Venom gland and reservoir morphology in the Doryctinae and related braconid wasps (Insecta, Hymenoptera, Braconidae)

Detailed venom reservoir and venom gland intima morphology has been investigated in reprsentatives of 84 genera and 10 subfamilies of Braconidae with particular reference to the Doryctinac, basal cyclostomes and related groups including the Opiinae, Alysiinae and Rogadinae sens. lat . Several new phylogenetically significant characters are described and illustrated. Extcnsivc secretory ductules on the primary venom duct is suggested as a synapomorphy for the subfamilies Braconinac, Doryctinae, Opiinae, Alysiinae and Gnamptodontinae. The presence of two separate venom gland insertions and their position beyond the spiral sculpture of the reservoir are suggested as synapomorphies for the subfamilies Doryctinae and Ypsistocerinac. An anterior, weakly sclerotized, probably glandular. expansion of the reservoir characterizes the Histeromerinae and Rhyssalinae and also the enigmatic genera Thoracoplites Fischer and Doryctomorpha Ashmead which are hcre transferred to the Rhyssalinae. Within the Doryctinac, venom reservoir morphology suggests three generic groups, one comprising the genera of the Odontohraconini and possibly also the genera Acanthodoryctes , Binareu and Monarea , all of which have an essentially undivided reservoir with extremely fine and uniform spiral sculpture. the second comprising the genera Doryctophasmus , Euscelinus, Gildoria, Halycea and Schlettereriella , which share horn-like processes at the base of the venom duct insertions, and a third including Acrophasmus. Dendro- soter, Heterospilus, Megaloproctus, Rutheia, Paraspathius, Schlettereriella. Spathius and Syngaster based on the presence of two markedly different densities of annulation of the reservoir. The degree to which external and other characters support these groups is discusscd.     

Revision of the Tribe Odontobraconini in the Western Hemisphere (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Doryctinae)

Abstract. A systematic study is presented for the three genera of the braconid tribe Odontobraconini (Doryctinae) occurring in the Western Hemisphere: Odontobracon Cameron, Nervellius Roman, and Holcobracon Cameron. Nineteen species are described, of which eight are new. Keys for separating the world genera of the Odontobraconini and for distinguishing the species of the above three genera are provided.     

Comparison of two independent scoring techniques for spot variation in Maniola jurtina (L.) and the consequences of some differences

Eight samples (total N = 298) of female meadow brown butterflies Maniola jurtina were scored independently by P. M. Brakefield and W. H. Dowdeswell for hindwing spot-number and spot-combination. Spot-size was measured by P.M.B. W.H.D scored 37% few spots overall than P.M.B. ( N = 554). This resulted in some marked differences in spot-frequency distributions. There was a rather narrow threshold of spot-size above which nearly all spots were scored by both of us and below which most spots were only scored by P.M.B. When the data of P.M.B. are transformed by excluding all spots below a threshold a close correspondence of spot-frequencies is found. Relative differences between samples tend to be maintained in the untransformed data. The consequences of the differences in scoring techniques are discussed.     

A reappraisal of the paradigm method of functional analysis in fossils

The paradigm method involves comparing fossil organs with theoretical structures (paradigms) which are 100% efficient in performing proposed functions. Applications of the method have been criticised as being unsystematic and mechanistic, producing conflicting results and ignoring pertinent limitations. Selected interpretations of zigzag slits and spines in brachiopods and bivalve molluscs are re-examined. None invalidate the method. The last step in paradigm analysis, i.e. selecting the most appropriate function, is a major weakness and should be avoided. Repeated paradigm analysis may be used to interpret evolutionary trends in terms of adaptation and functional efficiency.     

Tumour Induction by Simian Adenovirus SA7 DNA Fragments

DNA extracted from simian adenovirus SA7 can induce tumours in hamsters and is infectious in tissue culture^1,2. We now have evidence that fragments of the SA7 genome can initiate tumours in newborn hamsters.     

Genetic Differences in the Root Regeneration of Radiata Pine

The root regeneration capacity of eight open-pollinated familiesof radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) was compared after transplantingeight month old seedlings to 8, 11 and 14 ° C soil temperaturefor 32 d. The results confirmed the major influence of soil temperatureon root regeneration. Families differed markedly in their abilityto initiate and grow new roots. Differences in the number ofnew root apices produced between the first and last rankingfamilies were ninefold at 8 ° C, threefold at 11 °Cand sevenfold at 14 °C. There was significant family x temperatureinteraction for new root length. The ability of some familiesto grow new roots at the warmer temperature of 14 °C didnot match their ability at 11 ° C and 8 °C. The weights of shoot and root at transplanting had no apparenteffect on the root regeneration capacity of the families studied.The important factors which contributed to genetic effects werethe renewed growth of the existing first order lateral rootsand the production of second order lateral roots on them. The root regeneration characters were highly heritable. Thelarge genetic difference and the high heritabilities in rootcharacters indicate the scope to exploit genetic effects onroot configuration in radiata pine to improve survival and earlyestablishment.