Relationships of the branchial parasite Bopyrinella thorii (Isopoda, Bopyridae) and its host Thor floridanus (Decapoda, Hippolytidae)

Crustaceana ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 87 (4) ◽  
pp. 463-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Romero-Rodríguez ◽  
R. Román-Contreras
Keyword(s):  
Close Relationships ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Quintana Roo ◽  
Ovarian Activity ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Female Parasite ◽  
Morphometric Data ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Size Classes ◽  
Simultaneous Growth

Morphometric data are presented for developmental stages ofBopyrinellathorii(Richardson, 1904), obtained from 380 individuals ofThorfloridanusKingsley, 1878 infested by this parasite and collected by trawl net in Bahía de la Ascensión, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The close relationships between the sizes of host and parasite () and between sizes of the two sexes of the parasite () suggest the simultaneous growth of host and parasite and the permanence of the pairing of a male and female parasite throughout their lives. Cryptoniscus larvae ofB. thoriiwere sometimes attached intramuscularly to other body parts than the host’s gill chambers. Mature females unpaired with a male had ovarian activity visible through their exoskeleton, which reveals thatB. thoriicould produce oocytes even in the absence of a male. Bilateral double infestation, present in 4.2% of theT. floridanusspecimens analysed, was more frequent in smaller size classes of the host.

scholarly journals Morphological description of the developmental stages of Parauchenipterus galeatus (Linnaeus, 1766) (Siluriformes, Auchenipteridae) on the floodplain of the upper Paraná River

1999 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 429-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. V. SANCHES ◽  
K. NAKATANI ◽  
A. BIALETZKI
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Paraná River ◽  
The Body ◽  
Morphological Description ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Morphometric Data ◽  
Double Membrane ◽  
Parana River ◽  
Upper Paraná River ◽  
Development Analysis

We provide morphological and morphometric descriptions of the developmental stages of Parauchenipterus galeatus, from the floodplain of the Upper Paraná River. Specimens were obtained by induced spawning. The species has large adhesive eggs with a double membrane. The incubation period is long, 65 hours at 27°C. The larvae are well developed at hatching, with relatively rapid larval development. Analysis of the morphometric data showed that the body parts of P. galeatus grow proportionately.

scholarly journals Possible Epigenetic Origin of a Recurrent Gynandromorph Pattern in Megachile Wild Bees

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 437
Author(s):  
Daniele Sommaggio ◽  
Giuseppe Fusco ◽  
Marco Uliana ◽  
Alessandro Minelli
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Sex Differentiation ◽  
General Pattern ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Wild Bees ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Female Phenotype ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Gene Transcripts ◽  
Individual Body

Gynandromorphs, i.e., individuals with a mix of male and female traits, are common in the wild bees of the genus Megachile (Hymenoptera, Apoidea). We described new transverse gynandromorphs in Megachile pilidens Alfkeen, 1924 and analyze the spatial distribution of body parts with male vs. female phenotype hitherto recorded in the transverse gynandromorphs of the genus Megachile. We identified 10 different arrangements, nine of which are minor variants of a very general pattern, with a combination of male and female traits largely shared by the gynandromorphs recorded in 20 out of 21 Megachile species in our dataset. Based on the recurrence of the same gynandromorph pattern, the current knowledge on sex determination and sex differentiation in the honey bee, and the results of recent gene-knockdown experiments in these insects, we suggest that these composite phenotypes are possibly epigenetic, rather than genetic, mosaics, with individual body parts of either male or female phenotype according to the locally expressed product of the alternative splicing of sex-determining gene transcripts.

scholarly journals The Scent of Ant Brood: Caste Differences in Surface Hydrocarbons of Formica exsecta Pupae

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Unni Pulliainen ◽  
Nick Bos ◽  
Patrizia d’Ettorre ◽  
Liselotte Sundström
Keyword(s):  
Surface Chemistry ◽  
Chemical Communication ◽  
Cuticular Hydrocarbons ◽  
Social Insects ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Pupal Stage ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Chemical Stimuli ◽  
Caste Differences ◽  
Long Chain

AbstractChemical communication is common across all organisms. Insects in particular use predominantly chemical stimuli in assessing their environment and recognizing their social counterparts. One of the chemical stimuli used for recognition in social insects, such as ants, is the suite of long-chain, cuticular hydrocarbons. In addition to providing waterproofing, these surface hydrocarbons serve as a signature mixture, which ants can perceive, and use to distinguish between strangers and colony mates, and to determine caste, sex, and reproductive status of another individual. They can be both environmentally and endogenously acquired. The surface chemistry of adult workers has been studied extensively in ants, yet the pupal stage has rarely been considered. Here we characterized the surface chemistry of pupae of Formica exsecta, and examine differences among sexes, castes (reproductive vs. worker), and types of sample (developing individual vs. cocoon envelope). We found quantitative and qualitative differences among both castes and types of sample, but male and female reproductives did not differ in their surface chemistry. We also found that the pupal surface chemistry was more complex than that of adult workers in this species. These results improve our understanding of the information on which ants base recognition, and highlights the diversity of surface chemistry in social insects across developmental stages.

Effects of male and female personality on sexual cannibalism in the Springbok mantis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro Pollo ◽  
Nathan W Burke ◽  
Gregory I Holwell
Keyword(s):  
Personality Traits ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Male Mating ◽  
Sexual Cannibalism ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Young Females ◽  
Behavioural Syndromes ◽  
Male Activity ◽  
Spillover Hypothesis

Behaviours that are consistent across contexts (also known as behavioural syndromes) can have evolutionary implications, but their role in scenarios where the sexes conflict, such as sexual cannibalism, is poorly understood. The aggressive spillover hypothesis proposes that cannibalistic attacks during adulthood may depend on female aggressiveness during earlier developmental stages, but evidence for this hypothesis is scarce. Male activity may also influence sexual cannibalism if males approach females quickly and carelessly, yet this has not been explored. Here we use the Springbok mantis, Miomantis caffra, to explore whether male activity levels and female aggressiveness can explain high rates of sexual cannibalism prior to copulation. We show that male and female personality traits affect male mating decisions, but not sexual cannibalism. Females that were aggressive as juveniles were not more likely to cannibalize males when adult, but these females were approached by males more frequently. More active males were more likely to approach females, but they were neither faster at doing so nor were they more likely to be cannibalized. We also found that size and age influenced mating decisions of both sexes: young females were more like to cannibalize males while young and large males took longer to approach females. Taken together, our results suggest that several traits, including personality, play a role in sexual encounters in M. caffra. Our study further highlights the importance of examining the traits of both sexes when assessing mating dynamics, especially in the context of sexual cannibalism.

scholarly journals Performance, but not size, of hindleg weaponry is sexually dimorphic in the giant mesquite bug (Thasus neocalifornicus)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zackary A. Graham ◽  
Nicole Kaiser ◽  
Alexandre V. Palaoro
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Aggressive Interaction ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Single Measure ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Aggressive Interactions ◽  
Sexual Dimorphisms

ABSTRACTIn many species, males possess specialized weaponry that have evolved to confer a benefit during aggressive interactions. Because male weaponry is typically an exaggerated or extreme version of pre-existing body parts, females often possess reduced or weaponry. Although much research has investigated sexual dimorphism in the sizes of such weapons, other weapon components, such as weapon performance or alternative weapon forms can also explain the evolution of weapon sexual dimorphisms. Here, we investigated the allometry and variation of multiple weapon components of hindleg weaponry in the male and female giant mesquite bugs, Thasus necalifornicus. Despite theory predicating greater allocation in male weaponry, we found that females allocated more into the lengths of their hindlegs compared to males. Despite this allocation, males possess relatively wider hindlegs, which likely increase area of muscle mass. Indeed, the squeezing performance of male hindlegs was much greater than that of female hindlegs. Lastly, we also described the allometry and variation in a male weapon component, prominent tibial spines, which likely are used to damage competitors during aggressive interaction. Overall, our findings highlight the intricacies of weapon sexual dimorphism and demonstrate the importance of measuring multiple weapon components and not a single measure.

scholarly journals Pollen load and distribution on the body of Elaeidobius kamerunicus Faust. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) within oil palm plantations

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
Van Basten Tambunan ◽  
Bandung Sahari ◽  
Damayanti Buchori ◽  
Purnama Hidayat
Keyword(s):  
Oil Palm ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Pollen Load ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Male Flowers ◽  
Pollen Distribution ◽  
Male To Female ◽  
Female Flowers ◽  
Elaeidobius Kamerunicus

<p>The African oil palm weevil,<strong> </strong><em>Elaeidobius kamerunicus</em> is an effective pollinator of oil palm. Each individual palm produces exclusively male or female inflorescence so that the success of pollination depends on the ability of the pollinator to transfer pollen from male to female flowers. The objective of this research was to study the amount of pollen carried by <em>E. kamerunicus</em> between male and female inflorescences (pollen load) and the amount of pollen carried on each part of the weevil’s body (pollen distribution). Fifty each of male and female  <em>E. kamerunicus</em> individuals were collected from male and female flowers on trees in 3 locations: Siantar (North Sumatra), Dramaga (West Java), and Morowali (Central Sulawesi). Data on pollen load and pollen distribution on the weevil’s body were analyzed using <em>ImageJ</em> software. Results show that <em>E. kamerunicus</em> individuals collected more pollen from male flowers than from female flowers. In addition, male insects carried more pollen on their bodies than female insects. Pollen distribution on weevil body parts was highest on the elytra, followed by the thorax, abdomen, legs, and head respectively.</p>

Effects of supplementary food on the winter inhibition of reproduction in male and female four-striped field mice (Rhabdomys pumilio)

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 393 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Jackson ◽  
R. T. F. Bernard
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Activity ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Food Supplementation ◽  
Ovarian Activity ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Additional Food ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Supplementary Food ◽  
Rhabdomys Pumilio ◽  
Seasonally Breeding

The effects of winter food supplementation on reproduction in the seasonally breeding four-striped field mouse Rhabdomys pumilio were investigated at Mountain Zebra National Park in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. On both control and supplemented grids, reproductive activity in females was inhibited; no pregnant females were collected and juveniles were only present in the first winter month. The provision of additional food resulted in an increase in body mass and mass of the male and female reproductive organs. However, all males, from both grids, were spermatogenically active. Ovarian activity was not stimulated by the provision of additional food, but the development of the uterus was and the endometrium was thicker and more vascularised in mice from the supplemented grid than from the control grid. We conclude that seasonal reproduction in R. pumilio is controlled by the females, in which reproductive activity is inhibited in winter. However, the provision of supplementary food was not sufficient to override the reproductive inhibition.

Tiçiyotl and Titiçih: Late Postclassic and Early Colonial Nahua Healing, Diagnosis, and Prognosis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Polanco
Keyword(s):  
Colonial Period ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Postclassic Period ◽  
Specialized Knowledge ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Diagnosis And Prognosis ◽  
Early Colonial ◽  
Late Postclassic ◽  
Corn Kernels

Nahua peoples in central Mexico in the late postclassic period (1200–1521) and the early colonial period (1521–1650) had a sophisticated and complex system of healing known as tiçiyotl. Titiçih, the practitioners of tiçiyotl, were men and women that had specialized knowledge of rocks, plants, minerals, and animals. They used these materials to treat diseases and injuries. Furthermore, titiçih used tlapohualiztli (the interpretation of objects to obtain information from nonhuman forces) to ascertain the source of a person’s ailment. For this purpose, male and female titiçih interpreted cords, water, tossed corn kernels, and they measured body parts. Titiçih could also ingest entheogenic substances (materials that released the divinity within itself) to communicate with nonhuman forces and thus diagnose and prognosticate a patient’s condition. Once a tiçitl obtained the necessary information to understand his or her patient’s affliction, he or she created and provided the necessary pahtli (a concoction used to treat an injury, illness, or condition) for the infirm person. Finally, titiçih performed important ritual offerings before, during, and after healing that insured the compliance of nonhuman forces to restore and maintain their patients’ health.

The Black Parlatoria Scale, Parlatoria ziziphi (Lucas, 1853) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae): a guide to field identification

2020 ◽  
Vol 111 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-48
Author(s):  
Hanen Jendoubi ◽  
Ferran Garcia-Mari ◽  
Agatino Russo ◽  
Pompeo Suma
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Invasive Pest ◽  
Sour Orange ◽  
Immature Stages ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Distinctive Features ◽  
Life Cycle Stages ◽  
Field Identification ◽  
Correct Species Identification

AbstractPest control is easier and more effective when pests are correctly identified. The Black Parlatoria Scale, Parlatoria ziziphi (Lucas, 1853) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) is an important invasive pest in citrus-growing countries. This diaspidid has historically been difficult to control, because its immature stages are difficult to identify due to confusion with similar Parlatoria species. No field descriptions of female or male developmental stages are available for P. ziziphi. We provide the first description of field characteristics of the developmental stages of P. ziziphi. Colonies were reared in the laboratory on sour orange plants and lemon fruits to illustrate the distinctive features of each instar. An illustrated field guide of all life-cycle stages of male and female P. ziziphi is provided for correct species identification and better pest management. This tool is designed to help recognize P. ziziphi in field-scouting programmes or quarantine inspections, without the need for taxonomic expertise in identifying the Parlatoria group.

FECUNDITY, LONGEVITY, AND SEX RATIO OF APHIDIUS NIGRIPES (HYMENOPTERA: APHIDIIDAE) PARASITIZING DIFFERENT STAGES OF ITS HOST, MACROSIPHUM EUPHORBIAE (HOMOPTERA: APHIDIDAE)

1981 ◽  
Vol 113 (3) ◽  
pp. 193-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Conrad Cloutier ◽  
Jeremy N. McNeil ◽  
Jacques Regnière
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Direct Relationship ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Macrosiphum Euphorbiae ◽  
Separate Experiment ◽  
Female Parasite ◽  
Potato Aphid ◽  
Aphidius Nigripes ◽  
Host Stage ◽  
Female Longevity

AbstractThe longevity and age specific fecundity, as well as the sex ratio of the progeny, were obtained for Aphidius nigripes Ashmead females given access to the five developmental stages of the potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas). Neither female longevity nor fecundity, as measured by the total number of aphids parasitized, were significantly different for the various host stages. The percentage of females in the progeny decreased as the female parasite aged, and the overall sex ratio of progeny was significantly affected by the host stage attacked although no direct relationship with host size was evident. However in a separate experiment where parasitism was controlled (females not permitted to attack more than 10 hosts per day), the host stage (size) significantly affected the sex ratio of progeny, with more females emerging from larger than smaller hosts.These data indicate that all developmental stages of M. euphorbiae, when presented separately, are suitable to A. nigripes.

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