Complex display behaviour during the intraspecific interactions of myrmecomorphic jumping spiders (Araneae,Salticidae)

Jumping spiders (Salticidae) are known for their elaborate vision‐based display behaviour, and a sizeable minority of the species in this large family resemble ants. The display repertoire of two ant‐like salticid species from the Philippines is investigated. Myrmarachne assimilis is a specialist ant mimic, closely matching the appearance of the weaver ant Oecophylla smaragdina. Myrmarachne bakeri is a generalist mimic, which, although ant‐like, is not a close match to any sympatric ant species. Myrmarachne are sexually dimorphic, with males having enlarged chelicerae. The copulatory posture of Myrmarachne is unique among salticids, apparently as an adjustment for the male's elongated chelicerae. Details concerning the intraspecific behaviour of Myrmarachne appear to be adjustments to living in environments populated by numerous other animals with similar appearance (ants). However, the specialist and the generalist that were investigated have display repertoires that are broadly similar to each other and to those of more typical salticids. Generally, the display behaviour of Myrmarachne appears not to have necessitated dramatic deviation from typical salticid display and mating strategies.     

Specialization in the choice and use of spider silk in the nest of the chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) (Aves,Fringillidae)

The chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs, is one of a large number of birds from many families that use silk in the construction of their nests. Thirty-eight chaffinch nests collected from around the UK were examined to determine the nature and role of silk in nest construction. A regular survey of web, retreat and cocoon silk availability was made at a study site close to Glasgow, Scotland, over a 12 month period. The only spider web silk found in the nests was of the type produced by cribellate spiders. The majority of silk in nests, however, was spider cocoons, but there was no correlation between the amount of cocoon and web silk used. Nests with more lichen decoration contained more silk, and cocoon silk was particularly associated with the attachment of lichen. Nest construction at the study site took place from late April to mid-May. When nest building began, the availability of suitable web silk had doubled from its winter (lowest) level; however, its abundance continued to rise sharply until the end of May. The possible influence of silk availability on the timing of chaffinch nesting is discussed.     

The evolution of nest building and communal nesting in Ageniellini (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)

Pompilid wasps prey upon spiders and use a single spider per nest cell. The majority of species dig simple burrows in the soil in which to cache their spider, on which an egg is laid. The nest is not revisited, but another nest is prepared elsewhere. However, members of the tribe Ageniellini show much diversity in nesting behaviour. Species of the genus Ageniella nest in pre-existing cavities in the soil, closing off their cells with bits of debris. Most other Ageniellini that have been studied carry water to make mud pellets, from which ovoid nest cells are made. Usually a series of such cells is made in close proximity, often under loose bark or stones or in hollow stems. A few species make free nests above ground, usually in protected places or with thick mud walls. In some cases nest sites are known to be re-occupied by members of successive generations. Several species are known to nest communally, co-operating in nest defense and in cell building. In many ways the evolution of nesting behaviour in this group parallels that in the mud-using Vespidae, but the use of a single prey per cell precludes development of progressive provisioning and of eusociality similar to that of many Vespidae.     

拟水狼蛛幼蛛饥饿耐受性研究

在完全不供猎物、实验温度29℃的条件下，拟水狼蛛幼蛛的饥饿耐受性测定结果表明：饥饿状态下拟水狼蛛幼蛛的存活时间与体重之间有极显著的相关性；各龄期的存活时间差异显著；各龄期的阶段成活率与时间之间的关系均可用二次抛物线拟合，并可用拟合曲线求出3个不同龄期组拟水狼蛛的饥饿半致死时间(t50)和致死时间(t95)，t50分别为32．6，34．9和42．3d，t95分别为45．8，47．5和52．4d．     

香港蜘蛛初报

于１９９５年在香港采得若干标本，进行镜检后，先行鉴定１６科７６种（其中部分为新种，有待另文发表），汇总前人和我们的工作，共列出香港已知蜘蛛２４科１２２种（部分鉴定到属），但尚有待对本地的蜘蛛区系作深入的研究     

靛红分光光度法测定人血清白蛋白

在pH为1．8的Clark-Lubs缓冲溶液条件下，人血清白蛋白与靛红结合，使靛红的吸光度下降。质量浓度在6～34mg／L范围内，吸光度的降低与人血清白蛋白浓度呈线性关系，线性回归方程为△A=0．0046c 0．0599，相关系数r=0．995讨论了反应条件对实验的影响，对人血清中的总蛋白进行了测定，结果满意，并初步讨论了反应机理。     

贵州紫烟洞不同光带蜘蛛群落的多样性及其影响因子分析

2006年7月对贵州省织金县城关镇紫烟洞的蜘蛛群落进行观察及标本的采集,共获标本149号,隶属1目7纲12科14属24种。经群落多样性分析,紫烟洞蜘蛛群落多样性、最大多样性、丰富度、优势度、均匀度指数最高的分别为有光带(1.783 0)、有光带(2.890 3)、有光带(3.397 3)、黑暗带(0.350 6)、弱光带(0.928 4)。通过主成分分析,研究环境因子对紫烟洞蜘蛛群落的影响,结果显示土壤中有机物的含量和洞穴内CO2的浓度是影响蜘蛛群落多样性的主要因子。     

Molecular mechanisms of spider silk

Spiders spin high-performance silks through the expression and assembly of tissue-restricted fibroin proteins. Spider silks are composite protein biopolymers that have complex microstructures. Retrieval of cDNAs and genomic DNAs encoding silk fibroins has revealed an association between the protein sequences and structure-property relationships. However, before spider silks can be subject to genetic engineering for commercial applications, the complete protein sequences and their functions, as well as the details of the spinning mechanism, will require additional progress and collaborative efforts in the areas of biochemistry, molecular biology and material science. Novel approaches to reveal additional molecular constituents embedded in the spider fibers, as well as cloning strategies to manipulate the genes for expression, will continue to be important aspects of spider biology research. Here we summarize the molecular characteristics of the different spider fibroins, the mechanical properties and assembly process of spidroins and the advances in protein expression systems used for recombinant silk production. We also highlight different technical approaches being used to elucidate the molecular constituents of silk fibers. Received 28 February 2006; received after revision 14 April 2006; accepted 22 May 2006 X. Hu and K. Vasanthavada contributed equally to this work.     

石河子地区粮食作物害螨种类的调查研究

本文就石河子粮食作物害螨种类及为害特点进行了调查研究,从采到的标本中已鉴定出4科6属11种害螨。对其形态特征进行了比较说明,对为害部位和被害状进行了观察,发现叶螨属的害螨种类主要在叶子背面取食为害,而岩螨及苔螨属在叶子正反面均可为害,并对被害状作了描述,使生产单位能正确识别害螨,进行及时有效的防治作依据。     

中国河南自由生活革螨调查报告（Ⅳ）（蜱螨亚纲：中气门目）

本文报道河南省自由生活革螨调查结果。共发现13科35属80种。其中河南新纪录51种。