Insect Larvae Research Articles

Production and Incorporation of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass in Retaining Nitrogen from Urea

Nitrogen (N) from urea application is not available in soils due to the fast release and loss through ammonia volatilization or nitrate leaching. Nitrogen could be retained in soil using organic amendment such as frass. The objectives of this study were to: (i) produce frass by rearing black soldier fly larvae (BSLF) with decanter cake (DC), (ii) determine the physico-chemical properties of frass produced from BSFL fed on DC, and (iii) determine urea-N retention in soil following BSFL frass application. The frass production was carried out by rearing BSFL using DC with the feeding rate of 200 mg larvae-1 day-1. The maturity of the BSFL frass was determined through physical, biological (phytotoxicity test), and chemical tests. A leaching study was carried out for 30 days by incorporating different rates of BSFL frass and urea. At 45 days of rearing, BSFL frass was produced whereby the insect larvae turn into pupae. The BSFL frass has good agronomic qualities which appropriate to be used as organic fertilizer. The BSFL frass were not toxic to white radish germination as reflected by the germination index ranged from 85% to 97%. Incorporation of BSFL frass with urea improved retention of N in the form of exchangeable NH4+ and available NO3- because of high TOC and TOM which related to the organic N decomposition into inorganic N. Combined application of BSFL frass and urea particularly reduced by half of recommended urea suggests that urea-N application can be properly improved if it is amended with BSFL frass.

Aquatic islands in the sky: 100 years of research on water-filled tree holes.

Water‐filled tree holes are unique ecosystems that may occur high up in tree crowns and are essentially aquatic islands in the sky. Insect larvae, mesofauna, and other organisms colonize the waterbodies and feed on the accumulating detritus. Water‐filled tree holes are not only important habitats for these species but have been used as model systems in ecology. Here, we review more than 100 years of research on tree‐hole inhabiting organisms and show that most studies focus on selected or even single species (most of which are mosquitoes), whereas only few studies examine groups other than insects, especially in the tropics. Using a vote counting of results and a meta‐analysis of community studies, we show that the effects of tree‐hole size and resources on abundance and richness were investigated most frequently. Both were found to have a positive effect, but effect sizes were modulated by site‐specific environmental variables such as temperature or precipitation. We also show that parameters such as the height of the tree holes above ground, tree‐hole density, predation, and detritus type can be important drivers of organism abundance or richness but are less often tested. We identify several important research gaps and potential avenues for future research. Specifically, future studies should investigate the structure, functions, and temporal dynamics of tree‐hole food webs and their cross‐system interactions, for example, with terrestrial predators that act as a connection to their terrestrial surroundings in meta‐ecosystems. Global observational or experimental tree‐hole studies could contribute pivotal information on spatial variation of community structure and environmental drivers of community assembly. With a better understanding of these unique aquatic habitats in terrestrial ecosystems, natural and artificial tree holes can not only serve as model systems for addressing fundamental ecological questions but also serve as indicator systems of the impacts of environmental change on ecosystems.

“Reproductive Ecology of Narrow mouthed frog Microhyla ornata”

: Reproductive ecology of Narrow mouthed frog Microhyla ornata was studied at selected breeding sites around Dharwad, Karnataka India during the wet periods between May 2017 and December 2018. The breeding activity varied depending upon the amount of rainfall. It was higher during monsoon when there was higher rainfall, whereas, when rainfall was scanty less activity was observed. Males begin the calling activity in the evening after the sunset at 1098min reaching its peak at around 1200min and extend till the early morning of the next day. Gravid females arrive at the breeding site one to one and half hour after the calling was initiated in the early pre-monsoon and monsoon period and amplexus took place soon after the arrival of females within one hour during peak calling days. Size assorted matting was observed in M. ornata and showed significant positive correlation. The female body size was positive correlation with clutch size. However, there was no significant correlation between female body size and egg size. Breeding activity of M. ornata spanning for seven months suggest that, this species is a prolonged breeder. The eggs and larvae of M. ornata were under constant threat by the predatory larva of the aquatic insects like Dragonfly and Water beetle. Few clutches during non rainy period faced the risk of desiccation. The breeding sites of many anurans are affected by urbanization and habitat fragmentation. There is a need to adopt the strategy to conserve the habitats to protect the species.

Insect meals in feeds for juvenile gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata): Effects on growth, blood chemistry, hepatic metabolic enzymes, body composition and nutrient utilization

Alternative and sustainable fish diets are required by modern aquaculture. We investigated the possibility of using insect (Tenebrio molitor TM, Hermetia illucens HI or Musca domestica MD) larvae meals (as 19.5% of the feed formulation) to replace 30% of the in the fish meal (FM) in a gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) feed formulated to contain 65% FM. The feeds were isonitrogenous (ca 57% crude protein of dry matter) isolipidic (ca 17% lipid dry matter) and isoenergetic (ca 22 MJ kg−1 dry matter). To achieve similar energy content among the experimental diets, the fish oil inclusion was adjusted. Fish (average initial weight of 29.5 g) were fed up to apparent satiation three times a day, 7 days per week in a 93-days trial. Each diet was assigned to three 500 L tanks with fish density 2 kg m−3. Five fish from the initial population and two fish per tank were taken for whole-body composition analysis. At the end of the experimental period, nine fish per treatment were taken for the analysis of plasma metabolites and liver enzyme activities. Growth performance, feed intake, feed conversion and somatic indices of fish fed the different insect meal diets were similar to the FM fish. However, among the insect meal fish groups, the feeding with the TM diet resulted in higher specific growth rate compared to the HI diet (1.57% and 1.51% per day, respectively). The whole-body proximate composition was similar among experimental groups. Fish fed HI had the lowest fat retention (57.0% compared to 69.3–74.2%). Additionally, the HI group had also lower dry matter and energy retention (30.5% and 36.6%, respectively) compared to the FM group (33.8% and 41.5%, respectively). The whole-body saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids content was similar to all the experimental groups. Fish fed diets higher in fish oil (FM and HI) had higher eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic and total ω-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids content. Whole-body amino acid composition was similar among all experimental groups, while the amino acid retention exhibited significant differences. The plasma metabolites and enzyme activities as well as the hepatic lipogenic enzyme activity were not affected by the different diets. Fish fed the HI diet exhibited higher liver alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in comparison to the TM group. Overall, this study shows that FM can be successfully replaced by TM, HI or MD meals in 30% by weight in the diets of gilthead sea bream. Comparing insect meals, HI meal was inferior in terms of growth performance and dry matter-fat retention compared to TM and MD, respectively.

Self-Selection of Feeding Substrates by Tenebrio molitor Larvae of Different Ages to Determine Optimal Macronutrient Intake and the Influence on Larval Growth and Protein Content.

Simple SummaryInsects are widely discussed as being an alternative source of protein and a substitute for soy- and fishmeal. However, mass production is still expensive, so means are being sought to reduce production costs. One way is to keep the costs for insect diets low. One such possibility could be the use of food industry side streams or agricultural by-products to formulate an insect diet. This study tested different substrates as feed for mealworm larvae. These included by-products from grain processing such as husks or bran, pomace and other plant components. In many studies, feed is often tested individually, during which insect larvae are given a defined substrate as a single feed or in a two-component mixture, which they either eat or reject. It is often difficult to define the right nutrient composition for creating an insect diet. Therefore, the method of self-selection was used, in order to draw conclusions about the necessary nutrient requirements, especially depending on the age of the larvae. The results showed that the most suitable substrates for rearing mealworm larvae were mainly wheat bran and flour, maize hulls, oat bran and flakes, rice flour, lupine flour and potato flakes. Irrespective of their age, the larvae required a high content of carbohydrates and proteins and a low amount of fats and minerals. Indeed, protein and fat requirements grow with increasing age. These findings contribute towards formulating diet mixtures for Tenebrio molitor larvae of different ages.Nutrient self-selection was used to determine the optimal uptake of macronutrients by the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae. The selection study consisted of four combinations of eight pelleted substrates from a total choice of 25, available to the larvae in a multiple-choice arena. In order to be able to determine the nutrient requirements as a function of the larvae age, six, eight and tenweekold larvae were used for the experiment. The larvae were free to choose between the different feeds for a period of two weeks. Rearing took place at 27 °C, 75% relative humidity and under dark conditions. The optimal ratios of macronutrients were 67.3 to 71.5% for carbohydrates, 19.9 to 22.8% for proteins and 8.6 to 10.0% for lipids to ensure the best results. Biomass growth, food intake and conversion were positively influenced to a significant extent by carbohydrate intake. The protein content, too, varied according to the macronutrient intake and substrate composition; a higher protein consumption increased the larval protein content. Wheat bran and flour, oat bran and flakes, maize hulls, lupine flour and potato flakes, in particular, were considered suitable substrates for the feeding and rearing of Tenebrio molitor larvae and highlighted that these larvae preferred a grain-based diet.

Larvicidal activity of Artemisia absinthium extracts with special reference to inhibition of detoxifying enzymes in larvae of Aedes aegypti L

Insect-borne diseases continue to be a major source of sickness and death worldwide. Resistance to chemical pesticides and their risks have been regarded as a setback in mosquito vector control. Due to the presence of various phytocompounds in plant species, botanicals can manage and prevent vector (insect) transmitted illnesses by killing insect eggs and larvae. The purpose of this study was to determine the toxicity ofArtemisia absinthiumextracts (methanolic and ethanolic) against Aedes aegypti larvae (vector of arboviruses). Larval mortality was recorded after 24 h of exposure. Our findings showed that the ethanolic leaf extract ofArtemisia absinthiumhas higher larvicidal activity (92 ± 1.99 percent at 1000 ppm) than the methanolic extract (68 ± 1.99 percent at 1000 ppm). Furthermore, the ethanolic extract inhibited the activity of detoxifying enzymes acetylcholinesterase, α and β-carboxylesterases activity significantly. Besides, the protein level was also lowered upon exposure of ethanolic extract for 24 h against 4th instar larvae at an LC50 of 694.3 ppm. These findings clearly show that the Artemisia absinthium active extract (ethanolic) can be utilized as a pest and vector control option, helping to prevent the spread of infectious illnesses.

Insectigation as an Approach to Insecticide Application

The burgeoning human population requires raising food production and in order to meet the requirements, factors affecting yields viz. insects, pathogens, nematodes are necessary to be managed. Though the conventional methods of crop protection chemicals application is the major practice, the knowledge and awareness of novel methods play a major role in combating the target pest effectively and one such method is application of insecticides through drip irrigation system, termed as insectigation. This method predominantly used to control the sucking pests, soil residing insects and different stages of insects viz, egg, larvae, pupae and adult that requires soil for development. The approach seems to be more advantageous over traditional spraying enabling plants to absorb water and insecticide at same period of time along with drift reduction, decrease in residues and in curbing the human exposure to insecticides. The existing drip irrigation system needs certain extra paraphernalia viz. chemical mix tank, an injection system and most importantly, a back-flow prevention device to check the ground water pollution. In a nutshell, insectigation offers a wide range of benefits over other pesticide application methods to mitigate the insect pest population below threshold levels.

Integrating biochemical and behavioral approaches to develop a bait to manage the invasive yellow paper wasp Polistes versicolor (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) in the Galápagos Islands

ABSTRACT It is estimated that more than 500 species of insects have been introduced to the Galápagos Islands via human activities. One of these insect invaders is the yellow paper wasp, Polistes versicolor (Olivier) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), a social wasp native to continental South America. In Galápagos, these wasps are voracious predators of insect larvae, compete with native species for insect prey or for floral resources and are a human nuisance. Wasp suppression methods currently in use are inefficient and attract non-target species, calling for the development of species-specific attractants that can be used in baits to lure and kill wasps. To evaluate the potential for using wasp semiochemicals in baits, we determined the biochemical composition of the head, thorax, Dufour’s and venom glands of P. versicolor foragers via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Male and female wasps were tested for behavioral responses to body segment extracts from both sexes. Female body extracts consistently elicited more behavioral responses in both male and female wasps than male extracts. Females reacted to female head, thorax and abdomen (the Dufour’s and venom glands are located in the abdomen) extracts, whereas males reacted significantly to female head and thorax extracts. One male body extract, the head, elicited two significant behaviors: female wasps groomed more often, and males touched the filter paper more often compared to the blank control. Head extracts consistently changed the behavior of female and male wasps and, together with female thorax extracts, have potential as species-specific lures for yellow paper wasps. Heads were mainly composed of hydrocarbon lipids and oleamide, a ligand for odorant-binding proteins. The thorax consisted of fatty aldehydes, long-chain alkanes and fatty amide lipids. Field trials of blends of these compounds in high wasp density areas of Galápagos are the next step to confirm if any of these compounds are attractive to P. versicolor.

Спектр питания серой куропатки ( Perdix perdix L.) в Центральном Предкавказье

The gray partridge (Perdix perdix L.) is a commercial bird species of the Central Ciscaucasia. In the steppe regions, these birds are found in cultivated gardens, vineyards, green belts along agricultural fields, roads, and railways, etc. The research objective was to study and analyze the diet of the gray partridge in different seasons in the Stavropol Region.
 The study featured the food spectrum consumed by the gray partridge based on the contents of 42 stomachs and 26 crops of birds caught by hunters and hit by vehicles in various Stavropol biotopes in 2008–2021.
 Gray partridges are phytophages, which means they feed mostly on plants and, to a lesser extent, on animals. Their autumn and winter diet includes green mass and wheat grains, seeds of cultivated and wild plants, and insect larvae. The gray partridge prefers weedy herbaceous plants: Polygonum aviculare, Echinochloa crus-galli, Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, and Setaria viridis.
 The data obtained can be used to assess food resources of commercial bird species, in gray partridge conservation projects, and winter feeding of birds.

Papules, pustules, and rhinoconjunctivitis in a 4-year-old

Papules, pustules, and rhinoconjunctivitis in a 4-year-old

Миаз дикой утки

The paper presents a description of the case of parasitic myasis of wild gray mallard after prey on spring hunting and shows a sanitary assessment of the presented carcass. During the spring hunt of 2022, the gray mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) from the Podolsky district of the Moscow region was mined in Central Russia. Veterinary-sanitary examination, partial helminthological autopsy and trichinelloscopy of the bird carcass were carried out 3 hours after slaughter. During the study, foci of hemorrhages, neoplasms and other pathology were detected. Then, after the initial treatment of the carcass on the side and center of the keel bone, single through holes (5 visualized with the naked eye) with signs of hyperemia, local inflammation and ichorotic odor were marked on the skin surface. When cutting the skin, superficial and deep pectoral muscles in a thickness of up to 1.5 cm of carcass, viable fly larvae measuring 6-7 mm were found. After careful inspection and removal of insect larvae from host tissues, 48 specimens of the parasite were counted. There were no dystrophic and degenerative changes in the muscles and internal organs. No sarcocystosis was detected in of duck muscles. Parasitic myasis in the bird under the skin and in the thickness of the pectoral muscles developed during life. The fact of the detection of myasis in waterfowl on the past spring amateur hunts is confirmed by the hunters of the Ryazan and Tula regions. According to the rules of veterinary-sanitary examination, in case of such a lesion of wild birds with a myasis, carcasses and internal organs are subject to technical disposal.

Rotenoids from Clitoria fairchildiana R. Howard (Fabaceae) seeds affect the cellular metabolism of larvae of Aedes aegypti L. (Culicidae)

Non-domesticated species may represent a treasure chest of defensive molecules which must be investigated and rescued. Clitoria fairchildiana R. Howard is a non-domesticated Fabacea, native from the Amazonian Forest whose seeds are exquisitely refractory to insect predation. Secondary metabolites from these seeds were fractionated by different organic solvents and the CH2Cl2 fraction (CFD – Clitoria fairchildiana dichloromethane fraction), as the most toxic to 3rd instar Aedes aegypti larvae (LC50 180 PPM), was subjected to silica gel chromatography, eluted with a gradient of CH2Cl2: MeOH and sub fractioned in nine fractions (CFD1 - CFD9). All obtained fractions were tested in their toxicity to the insect larvae. Two rotenoids, a 11α-O-β-D-glucopyranosylrotenoid and a 6-deoxyclitoriacetal 11-O-n-glucopyranoside, were identified in the mixture of CFD 7.4 and CFD 7.5, and they were toxic (LC50 120 PPM) to 3rd instar Ae. aegypti larvae, leading to exoskeleton changes, cuticular detachment and perforations in larval thorax and abdomen. These C. fairchildiana rotenoids interfered with the acidification process of cell vesicles in larvae midgut and caused inhibition of 55% of V-ATPases activity of larvae treated with 80 PPM of the compounds, when compared to control larvae. The rotenoids also led to a significant increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in treated larvae, especially in the hindgut region of larvae intestines, indicating a triggering of an oxidative stress process to these insects.

Factors that affect migratory Western Atlantic red knots (Calidris canutus rufa) and their prey during spring stagingon Virginia's barrier islands.

Understanding factors that influence a species' distribution and abundance across the annual cycle is required for range-wide conservation. Thousands of imperiled red knots (Calidris cantus rufa) stop on Virginia's barrier islands each year to replenish fat during spring migration. We investigated the variation in red knot presence and flock size, the effects of prey on this variation, and factors influencing prey abundance on Virginia's barrier islands. We counted red knots and collected potential prey samples at randomly selected sites from 2007-2018 during a two-week period during early and peak migration. Core samples contained crustaceans (Orders Amphipoda and Calanoida), blue mussels (Mytilus edulis), coquina clams (Donax variabilis), and miscellaneous prey (horseshoe crab eggs (Limulus polyphemus), angel wing clams (Cyrtopleura costata), and other organisms (e.g., insect larvae, snails, worms)). Estimated red knot peak counts in Virginia during 21-27 May were highest in 2012 (11,959) and lowest in 2014 (2,857; 12-year peak migration [Formula: see text] = 7,175, SD = 2,869). Red knot and prey numbers varied across sampling periods and substrates (i.e., peat and sand). Red knots generally used sites with more prey. Miscellaneous prey ([Formula: see text] = 2401.00/m2, SE = 169.16) influenced red knot presence at a site early in migration, when we only sampled on peat banks. Coquina clams ([Formula: see text] = 1383.54/m2, SE = 125.32) and blue mussels ([Formula: see text] = 777.91/m2, SE = 259.31) affected red knot presence at a site during peak migration, when we sampled both substrates. Few relationships between prey and red knot flock size existed, suggesting that other unmeasured factors determined red knot numbers at occupied sites. Tide and mean daily water temperature affected prey abundance. Maximizing the diversity, availability, and abundance of prey for red knots on barrier islands requires management that encourages the presence of both sand and peat bank intertidal habitats.

Effect of housefly (Musca domestica) larvae on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of local chickens in Niger.

Background and Aim:The meat supply of local poultry for human consumption is greater than that of fast-growing poultry in Niger. However, meeting the protein needs of these local chickens is a major challenge due to the availability of protein sources and their cost. Nowadays, insect larvae such as houseflies are used and even recommended as animal feed; hence, the need to evaluate the effect of housefly (Musca domestica) larvae on the growth performance of local chickens. This study investigated the feeding effects of housefly larvae on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of local Nigerien chickens and determined the rate of fish meal substitution, in fresh or dry larvae form, whichever would be preferable.Materials and Methods:A total of 165 3-week-old local unsexed chickens of the salmon variety, weighing 120.3 ± 15.43 g, were used to evaluate the effect of housefly (M. domestica) larvae on their growth performance and carcass yield (CY). The experiment consisted of five treatments with three replicates, that is, 15 batches of 11 animals each. Five iso-protein-caloric diets were developed with 25%, and then 50% fish meal substitution with fresh and dried housefly larvae. The chicks were reared together during the first 3 weeks for their adaptation, during which they were fed an imported starter commercial feed, ad libitum. After that, they were weighed weekly for 12 weeks. Next, the body weights (BWs) were taken weekly for all chicks, feed daily intake and mortality were recorded daily, and average daily gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and viability rate were calculated. In the end, four chickens (two males and two females) per batch were slaughtered for the CY evaluation, breast meat, drumstick and tight (legs), and wings. Statistical analyses were performed using a linear mixed model for repeated data.Results:The weight, FCR, and carcass traits were unaffected by either the rate or larvae state. Conversely, the growth rate was improved, and feed consumption was increased. Notably, the chickens consumed more feed but grew faster with fresh larvae and at a higher substitution rate.Conclusion:This study reported that 50% fresh or dried housefly larvae substituted into the fish meal in growing local chicken’s diets had no effect on their BW, FCR, and carcass traits but increased the growth rate and feed consumption.

Effects of Paecilomyces tenuipes‐inoculated brown rice combined with fermented oak sawdust on the developmental growth of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae

AbstractProtaetia brevitarsis is an edible insect registered as an alternative food ingredient by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Herein, we investigated the effects of Paecilomyces tenuipes on diseases reported in the larvae of edible insects with the aim of improving the productivity of larvae by promoting their development and enhancing their disease resistance. P. tenuipes exhibits several biological and pharmaceutical properties. We developed the feed for P. brevitarsis larvae with fermented oak sawdust combined with P. tenuipes–inoculated brown rice. The larval group that reared on feed combined with P. tenuipes showed a 6.5‐fold increase in weight and 5‐fold increase in survival rate against Metarhizium anisopliae relative to that seen with the controls. The nutrient composition of this feed formulation was 2.37 times higher in crude protein than in the other feed types, including the control. Our results suggest that P. tenuipes–inoculated brown rice can be used to increase larval weight and promote disease resistance, thereby potentially reducing the prevalence and severity fungal disease caused by M. anisopliae.

Gross anatomical investigation on the fore limb skeleton of the adult helmeted Guinea fowl (Numida meleagridis)

This study on the forelimb skeletal gross anatomy was conducted on the helmeted guinea fowl to document its distinctive morphological features. Eight (8) Helmeted guinea fowls (4 females and 4 males) with an average weight of 3.0kg were sacrificed via jugular vein severance with bone preparation achieved by use of insect larvae. The horizontally oriented scapula was an elongated flattened dorsoventrally curved bone having two extremities and a shaft but lacked the muscular tubercle on the cranial third of the ventral border present in other avian species. The obliquely oriented coracoid presented a thick bone with a hook-like acrocoracoid process that formed a shallow supracoracoid groove at its proximal extremity. It however, lacked the rough surface for muscular attachment and the pneumatic foramen on the dorsal surface. The proximal fossa was absent on the dorsal surface of the humerus while the ulna and radius were joined at their extremities creating an extensive interosseous space. The radius was the thinner of the two bones lying dorsal to the larger ulna in the folded wing. Two carpal bones were present on the wings while the carpometacarpal consisted of the 2nd (stub-like projection), 3rd (large straight long) and 4th (curved) metacarpals with the 3rd and 4th fusing at their extremities giving rise to an extensive D-shaped interosseous space. The digits were three in number (digits II, III and IV) that articulated proximally with carpometacarpals II, III and IV respectively. Digit III had two phalanges while digits II and IV had one. In conclusion, bones of the forelimb of the guinea fowl (Numida meleagridis) lacked some common features visible in its closest relative, the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus).

A Proteinaceous Alpha-Amylase Inhibitor from Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract: Purification, Characterization, and Insecticide Effects against C. maculates Insect Larvae.

The main objective of the current study was the extraction, purification, and enzymatic characterization of a potent proteinaceous amylase inhibitor from Moringa oleifera. The antimicrobial potential and insecticide effects against C. maculates insect larvae were also studied. The α-amylase inhibitor was extracted in methanol (with an inhibitory activity of 65.6% ± 4.93). Afterwards, the inhibitor αAI.Mol was purified after a heat treatment at 70 °C for 15 min followed by one chromatographic step of Sephadex G-50. An apparent molecular weight of 25 kDa was analyzed, and the N-terminal sequence showed the highest identity level (89%) with the monomeric α-amylase inhibitor from Triticum dicoccoides. αAI.Mol was found to tolerate pH values ranging from 5.0 to 11.0 and showed maximal activity at pH 9.0. Thermal stability was remarkably important, since the inhibitory activity was maintained at 55% after 1 h of incubation at 70 °C and at 53% after an incubation of 45 min at 80 °C. The potency of the current purified inhibitor against amylases from different origins indicates that αAI.Mol seems to possess the highest affinity toward human salivary α-amylase (90% inhibitory activity), followed by the α-amylase of insects Callosobruchus maculatus and Tribolium confusum (71% and 61%, respectively). The kinetic parameters were also calculated, and the Kmax and Vmax of the digestive amylase were estimated at 185 (mmol/min/mg) and 0.13 mM, respectively. The inhibitor possesses a strong bactericidal effect against Gram+ and Gram- strains, and the MIC values were >1 against B. cereus but >6 against E. coli. Interestingly, the rates of survival and pupation of C. maculates insect larvae were remarkably affected by the purified αAI.Mol from Moringa oleifera.

Diversity of zooplankton in Kadalundi-Vallikunnu Community Reserve, North Kerala, India

Zooplankton samples collected from ten stations covering the entire stretch of the Kadalundi-Vallikunnu CommunityReserve, Kerala, south India, for a period from July 2018 to June 2019 were studied. Twenty eight groups of zooplankton viz. copepods, foraminifera, medusae, chaetognaths, siphonophores, ctenophores, ostracods, cladocera, Lucifer sp., amphipods, isopods, appendicularia, Balanus nauplii, cyphonautes larvae, polychaete larvae, echinoderm larvae, ephyra larvae, brachiopod larvae, alima larvae of squilla, aquatic insect larvae, prawn larvae, crab zoea, crab megalopa larvae, bivalve larvae, pteropods, gastropod larvae, fish eggs and fish larvae were recorded. Among these, copepods formed the major portion of 43%. An average of 18330 nos. per 100 m3 was noticed from the study area. The maximum and minimum density of zooplankton was observed at Station 1 and 10 respectively and a decreasing trend in abundance was recorded from barmouth towards upstream stations. Seasonal studies indicated a maximum of 52% during pre-monsoon, followed by 36% during post-monsoon and a minimum of 12% during monsoon. Different indices of diversity, dominance plot, dendrogram and Multi Dimensional Scaling (MDS) plot are presented and discussed. Keywords: Biodiversity, Estuary, PRIMER, Primary consumers, Seasonality

Gross anatomical investigation on the fore limb skeleton of the helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagridis)

This study on the forelimb skeletal gross anatomy was conducted on the helmeted guinea fowl to document its distinctive morphological features. Eight (8) Helmeted guinea fowls (4 females and 4 males) with an average weight of 3.0kg were sacrificed via jugular vein severance with bone preparation achieved by use of insect larvae. The horizontally oriented scapula was an elongated flattened dorsoventrally curved bone having two extremities and a shaft but lacked the muscular tubercle on the cranial third of the ventral border present in other avian species. The obliquely oriented coracoid presented a thick bone with a hook-like acrocoracoid process that formed a shallow supracoracoid groove at its proximal extremity. It however, lacked the rough surface for muscular attachment and the pneumatic foramen on the dorsal surface. The proximal fossa was absent on the dorsal surface of the humerus while the ulna and radius were joined at their extremities creating an extensive interosseous space. The radius was the thinner of the two bones lying dorsal to the larger ulna in the folded wing. Two carpal bones were present on the wings while the carpometacarpal consisted of the 2nd (stub-like projection), 3rd (large straight long) and 4th (curved) metacarpals with the 3rd and 4th fusing at their extremities giving rise to an extensive D-shaped interosseous space. The digits were three in number (digits II, III and IV) that articulated proximally with carpometacarpals II, III and IV respectively. Digit III had two phalanges while digits II and IV had one. In conclusion, bones of the forelimb of the guinea fowl (Numida meleagridis) lacked some common features visible in its closest relative, the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus).

Pathogenicity of an Entomopathogenic Nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae on Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Strains From Turkey.

Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is an insect pest in poultry production systems. This insect has developed resistance to many chemical insecticides. As an alternative to chemicals, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are one of the most commonly used agents against several pest arthropods. The pathogenicity of the EPN Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser on four field strains of lesser mealworm, A. diaperinus, from Turkey was studied. In the experiments, larvae of A. diaperinus were found to be more sensitive than adults to S. carpocapsae infection. In terms of LC50 values in both larval and adult insects, Balikesir strain was found to be the most susceptible, Manisa strain the most resistant. The calculated LC50 values for adults were 85.9, 205.6, 135.4, and 418.8 IJs/ml, and for larvae 31.2, 39.8, 34.8, and 70.9 IJs/ml for the Balikesir, Canakkale, İzmir, and Manisa strains, respectively. This is the first report about the pathogenicity of EPNs against larvae and adults of lesser mealworm A. diaperinus strains from Turkey. We conclude that S. carpocapsae can be used as a control agent for lesser mealworms.