Chemical cues that attract cannibalistic cane toad (Rhinella marina) larvae to vulnerable embryos

Chemical cues produced by late-stage embryos of the cane toad (Rhinella marina) attract older conspecific larvae, which are highly cannibalistic and can consume an entire clutch. To clarify the molecular basis of this attraction response, we presented captive tadpoles with components present in toad eggs. As previously reported, attractivity arises from the distinctive toxins (bufadienolides) produced by cane toads, with some toxins (e.g., bufagenins) much stronger attractants than others (e.g., bufotoxins). Extracts of frozen toad parotoid glands (rich in bufagenins) were more attractive than were fresh MeOH extracts of the parotoid secretion (rich in bufotoxins), and purified marinobufagin was more effective than marinobufotoxin. Cardenolide aglycones (e.g., digitoxigenin) were active attractors, whereas C-3 glycosides (e.g., digoxin, oubain) were far less effective. A structure–activity relationship study revealed that tadpole attractant potency strongly correlated with Na+/K+ ATPase inhibitory activity, suggesting that tadpoles monitor and rapidly react to perturbations to Na+/K+ ATPase activity.

Improving the Safety and Acceptability of Autocidal Gravid Ovitraps (AGO Traps)

ABSTRACT Gravid traps that collect eggs or adult mosquitoes use color, size, or volume as well as water or plant infusions as attractants. Biorational larvicides have been used to prevent these devices from producing adult mosquitoes within the traps. Results from field assays on the use of several biorational larvicides for various mosquito species have provided mixed results in terms of increased, neutral, or reduced attraction. We investigated the use of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, spinosad, and novaluron in field assays in Puerto Rico to evaluate the behavioral response of Aedes aegypti and Culex spp. to autocidal gravid ovitraps (AGO traps). The purpose of the study was to increase the safety of these traps by preventing accidental release of adult mosquitoes when traps are opened or damaged. We also investigated whether trap color (blue, green, terracotta) that may be more amenable for use by residents in their properties induced a similar attraction response to the original black trap color. We found that the use of biorational larvicides did not significantly change the behavioral attraction of these mosquito species to AGO traps. For Ae. aegypti, green traps yielded the lowest captures while black, terracotta, and blue produced similar higher yields. Culex spp. in black traps showed significantly higher captures compared with other colors. These results suggest that black, terracotta, or blue AGO traps can be used for the surveillance and control of Ae. aegypti.

Komunikasi Interpersonal Pasangan Suami Istri Melalui Taaruf Online Dating

The development of social networking has revealed new opportunities for all varieties of internet sites that offer online dating services/online dating . One of them is the site of rumahtaaruf.com. During the process of matchmaking in rumahtaaruf.com., each candidate areis accompanied by a mediator who acts as an intermediary for both parties. Their role are job of mediator is to regulate and monitor the way of taaruf based on Islamic shari'a. This study focuses on the motive that underlying the attitudes of women and men who chosen spouses under the site services of rumahtaaruf.com. This study used a qualitative method with phenomenological approach. The data were obtained through interviews and observations. The informants were couples who have been married once brought together by Rrumahtaaruf.com administrator. The results showed that the motive prospective couples to choose rumahtaaruf.com was based on education, age, occupation , physical attraction, response of family and culture.