Showing papers on "Infestation published in 1991"

Host-plant selection in the holly leaf- miner: does mother know best?

Abstract: SUMMARY (1) The holly leaf-miner (Phytomyza ilicis) is a monophagous leaf-mining agromyzid that attacks holly (Ilex aquifolium). (2) Twenty-five individual holly bushes maintained six- to eightfold differences in levels of infestation over 3 years (three generations of mines), despite being in close proximity. Differences in levels of infestation were due to differential oviposition by adult flies. (3) Infestation levels were negatively correlated (nominal P < 0.05) with nitrogen levels in young foliage at the time of oviposition in one generation of flies (1988); however, this result is difficult to interpret because several significance tests were carried out. No other characteristics of the bushes were correlated with levels of infestation. (4) Contrary to expectation, larval performance and host-plant selection by adult female were not coLrelated. There were no differences in mine size, larval growth rate, or size of adult females at emergence on heavily infested or lightly infested bushes. Percentage successful emergence was low, and did not differ significantly with mine density. (5) The heaviest source of miner mortality (miscellaneous larval deaths) was density-independent. Mortality of larvae surviving miscellaneous larval deaths was significantly spatially density dependent (revealed by k-factor analysis), due to parasitism by Chrysocharis gemma. Spatially density-dependent larval parasitism, and miscellaneous larval deaths were inversely correlated. (6) We discuss these results in the context of the ideal free distribution (Fretwell 1972), speculating that high densities of animals reduce the quality of intrinsically superior habitat patches via spatially density-dependent larval parasitism, leading to equal miner performance on all bushes.

Yield Response of Corn Subjected to Western Corn Root worm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Infestation and Lodging

Abstract: Lodging of corn, Zea mays L., is often attributed to injury by larvae of western corn root worm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte. Because leaves of lodged plants exhibit vertical and horizontal spatial aberrations, yield may be adversely affected because of reduced photosynthetic efficiency. In a 2-yr study, we used a factorial arrangement of root worm infestation (0 and 1,200 eggs per 30.5-cm row) and lodging treatments (lodged and upright) to determine effects on plant biomass and grain yield. In a second study, we examined how plants lodged from root worm injury differ from upright plants with respect to plant and ear height, root rating, total leaf area, and vertical leaf area distribution. In 1987, root worm-infested and lodged plants had significantly reduced plant dry weight and grain yield at nearly all sampling dates. Lodging treatments reduced grain yield of infested plants by an additional 11.9% over yield of upright, infested plants. In 1988, no differences in dry weight or yield occurred with infested plants, but lodging treatments reduced grain yield by 34.3%. In a severely lodged canopy, plant and ear height and light interception were significantly reduced in comparison with those of upright plants. Linear regressions of incident light versus leaf areas above each 0.31-m increment in the corn canopy resulted in significant slope (light extinction) differences. Because dry weight and yield were more consistently reduced by lodging than by root worm infestation treatments, lodging must be an important factor in the relation between root worm infestation and yield loss.

Group-living and infestation by ectoparasites in passerines

Abstract: Using data from an 1 l-year field study, I determined whether group-living passerine species showed greater infestation by contact-transmitted ectoparasites (feather mites) than sympatric, solitary species. Differences in infestation by mobile hippoboscid flies between group-living and solitary passerine species were also examined. Among the 45 species included in the analysis, feather mite prevalence was significantly greater on group- living species than on solitary ones. Two other factors investigated, bird size and migratory habit, had no effect on infestation levels. Similar results were obtained when the analysis was performed on all species outside the most species-rich family (Fringillidae), or only within the family Fringillidae itself. An analysis at the family level also suggested greater feather mite infestations in families made up only of group-living species as opposed to families including only solitary species; however, the difference was not significant. No differences were observed in hippoboscid fly abundance between group-living and solitary passerines, in all analyses at either the species or family level. These results suggest that individuals of group-living species incur a greater risk of acquiring contact-transmitted ectoparasites than individuals of solitary species, a cost which may not be negligible.

Genetic relatedness and eusociality: parasite-mediated selection on the genetic composition of groups

Abstract: Contrary to the expectations of kin selection theory, intracolony relatedness in eusocial insects is often low. We examined the idea that associations of low relatedness (high genetic variability) may be advantageous because of negative frequency-dependent selection on common host phenotypes by rapidly evolving parasites and pathogens. Using the natural host-parasite system of the bumble bee Bombus terrestris and its intestinal trypanosome Crithidia bombi, we investigated the transmission properties of parasites in host groups. Within naturally infested nests and in artificially constructed groups of workers, prevalence of infestation increased with time of exposure (Table 1). The susceptibility of isolated groups of workers to the parasites to which they were exposed differed with identity and natural infestation of their nest of origin (Table 2). In addition, those workers that were related to the individual introducing an infection to their group were more likely to become infested than were unrelated workers (Table 3). Although the bumble bee workers in experimental boxes appeared to differ in behavior toward kin and non-kin, making more physical contacts with kin, we found no discernible relationship between number of physical contacts and prevalence of infestation in a group. Therefore, we conclude that differences in parasite transmission reflected interactions among different host and parasite phenotypes. This system thus demonstrates the factors necessary for negative frequency-dependent selection by parasites on common host phenotypes - variability for susceptibility and infectiousness in host and parasite populations and similarity for these traits among related individuals. If, as we show here, high genetic relatedness within groups enhances parasite transmission, kin directed altruism may increase the risk of contracting parasites and infectious diseases. Therefore, parasites and pathogens may be an important force moderating the genetic structure of social groups.

Influence of rainfall, drip irrigation, and inoculum density on the development of Phytophthora root and crown rot epidemics and yield in bell pepper

Abstract: Peppers (Capsicum annuum) were grown in three fields in which main plots were irrigated either on a more frequent or less frequent basis. Soil in subplots was left uninfested or was infested 5-6 wk after transplanting with one of three inoculum densities of Phytophthora capsici. In the Clayton field in 1988, where rainfall was low (16 cm), disease onset occurred 26 days after infestation in plots that were drip irrigated more frequently, whereas disease onset occurred 39 days after infestation in plots that were drip irrigated less frequently (...)

Insect infestation of fire-injured trees in the greater Yellowstone area

Abstract: Gene D. Amman1 Kevin c. Ryan2 Permanent plots were established in the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) following the 1988 fires to determine response of bark beetles to fire-injured conifers. Within 2 years (1989 and 1990), 67 percent of the Douglas-rv had been infested by bark beetles (primarily the Douglas-fir beetle) and wood borers; 44 percent of the lodgepole pine were infested (primarily by the pine engraver); 82 percent of the Engelmann spruce were infested (mostly by spruce beetle); and 71 percent of the subalpine fir were infested (mostly by wood borers). Bark beetle infestation usually occurred in trees having 50 percent or more basal girdling by fire. However, uninjured Douglasfir also had 46 percent of the trees infested in 1990. The large proportion of uninjured Douglas-fir that was infested by Douglas-rv beetle in 1990 suggests infestation will increase in unburned portions of the GYA Of the trees that died, a rve-injury model correctly predicted death for one-half of the Douglasfir and two-thirds of the lodgepole pine, but all of the Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir.

The effect of tick infestation on the productivity of cows of three breeds of cattle.

Abstract: The effect of tick infestation of Hereford, Bonsmara and Nguni cows on the weaning masses of their calves in a dipping versus non-dipping situation was investigated. Breed had a major effect on the level of tick infestation, Herefords being most susceptible and Ngunis least. The productivity of Nguni cows, as measured by the weaning masses of their calves was also least affected. The effect of infestation on the productivity of Hereford cows was the greatest and that on the Bonsmara cows was intermediate. It was estimated that each engorged female tick (predominantly Boophilus decoloratus) caused a reduction of 8.9 g, 8.0 g and 8.6 g in the weaning masses of calves from Hereford, Bonsmara and Nguni cows respectively. The effect of infestation on the productivity of the Nguni cows was nevertheless small because a limited number of ticks fed to maturity on this breed due to its natural resistance.

Chagas' Disease: Risk Factors for House Infestation by Triatoma dimidiata, the Major Vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in Costa Rica

Abstract: The reduction of domiciliary infestation by insect vectors, the key to controlling Chagas' disease, depends on identification of housing features associated with infestation. In this study, log-linear modeling was used to reanalyze data collected in 1964-1968 from 371 houses on characteristics potentially associated with infestation by the vector Triatoma dimidiata in a Costa Rican town with endemic Chagas' disease. A possible increased risk of infestation was observed for houses with a dirt floor (as compared with houses with another floor type) and for houses in poor sanitary condition (as compared with houses in good sanitary condition). A new risk factor for house infestation, the presence of roof tiles, was identified; the odds of infestation for houses with a tile roof were 2.4 times greater than the odds for houses with a galvanized metal roof. This significantly increased risk is probably due to the harboring of T. dimidiata in stacks of spare tiles next to house walls rather than to the tile roofs themselves.

Trichodinids (Ciliophora: Peritrichia) from a calanoid copepod and catfish from South Africa with notes on host specificity

Abstract: A case study is presented in which a trichodinid infestation was found on Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) larvae in a hatchery. Upon examination of copepods in the water system, it was found that they too hosted this trichodinid species. After following the infestation for some time it was found that the trichodinids on the catfish disappeared, whilst the infestation on the calanoid copepods persisted. It was concluded that the trichodinid originated from the copepods and could not establish a viable infestation on the catfish larvae. Specimens of catfish fry from the same farm, however, hosted a different trichodinid which is described as a new species. After analysis of published information, it was concluded that the trichodinid from these calanoid copepods belongs to the same species as described by different authors from various localities from Eurasia. In order to provide a specific identification of this trichodinid, a literature review is presented. In a discussion of host specificity, it is concluded that the trichodinid involved is specific to planktonic copepods and cannot establish an infestation on fish.

Cowpea plant architecture in relation to infestation and damage by the legume pod borer maruca testulalis geyer lepidoptera pyralidae i. effect of canopy structure and pod position

Abstract: The effects of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. canopy structure and pod position in relation to infestation and damage by the legume pod borer, Maruca testulalis Geyer were investigated. Defoliated cultivars sustained significantly less infestation and damage (P < 0.05) than those undefoliated. Relative humidity measured under the canopy was lower in defoliated cultivars, while soil and ambient temperatures were higher. Percentage pod damage and larval infestation by M. testulalis in flowers were positively correlated with relative humidity, and negatively correlated with temperature. Both correlations were significant (P <0.01). Cultivars with pods held within the canopy suffered significantly more damage (P <0.05) than cultivars whose pods were held in the normal position. Canopy structure and pod position acting together or independently, exerted profound effects on cowpea resistance to M. testulalis. Selection and breeding cowpea cultivars with less dense foliage (= open canopies) and long peduncles holding the reproductive structures above the canopy, should increase cowpea resistance to M. testulalis.

The infestation of mytilus edulis linnaeus by polydora ciliata (johnston) in the conwy estuary, north wales

Abstract: The incidence of the shell-boring parasite Polydora ciliata in Mytilus edulis from the Conwy estuary, North Wales is described. Amongst mussels >40 mm in shell length both the occurrence and abundance of P. ciliate increased steeply with host size. Infestation was highest amongst mussels near the mouth of the estuary where around 60–65% of the population was parasitized; no systematic relationship between the incidence of P. ciliata and tidal elevation was observed. Mussel condition was negatively correlated with the degree of infestation. Moderately and heavily infested mussels, however, never accounted for more than ca. 10% of this population and the overall detrimental effects of P. ciliata on growth and production is thus probably quite small. Whilst heavily infested mussels were evidently more vulnerable to predation, the shore crab, Carcinus maenas, selected smaller, non-infested mussels whenever these were available. No obvious relationships were found between the presence of P. ciliata and the incidence of either pearls or pea crabs.

Variation in rates of leaf abscission between plants may affect the distribution patterns of sessile insects

Abstract: At Sand Lake, Leon County, Florida, mines of Stilbosis quadricustatella, a leaf-mining moth, occur on sand live oak trees (Quercus geminata) over a broad range of densities. Some trees have fewer than 2% of their leaves mined (lightly infested), others up to 70% (heavily infested). Similar levels of infestation are maintained on the same trees year after year. There are no significant negative correlations of miner density per tree with any mortality factor that might explain miner preferences for certain trees. Nor is there a positive correlation with host leaf quality as measured by foliar nitrogen or by total or individual amino acid concentrations of host leaves. Egg-transfer experiments showed that larvae from eggs transferred to lightly infested trees were more likely to be killed by leaf abscission than were those that were transferred to and developed on heavily infested trees. This is the first demonstration that variation in rates of leaf abscission could be an important cause of the observed distribution pattern of sessile insects between conspecific host plants.

Use of petal infestation to forecast sclerotinia stem rot of canola: the impact of diurnal and weather-related inoculum fluctuations

Abstract: (1991). Use of petal infestation to forecast sclerotinia stem rot of canola: the impact of diurnal and weather-related inoculum fluctuations. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology: Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 347-355.

Manifestations of immunity in sheep repeatedly infested with Amblyomma americanum ticks.

Abstract: Three sheep were infested 4 times with 100 Amblyomma americanum tick pairs and kept indoors until the natural termination of the infestations. Characteristics of the tick populations that show efficiency of feeding, fertility, and offspring development, and ELISA antibodies to tick salivary gland extracts were studied at each infestation. On average, female ticks fed on tick-naive sheep detached at 12.1 +/- 0.2 (mean +/- standard error) days, weighed 492 +/- 16.8 mg, engorged 40.7 mg per day, and 35% survived to detachment during the first infestation. During the fourth infestation, they detached at 17.3 +/- 0.8 days, weighed 321 +/- 14.4 mg, engorged 18.8 mg per day on average, and 23% survived to detachment. On average, oviposition of female ticks fed on tick-naive sheep started at 11.8 +/- 0.6 days of detachment, the egg mass weighed 236 +/- 13.2 mg, 43% of the female weight turned into eggs, and 89% of the ticks that detached survived to oviposition during the first infestation. During the fourth infestation, oviposition started at 15.1 +/- 0.5 days, the eggs weighed 103 +/- 9.9 mg, 13% of the tick weight became eggs, and 67% of the ticks survived to oviposition. On average, eclosion started at 35.4 +/- 0.9 days of oviposition and 83% of the egg batches hatched in the first infestation. During the fourth infestation, eclosion started on day 34.9 +/- 0.7, and 47% of the egg batches hatched. Anti-tick resistance was expressed as an inhibition of feeding, fertility, and offspring development.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Parasite fauna of red foxes in Berlin (West)

Abstract: The infestation with ecto- and endoparasites of red foxes in Berlin (West) was investigated. As shown by post mortems of 100 animals (47 males and 53 females), none of them was found to be free of parasites. With regard to ectoparasites, 3 species of ixodes ticks, 7 flea species, one species of biting lice and mite species were demonstrated. The sarcoptic mange is often inducing the death of the foxes and is considered to be a limiting factor of the population increment. Concerning endoparasites, cestodes (6 species), trematodes (7 species), nematodes (10 species) and 3 coccidian species were found. The infestation rate with different species of hook worms, ascarids and mesocestoides was remarkably high. However, none of the foxes were infected with Trichinella spiralis or Echinococcus multilocularis. As shown by ELISA, in 15% of foxes antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi were found. Therefore, the red fox must be considered as a reservoir host for Lyme-borreliosis.

Seasonal prevalence, intensity of infestation, and distribution of glochidia of Anodonta grandis simpsoniana Lea on yellow perch, Perca flavescens

Abstract: Five fish species were sampled at regular intervals in Narrow Lake, central Alberta, and examined for the prevalence and intensity of infestation by glochidia larvae of Anodonta grandis simpsoniana. Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) collected between January and May were infested with glochidia, whereas perch captured between June and October were free of larvae. The prevalence of infestation increased gradually from 86 to 95% between January and May, and the intensity of infestation increased from 5.7 to 49.4 glochidia per fish over the same period. Glochidia were found on most external body surfaces, including the gills. Glochidia attached preferentially to some anatomical areas, especially pectoral and pelvic fins. Furthermore, the relative importance of certain attachment sites differed significantly among sampling dates. Neither sex, size (length or weight), or age of perch significantly affected the intensity of infestation per fish. However, small (4.4–6.0 cm), 1- and 2-year-old fish carried more tha...

Spider mite (Acari : tetranychidae) infestation rate and initiation : effect on cotton yield

Abstract: A 2-yr study was conducted to investigate the effect of spider mites, Tetran- ychw spp., on cotton (Cossyytum hfrsutum L.) in the West Central San Joaquin Valley of California. Results of each year were analyzed by spline (i,e,, segmented) regression. In 1982, following infestation of cotton at a550 degree-days (DD) > 12°C after planting, significant reduction in yield did not occur until a critical infestation rate (change in the proportion of infested leaves) reached 0.121/100 DD, after which, yields were dramatically reduced. Results of spline regression analysis suggest that cotton is initially tolerant of spider mites, but once the infestation rate exceeds the critical rate, tolerance breaks down rapidly. This critical rate is fundamental to the economic threshold for spider mites on cotton, which is suggested to be 0.8 proportion infested, P(I), leaves. Plots treated with an acaricide at 0.8 P(I), dlid not reach the critical infestation rate and did not experience economic loss. In 1983, yield reduction was significantly greater with early infestations than with late infestations. Combining the 1982 and 1983 data into a single regression analysis showed that the txitical infesttition rate increased with later infestation initiation. In a supplemental analysis, infes- tation rates were weighted as a function of relative spider mite species abundance and species-specific damage. Weighted infestation rates did not significantly improve or reduce the fit of the regression function. A benefit-cost analysis indicated that once the spider mite population rate of increase exceeds the critical infestation rate, yield suppression is dramatic and sufficient to warrant management intervention. KEY 'WORDS Arachnida, Goss ypium, infestation rates, spider mites

Experimental Examinations Concerning the Problem of Deformed Emergin Bees after Infestation with Varroa jacobsoni

Abstract: Summary The deformations of bees occurring in connection with varroatosis was examined both in case of natural and artificial infestation Under both conditions, the number of bees showing wing deformations increased with the degree of mite infestation Shortened abdomina, however, only appeared in the case of natural infestation Inadequate brood care in colonies severely infested by Varroa mites is supposed to be responsible Wing deformations could be produced by experimental haemolymph extraction

Observations on Insect Infestation and Damage in Cowpea ( Vigna Unguiculata ) Intercropped With Tomato ( Lycopersicon Esculentum ) in a Rain Forest Area of Nigeria

Abstract: Insect infestation and damage in cowpea (Vigna unguiculala), planted sole or intercropped with tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) was monitored in 1987 and 1988 in Akure, Nigeria. Infestation of cowpea by Empoasca dolichi was significantly reduced by intercropping with tomato in both years, except in the early season of 1988. Infestation of cowpea by Ootheca mutabilis, Aphis craccivora, Megalurothrips sjosledti and Maruca testulalis was not affected by intercropping with tomato in either year. Damage by pod-sucking bugs and Heliothis armigera was significantly higher in sole cowpea than in cowpea intercropped with tomato, in both years. Sole cowpea had a significantly lower seed yield than cowpea intercropped with tomato.Observaciones en cuanto a la infestacion de insectos y danos en el caupi (Vigna unguiculata) sembrado en forma simultanea con tomate (Lycopersicon esculentum) en una zona de bosque tropical en Nigeria

Fruit on the Ground as a Reservoir of Resident Melon Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) Populations in Papaya Orchards

Abstract: I compared the density and infestation rate of melon fly ( Dacus cucurbitae Coquillett) in papaya ( Carica papaya L.) fruits on the ground and on trees and correlated the density and level of melon fly infestation in fruits with the relative density of adults in papaya orchards. Melon fly larval density was significantly higher in papaya fruits on the ground than on trees. The relative density of melon fly adults in the orchard correlated significantly with larval density in fallen fruits, but not with larval density in tree fruits. In addition, the number of adults in the orchard had a higher significant correlation with the melon fly percentage infestation in fruits on the ground than with the melon fly percentage infestation in tree fruits. Results suggest that papaya fruits left on the ground serve as a major breeding site and, thus, as a reservoir of resident (non-immigrant) melon fly population in papaya growing areas of Hawaii. Sanitation (removal of fallen fruits) should be an integral component of control methods aimed at managing melon fly population in papaya orchards.

Effect of Varying Potato Leafhopper (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) Population Densities on Snap Bean Yield

Abstract: Varying infestation levels of potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), were created on commercial snap bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris (L.)) cultivars by application of insecticides at predetermined thresholds, and subsequent yield responses were determined. Low (close to zero), medium (one adult per sweep or one nymph per leaf), and unrestricted infestation levels were compared on ‘Early Gallatin’, ‘Lake Superior’, and ‘Bush Blue Lake-94’ at two Wisconsin locations (Arlington and Hancock) using two planting dates and infestation levels in 1980 and three in 1981. E. fabae populations in 1980 were moderate. Two to four applications of fen valerate were necessary to maintain populations at the low threshold, and little benefit in increased yield was obtained compared with untreated plots. In 1981, populations were high. A systemic insecticide and two or three foliar applications were needed to maintain populations at the low density, which yielded higher than the untreated controls in each variety. Only one or two foliar sprays were required at the medium threshold. Although higher leafhopper populations occurred in these plots, yield differences between the low and medium infestation levels were small provided that fewer than one leafhopper per sweep was detected before the first trifoliate stage. Throughout these trials, higher E. fabae populations were found in ‘Bush Blue Lake-94’ than in ‘Early Gallatin’. Yield reductions were greatest in ‘Early Gallatin’, however, indicating a tolerance for E. fabae injury in ‘Bush Blue Lake-94’. ‘Lake Superior’ was intermediate in leafhopper populations and yield reduction. An action threshold of 0.5 adult per sweep before the first trifoliate and one adult per sweep or one nymph per leaf for the remainder of the season is proposed for snap beans. Intensity, duration, and time of E. fabae infestation are crucial factors in the determination of subsequent effects on crop yields. Crop variety and additional plant stress factors, including low temperature and incidence of plant disease, can also affect yield response to leafhopper damage and should be considered in management decisions.

Infestation and injury levels of stem borers in relation to yield potential of grain sorghum

Abstract: The infestation patterns of the stem borer species Busseola fusca (Fuller) and Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) and the effect on plant yield, tiller number, plant height, peduncle length and internal damage were determined under conditions of differential nitrogen fertilization and soil moisture. Planting date had a significant effect on the Infestation pressure and selective oviposition was observed between the different categories of irrigation and fertilization. Irrigated plants suffered higher yield losses than dry-land plants. Fertilizer application led to an increase in the number of tillers per main stem but no compensatory growth resulted from borer attack, irrespective of infestation pressure. Borer damage significantly influenced plant height and peduncle length. Under severe infestation pressure, dry-land plants suffered a higher degree of internal plant damage. These results stress the importance of differential economic thresholds for stem borer control in plantings of different yield potential.

Sites of attachment and intraspecific infestation densities of the brown paralysis tick ( Rhipicephalus punctatus ) on Angora goats

Abstract: Significant differences in the distribution of brown paralysis ticks on various age classes of Angora goats were recorded. In kids, most (>98%) of the ticks attached to the head and ears, whereas in older groups, in addition to the ears, a high proportion (>20%) of ticks also attached to the ventral side of the neck. There were significant differences in the mean infestation densities of both male and femaleR. punctatus in kids and older animals. These differences were, however, only significant for the first two sample dates involving kids, and are probably related to behavioural attributes of the kids which enhance tick/host contact. Newly born Angora goat kids are considered a high-risk group with regard to paralysis caused by the brown paralysis tick. Methods of avoiding mortality amongst kids are suggested.

Seasonal Oviposition and Emergence Activity of Bephratelloides cubensis (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), a Pest of Annona Species in Florida

Abstract: Bephratelloides cubensis (Ashmead), a seed-feeding wasp, is the primary pest of annonas in Florida. The weekly infestation rates of commercially grown sugar apples ( Annona squamosa L.) and atemoyas ( A. squamosa × A. cherimola Miller) by B. cubensis in southern Florida were monitored. Infestation generally increased throughout the summer in atemoyas but remained very low in sugar apples. The observed patterns are attributable to the relative fruiting phenologies of the commercial species and of the overwintering host, the bullock's heart ( A. reticulata L.). We found no evidence that diapause of B. cubensis in atemoya and sugar apple fruits is of economic importance as an overwintering mechanism in Florida.

A new species of Ophryotrocha (Polychaeta : Dorvilleidae) commensal in Geryon longipes (Crustacea : Brachyura) from the Western Mediterranean Sea

Abstract: A new species of Dorvilleidae, Ophryotrocha mediterranea, commensal in the branchial chambers of the deep-water crab Geryon longipes, is fully described and illustrated. It is characterized by the presence of seven pairs of denticulate maxillary plates in the jaw apparatus, and especially the 7th plate which is more elongate, markedly bidentate and situated at a different level. The setae are always spinulate. The gut is annular. The hosts were captured in the Balearic Sea bathyal basin (Western Mediterranean), between 600 m and 1800 m depth. The prevalence of the infestation was 18·87% in male and nil in female hosts. No polychaetes were found in crabs smaller than 41 mm carapace length (49 mm carapace width). No differences were found in the degree of infestation of the right and left branchial chambers. The infestation intensity followed a contagious distribution model. The mean infestation intensity was 4·16 polychaetes per crab. The relative density of the infestation was 0·83 polychaetes per male cr...

Human cutaneous myiasis due to mixed infestation in a drug addict.

Abstract: Soft tissue infestation by maggots of flies (myiasis) is a well-recognized complication of neglected wounds. Mixed infestation by larvae of more than one species of fly is a rarity. We report, for the first time in India, one such case of cutaneous myiasis due to mixed infestation--in this instance by Chrysomya bezziana and Sarcophaga sp. in a drug addict.