Search

Understanding the role different habitats play in the life histories of fishes is important for the development of holistic aquatic ecosystem management plans. We used otolith trace element analysis to reconstruct the life history of estuarine triplefin Forsterygion nigripenne and infer its habitat use. Analysis of otoliths using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry showed an elemental profile without prominent changes in elemental concentration. The otolith elemental profiles were not indicative of movement between waters with substantial Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca differences. The Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca profiles were indicative of within—and near—estuary movements encompassing short time periods. Overall, the otolith microchemical profile was likely indicative of a life history closely associated with estuaries. However, it is difficult to rule out brief excursions to the marine environment given that may not have been of sufficient duration to be recorded in the elemental composition of the otolith. This suggests that F. nigripenne is the only species in southern New Zealand known to be closely associated with estuarine habitat for its entire life cycle.

Waste heaps of Atta are host to an extraordinary diversity of myrmecophiles insects and other arthropods. In this study, the presence of four species of pseudoscorpions is recorded in two Atta colombica waste heaps in the years 2016 and 2017. Two of these species, Cordylochernes scorpioides and Lustrochernes carolinensis are new records in waste heaps and except for the deutonymphs of L.carolinensis, the others all stages of post-embryonic development were present in the studied heaps, which could indicate that these two species carry out their entire life cycle in these waste mounds and live there permanently.

In this study, trees in production and saplings of Chinese main bayberry cultivars ‘Dongkui’ (Myrica rubra Sieb.&Zucc.) and ‘Biqi’ (Myrica rubra) were used to investigate the relationships of the different dosages and methods of 15% paclobutrazol (PP333) application and the incidence of twig dieback. The results showed that higher concentration of PP333 application caused greater PP333 residues in the plant body, and the residue of PP333 was positively correlated with the incidence of twig dieback, which means greater PP333 residues in the plant body leads to higher incidence of twig dieback. Moreover, the content of PP333 residues in the plant body after soil application was more than that after foliar spraying. The detection of pathogens in field plants showed that in addition to the two pathogens Pestalotiopsis mangiferae and P. vismiae, the presence of pathogen P. versicolor was found among different bayberry cultivars. The incidence of twig dieback of ‘Dongkui’ cultivar and ‘Biqi’ cultivar were ranked in the first two of all bayberry varieties, and the incidence of this disease in the ‘Dongkui’ cultivar was higher than ‘Biqi’ cultivar. The results of investigations conducted in 5 key provinces and 22 key counties suggested that low concentration of PP333 used as a plant growth inhibitor with 1 or 2 times intermittently throughout the entire life cycle was feasible to regulate the growth of Chinese bayberry. However, continuous excessive application could lead to extreme discordance between reproductive and vegetative growth and severely inhibit conducting tissues and tree vigor. In addition, the shrinking leaves and dead branches may increase sharply, promoting the infection and transmission of Pestalotiopsis spp.

Theory predicts that less fit individuals would disperse more often than fitter ones (Fitness Associated Dispersal, FAD hypothesis). To test this prediction under laboratory conditions, an entire life cycle of Lamium amplexicaule plants and the preferences of its dispersal agent, Messor ebeninus ants, were tracked. Characterization of individual L. amplexicaule plant revealed high variability in spot cover on the surface of the seeds, where less fit plants produce “unspotted seeds” (see Fig. 1 in Introduction). Unspotted L. amplexicaule seeds showed higher variation in germination time and lower germination rate. Moreover, M. ebeninus ants preferably collected these unspotted seeds. Our results show that low fitness L. amplexicaule plants produce seeds with higher potential for dispersal, supporting the FAD hypothesis in a plant-animal system.

10 pages, 6 figures, 5 tables, supplementary material https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.05106.007, [EN] The age and growth patterns of the mesopelagic fish Ceratoscopelus maderensis (family Myctophidae) of the western Mediterranean Sea were described throughout its entire life cycle (from larvae to adult stages) using the sagittae otoliths of 59 individuals collected in December 2009. Three characteristic zones were identified along the cross-section of the sagittae (larval, metamorphic and juvenile-adult zones). Assuming growth rings as daily increments, the age of the analysed individuals (from 3.5 to 64 mm standard length [SL]) would range from 7 to 332 days. The relationship between the number of increments and the fish SL was fitted to a von Bertalanffy growth model (SL=70.5899×(1–exp(–0.0501(t+2.6705))). The growth pattern of C. maderensis in the western Mediterranean Sea was similar to that reported for this species in the northeast Atlantic Ocean. Though from a body size of 40-45 mm SL, growth rates declined more slowly in individuals from the western Mediterranean Sea, growth differences between these individuals and those from the northeast Atlantic Ocean were not statistically significant. This study provides new insights into the age and growth patterns of one of the most abundant mesopelagic fish species in the Mediterranean Sea that have clear implications for the study and management of marine ecosystems, [ES] En el presente trabajo se describen la edad y los patrones de crecimiento desde la fase larvaria hasta la fase adulta del pez mesopelágico Ceratoscopelus maderensis (familia Myctophidae) del Mediterráneo occidental. Para ello, se analizó el otolito sagitta de 59 individuos capturados en diciembre de 2009. Se identificaron tres zonas en la sagitta, cada una de las cuales se corresponde con una fase del desarrollo ontogenético del pez: larvaria, metamórfica y juvenil-adulta. Asumiendo que los anillos de crecimiento son diarios, la edad de los individuos analizados (de 3.5 a 64 mm de longitud estándar [SL]) oscilaría entre 7 y 332 días. La relación entre el número de incrementos y la SL de los peces se ajustó al modelo de crecimiento de von Bertalanffy (SL=70.5899×(1–exp(–0.0501(t+2.6705))). El patrón de crecimiento de C. maderensisen el Mediterráneo occidental fue similar al previamente descrito para esta especie en el Noreste del Océano Atlántico. A pesar de que, a partir de 40-45 mm SL, las tasas de crecimiento disminuyeron más lentamente en los individuos del Medi-terráneo occidental, las diferencias de crecimiento entre estos individuos y los del Noreste del Océano Atlántico no fueron estadísticamente significativas. Los resultados de este estudio aportan nuevos conocimientos sobre la edad y el crecimiento de una de las especies más abundantes del Mar Mediterráneo, lo cual tiene claras implicaciones de cara al estudio y la gestión de los ecosistemas marinos, The authors are very grateful to the IDEADOS project (CTM2008-04489-C03-02) and for the technical sup-port offered by José Manuel Fortuño (ICM) and Silvia Pérez-Mayol of the Sclerochronology Service at IME-DEA (UIB-CSIC), With the funding support of the ‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’ accreditation (CEX2019-000928-S), of the Spanish Research Agency (AEI)

Here we describe methods for (a) collecting starfish during their breeding period; (b) maintaining adults with fully grown gonads in laboratory aquaria; (c) rearing fertilized eggs to brachiolaria larvae, and (d) inducing larvae to metamorphose into juveniles under laboratory conditions. Such protocols should facilitate various analyses of starfish development throughout the entire life cycle of these model organisms.

Cladocerans are a diverse group of species that show rapid responses to changes in environmental conditions. This adaptive capacity has important implications for egg production and life cycle, especially in transitory environments such as temporary waterbodies. The present study investigated the life history and egg production of Alona gutatta Sars, 1862 (Crustacea, Cladocera), an abundant and frequent species from a high-altitude temporary pond (Lagoa Seca, Minas Gerais, Brazil). Newly hatched neonates were monitored in relation to time of maturation, number of eggs produced per female and time of survival. Neonates required a mean of 8 days to mature. A. guttata survived for a mean of 30.9 ± 8.1 days and produced 2 eggs per brood, generating a mean of 10.95 ± 6.41 neonates during the entire life cycle. The rapid development, short time to produce eggs and long life cycle are important adaptations to the adverse environmental conditions of temporary aquatic environments, which can contribute to the rapid colonization of Alona guttata in transitory ecosystems. Resumo Os cladóceros formam um grupo diverso de espécies que apresentam respostas rápidas às mudanças nas condições ambientais. Essa capacidade adaptativa tem implicações importantes para a produção de ovos e para o ciclo de vida, especialmente em ambientes transitórios, como corpos d'água temporários. O presente estudo investigou a história de vida e a produção de ovos da espécie Alona guttata Sars, 1862 (Crustacea, Cladocera) coletada em uma lagoa temporária de altitude (Minas Gerais, Brasil). Organismos recém eclodidos foram observados (em condições de laboratório) em relação ao tempo de maturação, número de ovos produzidos por fêmea e tempo de sobrevivência. Os neonatos levaram em média 8 dias para atingir o primeiro estágio de maturação. As fêmeas produziram 2 ovos por ninhada e geraram uma média de 10,95 ± 6,41 neonatos durante todo o ciclo de vida. A. guttata apresentou uma média de 30,9 ± 8,1 dias de sobrevivência. O rápido desenvolvimento, o pouco tempo para a produção de ovos e o ciclo de vida longo são adaptações importantes às condições ambientais adversas de ambientes aquáticos temporários, que podem contribuir para a rápida colonização de Alona guttata em ecossistemas transitórios.

The present study analysed the condition factor (K) and the hepato-somatic index (I H ) of the Brazilian sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon lalandii during its entire life cycle. Discontinuity of liver growth was observed after sexual maturity. High condition values were recorded in the length classes of 300-350 mm (neonates), when the livers represented about 8% of total mass, decreasing until the length classes of 400-450 and 450-500 mm in females and males, respectively. Seasonal analysis exhibited low I H values in the summer, while for K, low values were in spring, indicating greater investment for body growth during spring and for gonad maturation in summer. Such findings indicate that this small coastal shark species accumulates reserve substances in the liver that will be used during reproduction. The decline in I H values in juveniles suggests that reserves provisioned by the mother to the neonate liver can be used in the first months of life.

The brown dog tick is unusual among ticks in that it can complete its entire life cycle indoors as well as outdoors. Brown dog tick infestations can develop in dog kennels and residences, where populations can reach dramatic levels and cause dog diseases. This 6-page fact sheet written by and published by the UF/IFAS provides the distribution, description and identification, life cycle, and management of the brown dog tick as well as its hosts and the medical and veterinary significance of this troublesome pest. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in378 This article is co-published with the Featured Creatures collection of UF/IFAS Department of Entomology & Nematology, and FDACS/DPI, available at http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/medical/brown_dog_tick.htm

The seeds of Annona macroprophyllata Donn. Sm. contain idioblasts with toxic acetogenins, including laherradurin and rolliniastatin-2, in relatively high proportions. Both metabolites are cataloged as potent insecticides for several species, even so, the wasp Bephratelloides cubensis Ashmead fulfills almost its entire life cycle inside the seeds of this and other annonaceous species, to such a degree, that they constitute a strong selection pressure. In order to document the chemical relationship between the two species, it is reported for the first time in this paper the presence of idioblasts and acetogenins during the ontogenic development of the seeds of A. macroprophyllata, and contrasted with the development of B. cubensis. The results indicate that idioblasts with laherradurin and rolliniastatin-2 acetogenins are formed in the middle stages of the endospermic development, also that both acetogenins are biosynthesized simultaneously, and that their proportion is dependent on the degree of development. The acetogenins are present in high amounts that suppose a sufficient toxic barrier and, in this case, laherradurin is the most abundant (> 1000 µg g dry weight−1). The wasp B. cubensis only emerges from the seeds to copulate and returns for oviposition; its larval phase coincides with the appearance of acetogenins, so it feeds on the acetogenic endosperm. The absence of acetogenins in the tissues and excreta of the insect supposes a metabolization of the molecules, which would explain the tolerance to its toxicity.

Sturgeons are an ancient order of fish (Acipenseriformes), dating back in their occurrence to over 200 million years ago. The order comprises two families (Acipenseridae and Polyodontidae) and 27 species. Their natural range is restricted to the northern hemisphere. Sturgeons exhibit a very long life cycle (maximum lifespan up to over 150 years, depending on species). They are late-maturing species, and many grow to very large sizes (up to 6–7 m long). Most of the sturgeon species are anadromous. There are also potamodromous (landlocked) species and forms, spending their entire life cycle in freshwater (Fig. 26.1).

A whole life-cycle bioenergetic model based on the dynamic energy budget (DEB) theory was proposed for the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). To develop this model, experiments on growth and reproduction were performed: adult and juvenile growth, size at first reproduction and amount of eggs spawned by females were monitored under different feeding levels and temperatures. The DEB parameters were estimated, using Bayesian statistics, based on the data produced during these experiments and on other data found in the literature. The model fitted accurately the different data used for the calibration process and, in addition, predicted accurately the data sets used to assess its predictability. Our bioenergetic model of the whole life cycle of the three-spined stickleback accounting for environmental variations could contribute in many ways to improved ecological assessment: supporting change of scale from individual to populations; developing new biomarkers of exposure and effect; analysing ecotoxicity tests with biology-based models.

Life-history traits of two coexisting cladocerans, Daphnia magna Straus and Scapheloberis kingi Sars, inhabiting a temporary pond in north-eastern Algeria were monitored in 2013 under laboratory conditions. Their life histories were compared for differences in traits such as age and size at first reproduction, size of neonates, brood size, number of broods per female, total life span and intrinsic rate of increase (rm). Data were recorded during their entire life cycle. Daphnia magna, the larger species, could possibly be more successful in colonising temporary habitats than S. kingi because it allocates more energy to reproduction. Scapheloberis kingi, the smaller species, starts reproduction early, resulting in a smaller brood size and a shorter life span with fewer broods. Consequently, S. kingi produces a smaller number of neonates during its lifetime and has a lower rm. In contrast, D. magna delays reproduction but produces a larger brood size and, because it is longer-lived, produces more broods and...

Summary The current study aims to update the range of Aphanius fasciatus occurring in inland aquatic systems, and to characterise the length–weight relationship of specimens caught in inland waters of the Northern Sahara of Algeria. Although the known distribution of A. fasciatus is restricted to coastal waters including islands of the Mediterranean region, visits to 39 hydrosystems in Northeast Algeria revealed the presence of the species at two sites: Oued Still and Lake Temacine. Both sites are in the Sahara Desert of Algeria, where the climate is hot and hyperarid. The surveyed populations perform their entire life cycle at the same sites. Analysis of a sample composed of 27 individuals captured in Oued Still allowed determination of the length–weight relationship. On average, females measured 4.2 ± 0.6 cm in length and weighed 1.1 ± 0.5 g; males were 3.2 ± 0.6 cm and 0.5 ± 0.2 g. Growth parameters of the von Bertalanffy equation for A. fasciatus were estimated at Lt = 5.5145 (1−exp (−0.341(t−0.0049))), Wt = 2.6692 (1−exp (−0.271t))3.

This study presents a method based on life cycle assessment to reduce and simplify the decision-making process and to identify the best available techniques of a product. This procedure facilitates the selection of a technical alternative from an environmental point of view and the reduction of emission levels and the consumption of energy and primary resources. This method comprises the following four steps: (i) the identification of the current techniques of a specific product, (ii) the application of a life cycle assessment to determine the hot spots, (iii) the proposal of the best available techniques and (iv) the development of a best available techniques reference document (step not implemented in our case study). The Cantabrian anchovy canning industry is selected as a case study due to the importance of this sector from economic, social and touristic points of view. An entire life cycle assessment of one can of anchovies in extra virgin olive oil is conducted. The results indicated that the hot spots of the life cycle were the production of aluminium cans (for packaging) and extra virgin olive oil and the management of the packaging waste. According to these results, the study proposes several improvements, such as packaging recycling and several best available techniques for the canned anchovy product. The authors thank the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of the Spanish Government for their financial support via the project GeSAC-Conserva: Sustainable Management of the Cantabrian Anchovies (CTM2013-43539-R) and to Julia Celaya for her technical support. Jara Laso thanks the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of Spanish Government for their financial support via the research fellowship BES2014-069368. Pere Fullana y Alba Bala thanks the UNESCO Chair in Life Cycle and Climate Change.

A major skeletal problem of conventional- ly caged hens is increased susceptibility to osteoporosis mainly due to lack of exercise. Osteoporosis is charac- terized by a progressive decrease in mineralized struc- tural bone. Whereas considerable attention has been given to enriching laying cages, little research has been conducted on providing caged pullets with furnish- ments, in particular perches. The objective of the cur- rent study was to determine if metal perches during all or part of the life cycle of White Leghorns affected hen musculoskeletal health, especially at end of lay. Treat- ments during the pullet phase (hatch to 16.9 wk) en- tailed cages with and without perches. Four treatments were used during the laying phase (17 to 71 wk of age). Treatment 1 chickens never had access to perches at any point during their life cycle, typical of egg industry practices in the United States for conventional cages. Treatment 2 chickens had access to perches only during the egg-laying phase, which was from 17 to 71 wk of age. Treatment 3 chickens had access to perches only during the pullet phase (0 to 16.9 wk of age). Treatment 4 chickens had perch access throughout their entire life cycle (0 to 71 wk of age). Musculoskeletal health was assessed by measuring muscle weights, bone mineraliza- tion, bone fracture incidence, and keel bone deviations. Muscle deposition of 71-wk-old hens increased when given access to perches as pullets. Bone mineralization of 71-wk-old hens also increased if given perch access as adults. However, the disadvantage of the adult perch was the higher incidence of keel deviations and keel fractures at end of lay. The increase in bone mineraliza- tion of the keel bone as a result of perch access during the pullet and laying phases was not great enough to prevent a higher incidence of keel bone fractures at end of lay. Perch redesign and placement of perches within the cage to minimize keel fractures and deviations are possible solutions.

This study examined the biological characteristics of the insect and examined potential cultural controls using peduncle topping methods. Ginseng stem fungus gnat eggs hatched after 5 days; ecdysis lasted 3-4 weeks, and after 5 days pupation, adults emerged. Adults deposited eggs 1-2 days after emerging, and the entire life cycle lasted 32-40 days. The fungus gnats laid eggs 327 × 220 μm in size on cut planes of stems, but not on intact stem parts that had not been topped or wounded. Analyses of major weather data for the experimental areas and weather data for the past 30 years acquired from the Korea Meteorological Administration revealed that fungus gnat dispersion was prevalent under highly humid conditions and in areas with thick and frequent fogging. Among the topping times examined, fungus gnat damage to ginseng was lowest when topping occurred in late May. Among the five different topping methods evaluated on experimental ginseng farms, the cumulative fungus gnat damage to ginseng was low (0.8%) under partial peduncle topping (removal of peduncle with lateral fruit remaining) and removal of only flower buds (0.6%), with fungus gnat control effects of 82% and 86%, respectively, compared to conventional topping (removal of peduncle about 5 cm above its base). No fungus gnat damage to ginseng was observed under the no-topping treatment. These results suggest that partial topping of peduncles, while letting lateral fruits remain, is a potentially environmentally friendly method of controlling the ginseng stem fungus gnat.

[EN] The rapid evolution of materials and manufacturing processes, driven by global competition and new safety and environmental regulations has had an impact on the automotive structures (BIW) manufacturing.The need for lighter vehicles, whit more equipment, safer and at the same time friendly to the environment, covers the entire life cycle of the car.Carmakers and steelmakers agree that weight reduction is possible, and the solution go through the new Advanced High-Strength Steels.Thinner and stronger materials lead to higher demands on stamping, the manufacturing system most used manufacturing BIW parts. In this context of persistent innovation the lubrication of surfaces is a problem associated with the change.After the question about the best lubricant to form these new materials, it was researched about characteristics and performance of known simulation equipment. An edges of punch and die drawing simulator was used. Two materials have been selected of AISI portfolio. DP600 for being one of most used in BIW frames, and TWIP is a new steel to evaluate, and with an extraordinary strain. They are designed and manufactured tools for the manufacture of the specimens.It has defined a simplified deformation model. It was developed a measurement protocol with twelve parameters that compare the behaviour of lubricants in the simulator. It was selected the best for each type of material by Factorial Experiments Design and efficiency parameters have been used to select the best one.The model has been applied to the formed specimens and is able to answer the initial question. Simultaneously it has been able to make the technological evolution of system simulation and measurement protocol, [ES] La rápida evolución de los materiales y procedimientos de fabricación, impulsada por una competencia globalizada y nuevas regulaciones de seguridad y medio ambiente ha tenido un fuerte impacto en la fabricación de estructuras de automóviles (BIW).La necesidad de vehículos con menos peso, con más equipamiento, más seguros y al mismo tiempo, respetuosos con el medio ambiente, abarca todo el ciclo de vida del vehículo.Constructores y fabricantes de acero están de acuerdo en que todavía hay margen para para la reducción, y la solución pasa por los nuevos Aceros Avanzados de Alta Resistencia.Materiales más delgados y más resistentes llevan a mayores exigencias en el conformado por estampación, que es el sistema de fabricación que abarca una mayor propor-ción de piezas y peso del chasis de vehículos ligeros. En este contexto de innovación persistente la lubricación de las superficies rozantes es un problema asociado al cambio. Tras formular la cuestión sobre el lubricante más adecuado para conformar estos nuevos materiales, se ha realizado una investigación sobre los equipos de simulación co-nocidos, sus características y prestaciones. Se ha utilizado un simulador del proceso de estampación referido a los bordes de punzón y matriz. Se han seleccionado dos materiales dentro de la propuesta de AISI. El DP600 por ser uno de los más utilizados en la construcción de la estructura, y el TWIP que es una novedad a evaluar, y con un extraordinario comportamiento en su deformación. Se han diseñado y construido útiles para la fabricación de las probetas.Se ha definido un modelo de deformación simplificado para la evaluación del comportamiento. Se ha desarrollado un protocolo de medición con doce parámetros que permiten comparar el comportamiento de los lubricantes en el simulador. Se han seleccionado los mejores para cada tipo de material mediante un Diseño de Experimentos Factorial y se han definido parámetros de eficiencia para tomar los mejores candidatos.Se ha aplicado el modelo a los materiales conformados y se ha podido responder a la cuestión inicial. Al mismo tiempo se ha podido realizar la evolución tecnológica del sistema de simulación y el protocolo de medida., [CAT] La ràpida evolució dels materials i procediments de fabricació, impulsada per una competència globalitzada i noves regulacions de seguretat i medi ambient ha tingut un fort impacte el la fabricació d'estructures d'automòbils (BIW)La necessitat de vehicles amb menys pes, amb més equipament, més segurs i al mateix temps respectuosos amb el medi ambient, comprén el procés integral del vehicle. Constructors i fabricants d'acer estan d'acord en què encara hi ha marge para per a la reducció, i la solució panses pels nous Acers Avançats d'Alta Resistència.Materials més prims i més resistents porten a majors exigències en el conformat per estampació, que és el sistema de fabricació que comprén una major proporció de peces i pes del xassís de vehicles lleugers. En este context d'innovació persistent la lubricació de les superfícies rozantes és un problema associat al canvi.Després de formular la qüestió sobre el lubricant més adequat per a conformar estos nous materials, s'ha realitzat una investigació sobre els equips de simulació coneguts, les seues característiques i prestacions. S'ha utilitzat un simulador del procés d'estam-pació referit als bords de punxó i matriu. S'han seleccionat dos materials dins de la proposta d'AISI. El DP600 per ser un dels més utilitzats en la construcció de l'estruc-tura, i el TWIP que és una novetat a avaluar, i amb un extraordinari comportament en la seua deformació. S'han dissenyat i fabricat útils per a la fabricació de les provetes.S'ha definit un model de deformació simplificat. S'ha desenrotllat un protocol de me-surament amb dotze paràmetres que permeten comparar el comportament dels lubricants en el simulador. S'han seleccionat els millors per a cada tipus de material per mitjà d'un Disseny d'Experiments Factorial i s'han definit paràmetres d'eficiència per a prendre els millors candidats i el model de simular.S'ha aplicat el model als materials conformats i s'ha pogut respondre a la qüestió inicial. Al mateix temps s'ha podi realitzar l'evolució tecnològica del sistema de simulació i el protocol de mesura., Plá Ferrando, R. (2015). Investigación de las condiciones tribológicas en el conformado de elementos estructurales de Aceros Avanzados de Alta Resistencia en vehículos [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. doi:10.4995/Thesis/10251/59222., TESIS

The infraorder Nepomorpha is one of the most specialized groups of heteropterans, with most of its species spending the entire life cycle within the water. True water bugs include ten families, 52 genera, and approximately 730 species in the Neotropical region, which shelters about 30 % of the global diversity of the group. Despite this fact, little is known about their biology, ecology, and geographical distribution in the Neotropics. Several genera need to be revised and many species remain with outdated descriptions. The systematics of the infraorder, although has received little attention in recent years, remains with various unresolved questions, and no phylogenetic study was conducted for any endemic group of this region.

Although the crab Hymenosoma orbiculare appears to complete its entire life cycle within estuaries, the salinity and temperature requirements for its successful larval development are not known. The present study therefore evaluated larval response to salinity and temperature in combination. Larvae were reared individually in factorial combinations of salinity (14, 21, 28, 42 and 49 ppt) and temperature (12, 16, 20, 24, 28 and 32°C). Both parameters influenced the probability of survival for any individual larva. Highest survival occurred at salinities of between 21–35ppt for the Zoea 1 and 2 and of between 28–35ppt for the Zoea 3, with optimum temperature ranges narrowing substantially from Zoea 1 through Zoea 2 to Zoea 3. Temperature exerted a similar influence on development rate at all rearing salinities within each zoeal stage. However, elevated salinity (42 ppt) delayed development. H. orbiculare larvae appear to be well adapted to tolerate salinities typical of the estuarine environment, but the ra...

Pines are known to produce one seed crop each year and mature about 20 months after pollination. The entire life cycle may take two to three years. Recent observations, however, show that a greater number of crops may develop annually and that cone development may be faster. In Pinellas County, Florida, Pinus clausa and P. elliottii now have three seed crops annually, and consequently, more seeds during the year. Also, there is no dormant phase from pollination time to seed maturity in the primary (most abundant) crop of these species. The reason for this change in reproductive strategy is thought to be as a response to climatic changes, in particular, CO2 levels. Pines seem to be reacting to increases of available atmospheric CO2 that fluctuate seasonally. The gas may act as a biochemical switch for developmental stages and be a mechanism for controlling cone growth. Furthermore, there are definite phenological shifts forward in the primary seed crops of P. clausa (about 105 days) and P. elliottii (about...

Morphogenesis and nuclear events during conjugation have been investigated for the aloricate oligotrich Pelagostrobilidium sp. using cytological staining methods. While several similarities between Pelagostrobilidium and sister groups (hypotrichs and stichotrichs) reported previously were recognized in the preconjugation behaviour, conjugation type and general nuclear division patterns, significant differences were found between them in the behaviour of oral and somatic ciliatures. In Pelagostrobilidium there was no reorganization in the somatic kineties during conjugation, in addition, it showed a very simple pattern of reorganization in the oral ciliature, which was very similar to stomatogenesis in asexual reproduction. A replacement oral apparatus was completed during the conjugation process and it very quickly replaced the old adoral zone when the conjugants separated. A noteworthy fact is that most of the parental adoral membranelles of Pelagostrobilidium persisted and were active during the entire conjugation period in spite of the loss of functional feeding organelles such as the cytostome and paroral membrane. The need to retain locomotion throughout the entire life cycle might be one of the adaptive features of oligotrichs required to occupy a certain niche in oceanic waters. The relatively short duration of the conjugation process (5.6 h) of Pelagostrobilidium is also likely to be important for life in oceanic waters.

Optimal defense theory (ODT) predicts that plants should have the highest defense levels in parts that have the highest value in terms of fitness. Assumptions about differences in fitness value among plant parts have previously been based on general reasoning, e.g., that reproductive tissue is more valuable than vegetative tissue since fitness ultimately depends on reproduction. Here we present a first example of how demographic elasticity (proportional sensitivity) analysis can be used as a tool to generate more objective and specific estimates of the fitness value of different plant parts, based on the entire life cycle. These estimates were further used to generate testable predictions about intraplant variation in defenses of the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum (knotted wrack). The predictions were clearly supported by the results from both analyses of chemical defense levels (phlorotannins) and bioassays (feeding preference experiments), which showed that reproductive tissues had the lowest defense level of the three examined tissue types, in contrast to previous assumptions. We suggest that a stronger focus on variation in life history among species and populations, with demographic perturbation analysis as one important tool, could lead to a better understanding of intraplant variation in defense levels, in seaweeds as well as vascular plants and other modular organisms.

Summary Thousands of Chinese sturgeon, Acipenser sinensis, have been grown since the 1990s, with some of them being used for close-cycle captive breeding. However most of the specimens have not yet matured, and there has been no literature on the Chinese sturgeon that matured when spending its entire life cycle in freshwater. We investigated the gonads of cultured Chinese sturgeon at ages ranging between 7 and 11 years when raised from captive broodstocks. Most of the 11 year-old fish (body weight 45.5–84 kg) were in the gonadal development stage. The maximal oocyte diameter of the females was about 500 μm. In 14 males at age 10–11 years, we found various stages of development but one dead specimen that seemed to have testis in the early stage of maturation, with all types of spermatocytes being present. This specimen was 10 years old (body weight 40.3 kg). According to the results obtained, the Chinese sturgeon cultured in freshwater were not yet fully mature but are assumed to likely reach maturity in the near future.

Reproductive performance data were collected for inland fall chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha from Lake Oahe, South Dakota, in 1988 and 1998. This population exists outside the native geographical range of chinook salmon and completes its entire life cycle in freshwater. Female weights and lengths, total fecundity, relative fecundity (eggs/mm), egg size, and egg survival were all considerably less than reported for anadromous chinook salmon stocks in their native range. Mean weight of spawning females was 2.73 kg in 1988 and 2.01 kg in 1998. Total fecundity was not significantly different at 2,892 eggs in 1988 and 2,496 eggs in 1998. Egg survival to the eyed stage averaged 37.7% in 1988 and 43.8% in 1998 and ranged from 0% to 96%. Relative fecundity (eggs/kg), egg size, and egg survival to the eyed stage were similar for each year. Relative fecundity (eggs/mm of total length) declined from 1988 to 1998. Total fecundity was linearly related to fish length in 1998 and in both years combined....

This study reports on a new parasite of the digestive gland of the queen conch, Strombus gigas. An intense and generalized sporozoan infection was detected during a reproductive study of S. gigas in San Andres island (Colombia). The parasite was found in the digestive gland of every sampled S. gigas, with a heavy intensity of infection (invasion of every cell) in many animals. The infection of the digestive gland began in the cryptic cells and later secretory cells were also infected, giving way to discharge of sporocysts to the stomach through the digestive gland ducts. Apicomplexa-like trophozoites were embedded in the digestive gland epithelial cells and attached to host cell wall by their conoid end. Several stages were detected: trophozoites, sporocysts, and gamonts containing macrogametes or microgametes. Given the presence of multiple stages at the same time, the entire life cycle of the parasite is assumed to occur within the same host and tissue. The taxonomic position of the parasite sh...

differ in adding a long parallel-sided anterior section to their tube-cases, shortly before pupation. They pupate in the newly built section, discarding the slightly conical larval case. Literature data suggest that two additional species of Micrasema exhibit similar behaviour. Production of a special section of tube-case for pupation is remi­ niscent of the situation in the primitive suborders Annulipalpia and Spicipalpia which build a pupal case which is often the only construction during the entire life cycle. It is uncertain if the behaviour of Micrasema is atavistic, or if it developed indepen­ dently.

A yellow colour form of Aphis schneideri (Born.) was found in Pilaitė (the surroundings of Vilnius, Lithuania) in 1994. Colour differences between yellow and green aphids of A. schneideri seem to have a genetic background. The yellow aphids were smaller, and the yellow clones did not finish their entire life cycle, thus supporting the idea of the reduced fitness of yellow mutants. There also exists the possibility of the hybridogenic origin of yellow colour forms in currant inhabiting species of the genus Aphis L.

The bacterium Serratia plymuthica strain S13 was demonstrated to colonize various plant-associated microhabitats and to suppress damping-off diseases. The completed genome sequence has a size of 5.5 Mb, containing 4,957 putative protein-encoding regions, and will be used to identify genetic determinants enabling the bacterium to escort a plant's entire life cycle.

The morphology of all developmental stages of the fish parasite Caligus elongatus (Copepoda; Caligidae) is described. The entire life cycle consists of 8 stages: 2 nauplii, 1 copepodid, 4 chalimi, and adults. A preadult stage does not occur as it does in some other caligids. In this respect C. elongatus differs substantially from the other major sea louse species, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, which has two preadult stages.

Social spiders build communal nests and capture webs, share food, and care for offspring communally. They do not have distinct castes, nor is there clear evidence for reproductive division of labour. This study examines the possibility of division of labour occurring in non-reproductive tasks in colonies of the social spider Achaearanea wau (Theridiidae). Observations of marked individuals and of activities in colonies over the entire life cycle demonstrate that (1) there is no clear division of labour among adult females and (2) juveniles add tasks to their repertoire of activities as they mature. The lack of a clear separation of tasks by different individuals in a colony raises the question: what constrains the evolution of division of labour in social spiders? Constraints associated with inbreeding and selection favouring rapid colony growth through individual reproduction may explain the lack of both reproductive and non-reproductive division of labour.

One of the future goals in Leishmania research will be to reproduce the entire life cycle oxenically, in vitro. In this article, Paul Bates reviews recent progress in the axenic culture of amastigotes and addresses some of the remaining problems associated with culture methods for both amostigote and promostigote forms.

31 pages, 9 figures, Horizontal and vertical cross-shelf distribution of developmental stages of the inshore euphausiid species Nyctiphanes capensis and the shelf-break species Euphausia hanseni during different phases of the upwelling cycle in the northern Benguela upwelling system are analysed, in order to provide an explanation for the consistent distribution patterns observed. A two-cell cross-shelf circulation model is proposed, based on upwelling in inshore areas as well as at the shelf break, probably reinforced by the possible existence of a strong equatorward current at the shelf break. It is concluded that both euphausiid species complete their entire life cycle within discrete zones across the shelf and slope regions. It was observed that the interaction of biological processes, especially ontogenetic migration, with the physical processes during different phases of the upwelling cycle resulted in differential probabilities of cross-shelf and alongshore transport by N. capensis and E. hanseni, and the mechanisms involved in the segregation and maintenance of the species in discrete zones of the northern Benguela upwelling system outlined. © 1992

Host blood source was found to affect both the development and the reproductive performance of Rhodnius prolixus. The insects were reared on citrated human, rabbit, chicken, sheep and horse blood sources, through a membrane feeder, during an entire life cycle, from eggs to adults. Development and reproduction in terms of the number of unfed insects, number of moulting, mortality intermoulting period, number of egg/female, conversion of blood into egg (mg meal/egg) and percentage of hatch as effective physiological parameters were investigated. Our results showed that human or rabbit blood meals were more nutritionally efficient than the other blood samples used because (i) the insects developed faster, presented low mortality and about 80% of them reached the adult stage; and (ii) females oviposited an average of at least 100% more eggs. The inefficiency of chicken and horse blood sources as diets for R. prolixus was manifested in (i) a decrease of the amount of ingested blood and (ii) only a reasonable nutritional quality. The inadequacy of sheep blood was observed by a mortality extremely high, poor moulting response and drastic reduction in egg production.

The ontogenetic threshold related to the large size difference between heteromorphic larva and post-larva has inevitably led to larval parasitism and regression of nymphal instars in trombiculid mites. It is most likely that mammals are primary hosts of trombiculid larvae, whereas the use of other terrestrial vertebrates as hosts arose later. An association with a host takes only a short time from the entire life cycle of a trombiculid mite; a mite spends the rest of its life as a free-living soil-dweller. As a result, host selection by a trombiculid larva is determined mainly by habitat distribution of a host rather than by its taxonomic affinity.

This review examines the significant literature on the biology of Echinostoma species in the "revolutum" group. We have considered 10 species belonging to this group. There is a considerable body of literature for four of the species, i.e. Echinostoma caproni, E. trivolvis, E. paraensei and E. revolutum. For these species we have arranged coverage to include the following headings: (1) systematic and descriptive studies; (2) experimental, manipulative and ecological studies; (3) physiological and biochemical studies; (4) immunological and molecular studies. For the remaining six species, i.e. E. friedi, E. miyagawai, E. echinatum, E. parvocirris, E. luisyrei and E. jurini, the literature is not very extensive, and headings were not used. Considerable information in various areas of modern parasitology can be obtained from species in the "revolutum" complex for which the entire life cycle is maintained in the laboratory. The review includes a list of researchers and their addresses who currently maintain such life cycles.

[Figure][1] The giant Madagascan hissing cockroach, Gromphadorhina portentosa , and the dermanyssid mite, Gromphadorholaelaps schaeferi , have evolved a very close partnership. The mites spend their entire life cycle on their host and when the host dies so do its mites. Some female mite

One hundred years ago Charles Nicolle and Louis Manceaux published the definitive description of the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle and Manceaux, 1909). Although this publication represents the authoritative definition of T. gondii, it was founded on their earlier attempts, and those of Alfonso Splendore, to classify this parasite (Nicolle, 1907; Nicolle and Manceaux, 1908). This initial difficulty in describing T. gondii foreshadows the many years following, where it remained a parasite of “doubtful nature” (Wenyon, 1926). Toxoplasma research has experienced periods of relatively slow progress since 1909, but the times during which work on the parasite appears to have languished are punctuated by technical developments and biological discoveries. During the past 25 years, our understanding of T. gondii and its impact on other infectious diseases has accelerated to a point where apparent fallow periods of research may be measured in weeks or months rather than years or decades. Historical perspective allows us to consider the context in which the seminal work and discoveries were made. Each of the historical reviews in this collection provides such a framework for a key area of study, in some cases with first-hand accounts of how timing, personality and serendipity all played a role in advancing investigations. In 1908, Splendore insightfully (and optimistically) wrote “I think that it is impossible to determine a specific classification of this new protozoa[n] before elucidation of the whole life cycle, and I hope to discover this in my future research….” (Splendore, 1908). He was indeed correct: definition of the entire life cycle was essential to establish that Toxoplasma is a coccidian parasite, but sadly, he was not able to clarify the process during his research career. Nevertheless, Splendore's vision captures the essence of subsequent Toxoplasma research. In this issue of the International Journal for Parasitology, we reproduce translations of the original articles of Splendore, Nicolle and Manceaux which were published in 1978 in a collection entitled ‘Tropical Medicine and Parasitology: Classic Investigations’ edited by B. H. Kean and others (Kean et al., 1978). To set the stage for other reviews presented here, a discussion focused on the circumstances of the discovery of Toxoplasma and other early investigations of parasite behavior, provides context for the questions and problems that were to be solved over the ensuing decades (Morrissette and Ajioka, 2009). This is followed by articles by David Ferguson and by J. P. Dubey (Ferguson, 2009; Dubey, 2009) that describe discovery of the Toxoplasma sexual cycle which took place approximately 60 years after Splendore's prophetic words. Technical advances in microscopy promoted the ultrastructural studies that defined many of the organelles that are characteristic of this phylum, and these descriptions were key to grouping Toxoplasma with other apicomplexan parasites (Dubremetz and Ferguson, 2009). The medical history of Toxoplasma really began 20 years after the parasite was first observed as an infection in rabbits and gundis and another 50 years passed before Toxoplasma took on an unexpected and dangerously widespread role as an opportunistic infection in AIDS patients (Weiss and Dubey, 2009). To document our ever-increasing knowledge of the components that drive pathogenesis, the next articles in this special issue detail the relationship between Toxoplasma and its host (Boyle and Radke, 2009), the development of genetic methods to study these parasites (Sibley, 2009), and genetic diversity of Toxoplasma strains (Grigg and Sundar, 2009). As a coda for this collection of articles, John Boothroyd provides a perspective on the most surprising and illuminating discoveries in the last 25 years of research on Toxoplasma, with a look to the questions that will occupy Toxoplasma researchers in the next century (Boothroyd, 2009). Ironically, none of the original pioneering scientists lived long enough to enjoy the real fruits of their discovery, but would undoubtedly be pleased to see the contribution of T. gondii research on our current understanding of infectious disease. If Charles Nicolle were alive today, he would likely consider the discovery of T. gondii on par with his Nobel prize-winning work on the transmission of typhus (Nicolle et al., 1909). The articles here pay homage to all of the scientists that have contributed to Toxoplasma research over the past 100 years and are dedicated to those that will continue this legacy.

The effect of sublethal levels of methylparathion (0,1, 3, 5, 7 mg 1−1) on the freshwater rotifer, Brachionus calyciflorus, during their entire life cycle was studied. Rotifers were fed on two species of unicellular algae: Nannochloris oculata and Chlorella pyrenoidosa; both algal concentrations were 5 × 105 cell ml−1.

The rust fungus Puccinia jaceae (Otth) var. solstitialis field isolate FDWSRU 84-71 (formerly TR 84–96) was first released in California for the biological control of yellow starthistle (YST; Centaurea solstitialis) in July 2003. This isolate was collected by S. S. Rosenthal in 1984, east of Yarhisar and Hafik (SIVAS), Turkey. It is macrocyclic and autoecious (1), completing its entire life cycle on YST. Observations were made in field plots west of Woodland, CA that had been inoculated on a monthly regimen between January and June of 2005. On February 22 and March 2, 2006, pycnia were observed in and around one of the plots (38°42.767′N, 121°53.732′W at an altitude of 57 m). Pycnia were yellow, flask shaped, and small (less than 100 μm in diameter), occurring in clusters on abaxial leaf surfaces or on petioles. DNA was isolated from pycnial and uredinial samples collected from the site and used for polymerase chain reaction amplification of the ITS2 region with P. jaceae specific primers. Sequences of amplicons from both samples were identical to FDWSRU 84-71 (GenBank Accession No. AF047728). Further amplification of pycnial DNA with PCR primers specific to the released P. jaceae isolate (2) produced the expected 851-bp amplicon. To our knowledge, this is the first report of pycnia from Puccinia jaceae var. solstitialis in the United States, suggesting that the YST rust is fully functional and completes its life cycle in California. References: (1) D. B. O. Savile. Can. J. Bot. 48:1553, 1970. (2) L. F. Yourman and D. G. Luster. Biol. Control 29:73, 2004.

The place of origin, sequence of appearance and the shape of various non-resinous secretions during the entire life cycle of both male and female lac insects, have been described here. Properties of the secretions found in the adult female are also given. A total of 20 non-resinous secretions has been found in Kerria lacca. Fourteen of these secretions–dorsal relic, pencils, brachial mass, large anal hairs, short anal hairs, brachial core, major spiracular secretion, minor spiracular secretion, non-stalked girdle fibres, stalked girdle fibres, thin ventral patch, oral lobe secretion, brachial marginal secretion and cavaera secretion–are present both in male and female lac insects. Three secretions– opercular secretion, canella secretion and caudal filaments–occur only in the male while the remaining three–ventrolateral compact flat fibres, ventrolateral long coiled threads and perivaginal fine filaments–occur only in the female. Two types of non-resinous secretions, 13 waxy and four non-waxy, occur in female K. lacca. The dorsal relic, pencils and their modifications (anal tubercular splint and anal tubercular shield), brachial mass, large anal hairs, short anal hairs, major spiracular secretion, minor spiracular secretion, non-stalked girdle fibres, thin ventral patch, oral lobe secretion, brachial marginal secretion, cavaera secretion and ventrolateral compact flat fibres are waxy in nature, whereas the brachial core, stalked girdle fibres, ventrolateral long coiled threads and perivaginal fine filaments are non-waxy.

The life history of Crouania pleonospora Taylor in unialgal culture exhibits the ‘Polysiphonia type’ of life cycle with the procarp consisting of a three to four celled carpogonial branch arising from a large supporting cell. Unfertilized procarps occasionally give rise to short, branched vegetative systems. Growth of the sporelings from carpospores and tetrapores is identical, while the entire life cycle in culture takes approximately sixty-three days.

Methods are presented for the cryopreservation of a sheathed microfilaria, Brugia malayi, and an unsheathed species, Dirofilaria corynodes. The former survived best when frozen at the rate of -0.8 degree or -0.5 degree C per minute using 9% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the cryopreservative. Approximately 52-79% of the thawed microfilariae developed to the third stage in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes versus 79% of the unfrozen specimens. For D. corynodes the optimum freezing rate was -2 degrees or -5 degrees C per minute, and 6% DMSO combined with 0.004 M polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) afforded the best cryoprotective effect. The development of thawed microfilariae in mosquitoes ranged from 22-32% versus 29% for unfrozen specimens. In general, the viability of both species of microfilaria was retained best when stored in liquid nitrogen (-196 degrees C). The entire life cycle of B. malayi was completed in the laboratory using cryopreserved microfilariae as the initial source. The cryopreservation of Wuchereria bancrofti also is discussed.

Leaves from 90-day-old Saxifraga cernua plants which had been grown at 10 °C had more linolenic acid and less linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids than did leaves from plants grown at 20 °C. When the linolenic acid content of the leaves was measured over the entire life cycle, the plants reached 66 days of age before the linolenic acid content was greater in 10 °C-grown plants than in 20 °C-grown plants. Plants grown at 20 °C, which had been shifted to 10 °C for 4 days, generally had more linolenic acid than plants grown continually at 20 °C, but there were few statistically significant differences. Larger increases tended to occur in plants which were older than 58 days at the time of the temperature shift. The corresponding shift of 10 °C-grown plants to 20 °C for 4 days resulted in inconsistent differences in linolenic acid content.

Chrysops atlanticus, an American species of deerfly collected along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, will support the development of the microfilaria of human Loa loa to the infective stage. Development takes place in the fat body of the fly and requires 9 to 10 days of development and pattern of morphogenesis of the parasite in C. atlanticus is virtually identical to that described in natural African vectors. Chrysops atlanticus will support the development of large numbers of L. loa to the infective stage without apparent ill effects. Two uninfected patas nonkeys each were given 75 third-stage larvae obtained from experimentally infected C. atlanticus. Both animals developed patent infections in approximately 5 months, clearly demonstrating that the entire life cycle of Loa loa can be maintained in the laboratory outside endemic areas.

Summary The paper contains the description of a new septatte gregarine Steinina palorusi n. sp. (Apicomplexa Spororoea) from the midgut of the larvae of a tenebrionid beetle, Palorus sp. The entire life cycle and seasonal intensity of the parasite have been worked out and its affinities discussed. Observations of a few cytochemical tests on some stages of the organism have also been given.

Several parameters that characterize a population arising from a single male–female pair of Oikopleura dioica Fol, 1872 (Appendicularia) were studied in our culture system. Egg volume varied by a factor of 1.4. Daily size of individuals in a population followed a Gaussian distribution, and the spread of this distribution increased with time. In a population that arose at 18 °C from 252 eggs, mortality reduced the number of individuals to 162 after 5 days. During the following 4 days, the appendicularians reached sexual maturity and died after gametes were released. The first individuals to mature were males, 115 h after fertilization. Average trunk sizes of mature animals are 942 ± 95 μm for males and 1165 ± 104 μm for females. All appendicularians released their gametes and died 215 h after fertilization. The number of eggs per female showed considerable variation, ranging between 41 and 362, with an average of 170 ± 78. Different causes for mortality during the entire life cycle are analysed.

Summary The paper contains the description of a new cephaline gregarine Stylocephalus apapillatus n. sp. (Sporozoa: Protozoa) from the midgut of the beetle, Gonocephalum sp. The entire life cycle of the parasite has been worked out and its affinities discussed. Observations of a few cytochemical tests on some stages of the organism have also been given.

1. 1. The total lipid and the phospholipid of the house cricket, Acheta domesticus (L.), were studied during its entire life cycle. 2. 2. Total lipid decreased during the egg and early larval stages, then rose steadily during the remainder of larval life. Total lipid in adult males gradually declined with age, while in the females the total lipid decreased during the first 3 weeks, then increased slightly. 3. 3. Phospholipid remained more or less contant during the entire life cycle. Phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin showed cyclical patterns of change during the life cycle, whereas phosphatidylethanolamine was constant during the egg stage and, at a higher level, constant during postembryonic life.