Showing papers in "Journal of entomology and zoology studies in 2016"

Bioconversion of Rice straw waste by black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) : Optimal feed rate for biomass production

Abstract: This study focuses on the application of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens L) as a bioconversion agent of the rice straw to reduce amount of waste while in the same time produced larvae biomass In this study, larvae were fed with rice straw at six different feed rates (125, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/larvae/day) until larvae reached prepupal stage During study, relative growth, relative consumption rate, and waste reduction level were measured Daily feeding of 200 mg of grinded rice straw per larvae resulted in the highest prepupal dry weight (1559 ± 001 mg), lowest developmental time (39 ± 01 days), but lowest waste reduction efficiency (1085 ± 00005%) Highest waste reduction efficiency was recorded by larvae feed rate of 125 mg/larvae/day (3153 ± 001%) and decreased with higher feeding rate This study showed the possibility of production of insect larvae biomass as through bioconversion process of agricultural waste rich with lignocellulose

The Southern House Mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus: profile of a smart vector

Abstract: Culex quinquefasciatus is the principal vector of bancroftian filariasis and a potential vector of Dirofilaria immitis. This mosquito species is also a potential vector of several arboviruses like West Nile virus (WNV), Rift Valley fever virus, avian pox and protozoa like Plasmodium relictum that causes bird malaria. This species has the ability to transmit other nematodes like Saurofilaria sp., Oswaldofilaria sp. In the USA, it is a potential vector of St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV). Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) has been isolated from this mosquito in several occasions in Asia. Furthermore, it can transmit several other arboviruses in the laboratory conditions. This article is an attempt to review the bio-ecology, medical and veterinary importance of Culex quinquefasciatus. It acts as an important “urban bridge vector” which bridges different reservoir/amplifier hosts to humans because of its encounter with different vertebrates. Culex quinquefasciatus also creates an ecological bridge between urban, periurban and rural areas owing to its presence and adaptability in diverse ecological niches. Culex quinquefasciatus emerged as a smart vector because of the adaptive fitness, ecological plasticity, invasive behaviour, host specificity and high reproductive potential along with expanded immune gene repertoire property at the genetic level. This mosquito possesses the necessary potential to initiate and facilitate the disease transmission by establishing an effective vector-host transmission cyclernfor diverse pathogens in different environments. Thus, in the changing ecological conditions this mosquito might enhance its epidemiological importance in the near future as a smart vector for those pathogens which were isolated from this mosquito species but are presently not having any public health importance.

Effect of constant temperature (20 0C, 25 0C, 30 0C, 35 0C, 40 0C) on the development of the Calliphorid fly of forensic importance, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricus, 1794)

Abstract: The duration of the developmental stages of the insects depends on the temperature. The carrion flies are the best indicators to determine the post mortem interval in the criminal cases. rnChrysomya megacephala (Fabricus, 1794) is one of the Calliphorid flies having forensic and medical importance. In the present studies C. megacephala larvae were reared in incubator at 20, 25, 30, 35, and 400C separately in the incubator. The duration and the morphometric measurements of the developmental stages of C. megacephala for different temperatures were recorded.rnResults obtained indicates that the developmental stages of C. megacephala grew normally up to 35 oC but at higher temperatures Chrysomya megacephala shows mortality, however the rate of the development of the developing stages increased with the increase in temperature. The life cycle was completed in about 14 days at 20 0C, 12 days at 25 0C, 10 days at 30 0C, 8 days at 35 0C and 7 days at 40 0C.

Current status and advancement of biopesticides: Microbial and botanical pesticides

Abstract: Biopesticides are considered to be the best alternative to synthetic pesticides that are highly effective, target specific and reduce environmental risks. These factors led to its application in pest management program instead of chemical pesticides throughout the world. Biopesticides are derived from animals, plants and other natural materials such as fungi, bacteria, algae, viruses, nematodes and protozoa. The advance research and development in the field of biopesticide applications greatly reduce the environmental pollution caused by the chemical synthetic insecticides residues and promotes sustainable development of agriculture. Since the advent of biopesticides, a large number of products have been registered and released, some of which have played a leading role in the agro-market. The development of biopesticide has prompted to replace the chemical pesticide in pest management. The current status and advancement of biopesticides focusing mainly on improving action spectra, replacing of chemical pesticides, its role in integrated pest management, proper application of botanical and semiochemical in pest management have been discussed in this review.

New species of flesh fly (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) Sarcophaga (Liosarcophaga) Geetai in India

Abstract: Sarcophaga (Liosarcophaga) Geetai, flesh fly is a new species of genus Sarcophaga reported from Aurangabad City, Maharashtra state of India. Sarcophaga Geetai was found in the campus of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad during the Ph.D. research work, on different species of forensic importance. The fly is of medical importance, causing myiasis and useful in determination of post mortem interval.

The silica-nano particles treatment of squash foliage and survival and development of Spodoptera littoralis (Bosid.) larvae

Abstract: The study was conducted throughout the period extended from October, 2014 to January, 2015. The main objective was to study the effect of nano-silica in comparison with Silica & Diazinon as a recommended insecticide, applied as foliar spray on squash plants in the greenhouse and fed to newly hatched larvae of Spodoptera littoralis (Bosid.) for both foliar and semi-synthetic diet applications. Squash leaves were treated with 4 different concentrations 200,300,400, and 500 ppm of the three tested compounds. In bioassays, the neonate, second and fourth instars test larvae were fed on treated leaves and monitored for larval mortality as well as certain biological parameters e.g., larval duration, pupal duration, pupal weight, pupation percentage, the rate of adult emergence and adult longevity in both treatments in comparison with untreated control foliage. Obtained results showed that generally hydrophilic nano-silica caused higher toxic action values than with the other treatments. Mortality rate among larvae in any of the treatments was directly correlated with the increase in concentration. Also, the newly hatched larvae were more susceptible to treatments than the other tested instars, where mortality was 73.07, 79, 72, 87.88 and 89.82% in concentration treatments in their ascending order, in comparison with Diazinon which caused 95.95% mortality. The observed developmental stages among survivals of test insects were also affected by the treatments. This investigation recommends the application of nanosilica at 500 ppm concentration for the suppression of S. littoralis pest.

The first record of South American tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Nepal

Abstract: South American tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is key and invasive pest of Tomato. This pest was recorded for the first time in Nepal from a commercial tomato farm of Kathmandu during May 2016. Tuta absoluta was identified studying external morphology and male genitalia in Entomology Division, NARC, Nepal and Division of Entomology, IARI, New Delhi India. Preliminary survey conducted showed this South American tomato leaf miner has spread within Kathmandu valley and surrounding areas.

Growth of black soldier larvae fed on cassava peel wastes, An agriculture waste

Abstract: In Indonesia, growing cassava based food production significant amount of cassava peel wastes which has huge potential to cause significant environmental and health problems. Studies had showed the ability of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larva (Hermetia illucens) to live in various type organic wastes made them as one of potential biological agents for bioconversion of household, industrial, and agricultural organic wastes. wastes. In order to apply this insect as bioconverter of cassave peel wastes, some growth variabels of BSF fed on cassave peel wastes were measured. In this study, two hundreds 6-day-old larvae were fed on cassava peel with a variation of 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/larva/day, replicated three times, until pupation. Results showed negative relation betweenfeeding rate and proportion of substrat consumption while negative relation recorded between feeding rate with efficiency of feed conversion. Highest propotion of feed used for metabolism recorded at lowest feeding rate. Best waste reduction index (2.79 ± 0.15), development time to pupation, and feeding duration recorded on feeding rate of 100 mg/larvae/day. Based on this study, it could be concluded best feeding rate for growth of BSF larvae is 100 mg/larvae/day.

Butterflies and their contribution in ecosystem: A review

Abstract: Butterflies play vitalrnrole in the ecosystem, there is co-evolutionary relationship betweenrnbutterflies and plants, their lives are interlinked. Butterflies are alsorncalled flying flower, displaying its beauty. These insects enhance thernaesthetic value of the environments by their exquisite wing colors. Butterfliesrnare the wild indicators of the ecosystem; these insects tell us everythingrnabout the healthier ecosystem. These are effective pollinators, butterflies visitrnthe flower to eat nectar and this is mutually beneficial relationship. Somernspecies of butterflies migrate over long distance; carry pollen to be sharedrnacross plants which are far apart from one another. This migration of pollensrninduces genetic variation in plants species and give a better chance atrnsurvival against different disease. These insects also provide food for otherrnorganisms, for example; birds, reptiles amphibians and also acts as biologicalrnpest control. But the population of these insects decline rapidly due to humanrnactivities, habitat destruction, uses of pesticides and unawareness of peoplernabout the importance of flying flowers.

Diversity of insect pests in major rice growing areas of the world

Abstract: This study was conducted during June 2015 to September 2015 through a thorough review of a number of research papers, review papers and case studies that were published in journals of national and international repute. Major Rice growing countries of the world were studied in terms of pest diversity that they had in their rice fields that included China, Bangladesh, India, Philippines, Thailand and Sri Lanka. Additionally, some strategies that are being used by top growers to expand their economy through rice have also been discussed. This study aims to enlist major rice pests that are present in rice fields of all major rice growing countries of the world.

Sexual bimaturism in the millipede Centrobolus inscriptus Attems (Spirobolida: Trigoniulidae)

Abstract: Millipedes haverndeterminate growth and adult body sizes are fixed. In the sexually sizerndimorphic genus Centrobolus intergenerational sexual differences in bodyrnsize was examined in a population of C. inscriptus. Millipedes werernmeasured with minimum measurement error and volumetric body size calculatedrnaccording to l.π.r2. Four male and five female stadiarnwere detected in the population and figured. One evolutionary explanation forrnthe extra female stage is fecundity selection for larger female size. This isrnpreliminary evidence for sexual bimaturism in arthropods.

The relative sexual size dimorphism of Centrobolus inscriptus compared to 18 congenerics

Abstract: Millipedes illustrate reversed sexual size dimorphism (SSD) as females are larger than males. SSD was calculated in 18 species of the genus Centrobolus and illustrated as a regression. The approximate relative position of C. inscriptus is shown. The size of C. inscriptus was 2245mm3: 1841 mm3: (females: males; n=88) and logged (x = 3.351216; y = 3.265054) and plotted. The mean volume ratio for C. inscriptus was 1.219446. Sexual size dimorphism was visible with the naked eye.

Microorganisms causing post-harvest tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit decay in Nigeria

Abstract: This study was carried out to isolate and identify pathogenic microorganisms associated with deterioration of tomato fruits. Fruit samples of infected and non-infected tomatoes were collected from two open markets, Oja-Oba and Sabo in Osogbo, Nigeria. Each of the tomato was cut and the liquid content inoculated on nutrient agar and potato dextrose agar, incubated at 37 0C and 25 0C, respectively, and observed from 24 hours to 5 days, after which different colonies obtained were identified using slide culture technique. Two bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus spp, as well as two fungi Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus stolonifer were observed in the tomato samples in both markets. Prevalence indices revealed that isolated pathogens is higher at Sabo market than Oja-Oba market. Pathogenicity tests also revealed that both of bacteria and fungi caused fruit decay. Consumers’ awareness on potential health hazards of consuming relatively cheaper and pathogen contaminated spoilt fruits should be intensified.

Present status of socio-economic conditions of the fishing community of the Meghna River adjacent to Narsingdi District, Bangladesh

Abstract: The present study was carried out to assess the livelihood status of traditional fishing community of the Meghna River adjacent to Narsingdi District from September 2015 to March 2016. Data were collected through the well-structured questionnaire survey from Noyapara, Daspara, Birpur and Boiddamara char close to Meghna River. A total of 100 fishermen were selected randomly for interview. The findings of the present study revealed some interesting facts and showed most of the fishermen were Hindus (63%) belong to the age group of 24-45 years. Almost 71% of the fishermen were illiterate and got medical help mainly from village doctors (80%). It was found from the investigation that most of the houses were kacha (65%) and with poor sanitation facilities. For coping with adverse situation most of them (85%) take loan from somiti (Asha). There was a prevalent relationship of contentment of fishermen, children’s school, taking risk at work, electricity facilities and medical facilities with the fishing income that was analyzed by One Way ANOVA (SPSS v.22) as the alpha level (p

Resistance of tick Rhipicephalus microplus to acaricides and control strategies

Abstract: Ticks are bloodsucking arthropods mandatory and represent a real problem for cattle. The aim of this review is to make an inventory of acaricide resistance and ways to fight against the tick Rhipicephalus microplus. The main classes of synthetic miticides are arsenical, organochlorine, organophosphates, amidines, macrocyclic lactones, growth regulators and phenylpyrazoles. Pyrethroids are the most widespread and used acaricide in the fight against ticks. Resistance to these classes acaricide was reported in all countries where the tick Rhipicephalus microplus is present. To deal with these ectoparasites, a variety of control methods are used. These include ecological, biological, and genetic approaches. Proper control of the ticks will allow farmers to save and limit the losses related to diseases transmitted by ticks. It is urgent to propose and develop new approach to fight against tick Rhipicephalus microplus.

Substrates evaluation for the quality, production and growth of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus florida Cetto)

Abstract: Present study was conducted in the laboratory as well as in mushroom house to determine the effect of different agricultural wastes (wheat straw, rice straw, sugarcane bagasse, maize straw and sorghum straw) on growth, production and quality of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus florida). The culture was maintained on Malt Extract Agar medium. Spawn was prepared on wheat grains. Spawn running took less time i.e. 20 days on wheat straw as compared to other substrates. The appearance of pinhead and their maturity also took less time i.e. 29 days and 30 days, respectively on wheat straw. Maximum yield i.e. 1360 gram was recorded on wheat straw. The first flush gave the maximum yield in all treatments and there was a progressive decrease in the yield of successive flushes. The maximum biological efficiency of 136% was observed in case of wheat straw. The maximum moisture (93.44%) and ash (1.006%) were recorded in oyster mushroom obtained from sorghum straw. Percent protein content (8.75 gram), crude fat (10%) and crude fiber (3.5%) were maximum in oyster mushroom grown on sugarcane bagasse, maize straw and wheat straw respectively.

Heavier-shorter-wider females in the millipede Centrobolus inscriptus Attems (Spirobolida: Trigoniulidae)

Abstract: Millipedes have asymptoticrnor determinate growth and adult body sizes are fixed and can be measured withrnminimum error. Intraspecific variance in sexual size dimorphism (mass, length,rnwidth) was studied in Centrobolus inscriptus. There was continuousrndimorphism in mass with males normally distributed and females were skewedrntowards having a larger mass. Length was continuous but the female distributionrnwas skewed towards shorter individuals. Width shows nearly total discontinuityrnand was strongly skewed towards wider females and intermediate males.

Mosquito management: A review

Abstract: This research is conducted in the University of Gujrat Pakistan. The main objectives of the research were to find best way of mosquito management, to describe different methods of mosquito control, different plants extracts that are used against mosquito and to compare either chemical or botanical control is best. In term of disease transmission and public health importance mosquito are considered as very important group of insects. Population of mosquito’s increases exponentially that is huge problem for many countries because mosquito spread the filarial, encephalitis, malaria, Yellow fever, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, Lyme disease and epidemic poly-arthritis. Different types of mosquito repellents such as synthetic compounds, aromatic oils and herbs are used against mosquitoes. Chemical mosquito repellents have an extraordinary protection profile, but they are noxious as compare to the plant based repellents.

Review study of scorpion classification in Iran

Abstract: This is a review study about scorpions Scorpions are the order of Arachnida They have poisonous and painful stings and their habitat is in the tropical and temperate regions of the world In Iran, scorpion sting is one of the main health concerns, affecting many persons annually, and some of them lead to death Identification of the scorpion species in each region and knowing their ecology and biology in order to prevent and treat the victims is very important The aim of the present study was the revaluation of scorpion taxonomy condition in Iran Up to now, a total of 59 species of Scorpionidae have been reported in Iran More than 84% of the indentified species belonged to the family of Buthidae, 15% belonged to the Hemiscorpiidae and about 5% of them related to the Scorpionidae Identification of scorpions in Iran has been done based on the morphologic parameters For the completion of the data on scorpions in Iran, beside the morphologic methods the cell and molecular methods are recommended

Acaricidal potential of some botanicals against the stored grain mites, Rhizoglyphus tritici

Abstract: The present study was conducted to evaluate the susceptibility of Rhizoglyphus tritici against the comparative potential of ether extracts from Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptusrnsp., Citrullus colocynthis, Allium sativum, Nicotiana tabacum, Curcuma longa, Nerium indicum, Syzygiumrnaromaticum, Ocimum tenuiflorum and Cassia fistula. The whole trial was executed under laboratory conditions with five concentrations from T1-T5 (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 4% and 8%), and four exposure periods (7, 14, 21 and 28 days). The percentage inhibition of mite population was both time-dependent and concentration-dependent. All the plant extracts exhibited significant acaricidal potential for adult mite as compared to control. The significant population inhibition percentage trend was observed of C. longa 91%, 95.54%, 94.97% and 97.46% and S. aromaticum 88.06%, 92.17%, 95.27% and 96.67%rnfollowed by C. fistula 92.03%, 93.27%, 93.22% and 92.07% while least population inhibition percentage was observed of N. tabacum 84.70%, 85..08%, 90.70% and 93.14% after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The median lethal concentrations were also calculated for all extracts, and it was observed that S. aromaticum was highly toxic to mites at lowest concentration 0.128, 0.028, 0.006 and 0.005 followed by C. longa 0.071, 0.036, 0.027 and 0.016 while least toxicity was observed in C. colocynthis 0.047, 0.030, 0.009 and 0.009 against R. tritici, and lethal concentration (LC50) decreased with an increasing time of exposure of the R. tritici to the ether extract. It was concluded that acaricidal potential of plants is directly proportional to time exposure and during first and second week C. fistula and S. aromaticum followed C. longa but suddenly after two weeks acaricidal potential of S. aromaticum was boost up and it was concluded that C. fistula, S. aromaticum and C. longa proved to be more effective gainst stored grain mites as compared to the others plant extracts. Perhaps, this new study will provide the basis for further investigation in order to develop new and safer acaricides in field conditions.

Insecticidal property of Datura stramonium L. seed extracts against Sitophilus oryzae L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in stored wheat grains

Abstract: The insecticidal property of Datura stramonium seed extracts against the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae was tested in the laboratory. The experiments were conducted at (28±3) C and (78±3) % relative humidity. It was observed that Soxhlet’s extracted extracts of D. stramonium seed in ethanol, chloroform and acetone were very effective to control the pest while extracts in methanol and n-hexane gave poor results. The probit analysis of data demonstrated that LD10, LD50 and LD90 values for ethanol, chloroform and acetone extracts was LD10 = 2.962, 3.080, 0.4752 ml/Kg, LD50 = 8.594, 7.379, 1.185 ml/Kg and LD90 = 24.94, 17.67, 2.957 ml/Kg respectively for 96 hrs. These results suggest that the mortality increased with increase in concentration as well as exposure time and the extracts of D. stramonium seed may be of high value in grain storage against S. oryzae, especially in subsistence agriculture where the plants are locally available to farmers with little resources. Hence, we conclude that extracts of D. stramonium seed served as being a potential insecticidal agent can be used against rice weevil, S. oryzae after proper dose formulation to prevent infestation in wheat and even other grains during storage.

Embryotoxicity evaluation of iron oxide Fe2O3 on land snails: Helix aspersa

Abstract: In order to evaluate an ecotoxicological approach to assessing toxicological effects caused by iron oxide powder (Fe2O3) nanoparticles, we conducted a bioassay with helix as a biological model since the species is considered bioaccumulator and bioindicator of pollution. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of Fe2O3 nanoparticles on the embryonic stage of Helix aspersa with different concentrations (1.25mg/ml, 1.5mg/ml, and 2mg/ml). Results reveal a deformation of the egg membrane and accumulation of this molecule at the back of the egg. We have also noted a low rate of hatching in 12th day, the mortality rate is found to be high at the highest concentration of Fe2O3. This bioassay highlights the toxicity of Fe2O3 nanoparticles on eggs of land snail: Helix aspersa.

Ovicidal activity of an insect growth disruptor (methoxyfenozide) against Culex pipiens L. and delayed effect on development

Abstract: Current researches for mosquito control have focused on insect specific insecticides without environmental concerns. The present study was conducted to evaluate the Ovicidal activity of an ecdysone agonist (methoxyfenozide) on Culex pipiens L. (Culicidae: Diptera) under laboratory conditions using standard WHO protocol. Lethal concentrations (LC50= 24.54 µg/L and LC90= 70.79 µg/L) previously determined were tested against freshly laid eggs. The egg viability was examined and the deferred effects of treatment were also investigated on the development duration and the sex ratio. Data obtained show that egg hatching inhibition was dose dependent, with a reduction of 13.44% and 46.99% with LC50 and LC90, respectively. In treated groups, the total development duration was significantly longer as compared to controls. The adult sex - ratio was significantly skewed in favor of males emerged from treated eggs with LC50 and LC90 of methoxyfenozide. Moreover, changes in the egg shell morphology and abnormal egg hatching pattern were observed. Morphologic abnormalities in larva were also recorded. Data from the current investigation clearly demonstrated that methoxyfenozide possess remarkable larvicidal and ovicidal activities against a medically important vector as ideal eco-friendly approach for mosquito’s control.

Fenoxycarb - a potent inhibitor of metamorphosis and reproduction in Rice Moth, Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton)

Abstract: Six different concentrations viz. 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 1.0% of fenoxycarb were topically applied at 2µl dose to the last instar larvae of rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica. There was a concentration-based and time-dependent response with respect to various life cycle parameters as quantified in the present work. The larvae treated with 0.5% and 1.0% fenoxycarb did not reach the adult stage as the mortality occurred owing to direct knockdown, incomplete moulting and unsuccessful metamorphosis. At concentration 0.05% and 0.025% fenoxycarb resulted in retardation of metamorphosis and developmental rate of the surviving C. cephalonica larva/pupae which, during the course of developmental path, showed morphological abnormalities. The females that emerged from treated stock exhibited malformed reproductive system along with reduced fecundity and hatchability. Furthermore, when the normal eggs were contact exposed to fenoxycarb (0.025% to 1.0%) the hatching was prevented in 37.2%-57.2% eggs; thus indicating the gonadotropic action of the current juvenoid. Therefore, fenoxycarb appears to be a promising agent for the control of C. cephalonica with the pronounced effects on the development and reproduction.

Biology of predatory bug Eocanthecona furcellata Wolff (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on Corcyra cephalonica Stainton

Abstract: Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is an important predator for several agriculturally important pests. The biology of E. furcellata has been done with several insect pests but there is no report on the laboratory host, Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton). Hence, this study is aimed to understand the biology of E. furcellata Wolff. and its role in mass rearing on laboratory reared pest C. cephalonica Stainton. The analyses showed that the total number of eggs of the predatory stink bug was 44±8 days, incubation period 6±1.05days and the life cycle passed through five nymphal instars with a total nymphal period of about 16±0.64days. Male and female longevity were 12±1.05days and 14±1.09days, respectively, and total longivity period for male and female lasted 32±0.19 and 36+1.90days, respectively. Moreover, this study revealed that C. cephalonica could be used as alternative host to mass rear E. furcellata when the main host is not available.

Fire millipedes obey the female sooner norm in cross mating Centrobolus (Myriapoda)

Abstract: Sexual mediation of copulation duration is reviewed in arthropods. Copulation duration and ejaculate volume were recorded in cross mating Centrobolus to test species' mediation differences. Conspecific C. inscriptus copulation durations were long (170.0 ± 49.3 min, n = 46), C. annulatus copulation durations were short (39.4 ± 18.6 min, n = 8), while mating between heterospecifics (C. inscriptus X C. annulatus) had the shortest copulation durations (12.4 ± 10.6 min, n = 6); when re-mating interval, sexual size dimorphism, sex ratio and ejaculate volume were controlled. âo (the female sooner norm) suggests size-assortative mating without a size based preference in these mate-guarding millipedes.

Seasonal history of dusky cotton bug (Oxycarenus hyalinipennis Costa)

Abstract: Thirty four host or shelter plants were studied for the prevalence of dusky cotton bug (DCB), Oxycarenus hyalinipennis Costa pest becoming a threat to cotton crop in Pakistan) from January, 2013 to December, 2014, in three different locations in the field area around Bahawalpur city, Punjab, Pakistan. The levels of pest prevalence were as ‘A’ (50 or more adults/nymphs of DCB / terminal shoot (10cm), ‘B’ (25 or more adults/nymphs of DCB/terminal shoot (10cm) and ‘C’ (below 25 adults/nymphs of DCB / terminal shoot (10cm). Maximum prevalence of DCB was observed on cotton, Gossypium hirsutum (5.24%) followed by Moringa, Moringa oleifera (3.75%) under category ‘A’, during the year, 2014. The least prevalence (0.33%) of the pest was recorded on each on Gutta (Tagetes erecta), Phalsa (Grewia asiatica), Jasmine (Jasminum officinale), Maku (Solanum nigrum) and Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) under category ‘C’, during the year, 2013.The pest passed the peak season of winter (December to March) mainly on Moringa, Mango (Mangifera indica), Abutilon (Abutilon indicum), Guava (Psidium guajava), Sweet lemon (Citrus limetta), Ficus (Ficus benjamina), cotton sticks (Gossypium hirsutum) and China Rose (Hibiscus spp.), while it confined only on cotton, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and abutilon from August-November. There was no pest prevalence on wheat (Triticum sp.), Chillies (Capsicum annum) and Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) throughout the observation period during, 2013-14.

DNA barcoding: Tool for assessing species identification in Reptilia

Abstract: Reptiles are an important group of cold blooded vertebrates that have significant ecological and evolutionary significance. Species identification of reptiles is generally based on morphological characters. With the advancement of modern molecular techniques, the concept of DNA barcoding has gained global attention. Here we discuss the concept of DNA barcoding and its role in identification, molecular phylogenetic studies, biodiversity assessment and conservation of reptiles. Since very few barcoding studies have been conducted on reptiles till date, there is need for global barcoding initiative exclusively for reptiles.

Social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in Deciduous Seasonal Forest in Southeastern Brazil

Abstract: In the latest decade, the information about biodiversity and distribution of social wasps in the state of Minas Gerais has been increasing; however a few regions and ecosystems own no studies, like the Deciduous Seasonal Forest. With the purpose of fulfilling this lacuna of knowledge, work was conducted over the period of June of 2014 to April of 2015, in the “Refugio da Vida Silvestre do Rio Pandeiros”, northern Minas Gerais. 35 species of social wasps distributed in 14 genera standing out the species Parachartergus smithii (de Saussure, 1854), Brachygastra moebiana (de Saussure, 1867) and Mischocyttarus montei Zikan 1949, recorded for the first time in the state, demonstrating the importance of that phytophysiognomy for the preservation of biodiversity and the need for new studies in that ecosystem.

Ant species composition in Macaranga spp. trees at a conservation forest of palm oil plantation in West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract: This study was aims to investigate the ant species composition in Macaranga spp. trees at Conservation Forest of Palm Oil Plantation of Tidar Kerinci Agung Company in West Sumatra Province by using Colony Collections and Hand Collections methods. A total of 28 species of ants that belonging to five subfamilies, 10 tribes, 17 genera and 5277 individuals was collected from five species of Macaranga (31 individuals of Macaranga trees). Myrmicinae and Formicinae were the highest in number of species (10 species respectively), followed by Ponerinae and Dolichoderinae (three species respectively), meanwhile Dorylinae only one species. Crematogaster (Decacrema) borneensis Andre, 1896 was the species with the most frequently among samples, accounting for 100% of species occurrences. Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index for all samples collected was low (0.94).