Yungahelea, a new genus of predaceous midge from northwestern Argentina (Culicomorpha: Ceratopogonidae)

ABSTRACT A new monotypic genus and species of predaceous midge from the southernmost area of the Argentinean Yungas, Yungahelea australis Spinelli and Ronderos, is described and illustrated from male and female adults. It belongs to a group containing the Ceratopogonini genera Parabezzia Malloch, Diaphanobezzia Ingram and Macfie, Spinellihelea Borkent, Grogan and Picado, Leptohelea Wirth and Blanton, and Fittkauhelea Wirth and Blanton. Phylogenetic interpretation indicates that Yungahelea is the sister group of Spinellihelea or the clade composed by Parabezzia and Diaphanobezzia.

Larval structure of Passalus gravelyiand sexual dimorphism in Passalid larvae / Estructura larval de Passalus gravelyi y dimorfismo sexual en larvas de Passalidae

The adults and larvae of Passalidae are subsocial insects commonly found in tropical forests, living in decaying wood gallery systems constructed by adults. Currently, few repots on the larvae of Neotropical Passalidae have been published and information is scarce. In this study, the Passalus (Pertinax) gravelyiMoreira, 1922 larvae is described for the first time, based on ten larval specimens 1 (1° instar), 4 (2° instar), and 5 (3° instar) associated with three adults collected from a single colony at the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia (Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The description was carried out based on electronic and digital photographs of diagnostic structures, with some details on the systematic of the species. The larvae of Passalus gravelyihas the general setal 'Pertinax' pattern and differed from others by 16 to 18 setae on the anal ring, the other larvae data from Brazilian species show the anal ring with 10 to 12 setae. A discussion on the presence of sexual dimorphism in 62 species of two and three instars of Passalidae larvae is provided for the first time. Besides, a description of the terminal ampullapresent as a cuticular structure found in the medial-ventral area of the 9th abdominal sternite in males is also given. The terminal ampullawas only observed in the Passalidae male larvae and was not visible in female larvae. The terminal ampullaare acknowledged now in males of 64 passalid species, that are taxonomically distributed in world tropical forests, at the Oriental and Australian subfamily Aulacocyclinae (Aulacocyclini & Ceracupini) and the cosmotropical subfamily Passalinae (Solenocyclini, Macrolinini, Passalini, & Proculini).

Passalidae son insectos subsociales, los adultos y larvas son comunes en bosques tropicales, viven dentro de troncos podridos en un sistema de galerías construido por los adultos. A la fecha, pocos estudios han sido publicados sobre larvas de Passalidae neotropicales. En el presente trabajo, se describe por primera vez la larva de Passalus (Pertinax) gravelyiMoreira, 1922, con base en 10 especímenes: uno de primer estadio, cuatro de segundo estadio y cinco de tercer estadio, asociados con tres adultos de un grupo familiar recolectado en el Parque Nacional de Itatiaia (Río de Janeiro, Brasil). La descripción esta fundamentada en microfotografías electrónicas y digitales de los caracteres diagnósticos que muestran detalles sobre la sistemática de la especie. La larva de Passalus gravelyimuestra el patrón setal general de 'Pertinax' y difiere de otras larvas del sub&género Pertinaxpor tener el anillo anal con 16 a 18 setas, las seis especies de larvas descritas del Brasil tienen en el anillo anal con 10 a 12 setas. Por primera vez se discute la presencia de dimorfismo sexual en larvas de 62 especies de Passalidae, describiendo el ampulla terminalpresente en el macho y localizada en el área cuticular media ventral del noveno esternito abdominal. El ampulla terminales visible ventralmente solo en la larva macho y no es visible en la larva hembra; esta estructura cuticular es común en el macho sobre el noveno esternito abdominal del segundo y tercer estadio larval y no está presente en la larva de primer estadio. El ampulla terminales conocida en 62 especies agrupadas taxonómicamente en la subfamilia oriental y australiana Aulacocyclinae (Aulacocyclini e Ceracupini) y en la subfamilia cosmotropical Passalinae (Solenocyclini, Macrolinini, Passalini, e Proculini).

A New Species of Chigger Mite (Acari: Trombiculidae) from Rodents in Southwest China

This paper describes a new species of chigger mite (Acari: Trombiculidae), Gahrliepia cangshanensis n. sp., from rodents in southwest China. The specimens were collected from Yunnan red-backed voles, Eothenomys miletus (Thomas, 1914), and a Chinese white-bellied rat, Niviventer confucianus (Milne-Edwards, 1871) in Yunnan Province. The new species is unique mainly in its number of dorsal setae (n=21), and it has the following features: fT (formula of palpotarsus)=4B (B=branched), fp (formula of palpal seta)=B/N/N/N/B (N=naked), a broad tongue-shaped scutum with an almost straight posterior margin, and 17 PPLs (posterior posterolateral seta) with a length of 36-43 microm. This chigger mite may also infect other rodent hosts and may be distributed in other localities.

Ovary histology and quantification of hemolymph proteins of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus treated with Melia azedarach / Histologia do ovário e quantificação de proteínas na hemolinfa de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tratado com Melia azedarach

This study aimed to analyze ovary histology and quantify total protein in the hemolymph of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus females treated with hexane extracts from green fruits of Melia azedarach. Eight engorged females were immersed in the extract at 0.25% concentration, and eight in water containing 5% acetone (control). The females were dissected 72 hours after treatment, and the ovaries were weighed and subjected to standard histological techniques. The total protein concentration was measured in the hemolymph of 200 females, of which 100 were treated as described above and 100 served as a control. In the treated group, ovary weight reduction and predominance of immature oocytes were observed. In addition, there were decreases in the diameters of the cytoplasm and germ vesicle of the oocytes in the treated group, compared with the controls. The protein concentration in the hemolymph was higher in the treated group than in the controls. The morphological changes observed in the treated ovaries included: presence of vacuolization; alteration of oocyte morphology, which changed from rounded to elongated; deformation of the chorion; and disorganization of the yolk granules. These results demonstrate the action of M. azedarach fruit extracts on R. (B.) microplus oogenesis.

Este estudo foi desenvolvido, visando analisar a histologia do ovário e quantificar as proteínas totais na hemolinfa de fêmeas de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tratadas com extrato hexânico de frutos verdes de Melia azedarach. Oito fêmeas ingurgitadas foram tratadas por imersão com o extrato na concentração de 0,25%, e oito com água contendo 5% de acetona (controle). As fêmeas foram dissecadas 72 horas após o tratamento e os ovários foram pesados e submetidos a técnicas histológicas padrões. A concentração total de proteína foi mensurada na hemolinfa de 200 fêmeas, sendo 100 tratadas como descrito anteriormente e 100 como controle. Foi observada redução do peso dos ovários, predomínio de ovócitos imaturos e houve diminuição nos diâmetros do citoplasma e da vesícula germinal dos ovócitos do grupo tratado em comparação ao controle. A concentração de proteína na hemolinfa foi mais alta no grupo tratado que no controle. As alterações morfológicas observadas nos ovários tratados foram a presença de vacuolizações, alteração da morfologia dos ovócitos que mudaram de redondos para alongados, deformação do córion e desorganização dos grânulos de vitelo. Estes resultados demonstram a ação do extrato de M. azedarach na ovogênese de R. (B.) microplus.

Echinostoma macrorchis in Lao PDR: Metacercariae in Cipangopaludina Snails and Adults from Experimentally Infected Animals

The echinostome metacercariae encysted in Cipangopaludina sp. snails that were purchased from a market in Vientiane Municipality, Lao PDR, were identified as Echinostoma macrorchis (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) through recovery of adult flukes after experimental infection to rats and a cat. The metacercariae were round, 113-128 (121)x113-125 (120) microm, having a thick cyst wall, a head collar armed with collar spines, and excretory granules. The adult flukes recovered from the rats and cat at day 14 and 30 post-infection, respectively, were elongated, ventrally curved, and 3.9-6.3x0.7-1.1 mm in size. The head collar was distinct, bearing 43-45 collar spines with 5 angle spines on each side. Two testes were large (as the name implies), tandem, and slightly constricted at the middle, with irregular margins. Eggs were operculated, ovoid to elliptical, and 88-95x56-60 microm. In scanning electron microscopy, the head collar was prominent, with 43-45 collar spines. Scale-like tegumental spines were densely distributed on the ventral surface between the oral and ventral suckers. Sensory papillae were distributed mainly on the tegument around the 2 suckers. It is confirmed that E. macrorchis is distributed in Lao PDR using Cipangopaludina sp. snails as the second intermediate host.

Proboscis Length and Resource Utilization in Two Uruguayan Bumblebees: Bombus atratus Franklin and Bombus bellicosus Smith (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Bumblebees (Bombus sp.) are eusocial insects with an annual life cycle whose use as pollinator of crops has gained great importance in modern agriculture. Several authors have found that resource use in Bombus species is usually based on the correlation between the proboscis length of the bumblebees and the corolla depth of the flowers. The aim of this study was to determine proboscis length of Bombus atratus and B. bellicosus, two Uruguayan bumblebees, and verify the resource exploitation testing two cultivated species, the red clover and the bird's foot trefoil. Bumblebee foraging activity was recorded in two culture conditions: in a red clover and bird's foot trefoil mixed meadow, and in contiguous plots of these legumes, and the proboscis length of collected foragers was determined. Both species of bumblebees exploited red clover and bird's foot trefoil although they did it in different proportions in all instances tested. The results indicated that the choice of the resources in B. atratus and B. bellicosus was influenced by their proboscis length. Bombus atratus has a longer proboscis and preferably visited red clover, possibly obtaining nectar easier and faster than B. bellicosus, which has a shorter proboscis. Bombus bellicosus used both resources without any clear preference.

Cirugía axilar endoscópica: modelo de entrenamiento animal / Axillary endoscopic surgery: an animal training model

El objetivo del presente estudio fue desarrollar una herramienta de entrenamiento para la cirugía endoscópica axilar y evaluar su aplicabilidad en un modelo animal. Se realizaron 20 disecciones endoscópicas axilares en 10 cochinos vivos anestesiados. La evaluación de la adquisición de destrezas se realizó a traves de la comparación del tiempo requerido para cada intervención quirúrgica, registrandose de manera secuencial durante un período de seis meses en una serie de tres fases. Se utilizaron cochinas hembras, domésticas, libre de patógenos raza Landrace, eutróficas de tamaño mediano (peso entre 25 y 35 kilogramos), y edad que varió entre 3 y 4 meses, del bioterio del Instituto de Cirugía Experimental de la Universidad Central de Venezuela. El tiempo medio de disección fue de 25.6 + 7.09 minutos. El contenido axilar fue identificado bajo visión endoscópica en 85% de los casos. Las complicaciones intraoperatorias ocurrieron en dos disecciones incluyendo hemorragia incontrolable y enfisema subcutáneo. El tejido fibroglandular fue removido en el 90% de las disecciones. En todas las disecciones axilares se empleó la disección roma digital y la insuflación continua de CO2 entre 8-10 mmHg. En este estudio se logró diseñar un modelo animal como paso inicial de la disección linfática axilar endoscópica en el contexto de un Instituto Experimental. Con el modelo en cochinos vivos, el cirujano puede aprender a manejar las estructuras atraumáticamente para obtener hemostasia, a remover ganglios linfáticos y a usar instrumentos endoscópicos en un espacio cerrado de complicada anatomía con una gran cantidad de estructuras nerviosas y vasculares, lo que permite el desarrollo de un modelo de entrenamiento de destrezas endoscópicas avanzadas.

The objetive of this study was to develop a training tool for endoscopic axillary surgery and evaluate their applicability in an animal model. We performed 20 endoscopic axillary dissection in 10 anesthetized living pings. The assessment of skill acquisition was made by comparing the time required for each surgery sequentially recorded over a period of six months in a series of three phases. Filthy females were used, domestic, Landrace pathogen free, eutrophic, medium size (weighing between 25 and 35 kg), and age ranged from 3 to 4 months, the animal facility of the Instituto Experimental de Cirugía of the Universidad Central de Venezuela. The mean length of dissection was 25.6 + 9.7 minutes. The axillary contents were identified under endoscopic vision in 85% of cases. Surgical complications ocurred in two dissection including uncontrolled bleeding and subcutaneous emphysema. Fibroglandular tissue was removed in 90% of dissection. In all axillary dissection blunt dissection was used as well as digital and continuous CO2 insufflation between 8-10 mmHg. It was possible to desing an animal model as an initial step of endoscopic axillary lymph node dissection in the context of an Experimental Institute. With the model in live pigs, the surgeon can leam to manage endoscopic instrumens used in a confined space of complex anatomy with a lot of nerve and vascular structures, to treat the structure for atraumatic hemostasi and to remove lymph nodes, allowing the development of an advance model for endoscopic skills training.

Morphologic and Genetic Identification of Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense in Korea

Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense was first described by Yamane in 1986 but the taxonomical features have been obscure due to lack of critical morphologic criteria in its larval and adult stages. In Korea, this tapeworm had long been known as Diphyllobothrium latum. In this study, we observed 62 specimens collected from Korean residents and analyzed them by morphological features and nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial cox1 gene as well as the ITS1 region. Adult tapeworms were examined after carmine or trichrome stain. Longitudinal sections of the gravid proglottids showed an obtuse angle of about 150 degree between the cirrus sac and seminal vesicle. This angle is known as a major differential point compared with that of D. latum. Nucleotide sequence differences between D. latum and the specimens from Koreans represented 17.3% in mitochondrial DNA cox1 gene. Sequence divergence of ITS1 among 4 Korean isolates was 0.3% and similarity was 99.7% with D. nihonkaiense and D. klebanovskii. All of the Korean specimens analyzed in this study were identified as being D. nihonkaiense (n = 62). We propose its Korean name as "Dong-hae-gin-chon-chung" which means 'long tapeworm of the East Sea' for this newly analyzed diphyllobothriid tapeworm in Korea.

A Human Case of Clinostomum complanatum Infection in Korea

A 33-year-old Korean man visited a medical clinic with complaints of throat discomfort and pain for one week. The symptoms occurred one day after eating raw brackish water fish, perch. Endoscopy revealed a fluke, about 5 mm in length, attaching to and peristaltically moving on the surface of the mucosa at the arytenoid region of the larynx. Microscopically, the testes were triangular, tandem, and separated by the uterus. The ovary and cirrus pouch were placed apart from median line between testes. Numerous blood cells were observed in the ceca. The worm was identified to be Clinostomum complanatum. This is the second human case of clinostomiasis in Korea.

Morfología del cibario en subgéneros de Psorophora Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Culicidae) / Cibarial morphology in Psorophora Robineau-Desvoidy subgenera (Diptera: Culicidae)

We describe the cibarial morphology in eight Psorophora species Robineau-Desvoidy: Ps. (Grabhamia) cingulata (Fabricius), Ps. (Gra.) confinnis (Lynch Arribálzaga), Ps. (Janthinosoma) ferox (Humboldt), Ps. (Jan.) albipes (Theobald), Ps. (Jan.) cyanescens (Coquillett), Ps. (Psorophora) lineata (Humboldt), Ps. (Pso.) cilipes (Fabricius), y Ps. (Pso.) ciliata (Fabricius). The species belonging to subgenus Grabhamia Theobald are characterized by palatal papillae in central position and the presence of cibarial armature. The teeth in Ps. cingulata are equal meanwhile in Ps. confinnis the internal row is spatulate with apex denticulate. In Janthinosoma Lynch Arribálzaga we observed six palatal papillae (the fore pair with less size to others) and armature absent, instead we observe small spicules toward posterior plate: abundant in Ps. ferox, and few in Ps. albipes and Ps. cyanescens. The subgenus Psorophora presents four equal size palatal papillae, cibarial armature absent, also distinctive number of trichoid sensilla (12-17), in comparison to other two subgenera (5-10). We suggest to include those diagnostic characters in the future taxonomic and systematic studies in the genus Psorophora.

Se describe la morfología del cibario en ocho especies de Psorophora Robineau-Desvoidy: Ps. (Grabhamia) cingulata (Fabricius), Ps. (Gra.) confinnis (Lynch Arribálzaga), Ps. (Janthinosoma) ferox (Humboldt), Ps. (Jan.) albipes (Theobald), Ps. (Jan.) cyanescens (Coquillett), Ps. (Psorophora) lineata (Humboldt), Ps. (Pso.) cilipes (Fabricius), y Ps. (Pso.) ciliata (Fabricius). Los integrantes del subgénero Grabhamia Theobald se caracterizan por la posición central de las papilas palatales y la presencia de armadura cibarial, en Ps. cingulata los dientes son todos iguales, mientras que en Ps. confinnis la hilera más interna es espatulada con ápices dentados. En Janthinosoma Lynch Arribálzaga se observaron seis papilas palatales, (el par anterior de menor tamaño a las otras), y no presenta armadura, no obstante, en su lugar se aprecian pequeñas espículas hacia la placa posterior, que variaron en Ps. ferox (abundantes sobre placa posterior), Ps. albipes y Ps. cyanescens (pocas sobre la placa posterior). En Psorophora se apreciaron cuatro papilas palatales de igual tamaño, no se presenta armadura cibarial, sin embargo, fueron distintivos el número de sensillas tricoideas (12-17) respecto a los otros subgéneros (5-10). Estas características permiten diferenciar los tres subgéneros, y sugieren la inclusión de dichos caracteres en los estudios taxonómicos o sistemáticos del género.

Genitalia de tres especies de Heilipus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) que dañan frutos de aguacate (Persea americana Mill) en México y Costa Rica / Genitalia of three species of Heilipus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) that damage avocado fruits (Persea americana Mill.) in Mexico and Costa Rica

The male and female genitaliae of three species of the genus Heilipus Germar (H. lauri Boheman, H. pittieri Barber and H. trifasciatus Fabricius) that damage avocado fruits (Persea americana Mill.) in Mexico and Costa Rica are described and illustrated. The aedeagus, spiculum gastrale, styli of 8th sternite are different in each one of the three species studied and can be used for specific identification.

La genitalia masculina y femenina de tres especies de Heilipus Germar (H. lauri Boheman, H. pittieri Barber y H. trifasciatus) que dañan frutos de aguacate (Persea americana Mill.) en México y Costa Rica es descrita e ilustrada. El edeago, espícula gastrale, y estilos del esternitos VIII son diferentes en cada una de las tres especies estudiadas y pueden ser usadas para la identificación específica.

Effect of ovine follicular fluid peptide on ovarian responses and other organ weights in rats, Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout 1769.

The present study was aimed to study the effect of an ovine follicular fluid peptide on ovarian follicle and good oocyte numbers and weights of ovary, uterus, liver, pancreas and kidney in rats, R. norvegicus. A 30.1 kDa peptide was isolated from ovine follicular fluid by ammonium sulphate precipitation and then gel filtration. The peptide was tested at various levels in normal (22 and 36 day-old), superovulated (29 day-old) immature and 121-day old mature rats on the ovarian responses and other organ weights. The isolated peptide inhibited the growth of antral follicles in normal and superovulated rats. Ovarian, uterine weight and recovery of good oocytes were reduced when the peptide was administered at 100 microg dose. The peptide had no effect on kidney, liver, pancreas weight and recovery of preantral follicles.

Redescription of Chironomus salinarius (Diptera: Chironomidae), nuisance midges that emerged in brackish water of Jinhae-man (Bay), Kyongsangnam-do, Korea

Huge numbers of non-biting midges emerged from brackish water which were made at the harbor construction field in Jinhae City, Kyongsangnam-do, Korea in late summer in 2005, and caused a serious nuisance to villagers. The midges were collected and identified as Chironomus salinarius (Kieffer, 1921). Although this species was recorded in Korea for the first time in 1998, the morphological descriptions were so brief and simple. A full redescription is made with detailed illustrations for ecological and control workers of this nuisance midge.

Structure and function of the spermathecal complex in the phlebotomine sandfly Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli (Diptera: Psychodidae): I. ultrastructure and histology.

Females of phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) possess highly variable spermathecae that present several important taxonomic characters. The cause of this diversity remains a neglected field of sandfly biology, but may possibly be due to female post-mating sexual selection. To understand this diversity, a detailed study of the structure and function of the spermathecal complex in at least one of the species was a prerequisite. Using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, described here is ultrastructure of the spermathecal complex in the sand fly, Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli. The spermathecal complexes are paired; each consists of a long spermathecal duct, a cylindrical spermathecal body, and a spherical spermathecal gland. Muscle fibres, nerves, tracheoles, and vascular sinuses connect the spermathecal body and duct through the epithelial layers. Spermathecal gland is formed by a typical insect epidermis and consisting of an epithelial layer of class-1 epidermal cells and elaborate glandular cells of class-3 epidermal cells, each having both receiving and conducting ductules (i.e. "end apparatus") and a "cytological apodeme", which is a newly described cell structure. The spermathecal body and duct are lined by class-1 epidermal cells and a cuticle, and are enveloped by a super-contracting visceral muscular system. The cuticle consists of rubber-like resilin, and its fibrillar arrangement and chemical nature are described. A well-developed neuromuscular junction exists between the spermathecal gland and the spermathecal body, which are connected to each other by a nerve and a muscle. The spermathecal complexes of the sandfly are compared with those of other insect species. The physiological role and possible evolutionary significance of the different parts of spermathecal complex in the sandfly are inferred from the morphology and behaviour. Post-mating sexual selection may be responsible for the structural uniqueness of the spermathecal complex in phlebotomine sandflies.

Structure and function of the spermathecal complex in the phlebotomine sandfly Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli (Diptera: Psychodidae): II. post-copulatory histophysiological changes during the gonotrophic cycle.

The spermathecal complex of Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli (Diptera: Psychodidae) undergoes histological and physiological changes during its gonotropic cycle. The present histochemical study revealed a mucopolysaccharide secretory mass in the spermathecae of the newly emerged sandfly. Sperm competition occurs when two or more males compete to fertilize an ovum in the female reproductive tract. In this study, spermatophores of two or more competing males were deposited at the base of the spermathecal ducts, which originate from the female bursa copulatrix. This suggests that females play a role in sperm displacement, which is defined as any situation in which the last male to mate with a female fertilizes maximum number her eggs. A blood meal ingested by the female for ovary development and egg laying stimulates the release of sperm from the spermatophore. The spermatozoa then migrate to the lumen of the spermatheca. The ultrastructure of spermatozoa comprises a head with double-layered acrosomal perforatorium, an elongate nucleus, and the axoneme with a 9 + 9 + 0 flagellar pattern. This axomene differs from the flagellate axoneme of other Psychodinae. Morphological changes, such as the casting off of the acrosomal membrane, and histological changes in the spermatophore are also described. Mating plugs that have been described previously in sandflies appear to be artefacts. Females of P. papatasi may be inseminated more than once during each gonotrophic cycle, and additional inseminations may be necessary for each cycle. The relationships between the volumes of the sperm and the spermatheca were calculated to determine sperm utilization and fecundity of P. papatasi. As the females of P. papatasi mate polyandrously, the anatomical and physiological complexity of the spermathecal complex may be related to post-copulatory sexual selection.

Arquitetura fibro-muscular do segmento íleo-ceco-retal em galinhas (Gallus gallus) / Fiber-muscular architecture of ileo-caeco-rectal junction in domestic fowl

O segmento íleo-ceco-retal do tubo intestinal das aves é de vital importância para a otimizaçäo de seus processos digestivos e absorvitivos; no entanto, os elementos morfofuncionais que participam desta atividade säo pouco conhecidos. Nosso trabalho procurou demonstrar os aspectos mesoscópicos destes elementos.