Neural acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase deregulation during streptozotocin-induced behavioral, metabolic and redox modification in Nauphoeta cinerea.

Genetic and environmental factors have been linked with neurodegeneration, especially in the elderly. Yet, efforts to impede neurodegenerative processes have at best addressed symptoms instead of underlying pathologies. The gap in the understanding of neuro-behavioral plasticity is consistent from insects to mammals, and cockroaches have been proven to be effective models for studying the toxicity mechanisms of various chemicals. We therefore used head injection of 74 and 740 nmol STZ in Nauphoeta cinerea to elucidate the mechanisms of chemical-induced neurotoxicity, as STZ is known to cross the blood-brain barrier. Neurolocomotor assessment was carried out in a new environment, while head homogenate was used to estimate metabolic, neurotransmitter and redox activities, followed by RT-qPCR validation of relevant cellular signaling. STZ treatment reduced the distance and maximum speed travelled by cockroaches, and increased glucose levels while reducing triglyceride levels in neural tissues. The activity of neurotransmitter regulators - AChE and MAO was exacerbated, with concurrent upregulation of glucose sensing and signaling, and increased mRNA levels of redox regulators and inflammation-related genes. Consequently, STZ neurotoxicity is conserved in insects, with possible implications for using N. cinerea to target the multi-faceted mechanisms of neurodegeneration and test potential anti-neurodegenerative agents.

A Taxonomic Revision of the South American Trilobite Cockroaches of Parahormetica Brunner von Wattenwyl 1865 (Blattodea: Blaberidae), with Description of Parahormetica museunacional sp. nov. from the Atlantic Forest.

The taxonomically intricate genus of trilobite cockroaches, Parahormetica Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1865, is revised based on a comparative morphological analysis. The goals of this study are to review the nomenclature, propose hypotheses about specific delimitation, and provide diagnoses to allow identification of the taxonomic units in the genus. Based on the revised status of Parahormetica, we transferred Parahormetica hylaeceps Miranda-Ribeiro, 1936, and Parahormetica punctata Saussure, 1873, to the genus Bionoblatta Rehn, 1940. Therefore, the genus includes now four species of giant cockroaches which are predominantly distributed on the Atlantic Forest: Parahormetica bilobata (Saussure, 1864), Parahormetica cicatricosa Saussure, 1869, Parahormetica monticollis (Burmeister, 1838), and Parahormetica museunacional sp. nov. (holotype male deposited in DZUP: Brazil, Paraná). Diagnoses, key, distribution maps, images of living, non-type, and type specimens are made available. Our results make clear that the status and limits among Brachycolini genera pending a full revision.

Dynamics of dimorphic workers of Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Blattodea: Termitidae) during nest repair.

Termite nest repairs are considered a defensive conduct as they reduce the colony's exposure to the external environment. Repair activities are carried out by worker castes that can be polymorphic, representing a relationship between polymorphism and divisions of functions that can enhance task completion. Repairs are influenced by the extent of damage, nest volume, and the population dynamics of the building species, which regulate the recruitment of individuals for this activity. Our objective was to verify the performances (recruitment for repair) of dimorphic workers of Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Silvestri, 1901) during the damage repair activities performed on the external walls of termite nests of different sizes. We found a significant difference in the presence of dimorphic workers that performed repairs, with greater recruitment of the small morphotype, and observed an alternation of morphotypes between initial and final repair activities, with no influence of morphotype on the replacement pattern. Our results also showed that the total number of recruited workers decreased with increasing nest volume. These results help to better understand the social organization of a Nasutitermitinae termite species and the strategies adopted to protect its colonies.

Mating- and oviposition-dependent changes of the spermatheca and colleterial glands in the pest termite Cryptotermes brevis (Blattaria, Isoptera, Kalotermitidae).

The spermatheca and colleterial glands of female insects are organs associated with the reproductive system, responsible for sperm storage and secretion of egg coverings, respectively. Here we compared the development, secretory activity, and chemical nature of the secretion in the spermatheca and colleterial glands of different-aged females of the drywood termite Cryptotermes brevis. We also provide the ultrastructure of these organs in alate females. These structures have been poorly investigated in termites when compared to other eusocial insects (Hymenoptera) and termite-related dictyopterans (mantises and cockroaches). The spermatheca of C. brevis comprises a cone-shaped structure, connected to the genital chamber by a short duct. The colleterial glands, in turn, are divided into anterior and posterior tubules, each showing a basal trunk, and join into a common duct. Histological and histochemical analyses showed that the secretion of proteins and polysaccharides by the spermatheca takes place before pairing, but increases as females mate and store sperm. Colleterial glands of alates showed non-synchronous secretory activity, but the synthesis of products increased in egg-laying queens, together with the epithelium height. Ultrastructure of the spermatheca and colleterial glands revealed epithelia composed of class III secretory cells. Richness of mitochondria and electron-dense secretion in the spermatheca indicates synthesis and transport of content. Presence and absence of colleterial gland secretion in different individuals may reflect variable maturation stages of the females and secretory cells. Assuming that termites are iteroparous, the development and secretion of the spermatheca and colleterial glands play a crucial role for C. brevis queens.

Functional Morphology and Development of the Colleterial Glands in Non- and Egg-Laying Females of the Pest Termite Coptotermes gestroi (Blattaria, Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae).

Colleterial glands of female insects are accessory glands responsible for producing secretions associated with egg-laying. Within Dictyoptera, they synthesize compounds of the ootheca. However, their morphology and role in termites are poorly understood. Here, we compared the morphology, development, and secretory activity of the colleterial glands between non- and egg-laying females of the pest termite Coptotermes gestroi under light and transmission electron microscopy. We also provide the first description of these glands for Rhinotermitidae. The glands are paired, divided into anterior and posterior units, which join in a common duct via basal trunks. They are highly developed within egg-laying females, especially the posterior gland, secreting glycoproteins to lubricate the genital chamber and/or stick the eggs together. Ultrastructure revealed glandular epithelia composed of bicellular units of Class 3, whose secretory activity varied between groups and units. Posterior gland of egg-laying females showed richness of mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and secretory vesicles, including electron-dense secretory granules, indicating synthesis and transport of contents, especially proteins. The basal trunks were enfolded by muscles, supporting their role in conducting secretion. Morphophysiological modifications occur in the colleterial glands as females mature and lay eggs, and the mechanisms underlying the secretory cycle of the glands are discussed.

Fipronil affects cockroach behavior and olfactory memory.

Fipronil (Fpl), an insecticide belonging to the class of phenylpyrazoles, is associated with the widespread mortality of pollinator insects worldwide. Based on studies carried out on residual concentrations of Fpl commonly found in the environment, in this study, we evaluated the sublethal effects of Fpl on behavior and other neurophysiological parameters using the cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea as a biological model. Sublethal doses of Fpl (0.1-0.001 µg g-1) increased the time spent grooming and caused dose-dependent inhibition of exploratory activity, partial neuromuscular blockade in vivo and irreversible negative cardiac chronotropism. Fpl also disrupted learning and olfactory memory formation at all doses tested. These results provide the first evidence that short-term exposure to sublethal concentrations of Fpl can significantly disrupt insect behavior and physiology, including olfactory memory. These findings have implications for current pesticide risk assessment and could be potentially useful in establishing a correlation with pesticide effects in other insects, such as honey bees.

The neurotoxic mechanism of Jack Bean Urease in insects involves the interplay between octopaminergic and dopaminergic pathways.

In the last decades, the entomotoxicity of JBU and its derived peptides became an object of study, due mainly to the ubiquitous interaction of these compounds with different species of insects and their potential as natural insecticides. In this work, we investigated the neurotoxic effects of JBU in Nauphoeta cinerea cockroaches by dissecting pharmacologically the monoaminergic pathways involved. Selective pharmacological modulators for monoaminergic pathways in in vivo and ex vivo experimental models were employed. Thus, the analysis of N. cinerea neurolocomotory behavior demonstrated that JBU (1.5 and 3 µg/g) induces a significant decrease in the exploratory activity. In these assays, pretreatment of animals with phentolamine, SCH23390 or reserpine, interfered significantly with the response of JBU. Using in vivo abductor metathoracic preparations JBU (1.5 µg/g) induced progressive neuromuscular blockade, in 120 min recordings. In this set of experiments, the previous treatment of the animals with phentolamine, SCH23390 or reserpine, completely inhibited JBU-induced neuromuscular blockade. The recordings of spontaneous compound neural action potentials in N. cinerea legs showed that JBU, only in the smallest dose, significantly decreased the number of potentials in 60 min recordings. When the animals were pretreated with phentolamine, SCH23390, or reserpine, but not with mianserin, there was a significant prevention of the JBU-inhibitory responses on the action potentials firing. Meanwhile, the treatment of the animals with mianserin did not affect JBU's inhibitory activity. The data presented in this work strongly suggest that the neurotoxic response of JBU in N. cinerea involves a cross talking between OCTOPAMIN-ergic and DOPAMIN-ergic nerve systems, but not the SEROTONIN-ergic neurotransmission. Further molecular biology studies with expression of insect receptors associated with voltage clamp techniques will help to discriminate the selectivity of JBU over the monoaminergic transmission.

Chewing insects, pollinators, and predators on Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Beth (Fabales: Fabaceae) plants fertilized with dehydrated sewage sludge / Insetos mastigadores, polinizadores e predadores em plantas de Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Beth (Fabales: Fabaceae) fertilizada com lodo de esgoto desidratado

Fertilization with dehydrated sewage sludge can speed up the recovery process of degraded areas due to nutrients concentration, favoring the development of pioneer plants such as Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Beth (Fabales: Fabaceae) and the emergence of insects. This study aimed the evaluation of chewing, pollinating insects, predators, their ecological indices and relationships on A. auriculiformis plants fertilized with dehydrated sewage sludge. The experimental design was completely randomized with two treatments (with and without dehydrated sewage sludge) and 24 repetitions. The prevalence of chewing insects Parasyphraea sp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Nasutitermes sp. (Blattodea: Termitidae), and Tropidacris collaris (Stoll, 1813) (Orthoptera: Romaleidae), defoliation, and ecological indices of abundance of Coleoptera and Orthoptera were observed on fertilized A. auriculiformis. Acacia auriculiformis plants, with a superior number of branches/tree, revealed greater abundance of Coleoptera and Orthoptera, species richness of pollinating insects, defoliation, numbers of Parasyphraea sp. and T. collaris. The ones with larger leaves/branches displayed greater abundance of species richness of Coleoptera and Diabrotica speciosa (Germar, 1824) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Therefore, the use of A. auriculiformis plants, fertilized with dehydrated sewage sludge, is promising in the recovery of degraded areas due to the ecological indices increase of chewing and pollinators insects and spiders in the analyzed area.(AU)

A fertilização com lodo de esgoto desidratado pode acelerar o processo de recuperação de áreas degradadas devido à concentração de nutrientes, favorecendo o desenvolvimento de plantas pioneiras tais como Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Beth (Fabales: Fabaceae) e de seus insetos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os insetos mastigadores, polinizadores e predadores e seus índices e relações ecológicas em plantas de A. auriculiformis fertilizadas com lodo de esgoto desidratado, em área degradada, durante 24 meses. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizados com dois tratamentos (com e sem adubação com lodo de esgoto desidratado) e 24 repetições (uma repetição = uma planta). O maior número de insetos mastigadores Parasyphraea sp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Nasutitermes sp. (Blattodea: Termitidae) e Tropidacris collaris (Stoll, 1813) (Orthoptera: Romaleidae), de desfolha, e do índice ecológico abundância de Coleoptera e de Orthoptera foram maiores em plantas de A. auriculiformis fertilizadas do que nas não fertilizadas com lodo de esgoto desidratado. Plantas de A. auriculiformis, com maior quantidade de galhos/árvore, apresentaram maiores abundâncias de Coleoptera e Orthoptera, riqueza de espécies de insetos polinizadores, desfolha e números de Parasyphraea sp. e T. collaris, e as com maior folhas/galho os de riqueza de espécies de Coleoptera e Diabrotica speciosa (Germar, 1824) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Por tanto, a utilização de A. auriculiformis, adubada com lodo de esgoto desidratado, é promissora na recuperação de áreas degradadas devido ao aumento dos índices ecológicos de insetos mastigadores, polinizadores e aranhas na área.

A new approach to mark termites (Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar) Blattodea: Isoptera) for laboratory bioassays / Uma nova abordagem de marcador tópico em cupins para bioensaios de laboratório

Abstract Behavioral lab bioassays involving termites must be promptly performed to allow intended observations prior to death from dissecation, typical of these soft-bodied insects. To this end, topic markers have been proposed as an alternative to histological stains which, while not always toxic are inevitably lengthy to apply. Among recommended topic markers, gouache is easy to apply, dries out quickly, but it is known affect termites in the long run, being suitable only to short-term bioassays. Its alternative, colored glue, is also easy to apply, but it takes long to dry and it is too dense and heavy, being thus prone to affect termite walking patterns. Here we tested a mix of gouache and colored glue aiming to combine the qualities of both into a suitable topical marker for Cornitermes cumulans termites. Similar patterns of survival presented by marked and unmarked termites ruled out concerns about toxicity of this mixture. Such results were consistent across distinct group densities evidencing that the mixture does not interfere with, nor it is affected by, crowding effects. Because crowding regulates interindividual interactions and these underlie most behaviors, the mixture can be thought to be suitable to behavioral studies. We argue that this 1:2 glue:gouache mixture is an excellent alternative to mark termites for lab bioassays. Being atoxic, cheap, easy to apply, and non-invasive, this mixture may happen to be useful not only for termites but also in bioassaying other similarly soft-bodied insects.

Resumo Bioensaios comportamentais em laboratório com cupins devem ser realizados rapidamente a fim de garantir observações antes da morte por dissecação, típico desses insetos de corpo mole. Para este fim, marcadores tópicos têm sido propostos como uma alternativa para marcadores histológicos que, embora nem sempre tóxico, possuem uma aplicação demorada. Entre os marcadores tópicos recomendados, tinta guache é de fácil aplicação, rápida secagem, porém afeta os cupins em bioensaios longos, sendo adequado apenas para bioensaios curtos. Sua alternativa, cola colorida, também é de fácil aplicação mas leva muito tempo para secar e é muito denso e pesado, afetando os padrões de caminhamento dos cupins. No presente estudo, nós testamos uma mistura de tinta guache e cola colorida objetivando combinar as qualidades de ambos os marcadores tópicos em um marcador tópico adequado para Cornitermes cumulans. Padrões similares de sobrevivência entre cupins marcados e controle indicam a ausência de toxicidade na mistura de tinta guache e cola colorida. Tais resultados são consistentes em grupos de densidades distintas, o que comprova que a mistura não interfere, nem sofre efeitos de aglomeração. Uma vez que a aglomeração regula as interações inter-individuais e afetam a maioria dos comportamentos, a mistura pode ser adequada para estudos comportamentais. Nós argumentamos que a mistura de tinta guache e cola (1:2) é uma excelente alternativa como marcador tópico em cupins para bioensaios em laboratório. Sendo atóxico, barato, fácil de aplicar e não invasivo, esta mistura pode ser útil não só para os cupins, mas também em bioensaios com outros insetos de corpo mole.

Chewing insects, pollinators, and predators on Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Beth (Fabales: Fabaceae) plants fertilized with dehydrated sewage sludge / Insetos mastigadores, polinizadores e predadores em plantas de Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Beth (Fabales: Fabaceae) fertilizada com lodo de esgoto desidratado

Fertilization with dehydrated sewage sludge can speed up the recovery process of degraded areas due to nutrients concentration, favoring the development of pioneer plants such as Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Beth (Fabales: Fabaceae) and the emergence of insects. This study aimed the evaluation of chewing, pollinating insects, predators, their ecological indices and relationships on A. auriculiformis plants fertilized with dehydrated sewage sludge. The experimental design was completely randomized with two treatments (with and without dehydrated sewage sludge) and 24 repetitions. The prevalence of chewing insects Parasyphraea sp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Nasutitermes sp. (Blattodea: Termitidae), and Tropidacris collaris (Stoll, 1813) (Orthoptera: Romaleidae), defoliation, and ecological indices of abundance of Coleoptera and Orthoptera were observed on fertilized A. auriculiformis. Acacia auriculiformis plants, with a superior number of branches/tree, revealed greater abundance of Coleoptera and Orthoptera, species richness of pollinating insects, defoliation, numbers of Parasyphraea sp. and T. collaris. The ones with larger leaves/branches displayed greater abundance of species richness of Coleoptera and Diabrotica speciosa (Germar, 1824) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Therefore, the use of A. auriculiformis plants, fertilized with dehydrated sewage sludge, is promising in the recovery of degraded areas due to the ecological indices increase of chewing and pollinators insects and spiders in the analyzed area.

A fertilização com lodo de esgoto desidratado pode acelerar o processo de recuperação de áreas degradadas devido à concentração de nutrientes, favorecendo o desenvolvimento de plantas pioneiras tais como Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Beth (Fabales: Fabaceae) e de seus insetos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os insetos mastigadores, polinizadores e predadores e seus índices e relações ecológicas em plantas de A. auriculiformis fertilizadas com lodo de esgoto desidratado, em área degradada, durante 24 meses. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizados com dois tratamentos (com e sem adubação com lodo de esgoto desidratado) e 24 repetições (uma repetição = uma planta). O maior número de insetos mastigadores Parasyphraea sp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Nasutitermes sp. (Blattodea: Termitidae) e Tropidacris collaris (Stoll, 1813) (Orthoptera: Romaleidae), de desfolha, e do índice ecológico abundância de Coleoptera e de Orthoptera foram maiores em plantas de A. auriculiformis fertilizadas do que nas não fertilizadas com lodo de esgoto desidratado. Plantas de A. auriculiformis, com maior quantidade de galhos/árvore, apresentaram maiores abundâncias de Coleoptera e Orthoptera, riqueza de espécies de insetos polinizadores, desfolha e números de Parasyphraea sp. e T. collaris, e as com maior folhas/galho os de riqueza de espécies de Coleoptera e Diabrotica speciosa (Germar, 1824) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Por tanto, a utilização de A. auriculiformis, adubada com lodo de esgoto desidratado, é promissora na recuperação de áreas degradadas devido ao aumento dos índices ecológicos de insetos mastigadores, polinizadores e aranhas na área.

Annotated checklist of Hydraenidae (Coleoptera, Polyphaga) of Brazil.

A checklist of known species of the water beetle Hydraenidae (minute moss beetles) recorded from Brazil is assembled, rendering a total of 34 species distributed in four genera: Adelphydraena Perkins, 1989 (one species), Hydraena Kugelann, 1794 (19 species), Parhydraenida J. Balfour-Browne, 1975 (11 species) and Ochthebius Leach, 1815 (three species). For each taxon a complete account of its nomenclature, including synonyms and historical name combinations are included. The habitats (when known) and geographical distribution of each species organized by Brazilian states are also provided.

Updated taxonomy of Syntermitinae (Blattodea: Isoptera, Termitidae), with the description of three new genera.

Herein we describe three new genera based on a previous phylogenetic analysis of the termite subfamily Syntermitinae (Termitidae), which indicated that the genera Embiratermes Fontes and Ibitermes Fontes were paraphyletic. In order to resolve this paraphyly, the genus is more narrowly circumscribed, resulting in the following taxonomic changes: Biratermes gen. n., is established to accommodate Embiratermes robustus Constantino, 1992; Vaninitermes gen. n. is described for Armitermes brevinasisus Emerson Banks, 1957 and E. ignotus Constantino, 1991; and Bandeiratermes gen. n., is proposed to accommodate Armitermes silvestrii Emerson in Snyder, 1949 and Ibitermes tellustris Constantino, 1990. In addition, E. parvirostris Constantino, 1992 is considered a new junior subjective synonym of E. ignotus, and the imago of E. ignotus is described for the first time. Descriptions and illustrations of the workers digestive tube are included for all species, along with drawings of the coiling worker gut of E. festivellus (Silvestri, 1901). Photographs are provided for the soldiers of all of the aforementioned species. The new genera are compared with all other genera of Syntermitinae.

First Neotropical record of the association between brown sclerotium-forming fungi and termite eggs in a nest of Coptotermes gestroi (Blattaria, Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae).

Insects and fungi are abundant in many environments, in which facultative and/or obligate associations involving these groups have been established during evolution. In termites, mutualism with fungi is well reported for some termite lineages (e.g., Macrotermitinae). Within some subterranean termite species (Rhinotermitidae), egg-mimicking fungi, also referred to as "termite "balls", are often harbored inside the nest, mixed to the egg piles. Such interaction seems to be advantageous for both partners since the fungi are protected inside the nest while they may serve as an additional food source and also provide cellulases which may be incorporated into the termite digestive process. Although such mutualism has been reported for seven species of Reticulitermes and Coptotermes formosanus, all the samplings were restricted to temperate regions. Here, we provide the first Neotropical record of this termite-fungus association, and the first report for Coptotermes gestroi. The morphological characters of the "termite balls" observed in a C. gestroi nest resemble those already reported for Reticulitermes spp. and the congeneric species C. formosanus. They include a color ranging from light to dark brown, spherical shape, and a reduced diameter (0.23-0.34 mm). Our findings provide new insights into the geographical distribution of the association between termites and sclerotium-forming fungi. Future genetic analyses will be valuable aiming to identify the egg-mimicking fungi associated with C. gestroi and shed light on the evolution of this fascinating symbiosis.

Comparative reproductive biology of pre-, imaginal, and neotenic castes of the Asian termite Coptotermes gestroi (Blattaria, Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae).

The Asian subterranean termite Coptotermes gestroi is a worldwide structural pest, although its reproductive biology has been poorly investigated due to a cryptic habit and occurrence of polycalic nests. In this study, we investigated ovarian development and oogenesis in different-aged females of C. gestroi: fourth-instar nymphs, non-functional neotenics, alates, and functional queens. We show that the ovaries develop gradually according to their age and functionality, as younger individuals possess immature oocytes, whereas alates and functional queens always undergo vitellogenesis. Oocytes were classified into previtellogenic (stages I, II, and III) or vitellogenic (stages IV, V, and VI). Ovary development varied among non-functional neotenics, and a rapid differentiation and/or the presence of primary reproductives are believed to influence such a maturation. Immature oocyte stages were shared between fourth-instar nymphs and neotenics. These characteristics, together with other neotenic features (wing buds, body pigmentation, and eye color), should be evaluated in detail aiming to clarify which nymphal instars differentiate into secondary reproductives. Oogenesis was not uniform among alate females, and cross-sectional area of terminal oocytes was significantly smaller in alates when compared to functional queens, suggesting different degrees of maturation in swarming individuals. Functional queens always had mature terminal oocytes (stage VI). Ovariole number and oocyte maturation in C. gestroi relies on several factors and may therefore differ among individuals of the same caste. Future studies should take into account these reproductive features to evaluate how they impact colony development.

Identification and Semi-quantification of Protozoa from the Digestive System Microbiota of the Lobster Cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea Oliver, 1789 (Insecta:Blattaria).

INTRODUCTION: The lobster cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea (N. cinerea) is indicated as a promising non-mammalian model, because it presents behavioral and biochemical alterations also observed in conventional models. In this research, we identified and characterized the distribution of protozoa that inhabit the digestive system (DS) of N. cinerea cockroaches. METHODS: The adult specimens of N. cinerea used in this study (n = 32) were obtained at the Federal University of Santa Maria, dissected and had their visceral contents observed in bright-field microscopy without staining and after application of lugol, Ziehl-Neelsen staining, EA36 trichrome and simulated dark-field microscopy with application of nankin ink. The presence of protozoa in different portions of the DS was semi-quantified by a system of crosses (+). RESULTS: The main taxa observed were: amoebas (Archaemebae:Entamoebida), gregarins (Apicomplexa:Eugregarinide), coccidia (Apicomplexa:Eucoccidiorida), kinetoplastids (Kinetoplastea:Kinetoplastida) and oxymonads (Preaxostyla:Oxymonadida). The highest prevalence of amoebas and gregarines was observed in the medial portion of the DS, while for the other groups, this was seen in the final portion, and in the case of coccidia, such prevalence was specially evidenced by the alcohol-acid coloration. In the present work, the great biological diversity that exists in the microbiota of the digestive system of Nauphoeta cinerea was demonstrated, being possible to find several pathogenic species for humans such as Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii, Cryptosporidium sp. and Cyclospora cayetanensis. There is still a lot to know about the interactions between endocommensal protozoa and their respective invertebrate hosts, so the best way to clarify such relationships is through molecular and genetic test.

Hematological and histopathological evaluation of meat-type quails fed Madagascar cockroach meal.

Aiming at the sustainability of meat production, insects can replace traditional ingredients in the diet of poultry. Studies evaluating performance in birds have emerged to ensure this ability, but few address the health parameters of animals. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of Madagascar cockroach meal in traditional diets on hematological and histopathological traits of meat-type quails. The inclusion of Madagascar cockroach meal in the diet was evaluated in four levels: 0%, 6%, 12%, and 18%. Observations for hematological and histopathological traits from 6 repetitions on each group were recorded for both sexes at 35 days of age. Hematological parameters were not influenced by Madagascar cockroach inclusion on diet and quail's sex. Red and white blood cells count were within the normal range for poultry. No significant findings were observed during the histopathological evaluation of the pancreas, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Liver fatty degeneration was visualized in all treatments in the same intensity. Quail's diets containing up to 18% insect meal during the growth period did not affect the studied health parameters, so the Madagascar cockroach meal could be considered as an alternative to a protein ingredient for poultry production.

A comprehensive review on the documented characteristics of four Reticulitermes termites (Rhinotermitidae, Blattodea) of China.

Termites are known as social insects worldwide. Presently in China 473 species, 44 genera and 4 families of termites have been reported. Of them, 111 Reticulitermes species are widely spread in different zones of China. The dispersion flight season of these Chinese Reticulitermes species are usually started from February to June, but in some regions different species are distributed, sharing their boundaries and having overlapping flight seasons. These reasons become important sources of hybridization between two different heterospecific populations of termites. It was confirmed that the fertilized eggs and unfertilized eggs of some Reticulitermes termites have the capacity of cleavage. While the unfertilized eggs of R. aculabialis, R. chinensis and R. labralis cleaved normally and the only R. aculabialis unfertilized eggs develop in embryos. While, the R. flaviceps and R. chinensis were observed with their abnormal embryonic development, and not hatching of eggs parthenogenetically. They were reported more threatening to Chinese resources as they propagate with parthenogenesis, hybridization and sexual reproduction. Eggshell and macrophiles of eggs play important roles in species identification and control. Although, they are severe pests and cause a wide range of damages to wooden structures and products in homes, buildings, building materials, trees, crops, and forests in China's Mainland.

Feeding Behaviour of a Pyrethroid-Resistant Strain of the German Cockroach Blattella germanica (Linnaeus, 1767).

Many authors report biological differences among insecticide-resistant pest species, mainly associated with parameters of life history, but only a few studies approach differences at the behavioural level. Feeding behaviour in Blattella germanica (L.) is modulated by the detection of chemical volatiles emitted from food sources in order to be located a long-median distance, and also by the physicochemical properties of food. This work aimed to study the differences in the feeding behaviour of a susceptible and a pyrethroid-resistant strain of B. germanica, in the location and exploitation of a food source. Resistant males showed a lower performance in the feeding behaviour compared to susceptible males. Particularly, the time taken to locate the source was significantly higher in the resistant individuals, suggesting a lower capacity in the detection of food odours. In addition, although the Intake rate was negatively related to the stiffness of food for both strains, resistant individuals showed a lower intake rate compared to susceptible ones, when exploiting a food source of the same stiffness. In a control context, the phenotypic characteristics associated to feeding of pyrethroid-resistant individuals could induce a behavioural resistance mechanism caused by a reduction in the amount of toxic gel bait ingested. If that is the case, resistance of this strain would not be associated to physiological changes affecting the toxicity of the active principle of gel baits, but to a lower efficacy of these products against resistant individuals due to less amount of gel consumed, generating control problems of this pest.

Morphological and molecular characterization of two species of nematodes (Oxyuridomorpha: Thelastomatoidea: Protrelloididae, Thelastomatidae) parasitic in the cockroach Blaberus discoidalis Serville (Blattaria: Blaberidae) from Cuba.

Protrelleta floridana Chitwood, 1932 and Cranifera cranifera (Chitwood, 1932) (Oxyuridomorpha: Thelastomatoidea: Protrelloididae, Thelastomatidae) are recorded for the first time in Cuba. These nematodes were found to parasitize the cockroach Blaberus discoidalis Serville (Blattaria: Blaberidae), constituting a new host record for them. Both species are redescribed with the aid of scanning electron microscopy and the arrangement of the copulatory papillae of the males of P. floridana is amended. The present specimens coincide in their morphology and most of the measurements with the type populations from USA and the records from Costa Rica, with only minor differences. The molecular phylogeny was inferred by mean of the D2-D3 domain of the 28S rDNA and the Cuban P. floridana and C. cranifera form monophyletic clades with sequences of both taxa from Costa Rica as well as a sequence of C. cranifera from Russia. In the case of C. cranifera its phylogeny and that of its blaberid hosts reveal coevolutionary relationships.

A new approach to mark termites (Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar) Blattodea: Isoptera) for laboratory bioassays.

Behavioral lab bioassays involving termites must be promptly performed to allow intended observations prior to death from dissecation, typical of these soft-bodied insects. To this end, topic markers have been proposed as an alternative to histological stains which, while not always toxic are inevitably lengthy to apply. Among recommended topic markers, gouache is easy to apply, dries out quickly, but it is known affect termites in the long run, being suitable only to short-term bioassays. Its alternative, colored glue, is also easy to apply, but it takes long to dry and it is too dense and heavy, being thus prone to affect termite walking patterns. Here we tested a mix of gouache and colored glue aiming to combine the qualities of both into a suitable topical marker for Cornitermes cumulans termites. Similar patterns of survival presented by marked and unmarked termites ruled out concerns about toxicity of this mixture. Such results were consistent across distinct group densities evidencing that the mixture does not interfere with, nor it is affected by, crowding effects. Because crowding regulates interindividual interactions and these underlie most behaviors, the mixture can be thought to be suitable to behavioral studies. We argue that this 1:2 glue:gouache mixture is an excellent alternative to mark termites for lab bioassays. Being atoxic, cheap, easy to apply, and non-invasive, this mixture may happen to be useful not only for termites but also in bioassaying other similarly soft-bodied insects.