Cuticle Pattern Research Articles

Hair Coat of the Water Deer Hydropotes inermis (Cervidae, Artiodactyla), a New Species in the Russian Fauna.

The hair coat and hair microstructure of an adult male Hydropotes inermis from the Primorsky Krai of Russia were studied for the first time by light and scanning electron microscopy. Lack of abundant underfur, sparse hair, and a weak layering are characteristic of the species, which inhabits the temperate monsoon and tropical zones and does not need an efficient thermal protection. An alveolar and lattice medulla of the hair is similar to that of other deer, is well developed, and increases the heat-protective properties of the hair because seasonal and daily fluctuations in temperature and humidity can be significant. The cuticle pattern is similar to that of the deer tribes Alceini and Capreolini. The hair thickness and length are substantial on the back, sides, and thighs, and the coat thus provides reliable protection from mechanical damage when the water deer moves through thickets of bushes and grasses along riverbanks and swamps in its habitats. A knotty nature of hairs protects the skin from sharp outgrowths of aquatic and marsh plants.

Ontogenetic instars of Zygoribatula excavata, with remarks on juveniles of Oripodoidea (Acari: Oribatida)

Information on the morphological ontogeny of oribatid mites of the family Oribatulidae is very scarce, and the juveniles of most species are unknown yet. In this work, the ontogenetic instars of the semicosmopolitan species, Zygoribatula excavata Berlese, 1916 are studied. The juvenile instars of this species are morphologically similar to those of the other species of Zygoribatula, and this genus can be included among those in which species are difficult to distinguish based on juvenile characteristics alone. As information on the morphological ontogeny of most species of Oribatulidae is still insufficient or unknown, a comparison on the juvenile characteristics of the families belonging to the superfamily Oripodoidea is given based on our own data and available literature sources. The major characteristics of juvenile instars of 10 families and 21 genera are presented. There are few characters, such as body shape and size, pattern of cuticle, excentrosclerites at gastronotic setae, size and morphology of setiform organs, such as bothridial as well as gastronotic setae that distinguish the families or genera of Oripodoidea.

Unveiling the meiobenthic community structure of Prydz Bay, Antarctica during austral summer

Meiobenthos are bottom-dwelling aquatic invertebrates having a size range of 63–500 μm. They play a pivotal role in ecosystem functioning, biogeochemical and trophic nutrient cycling. Due to the presence of Antarctic Circumpolar Current and steep gradient in nutrients and temperature, many taxa of the Southern Ocean (SO) show diverse biodiversity patterns in comparison to other deep sea areas of the world. Over the years, several Indian SO Expeditions have been carried out in the Indian sector of SO (ISSO), but this is a pioneer attempt to unveil the meiobenthic community structure and their functional diversity pattern from Prydz Bay (Indian sector of Southern Ocean), Antarctica. Meiobenthic community structures were investigated in eight different sampling sites along with their vertical profiling from the Prydz Bay during the austral summer 2020. Total meiofaunal abundance ranged from 24 to 521 indv. 10 cm-2, with the highest abundance recorded at station 23 and the lowest at station 9. A total of 9 meiobenthic taxa were found from this eco-region, with the highest percentage being the free-living marine nematodes as metazoan taxa. A total of 86 free-living nematode species were identified, where Sabatieria was the most common genus and represented by eleven species. Several univariate and multivariate analyses deciphered a distinct spatial variation in the meiobenthic community structure. Sediment texture and depth were the most significant environmental variables in shaping nematode assemblages. Biological Trait Analysis was performed using a total of 24 traits in 5 categories to unravel the functional diversity of free-living marine nematodes. The most dominant morphotypes were slender body shape, conical tail shape, dotted cuticle pattern, and non-selective deposit feeders with colonizing abilities of 2 (c–p score 2, in a scale from 1 to 5). Maturity Index (MI) and Index of Trophic Diversity (ITD) were highest in stations 15 and 32, respectively. RLQ approach with fourth-corner analysis was used to decipher the relationship between traits and environmental parameters. The RLQ analysis revealed the positive association of non-selective deposit feeder and slender body-shaped nematodes with higher water depth. The characterization of meiobenthic (especially nematode) communities in the context of taxonomic and functional attributes could help to evaluate the ecological status of ISSO. Further long term monitoring is also needed to get a comprehensive idea about their role in benthic ecosystem functioning in the milieu of global climate change.

Changes of Morphology, Chemical Compositions, and the Biosynthesis Regulations of Cuticle in Response to Chilling Injury of Banana Fruit During Storage.

The plant cuticle covers almost all the outermost surface of aerial plant organs, which play a primary function in limiting water loss and responding to the environmental interactions. Banana fruit is susceptible to thermal changes with chilling injury below 13°C and green ripening over 25°C. Herein, the changes of surface morphology, chemical compositions of cuticle, and the relative expression of cuticle biosynthesis genes in banana fruit under low-temperature storage were investigated. Banana fruit exhibited chilling injury rapidly with browned peel appearance stored at 4°C for 6 days. The surface altered apparently from the clear plateau with micro-crystals to smooth appearance. As compared to normal ones, the overall coverage of the main cuticle pattern of waxes and cutin monomers increased about 22% and 35%, respectively, in browned banana stored under low temperature at 6 days. Fatty acids (C16–C18) and ω-OH, mid-chain-epoxy fatty acids (C18) dominated cutin monomers. The monomers of fatty acids, the low abundant ω, mid-chain-diOH fatty acids, and 2-hydroxy fatty acids increased remarkably under low temperature. The cuticular waxes were dominated by fatty acids (> C19), n-alkanes, and triterpenoids; and the fatty acids and aldehydes were shifted to increase accompanied by the chilling injury. Furthermore, RNA-seq highlighted 111 cuticle-related genes involved in fatty acid elongation, biosynthesis of very-long-chain (VLC) aliphatics, triterpenoids, and cutin monomers, and lipid-transfer proteins were significantly differentially regulated by low temperature in banana. Results obtained indicate that the cuticle covering on the fruit surface was also involved to respond to the chilling injury of banana fruit after harvest. These findings provide useful insights to link the cuticle on the basis of morphology, chemical composition changes, and their biosynthesis regulations in response to the thermal stress of fruit during storage.

A design strategy of bio-inspired defensive structures with stiffness programmability for reusable impact-resistance protection

As a natural defensive structure, insect cuticle exhibits fascinating impact resistance properties in their body protection due to their spatial hierarchical architecture and the stiffness distribution along their thickness designed by nature. In this study, inspired by the pattern of insect cuticle, we present a novel design strategy of graded elastic ring systems with programmable stiffness gradients to enhance the protective properties. By studying the influence of the elastic modulus, radius and thickness of rings on the impact response of the bio-inspired graded ring systems, the optimal solution of programing the stiffness gradient can be obtained. The mechanical analyses of the single-column ring systems and the bio-inspired ring array architectures with different stiffness gradients under impact loading show that both the distributions of stiffness gradients along the impact direction and the concavity and convexity of the stiffness profiles have a great influence on preventing stress wave propagation and improving impact-tolerance. Compared with convex stiffness gradients, the concave stiffness gradients significantly improve the protective properties as well as reduce the peak value of collision force applied to inner structures. In concave stiffness gradients, the results show that the bio-inspired ring array architectures with exponential (EXP) stiffness gradient have been identified to result in the minimum values of stress, collision force and impulse under impact loading. The strategy proposed in this paper greatly improves the impact resistance property and defensive effect compared with that of the case without protection. The knowledge gained from this work will inspire the designs of novel advanced reusable and lightweight protective structures with improved impact resistance capability by programming reasonable stiffness distributions.

Genomic regions associated with adaptation to predation in Daphnia often include members of expanded gene families.

Predation has been a major driver of the evolution of prey species, which consequently develop antipredator adaptations. However, little is known about the genetic basis underpinning the adaptation of prey to intensive predation. Here, we describe a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly (approx. 145 Mb, scaffold N50 11.45 Mb) of Daphnia mitsukuri, a primary forage for many fish species. Transcriptional profiling of D. mitsukuri exposed to fish kairomone revealed that this cladoceran responds to predation risk through regulating activities of Wnt signalling, cuticle pattern formation, cell cycle regulation and anti-apoptosis pathways. Genes differentially expressed in response to predation risk are more likely to be members of expanded families. Our results suggest that expansions of multiple gene families associated with chemoreception and vision allow Daphnia to enhance detection of predation risk, and that expansions of those associated with detoxification and cuticle formation allow Daphnia to mount an efficient response to perceived predation risk. This study increases our understanding of the molecular basis of prey defences, being important evolutionary adaptations playing a stabilizing role in community dynamics.

Disentangling the Effect of Seasonal Dynamics on Meiobenthic Community Structure From River Matla of Sundarbans Estuarine System, India

In estuarine sediment, meiobenthos serve as an excellent candidate to perform a range of ecosystem services. However, even though the taxonomic sufficiency of meiobenthos in detecting spatiotemporal gradients is well recognized, very little is known about their functional attributes in response to environmental descriptors. To bridge this knowledge gap, the taxonomic structure and trait-based functional diversity patterns of meiobenthic assemblage, focusing on nematode species composition, were assessed for the first time from the unexplored central sector of Sundarbans Estuarine System (SES). Sediment samples were collected seasonally (monsoon, winter, spring, and summer) selecting a total of eight stations across River Matla (the widest and longest river of SES). Distinct seasonal successional patterns had been observed in meiobenthic abundance modulated by seasonal alteration in the sedimentary environment (PERMANOVA, p < 0.05). Our study revealed a strong preponderance of meiobenthic density in spring (2978 ± 689.98 ind. 10 cm–2) and lowest during monsoon (405 ± 51.22 ind. 10 cm–2). A total of 11 meiobenthic taxa were identified with the dominance of nematodes. Altogether, 79 species of nematode belonging to 22 families had been identified across the entire study area and nematode assemblage was dominated by Sabatieria praedatrix, Sphaerolaimus balticus, Desmodora communis, Dorylaimopsis punctata, and Daptonema hirsutum. Principal component analysis depicted a distinct separation of seasons with reference to environmental variables. Distance-based redundancy analysis delineated that meiobenthic communities were mainly structured by organic matter, salinity, and dissolved oxygen concentration. Biological trait analyses of nematode assemblages were applied to gather the ecological information based on morphological and ecological characteristics. The most common morphotypes were slender body shape, clavate tail shape, striated cuticle pattern, and non-selective deposit feeders with colonizing abilities of 2–3 (c–p score in a scale from 1 to 5). Results from BIO-ENV showed that sediment organic matter and dissolved oxygen played overriding roles in shaping the functional compositions of nematodes. Thus, the characterization of meiobenthos and nematode assemblages in the context of taxonomic as well as functional attributes represents a first step toward building of baseline data which could help to evaluate the ecological status of SES and direct future research priorities concurrently.

Hairs of wild Felis silvestris silvestris and domestic Felis catus – are they distinctive after all? (Carnivora: Felidae)

This study addressed the question whether it is possible to clearly differentiate between wild and tabby domestic cats on the basis of hairs (guard hairs in particular). The colour banding pattern of individual hairs is studied in this context for the first time. Also, hair length and width, as well as parameters of the hair cuticle were checked for differences, as it is well known that wild cats have long hairs and a fine, silky fur. Several banding patterns were observed, some shared between both cat forms, but with different frequencies. But this is not enough for species differentiation and more specimens need to be studied to get a better idea of the variation in this trait. The cuticle pattern even in the same region of the hairs (medium and shield-free part of the hair shaft) varies considerably and statistically significant differences were found only for few measured parameters: hair length, hair width and scale perimeter. Nevertheless, even most of them are not sufficient to determine wild or domestic cats. However, as expected, the hairs of wild cats are statistically significantly longer than those of tabby domestic cats, and hairs longer than 50 mm can be clearly attributed to wild cats.

A study on hair analysis of different Canidae breeds

Dogs being most commonly present around humans means that their hair has become an important aspect among trace evidence that can be used as associative evidence in the court of law. They can serve as corroborating evidence as well as help in forensic investigations and trials. The morphological and morpho-metrical differences among hair are useful in differentiating dog breeds. This paper attempts to study the features that can aid in individualization as well as the identification of different dog breeds and help in future explorations. Micro-metric measurements and structure of shaft, medulla, and cuticle of hair may vary among different breeds of dogs (Canis familiaris). Hair samples were randomly collected from 42 dogs of different breeds. Examination of cuticle pattern was done by preparing hair casts and indices were calculated using micro-metric standards. Morphological characteristics were examined under stereomicroscope and light microscope for evaluating shaft diameter, medulla diameter, cuticle scale length, medulla patterns, cuticle patterns, and margins. The results of this study indicate that microscopic features can be used to distinguish different breeds of dogs whereas micro-metric values do not show remarkable distinctions. A rare condition - ‘split end’ was seen in Dachshund dog breed. Therefore, we can conclude that there are differences among dog hair if microscopic features can be observed and indices could be used for the forensic identification process, and these findings may contribute to discriminating among dog breeds based on preliminary hair examination.

METHODOLOGICAL FEATURES OF RESEARCH ON A DOMESTIC DOG INTERMEDIATE HAIR

Currently, offenses against animals, in particular, dogs are often committed. Many scientists developed theory and methodology to study animal hair. However, today there remained certain difficulties in establishing genus assignment and species of hair. It is noted that animal hair that belong to related genera is the most difficult to differentiate.
 The Article purpose is to establish diagnostic features of an intermediate type of hair of an animal in order to trace its origin from a domestic dog.
 Micro-objects similar to hair have been received for study. Objects were examined macroscopically and microscopically. The length was measured with a metal ruler, thickness was determined using an ocular screw micrometer MOV 1-16x on the “MIKMED-2-20” microscope with a binocular body. A cuticle imprint was obtained on the “BF-6” glue; thermochemical treatment (alkaline hydrolysis) was carried out in a 20% sodium hydroxide solution.
 The established morphological structure of the objects under study confirms the fact that intermediate hair is somewhere in the middle between down and guard hairs with a different number of features specific to mentioned categories. Objects have features attributed to animal hair of the Canidae family: complex cuticle pattern, medulla begins at some distance from the root end, medulla thickness and the shape of medulla cells. Thus, one feature that is characteristic of guard hairs, namely a complex cuticle pattern in the form of various cones can give a forensic expert a reason to state that objects under study can originate from a domestic dog.
 It can be concluded that in order to establish taxonomic identity of an intermediate hair in a domestic dog, it is necessary: 1) to determine features of guard hairs and signs of down hair in an object under study; 2) to identify and evaluate signs of guard hair (in this case, a specific cuticle pattern, medulla thickness) 3) to compare the information obtained while research with literature data and make a positive or negative conclusion.

The parasitic barnacle Peltogaster reticulata Shiino, 1943 (Rhizocephala,Peltogastridae) from Russian waters of the Sea of Japan: morphological description, molecular identification and complete larval development.

A rhizocephalan parasite of the hermit crab Pagurus minutus Hess, 1865 (Decapoda, Paguridae) is described from Russian waters using morphological and molecular methods. Partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) were used as a genetic marker. We refer this species to Peltogaster reticulata Shiino, 1943 (Rhizocephala, Peltogastridae) based on its morphological description, since genetic data for the species from its type locality are lacking. The species can be distinguished from its known congeners by the reticular pattern of the external cuticle. Peltogaster reticulata is the sister taxon to P. postica Yoshida Osawa, 2011 (in Yoshida et al. 2011), inhabiting the same host in southwestern Japan. The complete larval development of Peltogaster reticulata, including five naupliar and one cypris stage, is described and illustrated using SEM.

Microstructure of Quills in Sunda Porcupine Hystrix javanica (F. Cuvier, 1823)

The purpose of this study was to identify the quills type, cuticle pattern, cross-section feature, and medulla structure of the quills in Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica). The second aim was to determine the nutritional content of the quills in Sunda porcupine. The specimens fixed in cacodylate buffer and glutaraldehyde, then dehydrated through graded series of alcohol, and freeze-dried. The specimens attached to the stubs by sticky tape, coated with gold and observed with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Determination of cuticle pattern and medulla structure base on to the mammal's hair identification key by Teerink (1991). Nutritional content analysis using proximate. The study result showed that H. javanica has four types of quills; true, transitional, flat spine, and rattle quills. The SEM micrograph of the cuticle pattern showed characteristic variation in the shaft and base region, except the flat spine has no scaly feature in the base region. The cuticle of anogenital quill and hair in H. javanica has no specific feature or osmetrichia. The cross-sectional images of the three type quills of H. javanica revealed circular and alveolar arrangement. Only the flat spine has a quadriconcave feature. The true quills have multicellular and reverse cloisonné structure in the medulla, compare to the other three quills have no pattern. Nutritional content of the quills were water (89.93%), crude protein (93.66%), crude fat (0.44%), phosphorous (0.034%), calcium (0.2%), magnesium (0.01%), and sulphur (2,01%).

High-throughput tool to discriminate effects of NMs (Cu-NPs, Cu-nanowires, CuNO3, and Cu salt aged): transcriptomics in Enchytraeus crypticus

The current testing of nanomaterials (NMs) via standard toxicity tests does not cover many of the NMs specificities. One of the recommendations lays on understanding the mechanisms of action, as these can help predicting long-term effects and safe-by-design production. In the present study, we used the high-throughput gene expression tool, developed for Enchytraeus crypticus (4 × 44k Agilent microarray), to study the effects of exposure to several copper (Cu) forms. The Cu treatments included two NMs (spherical and wires) and two copper-salt treatments (CuNO3 spiked and Cu salt field historical contamination). To relate gene expression with higher effect level, testing was done with reproduction effect concentrations (EC20, EC50), using 3 and 7 days as exposure periods. Results showed that time plays a major role in the transcriptomic response, most of it occurring after 3 days. Analysis of gene expression profiles showed that Cu-salt-aged and Cu-nanowires (Nwires) differed from CuNO3 and Cu-nanoparticles (NPs). Functional analysis revealed specific mechanisms: Cu-NPs uniquely affected senescence and cuticle pattern formation, which can result from the contact of the NPs with the worms’ tegument. Cu-Nwires affected reproduction via male gamete generation and hermaphrodite genitalia development. CuNO3 affected neurotransmission and locomotory behavior, both of which can be related with avoidance response. Cu salt-aged uniquely affected phagocytosis and reproductive system development (via different mechanisms than Cu-Nwires). For the first time for Cu (nano)materials, the adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) drafted here provide an overview for common and unique effects per material and linkage with apical effects.

Microscopic cuticle structure comparison of pupal melanic and wild strain of Spodoptera exigua and their gene expression profiles in three time points

The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner), is one of the major crop pests and is a target for current pest control approaches using insecticides. S. exigua melanic mutants (SEM) spontaneously occurred in the S. exigua wild type (SEW) strain and have been maintained under laboratory conditions on an artificial diet. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the inner cuticle of the SEM had a denser and less orderly structure. We investigated the cuticle protein genes using RNA-seq at three different developmental stages of both SEM and SEW. Comparison of cDNA libraries showed that 7257 CPs were significantly up-regulated and 664 genes were significantly downregulated in SEM at the developmental stage of 46-h in the fifth instar. In addition, 460 genes were significantly up-regulated and 439 genes were significantly down-regulated in the SEM at the development stage of 4-h before pupation. Moreover, 162 genes were significantly up-regulated and 293 genes were significantly downregulated in the SEM, just after pupation. Two genes CPR63 and CPR97 were identified from RNA sequences to verify the differentially expressed gene (DEG) results through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results show that expression of both CPR63 and CPR97 structural cuticular proteins were significantly different between SEM and SEW. This functional analysis may help in understanding the role that these genes play in the cuticle pattern of the SEM.

The Heidelberg Screen for Pattern Mutants of Drosophila: A Personal Account.

In large-scale mutagenesis screens performed in 1979-1980 at the EMBL in Heidelberg, we isolated mutations affecting the pattern or structure of the larval cuticle in Drosophila. The 600 mutants we characterized could be assigned to 120 genes and represent the majority of such genes in the genome. These mutants subsequently provided a rich resource for understanding many fundamental developmental processes, such as the transcriptional hierarchies controlling segmentation, the establishment of cell states by signaling pathways, and the differentiation of epithelial cells. Most of the Heidelberg genes are now molecularly known, and many of them are conserved in other animals, including humans. Although the screens were initially driven entirely by curiosity, the mutants now serve as models for many human diseases. In this review, we describe the rationale of the screening procedures and provide a classification of the genes on the basis of their initial phenotypes and the subsequent molecular analyses.

Taxonomic significance of achene morphology of selected Rosa taxa (Rosaceae) occurring in Poland

Achenes of roses were rarely studied and the studies were focused on anatomical research, mainly on pericarp structure and its development. We investigated the achene morphology by light- and scanning electron microscopy (LM and SEM) of 17 <em>Rosa</em> taxa from three sections (<em>R. gallica</em> from <em>Gallicanae</em> section, <em>R. pendulina</em> and <em>R. rugosa</em> from <em>Rosa</em> section, and <em>R. agrestis</em>, <em>R. canina</em>, <em>R. canina</em> var. <em>corymbifera</em>, <em>R. dumalis</em>, <em>R. dumalis</em> var. <em>caesia</em>, <em>R. inodora</em>, <em>R. jundzillii</em>, <em>R. micrantha</em>, <em>R. rubiginosa</em>, <em>R. sherardii</em>, <em>R. ×subcanina</em>, <em>R. tomentosa</em>, <em>R. villosa</em>, <em>R. zalana</em> from <em>Caninae</em> section). Eight quantitative and eight qualitative features were examined based on 9181 achenes, in total. Average achene size ranged from 4.37 to 5.39 mm in length and from 2.57 to 3.32 mm in width. The lowest morphological variability among the examined taxa was found in <em>R. canina</em> var. <em>corymbifera</em>, and the highest in <em>R. gallica</em>, <em>R. inodora</em>, and <em>R. sherardii</em>. The most diagnostic features of the achenes studied were suture (visible or invisible), presence or absence of hairs, hairs distribution and density, the exocarp sculpture and cuticle pattern type (we have distinguished four exocarp sculpture and three cuticle pattern types), and length. Qualitative achene features have significantly higher diagnostic value than quantitative ones. Taxonomical value of these features is quite high on the species and section level. Our study has shown that the previously mentioned morphological features of achenes can be used as valuable, additional diagnostic features in delimitation of <em>Rosa</em> taxa at the species and section level. Based on the morphological features of achenes, a determination key for all <em>Rosa</em> taxa studied was created.

Age-dependent damage of hair cuticle: contribution of S100A3 protein and its citrullination.

There are two types of damage pattern of human hair cuticle: type L, where the cell membrane complex is split and the cuticle lifts up, and type E, where the fragile substructure of the cuticle cell (endocuticle) is broken. In our previous paper, it was reported that the dominant damage pattern shifts from type L to E with the subjects' age around the 40s. Loss of the cuticle due to daily grooming stresses increases with the subjects' age and is related to the level of type E damage. It is supposed that deterioration of endocuticle advances the loss of cuticle. S100A3 protein, located at the endocuticle, was found to be citrullinated and transformed into tetramer to improve its Ca(2+) -binding ability. It is postulated that this biochemical property affects the maturation of cuticle and contributes to its reinforcement. This study aims to elucidate the role that S100A3 plays in age-dependent cuticle damage. Hair fibers collected from Japanese females were evaluated for the content and citrullination rate of S100A3, incidence of type E damage, and resistance of cuticle. In the aged hair, the content of S100A3 was positively correlated with the level of type E damage and low resistance to stress. Hair fibers in which S100A3 is highly citrullinated, however, showed low levels of type E damage and high resistance of cuticle, even in the aged hair as well as at younger ages. S100A3 and its citrullination process are related to rigidity of endocuticle of aged hair.

Identificação das espécies brasileiras de Akodon (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) através da microestrutura dos pelos

No Brasil há 10 espécies de Akodon Meyen, 1833 e a maioria apresenta algum grau de sobreposição geográfica havendo inclusive registros de simpatia. A identificação das espécies é difícil e pode ser feita pela análise da estrutura morfológica de pelos. Assim, para a identificação da microestrutura de pelos de nove espécies brasileiras de Akodon, foram utilizados pelos-guardas primários de amostras de coleções zoológicas. Foi adotado o método de análise das escamas cuticulares e da medula. O padrão de cutícula para todas as espécies foi folidáceo estreito. Já para a medula foram reconhecidos três padrões básicos como multisseriada alveolar, multisseriada listrada e misto de alveolar e listrada. Akodon cursor é a única espécie com predomínio de quatro fileiras sendo que exemplares 2n = 14 e 2n = 15 apresentam medula alveolar e o 2n = 16, medula listrada e células longilíneas. Para Akodon paranaensis e A. lindberghi a medula se alterna entre três e quatro fileiras. As demais espécies apresentam três fileiras. Akodon mystax apresenta um maior espaçamento entre as células. Akodon reigi possui o setor intermediário com fileiras ovaladas e bem ligadas e Akodon toba tem as células da fileira central variando com uma e duas células alveolares pequenas. No padrão listrado, Akodon montensis apresenta espaço intercelular mais estreito em relação à espessura da célula. No padrão misto, Akodon azarae apresenta células com contorno evidente, já Akodon serrensis as células apresentam formato irregular. Assim, o uso da microestrutura dos pelos como ferramenta para a identificação das espécies de Akodon mostrou-se perfeitamente viável.

Systematic status of Oribatula Berlese, 1895 (Acari: Oribatida: Oribatulidae) in the light of the ontogeny of three species

The systematic status of Oribatula Berlese, 1895 in light of the ontogeny of Oribatula interrupta (Willmann, 1939), Oribatula propinqua (Oudemans, 1900), Oribatula exarata (Berlese, 1916), and the literature was investigated. Oribatula and Zygoribatula Berlese, 1917 are distinguished as separate genera or subgenera mainly by the absence or presence of translamella in adults, respectively, but the shape of the translamella varies in O. interrupta, Oribatula colemani (Franklin, Norton & Crossley, 2008), and other species, which presents problems with their classification and puts into question the importance of translamella as a generic or subgeneric character. The morphology of juveniles of the species investigated here also does not support the importance of translamella; these juveniles have similar body shape and excentrosclerites at gastronotal setae c 2, la, lp, and h 1 in the larva and c 2, la, lp, h-series, and p 1 in the nymphs, but differ mainly by the pattern of cuticle of gastronotum, length of certain setae, and number of setae of p-series in nymphs, which are species specific. Their adults differ mainly by the shape of translamella, number of setae of p-series, and pattern of integument on the notogaster, which are also species specific. In the light of these investigations, Zygoribatula should be considered a junior synonym of Oribatula.

Different Animal Species Hairs as Biological Tool for the Forensic Assessment of Individual Identification Characteristics from Animals of Zoological Park, Pragti Maidan, New Delhi, India

Ongoing research shows that how hair varies-between species and even on the same animals-and how he developed a database of mammal hair that can be used by wild life forensic scientist to identify hair in cases of illegal trafficking of the world’s most endangered animals. Hair samples from some domestic and wild animals were evaluated in this study. The main hair structures (cuticle, cortex and medulla) were investigated. The guard hair diameter, colour, shaft, cuticle pattern, the medulla, the scale patterns and, root were examined using a light microscope. The current research on morphologic characteristics of animal hair can be performed to provide more information for wild life forensics and allowing for the identification of illegal transport of animals, poaching or wildlife crime, fraud in textile and fur industry, and dentification of their victims, etc. In the present study, different animal hairs collected from National Zoological Park, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India were microscopically examined. Wild life animal species like Baby sheep hair, baby goat hair, bear hair, buffalo hair, cattle hair, deer hair, Doberman dog hair, dog hair, emu hair, flamingo feather, goat hair, Labrador dog hair, sheep hair, tiger hair identification /characterization using microscopic hair characteristics is discussed here. As part of a research project, this paper provides data that allow rapid and low cost animal species identification based on the hair microscopic features because hair is strongly resistant from decomposition and this property makes hair a nearly ideal type of physical evidence.