Showing papers in "Journal of entomology and zoology studies in 2013"

Classification of Cell Death

Abstract: In 1972 Kerr and colleagues collect the cell death under two headings. Although cell death is known as apoptosis ve necrosis, molecular studies add to morphological studies and according to this, this classification is extended. In 2009 NCCD classifies it entosis, mitotic collapse, necrosis, necropitosis and pyroptosis by using terminological words. In addition to these there are diffirent types of cell death in terms of signal pathway. These are autophagic cell death, carnification cell death, netoz cell death, partanatoz cell death, anoikis cell death. In this article these types of cell death is noticed in detail.

Antifeedant Activity, Developmental Indices and Morphogenetic Variations of Plant Extracts against Spodoptera litura (Fab) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract: Crude extracts of twenty five plants were screened for their antifeedant activitiy against the third instar larvae of Spodoptera litura. Among the plants tested, maximum antifeedant activity was noted in five promising plants viz., ethyl acetate extract of Strychnos nuxvomica (88.98), hexane extracts of Vitex negundo (86.41) and Murraya koeingii (81.46), ethyl acetate extract of Zanthoxylum limonella (80.58) and hexane extract of Abrus precatorius (78.61) while rest of the plants exhibited varying degree of moderate or lesser toxic effects at one per cent concentration. Amongst, the promising five plants tested, maximum and minimum time taken for larval period was recorded in hexane extract of Vitex negundo (23.73) and ethyl acetate extract of Zanthoxylum limonella (17.24) respectively and for pupation it was recorded in hexane extract of Murraya koeingii (13.12) and ethyl acetate extract of Strychnos nuxvomica (9.98) respectively. Adult longevity was maximum in hexane extract of Murraya koeingii (9.02) and minimum in ethyl acetate extract of Strychnos nuxvomica (7.29) from total number of larvae treated. The treated larvae were unambigusly smaller that its control counterpart and several deformities in head size, body length and darkened colouration on wings were observed.

Survey of container breeding mosquito larvae (Dengue vector) in Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: Dengue is currently one of the most important arboviral diseases, with 2.5 billion people living in areas of risk and many millions of cases occurring each year. A prospective study was carried out in survey of container breeding mosquito larvae and identifying the dengue vector (Aedes species) distributed throughout Tiruchirappalli district, Tamilnadu, India. Aedes mosquito larvae were collected randomly during September 2012 to March 2013 from different natural and artificial containers and the water container index (CI) was calculated. Totally 118 water containers were inspected, among which 38 containers were recorded as positive for dengue vector. The collected larvae were raised to adults for identification. The dengue vector survey reveals the presence of two dominant mosquito species namely Aedes aegypti (45%) and Aedes vittatus (45%). Our study concludes that the Aedes aegypti and Aedes vittatus was most predominant container breeding mosquito in Tiruchirappalli district. Thus the study reveals the mosquito breeding habitat identification is helpful in creating of awareness and control of mosquito borne disease like dengue.

Studies on Gonadosomatic Index & Stages of Gonadal Development of Striped piggy fish, Pomadasys stridens (Forsskal, 1775) (Family; Pomadasyidae) of Karachi Coast, Pakistan

Abstract: Gonadosomatic index value in males during September – March were 4.463 to 6.160, while in females the high values during September – February were found to be 3.289 to 9.124, which suggested the spawning period. The highest GSI value in males were 5.792 in stage VI and the lowest GSI value were 1.020 recorded during VII stage. GSI values in male increased slowly reaching to maximum in 5.792 in stage VI and then drastically dropped to 1.020 in stage VII, while in females at high value was 6.363 during stage VI and the lowest GSI values were 1.125 and 1.124 during stages I & II respectively. Seven stages of gonadal development were observed in male and female fish. Pomadasys stridens is a bentho-pelagic fish, found at depth of 30-68m. The results will increase our knowledge of reproductive biology of Pomadasys stridens which is relevant for fisheries and aquaculture management as well as breeding programmes.

Phenoloxidase activity in haemolymph of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) mediating immune responses challenge with entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillmin

Abstract: The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana on immune response mediated Phenoloxidase enzyme of Spodoptera litura larvae. To measure the PO enzyme activity, haemolymph of 3rd, 4th and 5th instar larvae of S. litura were treated with different doses of 1.0×108, 2.0×107, 4.0×106 and 8.5×105 spores/ml of B. bassiana. The results indicated increase in PO activity with increase in B.bassiana infection but subsequently decreased in all instars. Significant increase in PO level was observed @ 4.0×106- 2.0×107 spores/ml after 24 hrs of infection in 3rd and 4th instar larvae. However, no significant effect of B. bassiana was observed on 5th instar larvae after 24 hr of treatment but there was a remarkable increase in PO level after 48 hrs. At higher concentration, after 48 hr of infection 3rd and 4th instar larvae showed significant decrease in PO activity. After72 hrs of infection all the treatments showed suppression in PO activity as compared to control. We would like to conclude that PO was an important key enzyme that triggered immune response in S. litura larvae against the invasion of B. bassiana.

Repellent Activities of Ocimum basilicum, Azadirachta indica and Eucalyptus citriodora Extracts on Rabbit Skin against Aedes aegypti

Abstract: Vector borne diseases are the major public health problems in developing countries particularly in tropics. Essential oils from plants can provide the safe and biodegradable alternatives to synthetic repellents, but plant-based repellent formulations available in the market are not effective. The purpose of the study was to investigate mosquito repellent activities of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) extracts. Different concentrations of the extracts were tested for mosquito repellency on rabbit skin as the host of Aedes aegypti. Laboratory reared starved females were used for the tests and data collection was done by observational parameters based on frequency of mosquito landing and blood engorgement. Synergised Crude oleoresin extract of Pyrethrum and Ballet mosquito repellent® were included as positive test controls and Vaseline pure petroleum jelly® as a negative test control. The results showed that synergised Pyrethrum oleoresin showed complete protection at 0.1% as compared to Lemon Eucalyptus oil and Sweet Basil oil at 2% and 3% respectively(p<0.05). Neem oil and Ballet did not provide complete protection. The mean percent repellency of 5% Neem oil was 84.21 and that of Ballet was 66.84 (p<0.05). Sweet basil and Lemon Eucalyptus oils can be alternative to Pyrethrum as natural mosquito repellents from plant origin.

Water quality assessment of River Yamuna from origin to confluence to River Ganga, with respect to Biological water quality and Primary Water Quality Criteria

Abstract: Clean to slight pollution in biological water quality was observed in River Yamuna at Yamunotri and Hanuman chetti, in terms Biological Water Quality Criteria. River Yamuna was moderately polluted from Okhla Barrage to Allahabad throughout the year. At Etawah, the water quality became severely polluted during summer season. Water quality of River Yamuna at Yamunotri, meets the Primary Water Quality Criteria in terms of pH of 8.1, DO of 7.8 mg/l, BOD of

Molecular Tracing with Mitochondrial ND5 of the Invasive Mosquito Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) in Northern South America

Abstract: The widespread invasive Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, a vector of Dengue, Chikungunya and other arboviruses were discovered in Caracas (Venezuela) in 2009 and, separately in Colombia (Leticia 1998, Buenaventura 2001 and Cali 2007). The possible geographic origins were examined using mtDNA sequences NADH 5 (ND5). Sequences were aligned with those from GenBank. Venezuelan populations contained both unique (H14) and Asian-native haplotypes (H3), while the Colombian populations contain one unique (H15) and two common haplotypes (H1, H11) shared with the Brazilian, Hawaian, and Cameroon populations. Haplotype network analyses suggested: 1) Independent introduction into both countries; 2) two independent invasions into Colombia: from the Amazon River (H1) with evidence of founder effect or genetic bottleneck in Leticia, and, another via the Pacific port of Buenaventura from Hawaii (H11); 3) introduction to Venezuela directly from any Asian native range. Potential factors leading to limited genetic variation in mtND5 in the Columbian and Venezuelan populations were also discussed.

Diversity and Identification Key to the Species of Scorpions (Scorpiones: Arachnida) from Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka

Abstract: Taxonomic record on scorpion (Scorpiones: Arachnida) revealed the presence of three species of scorpions from Jaffna Peninsula during a field survey. They belong to two families, three genera and three species: the Buthids Hottentotta tumulus (Fabricius, 1798) and Isometrus (Isometrus) maculatus (DeGeer, 1778), and the Scorpionid Heterometrus swammerdami (Simon, 1872). Isometrus (Isometrus) maculatus and Heterometrus swammerdami are reported for the first time from Jaffna peninsula. Identification key of all three species with notes on distribution and ecology are provided.

Morphology and Histology of the Male Reproductive System in Graphosoma lineatum (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) Based on Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract: The male reproductive system of Graphosoma lineatum (Linnaeus 1758) is studied morphologically and histologically using both light and scanning electron microscopes (SEM). On the basis of histological sections and whole morfological studies, the following elements in the structure of the male reproductive system of G. lineatum have been examined: the structure of a pair of testis containing the testes follicles and the stage of spermatogenesis, the connection of testes and vas deferens; the position and the histological structure the of a pair of vas deferens which is the tube down which the sperm travels, the structure of seminal vesicle which is where the sperm is stored prior to mating which supply seminal fluid for additional volume and to nourish the sperm before-during their journey, the bulbus ejaculatorius, a pair of ectodermal sacs the ductus ejaculatorius as well as the structure of aedeagus.

Using Butterflies to Measure Biodiversity Health in Wazo Hill Restored Quarry

Abstract: In this study butterflies were used in assessing re-vegetation as a way of biodiversity restoration at Wazo hill quarry. The Butterflies were used as indicator species because of their high sensitivity in ecosystems alteration. The study was done in two different areas each 4.8 acre, namely the re-vegetated and unquarried areas. Butterfly sweep nets and Butterfly traps baited were used for Butterflies capturing. Thirty six (36) species of Butterflies were identified and voucher specimens were preserved in Kingupira Museum. Variation in species diversity was evaluated using diversity indices and tested using special ttest. Variation in Butterfly abundance in two study sites and in different habitats was determined using Kruskal-Wallis Test Statistic and Mann-Whitney U test statistic. The diversity of Butterflies was significant higher in re-vegetated site than in un-quarried site while the abundance difference in the two sites were insignificance The two sites varied in plants species diversity and level of succession, a condition attributed to variation in Butterfly diversity. The re-vegetated sites were recommended for aesthetic, education purposes and further studies on organisms.

Iranian Aphelinidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea)

Abstract: Aphelinidae is one of the most important families in biological control of insect pests at a worldwide level. The following catalogue of the Iranian fauna of Aphelinidae includes a list of all genera and species recorded for the country, their distribution in and outside Iran, and known hosts in Iran. In total 138 species from 11 genera (Ablerus, Aphelinus, Aphytis, Coccobius, Coccophagoides, Coccophagus, Encarsia, Eretmocerus, Marietta, Myiocnema, Pteroptrix) are listed as the fauna of Iran. Aphelinus semiflavus Howard, 1908 and Coccophagoides similis (Masi, 1908) are new records for Iran.

Phylogeography of the Land Snail Eobania vermiculata (O.F. Müller, 1774) (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) along the Croatian Coast and Islands

Abstract: Eobania vermiculata [11] , is a typical Mediterranean species of large land snails. Nonindigenous populations of this species, however, are already established in the USA, Australia and elsewhere in the world, where this species is considered to represent a potentially serious threat as a pest and invasive species. The aims of this study were: 1) to determine the pattern of genetic variation within the Croatian E. vermiculata populations based on analyses of sequence diversity of two mitochondrial genes, 16S rDNA and the cytochrome oxidase I (COI), and 2) to shed more light upon the phylogeography of E. vermiculata in this area. Seventy-seven specimens of land snail Eobania vermiculata were sampled at 19 sampling sites along Croatian coastal region and islands. The partial 16S rRNA gene sequences (379 bp) grouped into 14 haplotypes, whereas the partial COI gene sequences (523 bp) grouped into 13 haplotypes. The overall population is characterized by relatively high haplotype (gene) diversity (0.719±0.042 for 16S rDNA and 0.869±0.020 for COI). Demographic Fu F’s tests and Tajima's D value indicated no significant change in the population size, thus suggesting long historical presence of E. vermiculata in this region. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis, Bayesian inference and median joining haplotype network showed a genetic splitting of Croatian 16S rRNA and COI sequences, with a clear distinction between south-Adriatic and north-Adriatic haplotypes. A possible explanation for the observed phylogeography of E. vermiculata, could be related to the climate change, glaciations and the Adriatic Sea level oscillations during the Quaternary.

Tissue Specific Esterase Isozyme Variation In Clarias batrachus And C. gariepinus

Abstract: Esterase isozymes of Clarias batrachus and C. gariepinus were studied on 7.5% Polyacrilamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) stained with a and b naphthyl acetates as substrates to see the tissue specific variation of this enzyme from nineteen different tissues. Maximum six esterase bands (Est-11.52±0.01, Est-21.26±0.01, Est-30.99±0.01, Est-40.67±0.02, Est-50.33±0.01 and Est-60.17±0.02) were observed in Asian catfish (C. batrachus) where as African catfish (C. gariepinus) shown only four (Est-11.43±0.02, Est-21.22±0.03, Est-31.02±0.02 and Est-50.33±0.02). Localization of esterase isozymes were observed in different tissues of both Asian and African catfishes that indicated the switch on and off of specific allele based on the physio-chemical condition of corresponding tissues. Relatively higher concentration of esterase isozymes were found in digestive tissues. High number of esterase bands was found in Asian catfish which seems to indicate the higher allelic variation than in African catfish.

Freshwater snail dynamics focused on potential risk of using urine as fertilizer in Katiola, an endemic area of Schistosomiasis (Ivory Coast; West Africa)

Abstract: The aim of this study was to conduct a large-scale freshwater snail survey in Katiola to assess the malacological diversity and the larval trematode infections. We conducted 156 samples of snails and environmental parameters in 13 sampling sites in 3 localities. Nine species were identified among the 6049 collected snails, with four of human schistosome transmitting snails, Bulinus forskalii, B. globosus, B. truncatus and Biomphalaria pfeifferi. Although B. pfeifferi was the most largely distributed and none of B. truncatus and B. forskalii were found naturally infected by schistosomes. B. globosus, B. pfeifferi and Lymnaea natalensis shed parasites with low prevalence (respectively 12.17%, 1.77% and 10.71%). Physico-chemical parameters showed low variations except dissolved oxygen. Four hydrophytes (Setaria longiseta, Ludwigia abyssinica, Polygonum salicifolium and Polygonum lanigerum) out of thirteen are ubiquitous and influenced the distribution of snails. Our data showed the potential risk to public health in the use of urine as fertilizer in Katiola.

Larvicidal toxicity of Temephos and entomopathogenic fungus, Aspergillus flavus and their synergistic activity against malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi

Abstract: Anopheles stephensi L. is the primary vector of malaria, infecting more than 500 million humans each year. Present study evaluated the compatibility of the organophosphate insecticide, temephos and mosquito-pathogenic fungus, Aspergillus flavus against third instar larvae of An. stephensi. Toxicity was assessed in different combination ratios, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4. All the experiments were conducted according to WHO standard procedure. The mortality data were recorded after 24 and 48hrs of treatment. Fungal infection increased temephos induced mortality rate at 1:1 as compared to other ratios. The LC50 values of 1:1 were 0.0015 and 0.0011 ppm and LC90 values with 0.0045 and 0.0019 ppm after 24 and 48 hrs of post exposure, respectively. Combining A. flavus with temephos induced a higher impact on mosquito survival than the use of these control agents alone. The observed synergistic efficacy shows the potential for integrated fungus-insecticide control measure to dramatically reduce malaria transmission due to enhanced larval mortality and enable control at more moderate levels of coverage even in areas where insecticide resistance has rendered essentially ineffective.

Study on Ovicidal and Side Effects of Diazinon and Imidaclopride on Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Abstract: Lethal and sub lethal effects of two insecticides, diazinon and imidaclopride, were studied on Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in the laboratory conditions. The newly laid eggs of C. montrouzieri were exposed to the insecticides by dipping method. The obtained results indicated that diazinon and imidaclopride were moderate toxic (33-66%) to egg of C. montrouzieri (according to IOBC standard method). The significant differences were observed for pupal period, post oviposition, longevity and gross fecundity rate (GFR), Mean eggs per day, net reproductive rate (R0) and doubling time (DT) of C. montrouzieri between two examined insecticides. Imidaclopride showed the highest inhibiting effect on stable population growth parameters of C. montrouzieri.

Observations on Sex Ratio and Fecundity of Sillago sihama (Forsskal, 1775) (Family; Sillaginidae) from Karachi Coast.

Abstract: Observations on the sex ratio and fecundity of Sillago sihama have been made in this report. By the help of these observations we can say that the female to male ratio was found to be 1: 1.3 i.e. males are comparatively more abundant in small size groups. Mean fecundity was found to be 58781, the minimum and maximum being 5483 and 63244 from the fish measuring 180 – 189 mm T.L to 270 – 279 mm T.L respectively. Right lobe was found to be more fecund than the left one. The results will help to increase our knowledge of reproduction biology of Sillago sihama which can be utilize in aquaculture management and breeding programmes.

Standardized sampling protocol for spider community assessment in the Neotropical rainforest

Abstract: We described, here, a standardized protocol to collect the maximum number of spiders per unit of effort from the different strata of a tropical forestry habitat. This would allow quantifying the richness of a site and would allow spatial and temporal comparisons between sites. This protocol was tested and applied in a pilot study at four sites representing three different forestry habitats of the natural reserve of La Trinite (French Guiana). Results showed every feeding guild was well represented and most of the 30 families found are represented by several individuals. Indices of species richness, number of singletons, species richness estimators from the accumulation curves and diversity and similarity indices were also calculated and all indicated that La Trinite is a rich and diverse site for spiders. The standardized protocol showed here its efficiency and its wide cover of micro-habitats and is, therefore, recommended for any impact assessment or diversity of spider study in tropical forestry environment.

Anopheline Diversity: Morphological and Molecular Variation of An. Subpictus in Rural and Urban Areas of West Bengal

Abstract: A systematic survey (March 2012 - Feb 2013)of Anopheline population in rural (Mogra) and urban (Dumdum) areas of West Bengal has been conducted to know the present population load of Anopheles subpictus. A preliminary attempt has been made to assess the potential morphological (wing) as well as molecular variation of Anopheles subpictus by using ITS-2 sequence primer. A considerable sequence variation is observed between the rural and urban population of West Bengal.

Trypanosomiasis in Red Sokoto and West African Dwarf Goats at Ikpa Abattoir, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract: Goat serves as a major investment to most homes in Nigeria, mainly for provision of animal protein and income. The output of this animal is disturbed by Tsetse infestation which is the primary vector of Trypanosome. A survey of Trypanosomiasis of goat in Ikpa abattoir Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria was carried out between September and October 2010. This was aimed at determining the species of Trypanosome prevalent in the area and their infection rates among breeds of goat. 106 goats were sampled, among which 15(14.1%) were positive for Trypanosome infection. The infection rates among the goat breeds were; Sokoto red (10.4%) and West African Dwarf Goat (50.0%). The species of Trypanosome encountered were Trypanosoma vivax(66.7%) and Trypanosoma brucei (33.3%). In the infection by sex, this was common among female goats in the various breeds examined and this stood as follows; 9.4% in Sokoto red and 4.7% in West African Dwarf goat. Considering the overall infection rate of Trypanosome in the breeds of goat in the study area, this was relatively high when compared with similar results in related areas; chemo prophylactic and insect control measures should be put in place to rescue the area.

Toxicity of Thevetia peruviana (yellow oleander) against larvae of Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti vectors of malaria and dengue

Abstract: The secondary metabolites (terpenes, acetogenins and alkaloids produced by the plants have been explored for their utility in mosquito control as it has been already proven that some of the plant compounds are toxic to the target organism but harmless to mankind. Basic research for the synthesis of new pesticides is need of the hour. This study was conducted using secondary metabolites of plant extract of Thevetia peruviana to study its larvicidal properties against the larvae of Malaria and Dengue vectors. The toxicity of the leaf extract of Thevetia peruviana was evaluated against the larvae of Anopheles stephensi, and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Mean LC50 values of the petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone and methanol extracts obtained from leaves of Thevetia peruviana against the larvae of An.stephensi and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes after 24 hours were determined as 0.045, >0.05, 0.026, 0041 and 0.038, >0.05, 0.021 and 0.036%, respectively. However delayed impact after 3 days with chloroform extract and indicated that the larvicidal action is probably due to the insect growth inhibition.

Microscopic Structure of Mouth Parts Sensillae in the Fifth Instar Larvae of Eri Silkworm, Philosamia ricini (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

Abstract: Scanning electron microscopic studies revealed the presence of various types of sensillae on the mouth parts of Vth instar larva of Philosamia ricini. The mouth parts of P. ricini belong to chewing types and composed of labrum, mandible, labium and maxilla. The three pair of long and short trichoid sensilla present on dorsal side around the groove of labrum. Dorso lateral margine of labrum consist of two pairs of sensilla trichoidea I and II (ST-I, II). On lateral side of mandible, ST-I and sensilla chaetica (SCH) are scattered while, some campaniform sensilla (CS) are present on the base of teeth. The sensilla trichoidea with or without basal ring present on maxillary palp in association with sensilla basiconica. The tip of palp contain sensilla styloconica while, short microtrichia, sensilla baiconica and sensilla styloconica observed on the stipes. Labial palp are tough and stout containing large and short trichoid sensilla. Various minute slite-like structures arranged in V shaped pattern, partially separated basal ring from bulbus base ST-I of labial palp. On the ventral side of mentum two layer of microtrichia MT-I and MT-II are overlapped each other. In the Vth instar larvae of P. ricini, spinneret bulges out from prementum and bears a pair of horns on the tip. Keyword: Eri Silkworm, Philosamia ricini, Mouth Parts, Sensilla, Spinneret.

Fecundity and Embryonic Development in Three Macrobrachium Species

Abstract: Fecundity of three Macrobrachium species (M. rosenbergii, M. malcolmsonii and M. lamarrei) was estimated through random sampling followed by egg counting where highest fecundity was observed in M. rosenbergii (1408±709) and lowest in M. malcolmsonii (32±7). Fecundity per individual, per unit body length and per unit body weight was higher in summer (in M. rosenbergii). In all three species, length vs. fecundity relationship was found to be significant but weight vs. fecundity was insignificant in case of M. malcolmsonii and M. lamarrei. Relative fecundity (/cm) vs. total length relationship of M. rosenbergii was insignificant in winter but significant in summer, insignificant for M. malcolmsonii and significant for M. lamarrei. Whereas, relative fecundity (/gm) vs. total weight relationship was insignificant in all the species. Comparatively larger eggs were found in M. lamarei (0.55mm) and smaller in M. rosenbergii (0.39mm). In the same time, a microscopic study was conducted to observe the embryonic development of selected species where successive stages of embryonic development was visualized from developing eggs of same individual indicated the asynchronous fertilization.

A study of the association of Ondoteus armiger (Scopoli, 1772) (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae) with the European rabbit

Abstract: Ondonteus armiger (Scopoli, 1772) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Geotrupidae) is the smallest European representative of the secretive Bolboceratinae sub-familly. Numerous authors have reported or observed a likely association with the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linnaeus, 1758), (Mammalia: Leporidae). In order to ascertain this assumption, pit-fall trapping was carried-out in Western Europe (France, England), and a detailed literature study was carried out on the distribution of both species and reported association between the two species and/or other mammals. Results are presented along with new biological information for O. armiger.

Diversity of Butterfly Fauna of Union Council Koaz Bahram Dheri, Pakistan

Abstract: The present studies were performing to explore the diversity of butterfly fauna of union council Koaz Bahram Dheri, District Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan The study was conducted from July 2012 to October 2012 of 12 localities of said area For the collection of butterflies sweep net and naked hands were used Total of 232 butterflies were collected are belonging to 13 species, 11 genera and 3 families The family Nymphalidae comprises largest number (49%) followed by Pieridae (37%) and Papilionidae (14%) Family Nymphalidae species are Junonia orithya, Cynthia cardui, Danaus chrysippus, Catopsilia pyranthe, Phalanta phalantha, Junonia almana and Cercyonis sthenele Family Pieridae species are Eurema hecabe, Colias croceus, Catopsilia pomona, Colotis amata, Pieris canidia andFamilyPapilionidae only one species Papilio demoleus were recorded The result of the present study shows that the Danaus chrysippus is the most common species in union council Koaz Bahram Dheri Related analysis should be conducted on large scale to fully evaluate and explore the butterfly fauna of District Charsadda as it is least concern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in this regard

Acclimatization to Heat Stress in Nistari Race of Bombyx mori

Abstract: An experimental study was conducted to analyze thermal sensitivity in multivoltine mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori of Nistari race. Temperature tolerance of the silkworm eggs, larvae, pupae and adults at 17 °C, 33 °C and 43 °C was studied. In general, late stage larvae exhibited maximum tolerance compared to the adult moths and the eggs. Exposure to 17 °C and 33 °C was tolerated equally whereas temperature of 43 °C proved to be lethal. Heat stress resulted in appearance of additional protein species in larval haemolymph. The kinetics of 72 kDa was quite different within and between (IV th and V th instar stage) larval haemolymph after exposure to three different temperatures for 3 consecutive days with 1 hr of duration followed by 24 hr recovery. Increased appearance of 95 kDa protein consequent to heat shock was reported in V th instar larval haemolymph. In Nistari, cocoon and shell weight significantly increased after heat stress over control respectively. This would be due to expression of Hsps at larval stage. These results suggest heat shock protein based breeding strategy for inducing robustness in productive breeds.

Isolation and Biochemical Characterizations of Mid Gut Microbiota of Culex (Culex quinquefasciatus) Mosquitoes in Some Urban Sub Urban & Rural Areas of West Bengal.

Abstract: Mosqutoes, in general medically important vectors of many diseases like Malaria, Dangue and Filariasis, which are a great challenge for public health in many countries. All animals and plants establish symbiotic relationship with microbes. Mosquitoes can be considered as an holobiont units in which the host (mosquito) and its microbiota are involved in complex reciprocal multipartite interaction such as host reproduction and survival,protection against natural enemies. This naturally acquired microbial flora can modulate the mosquitoes vectorial capacity by inhibiting the development of pathogen.. But enough care has not been under taken regarding the biochemical characterization of Culex mosquitoes (Culex quinquifasciatus) in West Bengal. Therefore a preliminary investigations have been undertaken for the determination of biochemical characterization of such as gram staining , pattern of growth, detection of economically important enzyme as well as antibiotic susceptibility assay of midgut bacterial isolates of Culex (Culex quinquifaciatus) in some urban, sub-urban and rural asreas of West Bengal.

Eye Ultrastructure Investigation of Scaphidium japonum Reitter (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scaphidiidae)

Abstract: The compound eye of the fungus beetle Scaphidium japonum Reitter was investigated using both light and electron microscopy techniques. The external appearance of the eye is found to be oval in shape and compromising 1400-1500 ommatidia. Each ommatida has dioptric apparatus and a layer of retinula cells. Dioptric apparatus include the cornea, corneal processes, and a crystalline cone. The retinula cells form the photoreceptor organ which is known as the rhabdom. The rhabdom is long, and wide at the distal region, which then becomes narrow at the most proximal region. Banded arrangement is observed in the rhabdom. The microvilli are parallel to each other in a rhabdomere. Seven retinular cells reach upto the cone level to form the fused rhabdom. The eighth retinular cell joins to the rhabdom at the proximal region of the ommatidia. Only one retinula cell nucleus appears at the most proximal regions of the ommatidia while the rest appear at the distal one third of the ommatidia. The eye ultrastructure of the Scaphidiidae depicts the adaptation towards a fungus habitat.