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First feeding of many fish larvae depends on live feed. A comparative investigation on the effectiveness of different types of live feed is not available to our knowledge. Hence, we conducted a study to examine the effect of different types and combinations of live feed on the performance (survival rate, total length, body width, body mass, malformation rate) of pikeperch, Sander lucioperca, larvae. From day 0 (onset of exogenous feeding) to day 10, the saltwater rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, the freshwater rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus, the ciliate Paramecium bursaria, copepods (nauplii and copepodites) from a lake population, and Artemia nauplii were tested. Feeding with B. plicatilis, B. calyciflorus, and P. bursaria resulted in high survival rates of 80% and a homogenous and significant growth (increase in total length of 50% and in body width of 20%). As follow-up feed, copepod nauplii and Artemia nauplii were tested from day 11 to day 20. Copepod nauplii were superior to Artemia nauplii, as larvae fed with copepods showed higher survival rates (67–70% versus 38–47%) and a more homogeneous growth. A switch from seawater live feed to freshwater live feed or vice versa resulted in decreased survival rates. Therefore, a feeding regime consisting of B. calyciflorus or P. bursaria followed by copepods is considered optimal as first feed of pikeperch. The malformation rate was not affected by the tested feeding regimes. To investigate the wider applicability and transferability of these findings, complementary investigations were performed on burbot, Lota lota, and the freshwater whitefish Coregonus atterensis. The feeding regimes used for S. lucioperca larvae were also suitable for Lota lota. Moreover, L. lota could be fed with lake copepods from the onset of exogenous feeding. For C. atterensis, initial feeding with B. plicatilis, B. calyciflorus, or P. bursaria had no positive effects. Feeding with copepods from the onset of exogenous feeding was optimal considering survival rate and growth. Therefore, optimal first feeding regimes are very species specific and should be established for each new species.

La contaminación es el mayor impacto humano en el planeta, es decir, el medio ambiente está formado por los elementos naturales y artificiales, sus actividades físicas, químicas, biológicas, sociales y culturales y sus respectivas relaciones. El objetivo de esta indagación fue analizar la biodegradación de plásticos, a partir de larvas del escarabajo Tenebrio molitor, como aporte a la enseñanza de la biotecnología ambiental. Básicamente, la ejecución de este proyecto se basó en 3 etapas. La caracterización de las larvas Tenebrio molitor, la crianza de las larvas y la cuantificación de la capacidad para biodegradar el plástico. Los resultados obtenidos fueron, encontraron que la muestra 1 (M1) tuvo una productividad específica de biomasa de 6.6 gramos mientras que la muestra 2 (M2) una productividad específica de Se registraron 2,3 gramos y logró evidenciar un cambio en cuanto al color y la cantidad de las heces. Finalmente, la biodegradación del poliestireno influye en la producción de compost, beneficiando el consumo de plástico. Palabras clave: Biodegradación, Plástico, Tenebrio molitor, Biotecnología ambiental, larvas., Pollution is the greatest human impact on the planet, that is, the environment is made up of natural and artificial elements, their physical, chemical, biological, social and cultural activities and their respective relationships. The objective of this investigation was to analyze the biodegradation of plastics, from larvae of the Tenebrio molitor beetle, as a contribution to the teaching of environmental biotechnology. Basically, the execution of this project was based on 3 stages. The characterization of Tenebrio molitor larvae, the rearing of the larvae and the quantification of the capacity to biodegrade plastic. The results obtained were, they found that sample 1 (M1) had a specific biomass productivity of 6.6 grams while sample 2 (M2) a specific productivity of 2.3 grams was recorded and managed to show a change in terms of color and the amount of feces. Finally, the biodegradation of polystyrene influences the production of compost, benefiting the consumption of plastic. keywords : Biodegradation, Plastic, Tenebrio molitor, Environmental biotechnology, larvae.

Sympatric distribution and potentially long larval development time make the assignment of tadpoles confusing in Asian-horned frogs of the subfamily Megophryinae. In this study, we used molecular data to identify four syntopic megophryinid tadpoles from Mangshan on the border between Hunan and Guangdong provinces in southern China: Brachytarsophrys popei, Boulenophrys shimentaina, Bo. cf. ombrophila, and Bo. nanlingensis. A detailed re-description of the Br. popei tadpoles is provided as well as the first descriptions of three Boulenophrys tadpoles based on external morphology and coloration. An effort is attempted to distinguish these tadpoles by coloration patterns: the dorsal pattern, ventral pattern, and pattern on tail are useful for field identification of these tadpoles. However, the variation of color pattern could sometimes make species delineation difficult. Researchers are encouraged to document coloration in life with photographs and the collection of tadpoles of different development stages and sizes advocated in order to better understand how color may change during larval development.

Clarina syriaca (Lederer, 1855) was known from Cyprus by a single adult specimen collected in 1950. Recently, an adult and larva have been found, proving the existence of a breeding population. Clarina syriaca is thus confirmed as resident in Cyprus, as a relict population inhabiting riparian gallery forests, which act as isolated refugia surrounded by drier pine woodland or cultivated land. Information is provided on the early life history stages of C. syriaca, with further notes on its taxonomic status, biology, ecology, and host plants.

Anastrepha is the most diverse and economically important genus of Tephritidae in the American tropics and subtropics. The striking morphology of the third instars of Anastrepha caballeroi Norrbom, Anastrepha crebra Stone, Anastrepha haplacantha Norrbom & Korytkowski, Anastrepha korytkowskii Norrbom, Anastrepha nolazcoae Norrbom & Korytkowski, and three newly discovered and as yet formally unnamed species (Anastrepha sp. Peru-82, Anastrepha sp. nr. protuberans, and Anastrepha sp. Sur-16), and the more typical morphology of Anastrepha aphelocentema Stone, are described using light and scanning electron microscopy. To contribute to a better understanding of the interspecific and intraspecific variation among species in the mucronota species group and facilitate phylogenetic studies, we integrate molecular and morphological techniques to confirm the identity and describe third instars. Larva-adult associations and the identification of described larvae were confirmed using DNA barcodes. We provide diagnostic characters to distinguish larvae among these nine species of the mucronota group and separate them from those of the 29 other Anastrepha species previously described. We introduce the vertical comb-like processes on the oral margin as a novel character, and the unusual character states, including position and shape of the preoral lobe, and dentate or fringed posterior margins of the oral ridges and accessory plates. Our comparative morphology concurs with most previously inferred phylogenetic relationships within the mucronota group.

Two new species of the genus Solskyia, S. infossatasp. nov. and S. lhozhagasp. nov., are described and illustrated from Xizang, China. Solskyia lhasana is redescribed and figured based on a male, and new material of S. caporiaccoi and S. parvicollis from China is documented. The ecology and biology of adults and larvae is briefly introduced. Furthermore, photographs of habitat, and a key to Chinese species are presented.

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) are a group of diseases showing degeneration of lower motor axons. A common cause of HSP is the mutation of proteins that shape the tubular endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The architecture of the ER tubular network that extends through axons is therefore likely to be integral to the maintenance and survival of axons. The continuity and ubiquity of the ER network throughout neurons has earned it the term ‘a neuron within a neuron’. The reasons for its striking continuity are not fully understood, but it could potentially make the ER a channel for long-distance signalling, independent of action potentials at the plasma membrane, or motor-based transport. ER tubules are also much narrower in axons than in most other locations. This presents a potential paradox, of why a cellular structure that is physically continuous over long distances shows constrained continuity in its lumen. Narrow ER nanotubules could limit axial diffusion along the ER tubule lumen. I aimed to explore this model. I used *Drosophila* larval motor axons, in which I could use mutations in ER-shaping proteins to manipulate tubule properties and genetic tools to label and express sensors in individual motor axons in vivo. In FRAP (fluorescence recovery after photobleaching) experiments I found that wildtype ER tubules were permissive for recovery of a GFP-tagged luminal protein, despite the difficulty of visualizing the lumen by scanning EM (electron microscopy), implying that proteins can diffuse along this lumen. To test whether this lumen diameter is limiting for diffusion, I compared recovery in wildtype axonal ER tubules with that in tubules of a larger diameter, in a triple mutant lacking the ER-shaping proteins, Rtnl1, ReepA and ReepB. Luminal diffusion of GFP was significantly faster in the larger mutant ER tubules, with the time to half recovery in wider mutant axonal ER tubules approximately twice as fast as in wildtype. Therefore, the narrow ER nanotubule diameter in wildtype axons limits luminal protein diffusion. To begin to dissect the roles of the different classes of ER-shaping proteins in determining tubule diameter, I also compared the FRAP recovery rates of a single Rtnl1 mutant with wildtype, and found no difference, implying that loss of Rtnl1 alone did not increase the ability of axon ER tubules to support the rate of axial diffusion. To better understand the parameters of molecular movement along the ER nanotubule lumen, I generated larvae that expressed ER lumen markers suitable for single-molecule imaging. On sparse chemical labelling of a luminal HaloTag protein, I found two classes of single-particle movement: slower and relatively bright particles that showed largely unidirectional movement, and faster less brightly labelled particles. The slower class showed no bias in the direction of luminal movement and also appeared to move faster than microtubule-based motors. The faster class are similar to the single-molecule movements previously described in non-neuronal ER tubules. One experimental constraint on this approach was an unfavourable ratio of signal to background labelling. Therefore, I initiated a neuronal cell culture model for single-particle imaging to mitigate the challenges of larval nerve preparation. One physiologically important molecule that diffuses through the ER lumen is Ca2+, and constraints on this diffusion could have consequences for intracellular Ca2+ signalling. Ca2+ is much smaller than GFP or a HaloTag, and therefore its movement might be less constrained by small tubule diameter. I aimed to develop a strategy to test the effect of axonal ER tubule diameter on intraluminal Ca2+ diffusion. This involved making and testing two components: *Drosophila* stocks containing an ER-localised channelrhodopsin and stocks containing an axonal ER-localised Ca2+ sensor (HaloCaMP). I report on the development of these stocks. In summary, I have shown that luminal protein diffusion is constrained in axon ER nanotubules. I have developed tools that can be useful for further understanding the nature of these constraints and their physiological consequences.

The genus Hexatoma Latreille, 1809 is a large group of aquatic crane flies, with almost 600 species worldwide. The largest subgenus is Eriocera Macquart, 1838, which includes all nine species known from the Korean Peninsula. Molecular methods were used to associate Hexatoma larvae with their putative adult species from South Korea. Mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I (COI) gene fragment sequences (DNA barcodes) of recently collected adults of H. (E.) gifuensis, H. (E.) ilwola, H. (E.) pernigrina, and H. (E.) pianigra were compared with twelve sequences of Hexatoma larvae. The larvae of H. (E.) pernigrina, H. (E.) pianigra, and H. (E.) gifuensis were associated with their putative adults. The larvae of H. (E.) gifuensis and H. (E.) pianigra and the larvae and pupae of H. (E.) pernigrina are described and illustrated. The larvae of two species not associated with any adult are described, and their COI gene fragment sequences (DNA barcodes) are presented. This paper presents the morphological characteristics suitable for distinguishing larval species. A key for the identification of larvae of the genus Hexatoma on the Korean Peninsula has been compiled. H (E.) sachalinensis is recorded from the Korean Peninsula for the first time. Our study is the first contribution to the Hexatoma larvae taxonomy using phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial COI fragment (DNA barcode) and one of the first attempts to reveal phylogenetic relationships between Hexatoma species using molecular markers.

Disentangling the role of factors responsible for juvenile fish dispersal is essential to understand the ecology of individual species, setting the corresponding conservation status and evaluating the potential risk in case of invasion. Because of their small body size and high sensitivity to environmental conditions, juvenile fish movements have largely been explained by external factors such as wind-induced water currents. In this study, early hatched pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) of hatchery origin were marked with oxytetracycline hydrochloride, stocked into a bay near the dam of a deep reservoir, and then monitored at approximately 10-day intervals using fix-frame trawling for 43 and 51 days after stocking, in 2007 and 2008, respectively. In both years, marked pikeperch were captured throughout the study period in the bay and closed dam section of the reservoir. After one month, individuals were captured in the middle section of the reservoir, approximately 5 km upstream from the stocking site. Four individuals were recaptured in the tributary section of the reservoir, about 10 km upstream from the stocking site during the last sampling in 2007. The farthest distance detection followed periods of strong wind. During daytime sampling, marked pikeperch were captured in both the warm epipelagic layer above the thermocline and the cold bathypelagic layer below the thermocline. The later sampling represented a community of vertically migrating individuals originally thought to consist only of reservoir-born and reservoir-experienced fish. This study suggested the high mobility and flexibility of 0+ pikeperch, as well as their unexpected behavioral plasticity.

In order to evaluate the effects of insecticides residues in soil substrates on the biology cycle of Aedes aegypti, we conducted a study in three ecological zones: urban areas (Dandji, southern Benin with few agriculture activities), peri urban areas (Awaya, central of Benin with agriculture practices), and forests (Kaoura, northern Benin with few agriculture activities). These areas were chosen because they provided an ideal environment for the development of Aedes aegypti. The purpose of this study is to look for insecticide residues that may have detrimental impacts on the biology cycle of A. aegypti. Indirect bioassays were used to investigate the factors affecting mosquito larvae’s ability to develop normally at breeding sites, their rate of growth, and their ability to produce an adequate number of larvae. Due to the absence of an HPLC equipment for the direct detection of pesticide residues in samples, A. aegypti larvae at breeding sites were reconstituted using water and soil samples obtained at each study site. A comparison of the larval growth in test breeding locations was made using the reference strain SBE as a control. The different bioassays demonstrate the existence of inhibitory elements on test materials. In control samples, larval development was observed to be normal. However, when the breeding sites were established with just a few grams of soil samples from the three study sites, it was found that the A. aegypti eggs had a poor hatching rate, along with sluggish larval development and a low production of adult mosquitoes from hatched eggs. The findings of this study indicate that toxic substances that prevent A. aegypti eggs from hatching and larvae from growing are most likely leftover pesticides from agricultural operations. In order to quantify the toxic factors likely to affect the biology parameters of A. aegypti cited above, these results must be validated using HPLC techniques. Published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES, {"references":["Amelia-Yap ZH, Chen CD, Sofian-Azirun M, Low VL. 2018. Pyrethroid Resistance in the Dengue Vector Aedes aegypti in Southeast Asia: Present Situation and Prospects for Management. Parasites & Vectors 11(1), 332p.","Carletto J, Martin T, Flavie Vanlerberghe-Masutti F, Brévault M. 2010. Insecticide Resistance Traits Differ among and within Host Races in Aphis gossypii. Pest Management Science 66(3), 301‑7.","Fagbami AH, Onoja AB. 2018. Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever: An Emerging Disease in Nigeria, West Africa. Journal of Infection and Public Health 11(6), 757‑62.","Fofana D, Beugré JMV, Yao-Acapovi G, Lendzele SS. 2019. Risk of Dengue Transmission in Cocody (Abidjan, Ivory Coast). Journal of Parasitology Research 2019: 4914137.","Gaye A, Ndiaye C, Sy M, Deme A, Thiaw AB, Sene A, Ndiaye C, Diedhiou Y, Mbaye A, Ndiaye A, Tomkins-Tinch C, Gomis J, Badiane AS, Maclnnis B, Park D, Ndiaye M, Sy N, Sabeti PC, Siddle KJ and Ndiaye D. 2021. Genomic Investigation of a Dengue Virus Outbreak in Thiès, Senegal in 2018. Scientific Reports 11(1), 10321p.","Linnaeus. 1762. Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762). Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU).","Lounibos L, Juliano SA. 2018. Where Vectors Collide: The Importance of Mechanisms Shaping the Realized Niche for Modeling Ranges of Invasive Aedes Mosquitoes. Biological Invasions 20(8), 1913‑1929.","Martín MA, Siles JA, Martin A. 2010. Biomethanization of Orange Peel Waste. Bioresource Technology 101(23), 8993‑8999.","Ouédraogo S, Degroote S, Barro SA, Some PA, Bonnet E and Ridde V. 2019. Recurrence of dengue epidemics in Burkina Faso: Community preference for an intervention to prevent the disease. Rev Epidemiol Sante Publique 67(6), 375‑382.","WHO. 2009. Dengue guidelines for diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Control.","Yadouleton A, Agbanrin R, Vodounon C, Padonou G, Badirou K, Attolou R, Ursins F, Zola J, Allagbé H, Akogbéto M. 2014. Seasonal Distribution of Aedes aegypti in Southern Benin: A Risk of Dengue Virus Transmission to Urban Populations. International Journal of Innovation and Applied Studies 9 (2), 648‑654.","Yadouleton A, Thibaud M, Padonou G, Fabrice C, Alex A, Djogbenou L, Roch D, Aikpon R, Boko M, Glitho I, Akogbeto M. 2011. Cotton pest management practices and the selection of pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles gambiae population in Northern Benin ». Parasites & Vectors 4(1), 60p."]}

Chrysolina aeruginosa is a major pest of Artemisia ordosica, and knowledge of the spatial distribution pattern of its larvae in their natural habitat is crucial for the implementation of effective control measures. This study employed geostatistical methods to investigate the damage caused by larvae of different age groups and their spatial distribution pattern. The distribution of C. aeruginosa larvae, which cause damage to A. ordosica, differed significantly according to their age. Younger larvae were predominantly found in the middle and upper parts of the plant, whereas older larvae were mainly distributed in the middle and lower parts, with significant differences in distribution location. A generalized linear model analysis revealed that the height of the plant, and plant morphological characteristics such as height, crown width, and ground diameter were significantly correlated with the number of larvae present. Furthermore, the interaction of age with other variables had an impact on the number of larvae. Kriging interpolation showed that C. aeruginosa larvae were distributed in aggregated patches with strong spatial heterogeneity. The younger larvae were more abundant in the center of the sample site, while the older larvae tended to be distributed toward the edges. These findings provide valuable information for designing effective control programs.

The function of the stem cell system is supported by a stereotypical shape of the niche structure. In Drosophila ovarian germarium, somatic cap cells form a dish-like niche structure that allows only two or three germ-line stem cells (GSCs) reside in the niche. Despite extensive studies on the mechanism of stem cell maintenance, the mechanisms of how the dish-like niche structure is shaped and how this structure contributes to the stem cell system have been elusive. Here, we show that a transmembrane protein Stranded at second (Sas) and its receptor Protein tyrosine phosphatase 10D (Ptp10D), effectors of axon guidance and cell competition via epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) inhibition, shape the dish-like niche structure by facilitating c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-mediated apoptosis. Loss of Sas or Ptp10D in gonadal apical cells, but not in GSCs or cap cells, during the pre-pupal stage results in abnormal shaping of the niche structure in the adult, which allows excessive, four to six GSCs reside in the niche. Mechanistically, loss of Sas-Ptp10D elevates Egfr signaling in the gonadal apical cells, thereby suppressing their naturally-occurring JNK-mediated apoptosis that is essential for the shaping of the dish-like niche structure by neighboring cap cells. Notably, the abnormal niche shape and resulting excessive GSCs lead to diminished egg production. Our data propose a concept that the stereotypical shaping of the niche structure optimizes the stem cell system, thereby maximizing the reproductive capacity., 卵幹細胞ニッチの形づくりが卵幹細胞の数と卵産生能を決めることを解明. 京都大学プレスリリース. 2023-04-04.

Adaptation to environmental variability is a prerequisite for species’ persistence in their natural environments. With climate change predicted to increase the frequency and severity of temperature fluctuations, ectothermic organisms may increasingly depend on acclimation capacity to accommodate thermal variability. To elucidate the molecular basis of fluctuating temperature-induced phenotypic plasticity, we investigated heat tolerance and the mechanisms induced by acclimation to thermal variability as compared to those seen at constant temperature. We ran genome-wide transcriptomic analysis on Drosophila melanogaster subjected to acclimation at constant (19 ± 0°C) and fluctuating (19 ± 8°C) temperatures and contrasted the induction of molecular mechanisms in adult males, adult females and larvae. We found life stage- and sex-specific dynamics of the acclimation responses to fluctuating temperatures. Adult flies exposed to temperature fluctuations showed a constitutive improvement in heat tolerance while heat tolerance of larvae tracked thermal fluctuations. A constitutive down-regulation of gene expression was observed for several genes in the larvae exposed to fluctuations. Our results for adult females showed that, for several genes, fluctuating temperature acclimation resulted in canalization of gene expression. Both transcriptional and post-transcriptional machinery were greatly affected by fluctuations in adult males. Gene ontology analysis showed enrichment of the heat stress response involving several major heat shock proteins in both larvae and adults exposed to fluctuating temperatures, even though fluctuations were in a benign range of temperatures. Finally, molecular mechanisms related to environmental sensing seem to be an important component of insect responses to thermal variability.

In this study, the early development of Cobitis striata fuchigamii was described using aquarium-spawned eggs and juveniles. Egg yolk diameter after water absorption was 1.0‒1.1 mm, and the spherical, demersal eggs had a light-yellow yolk, no oil droplets, and low viscosity. Newly hatched larvae [4.0–4.5 mm in total length (TL)] had 44‒45 (27‒28 + 17‒18) myomeres (26‒27 between the pectoral fins and the middle of the anus), two pairs of short tubular outer gill filaments on the cheek, and only a few melanophores on parts of the eye. Notochord flexion began at 5.1–6.8 mm TL and ended at 10.0 mm TL. The number of fin rays on each fin was finalized at approximately 25.0 mm TL. Lateral line spots of the larvae were indistinct, and juveniles formed blotches at approximately 25.0 mm TL. The barbels were formed in the following order: third, second, and then first. The formation of membranous fins occurred in the following order: pectoral, caudal, dorsal, anal, and then pelvic; full fin ray complements occurred in the caudal, dorsal, anal, pectoral, and pelvic regions. Some individuals (5.1–7.5 mm TL at the flexion stage) had free lateral neuromasts on the caudal region, each with a short cupula.

Aedes aegypti transmits the dengue virus that causes Dengue Viring the high number of DVI cases is the existing breeding places of Ae. aegypti. The water sources used by the community and the surrounding environment are essential media for living Ae. aegypti larvae. This recent study aimed to detect the longevity of Ae. aegypti larvae in diff erent water sources in Surabaya and the killing effect of temephos. An analytical observational and experimental study was conducted in August-September 2021. Twenty-instar III Ae. aegypti larvae were put in each 100 ml beaker glass containing diff erent water sources, such as rain, well, mineral, new and used bath water, and antiseptic soapy water. Fungi in water sources were examined. Two groups were set with and without temephos, the final temephos concentration was of 0.00001 ppm. Live Ae. aegypti larvae, pupae, mosquitoes were observed every 24 hours for seven days without feeding. Living larvae were still found on Day 7 in all water sources with and without temephos. There were more larvae live in soapy water without temephos, particularly on Day 2 to Day 6, compared to other water sources either without or with temephos. In contrast, many larvae died in mineral water with temephos. Some larvae turned into pupae, started on Day 1. Pupae and mosquitoes were mostly found in rain water with temephos. Ae. aegypti larvae survived better in soapy water either with or without temephos. Temephos seemed to be effective to kill Ae. aegypti larvae in mineral water, and might induce larvae in turning to pupae and mosquitoes quickly at low concentration.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:41:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-01-01 The effects of three temperatures (16°C, 19°C and 22°C) during the seabream larval rearing period (60 days) were studied in terms of growth (total length, T.L.), the ontogeny of the digestive system and lipid deposition in the liver (area covered with lipid vacuoles, ACLV%). The trials were performed in duplicate for each treatment. Seabream eggs were stocked (100 eggs L−1) in each 500-L tank. The larvae were reared using an intensive rearing protocol, which offers a combination of enriched rotifers (5 to 7 ind ml−1) followed by Artemia nauplii (0.5 ind ml−1) and finally with dry artificial food, the provision of which started when the total length of larvae was close to 15 mm. The ontogeny of the digestive system and the estimation of ACLV in the liver were performed using histological and image analysis methods. The results showed that the studied parameters were affected by temperature variation. The total length of larvae at the end of the rearing procedure was significantly higher at the temperature groups of 22°C (24.1 ± 3.6 mm) and 19°C (20.11 ± 1.8 mm) than the group of 16°C (12.6 ± 2.1 mm). The rate of digestive system ontogenesis was analogous to the temperature as it was completed (stomach with gastric glands appearance) at 33 dah (T.L. 9.55 ± 0.1.47 mm, 726-degree days), 35 dah (T.L. 11.00 ± 0.78 mm, 665-degree days) and 60 dah (T.L. 12.86 ± 1.68 mm, 960-degree days) in the groups 22°C, 19°C and 16°C respectively. Four distinctive phases were presented concerning the pattern of ACLV in the liver. At the first phase (from 8 to 16 dah), the ACLV was mainly higher in the 16°C and 19°C groups. During the second phase (from 19 to 35 dah), the 16°C group showed higher lipid accumulations. There was a high variation among groups in the third phase (39–45 dah). Finally, in the fourth phase (47–60 dah), the 22°C and 16°C groups showed higher liver lipid accumulation. Compared with the temperatures studied for seabream, the most appropriate rearing temperature is 19°C, constituting a cost-effective method for larval rearing. The effectiveness of the histological liver lipid analysis indicates an accurate method to evaluate feeding conditions during seabream larval rearing, indicating critical feeding periods with precision. Centro de Aquicultura da Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (CAUNESP) Institute of Marine Biology Biotechnology and Aquaculture Hellenic Center for Marine Research Beacon Development King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Centro de Aquicultura da Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (CAUNESP)

Three new recorded species of genus Homidia were collected from Xizang Autonomous Region, China, in the present paper. Among them, a new species, Homidia breviseta Pan, sp. nov., is included in the present paper. This new species can be identified by having a single uninterrupted dark band on central thoracic segment III; 14 macrochaetae on abdominal segment I and seven on the posterior central abdominal segment IV (half segment); and very short bothriotricha on abdominal segments II–IV. It can be easily discriminated from similar species of Homidia by its colour pattern, chaetotaxy of the labium, and abdominal segments I and IV. The chaetotaxy of the first and second instar larvae of this new species and a key to four species of genus Homidia from Xizang are also provided.

Background: Monodora myristica known as calabash or nutmeg, is a tree of the Annonaceae family whose seeds are mainly used as a spice. The control of malaria is still a challenge partly due to mosquito resistance to conventional insecticides. The present work aimed to evaluate the insecticidal effect of the essential oil of M. myristica seeds to enlarge the list of local plants that can be used as insecticides. Methods: Essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation using the Clevenger apparatus, then analyzed by gas chromatography to determine the chemical composition. using absolute alcohol, the essential oil was solubilized to obtain the stock solution which was used to prepare concentrations ranging from 10 to 250 ppm. Larvicide and adulticide tests were carried out with Anopheles gambiae larvae and females. The persistence of the M. myristica’s essential oil was determined by introducing the larvae into the prepared concentrations at regular time intervals and exposing them to the open air for 28 days. Results: The essential oil of M. myristica contained 20 chemical compounds and the major was the -phellandrene (35.20%). This essential oil-induced total mortality of A. gambiae larvae at all the concentrations after 24 h with concentration-dependent and larval age-dependent efficacy. In females, total mortality was recorded at 250 ppm and the LC95 was 168.47 ppm. The essential oil of M. myristica is still toxic towards A. gambiae after 21 days at the concentration of 150 ppm. Conclusion: These results led us to conclude that the essential oil of M. myristica could be a very good larvicide for vector control campaigns. Keywords: Monodora myristica; malaria; insecticide; plant; larvae; adults

En este trabajo se investigaron los efectos de tres contaminantes orgánicos relevantes: clorpirifos (CPF), un insecticida ampliamente utilizado, fosfato de trifenilo (TPHP), empleado como retardante de llama y como aditivo plástico, y bisfenol A (BPA), utilizado principalmente como aditivo plástico, en larvas en erizo de mar (Paracentrotus lividus). Los experimentos consistieron en exponer huevos fertilizados de erizo de mar a lo largo su desarrollo hasta la larva pluteus de 4 brazos. Se evaluaron los efectos a nivel bioquímico utilizando las enzimas antioxidantes glutatión reductasa (GR) y catalasa (CAT), la enzima de la fase II glutatión S-transferasa (GST) y la enzima de catabolismo de neurotransmisores acetilcolinesterasa (AChE), en combinación con respuestas a nivel individual (crecimiento larvario). El CPF fue el compuesto más tóxico con valores de las concentraciones efectivas del 10% y 50% (EC10 y EC50) de 60 y 279 μg/l (0,17 y 0,80 μM), seguido del TPHP con valores de EC10 y EC50 de 224 y 1213 μg/l (0,68 y 3,7 μM), y del BPA con valores de EC10 y EC50 de 885 y 1549 μg/l (3,9 y 6,8 μM). La toxicidad de los tres compuestos se atribuyó al estrés oxidativo, a la modulación de la respuesta de AChE, y/o a la reducción de la eficacia de los procesos de desintoxicación. Se observaron tendencias crecientes en la actividad CAT para BPA y, en menor medida, para CPF. La actividad GR mostró una respuesta en forma de campana en larvas expuestas a CPF, mientras que el BPA provocó una tendencia creciente en la GR. La GST también mostró una respuesta en forma de campana a la exposición de CPF y se observó una tendencia decreciente para el TPHP. Se observó un patrón de inhibición en la actividad de AChE al aumentar las concentraciones de BPA. Se propone un papel potencial de la GST en el metabolismo de CPF, pero no para TPHP o BPA, y se observó un aumento significativo de la actividad AChE asociada con el estrés oxidativo en larvas expuestas a TPHP. Entre las respuestas bioquímicas, se descubrió que la actividad GR es un biomarcador de exposición fiable para las etapas tempranas de los erizos de mar, proporcionando una primera señal de daño. Estos resultados muestran que la integración de respuestas a nivel bioquímico con respuestas relacionadas con la eficacia biológica (por ejemplo, crecimiento) puede ayudar a mejorar el conocimiento sobre el impacto de las sustancias tóxicas en los ecosistemas marinos., IMPACTA, Impacto de microplásticos, contaminantes regulados y emergentes en ecosistemas marinos y establecimiento de sus criterios de calidad ambiental, SI

21 pages, 7 figures, 2 tables, supplementary information https://doi.org/10.1186/s40850-022-00108-x.-- Data are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request, Background. The decapods are a major group of crustaceans that includes shrimps, prawns, crayfishes, lobsters, and crabs. Several studies focused on the study of the digestive system of the decapods, constituted by the oesophagus, stomach, midgut tract, midgut gland, and hindgut. Nevertheless, in the midgut tract there are associated a set of organs called “midgut caeca”, which are among the most controversial and less studied digestive organs of this group. This work used the common spider crab Maja brachydactyla Balss, 1922 as a model to resolve the origin, development, and potential role of the midgut caeca. Such organs were studied in the larvae (zoea I, zoea II, megalopa), first juveniles, and adult phases, being employed traditional and modern techniques: dissection, micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT), and light and electron microscopical analyses (TEM and SEM). Results. The common spider crab has a pair of anterior midgut caeca and a single posterior caecum that originate from the endoderm germ layer: they develop from the midgut tract, and their epithelium is composed by secretory cells while lacking a cuticle lining. The midgut caeca are small buds in the newly hatched larvae, enlarge linearly during the larval development, and then continue growing until became elongated and coiled blind-tubules in adults. The adult midgut caeca are internally folded to increase their inner surface. The electron microscopy observations showed that the midgut caeca are highly active organs with important macroapocrine and microapocrine secretory activity. Our results suggest that the role of the caeca might be related to the digestive enzyme secretion. The secretory activity should increase as the animal grows in size. Conclusion. The present study resolves the embryonic origin of the midgut caeca (endoderm derived organs), development (general lengthening starting from small buds), and role (active secretory organs). The secretory activity of the midgut caeca should be incorporated in the current models of the digestive physiology in different decapod taxa, G.G.: INIA Project (grant number RTA2011-00004-00-00) funded by Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness). D.C.: FPI-INIA fellowship (INIA Project RTA2011-00004-00-00) funded by Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness), With the institutional support of the ‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’ accreditation (CEX2019-000928-S)

International audience; The present study was conducted to provide new insights into the mechanisms that may be responsible for cadmium (Cd)-induced toxicity in zebrafish larvae as well as the role of the trace element zinc (Zn) in reversing Cd harmful effects. For this purpose, zebrafish eggs were exposed to Cd or/and Zn for 96 h. The effects on morphological aspect; mortality rate; Cd, Zn, and metallothionein (MT) levels; oxidative stress biomarkers; as well as molecular expression of some genes involved in Zn metabolism (Zn-MT, ZIP10, and ZnT1) and in antioxidant defense system (Cu/Zn-SOD, CAT and GPx) were examined. Our results showed that Cd toxicity was exerted, initially, by an interference with Zn metabolism. Thus, Cd was able to modify the expression of the corresponding genes so as to ensure its intracellular accumulation at the expense of Zn, causing its depletion. An oxidative stress was then generated, representing the second mode of Cd action which resulted in developmental anomalies and subsequently mortality. Interestingly, significant corrections have been noted following Zn supplementation based, essentially, on its ability to interact with the toxic metal. The increases of Zn bioavailability, the improvement of the oxidative status, as well as changes in Zn transporter expression profile are part of the protection mechanisms. The decrease of Cd-induced MTs after Zn supplement, both at the protein and the mRNA level, suggests that the protection provided by Zn is ensured through mechanisms not involving MT expression but which rather depend on the oxidative status.

Abstract Dufouriini are a worldwide distributed tachinid tribe comprised of 51 species in 13 genera, made up of parasitoids of adult Coleoptera. The systematic positioning of Dufouriini has been controversial. Currently, it is placed within Dexiinae, but was previously placed in Phasiinae and Voriinae, and has even had the status of subfamily. Delimitation and composition of Dufouriini has also been debated, whether it is a single tribe or divided into two (Dufouriini and Freraeini) or three (Dufouriini, Oestrophasiini and Freraeini) tribes. Herein, we present the first phylogenetic analysis of Dufouriini based on total evidence using morphological data from adult and immature stages. The taxonomic sampling included all genera in Dufouriini (including Oestrophasiini) and also the genus belonging to Freraeini, a historically related tribe. Data matrix comprised 35 species and 22 genera in the ingroup, and 185 characters constructed from eggs, first instar larvae, puparia and adults, including female and male terminalia and spermathecae. The phylogenetic analysis recovered Dexiinae as paraphyletic in relation to Phasiinae, since the clade (Freraeini (Dufouriini + Oestrophasiini)) is more closely related to Phasiinae than Dexiinae. Dufouriini, Oestrophasiini and Freraeini are recovered as separate monophyletic tribes, strongly supported by a number of synapomorphies. Oestrophasiini is revalidated. A new synonymy is proposed: Comyopsis Townsend syn. nov. of Ebenia Macquart. Accordingly, Ebenia fumata (Townsend, 1919) is nomen preoccupatum by Ebenia fumata (Wulp, 1891), thus we change its specific epithet by designation of the new replacement name Ebenia neofumata Santis and Nihei [nomen novum]. The genera Mesnilana and Rhinophoroides are removed from Dufouriini and tentatively placed into Palpostomatini. Finally, Cenosomastat. rev., previously a subgenus of Oestrophasia, is revalidated as genus.

We record three Tischeriidae species new for Iran: Coptotriche gaunacella (Duponchel, 1843) from Tehran and Mazandaran provinces, Tischeria dodonaea Stainton, 1858 from East Azarbaijan province and T. caucasica Klasiński & Stonis, 2020, previously only known from Georgia. The larvae of T. caucasica were observed mining the leaves of planted trees of Quercus infectoria G. Olivier, Q. robur Linnaeus and Q. libani G. Olivier in Peykan Shahr, Tehran province; and on native trees of Q. castaneifolia C.A.Mey. and Q. macranthera Fisch. & C.A.Mey. ex Hohen. in East Azarbaijan, Gilan and Mazandaran provinces. This species was very abundant on planted oaks in Peykan Shahr, Tehran and the infestation increased progressively in the second generation of the moth in November and December. Tischeria caucasica is very similar to European T. ekebladella (Bjerkander, 1795) in external appearance and biology, both sharing the same DNA barcode. The only diagnostic character, in the male genitalia, are the spiny appendages of the juxta. We provide a brief diagnosis and describe the larvae, leafmines and pupae for the first time. We discuss whether the observed difference in the male genitalia supports separate specific status, or is the result of clinal variation of a single species.

All processes involved in metal homeostasis must be coordinated to provide sufficient, but not toxic, concentrations of important bioelements, and to minimize detrimental effects of toxic metals. Our previous studies dealing with the exposure of O. nubilalis non-diapausing larvae to dietary Cd demonstrated that exposure to higher concentrations of Cd caused delay in the development of larvae, induced oxidative stress and also induced defense mechanisms against the toxic effects of Cd. The aim of the present study was to evaluate how acute and chronic exposure of O. nubilalis larvae to increased concentrations of dietary Cd affected the balance of important bioelements. The concentration of bioelements was analyzed in larvae (after short-term exposure) and pupae (after long-term exposure). The short-term exposure of final instar larvae (L5) to Cd did not affect significantly the concentration of any of the analyzed bioelements, while the long-term exposure of developing larvae to higher concentrations of Cd caused increase in the concentrations of Ca, Mg and Na in pupae. The bioaccumulation factor, calculated for bioelements after long-term exposure to Cd, was higher for the most bioelements in groups fed with diet containing higher concentrations of Cd, except K which displayed the opposite trend. Pearson correlation coefficient showed positive correlations between Cd and Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu and Zn, while negative correlation was observed between Cd and K. The results indicate that impact on the balance of important bioelements might be one of the mechanisms of cadmium toxicity and certainly raise numerous questions for future research. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

To date, a total of 23 valid species of heteronemerteans belonging to 15 genera have been recorded in Antarctic and Subantarctic waters. The ribbon worm Heteronemertes longifissa (Hubrecht, 1887) is the only heteronemertean species reported to have bipolar distribution, but this statement is doubtful. The phylogenetic relationships of H. longifissa to other heteronemerteans remain uncertain. A genetic analysis of specimens from Antarctica has shown that the name H. longifissa refers to two sibling species with an uncorrected p-distance of 5.3% in COI. These species differ in body color: one is whitish, and the other is grayish-pink. The species with the whitish body has been reliably identified from off the Norway coast (as Cerebratulus sp. NemBar1383 (BOLD: ACM5920)), i.e., it has a bipolar distribution. A molecular phylogenetic analysis of Lineidae based on five gene markers (COI, 16S, 18S, 28S, and histone H3) has shown the genus Heteronemertes to belong to Lineage D of Clade 2 sensu Kajihara et al., 2022 (crown Lineidae). The phylogenetic positions of four more species of unidentified lineids are currently under discussion.

Sturgeon aquaculture is important due to the value of their caviar and meat as well as its ecological importance. The current study focused on the effects of different size groups on the final mean weight, specific growth rate, survival rate and cannibalism of Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) larvae. The groups were graded with homogeneous small-size larvae in the first group, 50% small and 50% large-size heterogeneous larvae in the second group, and homogeneous large size larvae in the third group. The highest specific growth rates in each group occurred between days 28-35. After 35 days, the specific growth rate (SGR) in all groups dramatically reduced compared to the first week. The SGR of the larvae were not significantly affected by size (p>0.05). Mortalitiy were high during the first week in all groups, but, decreased as the larvae grew larger during the fourth weeks. At the end of the study, the survival rates were 30% for the small-size, 53% het-erogeneous-size, and 64% for the large-size groups. The highest cannibalism rate in the present study occurred in heterogeneous-size group. However, the literature shows cannibalism rates to not be high for any groups of sturgeon. Size grading in the early period may negatively affect the survival rate and growth performance of larvae. Therefore, maintaining optimum larval rearing conditions such as stocking density, and feeding strategy may support higher survival and growth performance, in larvae that are newly acclimated to exogenous feeding.

The purpose of the study was to identify forage plants and specialized entomophages of wheat thrips in agrocenoses of winter and spring grain crops cultivated in the Samara region. The highest number of adult pests was noted in winter wheat crops (2365.0 ind./100 strokes), the lowest in winter barley crops (565.0 ind./100 strokes). Egg laying by wheat thrip females occurred on all grain crops. Larvae of wheat thrips were noted in the ears of winter and spring wheat, triticale, and winter barley, with the exception of spring barley. During the research, two specialized entomophages were identified: striped thrips and predatory thrips. During the research years, the largest numbers of predatory thrips were noted in winter wheat crops in the earing phase (90 ind./100 strokes) and in spring wheat and spring barley crops in the booting phase—75 ind./100 strokes and 40 ind./100 strokes, respectively. The damage to winter wheat grain by wheat thrips varied from 55.3% to 69.2% and was higher than the damage to spring wheat grain (38.5–64%). With a certain ratio of specialized entomophages and wheat thrips, it is possible to refuse the use of insecticides in the cultivation of grain crops.

Показаны элементы зональной технологии разведения, накопления и сохранения семиточечной коровки Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) для биологической защиты растений от вредителей в защищенном грунте, основанные на лабораторных опытах содержания природного энтомофага в инсектарии Полярно-альпийского ботанического сада (Мурманская область). Разведение семиточечной коровки проводили, используя в качестве корма бобовую тлю (Aphis fabae Scop.). Процесс разведения состоит из трех этапов: выращивание кормовых растений для бобовой тли; размножение бобовой тли; разведение семиточечной коровки. Разработанная технология является доступной, позволяет круглый год поддерживать маточную культуру и нарабатывать в достаточном количестве биоматериал, не требует применения дорогостоящего оборудования, является экологически чистым и может быть реализовано на любом сельскохозяйственном предприятии., The elements of the zonal technology of breeding, accumulation and conservation of seven-spot ladybird Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) for biological protection of plants from pests in protected soil, based on laboratory experiments of the content of natural entomophage in the insectarium of the Polar Alpine Botanical Garden (Murmansk Oblast), are presented. Breeding of seven-spot ladybird was carried out using black bean aphid (Aphis fabae Scop.) as fodder. The breeding process consists of three stages: cultivation of fodder plants for black bean aphid; reproduction of black bean aphid; breeding of seven-spot ladybird. The developed technology is affordable, allows maintaining maternal culture all year round and to accumulate a sufficient amount of biomaterial, does not require the use of expensive equipment, is environmentally friendly and can be implemented at any agricultural enterprise., Journal of Agriculture and Environment, Выпуск 1 (29) 2023, Page 7

The genus Hexatoma Latreille, 1809 is a large group of aquatic crane flies, with almost 600 species worldwide. The largest subgenus is Eriocera Macquart, 1838, which includes all nine species known from the Korean Peninsula. Molecular methods were used to associate Hexatoma larvae with their putative adult species from South Korea. Mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I (COI) gene fragment sequences (DNA barcodes) of recently collected adults of H. (E.) gifuensis, H. (E.) ilwola, H. (E.) pernigrina, and H. (E.) pianigra were compared with twelve sequences of Hexatoma larvae. The larvae of H. (E.) pernigrina, H. (E.) pianigra, and H. (E.) gifuensis were associated with their putative adults. The larvae of H. (E.) gifuensis and H. (E.) pianigra and the larvae and pupae of H. (E.) pernigrina are described and illustrated. The larvae of two species not associated with any adult are described, and their COI gene fragment sequences (DNA barcodes) are presented. This paper presents the morphological characteristics suitable for distinguishing larval species. A key for the identification of larvae of the genus Hexatoma on the Korean Peninsula has been compiled. H (E.) sachalinensis is recorded from the Korean Peninsula for the first time. Our study is the first contribution to the Hexatoma larvae taxonomy using phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial COI fragment (DNA barcode) and one of the first attempts to reveal phylogenetic relationships between Hexatoma species using molecular markers.

The species of the subgenus Stichoptera occurring in Switzerland are revised, based on a combination of literature data, old museum specimens and recent material. Four species, one with two subspecies, Chrysolina kuesteri (Helliesen, 1912), Ch. latecincta latecincta (Demaison, 1896), Ch. latecincta norica (Holdhaus, 1914), Ch. rossia (Illiger, 1802) and Ch. sanguinolenta (Linnaeus, 1758) are confirmed to occur in Switzerland, while Ch. gypsophilae (Küster, 1845) has to be excluded from the Swiss fauna due to insufficient evidence. Errors and unclarities in the older literature are discussed. Ch. kuesteri was found abundantly in central Valais, allowing some notes on its larval biology. Larvae of the alpine Ch. latecincta are also illustrated, along with notes on its habitat and some past and present distribution records. Illustrations for all Swiss members of the subgenus, as well as distribution maps with all confirmed records, are provided.

European eel, Anguilla anguilla, larval culture faces a bottleneck during the transition to exogenous feeding. To stimulate gut-priming, in the present study, prebiotics (AgriMOS, mannan-oligosaccharides, and beta-(1,3 and 1,6)-poly-D-glucose), probiotics (Bactocell, Pediococcus acidilactici), and synbiotics (AgriMOS + Bactocell) were administered to European eel larvae during the endogenous prefeeding stage. Eel larvae were reared in 2 L incubators with an initial stocking density of similar to 200 larvae/L. Each treatment (pre-, pro-, synbiotics, and control), represented by 3 replicated incubators, was connected to a separate recirculating aquaculture system. The gut-priming agents were introduced directly into the rearing water. Results revealed increased mortality when larvae were introduced to synbiotics and impaired growth in connection to probiotics and synbiotics. Larvae receiving prebiotics showed similar survival and growth to larvae reared without gut-priming agents. The immune gene expression revealed a lag phase between maternally inherited protection (c3, igm, and il10) and the gradual buildup of the larvae's own immune system (il1 beta, irf7). The lack of treatment-related immune (c3, igm, il10, il1 beta, and irf7) and stress/repair (hsp70, hsp90) responses revealed an immature immuno-readiness. Digestion (try, ctra, ctrb, tgl, and amyl), food intake (cck), and appetite (ghrl)-related genes were expressed at basal levels already on 4 days post-hatch, which combined with phenotypic plasticity of the appetite-regulating ghrelin (ghrl), indicated a prospective adaptive capability towards earlier maturation of the larval digestive capacity. Overall, we contemplate that the application of gut-priming agents in water has merit; however, as no beneficial effect was observed, we conclude that the regimen applied is not recommendable in the present form and needs to be customized for future eel larval culture. As such, water management strategies and rearing options need to be further explored to establish prefeeding and feeding regimens, targeting optimized culture conditions, and the production of healthy eel offspring. Grant agreement nos. 7076-00125B (ITSEEL) and the ENV-Fund info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The black soldier fly Hermetia illucens Linnaeus (Diptera: Stratiomyidae; BSF) is gaining interest as an alternative protein ingredient for livestock feed. Larval aggregation behaviour occurs commonly in larvae of various dipteran species. However, the cues initiating aggregation behaviour and its occurrence in subsequent larval instars are still unknown in BSF larvae. Here, we focus on understanding the attraction of larvae to cues left behind in the substrate by conspecific larvae. We developed a dual-choice test in the dark and examined the preference behaviour of different instars with the use of video recordings. Larval choices were identified based on first substrate contact, cumulative number of substrate contacts, entry of the substrate and number of larvae present in a substrate over time. Our results demonstrate that BSF larvae discriminated between similar substrates with or without cues released by conspecifics, with a strong preference for previously colonised substrates. Our results also showed a difference in behaviour between head-capsule classes. Substrate contacts occurred more frequently in larvae from a lower head-capsule class and the number of larvae present in a substrate over time differed between the head-capsule classes 0.71–0.80 mm and 0.91–1.00 mm. Demonstrating arrestment in response to chemical cues from conspecifics is the first step of understanding aggregation behaviour of BSF larvae and offers opportunities to identify the chemical cues involved.

Purpose. To study the possibility of obtaining highly productive intergeneric salmonid hybrids between rainbow trout and brook trout; brown trout and brook trout; rainbow trout and brown trout, as well as to develop methodological approaches and determine of optimal variants of hybrid crosses. Findings. In order to obtain intergeneric hybrids, we used six variants of hybrid crosses with brood fish of three salmonids belonging to three families (Salmo, Oncorhynhus, Salvelinus). The study used age-4 female rainbow trout with average body weight of 3296.8 g, Fork length was 62.6 cm, and the average working fecundity was 7420 eggs. Age-3 rainbow trout males had an average body weight of 1613 g and an average body length of 49.8 cm; age-3 brown trout females had an average body weight of 453.8 g and average working fecundity of 1540 eggs, and males had an average weight of 458.7 g; age-3 brook trout females had an average weight of 809.7 g and a length of 38.9 cm with working fecundity of 1732 eggs, and age-4 males had an average weight of 1212.8 g and an average body length of 46.0 cm. Twelve variants of fertilization were used: six variants at normal water temperature and six variants after a temperature shock. Under natural conditions, the creation of intergeneric hybrids is almost impossible, except for variants between brown trout and brook trout, which is due to the similarity of their biology. However, the efficiency of this cross is low and economically impractical for fish farmers. When applying the temperature shock during fertilization, hybrids proved to be the most effective, where females were rainbow trout, and males were brook trout and brown trout. The average weight of young-of-the-year intergeneric hybrids was, depending on the species of fish, from 8 to 54 g. The highest results were obtained for the creation of hybrids where following broodstock was used: ♂brook trout Х ♀brown trout; ♂brown trout Х ♀rainbow trout. In these variants of crossbreeding, the survival rate of young-of-the-year during the period of cultivation was 94.8 and 92.8%, respectively. In particular, the above hybrids did not suffer from infectious diseases during the growing period. Originality. New data on the development of methods for obtaining viable offspring of newly created hybrids were obtained, and the optimal variants of crossing between females and males of these salmonids were determined. Practical value. The results can be used for artificial breeding of salmonids in specialized farms that will allow obtaining high quality products and reducing their costs.

The mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) is an important economic fish species in China. Many carnivorous fish larvae feed on zooplankton or microdiets. However, the mandarin fish larvae feed on live prey fish exclusively, while refusing zooplankton or microdiets. A stable supply of palatable live prey fish results in high costs. Moreover, the application of live prey fish might bring the risk of pathogens. However, little is known about the genes underlying the food preference of mandarin fish larvae. Partial offspring of the domesticated strain could feed brine shrimp from three days post-hatching (dph), the open mouth day. In the present study, the mandarin fish larvae were randomly divided into three groups, then treated differently at 3 dph: (1) unfed; (2) fed with live prey fish; (3) fed with brine shrimp (Artemia). Differentially expressed genes were identified by RNA-seq. The differential expression of the transcription factors involved in retinal photoreceptor development and differentiation might contribute to the intake of brine shrimp in mandarin fish larvae. Meanwhile, the digestive enzyme genes involved in protein, fat, and carbohydrate digestion have been expressed in mandarin fish larvae at 3 dph, contributing to the digestion of ingested food. Our study provides an overview of genes and biological processes involved in the peculiar food preference at the first-feeding stage in mandarin fish larvae and has critical importance to the future application of non-fish live feeds in the culture of mandarin fish larvae.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for fish with more than 40 selenoproteins identified, many exhibiting antioxidant functions. This study investigated the effect of dietary Se supplementation on physiological parameters, selenoprotein and antioxidant enzyme gene expression in Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABT, Thunnus thynnus) larvae. First-feeding ABT larvae were divided into triplicate groups and fed rotifers Brachionus rotundiformis enriched with five different levels of Se (0, 3, 10, 30, and 100 µg Se·L-1) until 14 days after hatching. Both rotifers and ABT larvae effectively accumulated Se achieving maximum levels in the Se100 treatment (30.05 μg Se·g-1 and 194 ± 38 μg Se·g-1 dry mass, respectively). Larvae showed highest total length when fed Se3 rotifers, whereas flexion index was highest in larvae fed Se10. Selenium supplementation increased the gene expression of selenoproteins gpx1, msrb1, trxr2, selenom, selenop, and selenoe compared to the non-supplemented control (Se0), but only marginal differences were detected between supplementation levels. In contrast, expression of the antioxidant enzymes cat and sod1 were lowest in larvae fed Se100. To conclude, non-Se-enriched rotifers may be suboptimal for first feeding ABT larvae, which showed improved selenoprotein and antioxidant gene expression when fed a diet containing 4.42 μg Se·g-1 dry mass., This work was supported by the Consejería de Innovación, Ciencia y Empresa de la Junta de Andalucía, Proyecto de Excelencia de Promoción General del Conocimiento [Ref. RNM 733, 2012), and Programa Estatal de Investigación del Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad [Ref. RTC2016-5835-2-P01].

Fall armyworm or Spodoptera frugiperda is one of the main pests of corn. It can caused up to 28.08% yield loss. Pest control efforts with broad-spectrum insecticides can cause negative impacts that disrupt ecosystems, non-target biotic factors and the surrounding environment. Beauveria bassiana is an alternative biological control agent that is target-specific. This study was conducted to determine toxic and antifeedant activities of B. bassiana application on third to fifth-instar S. frugiperda larvae. B. bassiana isolates were propagated using corn flakes media and resulted in colonies with conidia density of 1.1×108conidia.g-1. This study used a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 5 replications. Treatments consisted of P1 namely B. bassiana propagation with a concentration of 60 g.L-1, P2 = 70 g.L-1, and P3 = 80 g.L-1. P0 was a negative control (untreated with B. bassiana) and P4 was a positive control (diazinon with concentrations of 2 ml.L-1). The variables observed were mortality and weight of the leftover feed. The results showed that the formulation of B. bassiana with concentrations of 80 g.L-1 was able to infect armyworms with a mortality percentage of 53.5% which was statistically similar as the effect of chemical insecticides. In addition, inhibition of feeding activity due to treatment could prevent leaf damage up to 68.21%.

Mediteranska voćna muha Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera, Tephritidae) je štetnik koji se razvija u plodovima velikog broja voćnih vrsta. Cilj istraživanja koja su provedena u laboratorijskim uvjetima bio je utvrditi eventualne razlike u pogodnosti plodova odabranih voćnih vrsta na razvoj ličinki C. capitata. Plodnim ženkama C. capitata je dana mogućnost da u trajanju od 2 dana polažu jaja u plodove istraživanih domaćina u pojedinačnim kavezima. Istraživanja su pokazala da postoje razlike u elementima razvoja kod tri istraživana domaćina: grejp – Citrus paradisi Macfad., mango – Mangifera indica L. i jabuka – Malus domestica L. Prosječne vrijednosti trajanja razvoja ličinki u danima su najkraće u plodovima manga gdje prosječna dužina razvoja traje 15,35-21,1 dan, kod jabuke 31,7-36,1 a kod grejpa 30,6-41,3 dana. Najveći broj ličinki razvio se iz plodova manga (45-51 ličinki), zatim slijede plodovi jabuke (16-19 ličinki), a najmanji broj ličinki se razvio iz plodova grejpa (3-4 ličinke). Najveću težinu su imale kukuljice proizašle iz ličinki koje su se razvile iz plodova manga (8,7 g), a značajno manju iz plodova grejpa (5,5 g) i jabuke (4,8 g). Iz navedenog istraživanja možemo zaključiti da su plodovi manga najkvalitetniji medij za razvoj ličinki C. capitata. Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera, Tephritidae) is a pest that develops in the fruits of a large number of fruit species. Studies conducted under laboratory conditions were aimed at determining possible differences in the suitability of fruits of selected fruit species for C. capitata larval development. Fertile females of C. capitata were given the opportunity to lay eggs in individual cages for 2 days in the fruits of the hosts studied. The results showed that there are differences in the elements of development in the three hosts studied: grapefruit - Citrus paradisi Macfad., mango - Mangifera indica L. and apple - Malus domestica L. The average values of the duration of larval development in days are the shortest in mango fruits, where the average duration of development is 15.35-21.1 days, for apples 31.7-36.1 and for grapefruit 30.6-41.3 days. Most larvae developed from mango fruits (45-51 larvae), followed by apple fruits (16-19 larvae) and the fewest number of larvae developed from grapefruit fruits (3-4 larvae). Pupae from larvae developing from mango fruits (8.7 g) had the greatest weight, and significantly less weight from grapefruit (5.5 g) and apple (4.8 g). From the above studies, we can conclude that mango fruits are the best medium for the development of C. capitata larvae.

The extant graptolite Rhabdopleura recondita has been so far recorded only as inhabiting a bryozoan skeleton. Its larval settlement and metamorphosis are possible in the absence of a bryozoan zoarium, whereas further colony development may require that the larva is hidden inside the bryozoan host. This dependence may constrain the development of R. recondita tube and tubaria compared to the other Rhabdopleura species that develop without a host. We report here on larval settlement and metamorphosis in the absence/presence of a bryozoan host skeleton. We also make the first attempt to test the phenotypical response of R. recondita tubes and tubaria under variable hydrodynamic regimes in laboratory conditions. After 40 days, no significant variation was detected in the number or length of the newly formed tubes. These findings suggest that R. recondita eventually resides in a narrow velocity range and that tube and tubarium development is largely invariable.

Recruitment to the Faroe Plateau cod (Gadus morhua) stock (62°N, 6.8°W) is highly variable between years, and availability of suitable prey during the early life stages may determine the year class strength. Here we first investigate interannual variability in recruitment (1983–2017) of cod based on survey data and data from stock assessments. Positive relationships between the spawning stock biomass and larval abundance and between juvenile abundance and recruitment at year 1 were detected. However, the relationship between larval abundance and juvenile abundance was not statistically significant, indicating variable survival during the larval/early juvenile stages. We then investigated if food availability at the larval and early juvenile stages could explain the variability in recruitment using an 8-year long time series of larval and juvenile gut content. Feeding at the early larval stage, present during the pre-bloom, was relatively stable between years. However, large interannual variability in feeding at the early juvenile stage was detected. When juvenile survival and mean length were high, juveniles clearly had less food in their guts. This contradiction is suggested to be due to intense grazing pressure on the zooplankton at high juvenile abundances. However, years with high larval survival coincided with years when the phytoplankton spring bloom was early and intense, suggesting that production of suitable prey during the larval stages determines larval growth and survival and that this production is dependent on the phytoplankton spring bloom characteristics.

Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar (L.) is one of most important defoliating pests of deciduous trees. Due to increased environmental demands, the use of plant-based preparations is gaining in importance as a control option for this pest in forestry, agriculture and horticulture. The aim of this study was to evaluate antifeeding and insecticidal activity of 0.5, 1 and 2% extracts of Ailanthus altissima bark and leaves, and Morus alba leaves, against L. dispar larvae under laboratory conditions. Antioxidant capacity of plant extracts was determined, as well as the content of phenolic compounds by spectrophotometric and HPLC-DAD methods. Antifeeding and insecticidal effects were tested in a “no-choice” test. The highest content of all bioactive phenolic compounds was in A. altissima bark and M. alba leaf extracts. The lowest leaf consumption after 24 and 48 h was in A. аltissima bark (5.03, 9.30%, respectively) and M. alba leaf (1.44, 3.22%, respectively) extracts. A. altissima bark and M. alba leaf extracts expressed strong antifeeding activity. After 24 h, all extracts expressed slight insecticidal effect (2.25-17.50% of mortality). The mortality increased after 48 h in treatments with A. altissima bark extract, at all applied concentrations (40.0-57.50%) and M. alba leaves at 1 and 2% concentrations (30.0-62.50%). Our results indicate that extracts of A. altissima bark and M. alba leaves may act as effective low-cost natural protectants able to control the presence of gypsy moth in ecosystems. Extracts of A. altissima bark and M. alba leaves expressed strong antifeeding activity and significant insecticidal effect on gypsy moth larvae, at all applied concentrations.

Background The gut is the first barrier to infection by viruses that are internally borne and transmitted persistently by arthropod vectors to plant and animal hosts. Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), a plant-pathogenic virus, is transmitted exclusively by thrips vectors in a circulative-propagative manner. Frankliniella occidentalis (western flower thrips), the principal thrips vector of TSWV, is transmission-competent only if the virus is acquired by young larvae. To begin to understand the larval gut response to TSWV infection and accumulation, a genome-assisted, transcriptomic analysis of F. occidentalis gut tissues of first (early L1) and second (early L2 and late L2) instar larvae was conducted using RNA-Seq to identify differentially-expressed transcripts (DETs) in response to TSWV compared to non-exposed cohorts. Results The larval gut responded in a developmental stage-dependent manner, with the majority of DETs (71%) associated with the early L1 stage at a time when virus infection is limited to the midgut epithelium. Provisional annotations of these DETs inferred roles in digestion and absorption, insect innate immunity, and detoxification. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis using all assembled transcripts of the gut transcriptome revealed eight gene modules that distinguish larval development. Intra-module interaction network analysis of the three most DET-enriched modules revealed ten central hub genes. Droplet digital PCR-expression analyses of select network hub and connecting genes revealed temporal changes in gut expression during and post exposure to TSWV. Conclusions These findings expand our understanding of the developmentally-mediated interaction between thrips vectors and orthotospoviruses, and provide opportunities for probing pathways for biomarkers of thrips vector competence.

Maggot therapy is the use of sterile fly larvae in the treatment of superficial wounds in humans and animals. Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae are most commonly used for this purpose. Nowadays, larval therapy is widely used in the treatment of diabetic and infectious human wounds. Larval therapy in veterinary medicine has been used in dogs, cats, horses, and even ruminants. A 5-year-old crossbreed (Arabian and Kurdish) stallion was referred to a veterinary private sector in Tabriz city that suffered from a necrotic wound on its forelimb skin following a snakebite injury. The owner had seen the snake in the horse stable. Skin necrosis was observed on the dorsal of the right forelimb which extended to the ventral of the adjacent neck and chest. Despite this extensive skin injury, the horse was alert with a normal appetite and no sign of lameness was detected. Intravenous fluid therapy, systemic anti-inflammatory, and antibiotics were used for the horse's general condition support and topical oxytetracycline and zinc oxide were administered but had no effect on healing of necrotic wounds. Maggot therapy was performed on the necrotic skin. Unfortunately, the larvae died after inserting less than 24 hours. The maggot therapy was unsuccessful in the treatment of skin necrosis in this experience and the larvae died in this short time. However, more clinical trials on the efficacy of maggot therapy for extensive skin necrosis and studies on the effects of snake venom on the maggots are needed.

The purpose of the research is to characterize the effect of specific immunocorrection drugs on the survival rate of the sheep botfly larvae and the immune response of the host organism. Materials and methods. Three variants of laboratory samples of specific immunocorrection drugs against sheep oestrosis have been developed based on water-soluble proteins of Oestrus ovis L. and Lucilia serricata Mg. larvae. The studies were carried out on 12 test and 3 control groups of lambs born in the current year artificially infected with 80 larvae of the sheep botfly. Fourteen days before infection, the test lambs were immunized with the prepared drugs. The drugs were injected subcutaneously in various doses (2–6 ml) and repeatedly (1–3) or by a single intranasal irrigation at a dose of 10 ml per animal. The efficacy was evaluated for the early (July – September) and summer-spring (August – April) periods of parasitism. In the test and control animals, we determined specific antibodies (JgG), stable E-rosette-forming cells (sE-RFC) and antigen-reactive (AR-RFC) T-lymphocytes. Results and discussion. The tested specific immunocorrection drugs based on somatic proteins of the sheep botfly and the sheep green bottle larvae have a pronounced protective effect against ovine oestrosis. In experiments, being affected by various drug variants, 44.6–99.1% of the sheep botfly larvae died in the early period of parasitism, and 22.6–88.1% of the sheep botfly larvae died in the summer-spring period. Subcutaneously injected drugs stimulate the produced specific antibodies and activate the effector function of the T-cell immune system to a greater extent than intranasal irrigation.

This study was conducted to assess the acute toxicity of three previously synthesised 5-(3 '-amino-4 '-arylazo-1H-pyrazole-5 '-ylazo) barbituric acid dyes (dyes 1-3) using Gammarus roeseli (Crustacea: Amphipoda) and Chironomus riparius (Insecta: Diptera) and to compare their sensitivities to these dyes. The toxicity of the tested dyes was found to increase with lengthened exposure period in both bioassays. The azo dye toxicity to both species was determined to increase due to the presence of the nitro and chloro groups in the structure. G. roeseli exhibited more tolerance to the nitro group containing azo dye (dye 2) than C. riparius, whereas C. riparius exhibited more tolerance to the chloro group containing azo dye (dye 3) than G. roeseli; however, the sensitivity of two species to the azo dye without these groups (dye 1) did not significantly differ. The results suggest that the sensitivity varies depending on the species and the azo dye structure and that both species are suitable for ecotoxicological tests of the azo dyes. Nevertheless, further studies are recommended to determine all aspects of the toxicity mechanisms of these azo dyes, to investigate their degradation products and to assess their actual risk in the environment based on the results of this study.

High reproductive power and short development cycle, in addition to other factors, enable D.gallinae to produce adverse effects in the poultry industry. Not all development stages have the same significance, nor are they equally sensitive to the methods and formulations used for D.gallinae control. Laboratory tests were conducted by exposing eggs, larvae and protonymphs to P 547/17 formulation of inert oils (Pulcap). The testing was carried out with 20% oil-in-water emulsion with short exposure (1 min), and with 10%, 20%, 50% and 100% oil-in-water emulsion with continuous exposure. In the first control group, water was used (with continuous exposure), and in the other control group, eggs, larvae and nymphs were not treated. We determined that in all cases, eggs were laid in high percentage (89-100%). In addition to this, in tested liquids, larvae were present in high percentage and they change into protonymphs (8-89%). In the conditions of full exposure, where parasitic stages cannot leave the emulsion, P 547/17 in time achieves complete efficacy on development stages. In short exposure of eggs, when dirt is present, or on absorbent surfaces, P 547/17 emulsion cannot control them. However, this flaw is not essential in practical conditions. When applied correctly, P 547/17 formulation is efficient in D.gallinae control.

Background Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) are ubiquitous in small ruminant farming, representing a major health and production concern. Given their differences in pathogenicity and the current problems regarding anthelmintic resistance, specific diagnosis of GIN is of significant importance. At present, the most widely applied method for this entails culture and microscopic analysis of third-stage larvae, allowing for identification at least to the genus level. Overall, a variety of keys for microscopic analysis have been published, showing substantial variation. Given this fact, this study aimed to produce a practical and updated guide for the identification of infective ovine GIN larvae. Methods Using existing keys and protocols, a total of 173larvae of the most common species/genera of ovine GIN from pooled faecal samples from Sardinia (Italy) were identified and extracted, and further individual molecular identification was performed. Morphometric and morphological data as well as high-quality photographs were collected and combined to produce the final guide. Results GIN microscopically and molecularly identified during this research include Trichostrongylus spp., Teladorsagia circumcincta, Haemonchus contortus, Cooperia curticei, and Chabertia ovina. Based on microscopic analysis, 73.5% of the larvae were correctly identified. Based on sheathed tail length, 91.8% were correctly classified into their respective preliminary groups. Conclusions It is crucial for the microscopic identification of infectious GIN larvae to examine each larva in its entirety and thus to take multiple characteristics into account to obtain an accurate diagnosis. However, a preliminary classification based on sheathed tail length (resulting in three groups: A, short; B, medium; C, long) was found to be effective. Further identification within group A can be achieved based on the presence of a cranial inflexion, caudal tubercles and full body measurements (Trichostrongylus spp. T. circumcincta ≥ 720 µm). Larvae within group B can be differentiated based on sheathed tail morphometry (H. contortus > 65 µm, C. curticei ≤ 65 µm), the presence of cranial refractile bodies, total body length measurements (H. contortus ≤ 790 µm, C. curticei > 790 µm) and shape of the cranial extremity. Finally, all characteristics proposed for the differentiation between Oesophagostomum spp. and C. ovina larvae (group C) were found to have considerable restrictions. Graphical abstract

Cerebral myiasis is a rare condition caused by a parasitic infestation of fly larvae feeding on the host's necrotic or living tissue. Only 16 cases of cerebral myiasis have been published. We presented the case of a 72-year-old man with a neglected infestation of an extensive ulcerative cancer of the scalp. A large cranial lesion, with exposed brain and dura mater and severe Sarcophaga carnaria maggot infestation, was evident. We gently removed the maggots and covered the defect with thick gauze and sodium hypochlorite solution dressing. We additionally present a review of the literature to highlight shared features and suggestions for care management. In all cases, there was an absence of fatal meningitis and encephalitis, which is surprising given the open skull erosion with prolonged cortical exposure and points to the protective effects of larvae wound infestation.

High mortality of fish in the early stages of ontogenesis requires the detection of factors affecting it and is an extremely important problem. For this reason, we tried to consider the influence of some hydrometeorological factors on the intra-decadal dynamics and spatial distribution of ichthyoplankton abundance in Sevastopol Bay. To this end, we analyzed ichthyoplankton samples collected in 2012–2021 in Sevastopol Bay, and the four districts were identified. The ichthyoplankton distribution by areas was associated with the peculiarities of the pollution distribution. The maximum numbers in eggs (34.7 ± 7.5 ind. m−2) and larvae (10.0 ± 2.4 ind. m−2) were recorded in July–August. For the first time, a positive effect of temperature and repeatability of north and northeast winds on the ichthyoplankton number during the summer spawning in all identified areas of Sevastopol Bay using principal component analysis (PCA) was reported. In the southern region, positive influence of temperature and northerly winds on the ichthyoplankton abundance was confirmed by ANOVA (p = 0.02), and Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between these parameters on inter-annual scale (r > 0.5). In the eastern area, the discharge of rivers is an additional factor affecting the abundance of ichthyoplankton, while in the western and central areas, these factors were the wind characteristics caused by the orography peculiarities. The pollution spread in Sevastopol Bay is also largely due to the wind regime. The importance of comprehensive monitoring studies using intra-decadal data on ichthyoplankton is emphasized.

Juvenile hormone (JH) affects multiple physiological traits in insects. In social insects, besides development, JH has been demonstrated to influence caste determination and the production of chemical compounds. In social wasps, JH triggers behavioral maturation, gonadotropic effects, and hydrocarbon modulation. Here, we investigated whether JH displays the same function in fertility and fertility cue production in females of the German wasp Vespula germanica, previously shown in the related species Vespula vulgaris. By experimentally treating workers with JH-analog, an anti-JH, and acetone solvent control, we tested whether JH modulates the cuticular chemical expression (CHCs), the Dufour’s gland chemical composition, and hence the compounds found over the egg’s surface. Additionally, we explored whether JH has a gonadotropic effect on workers. Workers treated with the JH-analog acquired a chemical profile that was intermediate between the queen and other treated workers. Interestingly, the same pattern was also seen in the Dufour’s glands and eggs, although more subtle. Furthermore, workers treated with the JH-analog were more fertile when compared to the controls, supporting the fact that JH acts as a gonadotropic hormone. Our results indicate a similar function of JH in societies of related wasp species V. germanica and V. vulgaris.

Background: Cereal-based complementary foods are characterized by low protein quality contributing to high prevalence of malnutrition among children. Objective: The study evaluated the chemical composition and sensory evaluation of white maize-based complementary food fortified with African palm weevil larvae and beetroot. Methods: White maize and beetroot were obtained from the market in Abia state while African palm weevil larvae was obtained from a farm in Delta state. The white maize was processed into gruel form. The African palm weevil larvae and beetroot were processed into flour and added into the white maize in different ratios giving samples LMB (50% white maize, 40% larvae, 10% beetroot), BLM (50% white maize, 30% larvae, 20% beetroot), MLB (60% white maize, 20% larvae, 20% beetroot) and MOO (100% white maize, 0% larvae, 0% beetroot). White maize served as control. Proximate, vitamin and mineral contents of the pap were analyzed using standard methods. Sensory properties were evaluated using 9-point hedonic scale. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance. Results: The fortified samples had higher protein content: LMB (12.90g), BLM (11.43g) and MLB (10.63g) compared to the control MOO (8.51g). Energy content of the fortified samples LMB, BLM and MLB were 252.49kcal, 242.00kcal and 192.37kcal respectively higher than the MOO 102.22kcal. However, sample MOO had the most preferred sensory attributes. Conclusion: The inclusion of edible insects like the African palm weevil larvae and beetroot in complementary foods has shown prospects in combating child protein-energy malnutrition.