Postmarsupial development of Atlantoscia floridana (van Name, 1940) (Crustacea,Isopoda, Oniscidea): the manca stages

In this paper we describe the postmarsupial development of the manca stages of Atlantoscia floridana (van Name, 1940). Ovigerous females were collected in Reserva Biológica do Lami, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil and separately reared in small containers at 20°C (±1°C). After birth each newborn (manca I) was reared separately in order to observe the subsequent moults. In a period of about 12 h the animals underwent the first moult. The manca II stage lasts 9.16±1.57 days while manca III takes up a period of 9.96±1.05 days. Growth was observed through measurements of cephalothorax width. The three manca stages are described, illustrated and compared with the adults. The main distinguishing characteristics among mancas I, II and III are presented as well as the b/c and d/c co-ordinates of the noduli laterales.     

Reproductive strategies of two sympatric species of Hyalella Smith, 1874 (Amphipoda,Dogielinotidae) in laboratory conditions

This study was performed in order to test theoretical predictions that sympatric species might show different reproductive strategies to facilitate their coexistence. The duration of precopulatory mate‐guarding behaviour, body size of ovigerous females, embryonic and postembryonic development time, fecundity, and viability of the sympatric amphipod species Hyalella pleoacuta and H. castroi were investigated under laboratory conditions (19±1°C and 12 h light/dark photoperiod). Specimens were collected with nets in autumn and spring 2004, and summer and winter 2005 in the Vale das Trutas, São José dos Ausentes County, southern Brazil, and transported to the laboratory. Both species of Hyalella showed similar reproductive strategies, especially in respect to the duration of the precopula, duration of the embryonic period, and fecundity. However, these species differed in body size of ovigerous females, duration of the postembryonic period, viability, and body size of juveniles that remained in the marsupium and those released by females. These differences in the reproductive traits of H. pleoacuta and H. castroi may facilitate their coexistence in nature.     

The complete larval development of the Mangrove Ocypodid crab Macrophthalmus depressus Ruppell, 1830 (Brachyura: Macrophthalminae) reared in the laboratory

Macrophthalmus depressus larvae were reared in the laboratory using filtered estuarine water of salinity 25±1 ppt and temperature 29–31°C. M. depressus reaches the first crab stage after passing through five zoeal and a megalopa stage requiring 22–23 days. Each stage is described in detail and compared with other known species of the genus.     

Helminths of ten species of Litoria frogs (Anura: Hylidae) from Papua New Guinea

One hundred and ninety-one frogs collected in Papua New Guinea from 10 species of the genus Litoria, namely, L. angiana, L. arfakiana, L. caerulea, L. congenita, L. eurynastes, L. gasconi, L. infrafrenata, L. iris, L. kumae and L. modica, were examined for helminths. Eighteen species of helminths were found: one species of Monogenea, Parapolystoma bulliense; three species of Digenea, Diplodiscus amphichrus, Halipegus zweifeli and Mesocoelium monas; 13 species of Nematoda, gravid specimens of Aplectana macintoshii, Cosmocerca novaeguineae, Falcaustra papuensis, Maxvachonia adamsoni, Maxvachonia flindersi, Maxvachonia ingens, Meteterakis crombiei, Moaciria moraveci, Parathelandros mastigurus, Physalopteroides milnensis, Pseudorictularia dipsarilis, Seuratascaris numidica, and larvae (in cysts) of Abbreviata sp. and, one species of Acanthocephala, Pseudoacanthocephalus bufonis. Mean number of helminth species per host species was 3.0 ± 1.4 SD (range 1–5), mean number of helminth species per infected frog was 1.1 ± 0.4 SD (range 1–2), and mean number of helminths per infected host was 33.3 ± 5.8 SD (range 1–36). Twenty-eight new host records and two new locality records are reported. The biogeography of the recovered helminths is discussed.     

Reproductive biology of two species of Hyalella Smith, 1874 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Hyalellidae) from southern Brazil

Reproduction is a critical event in the life cycle of animals, and a high amount of energy is allocated to it. The aim of this study was to characterize the reproductive biology of two recently described species of Hyalella from the north-east region of state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. The specimens were collected during 12 months from a stream source (Hyalella georginae) and from a water reservoir (H. gauchensis), in Palmeira das Missões municipality, state of Rio Grande do Sul. Upon sampling, ovigerous females and pairs in precopulatory behaviour were separated into microtubes. In the laboratory, the cephalothorax length (CL in mm) of all specimens was measured. Male size at onset of sexual maturity was larger than that of the females, in both species. There was a correlation between the size of paired males and females: larger males carried larger females, in both Hyalella species. Precopulatory pairs were found throughout the year; however, H. georginae had a higher frequency in spring, and H. gauchensis in autumn. There was a positive correlation between the CL of ovigerous females and the number of eggs/juveniles. A reduction in the number of eggs throughout the embryonic development was observed in H. georginae. The average fecundity of H. georginae was significantly higher than H. gauchensis. The differences between the reproductive biology of these species may be related to the physical and environmental conditions at which they are exposed in their habitats.     

Life cycle and population structure of the terrestrial isopod Hemilepistus klugii (Brandt, 1833) (Isopoda: Oniscidea) in Iran

The life cycle and population structure of Hemilepistus klugii were studied in a population in Varamin, Iran. The population was sampled monthly (or fortnightly during the breeding season) from February 2008 to June 2009 and a total of 7015 individuals, comprising 1069 males, 1079 females and 4867 juveniles, were collected. As in other Hemilepistus species, five distinct phenophases, namely pair formation, gestation, hatching, growth and stationary, were recorded during the life cycle of H. klugii. The overall sex ratio was 1 : 1 but varied over time. Ovigerous females were observed only in April, indicating a seasonal and very short breeding period. With a short lifespan after breeding, females demonstrated true semelparity. The mean cephalothorax width for ovigerous/post-ovigerous females was higher in 2008 than in 2009. These females attained the largest size in the population throughout the year. The number of eggs per female ranged from 28 to 147 (mean ± SE, 78 ± 1.8). There was a positive correlation between female size and fecundity. Recruitment occurred in late April and resulted in the highest population density in this month, whereas the lowest densities were observed during November to January. Despite a high percentage of ovigerous females carrying undeveloped eggs (72.3%), intramarsupial mortality was low (3.5%).     

Dipteran infestation of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtle nests in northern Cyprus

This paper describes dipteran infestation of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtle nests in northern Cyprus in 1996 and 1997. Insect larvae were collected from infested nests, reared to adulthood and identified to species. A minimum of 13.4% (1996) and 17.4% (1997) of loggerhead turtle nests and 3.3% and 20.7% of green turtle nests were infested in 1996 and 1997, respectively. Eleven dipteran species were found infesting turtle nests with one species (Sarcotachina aegyptiaca) being dominant. Gross estimates, utilizing the speeds of development for three species of sarcophagid showed that infestation was taking place differentially between the two turtle species. Various aspects of the effect of dipteran infestation on marine turtle nests in northern Cyprus and recommendations for future investigations are discussed.     

Aspects of the biology of the Melanesian stick-insect Eurycantha calcarata Lucas (Cheleutoptera: Phasmatidae)

A preliminary account of biological observations on Eurycantha calcarata Lucas is given, based on three years' laboratory data. The development of eggs, nymphs and adults was studied at room temperature (25 ± 1°C) and at 68–72% R.H.     

A new species of Cladochaeta Coquillett, 1900 (Diptera: Drosophilidae) associated with Sphodroscarta trivirgata (Amyot & Serville, 1843) (Auchenorrhyncha: Aphrophoridae) from the Brazilian Amazon rainforest

ABSTRACT

A new species of Cladochaeta Coquillett, 1900 (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is described, C. amorimi nov. sp. based on a series obtained from pupae associated with nymphs of Sphodroscarta trivirgata (Amyot & Serville, 1843) (Auchenorrhyncha: Aphrophoridae) collected on the National Forest of Caxiuanã in the Brazilian Amazon, State of Pará. The new species belong so the dykra species group, being closely related to Cladochaeta erecta Grimaldi & Nguyen, 1999.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:39052AE8-3C55-4C92-A78E-3AB46C9D3C8A     

The coconut pathosystem: weed hosts of nymphs of the American palm Cixiid Haplaxius crudus (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea)

Lethal yellowing (LY) of coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L., Arecaceae) is a disease of economic importance that is caused by the phytoplasma ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma palmae’ and is transmitted by the planthopper Haplaxius crudus (Van Duzee) (Hemiptera: Cixiidae). This study explores the weeds used by H. crudus nymphs and other Cixiidae in a coconut pathosystem in southern Mexico. Nymphs were collected directly from the root system of each weed by hand or with the help of a vacuum after carefully opening the culm. This study included 11 species of weeds: nine Poaceae [Brachiaria decumbens Stapf, B. humidicola (Rendle) Schweick, B. mutica (Forssk.) Stapf, Digitaria abyssinica (Hochst. Ex A. Rich.) Stapf, Eustachys petraea (Sw.) Desv., Leersia hexandra Sw., Panicum laxum Sw., P. maximum Jacq., Paspalum notatum Flüggé]; one Cyperaceae [Cyperus ligularis L.], and one Portulacaceae: [Portulaca pilosa L.]. Brachiaria mutica, E. petraea, B. humidicola, P. maximum were identified as the principal host species for H. crudus nymphs. Brachiaria decumbens, D. abyssinica, and C. ligularis are new host records for the nymphs of H. crudus. Additionally, it was found that H. crudus may coexist with its cogeners H. skarphion Kramer (Cixiidae) and H. caldwelli Kramer (Cixiidae), on B. mutica. On C. ligularis, H. crudus may coexist with Oecleus snowi Ball (Cixiidae) nymphs. These results suggest that in the coconut pathosystem there is a complex of multitrophic interactions that should be considered in integrated management of LY.     

Parasitoids of larch sawfly,Pristiphora erichsonii (Hartig) (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) in Changbai Mountains

Eight parasitoids, Cleptes semiauratus (L.) (Chrysididae), Himerta impuncta Sheng, Polyblastus (Labroctonus) westringi Holmgren, Olesicampe erythropyga (Holmgren), Campodorus sp. and Mesochorus sp. (Ichneumonidae), Tritneptis lophyrorum (Ruschka) (Pteromalidae) and Myxexoristops sp. (Tachinidae), reared from cocoons of Pristiphora erichsonii (Hartig) (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) in Changbai Mountains, Jilin Province in 2009–2010, are reported. Four hyperparasitoids of P. erichsonii, Phygadeuon bidentatus (Uchida) and Phygadeuon rugulosus Gravenhorst and Trichopria sp. (Diapriidae) reared from Myxexoristops sp., Phygadeuon sp. reared from C. semiauratus, are reported for the first time. The account ratio of Chrysididae, Ichneumonidae, Tachinidae and Pteromalidae was 59.5, 5.6, 32.4 and 2.4%, respectively. The parasitism rates of parasitoids of P. erichsonii were 31.5% in May 2009, 19.8% in October 2009 and 15.9% in June 2010. The emergence periods of parasitoids were from 16 May to 7 June 2009.     

Life history of Paraselenis (Spaethiechoma) dichroa (Germar, 1824) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) in natural conditions of Atlantic Forest from Brazil

Cassidinae Gyllenhaal? is the second largest subfamily of Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera), which presents characteristic morphology, biology and behaviour. The current study describes the life cycle of Paraselenis(Spaetiechoma) dichroa (Germar), ?determining biological and behavioural aspects as well as the action of natural enemies on populations, when the species has maternal care. The study was conducted between February and April 2015 in the National Forest of Passa Quatro, municipality of Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Daily observations were made (morning and afternoon) to evaluate the offspring of females on Ipomoea sp. and Merremia macrocalyx (O’Donell?) (Convolvulaceae), as well as the actions of natural enemies on the young. The eggs are deposited on the midrib and abaxial surface of leaves (n = 25). Egg clusters are pedunculated, arranged in groups and devoid of any cover. On average, each female produced 27.3 ± 5.6 (n = 16) eggs, with a mean incubation period of 12.7 ± 2.9 days (n = 10 females with their young). The larvae remained grouped in the leaves throughout development, except when they fed. They retained faeces and exuviae as a stacked faecal structure on their mobile urogomphi (caudal process) like a faecal shield. The mean number of larvae per female was 12.7 ± 10.1 (n = 19) and the larval period lasted 24.9 ± 4.5 days (n = 12). Pupation occurred on the stem of the plant (n = 16). On average there were 8.1 ± 8.5 individuals for pupae progeny (n = 14). The mean duration of the pupal stage was 10.4 ± 3.3 days (n = 5). Overall, 3% of adults emerged (n = 13 individuals), with a total cycle time of 41.3 ± 8.4 days (n = 6). Adults are sexually dimorphic in the elytral shape. Females remain with the offspring throughout development. The natural enemies of immatures were Emersonella pubipennis Hansson? (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), Tachinidae (Diptera) and Stiretrus decastigmus (Herrich-Schaeffer?) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), Conura sp. Spinola? (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) and Brachymeria sp. Westwood? (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae). The information presented here on the natural history of P. dichroa are important as they may serve as a starting point to understand evolutionary questions and multispecies interactions.     

Early life history of the sheepnose (Plethobasus cyphyus) (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Unionoida)

Managing a rare species can be improved with knowledge of its natural history. The sheepnose (Plethobasus cyphyus) is a freshwater mussel recently listed by the US as federally endangered. We used standard methods to study P. cyphyus brooding behaviour, host fishes in the laboratory and under natural conditions, and glochidial morphology. We monitored a population of P. cyphyus in the Chippewa River, WI during spring and summer 2007–2009 and 2011 and found brooding animals between mid-May and early August. Gravid individuals ranged between 5 and 27 yr (mean age ± 1 s.d. = 13 ± 4 yr). Plethobasus cyphyus brooded glochidia in outer gills, which varied in colour from red, orange, pink, cream, or white. We observed mature glochidia more commonly in individuals with cream or white gills and these glochidia were released in a clear, adhesive, mucus matrix. In laboratory trials we found several minnow and topminnow species (29 spp.) served as productive suitable native hosts. The mean number of juvenile mussels released per cyprinid per day was significantly higher for trials conducted at 22–25°C compared with those at 18–20°C, and 83% of trials conducted at 18–20°C using suitable host species produced no juveniles. Glochidia had a unique outline and shell morphometrics that distinguished P. cyphyus from seven other Chippewa River mussel species that produce similar sized glochidia. Using morphometrics we determined that mimic shiners (Notropis volucellus) were natural hosts for P. cyphyus, round pigtoe (Pleurobema sintoxia), and Wabash pigtoe (Fusconaia flava). Releasing mucus-bound glochidia has evolved in a variety of mussel species and may be more common than is currently realized. Our data show that P. cyphyus is a cyprinid host specialist, and propagation efforts for this species can be strengthened through improved access to mature glochidia by using females with cream-coloured gills and increased juvenile production through warmer fish holding temperatures.     

Two new Encarsia species (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) reared from eggs of Cicadellidae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) in Argentina: an unusual new host association

Males of two undescribed Encarsia species were reared from eggs of two cicadellid species during a study of egg parasitoids of corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis (DeLong and Wolcott) in northwestern Argentina. Samples were collected during the summer of 2004–2007 using sentinel eggs, and several males of a new species of Encarsia (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Aphelinidae) were obtained. A single male of a closely related Encarsia species, also previously undescribed, was reared from an egg of another cicadellid on maize, Plesiommata mollicella (Fowler). These are the first records of any Encarsia species reared from eggs of Cicadellidae. The two new species are described as Encarsia dalbulae Polaszek and Luft Albarracin sp. nov., and Encarsia mollicellae Polaszek and Luft Albarracin sp. nov.     

A new species of stoloniferous octocoral (Cnidaria: Alcyonacea) from the south-western Indian Ocean

A new species of stolonate octocoral referable to the genus Scleranthelia Studer, 1878 (family Clavulariidae), is described from the East London and Durban regions of South Africa. The species is frequently encountered by dredge at depths ranging from 85 to 340 m. Scleranthelia thomsoni sp. nov. has been confused with the northern Atlantic species S. rugosa (Pourtalés, 1867) (= S. musiva Studer, 1878) by previous authors, but a comparison of material representing both species has shown them to be distinctly differentiated.     

Drumming behavior and life history notes of a high-altitude Colorado population of the stonefly Isoperla petersoni Needham

Late instar nymphs and adults of a Colorado Hudsonian zone population of Isoperla petersoni Needham and Christenson were studied during the summer and early fall months of 1998, when stream temperature ranged from 3.3° C to 8.9° C. Early and middle instar nymphs were absent from July to October, and nymphs attained maximum size in mid-August during the 2nd week of adult field presence, suggesting a univoltine-slow life cycle. Nymphs were carnivorous and fed primarily on chironomid larvae. Adults were present from August to mid-October, with peak numbers of adult males and females occurring in mid-September and late September, respectively. Fecundity of field-collected females averaged 94.1 ± 45.15 eggs per female in September ( N = 81) and decreased to 85.2 ± 57.6 in October ( N = 12). Drumming duets were 2-way (male-female), and female answers followed male calls (nonoverlapped) or began before completion of the male call (overlapped). Male calls averaged 11.1 ± 2.09 beats and female answers averaged 6.2 ± 2.99, with mean intervals of 118 and 58 ms, respectively. The average number of female answer beats increased from 5.3 ± 2.56 when duets were nonoverlapped, to 6.6 ± 3.08 when overlapped.     

The marine green and brown algae of Rodrigues (Mauritius,Indian Ocean)

The marine benthic green and brown macroalgae of Rodrigues, collected during an expedition in October 2001, are documented and 18 of the 60 taxa of Chlorophyta (53 species) and 18 species of Phaeophyceae are illustrated. Fifty taxa of green and 12 taxa of brown algae are added to the existing species list of the island. Turf algae and smaller epiphytic species are not or are only sporadically included in this study. All records are listed with bibliographic, biogeographic, taxonomic and nomenclatural comments. Infrageneric identification keys are included. The new combination Caulerpa mexicana var. exposita is proposed and the discovery of a new Udotea species is mentioned. The algal flora of Rodrigues is of a typical Indian Ocean composition but appears to be relatively poor when compared to the nearby island of Mauritius.