation of spermathecal duct. Spermathecal processes and a median spermathecal dilation with sclerotized rod are missing. The spermathecal bulb and the pumping region possess many pores.     

Species and subspecies specificity in urine and scent marks of saddle-back tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis)

Saguinus fuscicollisproduces scent marks which consist mainly of a mixture of urine and the secretions of circumgenital scent glands. The present study investigates the ability of saddle-back tamarins to discriminate between scent material from conspecifics and corresponding material from other species and to differentiate material from two subspecies of Saguinus fuscicollis.When choices between urine samples from conspecifics and from guinea pigs and choices between urine samples from conspecifics and from common marmosets were offered, the tamarins investigated samples from conspecifics more frequently. Similar responses were obtained when choices between scent marks from saddle-back tamarins and from common marmosets and between scent marks from saddle-back and red-chested moustached tamarins were offered. The tamarins also discriminated between scent marks and between extracts of scent marks from Saguinus f. fuscicollisand Saguinus f. illigeri.In these choice tests, subjects of both subspecies tended preferentially to investigate material from Saguinus f. fuscicollis.The results of these studies show that urine and scent marks contain chemical cues on which recognition of conspecifics can be based. Moreover, the scent marks of closely related subspecies also offer cues which could enable the tamarins to discriminate between them.     

Fine structure and chemical analysis of the metathoracic scent gland of Eurygaster maura (Linnaeus, 1758) (Heteroptera: Scutelleridae)

The morphology and ultrastructure of the metathoracic scent glands (MTG) of Eurygaster maura were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Also, extracts of the volatile fraction of the MTG secretion from males and females were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In SEM investigations, MTG are composed of a reservoir and a pair of lateral glands connected to the reservoir by a duct. MTG are open in between the meso- and the metacoxae. These areas, called evaporation areas, are composed of mushroom-like elements. In TEM investigations, the reservoir walls contained two types of cells. Generally, a reservoir is lined by a single layer of epithelial cells, type I cells, which have numerous organelles. Type II cells are found only in a certain area of the reservoir wall. These cells have large secretory ducts lined by a cuticular intima layer. The lateral glands are lined by secretory cells and a secretory duct found in their cytoplasm. Nuclei of secretory cells are closed to the basal region of the cells and circular-shaped. In GC-MS investigations, the MTG exhibited a typical scutellerid composition. In general, (E)-2-hexanal, (E)-2-hexenyl acetate, n-tridecane, n-hexanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, and n-dodecane compounds were present, while diisooctyl acetate and 14-Beta-H-Pregna were detected only in the male extracts of Eurygaster maura.     

The metathoracic scent gland system in Hydrocorisae (Heteroptera: Nepomorpha)

Abstract. The metathoracic scent gland system is a basic feature of the order Heteroptera. It occurs widely not only in the terrestrial forms (Geocorisae) and water-surface bugs (Amphibicorisae) but also in the totally aquatic bugs (Hydrocorisae) and their littoral relatives (Ochteridae, Gelastocoridae). In Hydrocorisae the metathoracic scent gland conforms to Carayon's (1971) omphalian type (orifice median and undivided or, if divided, orifices close together towards the mid-ventral line) but shows marked differences in structure and physiological function between species from different families. There is taxonomic interest in the distribution of the three distinctly different types of metathoracic occlusion apparatus. Naucoridae and Belostomatidae have a median lip-valve, Notonectidae and Gelastocoridae a pair of stop-valves, Corixidae a median flap-valve. The valve opener muscles are usually dorso-ventral but are ventral in Corixidae; the cuticular microsculpture in the metathoracic efferent system specifically in Hydrocorisae with stop-valves (Notonectidae, Gelastocoridae) is similar to that widely present in Geocorisae. Groupings of Hydrocorisae from variations in the metathoracic occlusion apparatus differ from others based upon variations in the chemical constitution of the secretions. It is considered that the facts now known on metathoracic scent gland structure and function accord well with the hypothesis that Hydrocorisae constitute a polyphyletic assemblage.     

Floral scent and intrafloral scent differentiation inMoneses andPyrola (Pyrolaceae)

Floral scent was collected by headspace methods from intact flowers, petals, and stamens of four species ofPyrolaceae. The scent samples were analyzed by coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The floral scent inPyrola spp. is differentiated into a characteristic petal scent—phenyl propanoids and a characteristic stamen scent—methoxy benzenes. InMoneses the scent is characterized by isoprenoids and benzenoids, with a larger proportion of benzenoids in the stamens compared to the petals. Specific anther scents may promote foraging efficiency in buzz-pollinated species and enhance flower fidelity. Variation in floral scent composition is consistent with the taxonomic relationships among the genera and species examined.     

Developmental Stages of Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) freitasi Rego, Magalhaes & Siqueira, 1957 in the Opossum Didelphis marsupialis (Marsupialia, Didelphidae)

Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) freitasi, a parasite of marsupials of the genus Didelphis, has been found to undergo in the lumen of the scent (anal) glands of its vertebrate host, a cycle such as usually occurs in the intestinal tract of the insect vectors of trypanosomatids and similar to what has been reported for Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) cruzi. The invertebrate host of Trypanosoma freitasi is still unknown. Developmental stages of the trypanosome in its mammalian host, especially the dividing epimastigotes, multinucleate plasmodial forms and rosettes found in the lumen of the scent glands of a naturally infected Didelphis marsupialis are described and illustrated.     

Bacterial symbionts of the giant jewel stinkbug Eucorysses grandis (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae)

Microbiological characterization of gut symbiotic bacteria in a limited number of stinkbugs of the families Acanthosomatidae, Plataspidae, Pentatomidae, Scutelleridae, Parastrachiidae, Alydidae and Pyrrhocoridae has shown symbiotic association with midgut bacteria to be common in phytophagous taxa of these heteropteran insects. Here we investigated the midgut bacterial symbiont of Eucorysses grandis, a stinkbug of the family Scutelleridae. A specific gammaproteobacterium was consistently identified in insects from five different geographic origins. The bacterium was detected in 64 of 64 insects sampled from three host populations. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the bacterium constitutes a distinct lineage in the Gammaproteobacteria, neither closely related to the gut symbiont of another scutellerid stinkbug, Cantao ocellatus, nor to gut symbionts of other stinkbugs. Diagnostic PCR, in situ hybridization and electron microscopy demonstrated that the bacterium is located extracelluarly, in the midgut fourth section, which possesses crypts. These results indicate that the primary gut symbionts have multiple evolutionary origins in the Scutelleridae. A Sodalis-allied facultative symbiont was also identified in some insects from natural populations. Biological aspects of the primary gut symbiont and the secondary Sodalis-allied symbiont are discussed.     

The Stenopodainae (Hemiptera,Heteroptera) of Argentina

In Argentina, 10 genera and 33 species of Stenopodainae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) have been recorded. Diagnoses of the genera, subgenera and species are given, and an illustrated key to genera is provided. Six species are new records for Argentina and an additional seven species represent new records for provinces.     

Ultrastructure of the kinetochore inGraphosoma italicum (Hemiptera: Heteroptera)

Summary Ultrastructural analysis of the centromere in the germ-line ofGraphosoma italicum (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) (2n=12 + XY) revealed differences between mitotic and meiotic chromosomes. In mitotic spermatogonial divisions a trilaminar kinetochore plate extending almost the entire length of the chromosomes is present. Meiotic chromosomes, on the contrary, lack trilamellar kinetochore plate, although one chromosome end exhibits a round structure which is denser than the remainder chromatin and resembles a ball and cup kinetochore. These structures are orientated towards the poles and sometimes show associated microtubules. Additionally, the meiotic chromosomes are surrounded by a complex system of membranes. The possible role of the round structure and of the complex membrane system in meiotic segregation is discussed.     

Puberty in the male owl monkey (Aotus trivirgatus griseimembra): A study of physical and hormonal development

In the male owl monkey (Aotus trivirgatus),the onset of puberty occurs at between 211 and 337 days (median, 313) as indicated by longitudinal measurements of plasma testosterone in six subjects. Larger rises in plasma testosterone were observed between 300 and 400 days. Pubertal increases in body weight and testicular volume are not pronounced in this species. Young animals first entered the weight range for adult males (800–1080 g) when they were between 370 and 520 days of age (median, 472). Marked growth of the subcaudal scentmarking gland occurred during puberty. The first signs of development of this gland (stiffening and discoloration of overlying hairs) were noted between 282 and 370 days (median 316), and it had attained an adult structure by 336–442 days (median, 397). These changes were androgen dependent as indicated by the fact that treatment of a prepubertal male with testosterone stimulated the subcaudal gland to develop prematurely. Hormonal and physical changes during puberty were the same whether males remained with their parents or were caged alone. There was no indication that puberty was retarded in males which had remained in their natal groups.     

True bugs (Hemiptera,Heteroptera) as psyllid predators (Hemiptera,Psylloidea)

Data on natural enemies of psyllids are rare and can usually be found in papers about economically significant species. During an investigation of psyllid fauna in Serbia, natural enemies were investigated, too. True bugs were the most numerous among them. From 28 psyllid species, 21 species of true bugs from families Anthocoridae and Miridae were reared. Seven species of Anthocoridae were identified: Anthocoris amplicollis (Horváth, 1839), Anthocoris confusus Reuter, 1884, Anthocoris nemoralis (Fabricius, 1794), Anthocoris nemorum (Linnaeus, 1761), Orius majusculus Reuter, 1884, Orius minutus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Orius niger Wolff, 1811. The following 14 species of Miridae were identified: Atractotomus mali Meyer-Dür, 1843, Campylomma verbasci (Meyer-Dür, 1843), Deraeocoris flavilinea (A. Costa, 1862), Deraeocoris ruber (Linnaeus, 1758), Deraeocoris lutescens (Schilling, 1836), Heterocordylus genistae (Scopoli, 1763), Hypseloecus visci (Puton, 1888), Malacocoris chlorizans Panzer, 1794, Miris striatus (Linnaeus, 1758), Orthotylus marginalis Reuter, 1884, Psallus assimilis Stichel, 1956, Psallus quercus Kirschbaum, 1856, Psallus flavellus Stichel, 1933 and Pseudoloxops coccinea (Meyer-Dür, 1843). The aim of the research was to provide list of true bugs recorded as predators of psyllids in order to preserve their diversity and significance, especially on cultivated plants.     

Development rate and lower temperature threshold in the eggs of Eurygaster integriceps (Heteroptera: Scutelleridae)

The sunn pest, Eurygaster integriceps Put. has a wide distribution in the Palearctic region. It is the most important pest problem of wheat in Turkey. The objective of this study was to attain better knowledge of the development of the sunn pest eggs. The lower temperature threshold and development rate of eggs were determined at 17, 20, 23, 26 and 32°C ± 1°C in the laboratory. A linear model was used to describe the developmental rate and temperature. The egg development required 90.9 degree‐days above the theoretical threshold of 11.7°C. The development time was 17.6 ± 0.1 days at 17°C, and 4.5 ± 0.01 days at 32°C. Incubation time was inversely related to temperature. The study showed that the eggs of E. integriceps needed shorter periods of time to complete their development than immature stages of their parasitoids Trissolcus spp.     

New Records of Rhyparochromidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea) from Colombia

Five species in the tribes Lethaeini, Cistalia neotropicalis Slater & Baranowski and Paragonatas divergens Distant, and Ozophorini, Balboa variabilis Distant, Lygofuscanellus ozophoroides Slater, and Pamozophora englemani Ashlock & Slater, are recorded for the first time from Colombia. They are also the first generic record for this country. Photographs of all five species are included.     

Digestive pectinolytic activity in the Sunn pest,Eurygaster integriceps Puton (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae)

Adults of Eurygaster integriceps were collected from the wheat field, dissected and their midguts and salivary glands were removed out. After centrifugation of the homogenates, the resulted supernatants were used as the source of enzyme. Pectinase activity was assayed using agarose plate and colorimetric assays. Pectinesterase and polygalacturonase activity was detected in the first and fourth part of the midgut, respectively. Colorimetric assays revealed more pectinase activity in the first part than the fourth part. No activity was detected in the salivary gland. Optimal pH for pectinase activity in the first part of the midgut was determined at pH set of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. The results showed the optimum pH for pectinases occurred at pH 6. Maximum activity for the enzyme incubated at 20,30,35,40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100°C for 60 min was observed at 50°C. This is the first report of the presence of pectinases in a scutellerid bug.     

Purification and characterization of phenoloxidase from the hemocytes of Eurygaster integriceps (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae)

Insects protect themselves from microbial invaders by two main immune activities, namely the cellular and humoral reactions. Phenoloxidases are oxidative enzymes that have an important role in both cell-mediated and humoral immunity. In this study, the purification and biochemical characterization of a phenoloxidase from the hemocytes of the Sunn pest Eurygaster integriceps Puton (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) were carried out. After the final purification step, the enzyme was purified 7.31-fold with a recovery of 3.94% and a specific activity of 4.95U/mg protein. Results of the biochemical characterization showed that the purified phenoloxidase has a maximum activity at pH 6 and at 30-35°C and is stable for 24-36h. Divalent cations such as Ca(2+) and Cu(2+) significantly increased the enzymatic activity and synthetic inhibitors such as phenylthiourea significantly decreased it. The purified phenoloxidase has a molecular mass of 22kDa. The current paper represents a further step towards the characterization of humoral immunity of E. integriceps in order to develop new strategies for the biological control of the Sunn pest.     

基于DNA条形码的中国普缘蝽属分类研究(半翅目:异翅亚目)

通过扩增中国普缘蝽属Plinachtus Stl(半翅目:异翅亚目:缘蝽科)已知的4个种:刺肩普缘蝽P.dissimilis Hsiao,1964,钝肩普缘蝽P.bicoloripes Scott,1874,黑普缘蝽P.acicularis(Fabricius,1803)和棕普缘蝽P.basalis(Westwood,1842)的COI(1338bp)序列,计算其种间/种内的遗传距离,并进行基于距离法、最大简约法和贝叶斯法的分析,结果均支持将刺肩普缘蝽和钝肩普缘蝽合并为1个种。     

Observations on the metathoracic scent gland system of the backswimmer,Notonecta glauca L. (Heteroptera: Notonectidae)

The closing apparatus in the metathoracic scent gland system of Notonecta glauca is described, and notes on the distribution of metathoracic scent glands in the family Notonectidae are included.