024067   Mishra C S K (Zool Dep, Orissa Univ of Agric and Technol, Bhubaneswar-751 003) : Changes in protein and lipid content of tasar silk moth, Antheraea mylitta (Drury) parasitised by tachinid endoparasitoid Belepharipa zebina (Walker). J Insect Sci 2004, 1(1-2), 46-8.

The tachinid, Blepharipa zebina (Walker) attacked 4th and 5th instar larvae of the silk moth Antheraea mylitta (Drury). It affected the metabolism of the host which was reflected in lower levels of haemolymph and tissue protein as well as lipid content of the parasitised silkworm.

1 table, 20 ref

024066   Mishra A K (Department of Zoology, P.U.P. College, Motihari-845 401) : Hypophysation of a crap, Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.) through pituitary extract injection. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2005, 4(1), 127-30.

Hypophysation experiment was conducted in perfectly matured both the sexes of Cirrhinus mrigala. Total 8 sets of test fish Cirrhinus mrigala were allowed breeding through pituitary hormone injection extracted from Labeo group of fishes in the ratio of 1:2 (female to male). After 1st injection, 5 sets were spawned successfully and 3 sets did not spawn even after 2nd injection with higher dose, resulting 62.5% spawning. It was also revealed that the response of hypophysation was slightly quicker when the water temperature was high. Water physico-chemical conditions suggest the favourable ecological conditions for prediction potential for fish C. mrigala.

^ssc1 table, 21 ref

024065   Manzer M B H;Nehal M;Rahmatullah M;Bazmi S H (Department of Zoology, L.N. Mithila University, Darbhanga-846 004) : A comparative study of population kinetics and seasonal fluctuation of zooplankton in two diverse ponds of North Bihar. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2005, 4(1), 23-6.

A comparative study of seasonal variation of zooplankton communities of freshwater perennial ponds (Gausaghat and Gami ponds) were made during November 2002 to October 2003. The zooplankton belonging to rotifers, copepods, cladocerans, ostracods and protozoans were recorded in both the ponds. Total number of zooplankton were recorded 653 and 623 in Gausaghat and Garni ponds re spectively. The rotifers were found dominant over the other groups throughout the year in both the ponds. Abundance of zooplanktonic fauna were recorded during summer while lower number of zooplankton were recorded during rainy months. This fluctuation of zooplankton are mainly due to environmental changes.

3 tables, 14 ref

024064   Malik M A;Mohanty T R;Singh N K;Kotwal S K (Division of Veterinary Pathology, FVSc & A.H., , R.S. Pura, SKUAST-Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir-181 102) : Isolation of Salmonella typhimurium from a pigeon squab (Columbia livia). Zoos Print J 2005, 20(2), 1786.

7 ref

024063   Kumar M S;Singh V S (Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Reasearch Institute, New Delhi-110 012) : Investigations on resistance to khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium Everts in wheat germplasm. J ent Res 2004, 28(3), 259-63.

Investigations resulted in identification of six new sources of resistance to khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium. Everts including four elite T. aestivum lines and two accession of Aegilops spp., besides confirming the resistance in C 273, UP 262 and Kalyansona to Khapra beatle.

1 table, 7 ref

024062   Krishnakumar R;Maheswari P (Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram-695 522) : Management of powdery mildew in mulberry mildew in mulberry using coccinellid beetles,IIIeis cincta (Fabricius) and IIIeis bistigmosa (Mulsant). J ent Res 2004, 28(3), 241-6.

Two species of coccinellid beetles, Iiieis cincta (Fabricus) and Iiieis bistigmosa (Mulsant) feeding on the fungus, Phyllactinia corylea (Pess.) causing powdery mildew of mulberry were recorded in the mulberry garden of College of Agriculture, Vellayani. Studies on the efficiency of these coccinellids revealed that the treatment where the plants in which 5 pairs of adults were released showed less infection by powdery mildew and was at par with those plants on which 4 pairs, 3 pairs and 2 pairs of coccinellids were released. The percentage disease control was also highest with coccinellids than fungicides and neem oil spray.

2 illus, 3 tables 5 ref

024061   Kishore P;Gupta R K;Gajbhiye V T;Mittal V;Rai G;Gupta S (Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012) : Bioefficacy and persistence of thiamethoxam (Cruiser) in sorghum. J ent Res 2004, 28(3), 253-7.

New insecticide thiamethoxam (cruiser) tested as seed treatment of sorghum, was compared with conventionally recommended insecticides, carbofuran 3G and phorate 10 G. Bioefficacy and persistence studies conducted on two formulations viz. 350 FS and 70 WS of thiamethoxam showed that both the formulations in low and high doses were effective against sorghum shootfly, Atherigona soccata Randani and stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) and gave higher grain yield as compared to carbofuran and phorate. Both the formulations were found safe. Samples of matured grains of sorghum, green stlaks and soil collected after harvest did not show any residues of thiamethoxam from both formulations at their low and high doses.

2 tables, 6 ref

024060   Kiran B R;Puttaiah E T (Department of Environmental Science, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta-577 451) : Age and growth of Salmostoma untrahi (Pisces: Cyprinidae) from Bhadra reservoir, Karnataka. Zoos Print J 2005, 20(2), 1770-3.

Age and growth of Salmostoma untrahi from Bhadra reservoir region of Karnataka were studied using length frequency analysis during July 1999 to June 2001. The growth increments were different between the sexes of S. untrahi and the growth rate decreased in both sexes with advancement of age. In general, a sigmoidal growth pattern was observed. Male and female fishes attained 117.89mm and 120.99mm at the end of first year and 128.89mm and 139.48mm at the end of second year respectively. Fluctuations in the growth rate were probably due to the influence of various factors such as geographical, quality and quantity of food, and population density. The life span of the fish was about 1-2 years.

4 tables, 22 ref

024059   Kalaichelvan T;Verma K K (Maitri Baag Zoo, Bhilai Steel Plant, Bhilai, Chhattisgargh-490 006) : Checklist of leaf beetles (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae) of Bhilai-Durg. Zoos Print J 2005, 20(4), 1838-42.

A survey of the chrysomelid fauna of Bhilai-Durg (Central India) revealed a total of 95 species, belonging to the subfamilies Criocerinae (10 spp.), Clytrinae (6 spp.), Cryptocephalinae (8 spp.), Chlamisinae (1 sp.), Eumolpinae (6 spp.), Chrysomelinae (4 spp.), Galerucinae (15 spp.), Alticinae (23 spp.), Hispinae (4 spp.), and Cassidinae (18 spp.). None of the species is new to science, but some recent synonymisations have been indicated. Host plants and seasonal occurrence have been mentioned.

1 table 61 ref

024058   Jyothi J V A (Department of Zoology, Bangalore University, Bangalore-560 056) : Factors affecting the pollinators, pollination and seed production of sunflower. J ent Res 2004, 28(3), 265-8.

Parameters like parasites, diseases and pesticides were major factors, found affecting pollinator's population, pollination and seed yield of sunflower. There was significant decrease in the seed yield as well as population of pollinators after insectlcidal application. The targets returning with pollen load at infested colonies was less than at normal colony.

2 tables, 12 ref

024057   Jayson E A;Sivaperuman C (Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation Div, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Thrissur-680 653, Email: jayson@kfri.org) : Avifauna of Thrissur district, Kerala, India. Zoos Print J 2005, 20(2), 1774-83.

Three hundred and thirteen taxa of birds belonging to 64 Families were recorded in the Thrissur district, Kerala during a study on the avifauna there carried out from 1992 to 2002. 219 species of these were residents, 68 were transcontinental migrants, 26 were local migrants and one species was a straggler. The Order Passeriformes was highest in dominance followed by Charadriiformes, Ciconiiformes, Falconiformes, Coraciiformes and Piciformes. Seven species endemic to the Western Ghats and 11 species having threatened status were recorded. Out of the 1,340 species of birds recorded from the Indian subcontinent, 23% were found in Thrissur district. This is the first attempt to compile district-wise distribution of avifauna in Kerala, which will pave way for a Bird Atlas of Kerala.

2 illus, 3 tables 40 ref

024056   Jainulabdeen S;Prasad S K (Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012) : Severe infestation of cabbage butterfly, Pieris brassicae (Linnaeus) on six species of Brassica and effect of abiotic factors on its population dynamics. J ent Res 2004, 28(3), 193-7.

Impact of abiotic factors on population fluctuations of Pieris brassicae under agro-climatic conditions of Delhi during 2000-2001 rabi season was studied on six different species of Brassica and Eruca sativa. Pieris brassicae (L.) appeared during 9th standard week and reached Its peak (12 larvae/plant) In the 11th standard week i.e. 3rd week of march and thereafter the population declined but pest remained in the field till 13th standard week. The mean temperature ranging from 17.6°C-23.8O°C, relative humidity (65.3%), wind velocity (1.8 km/hr), and sunshine (7.3 hr), were found favorable for mass multiplication of Pieris brassicae. Correlation studies showed that the population was non-significantly and negatively correlated with maximum, minimum and mean temperature, while relative humidity, at morning and evening, mean showed significant negative correlation on population dynamics with (r) values -0.782, -0.933, -0.938, respectively. Wind velocity showed non-significant, negative correlation, but sunshine hours showed non significant positive correlation with population of cabbage butterfly.

2 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

024055   Jacob P S;Subba Rao V R;Chalam M S V (Department of Entomology, Agricultural College, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Bapatla-522 101) : Description of new species belonging to the genus Deltocephalus Burmeister from India (Insecta, Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Cicadellidae: Deltocephalini). J ent Res 2004, 28(3), 187-91.

Deltocephalus (Deltocephalus) bapatlensis is described as new species, from Bapatla India. This species distinguished by its Aedeagal shaft wider basally, strongly curved caudodorsally, apex notched, with a small subapical spine in ventral margin and subgenital plates broad as long as its width.

9 illus, 11 ref

024054   Hazra A K;Suman K K;Mandal G P (Apterygota Sect, Zool Surv of India, M Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 053) : Soil arthropod communities in the decomposition of house-hold garbage. Bionotes 2005, 7(2), 58-9.

1 table, 4 ref

024053   Gupta R (Central Department of Zoology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal, Email: rgupta_ohm@yahoo.co.in) : Diversity of cestode fauna of Nepal. J theor expl Biol 2004, 1(2), 107-11.

The paper indicates that 39 cestode species have been reported from Nepal. The earlier report on cestode of Kathmandu and Nepal is by Baczynska (1914). Thereafter the study on cestodes expanded gradually. Both native, and foreign workers have contributed to this field. But an extensive investigation to further knowledge on cestodes and the diseases caused by them is still required because the diversity of cestode fauna is expected in Nepal as a result of diverse ecological conditions and diverse species of animals.

^ssc1 table, 39 ref

024052   Guha D;Raman M;John M C (Centre for Ecological Science, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: guha_d@yahoo.com) : Effect of season on helminth loads of wild herbivores and cattle in the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern India. Zoos Print J 2005, 20(2), 1766-9.

The effects of season on helminth loads was studied between May and August 1999, using the estimation of helminth eggs per gram of faeces as an index, at the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, southern India. The species of hosts sampled included chital (Axis axis), gaur (Bos gaurus), elephant (Elephas maximus,) and domestic cattle. In general all species showed an upward trend (i.e., the helminth loads increased) as the dry season progressed into the wet. Chital sampled in the dry deciduous forest, with or without sympatric cattle grazing, however, showed no such trends. Chital sampled in scrub forest areas with sympatric cattle grazing showed a significant downward trend as the wet season progressed. It is hypothesised that this is because helminth loads in chital are governed more by nutritive status of the animals rather than the availability of infective larvae in the environment. With the progress of the rains increased vegetation may improve the nutritive status of chital thus causing reduction in helminth loads. Possible reasons for this finding are also discussed.

1 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

024051   Gopi Sundar K S (Wildlife Institute of India, P.B. 18, Chandrabani, , Dehra Dun-248 001) : Mortality of herpetofauna, birds and mammals due to vehicular traffic in Etawah district, Uttar Pradesh, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2004, 101(3), 392-8.

Roadkills of herpetofauna, birds and mammals were enumerated along a 20 km stretch of road in Etawah district, Uttar Pradesh, in an agriculture dominated area. A total of 133 kills of 33 species of animals were recorded over two years. Amphibians and birds were killed significantly, more during the monsoon, while reptiles and mammals were killed almost equally across seasons. The species killed the most were the Marbled Toad Bufo stomaticus (amphibia), Flapshell Turtle Lissemys punctata (reptile), House Crow Corvus splendens (bird) and domestic Dog Canis familiaris (mammal). When all species present along the road for the taxa were considered, bird species were least represented in roadkills (16%), and higher proportions of species were killed in the other taxa (25-30%). Amphibians and birds were killed significantly more in the monsoon, while season did not affect numbers of kills for herpetofauna or mammals. Medium sized birds and omnivore bird species were killed the most. Accounting for all bird species present, number of birds of different sizes killed was in proportion to that present along the road. When guilds were considered, omnivore species were killed in much higher proportion to their availability along the road. No taxa of conservation concern was killed by traffic during this study. No species or taxa was killed to an extent that would endanger the species, though specific studies on species most vulnerable to vehicular traffic will be useful to determine how to prevent such mortalities.

2 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

024050   Goonatilake M R M P N;Yapa W B;Ratnasooriya W D (Zoology Dep, University of Colombo, Colambo 03, Sri Lanka, Email: wipula@zoology.cmb.ac.lk) : Evidence of fish in the diet of greater false vampire bat Megaderma lyra in Sri Lanka. Zoos Print J 2005, 20(4), 1834-5.

^ssc10 ref

024049   Ghosh D;Tandon B;Laddha K S (Medicinal Natural Product Research Laboratory, University Institute of Chemical Technology (U.I.C.T.), Mumbai-400 019) : Ipomoea hederacea extract- a useful insect-moulting hormone in sericulture. J ent Res 2004, 28(3), 211-23.

The present investigation deals with the effect of Ipomoea hedracea seed (kaladana) extract containing ecdysteroids on the development of Bombyx mori insect. Attempts were also made to quantify 20-hydroxy ecdysone in the Ipomoea hoderacea extract by HPLC.

7 illus, 6 tables, 22 ref

024048   Gautam R K;Gautam S (Sch of Life Sci, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Univ, Agra-282 002) : Activity of nucleic acids in the alimentary canal of larvae of three moths. Bionotes 2005, 7(2), 60-1.

1 table, 6 ref

024047   Gaikwad S S;Pillai M M (Department of Zoology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur) : Effect of aflatoxin B₁ in gastrointestine of mice. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2004, 4(3-4), 153-9.

Concerns about the aflatoxins originate from the strong implications of their involvement in disease and death in humans and animals. Aflatoxin B₁, (AFB₁) is carcinogenic and potent hepatotoxin produced by fungi: Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. These fungi are natural contaminants of agricultural food products and therefore may contain AFB₁ in daily food that may affect gastrointestine. Study aims to find out effects of orally administered AFB₁ on the morphology, histology and histochemistry of gastro intestine in the animal model, mice. Morphological, histological and histochemical examinations showed alterations in AFB₁, administered mice. Morphological and histological examinations showed severe damage to mucosal linings. Histochemical observations revealed decreased glycoprotein contents. This indicates that AFB₁ occuring in contaminated food, might affect glycoprotein synthesis and shows adverse effects in the protection of gastrointestinal linings.

16 illus, 20 ref

024046   Etebari K;Matindoost L (Department of Sericulture, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Somehe Sara, Iran, Email: etebari@guilan.ac.ir) : Effect of hypervitaminosis of vitamin B₃ on silkworm biology. J Biosci, Bangalore 2004, 29(4), 417-22.

A high-dose of vitamin B₃ in silkworm diet interrupts larval feeding and normal growth. High mortality of larvae occurs during molting and they cannot complete this process normally. Also the larvae exhibit nicotinamide hypervitaminosis symptoms such as immobility, dyspepsia, darkening of the skin, inability to excrete normally, exerting brownish fluid from anus and swelling of rectal muscles. Maximum larval weights in 1, 2 and 3 g/l treatments were 2.9, 1.6 and 1.2 g respectively, while maximum larval weight in the control was 5.6 g. Larval stage compared to control had increased 18, 26 and 31 days respectively. The concentration increase of uric acid in haemolymph demonstrates the hyperuricemia, while other measured biochemical compounds show signifi cant decrease; sodium and potassium did not change significantly.

4 illus, 3 tables, 36 ref

024045   Dhiman S C;Yadav Y K (Entomology Research Laboratory, Zoology Dep, M.S.(P.G.) College, Saharanpur) : Studies on parasitoids of Halys dentatus Fabr. (Heteroptera:Pentatomidae) and their bio-control efficacy. Ann Pl Prot Sci 2004, 12(2), 263-6.

Halys dentatus is a Phytosuccivorous insect mainly infesting Azadirachta indica. Two egg parasitoids viz.,Anastatus sp. (Hymenoptera : Eupelmidae) and Trisscolus sp. (Hymentoptera : Scelionidae) of this bug have been observed parasitizing eggs. A maximum of 100% parasitization occured during January to March and December while minimum parasitization (22.7%) was recorded in April. Overall parasitization of eggs was found 62.5%. Phasia sp. (Diptera:Tachinidae), a parasitoid of adults as well as nymphs, were recorded parasitization up to 12.5% in September. Hexamermis sp. (Nematoda:Mermithidae) was found parasitization adults and nymphs up to the extent of 9.0% in rainy season (July to September). Among all the recorded parasitoids, the potential one are Trisscolus sp. and Phasia sp. which could be tried for the biological control of Halys dentatus.

2 tables, 7 ref

024044   Dhiman S C;Singh S (Entomology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, M S (P G) College, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh) : Biology of Trioza hirsuta Crawford (Homoptera: Psyllidae), a pest of Terminalia tomentosa W & A. Indian For 2004, 130(6), 680-90.

The life history of a Psyllid bug, Trioza hirsuta Crawford, which makes leaf roll galls on Terminalia tomentosa W&A., is described in the paper. The bug needs a precopulation period of 32.05 to 78.30 hrs. Copulation occurs between 5 to 8 pm, generally in dim light, which lasts from 42 to 85 minutes. A preoviposition period of 2.55 to 45.50 hrs is required prior to egg laying. Eggs are laid singly on ventral side of leaf near mid rib or side veins or in crevices of bark. Generally, 36 to 70 eggs with an average of 49.9 eggs are laid by a female during one ovipositing period and fecundity of oviposition decreases with the increase in the age. 48 to 180 eggs (average 98.6 eggs) are deposited by a feamle during her life span. Egg bears a beak like micropyler process and it hatche out in 147-166 days. Emergence of nymph from the egg takes 12-30 minutes. There are five nymphal instars which moults five times to become adult. Duration of nymphal period varies from 29 to 43 days on an average of 31.4 days depending upon temp and RH 5th instar moults outside gall on leaf surface while rest instars within the gall. Feamle survive for longer days than male. Number of generations per year is recorded as 2 to 4 with overlapping generations.

4 illus, 4 tables, 5 ref

024043   David M;Mushigeri S B;Kuri R C;Shivkumar R; Mathad S G (Department of Zoology, Karnatak University's Research Laboratory, Toxicology Division, Karnat, Dharwad-580 001) : Impact of fenvalerate on the behavioural responses of the freshwater fish, Labeo rohita (Hamilton). Ecol Envir Conserv 2004, 10(3), 369-72.

In the study the fish, Labeo rohita were exposed to median lethal and sub lethal concentration of fenvalerate. The behavioural aspects of fish changed and these changes like repeated opening and closing of opercula covering, hyper-extension of all fins, cock-screw swimming, S-jerks, coughing, burst-swimming were observed in median lethal concentration. In sub lethal concentration these are found to lesser degree.

25 ref

024042   Chaturvedi N (Bombay Nat Hist Soc, , Hornbill House, Opp. Lion Gate, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Mumbai-400 023) : Occurrence of common palmely butterfly, Elymnias hypermnestra, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Bionotes 2005, 7(2), 70.

7 ref

024041   Boreddy Y;Chitra K C (Ent Dep, S V Agric Coll, Tirupati-517 502) : Effects of annona seed extract on free amino acids of Spodoptera litura (fab.). J Insect Sci 2004, 1(1-2), 49-50.

Effect of Annona seed extract at sublethal concentration (LC30) on free amino acids of Spodoptera litura (Fab.) was studied. Annona significantly decreased the concentration of free amino acids. The peak value of decrease in per cent over control was observed in IV instar larva. In both the treatments the content of free amino acids was increasing in the process of development. The free amino acid content in a stage over previous stage was gradual in untreated, whereas in treated, fluctuations were observed.

1 table, 9 ref

024040   Bhumannavar B S;Viraktamath C A (Ent Dep, Univ of Agric Sci GKVK, Bangalore-560 065) : Larval host specificity, biology on different menispermaceae and adult feeding preference of Othreis fullonia (clerck) (Noctuidae) in Southern India. J Insect Sci 2004, 1(1-2), 28-34.

Biology of Othreis fullonia (Clerck) studied on different hosts, revealed that, there were five instars on Tinospora cordifolia, six instars on Cocculus hirsutus and five to six instars on Anamirta coculus, Tiliacora acuminata and Diploclisia glaucescens. The larval duration (15.02±0.66 days), and the total developmental period (34.22±0.79 days) were significantly shorter on T. cordifolia and resulted in significantly heavier adults (1.17±0.16 g) compared to those on other hosts. The total larval duration (27.04±1.30 days), pupal duration (14.33±0.52 days) and total developmental period (46.48±1.31 days) were significantly longer on C. hirsutus and resulted in significantly lighter (0.86±0.20 g) adults compared to those on other hosts. The order of adult feeding preference among the fruits tested was banana<62> brinjal<62> tomato<62> guava<62> pomegranate<62> orange<62> mosambi during 1998 and guava<62> banana<62> tomato<62> mosambi<62> orange<62> pomegranate<62> brinjal during 1999.

2 tables, 28 ref

024039   Batra P;Reema (Department of Psychology, M.D. University Rohtak, Rohtak) : Temperature, humidity and memory. Ecol Envir Conserv 2004, 10(3), 295-302.

The study was a 5x3 factorial design to investigate the independent and interactional effect of five levels of temperature (7°C, 15°C, 25°C, 32°C and 38°C) and three levels of humidity (25%, 50% and 80%) on memory. Due to ethical considerations, a sample of 75 male albino rats was selected instead of using human beings. The rats were trained on active avoidance task after exposing them to various combinations of temperature and humidity. A retention test was taken after 24 hrs. Two way analysis of variance and Duncan's Range Test were employed to analyse the results. The results indicated that both the high temperatures and high humidity, influenced both the acquisition and retention negatively. High temperature combined with high humidity proved to be the worst for both acquisition and retention.

10 tables, 20 ref

024038   Badrudeen M;Nammalwar P;Dorairaj K (Central Marine Research Institute, (ICAR), , Cochin-682 014) : Status of Sea-cow Dugong dugon (Muller) along the southeast coast of India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2004, 101(3), 381-7.

Observations on the stranding and incedental catch of Sea-cow Dugong dugon (Muller) along the southeast coast of India are reviewed here. The number of incidental catch and stranded Dugongs were greater in the Gulf of Mannar than in the Palk Bay region during 1994-2000. The need for protection and conservation of Dugongs from indiscriminate exploitation are stressed upon to evolve suitable management strategies.

1 illus, 3 tables, 35 ref

024037   Andrews M I;George S;Joseph J (Department of Zoology, Mar Thoma College, Tiruvalla-689 103) : Amphibians in protected areas of Kerala. Zoos Print J 2005, 20(4), 1823-31.

In a study on distribution and status of amphibians in the protected areas of Kerala, a total of 52 species belonging to 18 genera and six families were recorded from the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks; the most abundant family being Ranidae. Most protected areas showed high amphibian richness, with Periyar Tiger Reserve supporting the highest number of species (26) while Agasthyavanam Biological Park had the lowest number of species (5). The distribution is found to be varied in different protected areas. Habitat degradation and agricultural activities are the major threats to amphibians in the protected areas.

1 table, 14 ref

024036   Ali S;Gururaja K V;Ramachandra T V (Energy and Wetlands Research Group, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-570 012, Email: cestvr@ces.iisc.ernet.in) : Schistura nilgiriensis (Menon) in Sharavathi river basin, Western ghats, Karnataka. Zoos Print J 2005, 20(2), 1784-85.

1 illus, 9 ref

024035   Agnihotri M;Khan M A (Biological Control Laboratory, Entomology Dep, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145) : A new species of the Genus Stenomesius westwood (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) from India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2004, 101(3), 421-24.

A new species, Stenomesius orientalis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae, parasitic on Acrocercops sp. (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), a pest of Dolichos lablab L, has been described from India. a key to the Indian species of the genus has also been provided.

13 illus, 7 ref

024034   Agarwal A;Mishra S (Zool Dep, Sch of Life Sci Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Univ, Khandari Campus, Agra-282 002) : Alterations in serum creatinine and serum urea of blood of albino rat, Rattus norvegicus, under nitrogen dioxide gas toxicity. Bionotes 2005, 7(2), 54.

1 table, 6 ref

024033   Afaq S;Rana K S (Zool Dep, Agra Coll, Agra, Uttar Pradesh) : Induced changes in serum, tissues, total protein and blood of fishes by leather dyes. Bionotes 2005, 7(2), 63.

3 ref

024032   Achuthan Nair G;El-Mariami A;Briones M J I; Filogh A M;Youssef A K (Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Garyoounis, Post Box:9480, Benghazi, Libya) : Earthworm resources of Benghazi, Libya. J envir Biol 2005, 26(2), 175-8.

The study presents the first survey of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) from Benghazi, a Mediterranean coastal city in Libya. A total of three peregrine species were recorded : Allolobophora caliginosa trapezoides, Allolobophora rosea (Family: Lumbricidae), Microscolex dubius (Family: Microscolecidae). Their distribution and density in six habitats (vegetable garden, flower garden, green house, farmland, grassland, plain barren landscape) are discussed in relation to some of the physico-chemical parameters and composition of the soil.

2 tables, 24 ref

023238   Zutshi B (Zool Dep Jnana Bharathi, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore-560 056) : Ultrastructural studies on the effect of fenthion on pituitary (GTH cells) and testis of Glossogobius giuris (HAM) during breeding phase. J envir Biol 2005, 26(1), 31-6.

Pesticide (fenthion) which finds its way into water bodies, bring about physiological changes in aquatic animals, via histomorphology and histopathology of various tissues. In fishes, it induces disorders including hyposecretion of gonadotropin in the PPD and regression of gonads. Light microscopic studies were made on control and treated pituitary (gonadotropin secreting cells-GTH) and testis of Glossogobius giuris (HAM) during spawning phase after exposing them to different (0.05 to 0.5 ppm) sublethal concentration of fenthion fora short-term period (24 to 96 hrs). The results indicated alteration in normal histology of gonadotropin secreting cells and testis, reduction in number of sperms and degranulation of GTH cells under light microscopy. Degeneration and fragmentation of cytoplasmic organelles was noticed in GTH cells under electron microscope, with the increase in the sub-lethal concentration of fenthion. Significance of the results is discussed in detail in the manuscript.

10 illus, 11 ref

023237   Zulfiquar Ali S M;Prasad M;Pandey P N (Dep of Zool, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi) : Relative abundance of Anisops bouvieri Kirk and Anisopteran nymphs in the kairali school pond (HEC campus, Ranchi. Proc Zool Soc India 2004, 3(2), 93-6.

In a rigorous sampling of aquatic insect from Kairali School Pond, numerical superiority of Anisops bouvieri kirkaldy & Anisopteran nymph have been found in each catch data. Out of 5 R.T. Us collected from the said water body the reported species show relative abundance over other fellows which is a major component of their species diversity. The Shannon Weiner α -diversity value of both species in the sampled data has been found to be 0.158 in contrast to other species of R.T.U. whose value fluctuated quite low between 0.045- 0.074. The least abundance of insect species in the said pond has been shown by water beetle, Hydrophilus olivaceous. The finding has been statistically tested to create the mosaic of insect diversity profile of the selected pond.

2 tables, 5 ref

023236   Yadav R;Ajit Kumar;Shailendar Kumar;Ran Vijay Kumar (P G Dep of Zool, Magadh Univ, Bodh-Gaya-824 234) : Effect of sevin on toxicity and behavioural responses in Channa Striatus (Bloch). Proc Zool Soc India 2004, 3(1), 83-6.

Studies on the effect of sevin on toxicity and behavioural responses have been made in air breathing murrel, Ghanna striatus (Bloch). At 28.5 : 1. 0° CLC 50 values of sevin in this fish has been computed to 3.415, 2715 and 2.431 mg/l at 24th, 48th and 72th exposure respectively. The behavioural and exposing the fishes at various concentrations of sevin. The opercular beatings have also been studied after decreased with increasing concentrations of sevin.

2 tables, 6 ref

023235   Verma N;Raziuddin M (NO, K B Womens' Coll, Hazaribag-825 301) : The female reproductive system of Gerris spinole (hemiptera: hetroptera: gerridae). Proc Zool Soc India 2004, 3(1), 57-67.

In Gerris spinolae the female reproductive system comprises of paired ovaries, paired lateral oviducts, a median oviduct, spermatheca and accessory gland. Each ovary consists of four ovarioles which remains attached to the mesothracie terga by a suspensory ligament formed by combination of individual terminal filament from eachovariole. The ovarioles are telotrophic and meroistic type, each differentiated, into a terminal filament, germarium, vitellarium and an exceptionally long pedicel. The trophic tissue of the germarium is divided into three zones and contained a central trophic core, supplying cytoplasmic material to the developing oocytes through nutritive cords. The vitellarium, is divided into a pre-vitellarium containing young oocytes devoid of yolk globules and post-vitellarium containing vitellogenic oocytes with yolk globules. Each oocyte is surrounded by a single layer of mononucleate columnar follicular epithelium which become cuboidal and binucleate with the formation of interfollicular gaps between the follicular cells as the oocyte mature. The median oviduct appears to be shelved due to inward folding of its lateral walls and is divided into a small dorsal and a large ventral chamber. The spermatheca is a creamy white complex structure consisting of a long wide tube like spermathecal chamber surrounded by a thick muscularis and opening into the ventral chamber of the vagina by a thin undulating spermathecal duct, a coiled tube like spermathecal gland leading into the spermathecal opening, and a coiled tubule arising from the proximal end of the spermathecal chamber which remain connected to a small rounded terminal bulb.The accessory gland is a long tubular structure differentiated into two glandular regions-one of the secretions by these glandular regions is the egg cement.

4 illus, 20 ref

023234   Venkatesan P;Selvakumar B (Zool Dep, Loyola Coll, Chennai-600 034) : Biodiversity of water bugs in a freshwater ecosystem. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2005, 15(1), 27-32.

Water bugs of sub order Heteroptera and order Hemiptera that occur in Chetpet pond, Chennai were recorded. Behavioural strategies and heterogeneity of Nepomorphans are highly diagnostic with reference to species richness and predatory strategy. Adaptations, habitat preferences and economic importance of gerromorphans were also summarized.

2 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

023233   Veenakumari K;Mohanraj P (Cent Agric Res Inst, , Port Blair, P B No. 181, Andaman Islands-744 101) : New records of butterflies in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean. Entomon 2004, 29(4), 395-400.

About 215 species of butterflies are known from the Andaman and Nicobar islands. The Andaman butterfly fauna is better known than that of the Nicobars. Junonia lemonias is being recorded for the first time from these islands while three species of butterflies (Phalanta phalantha phalantha, Paduca fasciata and Euploea phaenareta phoebus) hitherto thought to be vagrants are now being confirmed as residents on these islands thus adding 4 new species to the butterfly fauna of these islands. The larval food plants of all these species have been discovered. The presence of 16 species of butterflies on islands on which they were so far not known to occur have been reprted.

1 table, 13 ref

023232   Varatharajan R;Chochong V S (Dep of Life Sci, Manipur Univ, Imphal-795 003, Email: rvrajanramya@rediffmail.com) : A new species of thrips (Thysanoptera) of the genus Holurothrips Bagnall from Manipur, NE India. Entomon 2004, 29(4), 317-21.

Fungal spore feeding idolothripine, Holurothrips manipurensis sp. nov. (Phalaeothripidae: Tubulifera: Thysanoptera), collected from the oak leaf litter habitat of Manipur is described. Occurrence of this genus in India is known only through this species.

1 illus, 4 ref

023231   Umamaheswari S (P G Dep of Microbiology, Muthayammal Coll of Arts and Sci, Rasipuram-637 408) : Vermicomposting of mango litter using earthworm Perionyx excavatus. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2005, 15(1), 69-72.

Mangifera indica litter collected from local area premises was vermicomposted using an indigenous species of earthworm, Perionyx excavatus and physico-chemical features of mango litter before and after composting was analyzed which showed that macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium increased from 0.79, 0.60 and 0.94 to 1.34, 0.74 and 1.04%, respectively after vermicomposting.

1 table, 16 ref

023230   Tripathi G;Bhardwaj P (Zool Dep, J N V Univ, Jodhpur-342 001) : Biodiversity of earthworm resources of arid environment. J envir Biol 2005, 26(1), 61-71.

Biodiversity of earthworms was studied in arid zone of Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. A total nine species of earthworms were recorded from different pedoecosystems of desert environment. These belonged to the families Glossoscolicidae, Megascolicidae, Ocnerodrilidae and Octochaetidae. The species P. sansibaricus, O. paliensis and P. corethrurus were reported for the first time from Rajasthan. The earthworm fauna of Jodhpur district were either exotic peregrine or native peregrine. Exotic species like A. morrisi and M. posthuma, and native peregrine species like L. mauritii were widely distributed in arid region. They appear to be better adapted to withstand drought conditions, as they have enteronephric meronephridia and excrete their urine into the guts for conservation of water in their bodies.

4 illus, 3 plate, 18 ref

023229   Tripathi A K;Singh S (P G Dep Zool, Magadh Univ, Bodh Gaya-824 234) : Infestations of Antheraea mylitta D larvae and pupae by some insect parasites. Proc Zool Soc India 2004, 3(1), 1-5.

The economic importance of tasar silk worm Antheraea mylitta is well known. Larvae of this insect produce tasar threads by which they make cocoon (Silken case in which pupae remain enclosed ). These larvae are heavily infected by some of the insect parasites such as Parasarchophaga knabi; Exorista sp. and Apanteles ruficrus. To know the effect of these parasites, three groups (100 in each) of newly hatched larvae were infected respectively by P.knabi, Exorista sp and A. ruficrus and 1st group of 100 larvae was left without any infection for control. The experiment indicates that these parasites cause heavy body weight loss, increase mortality percentage and decrease the yield of tasar. Xanthopimpla sp. is a very serious parasite of A. mylitta cocoon. It makes aperture in the cocoon as a resul the continuous thread of tasar is broken causing heavy loss in the product. The experiment indicates that in the Xanthopimpla sp. parasitised crop the number of cocoons without aperture decreases in comparison to the healthy crop.

1 table, 12 ref

023228   Tilak K S;Veeraiah K;Koteswara Rao D (Zool Dep, Nagarjuna Univ, Nagarjunanagar-522 510) : The effect of chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate in acetyl cholinesterase activity in freshwater fishes. J envir Biol 2005, 26(1), 73-7.

The freshwater fish Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala are exposed to the toxicant chlorpyrifos, an organo phosphate commonly used in agriculture as well as in aquaculture. The effect was studied on the enzyme acetyl cholinesterase activity which was inhibited in the selected tissues of the fish. In different tissues and in brain, the maximum inhibition was observed.

1 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

023227   Sundararaj R;Dubey A K (Wood Biodegradation Div, Inst of Wood Sci & Tecnology, 18th Cross Malleswaram, Bangalore-560 003) : The whitefly genus Martiniella Jesudasan and David (Aleyrodidae: Hemiptera), with description of one new species from India. Entomon 2004, 29(4), 357-60.

A new species of whitefly Martiniella papillata infesting on Xeromphis spinosa in Goa (India) is described. A key to the Indian species of the genus is given.

023226   Sornaraj R;Ranjit Singh A J A (Zool Dep, Kamaraj Coll, Thoothukudi-628 003) : Effect of pesticides on bioenergetics in the fish Mystus vittatus. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2005, 15(1), 17-25.

Effects of pesticides on the bioenergetic parameters in the fish Mystus vittatus were explored by treating the fish with different sub lethal concentrations of Parry sulfan (Organo Chlorine pesticide) and Sicocil (Organophosphate pesticide). Absorption efficiency, gross conversion efficiency and net conversion efficiencies were significantly affected. At a concentration of 0.3345 ppm of Parry sulfan, the absorption efficiency, gross conversion efficiency and net conversion efficiency decreased by 20.5, 13.1 and 11.0%, respectively. Similarly on exposure to 0.6717 ppm of Sicocil, the percent decrease in absorption efficiency, gross conversion efficiency and net conversion efficiencies were 16.3, 11.9 and 9.9%, respectively. Between the two pesticides, Parry sulfan was more toxic to the bioenergetic system than Sicocil. Appetite suppression, impaired vision to locate the feed and suppression of digestive enzymatic activity were the reasons for the changes in bioenergetic of Mystus vittatus.

15 ref

023225   Sivaselvi R;Santhy K S;Sukumar S;Arulraj P (Life Sci Dep, Avinashilingam Deemed Univ, Coimbatore-641 043) : Screening and evaluation of mutagenicity of Salmonella typhimurium in the river and well water samples. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2005, 15(1), 79-84.

Three sampling stations were selected in the Noyyal river basin for evaluating the genotoxicity of the river and well water. Ames microsome assay was carried out to study mutagenicity of the samples. River water showed significant increase in the mutagenicity of Salmonella typhimurium in two down stream stations Somanur (430) and Mudalipalayam (400) as compared to their respective negative controls (312 & 244). Similarly significant increase in co-mutagenicity was observed in two down stream stations Somanur (440) and Mudalipalayam (384) as compared to their respective control (368 & 288). Among the three well water samples, the sample collected from Mudalipalayam showed mutagenic (362) and co-mutagenic (415) effects. The study throws light on the possibility of occurrence of mutagens in river and well water in this particular region.

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref