This paper presents list of beetles of the family Bostrichidae and their occurrence. The paper includes: 2 subfamilies, 5 tribes, 60 genera, 2 subgenera and 409 species of beetles belonging to the family Bostrichidae.
Human blood group antigens (BGA) are genetically determined glycoproteins found in many cells and tissues of different mammals. Their major biological functions are still undefined. There are few investigations analysing the evolutionary aspect of BGA tissue ditribution. The present study is aimed at examining the expression of human A and B antigens in the kidney and lung of some free-living vertebrates. The biotin-streptavidin-peroxidase immunostaining system was applied on kidney and lung paraffin sections derived from free-living representatives of five different vertebrate classes. Excluding the possibility of any non-specific staining by the application of inhibition tests, A and B antigens were demonstrated most constantly in epithelial cells of renal and respiratory tubules. They were also detected in chondrocytes of fish gills, in some muscular and endothelial cells. Single erythrocytes showed a positive cytoplasmic staining only in some higher vertebrates. Human BGA seem to be conserved carbohydrate structures with biological functions probably related to cell integrity and differentiation.
The Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata, Tricolored Munia Lonchura malacca, White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata, and Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica are members of the Estrildidae family and are native to both India and Sri Lanka, however the Chestnut Munia Lonchura atricapilla and Red Avadavat Amandava amandava are only found in India. They typically congregate in groups of several birds and occasionally sit alongside other munia species in plains near water sources, marshy grasslands, or even high altitude grasslands. By using the point-count approach, the diversity and seasonal activities of Munias with preferent wild grasses were identified from August 2021 to July 2022 in Rajarhat, West Bengal, a marshy grassland area. The findings showed that the Scaly-breasted Munia (3164), Tricolored Munia (773), Red Avadavat (548), Chestnut Munia (107), and Indian Silverbill (100) were the most prevalent species. Only two White-rumped Munia were found at the site during the study period. In the research location, munias were seen gathering for nesting and foraging from 13 different types of grasses and most usable grasses were Saccharum spontaneum and Echinochloa colona. January had the most Munias (3540), followed by December (624), while April had the fewest (23). For bird watching, Rajarhat's grasslands, especially Munia, are well-known. But in the past ten years, Rajarhat's land-use pattern has altered significantly, and the amount of grassland is disappearing at a startling rate.
The use of botanicals as an alternative to the chemical compounds is gaining tremendous momentum because of its multifarious advantages. In view of its increasing interest, an attempt was made in the present study to assess the larvicidal and ovicidal potential of important plant like P. graveolens against three mosquito species. The third instar larvae were exposed to different concentrations (i.e. 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 ppm) of methanol, diethyl ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate oil extracts of seed of P. graveolens plant. The mortality was recorded after 24 hrs exposure and LC50 and LC90 were determined. The ovicidal activity was determined against three mosquito species to different concentrations ranging from 70–350 ppm lower than the laboratory conditions. The present investigation revealed that the LC50 values methanol, diethyl ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of P. graveolens against An. stephensi larvae were 21.54, 24.21, 26.34 and 22.83 mg/L respectively. Ovicidal activity of methanol extract was assessed by assessing the egg hatchability. Highest concentrations 210, 280 and 350 ppm of extract exhibited 100% ovicidal activity. The results clearly show that larvicidal and ovicidal activity was dose reliant. The highest larvicidal and ovicidal activity against An. stephensi was obtained with methanol extract of P. graveolens.
Amphibian skin is a sensitive interface between the organism and the environment. Metal ions from the external environment, some of them being trace elements, act on the amphibian skin. It had been shown that stimulation of tactile receptors affected Na+ transport in the frog skin and changed the potential difference, therefore the aim of this project was to study the effect of ruthenium complex, known as ruthenium red (RR), on the ion transport in this organ in vitro under control conditions, after mechanical stimulation and also in the presence of the Na+ transport inhibitor-amiloride. Three different concentrations of RR (0.12, 1.2, and 12.0 mM) in two different pH values (6.4 and 7.4) were studied in vitro in the Ussing apparatus. The measured electrophysiological parameters were the transepithelial electrical potential difference (PD) and the changes in PD after mechanical stimulation (dPD). The gentle mechanical stimulus was a jet of bath fluid from a peristaltic pump directed on the mucosal surface of isolated frog skin. After mechanical stimulation, transient hyperpolarization invariably occurred (dPD = 1.5_0.2 mV). In the presence of RR the hyperpolarization was smaller and this diminution was concentration dependent: 0.5_0.1 mV for 1.2 mM of RR and 0.1_0.1 mV for 1.2 mM of RR. At pH 6.4 the reactions of the skins on the mechanical and chemical stimuli were smaller, in the presence of amiloride disappearing completely, but after the washing away of amiloride from the experimental organ in pH 6.4 the action of RR was stimulatory. The natural defensive reactions of frog skin related to the ion transport and electrical potential difference are affected or disappear in the presence of ruthenium complex.
The study employed electrical lesions of dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) to determine the functional significance of those nuclei in the regulation of wheel-running activity rhythm in mice in light/dark (LD 12:12), constant light (LL), and constant dark (DD) conditions. The wheel-running records showed that raphe nucleus lesions resulted in few days? decrease in common activity and amplitude in LD. The activity phase was not compact but in fragmentary form, especially in DD condition. In some animals an earlier onset of activity after DRN lesion in LD was observed. In LL extension of the rhythm period occurred. Destruction of DRN only slightly modulates the wheel-running circadian rhythm in mice.
Mosquitocidal activity of Phyla nodiflora methanol leaf extract fractions (Pn-MLEFr) was controlled and using main components on malarial vector, Anopheles stephensi (An. stephensi). Pn-MLE were characterized utilizing tools containing TLC, CC, FTIR and GCMS, and it against 3rd instars larvae of An. stephensi, followed by pupicidal activity was determined to concentration of 1, 3, 5 ppm. In phytochemical, characterized by GCMS analysis was carried out to be eligible for the constituents of the MLE. Pn-MLE Fr-6 showed the highest LC50 and LC90 values of 25.80 and 68.45 ppm, respectively. Fr-6 was found to be most effective for this activity provided pupa stage at death and stage of non-mortality values were 22.85 (NDP), 76.1 (TDP), 1.2 (DP), 0.7 (DA), 78% (TM%) and 6.6 (NAE), 22 (AE%) at 1 ppm against An. stephensi. Moreover, 3 and 5 ppm were provided TM% and AE% values of 94.43% and 5.57%; 100% and no adults emerged. In GC-MS analyzes, a total of 21 compounds were identified in the Pn-MLE, the main component was Ergosta-5,22-dien-3-ol, acetate, (3á,22E)-. Further, the AgNPs synthesized using Fm-ALE showed enhanced anti-bacterial activity. The reports revealed the Ergosta-5,22-dien-3-ol, acetate, (3á,22E)- was the most one of the important a compound provides malarial vector control from Pn-MLEFr.
The paper contains informations on the descriptions and analyse of various authors’ opinions as to the ocurrence and systematic position of species belonging to the genus Xylothrips. As the result of the analysis Calophagus has been downgraded to a subgenus of Xylothrips – Xylothrips (Calophagus) n. comb. – and Xylothrips geffroyi (n. syn.) synonymized with X. religiosus. At the end a key to the identification of all known species of Xylothrips is presented, together with a catalogue and maps showing the geographical distribution of particular species.
The paper presents a new locality of a very rare representative of the Pampliliidae family, namely the Pamphilius ignymontiensis Lacourt. Four specimens of this species were caught in the centre of the country, in Kampinos National Park.
The retina of the adult teleost Garra rufa retains a curved, open embryonic fissure indicating an asymmetrical postembryonic retinal growth. Undifferentiated, oval photoreceptors are observed on both sides of the middle of the fissure with their larger diameter running parallel to the fissure to which they may attach by desmosomes. They detach from the fissure, rotate to become perpendicular to it and begin an active process of differentiation as they slide along the temporal side of the outer half of the fissure. This process is divided into stages for simplicity. The photoreceptors develop stumpy inner segments extending into a ventricular space that appears between the retinal pigment epithelium and the photoreceptors. Calycal processes arise from the inner segments and the distal centriole of each photoreceptor forms a connecting cilium. The proximal centriole is retained for some time after the outer segment develops. The formation of rod spherules and cone pedicles takes place almost concomitantly with the outer segments. Double cones appear first as single cones before pairing. One or more of the principal cone mitochondria accumulate electron-dense material and merge to form the ellipsosome. The retinal pigment epithelium undergoes a parallel differentiation. The developmental events described in the present work conform those recorded in embryonic teleostean retinas.
The forests along Brazil’s Atlantic coast have undergone extensive transformation from clearing for pastures, eucalyptus forests, agricultural crops, and urban expansion. In this study we described the avian community in a coastal Restinga Forest near the city of Ubatuba, in the São Paulo State, Brazil. The method used to sample the avifauna specimens was the technique of observations per point-counts, and random observations were also carried. The bird’s observations were realized in 84 days during all four seasons out between the years 2005 and 2007 and were registered 142 bird species distributed among 18 orders and 41 families and categorized in 17 trophic guilds. The omnivores and insectivores birds composed most of the community, occupying the edge and different strata of the forest such as canopy and understory. The great abundance of omnivores birds may be directly related to the abundant fruit resources, and also with the great abundance of understory insectivores are indication of the good environmental quality of the studied area.
We analyzed the differences in composition, richness, and abundance of birds in different forest fragments of the Brazilian Savanna in the Cuiabá River basin, Mato Grosso State, Brazil, and we demonstrated the variations in richness and abundance of birds between different trophic guilds. We used point counts to characterize the avifauna. Sampling was conducted in two seasons: summer and winter of 2018 in a total of 36 hours distributed in 108 samples. A total of 743 contacts were obtained belonging to 87 bird species distributed among 17 orders and 33 families and categorized in 16 trophic guilds. The omnivorous and insectivorous birds composed most of the community. For each species, we calculated the abundance index value that showed our study site had a large number of species with low index and few species with intermediate to high index compared to the pattern observed in other surveys. Our study area was characterized by high species diversity for both periods studied. The Shannon-Weaver diversity index for our study areas was 3.90 for the summer period and 3.77 for the winter period. Equitability was high, 0.82 for the summer period and 0.79 for the winter period, suggesting the number of species registered in our study site represented the maximum capacity the areas can shelter. Our results show that despite being a secondary and fragmented forest the study area was characterized by a diverse avian community. The ciliary forest studied that follows the Cuiabá River, although fragmented and isolated by extensive degraded areas and occupied by pastures and agricultural crops, they are important natural environments to maintain bird diversity.
The karyotypes, sex chromosome systems, and male meiotic patterns in 13 species belonging to 10 genera of the family Tingidae were studied. Data on eleven species, one subgenus, and 5 genera are presented for the first time, and the chromosome formula of Acalypta parvula is revised. Karyotypes of all species included six pairs of autosomes. Most of the species displayed an XY sex chromosome system, in four species, belonging to genera of Acalypta and Kalama, the X0 system was found. Male meiosis is chiasmatic for autosomes. Sex chromosomes are achiasmatic and undergo pre-reductional meiosis. Using C-banding technique, for the first time constitutive heterochromatin was localized on chromosomes in all the species studied. The heterochromatin was found either in telomeres or in some species in interstitial locations, evidencing that a quite substantial redistribution of chromosome material within chromosomes might occur without fragmentations or fusions. In two species, a supernumerary (B) chromosome was found. In addition, the male reproductive system of four species was examined and the number of testicular follicles was determined as two per testis.
Cytogenetic investigations were carried out on seven species of bisexual weevils from five subfamilies. The following numbers of chromosomes were found in individual species: 2n=22, n_=10+Xyp in Ptochus porcellus Boh. (Otiorhynchinae); 2n=40, n_=19+Xyp in Larinodontes turbinatus Gyll. (Cleoninae); 2n=26, n_=12+Xyp in Curculio pellitus (Boh.) (Curculioninae); 2n=30, n_=14+Xyp in Acalles camelus (F.), Acalles echinatus (Germ.), Acalles hypocrita Boh. (Cryptorhynchinae), and 2n=40, n_=19+Xyp in Cionus hortulanus (Foucr.) (Mecininae). The heterochromosomes of all the examined species form, in the first meiotic metaphase, a parachute bivalent. The chromosome number and sex determining system of six species and two genera are described for the first time.
Studies was undertaken to derive information on the abundance, as well as the distribution of African elephants in the Sambisa-Amshaka Game Reserve. For the purposes of the study, the reserve was divided into zones that were then compared. The results reveal that Sambisa-Amshaka Game Reserve holds an ample population of both resident and migratory elephant throughout the year. A total number of 132 elephant groups were sighted during a drive of 29350 m. There is, therefore, a 95% certainty that the true population size lies between 60 and 70 confidence limits, and there is no significant difference P>0.05 between the zones in both elephant composition and distribution. In addition, 190 species woody plants were found browsed by elephant in the study area. Other grasses and forbs were also browsed. The problem facing elephants in the study area includes farming activities during the dry season that block the route the migratory elephants pass through, and also the drying up of rivers. We conclude that if the elephant herd is maintained in the reserve, eco-tourism based on elephant watching will yield economic benefits to the game reserve, the state and the Nation at large. Adequate protection of the elephant species in the reserve is therefore recommended.
This work was aimed at investigating the metal contents of ashed and unashed shell powders of snail (Achatina fulica). The snails were collected and treated according to the American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM D482-91). Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) in the ashed and unashed snail shell powder was determined. The result showed that the concentration of the metals in the unashed snail shell powder was higher than that of the ashed powder. The differences in the concentration of the metals was linked to the effect of ashing on the formation of silicates of the metals at high temperature (800 °C). At very high temperature, Ca (in the form of calcium carbonate) had very high concentration in both the ashed and unashed snail shell powder. This indicates that snail shell powder can be used as filler in paper industry to improve the paper opacity, or in the cosmetic industry as face powder.
The objective of this study, undertaken in the Mato Grosso State, Southern Brazilian Amazon Rainforest, was to gain an understanding of what the Apiaká indigenous know of the mammals of natural occurrence in their territory. Open and semi-structured interviews were utilized. Twelve indigenous of both genres and different ages were interviewed. The interviewees mentioned 36 different mammalian species and they showed wide ecological knowledge regarding these animals. Moreover, oral transmission of knowledge occurs across the generations.
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