d(CGGTGGT) forms an octameric parallel G-quadruplex via stacking of unusual G(:C):G(:C):G(:C):G(:C) octads

Among non-canonical DNA secondary structures, G-quadruplexes are currently widely studied because of their probable involvement in many pivotal biological roles, and for their potential use in nanotechnology. The overall quadruplex scaffold can exhibit several morphologies through intramolecular or intermolecular organization of G-rich oligodeoxyribonucleic acid strands. In particular, several G-rich strands can form higher order assemblies by multimerization between several G-quadruplex units. Here, we report on the identification of a novel dimerization pathway. Our Nuclear magnetic resonance, circular dichroism, UV, gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry studies on the DNA sequence dCGGTGGT demonstrate that this sequence forms an octamer when annealed in presence of K(+) or NH(4)(+) ions, through the 5'-5' stacking of two tetramolecular G-quadruplex subunits via unusual G(:C):G(:C):G(:C):G(:C) octads.     

Biology of Acarophenax lacunatus (Cross & Krantz) (Prostigmata: Acarophenacidae) on Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) (Coleoptera: Cucujidae)

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of six different temperatures on the development of Acarophenax lacunatus (Cross & Krantz) using eggs of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) as hosts. The temperature affected the development of A. lacunatus. The largest values for the progeny (19 mites in T. castaneum and 15 mites in C. ferrugineus) were obtained at about 30 degrees C, as also observed for the net reproductive rate (Ro), which revealed that the A. lacunatus population increased 18 times in T. castaneum and 14 times in C. ferrugineus in a generation. The intrinsic rate of increase (r m) gradually increased with temperature, reaching the maximum value at 35 degrees C in T. castaneum (1,608) and C. ferrugineus (1,289). The generation time was negatively correlated with temperature, ranging from 1,60 to 4,85 days in T. castaneum and from 1,96 to 5,34 days in C. ferrugineus. These results suggest that the mite A. lacunatus may be used in programs of biological control of T. castaneum and C. ferrugineus in the tropics.     

Interaction between Acarophenax lacunatus (Cross & Krantz) (Prostigmata: Acarophenacidae) and Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) on Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

The interaction between Acarophenax lacunatus (Cross & Krantz) and Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) may be a promising tool for the integrated pest management of stored grain insect pests. The objective of this study was to evaluate the compatibility of these two natural enemies on Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius). The experimental units were petri dishes (140 x 10 mm) containing 30 g of whole wheat grains (13% water content) infested with 20 adults of R. dominica. The treatments consisted of inoculation of A. lacunatus and A. calandrae, separately and associated, in eight replicates. Three inoculations of five adult females of the natural enemies were carried out in each petri dish at five, ten and fifteen days after the infestation of R. dominica. All treatments were stored during 60 days in environmental chamber at 30 +/- 1 degrees C, 60 +/- 5% relative humidity and 24 h scotophase. The smallest numbers of physogastric females of A. lacunatus and of adults of A. calandrae were obtained when the natural enemies were in association. The use of A. calandrae alone demonstrated a low instantaneous rate of increase (r(i)) of R. dominica and a high protection of the wheat grains. The association of A. calandrae with A. lacunatus led to the lowest number of immatures of R. dominica. These results demonstrate the importance of this interaction as a tool of for the integrated management of R. dominica in stored wheat grains.     

Nasal mites (Gamasida: Rhinonyssidae) of Paroaria coronata (Miller) (Passeriformes: Emberezidae)

With the aim of identifying the species of nasal mites of Paroaria coronata (red-crested cardinal), the nasal cavity of 40 birds were examined. The nasal mites were identified as Ptilonyssus sairae de Castro and Sternostoma pirangae Pence, with 50% and 7.5% of prevalence, respectively. This is the first record of these mite species parasitizing P. coronata. This report also amplifies the area of occurrence of S. pirangae for Brazil and that of P. sairae for Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.     

Biology of Bactrocera (Zeugodacus) tau (Walker) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The biology of the fruit fly Bactrocera tau, an important horticultural pest, was studied under laboratory conditions at 25°C and 60–70% relative humidity on Cucurbita maxima. The duration of mating averaged 408.03 ± 235.93 min. After mating, the female fly had a preoviposition period of 11.7 ± 4.49 days. The oviposition rate was 9.9 ± 8.50 eggs and fecundity was 464.6 ± 67.98 eggs/female. Eggs were elliptical, smooth and shiny white, turning darker as hatching approached, and measured 1.30 ± 0.07 mm × 0.24 ± 0.04 mm. The chorion has polygonal microsculpturing and is species-specific with polygonal walls. The egg period lasts for 1.3 ± 0.41 days. The duration of the larval period is 1.2 ± 0.42, 1.7 ± 0.48 and 4.0 ± 0.94 days for first, second and third instars, respectively. Pupation occurs in the sand or soil and pupal periods are 7.0 ± 0.47 days. The life cycle from egg to adult was completed in 14.2 ± 1.69 days; the longevity of mated females and males was 130.33 ± 14.18 and 104.66 ± 31.21 days, respectively. At least two to three generations were observed from June 2008 to June 2009.     

小黑瓢虫对高氏瘤粉虱捕食作用的研究

在高氏瘤粉虱不同虫态共存的条件下,小黑标虫对高氏瘤粉虱各虫态的选择次序为卵＞1龄若虫＞2龄若虫＞3龄若虫＞4龄若虫和拟蛹,对卵的捕食率均最高,有明显的嗜好选择;小黑瓢虫幼虫捕食粉虱卵的数量,随着龄期的增长而递增,其中4龄幼虫的捕食量最大,4龄期捕食量平均为1565．42粒,占全幼虫期总食卵量的45．42％,整个幼虫期可捕食高氏瘤粉虱的卵数平均为3446．5粒。小黑瓢虫3龄幼虫对粉虱卵的捕食作用率在所给的猎物密度（1500粒／皿）条件下,随着自身密度的增加而降低。     

Predation ofApochthonius minimus (Pseudoscorpionida: Chthoniidae) onFolsomia canadida (Collembola: Isotomidae)

Summary We investigated the functional response of the predaceous pseudoscorpion,Apochthonius minimus, to density of the springtail,Folsomia candida, as well as the effects of temperature and prey size on handling time and attack rate. Temperature slightly altered the overall rise in response. Both the rise and shape of the response differed for two prey sizes. The changes in number of prey eaten over a 48-hour period were also examined, and the attack and feeding behaviour ofA. minimus was described and discussed in relation to the predation experiments. The pseudoscorpion preferred young adultF. candida, 0.8–1.2 mm in length, when offered prey in the range, 0.2–1.5 mm.     

Spectroscopic investigations of Er(3+) :CdO-Bi(2) O(3) -B(2) O(3) glasses

This article reports on the optical properties of Er³⁺ ions doped CdO–Bi₂O₃–B₂O₃ (CdBiB) glasses. The materials were characterized by optical absorption and emission spectra. By using Judd–Ofelt theory, the intensity parameters Ω_λ (λ = 2, 4, 6) and also oscillatory strengths were calculated from the absorption spectra. The results were used to compute the radiative properties of Er³⁺:CdBiB glasses. The concentration quenching and energy transfer from Yb³⁺–Er³⁺ were explained. The stimulated emission cross‐section, full width at half maximum (FWHM) and FWHM × values are also calculated for all the Er³⁺:CdBiB glasses. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

美丽青背姬小蜂生物学特性研究

美丽青背姬小蜂Chrysonotomyiaformosa（Westwood）是美洲斑潜蝇的优势天敌,在美洲 斑潜蝇的自然控制中发挥着非常重要的作用。本文对其生物学进行了研究,结果表明：在实验 温度范围内,随着温度的升高,寄生蜂羽化趋早,羽化时间更集中,羽化高峰也更明显;随着 温度的升高,成蜂的寿命逐渐缩短。在提供清水时,寄主可以显著地延长雌蜂的寿命;在有寄 主时,提供10%蜂蜜水,雌蜂的寿命显著延长。美丽青背姬小蜂对3龄寄主幼虫有偏好,对3龄寄 主幼虫的致死率和寄生率都高于对1～2龄寄主幼虫的,且产下后代的雌雄性比为5.11∶1。在 实验温度范围内,发育历期随温度的升高而缩短。     

Population dynamics ofTrigoniulus lumbricinus (gerst) (Diplopoda: Trigoniulidae)

The number of the diplopod, Trigoniulus lumbricinus (Gerst ) in the leaf litter varies between months. The annual population peak is reached during May to July after which the population declines. The seasonal population change is statistically correlated with the rainfall, but a causal relationship is difficult to establish: there is no indication that the population is regulated by any density related process either. It is speculated that a long term study of the population in different parts of its distribution range can only clarify the density relations.     

Biology of Nomioides variegatus (Olivier) (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)

The nesting biology, life history and pollen foraging of the minute Nomioides variegatus (Olivier) is described and illustrated. All Nomioides biological studies are reviewed. Nesting and foraging were observed over two years in a sandy natural area in the Rhône River delta region of southern France. Nest and cell structure was obtained from soil blocks removed from the nesting area and examined in the laboratory. Females, which were on average only 4.2 mm long, nested solitarily in loose aggregations in areas free of vegetation. Cells were placed from 6 to 12 cm deep, each terminating a lateral burrow off the main burrow. Cell walls were lined with a water proof wax-like lining. The pollen-nectar provision was a flattened sphere. The posterior end of the egg was embedded on the dorsal surface of the provision. Larval and pupal development was rapid, proceeding to adults by August, the over-wintering stage. Pollen foraging patterns were analyzed from both pollen provisions and fecal material for different nests (3) and cells (8). Nomioides variegatus is polylectic, but individuals bees exhibited a high degree of foraging consistency for the provisioning of single cells. Eleven different pollen types representing 10 plant families were found. In 1996, Ecballium elaterium (Cucurbitaceae) was the dominant pollen present in all samples but it was absent in 1997. Tamarix gallica (Tamaricaeae) was the dominant pollen type in 1997 and absent in 1996. A third pollen, Centaurium (Gentianaceae) was present in both years and represented 70% of some samples.     

不同小麦品种（系）对麦长管蚜的抗性

采用网罩麦长管蚜Sitobion miscanthi (Takahashi)的观测方法,对15个不同抗性小麦品种（系）进行苗期不选择性、抗生性测定;选择其中5个代表性品种（系）观测了田间扬花期麦长管蚜的产蚜量,测定了小麦旗叶和穗部中单宁与槲皮素的含量以及麦长管蚜羧酸酯酶（CarE）与谷胱甘肽S-转移酶（GST）的活性。结果表明,代表性品种（系）在苗期对麦长管蚜的产蚜量的影响与扬花期的呈显著正相关（r＝0.956*）。穗部槲皮素的含量与不同抗性品种（系）上的产蚜量呈显著负相关（r＝-0.941*）;单宁含量在不同抗性品种（系）间存在显著差异,其含量变化与产蚜量无显著相关。取食不同抗性品种（系）后麦长管蚜的CarE和GST酶活力存在显著差异。结论认为小麦不同品种（系）对麦长管蚜产蚜量（生殖力）的抑制作用是其抗蚜的重要特性,尤其是中4无芒和冀保一号对麦长管蚜抗生性较强。     

Demographic traits of Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) reared on Aphis fabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Lady beetles are the most important predatory species among arthropods; thus, studying their population parameters gives a clear picture about their life span. The demography of the lady beetle, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), was studied under laboratory condition, on Aphis fabae at 27?°C based on the age-stage, two-sex life table. The means and standard errors were estimated by the bootstrap techniques. The results showed that the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and the finite rate of increase (λ) were 0.18 and 1.20 d^?1, respectively. The net reproduction rate (R ₀) and the gross reproduction rate were 232.49 and 442.48 offspring/individual, respectively. The mean generation time (T) was 29.03?days. The first peak of reproductive value in females was on the 18th day, which coincides with the total pre-oviposition period counted from birth. The life expectancy curve (e_xj ) of a new hatched female adult was 60?days. The results demonstrated that growth, survival and development of the predator can be described accurately by use of the age-stage, two-sex life table.     

Cladistic analysis of Simulium (Trichodagmia) and Simulium (Thyrsopelma) (Diptera: Simuliidae)

A cladistic analysis of Simulium ( Trichodagmia ) sensu Crosskey and Howard, using 34 morphological characters of larvae (6 characters), pupa (5) and adults (23), yields nine most parsimonious trees under equal weights (length 101 steps CI 0.49 RI 0.73). Successive weighting based on the maximal rescaled consistency index preferred one of the nine (31.37 steps CI 0.62 RI 0.87 total fit_con3= 235.8), which was also one of two trees found under implicit weights with concavity values of 3–6. The cladogram justifies the recognition of two subgenera. Simulium ( Trichodagmia ) sensu stricto (containing S. muiscorum, sumapazense, S. wygodzinskyorum, S. nigrimanum, S. chalcocoma, S. huairayacu and S. lahillei ) is supported by the branchial tip sclerotization and the presence of cibarial teeth, larval body tegument covered with lanceolate hairs, female with simple claw, and gonapophysis size. Simulium ( Thyrsopelma ) (containing S. scutistriatum, S. hirtipupa, S. orbitale, S. guianense, S. perplexum and S. itaunense ) is supported by the hypostomial teeth.     

日本佳盾蜾蠃的生物学特性观察

日本佳盾蜾蠃Euodynerus nipanicus（Schulthess）是一种重要的独栖捕食性天敌昆虫,对我国南方林区鳞翅目蛾类害虫的控制具有一定作用。本文报道了日本佳盾蜾蠃的形态特征、生活史及幼虫和成虫的行为等生物学特性。该蜂在江西赣州地区 1 年发生 4 代,以滞育的老熟幼虫在巢管虫室内越冬,滞育期约 190 d。翌年的4月下旬成虫开始外出活动,主要包括交配、筑巢、产卵、捕食等行为。通过野外收集筑巢巢管,室内饲养观察等,发现该蜂的卵近似微弯的长圆柱形,长 2.912 ± 0.127 mm,卵期2-4 d,平均 2.5 ± 0.99 d;非越冬幼虫期 8. 1 ± 0. 99 d;预蛹期4.3 ± 0. 48 d;蛹期7. 4 ± 0.84 d;雌雄比约为 2. 95:1。本研究丰富了日本佳盾蜾蠃的生物学基础知识,为进一步利用该蜂防治南方林区鳞翅目蛾类害虫提供了依据。     

Efficacy of the parasitoid,Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) against Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) infesting rapeseed-mustard

Efficacy of Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was determined by studying its biological and behavioural attributes on the aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Total developmental duration of the parasitoid was longer in younger instars compared to that in older instars of aphid. Host age negatively affected the oviposition period and fecundity of the ovipositing parasitoid. Survival of the immatures was higher in older than the younger instars of the aphid. Sex ratio for the parasitoid was female-biased. Longevity of female parasitoid was higher while parasitizing aphid nymphs of younger age groups (1–2 days old) compared to that of older age groups (4–5 days old). Parasitoid showed a higher preference towards second instar of M. persicae both in choice and no-choice tests. Results on mutual interference revealed that per capita searching efficiency decreased from 0.91 to 0.07 as parasitoid densities increased from 1 to 8. Logistic regression exhibited a type II functional response for D. rapae. The estimated values of search-efficiency (a) and handling time (T_h) were 0.038 h⁻¹ and 1.59 h, respectively. The maximum parasitization rate was 15.08. This investigation suggests that D. rapae could be an effective candidate for augmentative biological control of M. persicae which infests several plant species of economic importance.     

Effects of egg age of Spartocera dentiventris (Berg) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) on parasitism by Gryon gallardoi (Brethes) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae)

To evaluate the effect of egg age of Spartocera dentiventris (Berg) on the parasitism by Gryon gallardoi (Brethes), groups of 12 eggs of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 12 days old were exposed to one female of G. gallardoi on a test tube, with the wasp observed for 2h subsequently. Later, the eggs were individualised and incubated (25 +/- 1 degrees C; 12h photoperiod) until adult emergence. To identify the preferred age, groups of 12 eggs of 1, 3, 5, 7 and 12 days of age were simultaneously exposed to a parasitoid female on an arena for 2h. These groups were also individualised and incubated until parasitism was confirmed. On all ages tested parasitism was at about 88.5 +/- 2.64%, with a reduction in adult parasitoid emergence with age increasing (P < 0.01). The development time increased with increasing egg age (P < 0.01), with males developing faster. Parasitoid sex ratio for all ages tested was female-biased (0.49:1), with the proportion of males invariant with host age (P > 0.05). When the egg groups were exposed simultaneously, the female preferred eggs one and three days old. The results indicate a preference of G gallardoi for younger eggs of S. dentiventris, with host egg age exerting a negative effect on development time and offspring emergence of the parasitoid.