Elasmobranch captures in shrimps trammel net fishery off the Gulf of Gabès (Southern Tunisia,Mediterranean Sea)

Small‐scale fisheries are generally promoted as a sustainable alternative to large‐scale industrial fisheries. However, there is recent growing evidence that small‐scale fisheries may be the largest threat to marine species of conservation concern. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential impact of the trammel net fishery on elasmobranchs in the Gulf of Gabès, Southern Tunisia. Data are based on 191 shrimp trammel net set (40 mm stretched mesh size) surveys conducted aboard commercial fishing vessels from May to July 2009. Five species of the small coastal elasmobranchs (Mustelus mustelus (Linnaeus, 1758), Mustelus punctulatus Risso 1827, Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758), Dasyatis marmorata (Steindachner, 1892) and Torpedo torpedo (Linnaeus, 1758)) and two species from the large coastal shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus (Nardo, 1827) and Carcharhinus brevipinna (Müller & Henle, 1839)) were recognized as by‐catch in this fishery. Elasmobranch by‐catch was dominated by sharks (90.3%), smoothhound sharks Mustelus sp. being by far the most important (88.9%) and reflecting their abundance in the area; 58% of the sets caught at least one specimen, with 4.8 ± 1.3 caught per set. Captures were composed essentially of neonate and juvenile sharks, while the batoids were dominated by mature individuals. This study shows that shrimp trammel nets represent a considerable source of mortality for early life stages of elasmobranch species in the Gulf of Gabès. Additionally, there was a high density of neonates and small juvenile M. mustelus in the Sfax zone, suggesting that these nearshore waters are a nursery grounds for smoothhound sharks. Further research should focus on the incidents of by‐catch and evaluate the potential solutions to allow trammel net fisheries to coexist alongside the elasmobranch species.     

Temporal and geographical variation in skull size of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the Eurasian badger (Meles meles) in Austria

Using museum material, we studied temporal changes in skull size of 185 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes Linnaeus, 1758) and 71 Eurasian badgers (Meles meles Linnaeus, 1758) collected in Austria between 1866 and 2007. Four measurements were taken and combined into principal components by means of a principal components analysis. Akaike's information criterion models indicated that skull size of the red fox and the Eurasian badger is positively related to the year of collection and negatively to altitude but not to latitude or longitude. However, for the Eurasian badger, the relationship between skull size and year is only on the verge of significance. We suggest that the increase in skull size with year is a result of improved food availability during the 20th Century from man‐made resources such as agricultural produce and garbage, and the decrease in skull size with altitude is possibly the result of a parallel decrease in primary productivity. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, ●● , ●●–●●.     

Koi herpesvirus infection in experimentally infected common carp Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758) and three potential carrier fish species Carassius carassius (Linnaeus, 1758); Rutilus rutilus (Linnaeus, 1758); and Tinca tinca (Linnaeus, 1758) by quantitative real‐time PCR and in‐situ hybridization

Only single cells in the carrier fish species Carassius carassius (Linnaeus, 1758) for koi herpesvirus (KHV) are infected in contrast to large numbers in the susceptible species common carp Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus 1758). Several species of the family Cyprinidae have been described as virus carrier species, showing no clinical signs of a KHV disease but able to transmit the virus to other susceptible fish. In this study, 72 common carp Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758), 36 tench Tinca tinca (Linnaeus, 1758), 36 crucian carp Carassius carassius (Linnaeus, 1758) and 36 common roach Rutilus rutilus (Linnaeus, 1758) were experimentally infected with KHV (isolate “Israel”) by immersion and kept at 20°C. The fish were euthanized at 12 timepoints over a period of 90 days and virus DNA was quantified in tissues by a real‐time TaqMan PCR. Whereas KHV‐DNA was found in Cyprinus carpio for up to 90 days, the virus DNA was detectable only in single individuals of Rutilus rutilus, Tinca tinca and Carassius carassius for up to 25 days after experimental virus exposure. Tissue samples of Cyprinus carpio and Carassius carassius were screened by in‐situ hybridization. Positive signals were found in various organs of the common carp tested crucian carp. In the latter species a much smaller number of virus‐positive stained cells was detected compared to the infected carp.     

Growth and length–weight relationship of the juvenile anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus, in the nursery ground (Zrmanja River estuary–eastern Adriatic Sea)

Growth and length–weight relationships of 2564 juvenile specimens of anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus (Linnaeus, 1758), were examined over a 2‐year period (August 1989 to April 1991) in the Zrmanja River estuary. Fish sizes ranged from 4.4 to 12.5 cm total length and 0.5 and 13.8 g, corresponding to age (in years) 0+ (98%) and 1+ (2%). Length–weight regression coefficient (b) varied between 2.95 and 3.42 and the regression constant (a) between 2.1 and 6.0 (×10^?3). The von Bertalanffy growth equation of juvenile anchovy was: l_t = 13.2 (1 ? e^?0.82(t+0.5)). Maturity was reached in June in males above 8.2 cm and females above 9.0 cm total length.     

Biochemical studies on Brachionus plicatilis: hydrolytic enzymes,integument proteins and composition of trophi

In Terminos Lagoon, México, more than 80 fish species use the mangrove and seagrass habitats. We studied nekton dynamics in an inlet seagrass system and a more sheltered seagrass/mangrove system located behind a barrier island. Seasonal community biomass ranges from 0.6 to 5.2 g wet wt m^-2. For the two habitats together, there are 28 dominant species. Eleven species were common to both areas: Sphoeroides testudineus (Linnaeus, 1758), Archosargus rhomboidalis Linnaeus, 1758, A. probatocephalus (Walbaum, 1792), Arius felis (Linnaeus, 1766), A. melanopus (Gunther, 1864), Eucinostomus gula (Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1830), Bairdiella chrysoura (Lacépède, 1803), Orthopristis chrysoptera (Linnaeus, 1766), Chilomycterus schoepfi (Walbaum, 1792), Opsanus beta (Goode & Bean, 1879) and Lutjanus griseus (Linnaeus, 1758). Ten species used exclusively the inlet seagrass system: Urolophus jamaicensis (Cuvier, 1817), Haemulon aurolineatum (Cuvier, 1829), H. bonariense (Cuvier, 1830), H. plumieri (Lacépède, 1802), Anisotremus virginicus (Linnaeus, 1758), Odontoscion dentex (Cuvier, 1830), Corvula sanctae-luciae (Jordan, 1890), Nicholsina usta (Valenciennes, 1839), Stephanolepis hispidus (Linnaeus, 1766) and Diodon hystrix Linnaeus, 1758. Seven species were dominant only in the seagrass/mangrove system: Anchoa mitchilli (Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1848), Scorpaena plumieri Bloch, 1789, Cynoscion nebulosus (Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1830), Diapterus rhombeus (Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1830), Bairdiella ronchus (Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1830), Cichlasoma urophtalmus (Günther, 1862) and Acanthostracion quadricornis (Linnaeus, 1758). Comparative analysis showed that periodic variation in biomass and diversity of fish assemblages in seagrass and seagrass/mangrove habitats were synchronized with sizes and densities of population, season of the year (dry, wet, ‘nortes’), circulation pattern, and patterns of primary production (phytoplankton, Thalassia testudinum Konig, 1805; and Rhizophora mangle Linnaeus). This analysis allowed the definition of 3 life-cycle patterns with a clear nektonic ‘seasonal programming’ following the timing of primary production in these critical habitats: (1) marine species which spawn in or near the inlet with eggs and larvae transported into and distributed throughout the lagoon by the predominant currents; (2) estuarine-marine species which spawn in different habitats of the lagoon and use the seagrass/mangrove system as a nursery area, and (3) species which complete their life history in the inlet seagrass and/or seagrass/mangrove systems. EPOMEX Program Contribution No. 0026.     

Weight‐length relationships of 3 demersal fish species from Lebanese marine waters,eastern Mediterranean

Weight‐length relationships (WLRs) were estimated for 3 demersal species, from the Lebanese marine waters, eastern Mediterranean, namely Coelorinchus caelorhincus (Risso, 1810), Scorpaena elongata Cadenat, 1943 and Stephanolepsis diaspros Fraser‐Brunner, 1940. The specimens were collected using trammel and gill nets from June 2012 to October 2014. The values of parameter b of the WLRs W = aL^b ranged from 2.922 to 3.708. Pronounced sexual dimorphism in WLR was observed for S. diaspros and none showed a WLR‐based geographical pattern of distribution. WLRs reported in this study should be applied only within the observed length ranges.     

Taxonomic composition and species diversity of insect assemblages in grass–shrub cover of peat bogs in Belarus

The species composition and diversity of insect assemblages in the grass–shrub cover has been studied. A total of 374 species from 10 orders have been revealed. Coleoptera, Diptera, Heteroptera, and Auchenorryncha prevailed. Each order was dominated by two to eight species. These species are Cixius similis Kirschbaum, 1868; Neophilaenus lineatus (Linnaeus, 1758); Lepyronia coleoptrata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Auchenorryncha); Lygus pratensis (Linnaeus, 1758); Kleidocerys resedae (Panzer, 1797); Stictopleurus crassicornis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Heteroptera); Lochmaea suturalis (Thomson, 1866); Cyphon padi (Linnaeus, 1758); Plateumaris discolor (Herbst, 1795) (Coleoptera); etc. The assemblages were characterized by low species diversity and distribution of species abundance. The most similar entomocomplexes were those in biotopes dominated by herbs, on the one hand, and dwarf shrubs, on the other. The regression analysis has shown a significant relation between the species richness and diversity of insects and the species composition of plants and their projective cover. The multivariate analysis with various methods (CCA and PCA) demonstrated the influence of these factors on the spatial distribution of certain species and their preferences to particular habitats.     

The Noctuoidea (Lepidoptera) described by Linnaeus

Linnaeus described 166 nominal species of Noctuoidea, of which 144 (86.7%) are currently used as valid names, 18 are synonyms, one is a homonym and three taxa remain unknown. Seven taxa were described solely from illustrations in contemporary literature. Lectotypes are designated for 139 (87.4%) of the 159 remaining taxa, 122 of them from the Linnaean collection in London, 13 from the Queen Ludovica Ulrica's collection in Uppsala, Sweden, and four from other contemporary collections. Two Linnaean senior synonyms are introduced: Hada plebeja comb. nov. (Linnaeus, 1761) for the current H. nana (Hufnagel, 1766) and Oeonistis altica (Linnaeus, 1768) comb. nov. for Oe. entella (Cramer, 1779). Erebus occiduus (Linnaeus, 1758) syn. nov. is a junior subjective synonym of E. crepuscularis (Linnaeus, 1758); L. marmorides (Cramer, 1775) Stat. rev. should be reinstated for Letis occidua auct. In two species pairs the Linnaean names have been interpreted incorrectly. The lectotype designation of Phalaena prasinana Linnaeus, 1758, by Lempke (1947) is invalid because the specimen is not syntypic. According to the new lectotype, Pseudoips prasinanus (Linnaeus, 1758) comb. nov. replaces P. faganus (Fabricius, 1781), and Bena bicolorana (Fuessly, 1775) comb. nov. is available for the other species. Abrostola triplasia (Linnaeus, 1758) Stat. rev. replaces A. trigemina (Werneburg, 1864), and for the other species A. triparlila (Hufnagel, 1766) should be reinstated. One neotype designation [Eilema complanum (Linnaeus, 1758)], one lectotype designation [Xylena exsolela (Linnaeus, 1758)], and precedence of a junior synonym [Ophideres fullonia (Clerck, 1764)] over its unused senior synonym are to be referred to the ICZN; until their decision the current usage must be followed. The identity of Mesapamea secalis (Linnaeus, 1758) stat. rev. corresponds to current usage, but, under presence of syntypic material, the recent neotype designation by Lempke (1988) will be referred to the ICZN. The revision is mainly based on the discovery that the insect pins and the way specimens are prepared give evidence of the authenticity of the material. Contrary to the views of earlier authors, Linnaeus had his labels with the specific name pinned against the bottom of the drawers by the specimen pin. Because the labels have been moved twice during subsequent curations, their present position is less indicative of the authenticity than has been previously suggested. The origin of the so-called n-labels is discussed.     

Home ranges and densities of medium-sized carnivores in south-east Finland, with special reference to rabies spread

Home ranges and densities of medium-sized carnivores were studied in south-east Finland by radio tracking. The species studied included potential vectors of rabies: the raccoon dogNyctereutes procyonoides (Gray, 1834), red foxVulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758), European badgerMeles meles (Linnaeus, 1758) and domestic catFelis silvestris catus (Schreber, 1777). Home ranges of badgers were largest (mean 14.7 km²) and those of cats smallest (1.5 km²). Home ranges overlapped largely, both within and between species. Most home ranges were larger and population densities lower in south-east Finland compared with those in Western Europe. The pooled density of medium-sized carnivores with overlapping home ranges was, however, high, which may indicate a high risk of a rabies epizootic in this multi-host community. Rabies might also spread rapidly to new areas, because of the large home ranges and, consequently, long dispersal distances.     

Length–weight and length–length relationships for 10 pelagic fish species from the Adriatic Sea (Croatia)

Length–weight and length–length relationships are described for 10 of the most important and most frequent small, middle‐size and large pelagic fish species from the Adriatic Sea, namely Sardina pilchardus Walbaum 1792, Sardinella aurita Valenciennes 1847, Sprattus sprattus Linnaeus 1758, Engraulis encrasicolus Linnaeus 1758, Belone belone Linnaeus 1761, Scomber scombrus Linnaeus 1758, Scomber japonicus Houttuyn 1780, Thunnus thynnus Linnaeus 1758, Auxis rochei Risso 1810 and Sarda sarda Bloch 1793. Length–length equations for converting size measurements: standard length (SL) and fork length (FL) to total length (TL) and vice versa, were linear.     

Population genetic divergence as consequence of past range expansion of the smooth hammerhead shark Sphyrna zygaena

Hydrobiologia - We investigated the roles of a benthivorous (Prochilodus brevis, Steindachner 1875) and a planktivorous (Oreochromis niloticus, Linnaeus, 1758) fish in translocating phosphorus from...     

First record of the goby Buenia affinis Iljin, 1930 (Gobiidae) from the Aegean Sea and Sea of Marmara

Fourteen species of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea) are recorded as new to Saudi Arabia. These are: Aphis coreopsidis (Thomas, 1878); Aphis illinoisensis Shimer, 1866; Baizongia pistaceae (Linnaeus, 1767); Capitophorus elaeagni (del Guercio, 1894); Dysaphis plantaginea (Passerini, 1860); Eucarazzia elegans (Ferrari, 1872); Geoica lucifuga (Zehntner, 1897); Hayhurstia atriplicis (Linnaeus, 1761); Macrosiphoniella absinthii (Linnaeus, 1758); Macrosiphoniella sanborni (Gillette, 1908); Smynthurodes betae Westwood, 1849; Uroleucon cichorii (Koch, 1855), and Wahlgreniella nervata (Gillette, 1908). Among these, three species, i.e. A. coreopsidis, A. illinoisensis, and W. nervata are alien species.     

Biological availability and humic properties of dissolved organic carbon in Lake Balaton (Hungary)

The nursery role of the Mondego estuary for marine fish species was studied between June 2003 and May 2004. The spatial and temporal distribution and abundance patterns of 0-group Dicentrarchus labrax (Linnaeus, 1758), Platichthys flesus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Solea solea (Linnaeus, 1758) were analyzed based on monthly sampling surveys in five stations along the estuarine gradient. Fishing took place during the night at low water of spring tides, using a 2 m beam trawl. The spatial patterns of estuarine colonization were different according to species. D. labrax showed a wider distribution, but the main nursery ground was the same as for S. solea. Highest densities of S. solea juveniles were found in oligohaline areas, with muddy bottoms and high benthic invertebrates availability, while P. flesus occurred mainly in the sandy uppermost areas. D. labrax was found in both these areas. Fish abundance in the estuary mainly reflected seasonal changes.     

Hair density in the Eurasian otter <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lutra lutra</Emphasis> and the Sea otter <Emphasis Type="Italic">Enhydra lutris</Emphasis>

The hair density of adult Eurasian otters Lutra lutra (Linnaeus, 1758) and sea otters Enhydra lutris (Linnaeus, 1758) was analysed using skin samples taken from frozen carcasses. Lutra lutra exhibited a mean hair density of about 70 000 hairs/cm² (whole body, appendages excepted), the mean individual density ranging from about 60 000 to 80 000 hairs/cm². The dominant hair type were secondary hairs (wool hairs), the hair coat comprising only 1.26% of primary hairs (PH). Secondary hair (SH) density remained constant over the body (appendages excepted), whereas a few variations in PH density were observed. Neither an influence of the sex, nor a seasonal variation of the hair coat was found, moulting seems to be continuous. Enhydra lutris had a hair density between 120 000 and 140 000 hairs/cm², the primary hairs representing less than 1% within the hair coat. Hair density remained quite constant over the regions of the trunk but was lower at the head (about 60 000 hairs/cm² on the cheek). The hair follicles were arranged in specific groups with different bundles of varying size, normally comprising dominant numbers of wool hair (SH) follicles. Invariably there was always a large central primary hair follicle and numerous sebaceous glands between the bundles and principally around the PH follicles. The results are discussed related to possible ecological influences on hair coat density.     

An experience of rearing some hawk moths (Lepidoptera,Sphingidae) on artificial diets

A method for rearing five hawk moth species, namely Acherontia atropos (Linnaeus, 1758), A. lachesis (Fabricius, 1798), Agrius convolvuli (Linnaeus, 1758), Daphnis nerii (Linnaeus, 1758), and Hyles livornica (Esper, 1780) (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae) on artificial diets is described. Two recipes of these artificial rearing media are proposed. Special attention is given to maintenance of adult moths in captivity and raising immature stages.     

Weight–length relationships for 20 fish species collected in the mangroves of Guadeloupe (Lesser Antilles)

Weight–length relationships (WLR) are reported for 20 fish species from the mangroves of Guadeloupe (Lesser Antilles). The fishes were collected using fishing hoop nets. In the present study, the regressions were calculated after separating juveniles and adults. The b coefficient in the WLR varied between 2.37 and 3.85, with a mean of 3.15 ± 0.15.     

More efficient estimation of plant biomass

Question: The optimal use of the point intercept method (PIM) for efficient estimation of plant biomass has not been addressed although PIM is a commonly used method in vegetation analysis. In this study we compare results achieved using PIM at a range of efforts, we assess a method for calculating these results that are new with PIM and we provide a formula for planning the optimal use of PIM. Location: Northern Norway. Methods: We collected intercept data at a range of efforts, i.e. from one to 100 pins per 0.25 m² plots, on three plant growth forms in a mountain meadow. After collection of intercept data we clipped and weighed the plant biomass. The relationship between intercept frequency and weighed biomass (b) was estimated using both a weighted linear regression model (WLR) and an ordinary linear regression model (OLR). The accuracy of the estimate of biomass achieved by PIM at different efforts was assessed by running computer simulations at different pin densities. Results: The relationship between intercept frequency and weighed biomass (b) was far better estimated using WLR compared to the normally used OLR. Efforts above 10 pins per 0.25 m² plot had a negligible effect on the accuracy of the estimate of biomass achieved by PIM whereas the number of plots had a strong effect. Moreover, for a given level of accuracy, the required number of plots varied depending on plant growth form. We achieved similar results to that of the computer simulations when applying our WLR based formula. Conclusion: This study shows that PIM can be applied more efficiently than was done in previous studies for the purpose of plant biomass estimation, where several plots should be analysed but at considerably less effort per plot. Moreover, WLR rather than OLR should be applied when estimating biomass from intercept frequency. The formula we have deduced is a useful tool for planning plant biomass analysis with PIM.     

Mercury in wild terrestrial carnivorous mammals from north-western Poland and unusual fish diet of red fox

Total mercury concentrations were determined in the kidney (K), liver (L), and pectoral muscle (M) of 19 individuals representing wild carnivorous mammals from NW Poland: 10 red foxes Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758), 3 raccoon dogs Nyctereutes procyonoides Gray, 1834, 2 badgers Meles meles Linnaeus, 1758, 3 pine martens Martes martes Linnaeus, 1758, and 1 polecat Mustela putorius Linnaeus, 1758. The sample of red fox included 3 immature specimens found on Mielin Island; the island supports a black cormorant colony, and the foxes found there had fed mostly on cormorant nestlings as well as on fish and their remains. In addition to the Mielin Island foxes, the group of foxes included 3 other immature and 4 adult individuals. The highest mean of mercury concentrations were revealed in the Mielin red fox juveniles: 5.11, 4.52, and 1.56 mg/kg d.w. being recorded in K, L, and M. No significant differences in mercury concentrations in the respective tissues were found between the remaining immature and adult red foxes; their mercury concentrations were several times lower than those of the Mielin individuals. In all the animals except the Mielin foxes, mercury concentrations in K, L, and M did not exceed 1.3, 1.0 and 0.5 mg/kg d.w., respectively, the highest values being in badgers (which feed mostly on soil invertebrates), followed by pine martens and then the canids (red fox and raccoon dog). Studies on common and widely distributed terrestrial animals, particularly red fox and badger, may provide numerous valuable comparative data on mercury contamination of different areas of the northern hemisphere.     

An Ice Age spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta spelaea (Goldfuss 1823) population,their excrements and prey from the Late Pleistocene hyena den of the Sloup Cave in the Moravian Karst,Czech Republic

A Late Pleistocene spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta spelaea (Goldfuss 1823) population from the cave bear den Sloup Cave, Moravia (Czech Republic) consists of mainly adult/senior and few cub/juvenile remains and coprolites, and 139 prey bones. Hyenas used the Nicová Cave branch that is connected to the entrance area mainly as a communal den site. Prey bone damage is most visible on the imported woolly rhinoceros remains. The partly excavated prey bone accumulation consists of a single woolly mammoth Mammuthus primigenius (Blumenbach 1799) tooth (2%), mainly Coelodonta antiquitatis (Blumenbach 1807) remains (16%), 4% Bos primigenius (Bojanus 1827) and 1% each of Megaloceros giganteus (Blumenbach 1799) and Rangifer tarandus (Linnaeus 1758). The other carnivores such as Panthera leo spelaea (Goldfuss 1810), Gulo gulo (Linnaeus 1758) and Canis lupus (Linnaeus 1758) subsp. are less represented (1–3%). Wolverines might have been imported also as prey remains, whereas wolves also possibly used this cave on a short-term basis, whereas steppe lions seem to have preyed upon cave bears deeper in the cave periodically, where even skeletons of P. leo spelaea were found in the Elisabeth Cave part.     

Enzymatic and insecticidal activities of the Amsacta moorei entomopoxvirus glycosyltransferase,AMV248

The family Poxviridae is divided into two subfamilies, the Chordopoxvirinae of vertebrates and the Entomopoxvirinae of invertebrates. The Amsacta moorei entomopoxvirus (AMEV, Entomopoxvirinae) has the potential to be used in gene therapy, as an expression vector, and as a biopesticide. It was suggested that AMV248 protein is a putative glycosyltransferase (GT) but was also shown to be an attachment protein to host receptors. GTs encoded by some other viruses catalyse the binding of sugars molecules to growth hormones of the host insects rendering the hormones inactive. Consequently, larval development is arrested and frequently results in larval mortality. In this study, AMV248 protein was shown to be a GT and the purified enzyme catalysed the production of uridine diphosphate (UDP) from the substrates UDP-glucose and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine. This AMEV enzyme may behave much like the ecdysteroid UDP-glucosyltransferase of baculoviruses. Various concentrations of the GT enzyme were tested for its insecticidal activity against gypsy moth Lymantria dispar (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), lackey moth Malacosoma neustria (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae), cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner, 1808) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae. It had varying deleterious effects on all test larvae but L. dispar was the most sensitive to the enzyme. While this enzyme exhibits properties with potential to be developed as an insecticide in biocontrol strategies, investigations are needed to ascertain its value in pest management.