Bruce E. Felgenhauer

Bio: Bruce E. Felgenhauer is an academic researcher from University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The author has contributed to research in topics: Opisthosoma & Malpighian tubule system. The author has an hindex of 11, co-authored 30 publications receiving 468 citations.

Functional morphology of feeding and grooming in crustacea

Abstract: A classification system for crustacean setae based on the homology concept decapod crustacean grooming gill and embryo grooming in lithodid crabs grooming structure and function in some terrestial crustacea functional morphology of feeding morphology of feeding structures feeding mechanisms of the Mysidacea functional morphology of feeding of euphausiids development of the feeding apparatus in decapod crustaceans evolution of the foregut.

The salivary gland and salivary enzymes of the giant waterbugs (Heteroptera; Belostomatidae).

Abstract: The giant waterbugs are predators that utilize extra-oral digestion and are known to capture a wide variety of prey. Herein we describe the differences in salivary enzyme composition between large and small species of giant waterbug (Lethocerus uhleri, Lethocerinae and Belostoma lutarium, Belostomatinae, respectively). The saliva of L. uhleri contains 3 proteolytic enzymes and no amylase, while the salivary gland of B. lutarium produces 2 proteolytic enzymes and amylase. This fundamental difference in salivary enzyme composition correlates with the difference in diet preference between the Lethocerinae and Belostomatinae. Furthermore, we describe the ultrastructure of the salivary gland complex of B. lutarium and present data on the division of labor with respect to compartmentalization of enzyme production. Proteolytic enzymes are produced in the accessory salivary gland and amylase is produced in the main salivary gland lobe. This is the first reported evidence of protease production in the accessory salivary gland in the Heteroptera.

Structure and Function of the Mouthparts and Salivary Gland Complex of the Giant Waterbug, Belostoma lutarium (Stål) (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae)

Abstract: Belostoma lutarium (Stal) is semiaquatic predator common to vegetated ponds, lakes, and bayous throughout eastern North America. We used scanning electron microscopy and histological cross sections to show that the morphology of the feeding structures of B. lutarium agrees with the general hemipteran feeding plan. Slight deviations from the previously reported observations for other Nepomorpha include the structure of the triturating devices, feeding stylets, and the efferent salivary duct. Furthermore, interrupted feeding trials indicate that B. lutarium is able to feed on large prey for over 2 h and not deplete its supply of salivary enzymes. All three productive components of the salivary gland (main, lateral, and accessory glands) empty most of their salivary products during the first 2 h of feeding, and begin regenerating their secretions during the feeding process. Essentially, no latency period for saliva production exists in this species. The structure and function of the mouthparts and salivary gland are adapted for the predaceous feeding habits of Belostomatidae.

Diversity and Habitat Use of Neotropical Harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) in a Costa Rican Rainforest

Abstract: In tropical rain forests, harvestmen assemblages are extremely diverse, with richness often exceeding 25 species. In the neotropics, there are published accounts of harvestmen faunas in South America rainforests (especially Amazonia), but relatively little is known about the community ecology of harvestmen in tropical forests of Central America. In this paper, we provide the first insights into the diverse assemblage of harvestmen inhabiting a wet forest at La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. Over five field seasons, we recorded 38 species. During our 2009 field season, we examined variation in species abundance, richness, and composition between adjacent successional forests (young secondary, mature secondary, and primary forests) as well as between distinct habitats (ground/litter layer and shrub/tree layer). Based on night samples (but not day), our results indicate that there are only minor differences in species composition and relative abundance between the forest ages, but no differences in richness. The ground/litter layer and shrub/tree layer habitats differed markedly in species composition, species richness, and relative abundance of several species. Our analysis of covariance supports the hypothesis that leg length is related to climbing behavior for several species belonging to Eupnoi and Laniatores.

Ultrastructural changes in the Malpighian tubules of the house cricket, Acheta domesticus, at the onset of diuresis: A time study.

Abstract: The Malpighian tubules (Mt) of insects are responsible for maintaining osmotic homeostasis and eliminating waste from the hemolymph. When stimulated by diuretic factors the tubule cells are able to transport extraordinary volumes of fluid over short periods of time. We have been studying the changes that occur within the cells that accompany and facilitate this phenomenon. We present the ultrastructural changes that occur in the mid-tubule of the house cricket, Acheta domesticus, following exposure to the second messenger analog, dibutyryl cAMP, over the period from 15-420 sec. Vacuolation of the cytoplasm begins as early as 30 sec poststimulation with a significant increase in vacuolation occurring after 120 sec. As expected, there is an increase in the surface area of the basolateral membrane to facilitate the rapid movement of fluid into the cells. Other ultrastructural changes noted to accompany the onset of diuresis include the movement of mitochondria into areas adjacent to transport membranes, the vesiculation of Golgi, mobilization of CaPO(4) spherites, and a direct interaction of these spherites with active mitochondria. We discuss several possible roles for these changes in terms of rapid fluid transport.

Coral reefs in the Anthropocene

Abstract: Coral reefs support immense biodiversity and provide important ecosystem services to many millions of people Yet reefs are degrading rapidly in response to numerous anthropogenic drivers In the coming centuries, reefs will run the gauntlet of climate change, and rising temperatures will transform them into new configurations, unlike anything observed previously by humans Returning reefs to past configurations is no longer an option Instead, the global challenge is to steer reefs through the Anthropocene era in a way that maintains their biological functions Successful navigation of this transition will require radical changes in the science, management and governance of coral reefs

Principles of Insect Morphology

Abstract: THE author of this book ranks as the foremost American worker on insect morphology. His contributions on the subject are notable for their clarity and originality of thought, and the appearance of a volume, embodying his ideas in comprehensive form, is sure of a hearty welcome. In its preparation, Mr. Snodgrass has incorporated the results of much first-hand study with those of many recent investigators in the same field. He has produced an outstanding book wherein knowledge of facts is combined with that of function and, at the same time, theoretical conceptions of the origins and relationships of organs and parts are not overlooked. Principles of Insect Morphology By R. E. Snodgrass. (McGraw-Hill Publications in the Zoological Sciences.) Pp. ix + 667. (New York and London: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 1935.) 36s. net.

A Protocol For Digesting Internal Soft Tissues And Mounting Spiders For Scanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract: We describe a simple protocol for digesting the internal soft tissues of spiders using an enzyme complex known as pancreatin. This technique is preferred over digestions with caustic agents because it better preserves the cuticle surface, allowing its study by means of scanning electron or transmitted light microscopy. In addition, we describe a technique for mounting spider body parts for scanning electron microscopy using an acryloid polymer.

The Morphology And Phylogeny Of Dionychan Spiders (Araneae: Araneomorphae)

Abstract: A phylogenetic analysis of the two-clawed spiders grouped in Dionycha is presented, with 166 representative species of 49 araneomorph families, scored for 393 characters documented through standardized imaging protocols. The study includes 44 outgroup representatives of the main clades of Araneomorphae, and a revision of the main morphological character systems. Novel terminology is proposed for stereotyped structures on the chelicerae, and the main types of setae and silk spigots are reviewed, summarizing their characteristics. Clear homologs of posterior book lungs are described for early instars of Filistatidae, and a novel type of respiratory structure, the epigastric median tracheae, is described for some terminals probably related with Anyphaenidae or Eutichuridae. A new type of crypsis mechanism is described for a clade of thomisids, which in addition to retaining soil particles, grow fungi on their cuticle. Generalized patterns of cheliceral setae and macrosetae are proposed as synapomorp...