Description of an automatic copulation induction system used to establish a free-mating laboratory colony of Nyssorhynchus deaneorum from Brazil

BACKGROUND Nyssorhynchus deaneorum is a potential malaria vector because it has been shown to be competent to transmit Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum, and because it exhibits antropophilic and endophilic behaviors in some regions of the Amazon. This profile makes Ny. deaneorum a useful mosquito for experiments that model Plasmodium-vector interactions in the Amazon. OBJECTIVE Herein we describe how a free-mating colony of Ny. deaneorum has been established using an automated light stimulation system. METHODS Mosquitoes were captured in São Francisco do Guaporé, Rondônia. The F1 generation was reared until adult emergence at which point copulation was induced using an automatic copulation induction system (ACIS). FINDINGS After four generations, natural mating and oviposition began to occur without light stimulation. The number of pupae and adult mosquitoes increased from the F5 to F10 generations. The new Ny. deaneorum colony exhibited susceptibility to P. vivax. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Automated light stimulation is an effective method for establishing an Ny. deaneorum colony under laboratory conditions as it produces enough adults to create a stenogamic colony. The establishment of a stable, P. vivax-susceptible colony of Ny. deaneorum makes it possible to model parasite-vector interactions and to test novel drug therapies that target parasite development in mosquitoes.

First evidence of Zika virus venereal transmission in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

BACKGROUND Aedes aegypti is considered the main Zika virus (ZIKV) vector, and is thought to be responsible for the 2015-2016 outbreak in Brazil. Zika positive Ae. aegypti males collected in the field suggest that vertical and/or venereal transmission of ZIKV may occur. OBJECTIVES In this study, we aimed to demonstrate that venereal transmission of ZIKV by Ae. aegypti can occur under laboratory conditions. METHODS Ae. aegypti collected in the city of Manaus, confirmed as negative for Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya virus by reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) (AaM3V- strain), were reared under laboratory conditions and used for the experiments. The ZIKV used in this study was isolated from a patient presenting with symptoms; ZIKV was confirmed by RT-qPCR. Experiment 1: virgin male mosquitoes of AaM3V- strain were intrathoracically inoculated with a ZIKV suspension; four days after injection, they were transferred to a cage containing virgin females of AaM3V- strain and left to copulate for five days. Experiment 2: virgin female mosquitoes of AaM3V- strain were orally infected with a ZIKV suspension by blood feeding membrane assay; nine days after blood feeding, they were placed in cages with Ae. aegypti AaM3V- virgin males and left to copulate for four days. After copulation, all mosquitoes were individually evaluated for viral infection by RT-qPCR. FINDINGS The mean infection rate in Experiment 1 and Experiment 2 was 45% and 35%, respectively. In both experiments, cycle threshold values ranged from 13 to 35, indicating the presence of viral genomes. MAIN CONCLUSION Ae. aegypti males intrathoracically inoculated with a ZIKV suspension are infected and can transmit the virus to uninfected females by mating. Moreover, Ae. aegypti females orally infected with a ZIKV suspension can transmit the virus to uninfected males by copulation. This study shows that ZIKV infection of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes occurs not only during blood feeding, but also during copulation.

Evasive mating behaviour by female nurse sharks, Ginglymostoma cirratum (Bonnaterre, 1788), in an equatorial insular breeding ground

Mating events and aggregations of vulnerable nurse sharks Ginglymostoma cirratum were recorded in the insular protected area of Fernando de Noronha (FEN), Brazil, between April and August 2015. Female sharks were observed clustering in groups of up to 14 individuals in shallow water adjacent to the shore. Several evasive mating behaviours in the presence of males were noticed, including shoreward movement, positioning ventral side up at the sea surface with emerged pectoral and pelvic fins, body rolling and caudal fin thrashing. Fresh bite marks indicative of male courtship and coupling attempts were visible in female's pectoral and caudal fins. Altogether, the observed behaviours match previous reports of non-cooperative female nurse sharks during mating opportunities. An extended mating season coupled with a persistent use of inshore habitats result in nurse sharks being particularly vulnerable to human pressure during a most sensitive stage of their life cycle. The effective conservation of nurse shark populations from the western South Atlantic may thus depend on the protection of critical habitats where this species aggregates to reproduce. Explicitly addressing environmental requirements by vulnerable species in local management strategies is indispensable to ensure that human pressure, including ecotourism development, does not collide with stipulated conservation aims.(AU)

Agregações e eventos reprodutivos do vulnerável tubarão-lixa, Ginglymosytoma cirratum , foram registrados na área insular protegida do Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha (FEN), Brasil, entre Abril e Agosto de 2015. Grupos constituídos por até 14 fêmeas foram observados em águas rasas adjacentes à linha costeira. Perante a presença de machos, diversos comportamentos evasivos por parte das fêmeas foram identificados, incluíndo movimentação para águas ainda mais rasas, posicionamento na superfície do mar com a face ventral orientada para cima e emersão das nadadeiras peitorais e pélvicas, enrolamento do corpo e batimento da nadadeira caudal na superfície do mar. Foram identificadas marcas recentes de mordida nas nadadeiras peitorais e caudais das fêmeas, sugerindo interações de acasalamento com machos. No geral, os comportamentos observados coincidem com os comportamentos exibidos por fêmeas não aquiescentes à cópula reportados no hemisfério norte. Em FEN, a duração relativamente longa do período de acasalamento, juntamente com a utilização persistente dos habitats mais costeiros, promovem a vulnerabilidade do tubarão lixa às pressões antrópicas durante uma das fases mais sensíveis do seu ciclo de vida. A conservação efetiva das populações de tubarão-lixa do Oceano Atlântico Sul ocidental poderá, assim, depender da proteção dos habitats críticos de agregação onde esta espécie se reproduz. Por conseguinte, a abordagem explícita dos requisitos ambientais associados a espécies vulneráveis no âmbito dos planos de manejo locais deve ser considerada como indispensável para assegurar que as pressões antrópicas, incluíndo o desenvolvimento ecoturístico, não comprometerão os objetivos conservacionistas estipulados.(AU)

Caracterización del comportamiento y las señales vibratorias en Euthyrhynchus floridanus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) durante el cortejo y la cópula / Characterization of the behavioral and vibrational signals in Euthyrhynchus floridanus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) during courtship and copulation

Euthyrhynchus floridanus (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a neotropical species belonging to the family Pentatomidae with over 4 000 species described, and is distributed from Florida to Brazil. This study describes the sexual behavior and reported for the first time the production of substrate vibrations by males and females during copulatory behavior and mating. Courtship and copulatory behavior, as well as the diverse signals, were recorded with a phonographic cartridge connected to a video camera. Female vibrations were reproduced in the absence of females and the responses by males were recorded. At least three types of substrate vibrations were distinguished in males and one in females, and these signals were characterized by their low frequency, varying from 127 to 180Hz. The sounds of E. floridianus males were significantly different in frequency, duration and number of pulses, both in courtship and in copulation, for the purring and drumming sounds. The production of sounds in this species is associated principally with mechanical, stimulatory behavior during courtship and copulation. Patterns of behavior and their relation to substrate vibrations suggest that these signals are important for the males in the context of mate location and sexual selection.

Euthyrhynchus floridanus (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) es una especie neotropical perteneciente a la familia Pentatomidae con más de 4 000 especies descritas, y se distribuye desde la Florida hasta Brasil. Este estudio describe el comportamiento sexual y reporta por primera vez la producción de vibraciones de sustrato por machos y hembras durante el comportamiento precopulatorio y la cópula. Se grabó tanto el comportamiento de cortejo y de cópula como las diversas señales producidas utilizando un cartucho fonográfico, conectado a una cámara de video. Posteriormente se reprodujo las vibraciones de las hembras en ausencia de estas y se registró las respuestas de los machos. Se distinguieron al menos tres vibraciones de sustrato distintas para los machos y una para las hembras, y se caracterizaron por ser señales de baja frecuencia que van desde los 127 hasta 180Hz. Las sonidos de los machos en E. floridianus fueron significativamente diferentes en la frecuencia, duración y número de pulsos tanto en el cortejo como en la cópula para los sonidos de ronroneo y tamborileo. La producción de sonidos en esta especie se asoció principalmente con comportamientos estimulatorios- mecánicos durante el cortejo y copula. Patrones de comportamiento y su relación con las vibraciones del sustrato sugiere que estas señales pueden ser importantes para los machos en el contexto de la localización de su compañera y la selección sexual.

Mating latency, duration of copulation and fertility in four species of the Drosophila bipectinata complex.

Significant interspecific variations in mean duration of copulation and fertility were observed in four species of the Drosophila bipectinata species complex. However, D. bipectinata showed positive correlation between duration of copulation and fertility. Similarly, D. malerkotliana showed negative correlation between mating latency and duration of copulation. Likewise, D. pseudoananassae showed positive correlation between mating latency and fertility. These results suggest that D. pseudoananassae has distant relatedness from the other three species with respect to mating latency, duration of copulation and fertility which supports the previous findings.

Extra group copulation in alouatta caraya (primates, atelidae) living on an island of urban forest from southeast São Paulo, Brazil

Extra group copulations are rarely observed among the Alouatta genus, which lives in a fragmented area in Brazil. Here, we describe the second extra group copulation in A. caraya in literature, which was the first from Brazil. This happened in the southeast urban island forest, which measures 25 ha. In this forest there are two troops: one of them with thirteen howlers and the other with four. These howlers may be extinct in a few years since in the region there is only 3.89 % of native forests and high anthropic action due to agribusiness. We discuss the possible issues that led to the extra group copulation.

Cópulas extra grupo raramente são observados em animais do gênero Alouatta, que vivem em áreas fragmentadas do Brasil. Aqui, descrevemos a segunda cópula extra grupo em A. caraya na literatura, que foi a primeira do Brasil. Isso aconteceu na floresta ilha urbana sudeste, que mede 25 ha. Nesta floresta existem dois bandos: um deles com treze bugios e o outro com quatro. Estes bugios podem ser extintos em poucos anos, uma vez que na região há apenas 3,89% de florestas nativas e alta ação antrópica, devido ao agronegócio. Nós discutimos os possíveis aspectos que levaram à cópula extra grupo.

Avaliação de dois métodos para condicionamento e coleta de sêmen em quatro espécies do gênero Mazama / Assessment of two methods for conditioning and semen collection in four species of Mazama genus

O desenvolvimento de técnicas não invasivas para a obtenção de sêmen de cervídeos facilita a criação de bancos genômicos, que são importantes instrumentos para a conservação ex situ e in situ. Este trabalho teve como objetivo criar uma metodologia não-invasiva de coleta de sêmen e comparar duas técnicas de coleta em quatro espécies do gênero Mazama: M. americana, M. gouazoubira, M. nana e M. nemorivaga. Para tanto, foram utilizados seis machos (M) e duas fêmeas (F) da espécie M. americana, 3M e 2F de M. gouazoubira, 1M e 1F de M. nana e 2M e 1F de M. nemorivaga. Para cada técnica testada, foi realizado um período de habituação dos animais ao manejo. Em seguida, duas técnicas de condicionamento e coleta foram avaliadas. Na primeira delas foi utilizada uma fêmea em estro com desvio lateral do pênis para vagina artificial (FEDL), obtendo-se a coleta de 50% dos indivíduos (100% dos machos de M. gouazoubira e 50% dos machos de M. americana), não obtendo ejaculados das demais espécies. Na segunda técnica, utilizando um manequim taxidermizado com urina de fêmea em estro (MUFE) não foi possível a coleta de nenhum ejaculado. Em todas as fases foi observado o comportamento do macho quanto ao tempo de interesse e aproximação, reflexo de "Flehmen", ato de cheirar ou lamber, exposição do pênis, ereção, número de falsas montas, tentativas de cópula e ocorrência de agressividade entre os animais.

The development of noninvasive techniques for obtaining semen from deer facilitates the creation of genome banks, which are important tools for ex situ and in situ conservation. This study aimed to establish a noninvasive method of semen collection and compare two techniques of collection in four species of the genus Mazama: M. americana, M. gouazoubira, M. nana and M. nemorivaga. To achieve this, 6 males (M) and 2 females (F) of the species M. Americana, 3M and 2F of M. gouazoubira, 1M and 1F of M. nana and 2M and 1F of M. nemorivaga were used. For each technique tested, a period of habituation to animal handling was conducted; then, the two conditioning techniques and collection were evaluated. In the first, a female in estrus was used with lateral deviation of the penis to an artificial vagina (FEDL), yielding collection from 50% of the males (100% from M. gouazoubira and 50% from M. americana), with no ejaculate from the remaining species. In the second technique, using a taxidermized dummy with urine from females in estrus (MUFE), no semen collection was possible. During all stages, male behavior was observed regarding the time of interest and approximation, the "Flehmen" response, the act of sniffing or licking, exposure of the penis, erection, number of false mounts, attempts at copulation and the occurrence of aggression between the deer.

Effects of post-coital administration of alkaloids from senna alata [linn. roxb] leaves on some fetal and maternal outcomes of pregnant rats

The abortifacient claim of Senna alata [S. alata] was scientifically validated recently with alkaloids speculated to be the bioactive agent. This speculation is yet to be substantiated or refuted by scientific evidence. The present study was aimed to investigate the pregnancy terminating effects of the alkaloids from S. alata leaves. Twenty four Pregnant rats [143.99 +/- 1.21 g] allocated randomly to four groups: A, B, C and D respectively received, 0.5 ml of distilled water, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of the S. alata extracted alkaloids orally, once daily from day 10 until day 18 post-coitum. The indices of abortifacient were evaluated at the end of the exposure period. The results were analyzed by both the analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test and p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Thin-layer chromatographic separation produced five spots with Rf values of 0.28, 0.33, 0.39, 0.47 and 0.55 which gave positive reaction with Meyer's and Wagner's reagents, respectively. The number of implantation sites and corpora lutea, as well as the concentrations of FSH, LH, progesterone, weight of uterus, uterine/body weight ratio, glucose and cholesterol decreased significantly [p<0.05] whereas the resorption index, pre- and post-implantation losses, uterine protein content and alkaline phosphatase activity increased significantly. None of the alkaloid treated animals presented with provoked vaginal opening or bleeding except fetal deaths. The alkaloid decreased the maternal weight gain, as well as feed and water intake. Overall, the alkaloids from S. alata leaves exhibited anti-implantation, anti-gonadotropic, anti-progesteronic, embryonic resorptive, feto-maternal toxic activities but not complete abortifacient. The alkaloids alone may not be the sole abortifacient bioactive agent in the leaf extract

Copulatory behaviour and the process of intromission in Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Complex genitalia occur in many arthropods and in some species extreme female morphologies lead to serious mechanical difficulties for males. Tephritid flies offer examples of such complex genitalia. Because of their economic importance and the extensive use of sterile male releases for tephritid control in Texas and Mexico, studies have been done on various aspects of their basic reproductive biology, but the process of intromission has received little attention. The distiphallus of the male of Anastrepha ludens is complex. One membranous sac on the distiphallus is capable of rhythmic cycles of inflation and deflation. Inflations of the sac near the base of the distiphallus probably help propel the aedeagus deeper into the female along with stiffening of the basiphallus and may drive the genital rod (which does not transfer sperm) into the ventral receptacle. We were unable to establish an association between some of the behaviours displayed by males during mating and intromission process. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (1): 291-297. Epub 2011 March 01.

En muchos artrópodos, se observan genitales complejos; la morfología extrema en las hembras podría conducir a serios problemas mecánicos para los machos (Kamimura & Matsuo 2001). Las moscas tefrítidas tienen ejemplos de tales órganos genitales complejos. Debido a su importancia económica y la amplia utilización de machos estériles para el control biológico en Texas y México, se han realizado estudios sobre diversos aspectos de su biología reproductiva, pero el proceso de penetración ha recibido muy poca atención. El distiphallus de los machos de Anastrepha ludens es complejo. Un saco membranoso en el distiphallus es capaz de realizar ciclos rítmicos de inflación y deflación. El inflado de la bolsa cerca de la base del distiphallus, junto con la rigidez del basiphallus probablemente ayuda a impulsar el edeagus más profundamente en la hembra y orientar la vara genital (que no transfiere esperma) en la región del receptáculo ventral. No pudimos establecer una asociación entre algunas de las conductas mostradas por los machos durante el apareamiento y el proceso de intromisión.

Rat dorsal prostate is necessary for vaginal adhesion of the seminal plug and sperm motility in the uterine horns

The rat prostate comprises dorsal, ventral and lateral lobes that are morphologically and biochemically distinct. Lesions to these structures are expected to affect the quality of the ejaculate and male fertility. In experiment 1, we analyzed ejaculate parameters of males that had chemical lesions of the dorsal or ventral lobes. At pre-lesion and at 5 and 20 days post-lesion males were mated, and after ejaculation, seminal fluid and seminal plug were obtained from the mated females. In experiment 2, the ventral lobes were ablated, and the ejaculate was analyzed. In experiment 3, the fertility of males with chemically-lesioned dorsal lobes or ablation of the ventral lobes was evaluated. Chemical lesion of the dorsal lobe prevented the adhesion of the seminal plug to vaginal walls. When these males were tested at 5-days postlesion, no sperm were found in uterus, and at 20-days post-lesion, the few sperm encountered showed slow progressive motility. None of the females that mated with dorsal lobe-lesioned males became pregnant. However, chemical lesion or ablation of the ventral lobes did not affect ejaculate or fertility. Our results indicate that the dorsal prostatic lobes are indispensable for reproductive success in males, and define parameters of ejaculate with which fertility can be estimated.

Copulatory courtship song in Lutzomyia migonei (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Lutzomyia migonei is a vector of leishmaniasis with a wide distribution in South America, which could favour population differentiation and speciation. Cryptic species of the Lutzomyia longipalpis complex, the widely distributed sand fly vector of visceral leishmaniasis in Latin America, have previously been shown to display distinct copulation songs. We found that Lu. migonei males also produce a song during copulation. This "lovesong" presents short trains (6-8 pulses) with an inter-pulse interval around 26 ms and is potentially involved in cryptic female choice and insemination success.

Efeito de fatores endógenos na percepção química de Grapholita molesta(Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) ao feromônio sexual / Effect of endogenous factors on the chemical perception of Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) to sex pheromone

The oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busck), stands out as one of the most important pest in Rosaceae orchards in Brazil. During feeding, caterpillars bore into shoots, branches and fruits, impairing the commercial production. This work aimed to study the effect of endogenous factors in the chemical perception and in the species chemotactic behavior, seeking to optimize monitoring and the behavioral control of this pest. We evaluated male electroantennographical (EAG) and chemotactical (olfactometry) responses to the synthetic sex pheromone in different ages, virgins or mated and fed or unfed. The EAG responses of males did not differ for all evaluated factors. Nevertheless, the chemotactical behavior of males seems to decrease with age, not varying as a function of mating or feeding conditions. The knowledge about the interference of these factors in G. molesta may help with the interpretation of field results, allowing the development of suitable and reliable control measures based on infochemicals for behavioral control.

Desenvolvimento ovariano e influência da cópula na maturação dos ovários de Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) / Ovarian development and analysis of mating effects on ovary maturation of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

As many other insects with a restricted diet, the citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, which vector the causing agent of the Huanglongbing, the bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter spp., is intimately associated with symbiotic microorganisms. These mutualist symbionts play a key role on their host nutritional ecology, and are vertically transmitted to the progeny. However, despite the role symbionts play on host development and reproduction, and the growing opportunities of exploitation of the association insect-symbiont to control insect vectored-pathogens, there are very few studies on the host reproductive biology and on the symbiont transovarial transmission. Therefore, we aimed at analyzing the ovary development during D. citri adulthood, and at verifying for the mating requirement as a trigger to initiate ovary development. Newly-emerged D. citri females were grouped as virgin or mated and ovary development was observed during adulthood. Newly-emerged females have immature ovaries, and ovaries remain without any mature eggs until females mate. Once female mates, the vitellogenesis synthesis and uptake are estimulated, and oocytes are quickly developed. Oocytes maturation in ovarioles is metachronic, with only one oocyte developing at a time in each oogenic cycle. Morphological observations of the reproductive system including the ovaries and spermatheca, after the first cluster of eggs is laid, indicated D. citri is polyandrous, and may require multiple mating to develop additional oogenic maturation cycles.

Podisus nigrispinus requer cópulas longas para o sucesso reprodutivo / Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) requires long matings for successful reproduction

The occurrence of multiple and long matings seem to play an important role in the reproduction of the predatory stinkbugs such as Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas). However, the mechanisms underlying these behaviors remain unclear. In this study, the reproduction of P. nigrispinus was investigated as function of females' choice for their mating pair based on male body size and previous mating status, risk of predation and duration of mating. The female mating behavior was studied with female having multiple, partial or no partner choice based on male body size. Time to initiate a mating and its duration was observed after pairing males and females under risk of predation imposed by the presence of the predatory wasp Polistes versicolor Oliver. In addition, aiming to determine the reasons for long lasting matings, female had their mating interrupted at different intervals. Our data indicated that P. nigrispinus females do not select male partners as function of their body size and mating status. Duration of mating, mating partners' choice, and female fecundity and fertility were not influenced by the male size and risk of predation imposed by the predatory wasps. Mating interrupted after 30, 60, 120 and 240 min resulted in only 0, 3.1, 7.7 and 34 percent of egg hatching compared to 74.2 percent under uninterrupted mating (338 to 671 min long). Therefore, the reproductive success of P. nigrispinus females does not depend on male size and male mating status, but requires long-lasting mating as a condition for adequate spermatozoa transference to females instead.

A realização de múltiplas e longas cópulas parece ser importante para a reprodução de percevejos predadores como Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas), mas o comportamento governando essas características permanece desconhecido. Neste estudo foram investigados o comportamento de cópula e a reprodução de P. nigrispinus em função do tamanho do macho, seu status prévio de acasalamento, risco de predação e interrupção de cópulas. A escolha da fêmea para o acasalamento foi estudada sob múltipla escolha, parcial ou sem chance de escolha por machos grandes ou pequenos. O comportamento para o início do acasalamento e tempo de cópula sob risco de predação quando na presença de Polistes versicolor Oliver foi comparado àquele de casais sem risco de predação. Machos e fêmeas de P. nigrispinus acasalaram independentemente do tamanho e status prévio de acasalamento dos machos, além de não apresentarem preferência por parceiros. A duração da cópula, escolha do parceiro e fertilidade das fêmeas não foram influenciadas pelo tamanho do macho, nem a presença do predador alterou o comportamento de acasalamento e duração de cópula. Fêmeas com cópulas interrompidas após 30, 60, 120 e 240 min apresentaram baixa viabilidade de ovos (0; 3,1; 7,7 e 34 por cento, respectivamente), enquanto aquelas com tempo natural de cópula (338 a 671 min) obtiveram 74,2 por cento de viabilidade. Portanto, o sucesso reprodutivo de P. nigrispinus não depende do tamanho do macho ou de seu status de acasalamento, mas requer longas cópulas para a transferência de espermatozóides.

Genitalic stridulation during copulation in a species of crane fly, Tipula (Bellardina) sp. (Diptera: Tipulidae) / Estridulación genital durante la cópula en una especie de mosca grulla, Tipula (Bellardina) sp. (Dípteros: Tipulidae)

The male genitalia of many animal groups have elaborate and species-specific forms. One hypothesis  to explain why this is so is that male genitalia function as stimulatory devices that are under sexual selection by cryptic female choice. This report is based on a videotaped observation of a single male of an unidentified species of Tipula (Bellarina) from San José Province, Costa Rica. A male crane fly stridulated (produced vibrations) during copulation using sustained and stereotyped movements of file and scraper structures on his genitalia. Males of related species have similar file and scraper structures on their genitalia, suggesting that they probably also stridulate during copulation. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (Suppl. 1): 251-256. Epub 2009 November 30.

Un macho de Tipula (Bellardina) sp. estriduló (produjo vibraciones) por medio de movimientos estereotipados de estructuras de sus órganos genitales durante varios minutos de la cópula. Los machos de algunas especies relacionadas poseen estructuras similares, lo cual sugiere que también estridulan durante la cópula.

Efectos de la cópula y el tamaño del macho sobre el comportamiento de ovipostura en la mosca estercolera Archisepsis diversiformis (Diptera: Sepsidae) / Effects of copulation and male size on the oviposition behavior of the manure fly Archisepsis diversiformis (Diptera: Sepsidae)

Effects of copulation and male size on the oviposition behavior of the manure fly Archisepsis diversiformis (Diptera: Sepsidae). I evaluated the effect of copulation as a stimulation factor for oviposition of Archisepsis diversiformis by using two different age groups of females. In addition, I tested the effect of copulation on female longevity and progeny sex ratio, taking into account female and male size, and oocyte development in relation to female age. A delay in copulation leads to a delay in oviposition. Females of both age groups started to oviposit between four and five days after copulation. The number of eggs that were laid during the first ten days after copulation, the average number of ovipositions (number of eggs laid per day) during the female’s life, and the average time between ovipositions were all similar. I found further evidence for the effect of copulation on oviposition: when females copulate, they oviposited faster than virgin females. In addition, these females laid a lower number of eggs after the age of 13 days, while females of the same age (that have copulated before, when they were two or six days old) laid a higher number of eggs (an average of 75 eggs). Oocytes in virgin females became larger with age; 57 % of the variation in the number of eggs laid by females depends on female’s longevity. As in other studies, female size had an effect on the total number of eggs laid. However, male size significantly affected the oviposition rate (total number of eggs/female longevity). Females tended to have a higher oviposition rate after copulating with larger males. These data suggest that for this fly species, sexual selection through female choice might be occurring. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (Suppl. 1): 239-250. Epub 2009 November 30.

Se evaluó el efecto de la cópula como factor esti­mulante de la oviposición en Archisepsis diversiformis utilizando hembras de dos edades, y en la longevidad de la hembra y en la proporción sexual de la progenie, tomando en cuenta el tamaño de hembra y macho, y el desarrollo de los ovocitos en relación a la edad de la hembra. Se demostró que una demora en copular indujo una demora en oviponer. También hubo similitud en el número de huevos puestos en los diez primeros días después de la cópula, en el número promedio de posturas (grupo de huevos puestos por día) durante toda la vida de una hembra, y en el tiempo promedio transcurrido entre posturas. Otra evidencia del efecto de la cópula en la ovipostura, fue que las hembras que copularon ovipositaron más rápido que las vírgenes. Además, éstas colocaron un número muy bajo (en prome­dio 14) de huevos a partir de los 13 días de edad, mientras que hembras de esta misma edad (que previamente habían copulado a los dos o seis días de edad) colocaron un mayor número (en promedio 75) de huevos. Como en otros estu­dios, el tamaño de la hembra tuvo un efecto significativo sobre el número total de huevos puestos. Sin embargo, el tamaño del macho afectó significativamente la tasa (Nº total de huevos/duración de la vida de la hembra) de ovipostura. Estos datos sugieren la posibilidad de que la selección sexual por elección femenina actúe en hembras de esta especie de mosca.

Aislamiento reproductivo asimétrico entre Lutzomyia pseudolongipalpis y Lutzomyia longipalpis (especie C2), vectores neotropicales de leishmaniasis visceral (Diptera: Pshychodidae)

Asymmetric reproductive isolation between Lutzomyia pseudolongipalpis and Lutzomyia longipalpis (species C2), Neotropical vectors of visceral leishmaniasis (Diptera: Pshychodidae). Lutzomyia pseudolongipalpis and Lutzomyia longipalpis (species C2, L. sp n.) are two endemic species of Phlebotominae sand fly vectors from Venezuela. The two insects are sympatric and monophyletic but have deeply diverging, morphological differences. They belong to the L. longipalpis complex. A study of their reproductive isolation is necessary to understand the process of speciation and maintenance of the two sister species as two discrete taxonomic and biological entities. Cross-mating tests were conducted (homo and hetero-specific) and monitored under two criteria: biological (presence of copulation and offspring) and genetic (using two isozymic markers diagnostic for the L. longipalpis complex; enzyme diagnosis AK and HK). Results indicate reproductive isolation, with an asymmetrical genetic exchange in a direction of hybridization between the two species under experimental conditions, and production of a low number of heterozygotes. These findings support the existence of negative selection on hybrids, and explain the absence of hybrids under natural conditions, in the sympatric locality. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (1-2): 23-31. Epub 2009 June 30.

Lutzomyia pseudolongipalpis y Lutzomyia longipalpis (especie C2, L. n. sp) son dos especies de flebotominos vectores endémicos de Venezuela, simpátricas, monofiléticas, con profundas divergencias, morfológicamente diferentes y pertenecientes al complejo de especies L. longipalpis. El estudio de su aislamiento reproductivo es clave para entender el proceso de especiación y el mantenimiento de estas dos especies hermanas como entidades taxonómicas y biológicas discretas. Por tal motivo, se realizaron ensayos de entrecruzamiento homo y heteroespecíficos, los cuales fueron monitoreados por dos criterios: biológico (presencia de cópula y progenie) y genético (utilizando dos marcadores isoenzimáticos diagnósticos para el complejo L. longipalpis, las enzimas AK y HK). Los resultados indican aislamiento reproductivo, con un intercambio genético asimétrico hacia la hibridización en condiciones experimentales, y producción de un bajo número de heterocigotos, lo que apoya la existencia de selección negativa sobre los híbridos y explica su ausencia en condiciones naturales en la localidad simpátrica.

Influência da temperatura na freqüência de cópula de Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner e Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) / Temperature effects on the mating frequency of Anticarsia gemmatalis Hüebner and Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

This paper deals with the influence of temperature on the mating frequency of two lepidopterans, Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner and Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), which use different strategies of allocation, and with the utilization of nutrients for their reproductive activities. The insects were reared on artificial diets at 25ºC, and the adults were exposed to five temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35ºC) to observe the influence of each temperature on their mating frequency, fecundity, fertility and longevity. The temperature affectedthe mating frequency of both species, being more evident at 15ºC and 35ºC, mainly for A. gemmatalis, which presented a drastic reduction on mating activities. The highest number of matings were observed from 20ºC to 30ºC, with S. frugiperda presenting mating activity (0-8) much higher than that of A. gemmatalis (0-2), but no correlation was observed among the number of matings and all other biological parameters evaluated (fecundity, fertility and longevity). However, S. frugiperda showed a positive correlation between fecundity and mating activity of females (r = 0.589; P = 0.003) at 25ºC. The highest fecundities were observed at temperatures from 20ºC to 30ºC for S. frugiperda and at 25ºC for A. gemmatalis. For both species, the longevity of males and females decreased as temperature increased.

Este trabalho estudou a influência da temperatura na freqüência de cópula de Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner e Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith, que empregam diferentes estratégias de alocação, e a utilização de nutrientes para suas atividades reprodutivas. Os insetos foram criados em dieta artificial a 25ºC, sendo a influência da temperatura na freqüência de cópula, fecundidade, fertilidade e longevidade de adultos avaliada em cinco temperaturas (15, 20, 25, 30 e 35ºC). A temperatura afetou a freqüência de cópula de ambas as espécies, sendo o seu efeito mais evidente nas temperaturas extremas estudadas (15ºC e 35ºC), principalmente, para A. gemmatalis, que apresentou redução drástica em sua atividade de cópula. Temperaturas intermediárias (20ºC a 30ºC) permitiram o maior número de cópulas, com S. frugiperda apresentando (até oito cópulas) atividade de cópula muito superior à de A. gemmatalis (até duas cópulas). Mesmo com a variação encontrada na atividade de cópula nas diferentes temperaturas, não foi verificada correlação entre o número de cópulas e os demais parâmetros biológicos observados (fecundidade, fertilidade e longevidade), com exceção da fecundidade de S. frugiperda a 25ºC, que apresentou correlação positiva com a atividade de cópula nessa temperatura (r = 0,589; P = 0,003), indicando que as alterações na atividade reprodutiva desse inseto foram decorrentes, basicamente, de sua resposta à temperatura. Fêmeas de S. frugiperda foram mais fecundas nas temperaturas entre 20ºC e 30ºC e as de A. gemmatalis a 25ºC. A longevidade de ambos os sexos decresceu com o aumento da temperatura para as duas espécies estudadas.

Reproductive isolation between sympatric and allopatric Brazilian populations of Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l., the main vector of Leishmania chagasi in Latin America, is a species complex although the exact number of siblings is yet unknown. In Brazil, the siblings differ in male copulatory courtship songs and pheromones that most certainly act as pre-zygotic reproductive barriers. Here we analysed the reproductive isolation between three allopatric and two sympatric populations of Lu. longipalpis s.l. from Brazil. The results indicate a strong copulatory and pre-mating isolation between the three allopatric populations. In addition, the results also indicate a stronger pre-mating isolation between the two sympatric siblings than between the three allopatric ones, suggesting a role for reinforcement in the speciation of the Lu. longipalpis s.l. complex.

Improved sexual behavior in male rats treated with a Chinese herbal extract: hormonal and neuronal implications / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate the influence of an extract obtained from five Chinese medicinal plants on sexual behavior of adult male rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The extract was administered at doses of 30, 60 and 120 mg/kg by oral gavage, acutely (one time, 45 min before mating test) or subchronically (daily for 10 days) in sexually potent and sexually sluggish/impotent rats. Sexual behavior, serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) were evaluated in treated rats and compared with controls receiving vehicle. The effect of the extract on central dopaminergic neurotransmission was assessed in the nucleus accumbens using a microdialysis technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In sexually potent rats, both acute and subchronic treatment with the extract dosed at 30 and 60 mg/kg reduced mount latency and intromission latency. In sluggish/impotent rats, the acutely administered extract at the dose of 60 mg/kg shortened ejaculation latency, whereas subchronically administered at the doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg, reduced mount, intromission and ejaculation latencies, increasing also the percentage of mounting and ejaculating rats. The extract dosed at 60 mg/kg significantly increased LH and T following acute and subchronic administration and increased 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels in the nucleus accumbens, 30 min after the acute administration.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The improvement in both appetitive and consummatory components of sexual behavior observed in male rats treated with the extract could be ascribed to increased serum T level in parallel with the activation of the central dopaminergic system.</p>