Mating behavior of the long-legged cricket Eidmanacris meridionalis Desutter-Grandcolas, 1995 (Orthoptera: Phalangopsidae)

ABSTRACT Pair-formation, courtship, copulatory, and post-copulatory behaviors of Eidmanacris meridionalis Desutter-Grandcolas, 1995, were described under laboratory conditions and compared with congeneric species and other Phalangopsidae crickets whose mating behavior has been previously studied. Field observations for the species are also reported. Mating behaviors were observed in E. meridionalis couples: they first remained motionless, and then began walking through the arena screening the substrate. Mating behavior started with antennal contact, followed by males positioning themselves in front of females, that, when receptive, mounted on the males back and started feeding on metanotum secretions of the males. Copulation (female-above-male position) started with the engaging of copulatory structures and stopped with couple detachment. The end-to-end position was observed once, right after couple detachment. Males always remained with the spermatophore, which was eaten after removal or, alternatively, left in the substrate. The main differences in mating behavior of Eidmanacris species regard the mating position and the duration of the reproductive stages, suggesting that other reproductive repertoires can be observed in the genus since 27 species have not yet been studied in regards their reproductive behavior. We can also assume that the morphological, genetic, and chemical diversity found among the species of Phalangopsidae reflects in the behaviors of pair-formation, courtship, copulation, and post-copulation, leading to a diversity of copulation positions, duration of the stages, methods of attracting partners and parental investment. The description of Phalangopsidae mating patterns can provide important information for future evolutionary and phylogenetic studies, apart from useful for distinguishing cryptic species.

Maltrato en el noviazgo y estilos de amor en alumnos de secundaria, bachillerato y licenciatura / Dating abuse and love styles in junior high school, high school and undergraduate students

Resumen Algunos estudios señalan la relevancia de investigar acerca del maltrato en las relaciones amorosas durante la adolescencia, lo cual solo ha empezado a investigarse de manera reciente, en comparación con el maltrato en el matrimonio. El objetivo del presente estudio es identificar como se presenta el maltrato en la pareja y los estilos de amor en estudiantes de tres niveles de escolaridad que corresponden a distintas etapas de la adolescencia y juventud temprana. Se trabajó con una muestra de 291 estudiantes, de los cuales 107 eran estudiantes de secundaria, 60 de bachillerato y 123 de licenciatura, a quienes se les aplicó la Escala de Actitudes Amorosas (EAA) (Hendrick & Hendrick, 1986) y el Cuestionario de Maltrato en el Noviazgo (Osorio , 2014). Los resultados muestran bajos niveles de maltrato en el noviazgo, los cuales tienden a incrementarse en el bachillerato, así como un predominio de los estilos de amor Ágape, Eros y Storge en los tres niveles educativos investigados. Asimismo, resalta que, de manera general, la presencia de los estilos de amor Manía, Ágape y Ludus facilitan la presencia de maltrato en las relaciones amorosas en los adolescentes de los niveles escolares del presente estudio.

Abstract Some studies point to the relevance of investigating abuse in romantic relationships during adolescence, which has only begun to be investigated recently, compared to abuse in marriage. The objective of this study is to identify how mistreatment is presented in the couple and love styles in students of three levels of schooling that correspond to different stages of adolescence and early youth. We worked with a sample of 291 students, of which 107 were high school students, 60 high school students and 123 high school students, to whom the Love Attitudes Scale (EAA) (Hendrick and Hendrick, 1986) and the Questionnaire were applied of dating abuse (Osorio , 2014). Results show low levels of courtship abuse, which tend to increase in high school, as well as a predominance of the love styles of Agape, Eros and Storge in the three educational levels investigated. It also emphasizes that, in a general way, the presence of love styles Manía, Ágape and Ludus facilitate the presence of mistreatment in love relationships in adolescents of the school levels of the present study.

Aspects of the reproductive behaviour and development of two forensically relevant species, Blaesoxipha (Gigantotheca) stallengi (Lahille, 1907) and Sarcophaga (Liopygia) ruficornis (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)

Abstract We studied aspects of the reproductive behaviour and development of two species of Sarcophagidae (Diptera) of potential forensic importance, Blaesoxipha stallengi (Lahille, 1907) and Sarcophaga ruficornis (Fabricius, 1794), which are dominant in assemblages in dry forests in Northeastern Brazil. We described the behavioural acts associated with courtship and mating and estimated the development time (from egg/larva until adult) - of both species. Description of the reproductive behaviour was based on 50 couples of each species whereas 250 larvae were used for the estimation of the developmental time. A total of 55 successful copula were observed for B. stallengi and 142 for S. ruficornis. Pre-copulatory behaviour differed between the species, as S. ruficornis presented a high rate of competition among male specimens. Blaesoxipha stallengi copulated more frequently in the morning and the mean duration of copulation was similar for both species. The species showed different reproductive strategies: S. ruficornis follows the typical strategy in Sarcophagidae and are viviparous (larviparity), but we report here the first documented evidence of ovoviviparity of B. stallengi. Sex ratio of the emerged adults did not differ (p > 0.05) markedly for either species. Total development time in days was similar with 22.9 for B. stallengi and 21.3 for S. ruficornis. The pronounced similarities in the morphology of both species - combined with their similar time of development - may act as confounding factors for forensic entomologists and stress out the need for an accurate taxonomical identification.

Medial Preoptic Area Modulates Courtship Ultrasonic Vocalization in Adult Male Mice / 神经科学通报·英文版

Adult male mice emit highly complex ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in response to female conspecifics. Such USVs, thought to facilitate courtship behaviors, are routinely measured as a behavioral index in mouse models of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders such as autism. While the regulation of USVs by genetic factors has been extensively characterized, the neural mechanisms that control USV production remain largely unknown. Here, we report that optogenetic activation of the medial preoptic area (mPOA) elicited the production of USVs that were acoustically similar to courtship USVs in adult mice. Moreover, mPOA vesicular GABA transporter-positive (Vgat +) neurons were more effective at driving USV production than vesicular glutamate transporter 2-positive neurons. Furthermore, ablation of mPOA Vgat+ neurons resulted in altered spectral features and syllable usage of USVs in targeted males. Together, these results demonstrate that the mPOA plays a crucial role in modulating courtship USVs and this may serve as an entry point for future dissection of the neural circuitry underlying USV production.

Hierarchical Control of Drosophila Sleep, Courtship, and Feeding Behaviors by Male-Specific P1 Neurons / 神经科学通报·英文版

Animals choose among sleep, courtship, and feeding behaviors based on the integration of both external sensory cues and internal states; such choices are essential for survival and reproduction. These competing behaviors are closely related and controlled by distinct neural circuits, but whether they are also regulated by shared neural nodes is unclear. Here, we investigated how a set of male-specific P1 neurons controls sleep, courtship, and feeding behaviors in Drosophila males. We found that mild activation of P1 neurons was sufficient to affect sleep, but not courtship or feeding, while stronger activation of P1 neurons labeled by four out of five independent drivers induced courtship, but only the driver that targeted the largest number of P1 neurons affected feeding. These results reveal a common neural node that affects sleep, courtship, and feeding in a threshold-dependent manner, and provide insights into how competing behaviors can be regulated by a shared neural node.

Violências percebidas por homens adolescentes na interação afetivo-sexual em dez cidades brasileiras / Violencias percibidas por hombres adolescentes en la interacción afectivo-sexual en diez ciudades brasileras / Violence as perceived by adolescent males in the affective-sexual interaction, in ten Brazilian cities

O presente artigo apresenta as visões de adolescentes do sexo masculino sobre o tema da violência no namoro. A partir de entrevistas e grupos focais realizados em dez cidades brasileiras, entre 2007 e 2009, o texto toma como parâmetro a análise dos significados atribuídos pelos jovens às agressões físicas, psicológicas e sexuais no âmbito dos relacionamentos íntimos. A metodologia do estudo se concentra nos depoimentos de 257 estudantes do sexo masculino, de idades entre 15 e 19 anos, de escolas públicas e privadas do país. Os resultados do estudo mostram que os significados atribuídos ao fenômeno da violência no namoro são recortados por representações rígidas de papéis de gênero, correspondendo às expectativas em relação ao desempenho de homens e mulheres nas relações afetivo-sexuais.

Este artículo presenta el punto de vista de adolescentes hombres sobre el tema de la violencia en el noviazgo. Con base en entrevistas y grupos focales realizados en diez ciudades brasileñas entre 2007 y 2009, el texto toma como parámetro el análisis de los significados de los jóvenes acerca de la agresión física, psicológica y sexual dentro de las relaciones íntimas. La metodología del estudio se centra en los relatos de 257 estudiantes, con edades entre 15 y 19 años de escuelas públicas y privadas. Los resultados del estudio muestran que los significados atribuidos al fenómeno de la violencia en el noviazgo son vinculados a representaciones rígidas sobre los papeles de género, que corresponden a expectativas relacionadas al desempeño de los hombres y las mujeres en las relaciones afectivo-sexuales.

This paper presents the views of male adolescents on the topic of dating violence. Based on interviews and focus groups conducted in ten Brazilian cities between 2007 and 2009 the text takes as a parameter the analysis of the meanings of young males to physical, psychological and sexual aggression within intimate relationships. The study methodology focuses on the testimonies of 257 male students aged between 15 and 19 years, from both public and private schools. The study results show that the meanings attributed to the phenomenon of dating violence are shaped by rigid representations of gender roles, corresponding to the expectations regarding the performance of men and women in emotional-sexual relationships.

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.

Intimate partner violence among undergraduate students of two universities of the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil / Violencia por parceiro intimo entre estudantes de duas universidades do Estado de Sao Paulo, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of violence in intimate relationships, suffered or perpetrated, was estimated among undergraduate students, be it physical, psychological and sexual, describing the overlap between them. This is an original study and there is scarce literature on this matter in Brazil. Men and women were investigated and some issues on gender violence were discussed. METHODS: The study is part of the multicenter survey "International Study of Violence in Dating - IDVS" conducted in 2002 - 2003, using its standardized instrument. A total of 362 students, from two universities in the state of São Paulo, one public and one private, answered the self-reported questionnaire, being 37% male and 63% female, mean age of 20 years old. Suffered and perpetrated intimate partner violence during life was examined. RESULTS: Among all interviewees, 75.9% suffered and 76.4% perpetrated some kind of violence throughout life. Psychological violence was the most prevalent type, followed by sexual violence, both suffered and perpetrated. The great superposition between suffered and perpetrated violence (83.9%) reflects the reciprocity of aggression, with no observed difference between men and women. The results of this study are consistent with previous literature on dating violence, which shows high prevalence of suffered and perpetrated violence, besides reciprocity for both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: Intervention actions at this stage of intimate relationships may potentially impact on subsequent marital partnership situations. .

INTRODUÇÃO: Foram estimados entre universitários a prevalência da violência em relacionamentos íntimos, sofrida ou perpetrada, para os tipos físico, psicológico e sexual, descrevendo-se as sobreposições entre eles. Estudo original com rara produção no Brasil. Foram pesquisados homens e mulheres, com discussão de algumas questões da violência de gênero. MÉTODO: O estudo faz parte de pesquisa multicêntrica "Estudo Internacional de Violência no Namoro - IDVS", realizada em 2002 - 2003, usando seu instrumento padronizado. O questionário foi auto-aplicado em 362 alunos de duas universidades, uma pública e outra privada, do Estado de São Paulo, sendo 37% do sexo masculino e 63% do feminino, com idade mediana de 20 anos. Foram descritas as violências sofridas por e perpetradas na vida contra parceiros íntimos. RESULTADOS: Entre todos os entrevistados, 75,9% sofreram e 76,4% perpetraram algum tipo de violência na vida. O tipo de violência mais prevalente, tanto sofrida como perpetrada, foi a psicológica, seguida da sexual. A grande sobreposição entre violências sofridas e perpetradas (83,9%) reflete a reciprocidade das agressões, sem diferença entre homens e mulheres. Os resultados do presente estudo estão em consonância com a literatura que analisa a violência no namoro, com alta prevalência de violências sofridas e perpetradas, além da reciprocidade tanto para homens como para mulheres. CONCLUSÕES: Ações de intervenção nesta fase dos relacionamentos íntimos podem potencialmente repercutir em situações posteriores de parceria conjugal. .

Reproductive behavior of the mangrove crab Ucides cordatus (Crustacea; Brachyura; Ucididae)

The aim of the present work was to study the reproductive behavior of the mangrove crab (Ucides cordatus) in the estuary of the Igaraçú River (Piauí, Brazil). Courtship and mating were observed in December 2007 and in January-March 2009. The most frequently observed reproductive behavior was the transference of eggs onto the abdomen of the female. Some disputes between males and some copulations were observed. The males mated with more than one female each night and all mating activity occurred at night. The establishment of a closed season coinciding with the mating season represented an effective strategy for the preservation of the species when the socioeconomic situation of the community of gatherers was taken into account.

Comportamiento reproductivo del pez Opistognathus rosenblatti (Perciformes: Opistognathidae) en cautiverio / Reproductive behavior of Opistognathus rosenblatti (Perciformes: Opistognathidae) in captivity

The Blue Spotted Jawfish O. rosenblatti, is an endemic species from the Gulf of California, included in the local list of protected species. With few biological reports, this species is appreciated in the aquarium industry due to its coloration and digging behaviour, and has a considerable value. With the aim to generate valuable biological information, eight fishes were caught at Loreto Natural Marine Protected Area. Captured fishes were juveniles, and just three of them were kept in an aquarium conditioned with gravel, pieces of shells and coral as substrata. Temperature and photoperiod conditions were stable, and they were supplied with a variety of live and inert feeds. Fishes reached maturity in eight months, according to literature reports, displaying mature male courtship coloration and upward movements in the water column. Fishes spawned several times over more than two years in captivity. Presences of egg masses, or some evidence of egg shell or larvae, were registered in 50 occasions. Male took care of eggs in his shelter, but never in his mouth. Egg masses had an average of 3 592 eggs, with a hatching rate close to 99%. Eggs were apparently rounded having three diameter measurements with significant differences (1.17mm mean higher diameter, SD=0.054; 1.13mm mean lower diameter, 0.058; 0.99mm mean height, 0.045; n=125). Most of corion eggs had four, rarely six filaments; with a single oil drop (0.30mm mean diameter, 0.021, n=59). Incubation lasted 10.4 days (9-14), depending on water temperature (21.0-25.3°C). Egg hatching occurred after darkness, emerging newly hatched larvae of 4.51mm mean notochord length (0.082, n=30), with reserves exhausted, eyes pigmented and mouth opened, ready to eat. This study represents the first report on this species courtship displaying, spawning and some basic characteristics of eggs masses and larvae in captivity. Also, their flexibility and adaptability of individual behaviour to particular environment conditions, lead to consider worth their commercial culture, as already occur with other species of this family.

El bocón manchas azules O. rosenblatti, es una especie endémica del Golfo de California con un elevado valor comercial, del cual existe poca información referente a su biología. Los peces alcanzaron la edad adulta después de ocho meses de cautiverio. Manifestaron ascensos en la columna de agua, típicos de los desplantes de cortejo en su hábitat natural. Asimismo se registro en 50 ocasiones la presencia de masas ovígeras o alguna evidencia de desgove. El macho cuidó los huevos dentro de su refugio, pero nunca en su cavidad bucal. En promedio, depositaron 3 592 huevos, con una viabilidad de eclosión superior al 99%. La eclosión se da de noche y se liberan larvas de 4.51mm de longitud promedio del notocordio. Este estudio presenta el primer registro de su cortejo, su desove e información sobre características elementales de las masas ovígeras y sus larvas, las cuales fueron obtenidas en cautiverio. De tal manera que, la flexibilidad y adaptabilidad de su comportamiento individual a condiciones particulares del ambiente, significan que vale la pena su cultivo comercial, como ya se realiza con otras especies de la misma familia.

Mating behavior and female accompaniment in the whiptail lizard Cnemidophorus ocellifer (Squamata, Teiidae) in the Caatinga region of northeastern Brazil / Comportamento de acasalamento e acompanhamento da fêmea no lagarto-da-cauda-de-chicote Cnemidophorus ocellifer (Squamata, Teiidae) na Caatinga, nordeste do Brasil

We report here a set of observations on mating behavior and female accompaniment by the whiptail lizard Cnemidophorus ocellifer in an area of Caatinga (xerophilous open forests) in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, northeastern Brazil. We observed a stationary male lizard performing repeated vibratory movements of the pelvis and tail base upon the sandy soil. Since that male was in front of a burrow in which a female of the same species was sheltered, we hypothesize that this behavior may be part of a courtship display. We continued the observation and later, when the female emerged from the burrow, the male climbed on her and the copulation occurred. The incident of accompaniment observed was characterized by one male continuously accompanying a female during foraging. Plausible functional explanations for a male accompany a female include mating guarding, post-copulatory courtship, and sperm loading. By accompanying females, males would be guaranteeing insemination by multiple copulation and stimulation of the female, and protecting their paternity by chasing away other males, diminishing the chances of extra-pair copulations.

Nós relatamos uma série de observações sobre o comportamento de acasalamento e acompanhamento da fêmea no lagarto-da-cauda-de-chicote Cnemidophorus ocellifer em uma área de Caatinga no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Nós observamos um macho estacionário realizando movimentos vibratórios da pélvis e base da cauda sobre o solo arenoso. Uma vez que o macho estava em frente à abertura de uma toca onde uma fêmea se encontrava abrigada, nós sugerimos que esse comportamento faz parte da exibição de corte. Continuamos a observação e posteriormente, quando a fêmea saiu da toca, o macho engajou-se em montá-la e progrediu para uma cópula. A ocasião de acompanhamento da fêmea foi caracterizada por um macho continuamente acompanhando uma fêmea durante o forrageamento. Explicações funcionais plausíveis para uma fêmea ser acompanhada por um macho incluem guarda de parceiro, corte pós-copulatória e fornecimento de estoque de esperma. Ao acompanhar as fêmeas, os machos estariam garantindo a inseminação através de múltiplas cópulas e estimulação pós-copulatória da fêmea, e protegendo a paternidade afugentando outros machos, diminuindo as chances de cópulas extra-par.

Effect of mating and parasitism regimes on progeny production and sex-ratio of Campoletis chlorideae Uchida.

The ichneumonid parasitoid, C. chlorideae is an important natural enemy of pod borer/bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in different agro-ecosystems. The sex-ratio of parasitoids has an important bearing on the population build up of the natural enemies for biological control of insect pests. Therefore, the present studies were conducted to gain an understanding of the influence of mating behaviour and abundance of the insect host on fecundity and sex-ratio of the parasitoid, C. chlorideae. There was no significant influence of number of matings and abundance of the insect host on cocoon formation, adult emergence, and larval and pupal periods of C. chlorideae. However, fecundity and female longevity were significantly influenced by mating and abundance of the insect host. There was a significant and positive correlation (r = 0.84**) between longevity and fecundity of C. chlorideae females. The unmated C. chlorideae females produced only males. Nearly 20% of the females that had mated twice were able to parasitize the H. armigera larvae successfully. The sex-ratio of the progeny from females that had mated twice was male biased. Females mated with males from the unmated females produced significantly less numbers of females than those mated with males from the fertilized females, indicating genetic regulation of sex-ratio in C. chlorideae.

Reproductive behavior and parental roles of the cichlid fish Laetacara araguaiae

We described the reproductive behavior of the small South American cichlid Laetacara araguaiae in streams from Brazil. We predicted that this species will show reproductive cooperation and division of labor between males and females in a similar way presented by other substrate-spawner cichlids. Thus, we studied 34 pairs in the pre-spawning (n = 11), egg/wriggler (n = 11) and fry (n = 12) phases. In the pre-spawning phase both sexes become involved in nest building and territorial defense, but females emphasizes building nest (p = 0.03), while males invest more time in territorial defense (p = 0.04). After spawning, male and female alternate between rearing eggs and defending nest in the territory. In the egg/wriggler phase females devotes more time rearing the brood while males remain defending territory (p = 0.02). These differences disappear when young are in the fry stage, and parents jointly stay closer to fry (p = 0.98). However, at this phase, there is a reduction in the frequency of threats shown by males (p<0.01) and an increase in the frequency of attacks shown by female (p<0.01) that could be a response to an increased demand for parental defense. Our results indicate that the reproductive cooperation between males and females of L. araguaiae is marked by division of labor in the early reproductive phases and by sharing of parental duties as brood develops.

Descrevemos o comportamento reprodutivo do pequeno ciclídeo sul-americano Laetacara araguaiae em riachos do Brasil. Predizemos que essa espécie apresenta cooperação reprodutiva e divisão de trabalho entre machos e fêmeas, como ocorre em outras espécies de ciclídeos substrate-spawners. Assim, estudamos 34 casais nas fases pré-acasalamento (n = 11), ovo/larva (n = 11) e prole natante (n = 12). Na fase pré-acasalamento ambos os sexos envolvem-se na construção de ninhos e na defesa territorial, mas as fêmeas enfatizam a construção de ninho (p = 0,03), enquanto os machos investem mais na defesa do território (p = 0,04). Após a desova, machos e fêmeas alternam entre a manutenção dos ovos e a defesa do ninho. Na fase ovo/larva as fêmeas despendem mais tempo em atividades de manutenção da prole, enquanto os machos investem mais na defesa do território (p = 0,02). Essas diferenças desaparecem quando a prole atinge o estágio natante com ambos os pais permanecendo próximos aos filhotes (p = 0,98). Entretanto, há uma redução na frequência de ameaças emitidas pelos machos (p<0,01) e um aumento na frequência de ataques emitidos pelas fêmeas nessa fase (p<0,01), o que poderia ser uma resposta ao aumento da demanda por defesa da prole. Nossos resultados indicam que a cooperação reprodutiva entre machos e fêmeas de L. araguaiae é representada pela divisão de funções nas primeiras fases reprodutivas, seguida pelo compartilhamento de tarefas parentais à medida que a prole se desenvolve.

El comportamiento acústico de Fenestra bohlsii Giglio-Tos (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Gomphocerinae) / Acoustic behavior of Fenestra bohlsii Giglio-Tos (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Gomphocerinae)

The acoustic behavior of Fenestra bohlsii Giglio-Tos is described for the first time. The sounds and behaviors were observed and registered in captivity. The signals were digitized with the Sound-Blaster AWE64 Gold program and analysed with the Avisoft SAS Lab Pro 30 PC for MS Windows software. Seven different types of sounds are described as produced by males: spontaneous song (also used during the courtship), two different types of courtship song, assault song, tapping associated to the courtship, interaction between males and fly crackling. For each one, the characteristic oscillograms and frequency spectra are given. Sounds are produced by different mechanisms: femoro-tegminal stridulation, typical for Gomphocerinae, fly crackling, hind tarsi tapping and alar beat, the last produced by the beat and clash of hind alae, that is, the castanet method which up to now was only known, among Orthoptera, in Stenobothrus rubicundulus Kruseman & Jeekel. A description of the stridulatory file of male and female is given, as well as that of the alar special structures. Behavioral units and their sequence during the courtship are defined. There, in addition to the acoustic signals, visual signals are present, referring to positions, hind legs, antennae and palpi movements and body vibrations.

Novel sex-related characteristics of the longsnout seahorse Hippocampus reidi Ginsburg, 1933

This paper presents novel sex-related characteristics in Hippocampus reidi, expressed as a prominent and pigmented keel (males only), and by a row of dorsolateral spots mostly (97.4 percent) found in males. While the keel was found even in the smallest males sampled, the dorsolateral spots appear to be associated with body size. Ex situ observations revealed that during courtship males highlighted both characters by turning pale their background body colour. Understanding such colour and behavioural patterns is relevant to increase our knowledge about sexual selection in a morphologically and biologically unique group of fishes.

O presente trabalho descreve novos caracteres sexuais em Hippocampus reidi, expressos como uma quilha proeminente e pigmentada (machos apenas), e uma série de máculas dorsolaterais, encontradas principalmente (97,4 por cento) em machos. Enquanto a ocorrência da quilha foi observada mesmo nos menores machos, a presença de máculas dorsolaterais parece estar associada ao tamanho do corpo. Observações ex situ mostraram que os machos realçam ambos os caracteres durante o comportamento de corte, ao tornar pálida a cor de base do corpo. Destaca-se a relevância da compreensão de tais padrões de colorido para o avanço no conhecimento relativo à seleção sexual em um grupo de peixes de morfologia e biologia singulares.

Courtship and mating of Scorpiops luridus Zhu Lourenço & Qi, 2005 (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae) from Xizang province, China

In the current work, the courtship and mating of Scorpiops luridus Zhu Lourenço & Qi, 2005 (Euscorpiidae) from Xizang province (Tibet), China, were studied for the first time in the laboratory. Most of the mating behaviors in Scorpiops luridus are not remarkably different from those exhibited by other scorpions. However, for the first time a male pulling a female with its chelicerae to rapidly accomplish the sperm uptake was observed. Additionally, the sexual stinging behavior displayed by the male occurred in the initial stage, not during the promenade stage as previously described in several scorpion species. Through observation and analysis, we speculate that venom injection during sexual stinging is selective, possibly relying on the status shown by the stung scorpion (passive or aggressive). In order to clearly describe the process of courtship and mating, both sequences are represented in a flow chart, while the main behavior components of these processes were identified, analyzed and discussed.(AU)

Acoustic courtship songs in males of the fruit fly Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) associated with geography, mass rearing and courtship success / Cantos acústicos de cortejo en machos de la mosca de la fruta Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) asociados con geografía, crianza masiva y éxito de cortejo

The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) has been used successfully to control or eradicate fruit flies. The commonly observed inferiority of mass-reared males, compared with wild males, when they are paired with wild females, is apparently due to their inadequate courtship. Anastrepha ludens males produce two types of wing vibration during courtship and mating, the "calling sound" and the "premating or precopulatory sound". There were clear differences in the calling songs between successful and unsuccessful courtships in sterile (irradiated) and fertile Mexican flies. Among sterile flies, successful males produce longer buzzes, shorter interpulses and a higher power spectrum in the signal. Fertile flies showed the same trend. For mating songs a significant difference occurred in two parameters: power spectrum between sterile and fertile flies with respect to the type of song, and the signal duration and intensity were greater in non-irradiated flies. Calling songs of wild flies compared with laboratory grown flies from Mexico had shorter interpulses, longer pulses, and a greater power spectrum. However, in the case of premating songs, the only difference was in the intensity, which was significantly greater in wild males. An unexpected result was not observing pulses during pheromone deposition in wild males from Costa Rica. Comparing the premating songs of wild flies from Costa Rica and Mexico, no significant differences were observed in the duration, and the intensity of the signal was slightly greater in flies from Mexico. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (Suppl. 1): 257-265. Epub 2009 November 30.

La técnica estéril del insecto (SIT) se ha utilizado con éxito para controlar o para suprimir las moscas de fruta y su impacto en los cultivos. La inferioridad comúnmente observada de machos criados masivamente, comparada con los machos silvestres, cuando se aparean con las hembras silvestres es al parecer debido a su inadecuado cortejo. Los machos de Anastrepha ludens producen dos tipos de vibraciones del ala durante cortejo y el apareamiento, una de "llamada" y "el sonido de pre-apareamiento o precopulatorio". Se encontraron diferencias claras en las canciones de llamada entre los cortejos exitosos y no exitosos en moscas estériles y fértiles de Mexico. En las moscas estériles, los machos exitosos producen zumbidos más largos, interpulsos más cortos y un espectro de una energía más alta en la señal. Las moscas fértiles mostraron la misma tendencia. Para las canciones precopulatorias hay diferencias significativas en dos parámetros: el espectro de energía entre las moscas irradiadas y no irradiadas también observadas con respecto al tipo de canción, y la duración y la intensidad de la señal fueron mayores en moscas no irradiadas. Las canciones de llamada de las moscas silvestres comparadas con las de laboratorio de México tenían interpulsos más cortos, pulsos más largos, y un mayor espectro de energía. Sin embargo, en el caso de canciones precopulatorias, la única diferencia estaba en la intensidad, que era perceptiblemente mayor en machos silvestres. Un resultado inesperado fue no observar canciones de llamada durante la deposición de la feromona en machos silvestres de Costa Rica. Al comparar las canciones precopulatorias de moscas silvestres de Costa Rica y de México, no se observó ninguna diferencia significativa en la duración, ni en la intensidad de la señal.

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.

A escolha do cônjuge / La elección del cónyuge / Choice of spouse

Enfocando os tópicos namoro e noivado, idade ao casar e diferenças de idade entre os cônjuges, este artigo caminha por três grandes períodos históricos: o período colonial; o século XIX até finais do XX; e o início do século XXI. Trata-se de uma análise transdisciplinar dos pontos de vista histórico, social, demográfico, legal e jurídico, focalizando o desenrolar dessas situações seja por persistências e/ou mudanças; quem e quais são os atores envolvidos e sua importância nas escolhas dos futuros nubentes. No início, a seleção era fundada no parentesco e no território, privilegiando a grande rede familiar solidária no enfrentamento das dificuldades de sobrevivência. Com os avanços da industrialização, da urbanização, da tecnologia e de comunicação, além do crescimento da importância das pessoas, as escolhas foram se transformando, diminuindo a dependência da estrutura familiar e aumentando a escolha pessoal e afetiva, influenciadas pelas variadas formas de mudança social, demográfica, jurídica.

Enfocando los tópicos noviazgo y compromiso, edad al casarse y diferencias de edad entre los cónyuges, este artículo recorre tres grandes períodos históricos: el período colonial; el siglo XIX hasta fines del XX; y el inicio del siglo XXI. Se trata de un análisis transdisciplinario de los puntos de vista históricos, sociales, demográficos, legales y jurídicos, focalizándose en el desarrollo de esas situaciones, sea por persistencias y/o cambios; quién y cuáles son los actores involucrados y su importancia en la elección de los futuros prometidos. En el comienzo, la selección se fundaba en el parentesco y en el territorio, privilegiando la gran red familiar solidaria en el enfrentamiento de las dificultades de sobrevivencia. Con los avances de la industrialización, de la urbanización, de la tecnología y de la comunicación, además del crecimiento de la importancia de las personas, las elecciones se fueron transformando, disminuyendo la dependencia de la estructura familiar y aumentando la elección personal y afectiva, influenciadas por las variadas formas de cambios sociales, demográficos, jurídicos.

This article focuses on the topics of courtship and engagement, the age at which persons marry and age differences between spouses. The text briefly describes three long historical periods, namely, the colonial period, from 19th to the late 20th centuries, and the early 21st. The discussion involves a multi-disciplinary analysis from the historical, social, demographic and legal points of view, and deals especially with the developments of these situations, either through persistence or due to change. Also considered are the actors involved and their importance in the choices of their future wife or husband. In the earliest period studied the choice was based on kinship and territory, with special importance given to broad family networks, which participated in facing the difficulties involved in survival. With the advances of industrialization, urbanization, technology and communications, and the greater importance given to the individual, the question of who was to choose the spouses evolved. Dependence on the family structure became less and less important and personal and emotional preferences became more determinant, influenced by various types of social, demographic and legal changes.

Visual communication stimulates reproduction in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L. )

Reproductive fish behavior is affected by male-female interactions that stimulate physiological responses such as hormonal release and gonad development. During male-female interactions, visual and chemical communication can modulate fish reproduction. The aim of the present study was to test the effect of visual and chemical male-female interaction on the gonad development and reproductive behavior of the cichlid fish Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.). Fifty-six pairs were studied after being maintained for 5 days under one of the four conditions (N = 14 for each condition): 1) visual contact (V); 2) chemical contact (Ch); 3) chemical and visual contact (Ch+V); 4) no sensory contact (Iso) - males and females isolated. We compared the reproductive behavior (nesting, courtship and spawning) and gonadosomatic index (GSI) of pairs of fish under all four conditions. Visual communication enhanced the frequency of courtship in males (mean ± SEM; V: 24.79 ± 3.30, Ch+V: 20.74 ± 3.09, Ch: 0.1 ± 0.07, Iso: 4.68 ± 1.26 events/30 min; P < 0.05, two-way ANOVA with LSD post hoc test), induced spawning in females (3 spawning in V and also 3 in Ch+V condition), and increased GSI in males (mean ± SEM; V: 1.39 ± 0.08, Ch+V: 1.21 ± 0.08, Ch: 1.04 ± 0.07, Iso: 0.82 ± 0.07 percent; P < 0.05, two-way ANOVA with LSD post hoc test). Chemical communication did not affect the reproductive behavior of pairs nor did it enhance the effects of visual contact. Therefore, male-female visual communication is an effective cue, which stimulates reproduction among pairs of Nile tilapia.